ExpressVPN Review 2023: Ultra-Fast & Highly Secure

Exceptional speed and performance, advanced security features, smart server selection, virtual locations, and responsive 24/7 support.

✅ Built-in speed test feature

✅ Solid-state drive server technology

✅ Smart Location feature for server selection

✅ TrustedServer technology for data protection

✅ Proprietary Lightway protocol

✅ Virtual server locations for better coverage

✅ 24/7 live chat support

❌ Higher pricing compared to competitors

Speed and Performance ��

Armed with my laptop and a cup of coffee, I embarked on my speed test journey with ExpressVPN For these tests, I used the widely known and highly reliable Ookla Speedtest tool.

Before connecting to ExpressVPN, I ran my first speed test to establish a baseline for my internet connection. My results without VPN were: download speed of 60 Mbps, upload speed of 15 Mbps, and a ping of 15 ms

With these figures noted, I moved on to the exciting part - testing ExpressVPN’s servers. First off, I chose a server close to my location, which, in this case, was in Salt Lake City, USA Upon connecting, the process was almost immediate, impressively swift and smooth.

Running the speed test while connected to the Salt Lake City server, I recorded a download speed of 55 Mbps, upload speed of 14 Mbps, and a ping of 20 ms This reduction - less than 10% for download and upload speeds - was quite impressive, particularly because a small speed decrease is typical when using VPNs due to the extra steps data must travel

Next, I selected servers across the globe - Frankfurt - 1, Brazil - 2, and Australia - Perth to be precise. The results were as follows:

● Frankfurt - 1: Download 48 Mbps, Upload 12.2 Mbps, Ping 35 ms

● Brazil - 2: Download 42 Mbps, Upload 10 5 Mbps, Ping 50 ms

● Australia - 3 Perth: Download 40.5 Mbps, Upload 8.2 Mbps, Ping 77 ms

Indeed, the further the server was from my original location, the higher the speed reduction. Nevertheless, even the most distant server Australia - Perth managed a commendable 74% of my original download speed.

Additionally, the stability of the connection was noteworthy I faced no sudden disconnections or time-outs throughout my testing. I even streamed a 4K video on YouTube and played a few rounds of Call of Duty online The experience was seamless, with no buffering or lagging incidents

Lastly, I put ExpressVPN's torrenting prowess to the test using a legal torrent file. The download speeds remained high, hitting about 75% of my original speed, and the connection stayed stable throughout the download process.

In summary, ExpressVPN proved its mettle when it came to performance and speed during my testing Despite the unavoidable slowdown when using VPNs, ExpressVPN ensured that the impact was minor, delivering a stable and reliable connection. Its speed and performance reliability for various online activities were genuinely impressive

Security and Privacy ��

ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol uses the robust WolfSSL cryptographic library, which is validated by NIST and has received FIPS 140-2 level 1 certification This provides reassurance of its security credentials During my testing, I found the Lightway protocol to deliver improved connection times and maintain strong encryption, signifying the effective blend of speed and security

ExpressVPN also champions a unique server technology, TrustedServer. This technology operates entirely on volatile memory (RAM) as opposed to hard drives. With RAM, data is automatically wiped with every machine reboot, creating an ephemeral data environment. This contrasts with traditional hard drive servers that retain data until it's manually erased and rewritten, potentially posing a risk if the server is seized or compromised.

This RAM-based model ensures that ExpressVPN servers run the most recent version of the server software, reducing the security risks associated with outdated software It also provides an additional layer of privacy by making it technically impossible to store sensitive user data on the servers.

ExpressVPN's privacy safeguards extend to its strict no-logs policy While this is a claim made by many VPN providers, ExpressVPN's commitment to user privacy is independently audited by PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), a respected auditing firm PwC audits ExpressVPN's privacy policy, TrustedServer technology, and the underlying server infrastructure to validate the no-logs claim. This third-party validation should provide users with a higher level of trust in ExpressVPN's privacy practices

The Network Lock feature, ExpressVPN's take on the kill switch, is also an important addition to the security suite Network Lock blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, effectively preventing any data leaks. This isn't a unique feature in the VPN industry, but its flawless implementation in ExpressVPN contributes to its reputation as one of the most reliable and secure VPN providers.

Server Network��

ExpressVPN is widely recognized as one of the top VPNs in the industry due to its expansive server network. As of the last update, it offers over 3,000 servers spread across 160 locations in 94 countries. This wide distribution of servers is a significant advantage as it allows users to connect from virtually any location in the world, ensuring optimal connection speeds and performance.

The global server coverage is particularly useful for those looking to bypass geo-restrictions for streaming services For example, users can access different Netflix libraries, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and numerous other region-locked services by connecting to a server in the relevant country.

One of ExpressVPN’s unique features related to its server network is the VPN Speed Test tool. This tool allows users to test the latency and download speed of each VPN location As a result, users can select the fastest server for their location and specific needs, improving the overall user experience. This is an uncommon feature, not offered by many VPN providers.

The aforementioned TrustedServer technology also pertains to the server network. Unlike traditional VPN servers that store data on hard drives, every ExpressVPN server runs entirely on RAM This means that all information is wiped with each reboot, offering a higher degree of privacy and security to its users

Also noteworthy is ExpressVPN's approach to virtual server locations. A virtual location is when a server advertised as being in one country is physically located in another While this may raise concerns about transparency, ExpressVPN is clear in listing which server locations are virtual on its website. The company explains that this method is sometimes used when reliable servers can't be found in the desired country As such, these virtual locations still help users bypass geo-restrictions while maintaining robust security and performance standards

Lastly, ExpressVPN's server network is independently audited by PwC, which verifies the security of its infrastructure and the implementation of its TrustedServer technology This level of transparency and third-party validation provides an added layer of trust in the integrity of ExpressVPN's server network.

Streaming and Torrenting Capabilities ��

ExpressVPN is widely recognized as a top choice for streaming and torrenting due to its high-speed servers, vast network coverage, and robust privacy measures.

Streaming

ExpressVPN excels at unblocking popular streaming platforms from anywhere in the world. Whether you're a fan of Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+, ExpressVPN enables you to bypass geo-restrictions with ease. Users can connect to a server in a country where the content is available, thereby accessing a broad array of global content libraries. The high-speed servers ensure that streaming quality remains top-tier, minimizing buffering and allowing for high-definition streaming.

Specifically, ExpressVPN has the MediaStreamer feature, which stands out as a unique offering This DNS-based tool allows devices that don't natively support VPNs (like certain smart TVs, game consoles, and media players) to access geo-restricted content With MediaStreamer, you don't get the encryption of a traditional VPN connection, but you do get the ability to unlock content, providing a valuable tool for users primarily interested in streaming

Torrenting

ExpressVPN also caters excellently to users who engage in P2P file sharing or torrenting. The VPN service does not restrict torrenting to specific servers, meaning you can connect to any server in their wide network for your P2P needs. All servers support P2P activity, which provides users with great flexibility and ensures optimal speeds by allowing users to connect to the closest server

ExpressVPN's robust security measures and strict no-logs policy are especially important for torrenting These aspects ensure that your IP address is hidden and that your torrenting activity remains private and anonymous The kill switch feature provides an extra layer of security In case your VPN connection drops unexpectedly, Network Lock will block all internet traffic, protecting your real IP address from being exposed to your torrent peers

In conclusion, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for streaming and torrenting. Its ability to unblock numerous global content libraries, combined with the MediaStreamer feature, makes it a superior choice for avid streamers. Simultaneously, the unrestricted P2P support, high-speed servers, and rigorous security measures make it ideal for users who regularly engage in torrenting

Compatibility ��

As a part of my comprehensive review, I evaluated ExpressVPN's compatibility across a variety of platforms and devices It's clear to see that ExpressVPN casts a wide net when it comes to device support. It offers native apps for a broad spectrum of platforms including:

● Computers and laptops: Windows, Mac, and Linux

● Mobile devices: iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Android.

● Browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge

● Specialized devices: Chromebook, Router.

● Streaming devices: Fire TV, Kindle Fire, Apple TV, Android TV

● Gaming consoles: Xbox and PlayStation.

● Other: Smart Home Devices

Starting with desktop platforms, I tested ExpressVPN on both Windows and Mac. The applications on these platforms were intuitive, with a user-friendly interface that made connecting to a server hassle-free. It was quite refreshing to see a consistent design language across the platforms, making it easy to switch between them.

Moving to mobile devices, I installed ExpressVPN on an iPhone and an Android tablet. Again, the mobile apps mirrored the straightforward design of their desktop counterparts, offering the same level of functionality and security features.

The browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge were easy to install and use, providing an extra layer of security while browsing the web ExpressVPN's Router app was particularly useful, providing VPN protection for all devices connected to my home network.

The MediaStreamer feature, exclusive to ExpressVPN, deserves special mention It allows for streaming on devices that don't typically support VPNs like some Smart TVs and gaming consoles. This feature was particularly useful when I tested it on an Xbox and PlayStation, enabling me to unblock geo-restricted content directly from these devices.

Lastly, I evaluated ExpressVPN's compatibility with Smart Home Devices, including Amazon's Alexa I found it worked smoothly, adding an extra layer of online privacy to these Internet-of-Things devices.

Overall, ExpressVPN offers wide-ranging compatibility that is likely to cover the diverse needs of most users, be it on traditional computing devices, browsers, gaming consoles, smart home devices, or streaming platforms. The uniformity of design across platforms and the additional functionalities like MediaStreamer makes it stand out as a VPN provider.

Customer Support ��

ExpressVPN's customer support is known for its excellence and commitment to user satisfaction They offer a diverse range of support options to address users' questions and concerns, ensuring that help is readily available when needed The service provides 24/7 live chat support, where customers can quickly receive assistance from knowledgeable and friendly representatives. I found the live chat feature to be quite responsive I had to only wait for a short time in the queue, and all my queries were answered promptly.

In addition to live chat, ExpressVPN offers an extensive knowledge base on their website, covering a wide array of topics, from troubleshooting and setup guides to billing and account management This comprehensive resource is well-organized and easily navigable, making it a valuable tool for customers seeking quick answers to common questions or looking to learn more about the service

For users who prefer to contact support through email or a ticket system, ExpressVPN also provides these options Email support typically responds within 24 hours, offering thorough and helpful answers to users' questions. The company's dedication to providing prompt and effective customer service is essential for a VPN service provider, especially in the cybersecurity space

Pricing and Value for Money ��

While testing ExpressVPN, it was essential to consider the pricing plans offered and the value that each plan brings to the user ExpressVPN provides three main subscription plans to suit varying user needs:

1. A monthly plan costing $12 95 per month

2. A six-month plan costing $9.99 per month, billed every six months.

3. An annual plan costing $8.32 per month, billed every 12 months.

Let's break down these plans further to understand the overall value for money.

Firstly, the monthly plan, priced at $12.95, may seem a bit steep compared to some competitors. However, the premium features, top-tier security, and vast network of servers that ExpressVPN offers may justify this price for users who prefer monthly commitments.

Next, the six-month plan, priced at $9 99 per month, brings down the cost significantly, making it a middle ground for those looking for a compromise between commitment and cost.

Lastly, the 12-month plan offers the best value at $8 32 per month While this requires a longer commitment, the substantial cost saving may be worth it, considering the overall features and quality of service provided by ExpressVPN

An important aspect to highlight is that all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee This offers peace of mind, allowing users to test the service thoroughly and request a full refund if they are not satisfied

Taking into account the advanced security features, excellent speeds, reliable customer service, and extensive compatibility that ExpressVPN offers, the pricing seems competitive and justifiable for the quality of service. Whether the price is worth it will depend on individual users' needs and how they value the mix of features that ExpressVPN brings to the table

Express VPN offers three pricing plans, each with different features and payment options. Latest pricing plans are available here

Summary and Conclusion

After testing ExpressVPN over a period of time, my experience led me to the following conclusions:

Performance: ExpressVPN stands out when it comes to performance, delivering consistently high-speed connections with minimal disruptions. I experienced excellent speed performance while connecting to servers in different parts of the world, with latency and download speeds that were more than adequate for various online activities. The slight speed drops were hardly noticeable in everyday browsing, streaming, or even gaming