ExpressVPN Review

ExpressVPN collects far less data than most VPNs, retaining only anonymous connection logs for diagnostic purposes and service improvement.

While I’d prefer it used a no-logs policy like PIA VPN, the bottom line is that none of this information can be used to identify you.

This was proven when Turkish authorities seized an ExpressVPN server and found zero user data.

To underpin its privacy policy, the VPN service operates a diskless server network. Unlike most VPNs that store data on hard drives, ExpressVPN’s servers run on volatile memory that wipes with every reboot, making it impossible to log anything.

It’s also one of the only VPN services to have had its RAM-only server network audited by a third party.

Kape Technologies’ 2021 acquisition of ExpressVPN sparked controversy due to its past as Crossrider, an ad-injector platform shut down in 2016.

However, Kape has since replaced its management team, rebranded, and adopted an ethos centered on digital privacy.

Despite what some publications claim, there is absolutely no evidence that ExpressVPN’s ownership compromises user privacy. This is a fabrication used to justify lowering the VPN’s rating, since it’s much harder to criticize its performance.

Under Kape, the VPN service has actually improved its privacy practices through additional audits, biannual transparency reports, and bug bounty programs. It’s also a much better product in general, with massively improved app design and streaming performance.

ExpressVPN consistently works with Netflix, unblocking a staggering 18 libraries. This is more than NordVPN, and includes popular regions like the US, UK, and Canada.

It reliably unblocks UK Disney+, which I took advantage of to access Hulu content that’s normally locked behind an expensive US bundle. As long as you have a standard Disney+ subscription, connecting to a UK server bypasses that extra fee.

ExpressVPN unblocks all major Netflix libraries without issue.

I’m also happy to report that ExpressVPN now bypasses BBC iPlayer’s strict geo-restrictions, letting you stream live and on-demand content. That wasn’t always the case, so I’m glad to see ExpressVPN has addressed it.

FuboTV Canada is the only notable outlier, with the VPN failing to bypass its strict proxy detection. Surfshark works if you want access, but you’ll also need a Canadian payment method.

Beyond unblocking geo-restrictions, ExpressVPN provides a smooth and consistent streaming experience across all devices. For example, its plug-and-play apps meant it took less than five minutes to install the VPN on Fire TV and start streaming JioHotstar. This is much easier than with most VPNs, like Mullvad, which doesn’t provide apps for Apple TV or Fire TV.

This even extends to devices that don’t support VPNs, like game consoles, thanks to ExpressVPN’s browser-based router app. Just connect your streaming device to your router, select a VPN server, and begin streaming.

While other VPNs make you connect to a “streaming-optimized” server, ExpressVPN works the first time, making accessing geo-blocked content a walk in the park. The only exception is US Netflix, where I found that the “New Jersey - 1” server works much better than the default.

You can use ExpressVPN to watch US streaming services from anywhere.

The VPN’s focus on user experience is also seen in its server location accuracy. Far too many VPNs claim to connect you to New York only for your IP address to end up in Delaware. ExpressVPN rarely gets this wrong, and it makes all the difference when streaming local broadcasts.

Connecting to a VPN server near my testing location resulted in a 2% speed loss. In practical terms, this is no different from browsing or streaming without a VPN — it’s that fast.

My connection speeds remained stable throughout, rarely fluctuating, which meant I never had to deal with any sudden lag or buffering.

No matter where you’re located, you can expect a similar result when using a nearby server. In fact, I’ve run the numbers and ExpressVPN is the second-fastest VPN I’ve tested for download speeds on local connections.

I put this down to two key features: its custom-made Lightway protocol, and a network of 10Gbps servers that provide high bandwidth capacity. You can also use Lightway Turbo on its Windows app, which delivers even faster speeds.

However, I’ve observed a significant decline in the VPN service’s international speeds recently. Compared to previous tests, its speeds have decreased by 34% in South Africa and 13% in Germany.

To put all of this into context, you can see how ExpressVPN’s speed performance compares to other leading VPNs in the chart below:

ExpressVPN defaults to its self-developed Lightway protocol, which automatically switches between two secure encryption ciphers (ChaCha20 and AES-256) depending on your device and network settings. This optimizes performance without compromising your security.

I verified this myself by running my VPN traffic through Wireshark, a data packet analyzer.

ExpressVPN encrypted my connection with AES-256.

Every ExpressVPN app and browser extension successfully encrypted my traffic. This is unheard of, as most VPN browser extensions are basic, unencrypted web proxies.

Lightway is also open-source, meaning anyone can inspect its codebase for vulnerabilities. If you’re still unconvinced, you also have the choice of post-quantum WireGuard in all ExpressVPN apps (aside from macOS).

ExpressVPN uses perfect forward secrecy, a 4096-bit RSA key, and SHA-512 HMAC authentication. While most tech review sites overhype these features as cutting-edge, I want to be transparent: almost every VPN includes them as standard connection protocols.

All ExpressVPN apps feature its Network Lock kill switch, including frequently overlooked platforms like Fire TV and iOS. You can also enable an advanced version of Network Lock that blocks your device’s internet connection until the VPN is reactivated.

Using our in-house tools, I also ran IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak tests while connected to a nearby ExpressVPN server. It passed every test with flying colors, ensuring none of my personal information was exposed.

Previously, a bug in ExpressVPN’s Windows app caused DNS leaks when split tunneling was enabled, allowing your ISP to see the websites you visited. Thankfully, the issue was fixed quickly once disclosed, and I’ve not seen any evidence to suggest the issue has recurred.

Reassuringly, ExpressVPN also uses first-party DNS servers to prevent your ISP from handling DNS requests.

All of the above has been verified by multiple independent security audits. In the last three years alone, ExpressVPN has undergone 13 security-related audits. By comparison, NordVPN has had just two over the same period.

ExpressVPN offers IP addresses from more countries than most VPN services: 22 more than PIA, for example.

That said, it covers slightly fewer countries in Asia and Africa than its closest rival, NordVPN.

ExpressVPN server list on Android (left) and iOS (right).

Where ExpressVPN truly stands out is its city-level choice, with options in 15 countries. That’s far more than IPVanish (7) and CyberGhost (9).

You can use this feature to minimize latency by connecting to a server in or near your own city, or to access highly localized content, like out-of-market NFL games.

Moreover, ExpressVPN provides access to the most VPN server locations in the USA (56) and covers all 50 states. No other VPN has servers in as many American cities.

ExpressVPN’s user experience and design are consistent across devices, with one or two variations. You can expand each section below for a closer look at how the VPN looks and feels on a specific platform.

As I’ve mentioned throughout this review, ExpressVPN is simply a joy to use. It’s my daily driver, ahead of every other VPN I’ve tested.

After years of using it, I sometimes take for granted just how well it does the basics: quick server connection times, a minimal and attractive interface, and superb performance that handles everything with ease.

ExpressVPN is my favorite VPN to use.

The difference becomes obvious when I switch to other VPNs, even highly rated ones. Surfshark, for example, frustrated me with constant upgrade pop-ups and minor annoyances. ExpressVPN, by comparison, feels premium from day one.

Most of the time, I just click the large power button and I’m set. I only venture beyond the home screen when connecting to international servers for geo-blocked content.

The only gripe I’ve ever had with ExpressVPN was the frequent CAPTCHAs. Thankfully, this is no longer the case, as ExpressVPN has patched it out.

There’s no record of ExpressVPN ever forwarding DMCA requests to its users. You can check this yourself by looking through the service’s transparency reports.

Aside from its privacy features, I love how straightforward it is to torrent with ExpressVPN. With other VPNs, I’ve lost count of the number of times I thought it blocked torrenting, only to discover I hadn’t activated a hidden setting or connected to a specialized server.

You won’t have that problem here, as every server, protocol, and app works for torrenting. Just click and connect, and you’re good to go.

ExpressVPN’s file-sharing speeds are among the best.

One criticism often leveled at ExpressVPN is its lack of port forwarding. Honestly, it’s a nice-to-have feature, but it won’t massively affect your P2P speeds. That said, you can always use PIA if port forwarding is a deal-breaker for you.

To add some context, here’s how quickly I could download a 20GB file using the VPN, compared to other household names:

You can run ExpressVPN on several devices at once.

If you plan on sharing your subscription with others, be aware that ExpressVPN allows 10 simultaneous connections per account. While this isn’t unusual, cheaper services like PIA and Surfshark don’t impose any limits.

I’ve been reviewing VPNs for years, and I’m always shocked at how few review sites highlight ExpressVPN’s extraordinary router app.

It’s the only VPN with a dedicated router app, complete with a bespoke user interface and a full suite of features. It’s browser-based, meaning you can change VPN settings and switch servers through a website as effortlessly as you can on its PC or mobile apps.

Any device that connects to your router is protected, which is an unprecedented level of coverage. The downside is that it only works on ExpressVPN’s custom-made Aircove and Fortify routers.

You can still manually install ExpressVPN on third-party models, like Linksys or ASUS, but this limits you to one server location at a time, with none of the VPN’s features.

This add-on allows you to connect to a server with an IP address that’s exclusive to you, unlike standard VPN IPs that are shared among dozens of users.

When setting up your dedicated IP, ExpressVPN uses zero-knowledge encryption alongside a ‘blind token system’ to maintain your anonymity. In plain English, this prevents the VPN from seeing your unique activation code and linking it to your account.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the industry standard. NordVPN admits in its privacy policy that it links your dedicated IP address to your account.

All of ExpressVPN’s apps include an ad and tracker blocker, named Threat Manager.

According to my data, Threat Manager only blocked 60% of ads and trackers. Private Internet Access and NordVPN prevented 100%.

As it stands, Threat Manager is a useful feature that’ll better protect your browsing from data profiling. But there are better alternatives available.

All VPNs assign you a new IP address when you first connect, but ExpressVPN goes one step further by changing your IP every time you use a new website or app.

This feature, known as ShuffleIP, makes it near-impossible for anyone to track your online activity or harvest data about your browsing habits.

You won’t even notice this is happening, as the feature works automatically in the background without interrupting your connection.