Analytical and comprehensive review of ExpressVPN

expressvpn review

ExpressVPN is considered to be a leader in the Virtual Private Network (VPN) market. Express VPN International Ltd. was founded in 2009 and is located in the British Virgin Islands. The geographical situation of the company is very positive to provide a VPN service. The independence from “Fourteen Eyes” alliance, provides the ability for the company not to disclose their customers' data and prevent logging users data. It is one of the most important factors while choosing a VPN. So thats why ExpressVPN is considered to be as one of the best no log vpn.

You can imagine a VPN is a safe tunnel between your PC and the Internet. In this way, you can browse the Web anonymously, knowing that you are protected from all sorts of online threats, like hackers. That is because you seem to have come from a VPN server instead of your own.

ExpressVPN is regarded as one of the best VPNs at the moment. This tool is suitable for both beginners and professionals alike as it is quite easy to use but also has a lot of extra features (similarly to NordVPN).

Being among the market leaders, ExpressVPN is a good choice if you value the quality of services the most. The VPN ensures a high level of protection when you surf the Web. There is also a wide variety of choices regarding the servers.

Website	www.ExpressVPN.com
Rating
Available applications
Download Speed	65.76 Mbps
Upload Speed	29.22 Mbps
Supported devices	5
Country locations	94
Torrenting friendly
Unblocks Netflix, Hulu
Kill switch function
Unlimited bandwidth
Router support	DD-WRT & Tomato Firmware, Linksys, Asus, Netgear
Customer support
Price from	$8.33/month
Visit website

• Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Kindle Fire, Nook, BlackBerry, Chrome, Firefox, Safari.
• Allows 3rd-party connections: Yes, for Above, and ChromeOS, Windows Phone, NAS drivers, and routers.
• Simultaneous connections: Up to 3 devices
• User data required: valid email address
• Supported protocols: IKEv2/IPsec, Open VPN, L2TP, IPsec, PPTP.

Our methodology of testing and reviewing ExpressVPN

Our security team from reviewedbypro.com have tested this VPN many times in various conditions and always it was working surprisingly well. This year we also decided to review the newest version of ExpressVPN and write you the review of it. Our testing is based on the major factors which contain the following options:

• Internet connection speed
• Server Coverage
• Security and other features
• Software compatibility and applications
• User interface
• Price and support

So let’s get started.

ExpressVPN shows an excellent internet connection speed results

We think that everybody will agree that the internet connection speed is one of the major factors while choosing a VPN. Everybody wants fast downloads, uploads, and best video streaming quality. ExpressVPN really can do it. The last time, we have tested ExpressVPN from five different places around the world and it has shown very good speed results.

We did our speed test with speedtest.net tool from the random servers across North and South America, Canada, Europe, and Australia. The speed tests were more or less similar and it provides ultra-fast connection speed. Here are the results:

As you can see from the results provided in the table above. ExpressVPN provides a really fast connection which perfectly fits for torrenting, p2p file sharing and online video streaming. For that reason, we give a very high grade to ExpressVPN.

This VPN vendor provides more than 3000 servers in 94 countries

Another important factor while choosing a decent VPN for a longer time is server coverage. At the moment ExpressVPN is available in more than 94 countries and has more than 3000 servers around the globe. So those numbers look significantly comparing to other VPN competitors. You can travel around the world and feel safe knowing that your connection is always secured. The more countries are available in the list, the more various possibilities VPN can provide. For example, you can unblock American Netflix from any country while you are on a vacation.

ExpressVPN gives you military-grade privacy and security features

ExpressVPN offers a wide range of encryption modes. Each encryption mode suites the different situation. ExpressVPN uses OpenVPN by the default, but it can be changed to another one if needed.

OpenVPN is an open-source software application developed by James Yonan and published under the GNU General Public License (GPL). VPN providers are using this software to create secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections in routed or bridged configurations and remote access facilities. It is considered to be the most secure VPN protocol providing many mixed and complex security protocol functions.

OpenVPN has up to 256-bit encryption and runs a custom security protocol based on SSL and TLS rather than support IKE, IPsec, L2TP or PPTP. That makes it one of the fastest software on the market.

So ExpressVPN can offer two types of OpenVPN. It is UDP which stands for User Datagram Protocol and TCP which stands for Transmission Control Protocol.

OpenVPN UDP (User Datagram Protocol)

This protocol can be configured to run on various parts. The fastest port generally is UDP port and OpenVPN runs best on it. By default, ExpressVPN is using UDP. In some cases, it can be changed if it is blocked.

OpenVPN TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)

Unlike UDP, TCP is error-checked, meaning that dropped packets result in retransmission. This results in increased reliability at the expense of latency.

L2TP/IPSec

L2TP was developed by Cisco and Microsoft in 1999. It is also a very popular protocol used by many VPN service providers. It works as a tunneling protocol mixed with IPSec for building the highest security VPN connection. This protocol is also supported by S2S (site-to-site) VPN but rather used by router access.

An interesting fact is that this protocol does not encrypt data by its own. It works together with PPTP as an improvement. It would be not the smartest way to use it alone. For this reason, L2TP is paired with IPsec very often. Paired L2TP and IPsec becomes safe for VPN encryption, but don’t forget to choose a VPN provider with no-log. Also, check our section about the best no-log VPN.

IPsec – Internet Protocol Security

IPSec is also a very popular protocol used by VPN vendors. Site-to-site VPNs are using it, to ensure data encryption on IP and Internet networks. IPSec secures data between routers, firewalls, desktops in many ways directional ways. It runs by Encapsulated Security Payload protocol (ESP) and Authentication Header (AH).

PPTP – (Point to Point Tunneling Protocol)

It as was developed in 1995 by Microsoft and today it is considered as an old and not very safe protocol for private and secure browsing. Due to its low level of encryption, it is a very fast VPN. It could be more used for streaming video online (Netflix, Hulu), but not suitable for hacking. Beware of this encryption type.

IKEv2 – Internet Key Exchange Version 2

While IKEv2 is technically not the name of the VPN protocol, you will find it as a separate option in the ExpressVPN apps. In these cases, IKEv2 refers to an L2TP/IPsec implementation that uses this newer, more secure key exchange protocol instead of the older IKE.

ExpressVPN recommends you to use the OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols.

While L2TP/IPsec still offers encryption, there may be ways for an attacker to decrypt the VPN session.

The encryption of ExpressVPN is very strong. You can feel safe when using the services. It does not require users’ real name, so you can stay anonymous using the VPN service.

It also offers a feature called a Kill Switch, which doesn't allow your applications to connect to the Internet if you are not connected to VPN.

As it was mentioned before, the company is based in the British Virgin Islands and is out of 14 eyes alliance. Which means, that they can keep the strict no-log policy to their clients.

So from now on, you know a little bit more about the encryption modes that offer ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN includes Basic VPN features such as :

• Content from anywhere – bypass censorship and geographical restrictions.
• 148 server locations in 94 countries
• Built-in Speed Test feature
• Award-winning apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, routers, and Linux
• 24/7 Email and Live Chat support
• VPN Split Tunneling

Security features include:

• 256-bit AES Encryption
• No activity logs and no connection logs
• IP Adress Masking
• Anonymous browsing
• Open VPN and other protocols
• Zero-knowledge DNS
• Active Blog
• Internet Privacy Guides
• Stream Sports Guides

ExpressVPN is a flexible and cross-platform VPN that can be paired with many devices

ExpressVPN is a cross-platform application which is compatible with the most popular operating systems and devices:

Also, it is compatible with some routers. Here you can find the compatible router list for ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN also is compatible with the most popular gaming consoles. Moreover, ExpressVPN could be installed or your smartTV or other home devices. 

ExpressVPN is also compatible with: LG Smart TVs, Android TV box, Mi Box, Nvidia Shield APK and other supported smart TVs and devices.

The great news is that this year ExpressVPN has increased the number of supported users. Now ExpressVPN supports five users and perfectly fits as the best VPN for family or small business.

Also, we would like to add, that ExpressVPN has an add-on for Chrome and Firefox browsers. Some users do love them, especially when you need to unblock some websites at work, school or university.

To start with, this tool can be used on all kinds of devices, including Windows, iOS, Mac, Android, Linux, open-source routers, BlackBerrys, Kindle Fire, Chromebooks, Barnes & Noble Nook tablets, Apple TV, Fire TV, Smart TV, PlayStation, Android TV box and others. It also has extensions for major browsers including Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.

ExpressVPN also can be connected using the native VPN support, if users prefer not to use any client software.

The network also offers unlimited bandwidth, which is the capacity to carry data. Server switches are also unlimited, meaning that the user can switch servers as much as they want, and no additional fees are implemented.

ExpressVPN also boasts 99.9% uptime. In other words, the services will likely be available anytime you need them.

Lightweight, simple and friendly user-interface

ExpressVPN has a light and open interface. The interface itself is small and cannot be resized. The main window displays the On and Off button to connect or disconnect VPN servers. It has a menu bar which includes options such as VPN Locations, Speed Test, Help, Options, Diagnosis, Get 30 Days Free and Quit Express VPN.

In comparison, the mobile version of the service is more rudimentary. It allows to set the VPN service at a startup and allows users to choose from various servers.

The Pricing plans are not the cheapest, but it is worth to pay for the high quality services

ExpressVPN offers users to pay monthly, which is $12.95 per month and billed every month, $99.95 per year, billed every 12 months ($8.32 per month), or 6 months, billed $59.95 every 6 months. All of the plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee. It also includes the full-featured version of the service for 30 days.

All plans include all ExpressVPN apps, 24/7 customer support, and high-speed unlimited bandwidth.

Users can pay using credit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, AliPay, IDeal, WebMoney, GiroPay and other payment methods.

Being among the better choices on the market, ExpressVPN offers a wide range of perks and features. It is also important to mention that you have the choice of the 30-day money-back guarantee, so there are no risks to the user – you can get your money back if something goes wrong.

To connect ExpressVPN users need to download the 15MB installer, enter the activation code and create the account. The process for us took no longer than five minutes.

Customer support works great 24/7 and the website contains many visual information for troubleshooting

Another useful feature is the 24/7 customer support that can be reached either by email or chat. If you are having any problems using the VPN or have any questions, contacting customer support can be a great help.

However, if you don't feel like contacting anyone, you can check out their tutorials, created for a wide variety of devices and their versions. There is also a lot of troubleshooting material that answers a lot of questions and helps to solve common problems.

ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for streaming online videos

There are many services on the internet, but some of them are blocked in your country due to some government regulations or law legislation. With the ExpressVPN you can unblock and anonymously use the most popular internet services in the world. Bellow, there is a list of our tested internet services and applications, which works with ExpressVPN perfectly.

Downloading and installing ExpressVPN

1. First of all, you need to select your ExpressVPN plan. Currently, the subscription for 1 month costs $12.95. It is a bit cheaper to buy a plan for a longer period of time. For example, when buying a 1-year subscription, you only have to pay $8.32 a month.

This virtual private network is considered to be one of the more expensive ones, but it is worth the price.

2. Then, you have to type in your email and choose the payment method. You can either pay by Credit Card, Paypal, Bitcoins, and many other types of payment.
3. After that, go to your email box and open the welcome letter. Sign in to your new account.
4. Then, you have to go to My Subscriptions and choose the button “Set Up ExpressVPN”.
5. Click “Download” to get the installation file onto your device. The file should arrive very quickly, as it does not take up a lot of space.
6. Follow the instructions on the Installation Wizard. The steps should be different for each device and its version, but the setup is not difficult.
7. The last step is connecting to the server of your choice (the servers available come from 145 different locations, coming from 94 countries) and you’re ready to go!

Overall, ExpresaVPN is an excellent service with fast internet conection and many various security features. It is suitable for multiple internet activities like torrenting, gaming, video streaming, and many more.

Final Thoughts

As it is becoming more and more difficult to protect your cybersecurity, a virtual private network (or VPN for short) can be a great help.

Website	www.ExpressVPN.com
Rating
Available applications
Download Speed	65.76 Mbps
Upload Speed	29.22 Mbps
Supported devices	5
Country locations	94
Torrenting friendly
Unblocks Netflix, Hulu
Kill switch function
Unlimited bandwidth
Router support	DD-WRT & Tomato Firmware, Linksys, Asus, Netgear
Customer support
Price from	$8.33/month
Visit website