ExpressVPN is often found in the top list of choices when it comes down to choosing a VPN, and as always, it will ultimately depend on your personal needs.
Now trying to separate VPNs today was like trying to split apart the Olsen twins in the ’90s, close to impossible, but a mission I am willing to accept.
Usability
ExpressVPN’s current slogan is ‘The VPN that just works’, and they are right on the money here. It lets you use their service simultaneously across 5 devices, including a simplified router application that does not require manual configuration or a degree in computer science.
This goes one step further, as there is a significant focus on simplicity and design or what we call UX/UI across all applications.
They are user friendly and take away the guesswork when setting it.
This can be a little frustrating for experienced users as some settings are hidden or not available, but then again, I doubt you would have made it this far into the ExpressVPN review, and it is possibly not for you.
Split tunneling
My favourite function is split tunnelling, providing you with ‘geo-blocked’ streaming content and still allowing Alexa or Siri to give you the weather and directions of your actual country.
At the same time, the web browser will safely display the local news on your PC or Mac. This is perfect for Smart Homes or various streaming media setups across multiple devices.
Side note: This functionality is not yet available on Linux or IOS mobile devices.
ExpressVPN also gives you the option to stream content in ultra HD with its intelligent media DNS feature that is not usually available with other VPN applications.
Key Features
- Works with major devices and platforms
- Ideal for heavy bandwidth activity
- Optimized for secure torrenting
- 30-day risk-free refund period
- 24/7 customer support by live chat
- Servers in 94 countries
- Best-in-class security & encryption
- No activity logs & no connection logs
- Vast server network
Plans and Pricing
ExpressVPN is a paid-for only app with a tried and tested 30-day money-back guarantee.
There are no free versions or tiered options available, which is possibly a good thing, especially with their ‘assumed’ target market – taking out any guesswork or complications in choosing the right product.
The kicker. They say “there is no such thing as free lunch” and ExpressVPN is expensive.
Compared to other leading providers, even at the yearly discounted offering, this comes in close to double the cost, yet if you are looking for an easy-to-use, simplified and powerful VPN, then look no further.
Payment Methods
No personal information is required for an ExpressVPN account. You can sign up through an anonymous VPN without disclosing your identity.
ExpressVPN also accepts all credit cards, including Diners Club and Amex, with other payment options like PayPal and UnionPay.
They also offer subscription payments via a payment wall with various options depending on your country.
If you are looking for complete anonymity, they offer payment via Bitcoin; keep in mind this may take some time to reflect on their end after the transaction is complete.
Servers
They allow p2p connection to all servers for torrenting and have around 3,000 servers across 94 countries.
This is average in terms of VPNs, but they do have more servers located in Asia and provide more host countries on their server list than most other VPN’s.
Encryption, Protocols, and Security
They have developed their own in house security protocols, coined LightWeight, and while this does at times result in slower download speeds than other VPNs, it’s not something you would notice when just streaming content; however, if you are a heavy torrent user, this, along with the fact they don’t support SOCKS5 proxy servers could be a deal-breaker.
They follow the standard in security protocols using AES256 encryption and give you the option to multi-hop; A connection that connects through two VPN servers, giving you the same power as the Bermuda triangle, but this can at times slow things down at times.
They have recently been awarded ioXt evaluation for their android app and will have to see how this translates across other platforms.
ExpressVPN also provides an in-house bug bounty program that has awarded tens of thousands of dollars to security researchers who continually evaluate and search for flaws to further improve the security of the VPN service, if any.
VPN kill switch
While they may not have a stealth protocol that could possibly stand up to a Deep Packet Inspection tool similar to what the Chinese Military uses, they do have a have kill switch to limit unlimited IP leaks and protects your data on unsecured networks when accessing sensitive information.
Unfortunately, iOS uses don’t have access to this and could be deal-breaker if you are using an iOS ecosystem (iPhone & iPad).
No-Logs policy
As one would expect with any good VPN, ExpressVPN has a no-logs policy and is situated within the British Virgin Islands.
The British Virgin Islands do provide some legislation for data protection laws.
If this is something of concern and you want tighter privacy controls, look for a VPN located in Switzerland or Sweden, as they have stricter policies.
It is important to note that they have had extensive audits by several external parties, including PWC.
Further to this, ExpressVPN was featured in the news in 2017 when Turkish authorities seized a server to investigate details regarding the assassination of the Russian ambassador to Turkey, but no useful information was found as they carry or hold no-logs and only employ RAM only servers that have a memory some like of a goldfish.
Device support
As touched upon, ExpressVPN provides apps, browser extensions and tools for a wide range of devices and platforms, including Apple, iOS, Windows, Linux, Chromebook, Kindle Fire and Android.
They are also one of the only providers currently that offer an easy-to-use rooter application with a host of features.
One of the features that stands out the most is found on the rooter app.
It allows you to host up to five separate device groups at once, perfect for smart homes.
It is essential to know that some functions may not be available across all device platforms and would require some investigation if this would affect you.
Streaming
Streaming is where I feel ExpressVPN comes into its stride and you may be forgiven thinking this is their primary focus, but it is something they do exceptionally well.
With servers located in 160 locations, across 94 countries, ExpressVPN provides you with the ultimate coverage.
The option to stream content in ultra HD with its intelligent media DNS feature is not usually available with other VPN applications.
This, along with split tunnelling, allows you to stream foreign movies while using web services from local IP addresses is a godsend.
Finally, ExpressVPN works with most streaming services, including; Netflix, Hulu, Sky, Prime, HBO, and a lot more, with excellent connection quality and speeds.
Customer Support
ExpressVPN has a first-class customer support centre from a basic help database to 24/7 customer ‘HUMAN’ chat support that is friendly and full of knowledge – no swiping right here and waiting days or even hours for a response.
In tests, I waited less than a minute for assistance.
They were able to assist me in multiple languages, something you don’t often see that I’m sure comes at a considerable cost to them.
Nevertheless, I was up and running in no time.
Conclusion
With the ease of use and fantastic customer care – ExpressVPN has positioned itself as the streaming, home security solution for the not so technical-minded individual and provides the tools and services that most of us would consider the everyday uses of a VPN are.
Finally, by no means is it a poor choice and is up there with the best and would likely be dependent on your home ecosystem and need – maybe it’s just a poor choice for your wallet.