Express VPN Review
ExpressVPN is among the best VPN providers with a software package that will satisfy the needs of most VPN users.
Express VPN Review Summary
ExpressVPN has advanced IP and DNS leaks features, a kill switch feature, zero-knowledge DNS servers, and the ability to turn off IPv6 detection. These features make ExpressVPN a premium VPN provider, and a great choice for users who value security and privacy. The prices are a bit on the high end, but user reviews show doesn’t matter because people are quite happy with the service.
Express VPN VPN Features
The interface makes ExpressVPN feel like it’s part of the previous generation of VPN software. Everything comes as a pop out menu from the main screen. In contrast, other VPN providers have moved towards a one-window design, with tabs to guide you through the options.
ExpressVPN is still using pop outs for everything. This makes the interface less ‘clean’ than that of other VPNs. For instance, when selecting a server country, you’ll get a window as an isolated pop out. Here’s what you actually see after clicking ‘Select Another Location’ on the menu:
Two windows side by side. Next to ‘NOT CONNECTED’ you will see three dots. Clicking that gives you a dropdown menu with more pop out windows. This interface is not the sleekest we’ve seen, but it’s still perfectly functional.
Features
ExpressVPN offers basic features, like auto-connect to last location and the launch on start which plays to the VPN’s strength of being easy to use:
Checking both boxes will automatically connect you to the last VPN server country that you used when you started your device. Other features that ExpressVPN offers are:
- Network lock: This is the provider’s kill switch feature where all Internet traffic will stop if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops. There is also a feature that enables you to stay connected to devices like printers and file servers even when the network is locked.
- Split tunneling: You can select which apps will use ExpressVPN, and which ones won’t. By default, all apps will use the VPN.
- IPv6 leak protection: If the checkbox is marked, IPv6 address detection during a VPN connection is prevented.
- DNS leak protection: Make sure to turn this feature on so that only ExpressVPN DNS servers will be used; this will prevent DNS leaks. Plus, running the provider’s own DNS servers means that there will be no DNS blocking and activity or connection logs.
- In-app VPN speed test: ExpressVPN is one of the few providers who have a speed test in their app. The speed test ranks all its servers based on download speed and latency; both factors are used to create the speed index.
On the encryption side, ExpressVPN allows you to select from a wide range of VPN encryption protocols:
You can choose between UDP-OpenVPN, TCP-OpenVPN, L2TP-IPSec, and PPTP. You can also set ExpressVPN to select a protocol that’s best for your network.
If you’ve been paying close attention, you’ll have noticed that the first and second features are from the same window, just under different tabs. The last tab says ‘Advanced.’ We expected to find advanced features in there, such as VPN kill switch technology, or IP address changing. All that we found under that tab was the option to send ExpressVPN connection data for service improvement. This was quite disappointing.
Express VPN SERVERS & COUNTRIES
ExpressVPN has more than 2,000 servers in total, and 164 server locations in 94 countries in the following regions:
- North America
- South America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Middle East
- Africa
Aside from physical servers, ExpressVPN also have virtual server locations in some countries. With virtual server locations, you will be assigned an IP address of the country of your choice, but traffic is routed through a different server that’s located in another country that has a better connection.
Below are some of the countries where ExpressVPN has virtual server locations:
- Bangladesh (via Singapore)
- Brunei (via Singapore)
- Cambodia (via Singapore)
- Ecuador (via Colombia)
- Venezuela (via Brazil)
- Vietnam (via Singapore)
According to ExpressVPN, less than 3% of its servers have this setup to ensure that the connection is fast, secure, and reliable, something that’s difficult to attain in some countries.
Reliability & Speed Tests
ExpressVPN was found to have minimal impact upon speed. As a regular web user you will likely experience no change in how quickly you feel that you’re browsing the web. Here’s the speed of the connection used during testing with no VPN: 
Here is that same Internet speed when connected to a server in the UK: 
And a server in the USA, which was further away from the testing location: 
Testing with random servers across the world was then conducted, with no noticeable slowdowns. There will be ping issues and lag the farther you connect from home, but this case is true of any VPN. Looking at the reliability of the connection, we found it to be adequate. ExpressVPN boasts of having 99.9% server uptime. We cannot state that this claim is valid, as we experienced two disconnects during our testing. This was slightly more often than that of other providers we tested, albeit by a very small margin.
Pricing and Payments
ExpressVPN have taken the route of many other VPNs and offered their same service across three price points: 
Each price gives you access to the same service. The only difference is the length of time you can access ExpressVPN. Best of all, no matter which package you choose, you’ll get a 30-day money-back guarantee! That’s more than enough time to figure out how you feel about ExpressVPN’s service. If you honestly look at the pricing, ExpressVPN is on the high end amongst VPN providers. The company does offer a premium product, as quality never comes cheaply. At the end of the day, if you’re not satisfied with the value for your money, that guarantee is waiting for you during the first 30 days.
Support
We found customer support to be average. You can get help via:
- Live chat: This is good for quick questions. Supplied answers are cut and pasted from a template so don’t expect to get too far with your problem. The agents were responsive and tried to be helpful, but they will also point you towards their guides.
- Email/Support Ticket: This is the most efficient option for in-depth needs. Response times were found to be adequate, ranging from hours for smaller issues, to up to 24 hours for problems which required multiple people being involved.
- Tutorials/Guides: ExpressVPN has built a number of tutorials and guides on how to use its products. Troubleshooting guides can help you solve basic problems without contacting support as well as educate you about VPNs. The setup guides will take you through the most basic of steps. Just shows that ExpressVPN made these guides for enthusiasts that are still beginners in online privacy.
We found the customer support team on the email/ticket side to be the most helpful. Live chat was, at best, nice to have but only helpful for general inquiries.
POLICIES & LOGGING
ExpressVPN is a well-known VPN that operates from the British Virgin Islands. This location is a huge bonus as the company is exempt from US and EU data retention laws.
If that’s not enough to sway you, ExpressVPN also offers a 30-day money back guarantee if you have any issues with its service. As the VPN provider started in 2009, it has had plenty of time to work on its product. Disconnect problems are infrequent, speeds are minimally impacted, and there’s a good selection of servers worldwide.
ExpressVPN has a no logging policy. It also has a policy against collecting browsing data from its users. From the company’s Terms of Service:
They then go on to state that they will record when you connect to the service, which server you connect to, and how much data you transmit per day:
We conclude that ExpessVPN does not keep any information that is user identifiable, but it will keep information which can track abusers. For instance, when an ExpressVPN server was seized in 2017, the Turkish government found no useful logs. That time, the server was suspected to be used in deleting important information in the Gmail and Facebook accounts of the assassin of Andrei Karlov (Russian Ambassador to Turkey).
In the Terms of Service, ExpressVPN also forbids anyone from violating copyright. In reality, the company does not block or disallow P2P file sharing. It even has a page dedicated to using uTorrent with ExpressVPN.
Regarding court orders, ExpressVPN will only react to those it receives from the British Virgin Islands, its host country. At the time of this writing, not a single one had been sent to the company.
Expert Recommendation
ExpressVPN is among the best VPN providers with a software package that will satisfy the needs of most VPN users. Use ExpressVPN if you want:
- A ‘one button’ approach to connectivity.
- A consistent connection speed with few drops.
- To be able to download via P2P and torrenting.
- A wide range of server host countries for unlocking geo-blocked content.
- IP, DNS, and IPv6 leaks protection.
If you’re willing to pay a premium price for the feature-rich software package and the huge VPN server numbers, then ExpressVPN is a good choice for you. Check them out, or other VPN providers that we’ve tested and reviewed, by clicking on the links below.
Express VPN User Reviews
Tested the lot.
I spent the last couple of months trying every paid VPN and nothing else came close. I had a full paid AVG account and left it for Express. Its that good.
Fast, Secure and Trustworthy!
Fantastic service, I’ve only ever had a few minor issues and the customer service team quickly solved them for me.The VPN itself is a lot faster than any other company I have been with and their security is top notch.Definitely recommended and worth every cent.
Value.
Cheap, reliable, easy to use. Necessary in this day and age.
Best VPN hands down
I have been using Express VPN for a few years and I have to say this is by far the best VPN out there. I researched at least 25 VPN’s before I picked this one. The reviews across the internet support my findings. As far as speed goes this VPN actually increases my internet speeds significantly for the area I live. I have satellite internet with 7.5 megabites per second which is prehistoric as far as I’m concerned. This VPN also gets through just about every app I use except Amazon prime.Works with Hulu. Netflix,Paramount etc. I also read articles about this VPN and it does not keep data logs even when confronted by law enforcement.I can’t say enough good about this app and I will continue to be an Express VPN user in the future.I
Express VPN exceeded all of my…
Express VPN exceeded all of my expectations because it is a superior product in a class of its own, the support team are experienced and experts in their field, willing to assist any enquiry, and can be easily contacted, the support team always respond within a specified time frame.Express VPN met all of my needs, protects all of my devices and has made my online activity safe and secure, and has given me a whole new world of choices. If you want peace of mind, I thoroughly recommend Express VPN.
This is my first time using a VPN
This is my first time using a VPN, honestly it is the best service. I have never had a problem with ExpressVPN. Customer service is also on their A-Game. Thank you, ExpressVPN, for giving reliable service.
I love it!
I love it!! Ive had Norton Antivirus and security before and it never really worked. And I was told that ExpressVPN was the way to go and I bought me a subscription and been very happy with it ever since. Ibe recommended other people to use this as well.
I love it!
I love it!! Ive had Norton Antivirus and security before and it never really worked. And I was told that ExpressVPN was the way to go and I bought me a subscription and been very happy with it ever since. Ibe recommended other people to use this as well.
Lacks support for Apple's new silicon M1 chip
Lacks support for Apple’s new silicon M1 chip on ARM architecture. You will have to use Rosetta 2 which translates Intel to M1. If you could optimize your client people would be very happy for longer battery life and faster connections!Would only benefit you guys in the end making customers more likely to keep subscribing and therefore you making more money. 🙂
Best vpn around
Express vpn has been very useful for me in many different ways, it is also very easy to use.
Internet security at it's finest
Internet security at it’s finest. I have used Express VPN for a little over 2 years now, and it is hands down the most effective and efficient VPN I’ve ever used. I know that my data and activity is in good hands whenever I use it.
Never trust this company
Never trust this company, their price is higher than others, always problems with VPN connection!
thank you for a great app and a great service.
This best Vpn that i use, has fixed alot of weird connection problems, made me jump from one country to another to view and enjoy my favourite shows, so yeah thank you guys and gals for the best Vpn. and ive been a customer for a while now and thats my review for it. 🙂
Only works with Netgear routers that are obsolete
I wanted to put the VPN on my home network’s Netgear router. This allows for simultaneous connection of MORE than 5 device. In my case, that means:1. My phone 2. My wife’s phone 3. My wife’s office Mac4. My work laptop when away5. ALL devices connected to my home networkSound’s good, right? Except that your Netgear router (can’t say for other mfrs) needs to be at least 5 years old!. That’s the age of the Netgear routers that are compatible with the Express VPN app. My 1-y.o. router (and other, newer routers) have not been added to their compatibility list.No workarounds, except an open source firmware install not approved by Netgear. Pretty sloppy for the VPN “Rated #1 by TechRadar, CNET, The Verge, and more”.
Another of these VPN providers with a…
Another of these VPN providers with a wholly unreliable product. Constantly falling over and then unable to reconnect. No help when you need support. Don’t buy – I am taking as someone with 35 years experience working in IT.
Few days back I bought the vpn and…
Few days back I bought the vpn and cannot find any minuses. It works just perfect and am very happy with the service purchased! Thinking to buy more accounts later.
This VPN service is very Useful for Wechat Voice call
This VPN service is very Useful for me in the UAE area. The service has been stable and the team has been very quickly supportive on any question that you asked. Very reliable, contact them at any time, they are there for you and always give a quick and easy solution. Thumps up experience.
Customer Service 12/10
Customer Service on the Web Chat is fantastic! I work nights so often am not awake in daytime when customer support lines are open, but I was replied to within a minute at 1am, and Kimber assisted me in such a helpful and friendly way. Quick and easy and you know you are talking to a real person. Very professional and my problem was solved in minutes. Thanks 🙂
Super paranoid techie with non technical partner!
So I’m super educated and have been in the IT world since one computer was the size of a large room. I know too much. I know I know to much. So I subscribed to a ton of different VPN services and ran a battery of tests! ExpressVPN protected me the most and was the easiest to use. I have proof!So my partner is super duper non techie. I expected to come home the day I sent them the email on how to use it and set it up on their phone, iPad, MacBook and Chromebook.Well. They had it installed on all of the things before I got home from work, they didn’t even text, call tech support.If you’re looking for a super safe and duper easy to setup, this VPN is the one for you! – Oh, BTW, I am a genuine customer and I have not been paid for this ad! HAHAHAHA!
The best VPN app
So basically Express-VPN is the best VPN app ever ! It does not make your internet connection slower , it has a variety of location choices , not to mention its availability on every device.I’ve been using it for a couple of months and i am really satisfied with it
ExpressVPN = Simple Secure Reliable Fast
ExpressVPN is what any web user expects from a VPN provider to be: reliable, secure, speed, and excellent tech support.I have used other VPN in the past, including some that have been around for a while. None of them offers a diverse/simple set of tools to better understand the terminology used to safely navigate the web.
I have used a lot of vpns but this…
I have used a lot of vpns but this would have to be the worst I took i t out fit 1 month went great so decided to try 6 mths complete waste of money I used PayPal which meant that I would continue for another 6 mths I decided against this the minute I cancelled was the time they cut my Bandwidth BBC was bad kept stopping ch 4 and ch 5 we’re bad just because I stopped using it for another 6 months so if you want to use a VPN do not use this dude
They are great in terms of speed and…
They are great in terms of speed and the team has very good support
30 days Money Back guarantee
They said 30 days Money Back guarantee my ISP blocked VPN service therefore i request refund, Still they didn’t refund my money, Now i have open dispute on PayPal, Beware this company.
so far great
so far great – does the job i need
ExpressVPN stands alone!
Not all VPN’s are the same.I’ve tried quite a few of them now and none of them come close to Express vpn.My issues are security,reliability and speed.ExpressVPN leaves all others in the dust by far.With a super simple to use app it’s a no brainer for me.
My experience has been flawless
My experience has been flawless – this has worked the way it is supposed to, so no complaints so far at all.
Beware
Beware. They do not cancel subscriptions. They will charge your card even after you have cancelled.
Amazing and I find it easier to use
Amazing and I find it easier to use. Job well done guys.
The best VPN available for the…
The best VPN available for the discerning user, great bandwidth, very quick and easy to install.
stars
sometimes it takes time to connect/reconnect, otherwise I have been enjoying using VPN.
Value | Great VPN
Not my first time using a VPN, but my first time using a paid one. At first, I didn’t have much of a need for one and figures i’d only use it once or twice. Here we are, several months later, and Express VPN is always-on on all my devices. I haven’t encountered any speed issues (neither upload or download) and simply put, it just works! Would surely recommend to anyone looking for a VPN that’s easy to use and works well.
LOVE ExpressVPN ?
Really recommend this app, easy and quick to set up with thousands locations available. My whole family uses it!!
Intermittent connection issues.
Intermittent connection issues.Chat said I would receive a refund within 3 days. No refund has been received. Scam.Reply to ExpressVPN- I already have spent 30 minutes talking to chat and I was promised a refund which still hasn’t been issued. “30 day money back guarantee” …. Yeah right.
Don’t use ExpressVPN if you use Apple products
I signed up for VPN before a multi-month international trip. It worked outside US for streaming services but caused problems for accessing some of the sites for doing my personal finances, which is exactly when I wanted a VPN for the additional security! Once I got back home, I found out my wifi printer was not working on my older Mac and I thought it may be my old Mac. I recently brought a new Mac, same problem! As it turns out, ExpressVPN blocks access to the printer!!! After wasting a lot of time with their support (only available via chat), no fix. I asked for a full refund but they are agreeing to a partial refund because I am past 30 days and they are charging me for 6 months of a broken product. If you are a Mac or iPhone user, avoid ExpressVPN. I am going to try another service. I thought I was getting the best VPN because ExpressVPN is the most expensive, that is not the case!
Great app
Great app! Super stable and convenient
The best VPN Service
The best VPN Service I have ever used
Straight to the point
Straight to the point. Easy to use from my desktop to phone. Friend user interface. Really recommended!
Highly recommend express vpn
I have been using express VPN for nearly a year now. I have no complaints whatsoever. Indeed I can highly recommend. Service has been mainly problem free however when I did have an update problem I was assisted immediately and the problem was resolved.
Totally Useful and Reliable!
ExpressVPN is such a wonderful help for websites I cannot access in other countries. Very minor bugs and you can access IP addresses from as much countries as you can imagine.
Great and very easy
Their website is very informative and explains in step by step easy directions to apply their VPN to anything and everything. Works excellent
Works like a charm
Works like a charm! I know and feel like my online search is secure. Best vpn on the market.
Snoops be damned
As an IT all-rounder, I have used ExpressVPN for many years now and rely on it to protect my privacy. As we interact with technology, directly or otherwise, we leave digital footprints everywhere, empowering opportunists to hijack and manipulate our data. Thankfully ExpressVPN stops what was once stolen, protecting my privacy from busybody smart gadgets to nosey apps.
Expressvpn has been an awesome service…
Expressvpn has been an awesome service that I use to keep my data private since there has been reports of a stingray array in my area that disguises itself as a cell phone tower. This means if you’re not encrypted, they see all the information that goes to them first and then they send it to the original cell phone tower.
This is very good for my family
This is very good for my family. We use it in different countries. This gives us great opportunities. It has never let us down!!!
Good VPN
Good VPN worth the money just wish it was a one off payment not every month
VPN stopped working. Not as legit as you think
VPN stopped working. Had 24 hours of useless support leading me down various lanes and then repeating it all again the next day.I rather walk away and use another VPN then try to get through to these people it has stopped working.They will not offer a refund!*****update. Refund offered and accepted. Will update review when cleared.
I’m based in the uk
I’m based in the uk. Installed expressVPN on my router and since then we can’t watch Disney Plus and some other streaming services. Customer support say that it’s possible but didn’t manage to get it working.
Great for my needs
Excellent for my needs. Bought a subscription for my relatives to use in Myanmar. Works well for all of us.
Discreetly Seized by the Government Authorities
Don’t trust the no log policy from this company. Don’t trust this company to have V.P.N. I.P. addresses that will stay connected properly. Don’t trust this company to have encrypted connections considering governments have supercomputers that decrypt encryptions fast now. Don’t expect someone to always be there for customer support service. I have had I.P. addresses suspiciously taken away from ExpressVPN’s VPN Locations list. Which is why I don’t trust the ExpressVPN company anymore.