Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
ExpressVPN and Astrill are two prominent VPN services, with ExpressVPN scoring higher in our ratings at 77.9% compared to Astrill’s 47.5%. ExpressVPN, based in the British Virgin Islands, offers a cheaper price of $6.67/mo for a 15-month subscription, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a strict no-logging policy. It boasts an extensive server network of 3,000 servers across 94 countries, supporting 8 simultaneous connections, and offering protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and Lightway. On the other hand, Astrill, based in Seychelles, offers fewer servers (115 across 57 countries), supports 5 simultaneous connections, and has a higher monthly price of $30.00. While both VPNs are outside the 14-Eye Alliance, ExpressVPN’s no-logging policy and larger server network make it the better choice for users prioritizing privacy and performance.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: ExpressVPN vs Astrill
| VPN Company | ExpressVPN | Astrill |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | British Virgin Islands (BVI) | Seychelles |
| Cheapest Price | $6.67/mo over 15-month subscription | $8.29/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.95 | $30.00 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | – days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | No |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and Lightway | OpenVPN, StealthVPN, OpenWeb, Wireguard, and Proprietary |
| Servers | 3,000 | 115 |
| Servers Countries | 94 | 57 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 devices | 5 devices |
| Works in China? | Partially | Likely |
| Smart DNS | No | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | No | No |
| Ads Blocking | No | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Cure53 | – |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Disney+, Netflix, and Hulu |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Tie
Both ExpressVPN and Astrill positions themselves in the higher-end segment of the VPN market. Astrill’s cheapest 24-month plan starts at $8.29/mo; while ExpressVPN charges $6.67/mo and requires a 15-month commitment.
For your reference, based on our market research, the average cost of VPN is $3.56/mo with a commitment period of 21 months. You should consider whether the additional features and services offered by Astrill and ExpressVPN justify this higher cost, especially when comparing it to other available options that might offer similar services at a more economical rate.
Jurisdiction: Tie
Both ExpressVPN and Astrill offer the significant advantage of being based outside the 14-Eye Alliance, with ExpressVPN in British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Astrill in Seychelles. Operating from these locations, they stand apart from the reach of the extensive surveillance network that characterizes the 14-Eyes countries.
Understanding the 14-Eye Alliance and Its Significance
The 14-Eyes Alliance represents an expanded framework of intelligence sharing, evolving from the original Five-Eyes and subsequently Nine-Eyes alliances. This coalition encompasses countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and various European nations. VPN providers situated within these countries are potentially subject to legal obligations which may conflict with user privacy. Such obligations could entail surrendering user data, including logs, under government demand.
This is a crucial consideration, especially in cases where VPN services claim a no-logs policy. Choosing a VPN like ExpressVPN or Astrill, both located outside these surveillance-heavy jurisdictions, can offer an added layer of privacy and security for users concerned about governmental data requests and monitoring.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: ExpressVPN Better
The server fleet size of ExpressVPN and Astrill is a critical aspect where these two VPN providers diverge significantly. ExpressVPN stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 3,000 servers worldwide. This extensive coverage ensures that users almost anywhere can find a reliable and fast server connection.
In contrast, Astrill maintains a more modest server presence, with only 115 servers across 57 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from Astrill, this might translate to slower speeds and potentially less stable connections. The vast server network of ExpressVPN not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
No Logging Policy: ExpressVPN Better
The privacy policies of ExpressVPN and Astrill reveal a stark contrast. ExpressVPN not only upholds a stringent no-logging policy, but also reinforces this commitment through regular audits by Cure53. These audits validate ExpressVPN’s adherence to its privacy claims, providing an added layer of trust and transparency.
On the other hand, Astrill, while offering a range of features and based in Seychelles, does not follow a no-logging policy. This means that it might keep some records of user activities – which can be a significant concern for those who prioritize anonymity and data security.
Users who value rigorous privacy standards and external validation of security claims may find these differences pivotal in choosing the right VPN service.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
The commitment of ExpressVPN and Astrill to customer satisfaction is clearly seen in their extensive money-back guarantees. These guarantees show the confidence each service has in its quality. It’s a no-risk offer. Users can try out each VPN’s features without worry. Explore Astrill’s server network in 57 countries, experience ExpressVPN’s ad blocking and Lightway protocol, and exaluate their technical support quality. All this can be done before making a long-term decision.
Bottomline
In summary, when considering VPN services, users should carefully weigh factors such as jurisdiction, server count, and logging policies. Both ExpressVPN and Astrill offer distinct advantages, and the choice ultimately depends on individual priorities and requirements.
Pick What You Need
Our VPN recommendations and ratings are just a general guide and may not match your personal needs. Know what you need and pick a VPN that fits. It’s crucial to assess your personal requirements, whether it’s enhanced security, better privacy, faster speeds, or access to specific content. Use our ExpressVPN and Astrill comparison as a starting point, but ultimately, select a VPN that aligns with your unique needs. This approach ensures you get the most out of your VPN service.
About ExpressVPN & Astrill
Astrill
Astrill VPN was established in 2009, focusing on providing VPN services for home users and travelers. It’s a registered company in Liechtenstein, designed to offer encrypted and unrestricted Internet access.
To learn more, read our Astrill review.
ExpressVPN
Founded in 2009 by Peter Burchhardt and Dan Pomerantz, ExpressVPN stands out for its speed and extensive server network, with over 3,000 servers across 94 countries. It uses TrustedServer technology for enhanced security and supports AES-256 encryption. ExpressVPN offers wide device compatibility, including routers and smart TVs, and provides 24/7 customer support. The company is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands.
To learn more, read our ExpressVPN review.