Our Verdict
Our Thoughts on ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN earns a decent 73.9 out of 100. The company’s strength is in its balance. It’s reliable but not groundbreaking. Performance is solid, though it doesn’t top the charts. It offers good functionality at a fair price. All these make ExpressVPN a viable choice for those who want reliability without a hefty price tag.
About 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.
ExpressVPN offers different subscription plans. The cheapest plan starts at $6.67/mo and require a 15-month commitment.
Visit ExpressVPN Online: https://www.expressvpn.com/
ExpressVPN Technical Specs
| Features | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands |
| Servers | 3,000 |
| Countries with Servers | 94 |
| Works In China | Partially |
| Encryptions | AES-256, and ChaCha20 |
| Cheapest Price | $6.67/mo, 15-month Subscription |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and Lightway |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 |
| Unblock Streaming Platforms | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO |
| Dedicated Device Apps | Both Android and Apple (iOS) |
| Ads Blocking | No |
| Support | 24/7 Live Chat |
Market Benchmarks
Are ExpressVPN’s any good in comparison?
The average score across our evaluated VPN services is 51.9%.
ExpressVPN’s score, in comparison, is 73.9%.
Our VPN ratings are based on our research of 96 VPN companies. Our scoring system is crafted to encompass a wide array of perspectives and addresses the needs of different users. Notably, only 10 out of the 96 VPNs we’ve reviewed scored above 75% and 26 VPNs scored below 40%.
ExpressVPN Pros & Cons
Listed below are what we like and dislike about ExpressVPN. As you explore the list, it’s crucial to weigh what sets this VPN apart from competitors against the aspects you might not favor.
The strengths of ExpressVPN highlight its unique advantages in the VPN market – offering features and services that may align perfectly with your specific needs. On the flip side, the cons, while not deal-breakers, are areas that may not meet everyone’s preferences or requirements.
It’s important for you to carefully consider these factors in relation to your individual needs and priorities in choosing a VPN service.
❌ Pricing Above Market Average
ExpressVPN positions itself in the higher-end segment of the VPN market. Based on our study of 96 VPN companies, the average lowest VPN plan is priced at $3.99 per month with an average commitment period of 19 months, and an average monthly cost of $9.39 without commitment.
In contrast, ExpressVPN’s cheapest plan starts at $6.67/mo. Potential customers should consider whether the additional features and services offered by ExpressVPN justify this higher cost, especially when comparing it to other available options that might offer similar services at a more economical rate.
✅ Jurisdiction Outside of 14-Eye Alliance Countries
British Virgin Islands-based ExpressVPN is headquartered outside the 14-Eye surveillance network. The company HQ’s location can be advantageous for users seeking enhanced privacy. Being outside these jurisdictions reduces the risk of government surveillance and data requests. Privacy-conscious users often prefer VPNs based in non-14-Eye countries for these reasons.
What is the 14-Eyes Alliance?
The term “14-Eyes” refers to a group of countries that participate in a surveillance alliance known as SIGINT Seniors Europe (SSEUR). This alliance, an extension of the original Five Eyes (FVEY) agreement, includes countries that agree to collect, analyze, and share intelligence with one another. The 14-Eyes nations comprise the original Five Eyes — the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand — plus Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Sweden.
What does jurisdiction outside of the 14-Eyes Alliance mean to you as a VPN user?
For those looking for a VPN service, the jurisdiction of the VPN provider is a crucial consideration. Why:
- Data Privacy Laws: Countries within the 14-Eyes alliance have agreements that may involve sharing intelligence and surveillance data. If a VPN provider is based in one of these countries, there’s a potential risk that user data could be collected and shared among these nations. This is particularly concerning for users who prioritize privacy.
- Legal Compliance: VPN providers operating in these jurisdictions may be legally obliged to comply with government requests for data. This compliance could include handing over user logs or other data, even if the VPN service claims to have a no-logs policy.
- Trust and Transparency: For users seeking the highest levels of privacy and anonymity, operating outside the 14-Eyes jurisdiction is often preferred. VPN services based in non-14-Eyes countries are perceived as less likely to be subject to government surveillance and data requests.
✅ Offer a Kill Switch Feature
ExpressVPN enhances its VPN services with a robust kill switch feature. This security measure ensures that if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops, the user’s device will automatically disconnect from the internet, thus preventing any accidental exposure of the user’s real IP address and online activities.
A kill switch feature is particularly valuable for users who handle sensitive information or looking an added layer of privacy protection.
✅ Strict No-Logging Policy
Our market study finds that ExpressVPN adheres to a strict no-logging policy. The company does not track or store logs of users’ internet activities, including browsing and download history, traffic data, or IP addresses.
A VPN’s no-logging policy is a significant factor for users who prioritize privacy, as it ensures that their online activities are not monitored or recorded. In an era where digital privacy is increasingly valued, ExpressVPN’s commitment to not keeping logs enhances its appeal to privacy-conscious individuals seeking a trustworthy VPN service.
Furthermore, ExpressVPN reinforces its commitment of no-logging policy by engaging Cure53 to audit its infrastructure and software configurations.
❌ No Double VPN
ExpressVPN’s suite of features does not include a double VPN option. Without the double VPN, or ‘multi-hop’, your internet traffic cannot be rerouted through two separate VPN servers for additional encryption and security layers. While this may not significantly impact those with basic security needs, it could be a drawback for users seeking advanced privacy measures. Users requiring higher security levels, such as journalists or activists, might need to look for other providers that offer this enhanced privacy feature.
✅ Support Split Tunneling
ExpressVPN also stands out with its split tunneling feature. This functionality allows you to choose which apps or websites are routed through the VPN and which access the internet directly. The split tunneling feature is a plus for those wanting the best of both worlds: speedy local access without VPN interference and protected browsing for select tasks. Compared to VPNs that do not come with such a feature, ExpressVPN could save you countless hours of frustration.
✅ Above Average Server Fleet Size
vpnCompany# operates on more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries. A larger server count typically offers more options for users in terms of server locations, reduces server load, and can provide better speeds and reliability.
✅ Unblock Major Streaming Platforms
Our analysis indicates that ExpressVPN excels in bypassing geo-restrictions on most streaming platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO. Whether you’re a film buff, a TV series enthusiast, or simply wish to enjoy local content while traveling abroad – its proficiency in unblocking streaming platforms enriches your viewing experience without the hassle of geographical limitations.
Bottom Line: Is ExpressVPN Right for You?
Verdict Recap
ExpressVPN earns a decent 73.9 out of 100. The company’s strength is in its balance. It’s reliable but not groundbreaking. Performance is solid, though it doesn’t top the charts. It offers good functionality at a fair price. All these make ExpressVPN a viable choice for those who want reliability without a hefty price tag.
When considering our VPN ratings, remember they are for reference only and may not reflect every individual’s unique needs. It’s essential for you to understand your specific requirements and choose a VPN service accordingly.
If your priority is extreme security, features like a double VPN and a jurisdiction outside of the 14-Eyes should be your focus, rather than factors like pricing, streaming platforms unblocking, or server count. Conversely, if you’re seeking extra privacy for casual internet browsing, advanced security features might be less critical, allowing you to opt for a more basic, cost-effective VPN solution.
We encourage you to actively try and test various VPNs yourself to find the one that best fits your unique requirements.
Alternatives to ExpressVPN
There are many ExpressVPN alternatives in the market – many of which are powerful and reasonably priced. Read further to compare and choose below.