ExpressVPN Review: A Premium VPN With Speed and Simplicity ExpressVPN delivers on its core promise of a VPN that just works. While its self-promotion might invite skepticism, the service backs up the hype with reliable performance, fast speeds, and a user-friendly interface that makes it a top choice, especially for those new to VPNs. Our tests confirmed that ExpressVPN is exceptionally fast. It retained an average of 93 percent of starting download speeds and 98 percent of upload speeds globally. This minimal speed loss means your browsing, streaming, and downloading remain largely unaffected. The interface is clean and minimalist across Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, offering a true set-and-forget experience with no complicated menus to navigate. Security is another strong point. ExpressVPN uses robust protocols including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and its own Lightway. We detected no IP or DNS leaks during our testing. The service also includes a reliable kill switch, called Network Lock, which blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. For added protection, it blocks IPv6 and WebRTC by default to prevent potential leaks. When it comes to changing your virtual location, ExpressVPN excels. It successfully unblocked multiple international Netflix libraries in our tests, succeeding in 14 out of 15 attempts. Its server network is vast, with 164 server locations across 105 countries, providing plenty of options for global content access. The service is not without its drawbacks. It is notably more expensive than many competitors, with a monthly plan at $12.95. You can lower the cost by opting for an annual subscription. It also lacks the depth of customization and advanced features that power users might seek from other VPNs. A significant aspect of any VPN is its privacy policy. ExpressVPN states it does not keep activity or connection logs. Its TrustedServer technology, which uses RAM-only servers, makes it technically impossible to store user data long-term. This policy was put to the test in 2017 when Turkish authorities seized a server and found no user logs. It is worth noting that ExpressVPN is owned by Kape Technologies, a company that owns several other VPNs. While this consolidation raises questions for some, we found no evidence that it has negatively impacted ExpressVPN’s operations or privacy standards. In conclusion, ExpressVPN is a premium product with a premium price tag. Its strengths are its blazing-fast speeds, proven security, and effortless ease of use. If your priority is a reliable, no-fuss VPN that performs consistently well for streaming and everyday privacy, ExpressVPN is an excellent, albeit costly, option. For users who need more advanced controls or are on a tight budget, other services might be a better fit.
