ExpressVPN Review: Pros, Cons & How It Compares

I'm Donny. I'm a world traveler, investor, entrepreneur, and online marketing aficionado who has a big appetite to compete and disrupt big markets. I thrive on being able to create things that impact change, difficult challenges, and being able to add value in negative situations.

ExpressVPN is one of the leading brands of virtual private network (VPN) software on the market. It is profoundly secure and fast and provides easy-to-follow installation instructions for apps on nearly any device, including household routers.

AT A GLANCE

  • Access content anywhere in the world
  • Best-in-class encryption
  • High speed servers worldwide
  • Outstanding customer reviews
Overall Rating
4.5/5


Best Overall VPN

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Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Offers access to 160 servers in 94 countries.
  • Impressed in speed tests.
  • 30-day money back guarantee
  • Solid and proven reputation for being reliable and secure.

Cons

  • While you can switch to and save preferred servers, you are not shown the overall usage for that server.
  • Because it is so easy to use, those very technically gifted may find it too limited when it comes to personalization.

As more of our life moves online, so does the need for our online world to be secure

We've all been inundated by ads for a product we glanced at once online, skeptical about the strength of the padlock when we online shop or worried about the lack of privacy using a wifi connection (spoiler alert: there is no privacy).

Businesses have long been using virtual private networks to help employees working from home connect to secure servers without fear of information being leaked.

VPNs also encrypt information so outside eyes cannot access sensitive information, as well as protecting the network from viruses or malware.

But now, knowing how easily companies can lift and sell your information, or basement-dwelling hackers can steal your identity, there has been a significant shift to the use of VPNs by individuals.

ExpressVPN is working hard to separate themselves from their competitors by offering a worldwide distribution of servers, unlimited bandwidth, proven security and easy installation guides for almost any device.

But is this software right for you? In this ExpressVPN review, we'll explore the service's features, cost scale, and usage to help you make that decision.

We'll list important pros and cons and try to answer any questions you might have about installation and security. So, here's what you need to know!

ExpressVPN icon

Quick Summary

Service: VPN Service

Price: Free - $12.95/month

Promotion: 30-day free trial

What is ExpressVPN?

ExpressVPN is a brand of virtual private network software that allows you to access the internet through a secure and private connection. 

With ExpressVPN, you can choose to connect to any of over 150 servers and have access to worldwide content with no restrictions or prying eyes.

Features

Here are some things that set ExpressVPN apart from other VPN software:

Connections

I know you're on your phone, and possibly your tablet, while watching Netflix - because I am too. 

ExpressVPN supports that by allowing you to have five simultaneous device connections, so you can be assured you're secure from every gadget you connect from.

Installation

Home router, smartTV, phones, laptops, browsers: ExpressVPN wants you to be able to use their service on any device you have and have made it easy by providing a huge array of compatible apps and easy to follow instructions.

Logging In

A slight variation found with ExpressVPN is that they don't use usernames or passwords. Instead, you use an activation code delivered through their customer portal. It's a bit different but easy once you get the hang of it.

Kill Switch

If your VPN connection drops for some reason, ExpressVPN has installed a Network Kill Switch to block your traffic and data immediately until the connection is restored. Meaning, there is no chance of your identity or activity getting leaked in the event of a connection failure.

Server distribution

ExpressVPN has an impressive 160 server locations spread across 94 countries, including historically underserved continents like Africa and South America. And you can connect to any of them and switch as often as you like - no restrictions.

Security

This is where ExpressVPN hits its stride. In 2017, ExpressVPN made headlines when a server in Turkey was seized as part of an investigation. Authorities found nothing as ExpressVPN were true to their word and had kept no activity or connection logs.

The company also has its headquarters in the British Virgin Islands, which holds no data-sharing agreements with other countries, and is seen as a safe location choice.

How Much Does It Cost?

The bad news is that there is no free subscription level for you to try out ExpressVPN's services.

The good news is they do offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on any subscription package you opt for. These prices are in US dollars, and as of the writing of this article, their offers are:

  • 1 month subscription = $12.95
  • 6 month subscription = $59.95, making it $9.99 per month
  • 12-month subscription = $99.95 plus 3 months for free, making it $6.67 per month

We suggest that it might be a good idea to start with the one month option to ensure you like the service provided before making a full-year commitment.

FAQ’s

We know you've got questions… and we've got answers about what else ExpressVPN has to offer you:

Is ExpressVPN Legit?

Yes. ExpressVPN has an impressive reputation for security and reliability. The company states in its policy that its revenue only comes from subscriptions and not selling any data or logs.

Is it safe to use ExpressVPN?

Yes. ExpressVPN is serious about protecting their customer's privacy, data, traffic, and connection. Your IP address is masked, and ExpressVPN runs its own encrypted DNS on every one of its servers.

Any requests for information would have to be issued by a local court in the British Virgin Islands, and then only for crimes carrying a punishment of a year in prison.

Can you be tracked using ExpressVPN?

No. ExpressVPN takes this very seriously and has engaged an independent audit from PriceWaterhouse Cooper to confirm its customers' promise.

As ExpressVPN points out in their privacy policy, only summary logs are kept. They know that a customer logged on to a specific server, but not who or for how long.
Is ExpressVPN legal?

Yes, in that using virtual private networks are legal. Businesses use them daily, and now private individuals who want a secure internet connection are also getting on board.

Indeed, companies like Netflix aren't fans because they don't want people to have the ability to jump locations and access different content - but that doesn't make it illegal.

Is ExpressVPN Legit?

Yes. ExpressVPN has an impressive reputation for security and reliability. The company states in its policy that its revenue only comes from subscriptions and not selling any data or logs.

Is it safe to use ExpressVPN?

Yes. ExpressVPN is serious about protecting their customer's privacy, data, traffic, and connection. Your IP address is masked, and ExpressVPN runs its own encrypted DNS on every one of its servers.

Any requests for information would have to be issued by a local court in the British Virgin Islands, and then only for crimes carrying a punishment of a year in prison.

Can you be tracked using ExpressVPN?

No. ExpressVPN takes this very seriously and has engaged an independent audit from PriceWaterhouse Cooper to confirm its customers' promise.

As ExpressVPN points out in their privacy policy, only summary logs are kept. They know that a customer logged on to a specific server, but not who or for how long.

Is ExpressVPN legal?

Yes, in that using virtual private networks are legal. Businesses use them daily, and now private individuals who want a secure internet connection are also getting on board.

Indeed, companies like Netflix aren't fans because they don't want people to have the ability to jump locations and access different content - but that doesn't make it illegal.

ExpressVPN Alternatives

NordVPN

NordVPN logo
  • Privacy on multiple devices
  • 5,500+ VPN servers worldwide
  • Dedicated IP address

Surfshark VPN

Surfshark logo
  • Super secure encryption
  • Good overall speed
  • Unlimited device use

IPVanish VPN

IPVanish logo
  • Unlimited connections
  • Simplified data protection
  • Powerful internet privacy

Who Should Use ExpressVPN?

The wide distribution of ExpressVPNs servers worldwide makes this service ideal for frequent travelers, both business and pleasure. 

However, ExpressVPN is useful for anyone looking to step over geographic content restrictions.

Final Verdict

Whether you're new to the VPN world, or an old-hand looking to step up the security of your connection further, we hope that this ExpressVPN review has helped you with your decision.

ExpressVPN's impressive proliferation of apps means you can quickly and easily install the software onto nearly any online-capable device and 24/7 customer service means you are well supported as a customer.

While the price might be higher than others, so is the security and anonymity ExpressVPN offers and the geographic spread of available servers. 

To put it simply, this is a great service and a great product that will not disappoint.

ExpressVPN

Unblock sites & protect every device. 24/7 support. VPN for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers & more.

ExpressVPN icon

I'm Donny. I'm a world traveler, investor, entrepreneur, and online marketing aficionado who has a big appetite to compete and disrupt big markets. I thrive on being able to create things that impact change, difficult challenges, and being able to add value in negative situations.

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