ExpressVPN Review

Online privacy must be a top priority for users. Thus, it’s only wise to subscribe to a good VPN. Accordingly, I’ve reviewed one hyped VPN service ExpressVPN to help you with your purchase.

Impressive privacy commitment and a superior server network set ExpressVPN apart from the competition. However, what does it have to offer, and what are the drawbacks of this VPN?

Continue reading to find out.

Due in part to its robust encryption and privacy features, ExpressVPN has won many customers.

Moreover, its quick connections and security services make it a better option than competitors like NordVPN and Cyberghost.

Below I’ve detailed its outstanding features to help you analyze.

Headquerter	British Virgin Islands
No-Logging Policy
Streaming Services	– Netflix – Amazon Prime Video – Disney+ – Hulu – HBO Max – Apply TV and more
Simultaneous connections	8
Server countries	105
Supported platforms	– Windows – macOS – Android – iOS – Linux
Protocols supported	– OpenVPN – Lightway – IKEv1/2 – L2TP
Split tunneling
Kill switch
Encryption	AES 256-bit keys
Average servers speed in UK	7.77 Mbps
Average servers speed in USA	7.01 Mbps
Average servers speed in Japan	8.20 Mbps
Average servers speed in Australia	8.77 Mbps
Average servers speed in Germany	3.31 Mbps

There is no denying that ExpressVPN has a lot to offer under the hefty price tag. Moreover, its security provisions and policies, such as the Kill switch and No-log policy, provide the online protection I need.

This VPN offers significantly diverse ad numerous servers, which adds to its accessibility.

Furthermore, I was able to use almost all streaming services using this VPN service which also makes it worth the buck. Therefore, if you travel a lot and require access to servers worldwide, ExpressVPN is your ally.

Furthermore, I’ve also found its privacy settings quite impressive. Hence, if security is your priority, this VPN service will satisfy you. The Kill-switch and Nolog features will win you over.

The ExpressVPN database consists of RAM servers. Therefore, when users reboot the device, the servers automatically erase the previous data from memory.

This feature allows for an instant connection using the ExpressVPN service. It helps ExpressVPN outshine the competition.

ExpressVPN is both highly developed technologically and simple to use. Data protection is simple enough for even newbies.

Your IP address, DNS requests, and other relevant information are untracked, thanks to ExpresVPN’s No-Log policy.

ExpressVPN has undergone more external security assessments than any other VPN, which gives it a high level of reliability.

ExpressVPN offers services in countries like China, a feature most VPNs avoid.

The VPN supports all the leading streaming services to enjoy your favorite shows. The detailed list of allowed services is given in the features table.

Torrenting at high speed is permitted across all ExpressVPN servers. Additionally, its Kill switch and No-logs policy will keep you hidden.

Five devices can simultaneously have ExpressVPN installed on them. Or, to safeguard your entire house, configure it on your router.

When you purchase ExpressVPN, you get a free tool called the “ExpressVPN Keys.” You can save your passwords using it and not worry about forgetting them.

ExpressVPN isn’t light on the pocket. If you are on a tight budget, you should try other options like NordVPN and SurfShark.

ExpresVPN does offer an exceptionally efficient user interface. However, you will only be impressed if you haven’t used NordVPN before.

ExpressVPN boasts the availability of more than 3000 servers spread across 94 countries. However, only 46 of these servers are physical. The rest are virtual servers.

Another ExpressVPN limitation is that it doesn’t support the Linux OS. Therefore, Linux users have to operate it through the terminal.

Below are the detailed results of my speed test. In addition, you can compare the speed without ExpresVPN activation to analyze its performance over various servers.

The purpose of using DNS leak tests

First, let me explain why you need to do a leak test on your VPN in the first place. The webpages and apps you use should see the IP address of the VPN server instead of your IP address. This is what gives you internet anonymity. Your underlying IP address could, however, occasionally get disclosed.

This could occur due to a WebRTC leak in your system or if the VPN provider doesn’t utilize its DNS servers.

Hence, I conducted a leak test to observe how potent is ExpressVPN’s anti-leak system. There are three leak tests in general:

• IP Leak Test
• DNS Leak Test
• WebRTC Leak Test

However, I conducted the DNS leak test for this VPN testing.

Understanding DNS Leaks

The DNS converts domain names like www.xyz.org into the numerical IP addresses needed to route data packets on the Internet.

Further, these packets might be numerical patterns like 123.123.123.123.

Your computer contacts a DNS server and asks for the IP address whenever you input a URL into your browser. Most Internet service providers provide each of their clients with a DNS server. Accordingly, they then operate and monitor it to track and record your online activity.

Sometimes your system utilizes the default servers instead of the VPN-allocated DNS servers despite an active VPN connection. In this case, the VPN connection can give users a pseudo sense of security.

But meanwhile, their data leaks continuously. To check this, I conducted a DNS leak test on https://dnsleaktest.com

Test Results

The DNS leak test confirmed that ExpressVPN doesn’t leak the original IP address.

First, I ran the test without a VPN and got the following results.

To test ExpressVPN’s capabilities, I connected it to the Melbourne, Australia, server and ran the test. In the end, ExpressVPN showed no DNS leaks.

ExpressVPN is a top-notch VPN provider with a worldwide presence and excellent data protection policies. First, however, let’s see if its services justify the price tag compared to similar software.

Cost

Regarding cost, NordVPN takes the lead with its budget-friendly plans. Yet, it provides fewer server locations than Express VPN. However, it offers a dedicated IP feature (for extra charges) that ExpressVPN lacks.

Devices

Next, ExpressVPN allows a maximum of five device connections simultaneously. However, NordVPN retakes the lead with six active device connections.

Encryption and Kill Switch

Both VPN services provide AES encryption with 256-bit keys. Regarding split tunneling, both VPNs offer this feature.

For privacy protection, if the VPN connection stops, both VPNs provide a Kill Switch feature. This instantly disables your online connection if your computer goes offline.

Customer Support

You can always run into technical issues with the software. Hence, responsive customer support matters a lot when choosing a VPN. In this regard, both NordVPN and ExpressVPN are efficient with 24 hours customer support.

Plans Offered

Both providers offer basic monthly and annual plans. However, ExpressVPN also offers a six-month plan, making it a better option if you’re looking for a shorter commitment. NordVPN offers an additional two-year plan which suits long-term users.

Servers and Locations

Compared to ExpressVPN’s 3,000 plus servers, NordVPN has more than 5,000 servers. However, ExpressVPN offers 160 server locations compared to NordVPN’s 60. Depending on which nations you intend to connect to using your VPN, this may be advantageous.

VPN Protocols

In its Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS apps, NordVPN, by default, uses NordLynx. As a backup, OpenVPN is accessible on all of those systems. However, only applications running on iOS and macOS may use IKEv2.

In comparison, ExpressVPN focuses on OpenVPN and its technology named Lightway rather than WireGuard.

ExpressVPN ‘s Android, Windows, Linux, and Mac clients support Lightway and OpenVPN protocols.

Additionally, they are accessible for routers set up to utilize ExpressVPN. Unfortunately, only OpenVPN and IKEv1/2 are currently supported by the ExpressVPN iOS app.

The old macOS and Windows programs still support L2TP, but I don’t recommend using it. IKEv2 is supported by the ExpressVPN Windows client as well.

Cost

CyberGhost costs much less than ExpressVPN. Where you get a two-year ExpressVPN plan at $99, CyberGhost offers it at $57. First, however, let’s see whether it cuts back on features for the low cost.

Devices

Compared to ExpressVPN’s five devices, CyberGhost lets you connect to seven. Considering its low cost is a better choice if you share the VPN with your family.

Encryption and Kill Switch

Both VPN services provide AES encryption with 256-bit keys.

Additionally, regarding split-tunneling, both VPNs offer this feature.

Customer Support

Both CyberGhost and ExpressVPN provide 24/7 customer support over live chat. Thus, it was a tie between them in this regard.

Plans Offered

Both providers offer basic monthly plans. Where ExpressVPN offers an annual + 3 months free plan, CyberGhost offers a two-year plan with four months free. However, CyberGhost’s 45-day money-back guarantee exceeds ExpressVPN’s 30-day guarantee.

Servers and Locations

CyberGhost offers 92000 plus VPN servers, a considerable number against ExpresVPN’s 3000 plus servers. However, ExpressVPN offers 160 server locations when CyberGhost doesn’t even cross 100.

VPN Protocol

CyberGhost operates all its services on the Wireguard.

Moreover, all of its platforms, except for macOS, also supports OpenVPN.

IKEv2, another popular VPN protocol, is supported by Windows, Mac OS X, Android TV, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV Stick.

In contrast, ExpressVPN prioritizes OpenVPN and its proprietary Lightway technology above WireGuard.

ExpressVPN’s clients support Lightway and OpenVPN for Android, Windows, Linux, and Mac. Additionally, routers configured to use ExpressVPN may access them. The iOS app currently only supports OpenVPN and IKEv1/2. The outdated macOS and Windows operating systems still support L2TP. The ExpressVPN Windows client also supports IKEv2.

ExpressVPN is efficient because of its quick speed, robust security, and dependable server network. Its premium features make a long-term membership investment worthwhile. You will have unrestricted access to premium services exclusive to this VPN provider.

ExpressVPN must be tried personally to determine if it is the best option for you. Therefore, you should test it out with the 30-day money-back guarantee before signing up for a membership. The money-back-guarantee offers a risk-free opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of the VPN features. In addition, the customer care staff is available through live chat around the clock, so you can quickly request a refund if unsatisfied.

ExpressVPN Review

• 1Pros&Cons
• 2How to stream?
• 3Features table
• 4Features
• 5Speed tests
• 6DNS leak test
• 7ExpressVPN vs Competitors
• 8Conclusion

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