ExpressVPN utilizes the industry-standard OpenVPN protocol alongside their proprietary Lightway protocol and AES 256-bit encryption as default. Their server infrastructure boasts over 105 connection locations, providing excellent global coverage and connection options.
While the service commands premium pricing, it delivers reliable Netflix streaming performance. Our 2026 testing shows improved streaming capabilities with multiple server options working consistently across regions.
All in all, it’s a very good premium VPN service that offers excellent value for users prioritizing security, privacy, and reliable streaming performance. If you’re looking for comprehensive protection with top-tier features, ExpressVPN remains an outstanding choice.
→ Get 80% off ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee
[Limited Deal]
ExpressVPN Overview
ExpressVPN pricing starts at around $2.49/month on 2-year plan and goes up to $12.95/month for a monthly subscription. While ExpressVPN used to be considered one of the pricier VPNs in the top-end of the market, that’s actually pretty competitive with other top-tier VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark.
The ExpressVPN app uses AES-256 encryption paired with a range of tunneling protocols including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Lightway. Lightway is ExpressVPN’s own proprietary VPN protocol built on the WolfSSL library, designed to deliver faster speeds without sacrificing security.
ExpressVPN’s server network spans across 105+ locations, giving it one of the broadest geographic footprints in the industry. That wide reach makes it particularly effective for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing region-locked content. In testing, ExpressVPN consistently unblocks Netflix across multiple regions, as well as popular platforms like BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and Disney+, cementing its reputation as a top-tier VPN for streaming.
Torrenting is well supported too. ExpressVPN allows P2P traffic across its entire server network rather than limiting it to designated servers, so there’s no need to hunt for a compatible option. Just pick the VPN server in the location you need and connect, it’s really that simple.
Speaking of simplicity, ExpressVPN has been rebuilt from the ground up to be as simple as possible to use. It’s one of the easiest VPNs to deploy and use, so even if you’re a VPN newbie you won’t be overwhelmed. Plus, ExpressVPN has some of the best support guides we’ve seen and a team of agents you can call up 24/7 for help with your VPN.
On the privacy front, ExpressVPN holds up well. It maintains a strict, independently audited no-logs policy and operates its servers on RAM-only infrastructure through its TrustedServer technology, meaning no data is ever written to a hard drive. Its headquarters in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction outside the 14 Eyes surveillance alliance with no mandatory data retention laws.
| OVERALL RANK: | #4 Out of 30 VPNs |
| USABILITY: | Very Easy, Supports All Devices |
| LOG FILES: | No Logging Policy |
| LOCATIONS: | 105+ Locations |
| SUPPORT: | 24/7 Live Chat |
| TORRENTING: | P2P & Torrenting Allowed |
| NETFLIX: | Unblocks Netflix USA & Multiple Regions |
| ENCRYPTION/PROTOCOL: | 256-bit AES/Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 & L2TP |
| SIMULTANEOUS DEVICES: | 14 Devices |
| COST: | From $2.49/mo |
| OFFICIAL WEBSITE: | www.ExpressVPN.com |
ExpressVPN Pros
1. Extensive Global Server Network With Premium Infrastructure
ExpressVPN operates a fleet of highspeed servers in 105+ locations, making it one of the best VPNs for global reach. They maintain servers on every continent except Antarctica, making ExpressVPN one of the most geographically diverse VPN providers on the market.
Whether you’re trying to connect to popular locations in Europe like Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy or more obscure destinations like Cuba, Macau, the UAE, and Egypt, ExpressVPN provides fast, consistent connections that allow you to sidestep geoblocking and get access to the content you want wherever you are in the world.
Of course, ExpressVPN also offers a wide range of servers in the United States from coast to coast, including New York and Los Angeles as well as Las Vegas, Atlanta, Miami, and Baltimore.
If you’re looking for dedicated IPs, ExpressVPN offers them in the follow countries:
- Australia (Sydney)
- Austria
- Belgium
- Canada (Toronto)
- Denmark
- France (Paris)
- Germany (Frankfurt)
- Hong Kong
- Ireland
- Italy (Cosenza)
- Japan (Tokyo)
- The Netherlands (Amsterdam)
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Singapore (Jurong)
- South Africa
- Spain (Madrid)
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The United Kingdom (Docklands and Midlands)
- The United States (Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle)
ExpressVPN’s server infrastructure utilizes high-speed 10-Gbps servers ensuring consistent performance across their network. The majority of their servers are physical servers located in the same country as the registered IP address, though they strategically use virtual servers in select locations to ensure optimal performance and security.
Virtual servers represent less than 3% of their total infrastructure and are used primarily to provide better connection speeds and reliability in regions where physical server deployment would be challenging or less optimal.
This extensive server selection means you’ll consistently find nearby servers, reducing latency and maximizing connection speeds for optimal performance.
2. Outstanding Speed Performance With Lightway Protocol
ExpressVPN consistently delivers impressive speed performance, enhanced significantly by their proprietary Lightway protocol. Our 2026 testing confirmed excellent speeds across multiple server locations and protocols.
Our recent speed test results demonstrate ExpressVPN’s commitment to performance across their entire line of servers. We saw comparable speeds across most of Europe and the US, with only Asia servers dropping significantly below our baseline of 250Mbps.
Baseline
- Download: 249.49Mbps
- Upload: 248.49Mbps
- Ping: 1ms
Nearest Server
- Download: 242.71Mbps
- Upload: 240.59Mbps
- Ping: 1ms
Europe
- Download: 238.92Mbps
- Upload: 244.29Mbps
- Ping: 25ms
US East
- Download: 218.61Mbps
- Upload: 226.84Mbps
- Ping: 97ms
US West
- Download: 206.42Mbps
- Upload: 234.00Mbps
- Ping: 161ms
Asia
- Download: 194.97Mbps
- Upload: 216.34Mbps
- Ping: 246ms
The introduction of Lightway Turbo technology further enhances these speeds through multi-lane tunneling, allowing faster data transmission. Speed performance can vary based on your physical location, internet connection quality, and time of day, but ExpressVPN consistently ranks among the fastest VPN services available.
3. Superior User Experience With Intuitive Interface
ExpressVPN maintains their reputation for exceptional usability with streamlined setup and operation. The service can be configured and operational within minutes of subscription.
The “Smart Location” feature automatically selects the optimal server based on your location and current network conditions, eliminating guesswork for optimal performance.
Setup remains straightforward with three simple steps:
- Select your subscription plan.
- Access their comprehensive setup page.
- Download and install ExpressVPN on your chosen devices.
ExpressVPN’s interface design prioritizes ease of use without sacrificing functionality, making it accessible to VPN newcomers while providing advanced options for experienced users.
4. Advanced Security Features With TrustedServer Technology
Network Lock: Enhanced Kill-Switch Protection
ExpressVPN’s Network Lock is the in-house name for their Kill Switch feature. When the connection to ExpressVPN’s servers are interrupted, the Kill Switch kicks in and shuts your internet connection down until you’re able to contact one of ExpressVPN’s servers again.
It’s an essential security feature, as it ensures that none of your internet traffic is being sent over an unencrypted connection. If you’re worried about your ISP spying on you or hackers snooping on your traffic while you’re connected to public Wi-Fi, keep Network Lock turned on.
Network Lock functions at the system level, preventing any data transmission outside the VPN tunnel. This feature is standard across ExpressVPN applications for Mac, Windows, Linux, and routers, providing consistent protection regardless of your platform.
TrustedServer Technology
ExpressVPN pioneered TrustedServer technology, utilizing RAM-only servers that automatically wipe all data upon reboot. This innovative approach ensures no persistent data storage, enhancing privacy protection beyond traditional hard drive-based servers.
5. Comprehensive Device Compatibility and Enhanced Connection Limits
ExpressVPN used to lag behind the competition in terms of the number of devices they’d allow you to hook up to their servers at once. However, this is no longer the case. ExpressVPN now supports 10 devices on a single subscription. If you buy the Advanced package, this goes up to 12 devices per subscription, whereas the Pro package supports 14 simultaneous device connection. That’s more than NordVPN, which only allows you to connect 10 devices no matter which plan you’re on.
Still not enough? Don’t worry, ExpressVPN’s own Aircove Router allows you to connect multiple devices under an ExpressVPN subscription while only counting as one device against their connection limit. This also allows you to protect devices on your network that won’t natively support a VPN client, such as games consoles like the PS5 and Xbox, as well as older smart TVs and IoT devices.
ExpressVPN supports an extensive range of devices and platforms:
- Operating Systems – Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux, ChromeOS
- Router Support – Compatible with major router brands plus their dedicated Aircove router
- Browser Extensions – Chrome, Firefox, Edge
- Streaming Devices – PlayStation, Apple TV, Xbox, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Smart TV, Android TV
- Mobile Devices – iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets, Kindle Fire
Router setup remains straightforward:
- Purchase your ExpressVPN subscription.
- Select a compatible VPN router or their Aircove router.
- Follow the guided setup process.
6. Full Support for Tor and P2P/Torrenting Activities
ExpressVPN maintains comprehensive support for both Tor networks and torrenting activities across their entire server network. This unrestricted approach sets them apart from VPN providers that limit P2P activity to specific servers.
Using ExpressVPN with Tor creates layered security combining VPN encryption with Tor’s anonymity network. The recommended configuration involves connecting to ExpressVPN first, then accessing the Tor network, providing maximum privacy protection.
For torrenting, ExpressVPN allows P2P file sharing across all servers, ensuring you can maintain optimal speeds while protecting your privacy. The service works seamlessly with popular torrent clients including uTorrent, BitTorrent, and qBittorrent.
ExpressVPN’s commitment to privacy means they don’t monitor or restrict your file-sharing activities while maintaining the security and anonymity that makes them a top choice for P2P users.
7. Comprehensive Leak Protection and Security Testing
Our thorough security testing confirmed ExpressVPN maintains excellent protection against various types of data leaks. We conducted comprehensive leak testing across multiple platforms and scenarios.
We tested for WebRTC leaks using Browserleaks.net. Some VPNs don’t provide total IP protection and struggle with disguising your IP through the WebRTC protocol, but we’ve found that ExpressVPN doesn’t suffer from this issue.
We also tested for DNS leaks using IPLeak.net. As you’d expect, ExpressVPN properly handles DNS requests and does not leak your IP when asking for domain names. We weren’t able to perform IPv6 connectivity tests, which suggests ExpressVPN doesn’t allow IPv6 connections at all. If you need to be able to connect to IPv6 services, we recommend you look elsewhere. On the positive side, this does mean there are no IPv6 leak issues.
We’ve also tested ExpressVPN’s killswitch to make sure it properly disconnects you from the internet when you lose connection to ExpressVPN’s servers. This feature makes sure you don’t accidentally start sending unencrypted traffic over the network because of connectivity issues, so it’s vital for your privacy that it works properly. Our barrage of connection tests showed that in all cases, ExpressVPN’s killswitch works properly.
Additional security verification included malware scanning of installation files through VirusTotal, confirming clean, secure software distribution.
All security tests confirmed ExpressVPN’s robust protection against common VPN vulnerabilities.
8. Exceptional Customer Support With 24/7 Availability
ExpressVPN maintains outstanding customer support standards with multiple contact options and consistently responsive service. Their 24/7 live chat support provides immediate assistance for technical issues, setup questions, and account management.
Support options include:
- Live Chat – Available 24/7 with knowledgeable agents
- Email Support – Comprehensive responses for complex issues
- Knowledge Base – Extensive self-help documentation and guides
- Setup Tutorials – Step-by-step guides for all supported devices
The support team demonstrates deep technical knowledge and can provide specific server recommendations for streaming, gaming, or specialized use cases. Response times are consistently fast, with live chat typically connecting within minutes.
9. Strategic Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands
ExpressVPN operates from the British Virgin Islands, providing significant privacy advantages due to the jurisdiction’s favorable data protection laws and independence from major surveillance alliances.
Key advantages of BVI jurisdiction:
- No mandatory data-retention requirements
- Independence from 5-Eyes, 9-Eyes, and 14-Eyes intelligence sharing agreements
- High court order required for any information disclosure
- Strict legal protections for privacy and data security
This strategic location ensures ExpressVPN can maintain their strict no-logs policy without interference from government surveillance programs or mandatory data retention laws common in other jurisdictions.
10. Independently Audited No-Logs Policy
ExpressVPN maintains a strict, independently verified no-logging policy that has been validated through multiple third-party audits. They collect absolutely no user activity data or connection logs.
Data ExpressVPN Never Collects:
- User IP addresses
- Browsing history or traffic content
- Traffic destinations or metadata
- DNS queries
- Connection timestamps
Minimal Information Collected for Service Operation:
- App versions activated (for technical support)
- Connection dates (not times or duration)
- Server location choices
- Total bandwidth usage (not content or destinations)
This minimal data collection approach ensures ExpressVPN can operate reliably while maintaining maximum user privacy. Recent third-party audits confirmed their logging practices align with their published policies.
11. Military-Grade Encryption With Next-Generation Protocols
ExpressVPN implements AES-256 encryption, the same Advanced Encryption Standard used by governments and military organizations worldwide. This encryption standard provides virtually unbreakable protection against even the most sophisticated attacks.
Encryption Features:
- AES-256-GCM – Primary encryption cipher with hardware acceleration
- ChaCha20/Poly1305 – Alternative cipher for mobile devices and lower-powered systems
- Perfect Forward Secrecy – New encryption keys for each session
- Post-Quantum Protection – Future-proofed against quantum computing threats
ExpressVPN’s encryption implementation includes protection against brute-force attacks and ensures your data remains secure even against future technological advances.
12. Advanced Protocol Support With Lightway Innovation
ExpressVPN offers comprehensive protocol support, headlined by their revolutionary Lightway protocol designed specifically for modern VPN requirements.
Available Protocols:
- Lightway (UDP/TCP) – ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol offering superior speed and reliability
- OpenVPN (UDP/TCP) – Industry standard with proven security
- IKEv2 – Excellent for mobile devices and unstable connections
- L2TP/IPsec – Legacy support for older devices
Lightway Protocol Advantages:
- Ultra-fast connection establishment (often under 1 second)
- Improved battery life on mobile devices
- Seamless network switching without disconnection
- Open-source core for transparency and security auditing
- Built with wolfSSL cryptographic library
The Lightway protocol represents a significant advancement in VPN technology, offering faster speeds, improved reliability, and enhanced security compared to traditional protocols. ExpressVPN’s automatic protocol selection ensures optimal performance based on your device and network conditions.
13. Streaming Performance Amongst the Best VPNs
For the most part, ExpressVPN reliably unblocks Netflix and multiple streaming services. However, ExpressVPN’s unblocking performance varies across different server locations and regions. Our 2026 testing shows consistent improvement over previous years, with one key exception.
ExpressVPN’s dedicated streaming optimization and regular server updates have significantly improved Netflix compatibility compared to earlier years. Their customer support can provide specific server recommendations for optimal streaming performance.
First up, we tried streaming Love & Other Drugs through Netflix DE. We were able to log in and connect first time, as you’d expect.
Next up, we switched over to ExpressVPN’s Japan servers to stream Last Samurai Standing on Netflix JP. It worked flawlessly.
Unfortunately, ExpressVPN fell down on one test and it’s a pretty crucial one. No matter what we tried, we couldn’t connect to Netflix UK using ExpressVPN at all. If you’re looking for a VPN that can unlock complete access to all Netflix regions, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
However, the rest of our Netflix tests worked without issue. We were able to stream Stranger Things on Netflix US easily from a range of US servers.
The same goes for Amazon Prime, where we switched over to ExpressVPN’s servers in Germany to watch Maxton Hall on Amazon Prime DE. Once again, ExpressVPN unblocked the streaming service without issue.
Unlike our failed test on Netflix UK, ExpressVPN’s UK servers worked to unblock BBC iPlayer without any problems. We were able to check out The Night Manager in its entirety with no lag or buffering.
Moving on to Disney US gave us the same results as our Netflix US tests. Every US server we tried worked no problem.
Finally, our tests on Paramount Plus DE using ExpressVPN’s servers in Germany worked first time.
All in all, ExpressVPN is nearly perfect for streaming. We’re a little disappointed that we couldn’t get Netflix UK working no matter what we tried, but we expect ExpressVPN to fix this issue promptly.
ExpressVPN Cons
1. Premium Pricing Structure for Top-End Features
ExpressVPN used to be a lot more expensive, but they’ve recently restructured their pricing to make the high-quality service they offer more affordable. As a result, features that you may have been paying for have been shuffled around into more expensive packages. On the plus side, ExpressVPN’s budget options are now very competitive and reflect the rest of the VPN industry’s pricing.
Current Pricing Comparison (2026):
- ExpressVPN: starting from $2.49/month
- NordVPN: starting from $3.09/month
- Surfshark: starting from $1.99/month
Ultimately, ExpressVPN’s pricing includes features and performance levels that justify the premium. While Surfshark and NordVPN may have a slightly easier time unblocking Netflix, ExpressVPN’s servers are amongst the fastest we’ve tested around the world.
ExpressVPN Pricing, Payment Options, Money-Back Guarantee and Free Trial
ExpressVPN positions itself as a premium VPN service, with pricing that reflects their advanced features, superior infrastructure, and comprehensive security offerings. While not the cheapest option available, the service delivers exceptional value through performance and reliability.
2026 Subscription Plans
ExpressVPN offers three main subscription tiers which can be purchased for either one month, a year, or two years.
Basic
The Basic plan allows you to protect 10 devices simultaneously and features a free adblocker built into the VPN which keeps you away from phishing and malware sites.
- Monthly Plan: $12.99/month – Full featured, month-to-month flexibility
- Annual Plan: $3.49/month ($52.39 for the first year, then $99.95 annually) – 3 months free included
- 2-Year Plan: $2.49/month ($68.40 for 28 months) – 4 months free
Advanced
The Advanced plan upgrades you to 12 simultaneous connections and a better adblocker, as well as throwing in a password manager and identity alerts if your credentials end up on the dark web.
- Monthly Plan: $13.99/month – Full featured, month-to-month flexibility
- Annual Plan: $4.19/month ($62.89 for the first month, then $119.95 annually) – 3 months free included
- 2-Year Plan: $3.14/month ($88.00 for 28 months) – 4 months free
Pro
With the Pro plan, you get 14 simultaneous device connections and all of the features of the Advanced plan, plus your own dedicated IP address that isn’t shared with other ExpressVPN users. Dedicated IPs usually go for around $5-$10 on their own as an addon, so it’s not surprising to see the price jump here.
- Monthly Plan: $19.99/month – Full featured, month-to-month flexibility
- Annual Plan: $6.29/month ($94.39 for the first year, then $199.95 annually) – 3 months free included
- 2-Year Plan: $5.24/month ($146.80 for 28 months) – 4 months free
Payment Options
ExpressVPN accepts multiple payment methods. You can pay through major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, UnionPay, as well as through third party payment processors. Currently, ExpressVPN supports PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
ExpressVPN has also supported cryptocurrency payments in the past using Bitcoin through Bitpay, although in our most recent tests we couldn’t find an option to do so. We’re currently liasing with ExpressVPN’s support staff to work this one out, so watch this space.
All of ExpressVPN’s payment processing options are secure and use trusted vendors to transact your payments over an encrypted connection. Once you’re signed up, you can manage your billing preferences through your account dashboard.
Money-Back Guarantee
ExpressVPN offers a comprehensive 30-day money-back guarantee across all subscription plans. If you’re unhappy with ExpressVPN’s service for any reason, you can request a refund for the full value of your subscription. Plus, if you’ve signed up for a subscription renewal you didn’t intend, you can get a refund for the renewal amount within the first 14 days of being charged.
ExpressVPN’s Refund Policy in a Nutshell:
- Full refund available within 30 days of purchase
- No questions asked policy
- Available for direct purchases and Google Play subscriptions
- Renewed subscriptions qualify for 14-day guarantee
- Simple refund process through customer support
Free Trial Availability
ExpressVPN provides a 7-day free trial exclusively for mobile users (iOS and Android) through their respective app stores. This trial offers full access to all features without restrictions.
Free Trial Details:
- 7-day trial period on mobile devices
- Full feature access during trial
- Available through Google Play Store and Apple App Store
- Can be combined with money-back guarantee for extended evaluation
While ExpressVPN’s pricing reflects their premium positioning, the combination of features, performance, and reliability justifies the investment for users seeking top-tier VPN protection.
Do We Recommend ExpressVPN?
Short answer: ExpressVPN is better than ever. With more server locations than most of the competition, rock-solid server speeds, great unblocking capabilities, and a steadily growing range of features to choose from, ExpressVPN is one of the most competitive VPNs in the market today. Plus, ExpressVPN’s recent pricing restructuring makes it highly affordable whether you’re looking for a long-term plan or just a one-off purchase for a holiday abroad, with extra savings available through ExpressVPN coupon codes and deals.
If you value ExpressVPN’s refined apps and proven reliability, you won’t be disappointed- it’s a premium, trustworthy choice. Click here and you can get your own ExpressVPN deal for first time customers.
P.S. I’m always interested in user-reviews so if you’ve used ExpressVPN before, don’t hesitate to leave your review below. If your experience matched mine, cool. If it didn’t, that’s fine too!