Express VPN

ExpressVPN Review 2025

Overview: ExpressVPN is a well-established VPN service known for its robust security features, user-friendly interface, and extensive server network. It has consistently been a top choice for users seeking privacy and performance.

Pros:

1. User-Friendly and Secure Apps: ExpressVPN offers apps for all major operating systems and devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, and more. The apps are designed to be intuitive and secure, making it easy for users to protect their online activities.
2. Proprietary Lightway Protocol: This protocol enhances performance and speed, making ExpressVPN one of the fastest VPNs available.
3. Split Tunneling Feature: Available for macOS, Windows, and routers, this feature allows users to route some of their device traffic through the VPN while letting the rest access the internet directly.
4. Streaming and Torrenting: ExpressVPN works with Netflix and most other streaming services, and it supports P2P downloads across all its servers.
5. 24/7 Live Chat Support: Users can get help anytime with ExpressVPN’s round-the-clock live chat support.
6. Independent Audits: ExpressVPN has passed multiple third-party audits, ensuring its no-logs policy and security measures are trustworthy.
7. Extensive Server Network: With servers in over 100 countries, users can access content from virtually anywhere in the world.

Cons:

1. Above Average Prices: ExpressVPN’s pricing is higher than some competitors, starting at $5.49 per month.
2. Limited Features: While it offers essential features, some users might find it lacking compared to other leading VPNs.
3. Connection Limits: ExpressVPN allows up to 8 simultaneous connections, which is fewer than some other VPNs that offer unlimited connections.

Security and Privacy: ExpressVPN uses industry-standard security features, including 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. It has a strict no-logs policy, which has been independently audited multiple times. The VPN also uses RAM-only servers and perfect forward secrecy (PFS) to enhance security.

Performance: ExpressVPN is known for its fast speeds, thanks to the Lightway protocol. It performs well in streaming, gaming, and secure browsing, making it a versatile choice for various online activities.

Pricing: ExpressVPN offers monthly and yearly plans, with the longest plan often including extra months of service for free. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try the service risk-free.

Conclusion: ExpressVPN remains a top choice for users seeking a reliable and secure VPN service. While it may be pricier than some competitors, its performance, security features, and user-friendly apps make it worth considering.

ExpressVPN is known for its impressive speed and performance. Here are some benchmarks from recent tests:

Speed Test Results (2025)

• USA – New York: Download Speed: 89.26 Mbps, Upload Speed: 85.12 Mbps, Ping: 307 ms.
• Canada – Toronto: Download Speed: 84.17 Mbps, Upload Speed: 39.17 Mbps, Ping: 210 ms.
• The Netherlands – The Hague: Download Speed: 85.84 Mbps, Upload Speed: 86.67 Mbps, Ping: 127 ms.
• Switzerland – Zurich: Download Speed: 86.67 Mbps, Upload Speed: 90.84 Mbps, Ping: 142 ms.
• Italy – Milan: Download Speed: 84.17 Mbps, Upload Speed: 93.34 Mbps, Ping: 123 ms.
• UK – Docklands: Download Speed: 89.17 Mbps, Upload Speed: 75.56 Mbps, Ping: 134 ms.
• Hong Kong: Download Speed: 86.67 Mbps, Upload Speed: 95.26 Mbps, Ping: 259 ms.
• Singapore – Jurong: Download Speed: 78.75 Mbps, Upload Speed: 93.83 Mbps, Ping: 86 ms.
• Australia – Melbourne: Download Speed: 85.84 Mbps, Upload Speed: 90.11 Mbps, Ping: 168 ms.

Performance Highlights

• Lightway Protocol: ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol enhances speed and performance, making it one of the fastest VPNs available.
• Consistent Performance: ExpressVPN consistently offers up to 89% of your base speed, setting an excellent performance standard.
• Global Server Network: With servers in over 100 countries, users can access content from virtually anywhere in the world.

These benchmarks demonstrate ExpressVPN’s ability to maintain high speeds and low latency across various server locations, making it a reliable choice for streaming, gaming, and secure browsing.

Setting up ExpressVPN is straightforward and user-friendly. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step-by-Step Setup Guide for ExpressVPN

1. Visit the Official Website:
   • Go to the ExpressVPN website.
2. Choose a Subscription Plan:
   • Select a plan that suits your needs. ExpressVPN offers monthly, 6-month, and 12-month plans.
3. Create an Account:
   • Sign up with your email address and create a password.
4. Download the Application:
   • Once you’ve subscribed, download the ExpressVPN app for your device. The app is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, and more.
5. Install the Application:
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to install the app on your device.
6. Activate the Application:
   • Open the app and log in with your account credentials. You may need to enter an activation code, which you can find in your account dashboard.
7. Connect to a Server:
   • Choose a server location from the list and click the power button to connect. You can let the app select the best server for you or manually choose one based on your needs.
8. Customize Settings (Optional):
   • You can customize various settings, such as enabling the kill switch, choosing a VPN protocol, and setting up split tunneling.

Device-Specific Setup

• Windows:
  • Download the app from the ExpressVPN website.
  • Install the app and log in with your credentials.
  • Connect to a server and start browsing securely.
• macOS:
  • Download the app from the ExpressVPN website.
  • Install the app and log in with your credentials.
  • Connect to a server and start browsing securely.
• iOS/Android:
  • Download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
  • Install the app and log in with your credentials.
  • Connect to a server and start browsing securely.
• Routers:
  • Follow the router setup guide on the ExpressVPN website for detailed instructions.

For more detailed setup guides and troubleshooting tips, you can visit the ExpressVPN support page.

When comparing the setup process of ExpressVPN with other popular VPNs like NordVPN and ProtonVPN, there are a few key differences and similarities:

ExpressVPN vs. NordVPN

• Ease of Setup:
  • ExpressVPN: Known for its straightforward and user-friendly setup process. The apps are intuitive, and the installation is quick and easy.
  • NordVPN: Also offers a simple setup process with user-friendly apps. However, some users find NordVPN’s interface slightly more cluttered compared to ExpressVPN.
• Device Compatibility:
  • ExpressVPN: Supports a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, and more.
  • NordVPN: Similarly supports multiple devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and routers.

ExpressVPN vs. ProtonVPN

• Ease of Setup:
  • ExpressVPN: Offers a seamless setup process with clear instructions and user-friendly apps.
  • ProtonVPN: The setup process is also straightforward, but some users may find it slightly more complex compared to ExpressVPN.
• Device Compatibility:
  • ExpressVPN: Provides extensive device compatibility, including support for routers, which allows users to protect all devices on their network.
  • ProtonVPN: Supports a wide range of devices, but its router support is more limited compared to ExpressVPN.

Overall Comparison

• User Experience:
  • ExpressVPN is often praised for its clean and minimalistic interface, making it easy for users to navigate and set up.
  • NordVPN and ProtonVPN also offer user-friendly interfaces, but some users may find ExpressVPN’s setup process to be slightly more intuitive and streamlined.

In summary, while all three VPNs offer user-friendly setup processes and extensive device compatibility, ExpressVPN stands out for its simplicity and ease of use. NordVPN and ProtonVPN are also excellent choices, but some users may find ExpressVPN’s setup process to be more straightforward and intuitive.