ExpressVPN Review

Known for its reliable speed, ExpressVPN created a new VPN protocol under Lightway. Unlike other VPNs that use Wireguard, ExpressVPN’s Lightway provides quick switching of online network sources such as mobile data and wifi. From three speed tests done in a day, its download speed has an average of 135mbps in Asian and European countries and North American states.

It might be slower than its other competitor, but you would not be able to notice the decrease in speed. You may test its speed when the ExpressVPN is turned on and while you are not using it. ExpressVPN has its speed testing feature on the app itself, where you can monitor the connection speed during ExpressVPN use. Even with daily use, speed and performance do not decrease during gaming, browsing, streaming, and downloading.

ExpressVPN’s speed does not affect its performance unless you are connected to an unstable or very slow internet connection before you use ExpressVPN.

Aside from social media, streaming is also one of the activities mostly done on the internet, and the use of a VPN is essential for streaming. Most of the time, the contents of streaming sites differ from one region to another. Therefore people use VPNs to watch anything online that is not available in a specific region.

ExpressVPN has been known to unlock movies, TV series, and other watchable media online, and you should not have problems watching online content considering its speed. ExpressVPN works on Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, ESPN, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube. Unfortunately, not all VPN has the feature to unlock these main streaming sites.

More than 3000 servers worldwide are available on ExpressVPN. Therefore, you will have various options of which content from other countries to watch. On the website of ExpressVPN, a list of unblocked sites is available for you to choose from. This serves as showing confidence to every user that ExpressVPN can be used without any problems on those websites.

Aside from getting access to content restricted to a specific region, using ExpressVPN also reduces buffering when watching online.

ExpressVPN reaches up to 3000 servers in 94 countries. Due to this, there is a high chance of using VPN on every continent. Areas with the best coverage are Europe, North America, Asia, and South Africa. However, even if you are not located in these areas, a high possibility of a near-server connection is available.

Another ExpressVPN feature for server connections is it can establish a virtual server connection for areas with strict restrictions on internet usage. Compared to its competitors, ExpressVPN servers are easy to connect to, and changing servers does not require too much process. As a result, ExpressVPN is the best and most comprehensive VPN choice in the Asia Pacific and European countries.

This VPN service has a high degree of encryption and security standards, which are likely impossible to break. P2P file sharing and other data transfers are secured with extra security using SHA-512 HMAC authentication. Additionally, the receiver and sender of the file have a transfer key wherein once changes occur, it means the transfer connection has been interrupted by a third party.

Also, there is a separate protocol available for every device used.

If you opt to change the protocol in use, just change it on the settings menu. However, it is automatic as default, where ExpressVPN initially chooses which is the best protocol to use. Thanks to this option, you will not have to change the protocol manually every time. Most of the time, it is Lightway, or OpenVPN is used, which are both recommended since it provides speed and security at the same time.

Another feature of ExpressVPN is the automatic kill switch. It hides the device and connection activities when switching servers or during an unstable VPN connection. However, you may need to use a third-party app for another layer of protection if you are an iOS user. The kill switch does not work on iOS devices.

For other operating systems other than iOS, split tunneling can be done with ExpressVPN. With this feature, you will be able to use a VPN on another country’s server and browse on a regular browser in your region.

There are times that private data is exposed on DNS and IPv4 leaks. However, with ExpressVPN’s feature on leak tests, there are results that there are no leaks of personal data during browsing. This built-in protection hides personal data from hackers and third parties.

While some VPN services provide the “no-logs policy”, there are times that third parties can access activity and connection logs. As for ExpressVPN, its no-logs policy is proven to be trusted and reliable. Once you use ExpressVPN, tracking any users connected to an IP and their activity logs will not be possible. The only information that can be accessed is VPN use dates, chosen location, and amount of transferred data.

ExpressVPN uses third-party companies to audit its privacy statements, security features, and browser extensions to get an accurate and unbiased audit report. ExpressVPN can keep its reputation on security and privacy since it successfully passed the third-party audits. For transparency, all audit reports made on ExpressVPN are available online.

The headquarters of ExpressVPN is located in the British Virgin Islands where governments outside the country cannot force the company to release any information. This makes BVI a good location for companies that needs data privacy, while ExpressVPN only follows BVI’s jurisdiction. Also, the location of the headquarters is not included on the 5, 9, and 14 Eyes where an intelligence-sharing network is done.

The fastest way to use ExpressVPN is to download it from the website. It has a native app designed for use on Windows, Mac, iOS, Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick, routers, etc. With its easy-to-use interface, new VPN users will be able to follow the process since ExpressVPN does not need other configurations to use.

However, some of the features of ExpressVPN are not available for other devices. For example, for iOS, the split tunneling, kill switch, and OpenVPN is not available, IKEv2 is not available for Android and Linux, and L2TP/IPSec is unavailable for iOS, Android, Linux, and routers.

As mentioned earlier, ExpressVPN is recognized for its speed and security features. With these, ExpressVPN is suitable for downloading on all torrenting clients without having too much online traffic for users.

ExpressVPN has exceptional customer service, which is available anytime. In addition, their website has troubleshooting guidelines for the most commonly encountered errors, complete with video and image tutorials, even with no phone support. You may also reach them through email and live chat.

Emails sent for inquiries and questions are replied to as fast as thirty minutes which is truly helpful if you need immediate action to the errors encountered. What is more, they can accommodate questions even from the non-users.

Nevertheless, Live chat is the most effective and fastest way of reaching customer support. Moreover, solutions are easily given to the encountered problems with their real-time replies. That is why Live chat is the most recommended method of contacting them.

To ensure the quality of customer service that ExpressVPN has been providing its clients, the company tests the knowledge of its customer support team regularly by asking technical questions for every possible problem encountered.

China has a law that prohibits censorship on using internet access. Most VPNs are prohibited, but ExpressVPN can be used since it does not have any servers in the country. A Network Lock will be enabled to block the internet traffic once the connection is unstable. With ExpressVPN’s security features, all logs are not kept and will not be able to be seen by the Chinese government.

Though available, there is a limited server that works in China. Therefore, getting the app before you arrive in China is recommended. Otherwise, you will not be able to download it since the website is blocked in the country.

VPNs in India were requested by The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs to be blocked by the government just like in other countries. However, ExpressVPN allows people to access VPN anonymously to use the internet.

ExpressVPN works on all devices. Even with only one subscription, five devices can use the VPN service simultaneously. In addition, it can be used on game consoles and Apple TV by using the Smart DNS service. You need to change the current DNS into a server supported by ExpressVPN.

The VPN can also be used on routers for unlimited connections. Asus, Linksys, and Netgear are compatible with ExpressVPN, while DDT-WRT, Sabai, TP-Link, D-Link, Netduma, Tomato, and Xiaomi routers need manual setup to use ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN also works on Amazon Firestick, which works on the applications installed.

ExpressVPN works as an extension on the common browsers such as Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, but it needs the main application to run simultaneously. Security and privacy are still applied even on these browser extensions.

As part of its security feature, the VPN has TrustedServer, which ensures that your browsing activities and data are not stored on the hard drive. In addition, it clears all data for every reboot, which minimizes the risk of exposing data.

ExpressVPN is also easy to use and install. You just need to choose a plan, create your account, and pay. Once you receive an email of confirmation and activation code, it is now ready for installation. After installation, set the app to your home screen and use the on/off button to see the list of servers.

Threat Manager is another feature that gives an extra layer of privacy by blocking websites that may hack your personal information.

Like other websites, ExpressVPN may encounter technical issues. The good thing about its website is it has a list of the most common problems encountered with video tutorials. Features and instructions on installation are also discussed on the website, which can be understood by a new user.

ExpressVPN prepares from time to time offers, like in May 2022, ExpressVPN lowered its subscription prices to $6.67 for the annual plan, and it comes with three months free subscription. However, this offer comes for a limited time only.

When paying for the regular subscription, it costs $12.95 monthly, $6.67 per month on a 15-month subscription, and $9.99 per month on a 6-month subscription.

ExpressVPN allows you to try the service for free for 30 days. So you can test the VPN for that period. And if you are not satisfied, you may contact customer support to cancel your subscription.

ExpressVPN is a good investment for people who frequently travel regarding its speed and security. With its large number of servers, you will be able to access streaming sites of other regions and torrent downloads. It is also compatible with up to five devices making it worth the cost. Using ExpressVPN is essential not just for streaming and browsing but also for online security and privacy.