ExpressVPN Review: The Fastest VPN on the Market?

What is ExpressVPN?

ExpressVPN is a premium VPN (Virtual Private Network) service founded in 2009 by two college friends. In 2021, it was acquired by cybersecurity company Kape Technologies. It is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, meaning it is not subject to data retention laws or surveillance programs.

Today it is used by millions of users worldwide. The Android app has over 50 million downloads on Google Play with a rating of 4.3 out of 5 from over 280,000 reviewers. On the App Store it achieves a score of 4.7 out of 5.

The primary use case is straightforward: secure and anonymous browsing, access to geo-blocked content (Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+), protection on public Wi-Fi networks, and torrenting.

Pricing and Plans

ExpressVPN underwent a significant pricing restructure in 2025. It now offers three tiers — Basic, Advanced, and Pro — each available on monthly, annual, or two-year subscriptions. The longer the plan, the lower the monthly price.

Plan	Monthly	Annual (per month)	2 Years (per month)
Basic	$12.99	$4.99	$3.49
Advanced	$13.99	$5.99	$4.49
Pro	$19.99	$8.99	$7.49

The Basic plan includes pure VPN protection for up to 10 devices. Advanced adds a password manager (Keys), an ad and tracker blocker, and 3 days of eSIM data when traveling. Pro additionally includes a dedicated IP address, 5 days of eSIM, advanced identity protection, and support for up to 14 devices simultaneously.

Note: the discounted introductory price is available to new customers only. After the first subscription period ends, the price renews at the standard rate (approx. $99.95/year for Basic). I recommend checking for current offers before renewing.

Tip: All current discounts and coupons are available in the deals section.

A 7-day free trial is available for iOS and Android. All plans are also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee — no questions asked.

Features and Specifications

ExpressVPN offers a combination of performance, security, and simplicity that has kept it at the top of rankings for years. Here are the most important features I tested.

Lightway Protocol

The proprietary Lightway protocol is the heart of ExpressVPN. In 2025 it was rewritten from C to Rust, significantly improving security by eliminating memory management vulnerabilities. Lightway is faster than OpenVPN and IKEv2, resilient against network dropouts, and since 2025 includes quantum-threat protection. For the average user, this means one thing: a fast, stable connection that automatically reconnects when switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data.

On Windows, Lightway Turbo is also available, using multi-lane tunneling for even higher speeds.

TrustedServer — RAM-Only Servers

All ExpressVPN servers run exclusively on RAM rather than hard drives. This means every server restart automatically wipes all data — including the operating system, which reloads from a secure image. No data is ever written to disk. This technology has been independently audited by KPMG (most recently in June 2025).

Security and Encryption

ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption — the same standard used by military and government organizations. Its no-logs policy was validated in practice in 2017, when Turkish authorities seized an ExpressVPN server during a criminal investigation and found no records of user activity.

By 2026, ExpressVPN had completed over 19 independent security audits from reputable firms including PwC, KPMG, Cure53, F-Secure, and Nettitude. In 2025 it also earned four international ISO certifications (27001, 18295-1, 18295-2, and 9001).

Kill Switch (Network Lock)

The Network Lock feature automatically blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. Your IP address and activity remain hidden even during outages. It is available on all major platforms.

Server Network and Streaming

ExpressVPN operates over 3,000 servers in 105 countries. During my tests I streamed Netflix in HD from multiple regions (US, UK, DE), BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and DAZN without issues. Streaming was smooth and buffer-free.

Device Compatibility

Native apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. ExpressVPN also works on Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch via the Smart DNS feature or directly through the Aircove router.

Split Tunneling

Split tunneling lets you choose which apps route through the VPN and which use a direct connection. It is available on Android, Windows, and router. On macOS this feature is missing — one of the few shortcomings.

Pros

• Proprietary Lightway protocol — one of the fastest on the market
• RAM-only servers (TrustedServer) — no data stored on disk
• Over 19 independent security audits and ISO certifications
• Works in China and other countries with internet censorship
• Unblocks 100+ streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer
• Extremely easy to use — ideal even for beginners
• Apps for all major platforms and devices
• 30-day money-back guarantee with no conditions
• Cryptocurrency payment for greater anonymity
• 24/7 live chat support

Cons

• Higher price compared to competitors (upon renewal)
• Split tunneling not available on macOS
• Discounted price is for new customers only — existing users pay full rate
• No free plan (only a 7-day trial on iOS and Android)
• Functionality in China is not guaranteed — depends on current network conditions
• Owned by Kape Technologies — some privacy-focused users find this concerning

My Experience

I tested ExpressVPN on Windows and Android. Installation took less than a minute and the app walked me through basic setup right on first launch. No unnecessary steps.

Connection speed is noticeably better than most VPNs I have tested. The Lightway protocol switched between servers seamlessly without dropouts. Streaming on Netflix US and BBC iPlayer worked on the first try with no proxy errors.

The Android app is clean and intuitive — pick a server, tap connect, and you are protected. I also appreciate the built-in server speed tester, which always helps you pick the fastest option.

What bothers me slightly: split tunneling is missing on macOS, and the price jumps significantly at renewal if you do not sign up as a new customer.

User Reviews

On Trustpilot, ExpressVPN holds a rating of 4.0 out of 5 from over 26,000 reviewers. On the App Store it achieves 4.7 out of 5, and on Google Play 4.4 out of 5.

Users consistently praise the ease of use, speed, and responsive customer support. Criticism is mainly directed at renewal pricing and occasional issues with app updates on Android and Windows.

A few real Trustpilot reviews:

MarkyMark (December 2025): “In the last 10 years I haven’t run into any issues with ExpressVPN services. By far the best paid VPN I’ve used in ten years.”

Trevor M. (January 2026): “Absolutely the best VPN on the market. Good prices for new customers. They don’t offer discounts to existing customers — just create a new account at the end of your subscription and you won’t feel ripped off.”

ExpressVPN Alternatives

ExpressVPN is not for everyone. If you are looking for a cheaper or more specialized VPN, here are the main alternatives I personally tested.

NordVPN

NordVPN is the most frequently mentioned competitor to ExpressVPN. It offers more advanced features such as Meshnet, Double VPN, and specialized servers optimized for extra security. Compared to ExpressVPN, NordVPN is slightly cheaper on long-term plans and has a larger server network. If advanced features and price are your priority, NordVPN is a strong choice. ExpressVPN, however, leads in ease of use and reliability in censored regions.

Surfshark

Surfshark is the ideal choice if you need to protect a large number of devices — it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, which ExpressVPN does not. The price is significantly lower and features like CleanWeb (ad and malware blocking) or multi-hop routing are included in the base plan. The downside is that streaming speed and reliability lag behind ExpressVPN, and less tech-savvy users may find some features more complex.

CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost offers one of the largest server networks on the market and dedicated servers optimized for specific streaming platforms. It is cheaper than ExpressVPN and well suited for users looking for a simple VPN primarily for streaming. Compared to ExpressVPN, it falls short in performance in censored countries and protocol speed.

Proton VPN

Proton VPN is the best choice for users who put privacy first. It is based in Switzerland, has open-source apps, and offers a free plan. Compared to ExpressVPN it is slower and less reliable for streaming, but for those who distrust Kape Technologies and prefer an independent, transparently audited VPN, Proton VPN is an excellent alternative.

Tip: compare all reviewed VPNs in our article best VPN services.

Support and Contact

ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat support directly in the app and on the website. Customer service is available in English and other languages. The website features an extensive help center with detailed guides, YouTube video tutorials, and installation walkthroughs for all platforms — including advanced router configurations.

Phone support is not available, which more advanced users with complex issues may find limiting. That said, live chat responses are fast and agents are technically competent.

Summary and Rating

ExpressVPN earns a rating of 9/10.

It is the easiest, most reliable, and one of the fastest VPNs on the market. The proprietary Lightway protocol, RAM-only servers, over 19 security audits, and functionality even in China — that is a combination few can match. Who do I recommend it for?

• Recommended for: beginners, streaming service users, travelers, business users in countries with internet censorship, and anyone looking for a reliable VPN without complex setup.
• Not recommended for: budget-conscious users who need to protect many devices (consider Surfshark), and those for whom open-source code and independence from the Kape Technologies group is an absolute priority (consider Proton VPN).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ExpressVPN safe to use?

Yes. ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption, RAM-only servers (TrustedServer), and a no-logs policy verified by over 19 independent audits including KPMG and Cure53. In 2017, Turkish authorities were unable to retrieve any user activity records from their server.

How much does ExpressVPN cost?

The cheapest plan (Basic, 2 years) works out to $3.49/month. A monthly subscription costs $12.99. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee. Check current discounts directly through our link.

Does ExpressVPN work with Netflix?

Yes. ExpressVPN unblocks Netflix in dozens of regions including the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and more. It also works with Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and 100+ other streaming services.

Is ExpressVPN legal?

Yes. Using a VPN is legal in most countries. ExpressVPN is a standard tool for privacy protection, remote access, and secure browsing. Always check local laws in your country before use.

Does ExpressVPN work in China?

In most cases yes — ExpressVPN is among the most reliable VPNs for China. Functionality can depend on current network conditions and the political situation. If China is your primary reason for subscribing, I recommend testing the service within the 30-day money-back guarantee window.

How many devices can be connected at once?

The Basic plan allows 10 simultaneous connections, Advanced 12, and Pro 14. For unlimited devices, you can install ExpressVPN directly on an Aircove router.

Does ExpressVPN have a free version?

No. ExpressVPN does not have a free plan. A 7-day free trial is available on iOS and Android. All paid plans are covered by the 30-day money-back guarantee — which is essentially a risk-free month of testing.