ExpressVPN review

ExpressVPN is the VPN for people who want to install something once and forget about it. Online since 2009, it is known for clean, simple apps, a fast in-house protocol and a no-logs promise that has been checked by auditors and tested in a real server seizure. It costs more than most rivals, and it is not the cheapest way to hide your IP – but it is one of the easiest.

What is ExpressVPN?

ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, outside the Five, Nine and Fourteen Eyes alliances. Since 2021 it has been owned by Kape Technologies, the group that also owns Private Internet Access and CyberGhost. It runs 3,000+ servers in around 105 countries on its TrustedServer technology: every server runs from RAM and is wiped at each reboot.

Is ExpressVPN safe?

Yes. Its no-logs policy has been checked by several independent audits, most recently by KPMG, and it was tested for real in 2017, when Turkish authorities seized one of its servers and found nothing useful on it. It publishes transparency reports showing millions of DMCA notices and hundreds of government requests a year, with no browsing data handed over. The main reservation is ownership: Kape’s past in the adware business is worth knowing about.

Is ExpressVPN good for torrenting?

Yes. Torrenting is allowed on every server, so there are no special P2P servers to look for. Network Lock, its kill switch, keeps your real IP away from the swarm if the VPN drops, and split tunneling lets you route only your torrent client through the VPN. Threat Manager blocks trackers and malicious domains. There is no port forwarding, which can slow down seeding on some private trackers.

ExpressVPN speed and protocols

The default protocol is Lightway, ExpressVPN’s own open-source protocol, built to connect almost instantly and to survive switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data. It now includes post-quantum encryption. Independent tests rate its speeds as excellent, usually just behind NordVPN, and OpenVPN and IKEv2 remain available.

Does ExpressVPN work with Netflix and streaming?

It is one of the most reliable services for Netflix libraries abroad, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and similar platforms, according to most reviews. Apps cover Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, Fire TV and browsers, plus its own Aircove routers. The number of devices depends on the plan – around 10 on Basic and up to 14 on Pro – and support is 24/7 by live chat.

ExpressVPN price and plans

ExpressVPN sells three plans – Basic, Advanced and Pro – with more devices and extras such as a password manager on the higher tiers. With current promotions the 12-month Basic plan starts at around $3.49 per month, against about $12.99 on a monthly plan; prices vary by country and promotion, and renewals are higher. There is no free trial, but every plan has a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you can pay by card, PayPal or crypto.

ExpressVPN vs NordVPN and Surfshark

ExpressVPN has the simplest apps and a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. NordVPN is usually a bit faster with more servers and extras for the money, and Surfshark is cheaper with unlimited devices. Choose ExpressVPN if ease of use matters more than price. All our picks are in the VPN category.

ExpressVPN FAQ

Is ExpressVPN free?

No. There is no free trial, but every plan has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Does ExpressVPN keep logs?

ExpressVPN says it keeps no activity logs; the policy has been audited, most recently by KPMG, and held up in a 2017 server seizure in Turkey.

Can I use ExpressVPN for torrenting?

Yes, on every server, with the Network Lock kill switch. There is no port forwarding.

Who owns ExpressVPN?

Kape Technologies, since 2021.

Verdict

ExpressVPN is fast, private, very easy to use and battle-tested. NordVPN gives a bit more for the money, but ExpressVPN remains one of the safest choices – just watch the renewal price.