ExpressVPN Review 2021: Is it Price Worthy?

It’s quite annoying that ExpressVPN cost’s more than other VPNs in the market. But it’s one of the safest, fastest VPN around neglecting the price. Does it really require such huge pay? Do you want to know what you will get in return? Well, even I am curious too…

🧐To figure out what makes this VPN Expensive, we have got through all the tests on multiple platforms by testing streaming, torrenting, gaming, browsing speeds along with all other security checks (DNS & IP leaks). Results are quite 😳surprising…

ExpressVPN Quick Overview

ExpressVPN is the toughest VPN around. With high encryption (used in banks and government) with a wide variety of protocols, a great choice for security lovers. Since this is based on the British Virgin Islands, which has no data retention laws. The company truly does not keep any of its user data.

ExpressVPN uses OpenVPN, Ikev2, and L2Tp-IPSec protocols, which are known as the most reliable security protocols. This VPN has 3000+ servers across 94 countries offering decent internet speeds. ExpressVPN can unblock Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming services.

ExpressVPN allows you to connect up to 5 devices simultaneously. Though their prices are a little higher compared to competitors in the market.

They manage to offer 30 days risk-free money-back program and 24/7 live chat support for all of your problems. If you want then there is a hidden page for low price subscriptions.

ExpressVPN Features In Detail

Streaming capabilities

ExpressVPN is a fantastic 🤗streaming services unblocker. You can watch everything you want on Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer without any problems. You can also check which streaming services can be unblocked by ExpressVPN.

But the only 🥺drawback is that ExpressVPN couldn’t make it through some Netflix content. Here are some of the services that this VPN can unblock.

Netflix	Hulu	Amazon Prime	HBO Max	Crunchyroll	BBC iPlayer
Peacock	DStv	PlutoTV	IPTV	Crackle	SkyTV
ESPN+	ProSieben	Discovery+	AT&T tv	Zattoo	AppleTV
Paramount	6Play	Locast	Now TV	Channel4	Youtube
RaiPlay	CBC Gem	Rakuten Viki	ITV	SlingTV	UKTV
Globoplay	Vudu	Crackle	Hotstar	Kodi	Crave

All Netflix regions can be unblocked like a piece of cake for ExpressVPN. We have tested almost all the region servers, during my test I have unblocked 20 different Netflix libraries and enjoyed watching the content without any interruptions.

But some servers (virtual) could be able to unblock only Netflix Originals (not Netflix regional content). This 🤧disappointed me a bit, but anyway I thought it’s better than being blocked by Netflix proxy errors.

This VPN is capable of unblocking Disney+ to stream on Ultra HD seamlessly. There are some small issues (UK Server)on unblocking Amazon Prime but, it’s not for a longer time. You know streaming services are been very 🧐suspective.

During my test, I am able to unblock Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Kodi perfectly fine without any issues. So you can.

Servers

Tons of servers spread across the world will offer great ability to access things quickly, same with the ExpressVPN as well. Speeds might be slow when you use simultaneous device connections or servers on full load.

That’s why ExpressVPN maintains multiple servers in the same region, counting 3000+ servers in 160 locations. A good chance to find the best sever for you. Also, they have servers where other competitors neglect like in Hong Kong, Venezuela, and Turkey (All these are virtual servers).

ExpressVPN does offer city-level servers (16 countries) to boost your streaming speeds making it much easier to find than a country-level server. If you find it 🤔difficult to choose between servers, Smart Location got your 😇back.

This feature will choose a server depending on your location, speed, latency. Sometimes this feature is useful when you are in VPN restricted country (Sometimes it’s better to choose the server on your own to unblock what you want).

Do you know😄? All ExpressVPN Servers are RAM-Only to ensure privacy (known as Trusted Server Technology). By its nature, RAM will not store any kind of data once it’s restarted. This technology ensures

• No Data Storage
• Shorter Data Span (Deleted After every sessions)
• Consistent software across the serveres.

While other VPN providers are storing the user data on Hard Disk (Which leads to security issues). ExpressVPN will reboot its servers every 1-2 weeks, it’s good that they are rebooting it in a shorter span.

Though there are no fixed IP Addresses, some VPNs will do offer dedicated IP addresses for your device (useful for people to run a website). But they aren’t safe all the time, it’s better to change the IP frequently.

Tip: Don’t rely on virtual servers to unblock streaming services (they can’t unblock). There are only 3% of virtual servers of all ExpressVPN Server

Speeds

I am impressed with the speeds during my test😇, but I can’t say it’s excellent because (due to protocol choice speeds varies). Although there is no buffering during my streaming, it took some time to load the video (for some servers).

There are some aspects you need to consider in determining the speed. Ping, Download & Upload Speed. ExpressVPN has a built-in speed test feature but it’s inaccurate.

It’s very usual (Getting Lower Speeds) when you connect to VPN. But some distant servers will also boost your speed. When you connect to a local server you can observe a slight 1.5% drop in your internet speed.

As per my observation long-distance servers drops your speed a lot. So, choose a server wisely if you have good internet speeds. But the overall experience is good. Your speeds may vary depending upon your protocol as well.

Though there are different protocols available like Lightway TCP, OpenVPN, UDP, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec. Most of them performed very similarly, but for the best-balanced experience choose TCP protocol.

Using this VPN for gaming offers the ultimate experience (when connected to local servers). But on distant servers, you will 😐face ping problems. It is decent for gaming (load games on time) & zero lag.

Security & Privacy

ExpressVPN is well known for its security and called one of the toughest to break (military grade) on earth. While many VPNs claim they can also protect your IP, but the real truth will reveal when you do perform IP & DNS leak tests.

We have gone through all possible tests to found out ExpressVPN leaks, but there aren’t any found. But the only downside is this VPN don’t offer built-in ad-ware or malware blocker. Keeping this aside there are convenient features on this VPN.

For full protection, you can also use their extensions (Exclusive). Coming to encryption technology it out-performs almost all the VPNs with its 256-bit AES encryption combined with RSA-4096 and SHA 512 authentication. The same security is offered by the government & banks.

With 256 bit encryption (even a world’s powerful computer will take millions of years to crack this encryption). It also follows forward secrecy to change your encryption every time you log on. Even if someone found the key (it’s not valid). While each protocol will change your security.

You can switch between the protocols as per your needs. Here are they

• Lightway: Dedicatedly developed by ExpressVPN (faster & reliable, drains less battery).
• OpenVPN: Open Source VPN standard protocol, comes with both TCP/UDP options.
• IKEv2: Faster than OpenVPN in general (perfer using this if other’s aren’t working).
• L2TP/IPSec: One of the older protocol (least security), use this when you prefer speeds over security.

Some protocols are available on certain platforms (not all). Of all the VPN protocols Lightway is the best one. ExpressVPN passed every test we have put it on (without any leaks). All this is because it uses private DNS Servers.

This is one of the VPNs which manages to have an independent audit (Cure53 & PwC), with honest policies.

• Cure53 is a cybersecurity team to check the vunnerabilities allowing hackers to streal user’s data when visited malicious websites. Since then ExpressVPN has been pushing it’s limits with new updates.
• PwC is a leading audit (reviewd VPNs privacy policies throughout a month) and clearly stated this VPN privacy policies are completely safe, you can check audit results (Open to everyone).

Kill Switch

Kill Switch has been a standard for all VPNs to block internet traffic (in case of connection drops). This will ensure that you are always protected, ExpressVPN calls it “Network Lock“. It’s working seamlessly during my test, unfortunately not😢 available for iOS.

Split Tunneling

This feature comes in handy to deviate some traffic from the VPN tunnel. If you have any local connection for banking or streaming (this feature comes in handy). Also, you can use this to print or save bandwidth during downloading.

This feature can be enabled for specific apps (it’s quite simple to add or remove app). Make sure that you are disconnected from the VPN while adding exceptions. You will find three options under this feature.

• Allow all apps to use this
• Do not allow selected apps
• Allow only selected apps

ExpressVPN is also compatible with Tor (The Onion Router). A special browser to encrypt all the traffic within its network (anonymize data). Since it’s the only hub for the dark web, but also allows activist to share their personal information.

This VPN has its own .onion website very useful to access blocked websites (even if you forget to download VPN) you can access the app using Tor. As it is highly encrypted you will get a slower speed.

Torrenting

ExpressVPN supports P2P torrenting or file sharing without any bandwidth limitations on any server you connect making this a great choice for torrenting. While many VPNs restrict torrenting, this VPN works on uTorrent, qBitTorrent, Transmission, Vuze, Deluge, and other torrenting applications.

While there is no port forwarding feature for all devices except for the router. All the VPN protocols & security will keep you anonymous while torrenting. Speeds are impressive while torrenting.

keep in mind: Torrenting is illegal in some countries and not in some. So, make sure that you are in a safe zone before taking any risk.

Quick Installation & Setup

It will not take more than a few minutes to set up and install ExpressVPN on your device.

1. Visit their official website (ExpressVPN) and take any subscription.
2. Copy the activation code once you have taken the subscription.
3. Choose the platform you want to install the VPN and begin download.
4. Install the app and enter the activation code and enjoy browsing safely.

Here is the detailed guide for Windows installation.

Device Compatibility

ExpressVPN supports major operating systems (a wide variety of devices). Native App support includes iOS. Android, Mac, Windows, and Linux. Dedicated router app, one of the great things is that this VPN offers intuitive apps across every device.

Almost every device will get the same feature makes it’s quite easy to use (Switch Servers), etc. There are some features missing in some devices which are listed below.

	iOS	Android	Windows	macOS	Linux	Router
GUI	Available	Available	Available	Available	Not Supported	Available
Kill Switch	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	yes	Yes
IKEv2	Not Supported	Not Supported	Supported	Supported	Not Supported	Supported
Lightweight	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Split Tunneling	Not Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available

ExpressVPN is readily available as browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

Simultaneous Device Connections

ExpressVPN supports 5 device connections at the same time. We have lively tested this out by setting this up on Laptop, Andoird, PC, iPhone, and one of my consoles. All the devices work well. Nothing to worry about the VPN’s performance on using simultaneous devices.

Trick for unlimited device connections: Here is your trick to get it for all of your devices. Install ExpressVPN on your router and enjoy unlimited device connections.

Finally! Pricing

The prices look somewhat 😞bothering! there are three subscription plans available. You can observe that it will be cheaper on how long you commit to taking the subscription.

• 1 Month: $12.95
• 6 Months: $59.94 ($9.99/Month)
• 15 Months: $80.04 ($6.67/Month)

While the company accepts your payment through credit cards/ debit cards, PayPal, Even the company allows you to take the subscription through Bitcoin. You can save a lot of money if you take an annual subscription.

Someone might have a question? Cheaper than cheap is free, but ExpressVPN is not a free VPN. At least, they are offering a 30-days hassle-free money-back guarantee program to get your refund back if you are not satisfied with their service.

Exception: For iPhone users, there is 7 days free trial program if you purchase it through Apple Store to get a refund if you don’t like it (as there is no 30 days program for iPhone users), I recommend taking a subscription from the website.

What you get for such price?

ExpressVPN allows you to connect up to 5 devices simultaneously, though this is average among VPNs. While some VPNs entirely lifting up this restriction, Surfshark, IPVanish, and Windscribe offer unlimited device connections.

Also, the company purely focused on making VPN, No additional features like Ad-blocker or malware-blocker or any other possible ad-on you find on other VPNs like dedicated IP Addresses, etc. VPNs like NordVPN, Cyberghost offer a wide range of features from third parties as well. Even Hotspot Shield also offering several privacy and security tools.

But, ExpressVPN manages to provide split-tunneling to allow some portion (desired)of your traffic routed outside the servers, which will be useful while gaming or streaming local media. There is no push button to access the Tor network (More privacy). But, you don’t need a VPN to access Tor.

Unfortunately, ExpressVPN doesn’t have a multi-hop connection feature to route your traffic through multiple servers (To ensure privacy even one server is down). Only Reddit User winners NordVPN offer Tor, Multi-hop connection, and split tunneling.

Conclusion

🤗No doubt..! ExpressVPN is an excellent VPN service offering excellent privacy to protect your information. But you have to believe it’s quite expensive & compatible with almost all the platforms, but not as featured-packed (Regarding price to performance) compared to its competitors.

FAQs Related to ExpressVPN