ExpressVPN review: reliable, innovative, but pricey VPN in 2025

ExpressVPN is a name many internet users are familiar with, whether through sponsored YouTube ads, recommendations from friends, or comparisons to other top VPNs. Known for its speed, reliability, and cutting-edge features like the Lightway protocol, it’s no surprise ExpressVPN has gained a strong reputation. However, its premium price tag raises the question: is it worth the investment?

To find out, with the Cybernews research team, I put ExpressVPN to the test. We explored its technical capabilities, measured connection speeds, and evaluated its ease of use to determine whether it delivers on its promises. This review breaks down the key features, strengths, and drawbacks to help you decide if ExpressVPN meets your needs and justifies its cost.

ExpressVPN review: key takeaways

We thoroughly tested ExpressVPN to evaluate its overall performance and ranked it across key categories on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being the best). These scores highlight where ExpressVPN excels and where it falls short. For example, it earns top marks in privacy and security, but loses points for its high pricing.

• Privacy and security – 10/10. ExpressVPN sets an excellent example of what a reliable VPN should look like. The provider is based in the British Virgin Islands, has conducted numerous independent audits of its technology, and offers plenty of robust security features to keep your online identity intact.
• Cost and value for money – 6/10. Despite its premium reputation, ExpressVPN’s pricing is among the highest in the market. While it offers robust features, the cost doesn’t fully justify the limited extras compared to competitors like Surfshark or NordVPN, which provide similar benefits at a lower price.
• Speed and performance – 9/10. ExpressVPN delivers excellent connection results with its proprietary Lightway tunneling protocol and is one of the fastest VPNs available. Still, during our tests, it wasn't as fast as NordVPN.
• Server network – 7/10. The provider offers an undisclosed number of servers across 105 countries. The country variety is excellent, but the unclear server number makes it difficult to determine ExpressVPN’s overall IP address variety.
• Features and functionality – 8/10. There’s only one subscription tier, meaning every customer unlocks the same ExpressVPN features. And while the selection is great, it’s not as extensive as you’d expect, considering the price.
• Compatibility – 8/10. ExpressVPN supports a wide range of devices, from desktops and mobile phones to Smart TVs and gaming consoles. However, the limit of 8 simultaneous connections feels restrictive compared to competitors offering unlimited device connections at a lower cost.
• Customer support – 9/10. Like most providers, ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat support, email communication, and a plethora of detailed guides to browse. The one thing missing from a perfect score is phone line support.

How much does ExpressVPN cost?

ExpressVPN keeps things simple with just one subscription tier, unlike the best VPN providers like NordVPN and Surfshark that offer multiple plans. This approach is beneficial for customers, as it eliminates the need to decide which features to choose — everything is included. The only decision you need to make is selecting a subscription duration, with three options available:

ExpressVPN subscription plan	Monthly cost	Upfront cost
1-month plan	$12.95	$12.95
1-year plan + 3 months free	$6.67	$99.95
2-year plan + 4 months free	$4.99	$139.72

Get the best ExpressVPN deal

As is standard with online subscriptions, you’ll have to pay for the entire subscription period upfront to gain the advertised discount and monthly price. Moreover, these prices are usually only applicable to your first subscription period. Renewal rates are subject to change, and you will be notified a month in advance.

ExpressVPN 1 month plan

ExpressVPN’s shortest subscription is the 1-month plan, which costs $12.95/month. This is the provider’s standard price and doesn’t offer any discounts. You’ll pay the same price every month and won’t have to worry about price increases. However, this price is pretty significant in my opinion, although it’s similar to the monthly cost of practically all other VPN services on the market.

ExpressVPN 12 months plan

The second subscription option for customers is the 12-month plan. The advertised cost is $6.67/month. It includes a 61% discount over the monthly plan, which is a fairly insignificant discount in my opinion.

ExpressVPN 2 year plan

ExpressVPN’s most cost-effective option is the 2-year plan, which costs $4.99/month or $99.95 every two years. This plan offers a 61% discount and often includes 4 extra months of free subscription time.

Without these discounts, the price jumps to $8.33/month, and the extra months aren’t included, making the savings significant with the 2-year plan. For anyone considering ExpressVPN, the 2-year subscription provides the best value, combining premium features with long-term savings.

ExpressVPN free trial and money-back guarantee

ExpressVPN provides two ways to try out its service before committing: a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. The 7-day free trial is available exclusively for mobile devices through the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. To activate it, users need to input their payment details, but no charges will be made until the trial ends. This option is convenient for testing the VPN on mobile, but it’s important to note that the refund policies for the trial are managed by Google or Apple, not ExpressVPN.

The second option is the 30-day money-back guarantee, which offers a broader trial experience. This allows users to test the full service on any device without feature restrictions or server limitations. If you’re not satisfied, you can request a full refund within 30 days. Unlike the mobile trial, the refund process for the money-back guarantee is handled directly by ExpressVPN, making it straightforward and reliable.

While the 7-day free trial is useful for mobile users, the 30-day money-back guarantee provides a more comprehensive way to evaluate the service. It allows users to test ExpressVPN across all devices and ensures a hassle-free refund process if the service doesn’t meet expectations.

ExpressVPN payments, renewals and cancellations

ExpressVPN offers a variety of payment methods to cater to different preferences. Standard options include credit cards and PayPal, which provide quick and easy transactions. For users seeking anonymity, ExpressVPN accepts Bitcoin payments via the BitPay intermediary, ensuring privacy for those who prefer not to disclose personal financial information. Additionally, Paymentwall supports alternative methods like UnionPay, iDeal, Sofort, and GiroPay, making it easier for users in various regions to pay.

Renewal policies are straightforward but worth noting. Subscriptions renew automatically at the end of each billing cycle to ensure uninterrupted service. While this is convenient for many, some users have mentioned that the automatic renewal process can lead to unexpected charges if they forget to cancel. ExpressVPN does send reminders about upcoming renewals, but it’s a good idea to keep track of your subscription to avoid surprises.

The cancellation process, however, can be a bit cumbersome. When stopping recurring payments with ExpressVPN, the cancellation process requires three separate confirmations before your subscription is fully canceled. This can be frustrating, as it’s easy to assume the process is complete after the first confirmation, only to discover later that it wasn’t. Users need to carefully follow all steps to ensure recurring charges are stopped.

Overall, ExpressVPN offers flexible payment options and straightforward renewals but could improve its cancellation process to make it more user-friendly.

Is ExpressVPN safe?

Yes, ExpressVPN is a safe VPN to use daily. It protects your online activities with AES-256 encryption, one of the strongest security standards available.

ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology ensures all data is erased with every server reboot, keeping your information private. Its no-logs policy has been independently audited, confirming that it doesn’t store any user data.

Encryption

ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption, widely considered the strongest encryption standard available. This level of protection secures your internet traffic by scrambling your data into unreadable code, making it nearly impossible for hackers, ISPs, or government agencies to intercept or decipher your online activity.

For users, this means ultimate privacy and security, whether you’re browsing sensitive websites, accessing financial accounts, or connecting to public Wi-Fi. For example, if you’re using Wi-Fi at a café or airport, ExpressVPN’s encryption ensures that no one can steal your passwords, financial details, or private communications.

No-logs policy

ExpressVPN operates under a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that it doesn’t track, store, or share your online activity, connection logs, or IP address. This policy has been independently audited multiple times by third-party firms like PwC, confirming its claims of maintaining user privacy.

Located in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN benefits from privacy-friendly laws and operates outside the reach of the 14 Eyes alliance, meaning it isn’t legally required to share data with governments or intelligence agencies.

ExpressVPN leak tests

ExpressVPN excelled during leak tests, effectively masking my original location, IP, and DNS addresses across multiple tools, including ExpressVPN’s IP checker, DNSLeakTest, WhatIsMyIP, Surfshark’s checker, and IPLeak.net. These results confirmed that ExpressVPN fully encrypts internet traffic and ensures a secure connection.

One standout observation was the performance of the ShuffleIP feature. While my location consistently matched the connected VPN server, the displayed IP address varied slightly across different websites. This demonstrates that ShuffleIP actively rotates IPs within the same server pool, adding an extra layer of protection and making it even harder for trackers to pinpoint your online activity.

ExpressVPN security features

ExpressVPN delivers a strong lineup of essential and bonus features designed to ensure privacy, security, and usability. The absence of subscription tiers means that all users gain access to the full feature set, which includes tools like Network Lock, Threat Manager, and the newly introduced TrustedNetwork Services. However, given ExpressVPN’s premium price, the range of features might feel limited compared to competitors.

Feature	How it works
Network Lock (kill switch)	Blocks internet traffic if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly, protecting against data leaks.
Split tunneling	Allows users to choose which apps or websites use the VPN and which don’t.
Threat Manager	Blocks trackers and malicious domains.
ExpressVPN Keys	A secure password manager included with every subscription.
TrustedNetwork Services	Disables the VPN automatically on trusted networks like home Wi-Fi.
ExpressVPN router hardware	Custom routers pre-configured with ExpressVPN for network-wide protection.
ExpressVPN ShuffleIP	Automatically changes your IP address when visiting different websites for added privacy.
Smart DNS	MediaStreamer feature to unblock streaming content on devices without VPN support.

Network Lock (kill switch)

The Network Lock feature is a kill switch that ensures no data leaks if the VPN connection drops. It blocks all internet activity until the connection is restored. This is especially useful when connected to public Wi-Fi or during high-risk activities like torrenting, ensuring uninterrupted privacy and security.

During my tests, ExpressVPN worked perfectly, maintaining full privacy during simulated disconnections.

Split tunneling

ExpressVPN’s split tunneling feature gives users flexibility by allowing them to choose specific apps or websites to route through the VPN or bypass it entirely. This is particularly useful for activities like streaming local content while keeping other traffic secure or accessing a corporate network without disconnecting the VPN.

While effective, it doesn’t allow filtering by IP addresses or websites, a functionality found in VPNs like Surfshark.

Threat Manager

ExpressVPN’s Threat Manager actively blocks trackers and malicious domains, providing users with protection from intrusive ads and harmful content. This feature improves privacy by preventing third-party trackers from following your online activity and reduces the risk of encountering phishing sites or malware. It’s particularly useful for those looking to maintain a clean, secure browsing experience without interruptions from unwanted ads or security threats.

However, the ad-blocking and adult site-blocking features showed mixed results in testing and a lack of advanced customization options.

ExpressVPN Keys

The ExpressVPN Keys password manager provides secure storage for login credentials and auto-filling capabilities, simplifying the login process and enhancing online security. By securely managing passwords, it helps users avoid reusing weak or similar passwords, reducing the risk of account breaches.

TrustedNetwork Services

ExpressVPN’s TrustedNetwork Services automatically disables the VPN when connected to secure and trusted networks, such as your home Wi-Fi. This prevents unnecessary VPN usage and ensures smoother connectivity with local devices, such as smart TVs or printers. It’s particularly useful for users who frequently switch between trusted and untrusted networks.

ExpressVPN router hardware

ExpressVPN provides pre-configured router hardware for users who want problem-free VPN protection for their entire network. This is especially useful for devices like smart TVs, gaming consoles, or IoT gadgets that don’t support native VPN apps.

For tech-savvy users, the ExpressVPN router app also simplifies manual setup on compatible routers.

ExpressVPN ShuffleIP

The ShuffleIP feature dynamically changes your IP address whenever you visit a different website. This prevents your IP from being reused across sessions, enhancing privacy without requiring manual activation. Unlike Surfshark’s IP Rotator, which rotates IPs periodically, ShuffleIP works seamlessly in the background.

Smart DNS

ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer Smart DNS allows users to bypass geo-restrictions on devices that don’t support VPN apps, such as gaming consoles and some smart TVs. While it doesn’t provide encryption, it’s an excellent tool for streaming enthusiasts who prioritize speed when accessing global content libraries.

Is ExpressVPN fast?

ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs available despite using a proprietary tunneling protocol that isn’t based on WireGuard. Our in-house tests show that ExpressVPN offers excellent speed retention rates and stable connections during more extended periods.

• ExpressVPN is frequently among the top 5 providers on our fastest VPNs list. It’s not the fastest overall (that title belongs to NordVPN), but it’s a strong contender.
• The VPN offers servers in 105 countries, meaning practically anyone will find an optimal server near their actual location.
• The provider’s proprietary Lightway protocol led to speedy and stable connections during our tests, which is impressive considering ExpressVPN built it from scratch.

ExpressVPN always delivered good results in our VPN speed evaluations, and such was the case again in our most recent round of tests for the update of this review. With Lightway UDP, both download and upload speed retention rates were around 94%, which is excellent.

Unsurprisingly, the results were marginally slower with Lightway TCP, where download speeds retained around 92% of the original speed, while uploads were about 88%. In previous June 2024 tests, the overall speed retention rate was around 84%, meaning the provider was actually faster in our latest October 2024 tests.

Some of ExpressVPN’s apps include the OpenVPN tunneling protocol as an alternative, so we also tested it to see whether it's a viable alternative regarding speed. The results weren’t too promising. With OpenVPN UDP, the download speed retention rate was around 51%, while upload speeds were slightly better at 61% retention. The situation was similar with OpenVPN TCP, where the protocol retained around 44% of the download speed and roughly 64% of the upload speed.

As always, remember that speed testing results will vary based on your specific circumstances. For our tests, the Cybernews research team used multiple desktop and mobile devices to get a well-rounded picture of ExpressVPN’s performance on various platforms. More precisely, the desktop devices were a Windows 11 Lenovo laptop and a Macbook Air M2, while mobile devices were the OnePlus 10T Android 14 and an iPhone 12 iOS 17.

They also tested ExpressVPN’s speeds across multiple countries from different continents before calculating the final speed retention rate averages. For example, if a distant country like Australia had low speeds, it would have dragged the overall average down. Interestingly, ExpressVPN had incredible download speeds in Australia, which led to a superb speed retention average. For reference, our Baseline connection speeds were 492Mbps download, 497Mbps upload, and 1ms ping.

I also did some of my own hands-on tests with ExpressVPN by using it as my daily VPN for a few weeks. During that time, I didn’t notice any significant speed issues that would cause lagging or lengthy load times. Remember that I usually stuck with servers near my location for optimal connectivity. Occasionally, I connected to the US to unblock some specific content, but even then, I didn’t encounter any lagging issues even when streaming Netflix or watching YouTube.

For reference, here’s how ExpressVPN’s speed retention rates compare to those of other top-tier providers. I’ve included data from multiple countries, so you’ll have a clearer picture of where each VPN fared best.

	The US server	The UK server	Japan server	Canada server	Germany server	Australia server
ExpressVPN	92%	92%	89%	93%	90%	91%
NordVPN	91%	97%	94%	93%	95%	92%
Surfshark	94%	94%	93%	95%	94%	89%
IPVanish	83%	90%	92%	93%	93%	93%

Note: The table shows download speed retention compared to the 500Mbps internet baseline speed.

Overall, ExpressVPN is a great VPN if you prioritize speed and connection quality. I was surprised that it delivered such good results with its in-house Lightway protocol that was built from scratch. After all, many other fast providers rely on WireGuard to provide speedy connections. But clearly, ExpressVPN knows what it’s doing, and its wide array of servers also helps maintain optimal speeds for most of its customers.

ExpressVPN server network

ExpressVPN offers an undisclosed number of servers in 105 countries. The country variety is excellent, but the lack of clarity surrounding overall server numbers is a significant drawback in my opinion. Previously, ExpressVPN had stated that it had around 3000 servers, so let's use that as a rough guideline for comparison’s sake.

• ExpressVPN uses proprietary TrustedServer technology on its entire server fleet, which basically means all run on RAM-only hardware for improved privacy. Providers like Surfshark, NordVPN, and CyberGhost have the same benefit.
• ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries worldwide, and larger countries like the US allow selecting servers by cities.
• Unlike NordVPN or Surfshark, the ExpressVPN app doesn’t include any specialty server options for streaming, gaming, P2P, or enhanced security. However, Stealth servers are enabled automatically when needed.

Currently, ExpressVPN doesn’t disclose how many servers are in its fleet. I’ve asked customer support about this, and they say they can’t give an exact number because the network is constantly updated. Interestingly, I received a similar response from CyberGhost’s customer support, who couldn’t disclose exact server figures. I suppose this policy is imposed by Kape Technologies, the firm that owns both ExpressVPN and CyberGhost VPN (among other products). Still, I remember when ExpressVPN claimed to have around 3000 servers, which is very similar to Surfshark’s server network size (3200 servers).

At first glance, it appears that ExpressVPN lacks specialized servers for any situation. The server selection screen is pretty straightforward and is categorized by continents, countries, and cities. However, there’s no world map like with NordVPN for conveniently selecting your desired connection spot. Instead, you must scroll through the menu or type in a country or city name. At least there’s the option to create a favorites list for easy access later. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any information about any specialized servers for accomplishing specific tasks.

As discussed in the security section, ExpressVPN uses TrustedServer technology in its entire fleet to greatly enhance user privacy. In short, it means the provider’s servers run on RAM-only technology and thus cannot store any app or user data for the long term. Regarding performance, around 80% of ExpressVPN’s fleet has 10Gbps servers, leading to significantly improved speeds and performance. That means users with ultra-fast internet connections at home won’t be bottlenecked when using ExpressVPN. If you want to connect to the fastest servers in your area, simply use the VPN’s Smart Location feature, which will automatically connect you to the most optimal server for your needs.

In conclusion, ExpressVPN’s server fleet’s underlying technology and country variety are top-notch. However, the ambiguity surrounding exact server numbers and the lack of specialty server categories can be considered severe drawbacks for some.

ExpressVPN’s compatibility

ExpressVPN works with practically any device you can think of. It has dedicated apps for the most popular desktop and mobile operating systems, and there are loads of manual configuration options for obscure devices. My main issue in this category is the 8-device connection limit, which seems inadequate considering ExpressVPN’s price.

• One ExpressVPN subscription permits 8 simultaneous device connections, which is less than what more affordable providers offer. You’ll pay less and get more connections with providers like NordVPN, Surfshark, IPvanish, Proton VPN, and PureVPN.
• ExpressVPN includes Smart DNS (MediaStreamer), which allows you to unblock geo-restricted streaming content on devices without needing a VPN app.
• Unlike other VPNs, ExpressVPN offers routers that are preinstalled with its software. Some routers also have dedicated firmware, which makes the installation and VPN connection management process more straightforward.

Like most top-quality VPNs, ExpressVPN will work with almost any device you can imagine. It has apps for Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS, Apple TV, and Chromebook. You’ll also find browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. As for manual setup, you can enjoy ExpressVPN on gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation, smart TVs like Samsung TV, standalone media devices like Roku, various at-home routers, and more. You’ll find detailed and up-to-date information regarding compatibility and setup guides on the provider’s official website.

If there’s no app for your particular device, ExpressVPN provides a few alternatives. The most common one is installing the VPN on your router. That way, your entire home network will go through a VPN server and gain all of its encryption and geo-bypass benefits. Naturally, this is less convenient than having a separate app, but it works with virtually every device, so I think that’s an acceptable compromise.

Another option is using ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer feature, which is essentially Smart DNS. This approach will change the DNS settings on your device and change your location that way. However, it’s not as strong as an actual VPN connection and doesn’t include encryption for improved security and privacy. Plus, this feature is mainly geared toward streaming devices lacking VPN software support.

ExpressVPN offers a unique proposition for those looking for a VPN and router combo deal. The service offers special Aircove routers that come preinstalled with ExpressVPN. These routers are much easier to configure than standard ones, and they have advanced features you wouldn’t find elsewhere. However, this package deal can be pricey since you have to pay both for the router hardware and the ExpressVPN subscription.

While testing ExpressVPN, I noticed that its browser extension doesn’t work independently as you’d normally expect from VPN browser extensions. Instead, it’s just a way to control the desktop app without leaving your browser. This was a bit disappointing because I think people looking for VPN browser extensions want them to be separate software to enhance their browsers. Consider Surfshark’s CleanWeb 2.0 extension if that’s what you want.

Another drawback regarding ExpressVPN’s compatibility is the 8-device simultaneous connection limit. It’s not bad by any means, but it’s pretty disappointing, considering the provider’s price. After all, many cheaper alternatives support more simultaneous connections. Examples include NordVPN, Surfshark, IPVanish, Proton VPN, and Private Internet Access. CyberGhost VPN is one notable exception, but this provider is almost four times cheaper than ExpressVPN.

Overall, ExpressVPN will accommodate almost anyone’s device with either an app or a manual configuration workaround. It has everything you need from a well-rounded VPN and will work smoothly on practically any platform. However, my main concerns are the browser extension that requires the desktop app to work, and the meager 8-device connection limit.

ExpressVPN customer support

ExpressVPN is great regarding customer support options, response times, and agent knowledgeability. It supports many communication channels you’d expect from a top-tier VPN, with a phone line being the one exception. Personally, I wouldn’t even use a phone line to ask for customer support assistance.

• ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat support to quickly resolve any minor issues or questions.
• There’s an extensive knowledge base filled with detailed guides and explainers if you prefer a hands-on approach.
• The only noticeable drawback regarding customer support options is the need for a phone line.

You’ll have no trouble getting customer support assistance from ExpressVPN’s representatives. For starters, there’s 24/7 live chat support available to resolve urgent matters. During my tests, this method was great for getting quick answers to my random inquiries. Out of curiosity, I asked whether they could give me precise server number figures, and unsurprisingly, they couldn’t. At least I didn’t have to wait long for the answer.

24/7 live chat	✅ Yes
Email	✅ Yes
Phone line	❌ No
Guides or articles	✅ Yes
FAQ	✅ Yes

Email communication is also available for less urgent but still important questions. If something can’t be immediately answered during a live chat session, you’ll receive a detailed answer later in your inbox. Additionally, you’ll receive a summary of your live chat session to your inbox whenever it’s finished.

The ExpressVPN support page has setup guides for various devices, troubleshooting assistance, and articles explaining the provider’s various technical features. It’s a great place if you want to learn more about ExpressVPN and VPNs in general. Additionally, many of the provider’s pages include FAQ sections answering common questions. So, I doubt anyone will have any unanswered questions after browsing ExpressVPN’s website for some time.

ExpressVPN use cases

ExpressVPN is one of the most versatile VPNs available and is suitable for many popular VPN use cases. For starters, its speedy connection speeds will guarantee lag-free streaming, gaming, downloading, and online browsing. Secondly, the provider’s excellent reputation and transparency ensure you won’t have to worry about any security issues while traveling or visiting more dangerous corners of the internet. Let’s dive into each topic separately for more details.

Bypassing geo-blocks with ExpressVPN

Although ExpressVPN doesn’t disclose its exact server numbers, this doesn’t impede its performance regarding geo-block removal. It also doesn’t have any specialized servers for unblocking various content, which is one of the main selling points of CyberGhost VPN. Despite this supposed drawback, ExpressVPN has worked great in our internal geo-block removal tests on various online platforms. Plus, since it has servers in 105 countries, you’ll have no shortage of options regarding foreign content.

We began our tests by trying to unblock Netflix, one of the most popular online streaming platforms offering various foreign libraries with different movies and TV shows. Since we’re in the EU, we tried unblocking Netflix US to see if ExpressVPN can access the most desirable Netflix library. Unsurprisingly, we had no trouble unblocking the library and streaming its content in HD quality without buffering issues. The same applies to many other Netflix libraries, although occasional issues occur in distant countries like Japan or South Korea. You can learn more about ExpressVPN’s Netflix performance in our dedicated guide covering this topic.

We then moved on to other US-specific streaming platforms like Sling, Max, Amazon Prime Video, and more. Once again, ExpressVPN worked great in this regard, and we encountered no issues. Even better, the US servers are subcategorized by cities, making it easier to unblock state-specific content. This aspect is most relevant when unblocking sports matches usually restricted to specific states or regions.

We did most of our evaluations on desktop devices because it’s more efficient and convenient when testing multiple platform and country combinations. However, ExpressVPN's comprehensive compatibility with various streaming boxes and devices means you’ll reap its benefits on almost any home theater setup. Below is a rundown of how to enjoy ExpressVPN on the most popular streaming devices.

How to use ExpressVPN	Devices
App	Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Nvidia Shield, Mi Box
MediaStreamer	TiVo
Connect to a VPN-enabled router	Chromecast, Roku

The main methods of using ExpressVPN on your streaming device are downloading the dedicated app, connecting the device to a VPN-enabled router, or using the MediaStreamer feature. Naturally, there are other workarounds, such as casting or using an HDMI cable.

If you want to learn the specifics, consider reading our dedicated ExpressVPN streaming guides.

• How to watch Netflix with ExpressVPN
• How to install ExpressVPN on Amazon Fire Stick
• How to watch Hulu with ExpressVPN
• How use ExpressVPN on Apple TV
• How to use ExpressVPN on Roku

Overall, ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for streaming, as confirmed by our tests and customer testimonials. It offers many countries, great device compatibility, and swift speeds for high-quality, lag-free streaming.

Torrenting with ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a solid VPN for torrenting, even though it doesn’t have some of the torrenting-specific features that other VPNs offer. Crucially, this VPN is fast and secure, which I think is all you need for carefree torrenting under any circumstances.

Firstly, to use ExpressVPN for torrenting, you’ll have to use ExpressVPN’s dedicated app. This is because the service doesn’t offer a SOCKS5 proxy as an alternative to a VPN connection. So, all you have to do is install the app on your PC or mobile before torrenting. This method will work with practically any torrent client, including qBittorrent, uTorrent, BitTorrent, and more. On the other hand, if you need port forwarding, you’ll need to set up ExpressVPN on a router.

Torrenting with ExpressVPN is pretty straightforward. Before you begin, you must ensure that Network Lock (kill switch) is enabled to prevent any unwanted data leaks. After that, you should connect to a nearby server to ensure the fastest possible connection speeds. The provider doesn’t have any P2P-specific servers, meaning you can choose whichever server location you want. Alternatively, use the Smart Location feature so that the app would automatically select the fastest VPN server available.

For our ExpressVPN torrenting tests, we tried downloading an Ubuntu ISO image that’s 5.77GB in size. We used the Smart Location feature to connect to the most optimal server. The results were impressive – the download took 2 minutes and reached a max download speed of 54MBps. There were no data leaks or connection issues during that time.

Overall, I can confidently say that ExpressVPN is a great VPN for torrenting, even if it doesn’t have the special P2P features that other VPNs advertise.

Gaming with ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is good for gaming, thanks to its wide range of servers and fast connection speeds. Like in the torrenting category, it doesn’t have any special gaming features, but that doesn’t impede its overall performance. After all, you only really need nearby servers and reliable connections.

ExpressVPN is great for desktop and mobile gamers because it has apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. If you’re a console gamer, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router and then connect the console to your router to change your location. While this approach is less convenient, this is pretty common among gaming VPNs. Moreover, ExpressVPN offers routers preinstalled with its VPN software if you want to upgrade your router.

Another option for console users is MediaStreamer. The setup steps will vary depending on your preferred gaming console. Luckily, ExpressVPN works with PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and other devices. You will find detailed guides on ExpressVPN’s official setup page. The installation process is straightforward for most devices, and I think tech-savvy gamers will have no trouble following the provider’s official guides.

We tried ExpressVPN with a wide range of video games to evaluate its overall ping impact, connection consistency, and ability to bypass geo blocks. The results were satisfactory for the most part and ensured lag-free gaming. We connected to nearby servers to ensure optimal connections. There were no lag spikes or disconnection issues during our tests and the ping ranged between 70 to 100ms, which is ideal for gaming.

So, ExpressVPN has everything you need to game securely and without issues on practically any gaming device. However, your performance results will ultimately depend on your specific circumstances. Remember that it’s unlikely that a gaming VPN will increase your speeds, so I recommend keeping the VPN off if you want maximum connectivity.

Travel

ExpressVPN is a solid VPN for traveling and will suit your various needs well. It offers servers in 105 countries, meaning you’ll have plenty of options for unblocking your desired home content while traveling elsewhere. Moreover, its wide range of security features means you won’t have to worry about cybersecurity issues on unfamiliar Wi-Fi networks in tourist hotspots.

Like any worthwhile VPN for traveling, ExpressVPN can easily unblock online services unavailable in the country you’re visiting. This, for example, means you’ll be able to access your domestic bank regardless of where you travel. Alternatively, you can use ExpressVPN to unblock movies and TV shows that are usually exclusive to your home country. The possibilities are endless, but you have to check whether ExpressVPN has servers in your home country. It has servers in Lithuania, meaning people like me have nothing to worry about.

The second important factor for travel VPNs is the number of security features that prevent intrusions on public Wi-Fi networks. ExpressVPN covers this aspect with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption on all connections. Additionally, Threat Manager will ensure you’re not bombarded by ads, trackers, and adult sites, thus improving your overall browsing experience no matter where you are.

As expected, you should install ExpressVPN before traveling to your destination, especially if the country limits VPN use. This is a common issue in countries like China, Belarus, the UAE, and other countries where VPNs are restricted. Normally, you can download ExpressVPN from its website or your device’s app store, but in these countries that won’t work. ExpressVPN’s customer support page has more information for dealing with connection issues in such countries.

Overall, ExpressVPN is a good VPN for travel, but the specifics will vary depending on your particular circumstances. During our tests, the service protected us while traveling and ensured access to geo-blocked foreign services.

ExpressVPN video review

Short on time to read the whole article? Check out our video review of ExpressVPN – you’ll find all the same tests and facts, just condensed into 9 minutes of quality content and striking visuals.

Is ExpressVPN good?

ExpressVPN stands out as a premium VPN, offering exceptional speed, strong security, and an admirable commitment to transparency. Its advanced features, such as the Lightway protocol and RAM-only servers, make it a reliable choice for users who prioritize privacy and performance.

However, its higher price may leave some users questioning the value compared to competitors. Our ExpressVPN review shows that this provider lacks additional features like antivirus protection, dark web monitoring, or unlimited device connections, which other VPNs include at a lower cost. So, while it excels in core VPN functionality, the absence of these extras might make it feel less competitive for budget-conscious users.

Of course, for those who value quality over feature-packed plans, ExpressVPN delivers a secure and seamless experience. It’s best suited for users who prioritize speed, privacy, and reliability above all else, even if it comes with a higher price tag.

How we tested ExpressVPN

The Cybernews research team adheres to the same rigorous VPN testing process when evaluating different products. This ensures that every VPN is thoroughly analyzed and all providers on our site are compared by the same standards. For our latest ExpressVPN review update, we used the following devices to conduct our tests:

• Android – version 11 on a Nokia 6.2 model TA-1198 device
• iOS – version 15.7.1 on an iPhone 7 model MN8X2 device
• Windows – version 11 on a Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 4 device
• macOS – version 14.5 Sonoma on a MacBook Air M2 device

We also conducted additional tests to evaluate ExpressVPN’s compatibility with Android TV and tvOS. Overall, the research conducted the following evaluations:

• DNS and IP leak testing to ensure ExpressVPN’s connections are robust and don’t expose your actual IP address and location.
• Kill switch tests to confirm the feature works as intended in various situations where you need it.
• Privacy policy and independent audit review to confirm there aren’t any hidden clauses or other red flags that would deem ExpressVPN unreliable.
• Speed tests to see how ExpressVPN’s performance looks in real-life scenarios.
• Usability evaluations to determine if the app user experience is suitable for everyone when doing daily tasks.
• Feature tests to see if all of ExpressVPN’s tools work as advertised.
• Installation testing across different platforms to see if the process is straightforward on every supported device.
• Customer support evaluation by contacting live chat experts and judging the speed and quality of their responses.
• Connection quality and consistency tests to see if ExpressVPN connections hold up over lengthy periods.

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