We live in a time where our online privacy is under constant threat. From ISPs and agencies tracking our online activity, to hackers and identity thieves looking to steal our personal information, it’s more important than ever to take steps to protect ourselves.
One of the best ways to keep our online privacy protected is by using a VPN. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that encrypts your traffic and masks your IP address, allowing you to surf the internet anonymously and securely.
There are many different VPN services available, so it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. That’s where we may come in useful. In this ExpressVPN review, we’ll take a closer look at what ExpressVPN can do, how it works, and whether or not it’s worth the investment.
Is ExpressVPN the Best VPN Service in 2022?
When it comes to VPNs, ExpressVPN is without a doubt one of the best VPN services on the market. It’s been around since 2009 and has built a reputation for being reliable and trustworthy. It has a strong focus on security and privacy, and its user-friendly apps make it very easy to use.
But is it the best VPN service in 2022? Well, there’s no simple answer. It all boils down to your needs and what you’re looking for in a VPN. What do you want to use it for, how frequently you use it and so on. After reading this post, you will have reached your own conclusion. Overall we believe that ExpressVPN is a great option and is definitely worth considering.
Let’s take a look at how it works first.
How ExpressVPN Works?
The basic idea behind a VPN is that the VPN client establishes a connection to the VPN server, and all traffic passing between the client and the server is encrypted. The client can then access the internet as if they were sitting in the geographic location of the VPN server.
For example, if you’re from the US and attempting to watch Netflix UK using ExpressVPN’s United Kingdom location, your request first goes to the VPN server which is located in the UK. This enables you – with an IP address from there – to reach British websites without actually being physically present on those areas.
The website sees the IP address of the ExpressVPN server, not your actual IP address. Information was received by the UK server of ExpressVPN. This server then transmits data back to you so that you can watch your favorite shows on screen.
If everything performs as expected, the connection is encrypted throughout the whole process, from start to finish. While the Internet Service Provider only knows that you are connecting to an encrypted server, though it’s possible for ISPs to identify if the server is a VPN, they don’t know what exactly your activities are on their network.
We may consider that the main roles of a VPN tool are encryption of data and the concealment of IP addresses. Let’s look at how ExpressVPN performs in these areas while also discussing what else it can provide you.
What Does ExpressVPN Have to Offer?
ExpressVPN is packed with features that will appeal to casual and power users alike. It has something for everyone. It has strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and a large network of servers located in 94 different countries. It also offers 24/7 live chat support and is one of the few VPNs that can unblock BBC iPlayer, Netflix and all other major streaming platforms.
Here’s a quick overview of what it has to offer:
» Base in the British Virgin Islands
British Virgin Islands has no mandatory data retention laws for VPNs. The BVI has strict laws and regulations in place to protect the privacy of its citizens, which makes it one of the ideal jurisdictions for a VPN service.
» Military grade encryption
Encryption is the process of transforming readable data into an unreadable format. ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption, which is the same level of encryption used by the US military. This is one of the strongest encryptions available, and it’s virtually impossible to brute force.
» Large server network
So far ExpressVPN has 150 servers in 94 countries, which allows you to pick from a variety of options, and it’s likely that you’ll be able to locate a server that fits your demands at all times. The app will automatically propose the finest server for your needs, ensuring you receive the greatest possible experience.
» No logs policy
ExpressVPN does not keep track of any user activity or connection logs. This means that your activities cannot be traced back to you and your data cannot be handed over to authorities even if they come knocking on ExpressVPN’s door. This is the most important thing for a VPN, and ExpressVPN takes it seriously.
» Lightway VPN protocol
Lightway is a new VPN protocol developed by ExpressVPN. It’s designed to be faster and more efficient than other protocols such as OpenVPN and IPsec/IKEv2. The benefits of using Lightway include shorter connection times, lower battery usage, and improved stability. It’s perfect for streaming and torrenting.
» DNS leak protection
DNS leaks occur when your computer sends DNS requests outside of the encrypted VPN tunnel. This exposes your ISP’s IP address and your target websites, which can jeopardize your privacy. ExpressVPN prevents DNS leaks by strictly routing all DNS requests through the VPN tunnel.
» 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can try it out risk-free. If you’re not satisfied for any reason, contact them within 30 days of signing up and they will give you a full refund. No stress, no hassle.
» 24/7 live chat support
When you have any problems with the service, just get in touch with them through their website or app. ExpressVPN’s real people live chat support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist. Compared to its competitors, ExpressVPN gets much less complaints about customer service.
» Pay with cryptocurrency
For those who want to make transactions more secure in order to protect themselves from surveillance and censorship, ExpressVPN accepts Bitcoin payment too. Not only Bitcoin, but also Ethereum, XRP, or USDC so you may use your preferred currency without converting them first.
» Split tunneling
Split tunneling allows you to select which apps will use the VPN and which will use your normal, unencrypted internet connection. This can be useful for those who want to use a VPN for security or privacy reasons, but don’t want to slow down their internet connection by routing all of their traffic through the VPN. ExpressVPN offers split tunneling on Mac, Windows, Android, and routers.
» Network lock kill switch
A Network Lock disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops, preventing your data from being exposed until the connection is re-established. This is especially important for torrenters and anyone using public Wi-Fi. ExpressVPN’s Network Lock is enabled by default, so you never have to worry about forgetting to turn it on.
» TrustedServer technology
All of ExpressVPN’s servers use RAM-only storage and they wipe all data on restart. This ensures that your data is never written to a hard drive, making it extremely difficult to hack or tamper with. Furthermore, ExpressVPN’s servers are constantly refreshed with the latest software so that you can be sure you’re always using the most up-to-date security measures.
» Threat Manager
If you want an extra layer of protection, ExpressVPN has your back. Its Threat Manager protects you from known malicious sites and trackers by blacklisting their servers. You can stay protected while using any website or application.
» Unlimited bandwidth
You might not be aware of this but your internet service provider can slow down the speed you get on their network. It’s called bandwidth throttling and it’s intentional. By using ExpressVPN, users can prevent their ISPs from slowing down the connection and enjoy unrestricted streaming.
In the following section, we’ll go through the most important features of ExpressVPN in greater depth, as well as our own experience and testing.
Security and Privacy
The primary reason to use a VPN is to improve your security and privacy online. ExpressVPN does not disappoint in this area. It works by using a combination of encryption methods to keep your data safe.
Their AES-256 encryption is more than enough to keep your data safe during the transit process. The 256-bit AES (or the Advanced Encryption Standard) with 14 rounds of encryption, has been proven time after again as one of history’s most effective methods for protecting digital information. The algorithm is stronger than other varieties of this type like 128 or 192 bit keys. Those keys have yet to be cracked which just goes to show how secure 256-bit AES really is.
Additionally, ExpressVPN uses 4096-bit RSA and SHA512 hashing CAs (or Certificate Authority), which are used to sign and verify the authenticity of their encryption keys. The CA is the middleman between your ExpressVPN app and the ExpressVPN server, and it is what makes sure that no one else can pose as an ExpressVPN server. This means that you can be confident that when you connect to an ExpressVPN server, you’re really talking to them, and not someone else.
In terms of protocols, users have many configuration choices. You can select between “Automatic”, “Lightway – UDP”, “Lightway – TCP”, “OpenVPN – UDP”, “OpenVPN – TCP”, “IKEv2”, and “L2TP/IPsec”. The options may be somewhat different on different platforms.
Which should you pick? Automatic is the best option for most people, but if you have specific needs or are having problems with it, you can switch to one of the other protocols.
Lightway and OpenVPN are the most secure protocals if what you’re doing needs a lot of privacy. The core source code for Lightway is open source, with third-party auditors having verified it to be safe. OpenVPN is a completely transparent project.
IKEv2 is a newer protocol that’s gaining popularity for its speed and stability on mobile devices. It’s also quite secure. ExpressVPN deploys IKEv2 implement based on open-source standards.
L2TP/IPsec is the fallback option and is considered to be less secure than the others.
TCP and UDP are transport layer protocols that handle the actual transmission of data. UDP is faster but less reliable in data delivery, while TCP is more reliable but slower. When it comes to video streaming or online gaming, you’ll want to use UDP for the fastest performance.
For the encryption method of Lightway, you can pick between Automatic, AES-256-GCM, and ChaCha20/Poly1305. AES and ChaCha20 are all considered to be very secure encryption methods, but ChaCha20 is not as widely supported. So Lightway uses ChaCha20 on older devices that don’t support AES-GCM.
To test the security of ExpressVPN, we used ExpressVPN’s own security tools. These tools are available on their website and can provide a very easy operation to test the security of your connection. You can also use other tools, for sure, such as IPleak.net and DNSLeakTest.com.
- IP address leak test
An IP address leak usually occurs when your VPN connection drops and your real IP address is exposed. This can include your VPN server going offline or your internet connection dropping.
So we tested for IP address leaks by disconnecting our internet, and then reconnecting it. In this gap, the VPN connection dropped. Then we quickly refreshed the pre-opened multiple IP detection pages.
There was no IP address leak during this test.
- DNS leak test
When you type in a website address, your computer may need to contact a DNS server to convert the address into an IP address. If DNS leak occurs, it means your device starts using your ISP’s DNS server instead of the VPN’s DNS server. This can expose what websites you’re trying to visit, even if you’re using a VPN.
To test for DNS leaks, we connected to an ExpressVPN server that was outside of our country. Then we checked to see if our true DNS server was being used or not. The results showed that no DNS leak occurred during this test, meaning that all of our traffic was being routed through the VPN. If you see that the details provided match your ISP, it means you have a DNS leak.
Be careful, some antiviruses and online security applications can cause DNS leakage on the Windows app of ExpressVPN. But there’s a solution. You can follow this official guide to fix the issue.
- WebRTC leak test
WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is a technology that allows browsers to communicate directly with each other, without going through an intermediary server. This can be useful in some cases, such as peer-to-peer file sharing or video chatting, but it can also be a security risk, as it can expose your real IP address.
We ran the WebRTC leak test while connected to ExpressVPN Windows app and compared the IP address to the one that our browser was showing without a VPN. Fortunately, we found that ExpressVPN does not leak our IP address via WebRTC.
As an additional safeguard, we recommend that you use the ExpressVPN browser extension, which blocks WebRTC by default and can provide better WebRTC leak protection than the desktop app.
Overall, we’re impressed with ExpressVPN’s security and privacy features. ExpressVPN passed all of our tests with flying colors. Our real IP address was never exposed, and we didn’t experience any DNS or WebRTC leaks.
Pricing and Plans
ExpressVPN has three pricing plans:
- month plan: $12.95
- 6-month plan: ≈ $9.99 per month (billed as $59.95 every 6 months)
- 12-month plan: ≈ $8.32 per month (billed as $99.95 every year)
The best deal is the annual plan, which comes with a 35% discount. If you’re not sure whether ExpressVPN is right for you, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. All of ExpressVPN’s pricing plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can purchase the 12 or 6-month plan without worries.
For the payment method, you can pay for your ExpressVPN subscription with a credit card, PayPal, BitPay, UnionPay, iDEAL, QIWI Кошелек, SOFORT, giropay, Pix, SEPA, Mint, Mercado Pago, EPS…
ExpressVPN also offers a free trial. It is available for iOS and Android devices. The free trial gives you 7 days to test out the service. To start, you will need to provide your email address. Your App Store or Google Play payment details will be given to them automatically but you won’t be charged during the trial period.
Platforms and Devices
ExpressVPN is compatible with computers, mobile phones, tablets, smart TVs, routers, and more.
Here’s a list of all the platforms and devices that ExpressVPN supports:
- Windows
- Mac
- Android
- iOS
- Linux
- Chromebook
- Kindle Fire
- routers
- browsers
For devices that cannot have a built-in VPN client, such as Apple TVs and game consoles like Nintendo, Playstation, and Xbox, you can either set up ExpressVPN on your router or use its MediaStreamer feature.
ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer is a smart DNS service that can unblock geo-restricted content on platforms that don’t support VPNs. The best part is that MediaStreamer does not encrypt your traffic like the normal ExpressVPN does, so there’s less impact on your speeds. But this also means that your traffic is not protected by encryption.
ExpressVPN can be installed on up to 5 devices simultaneously. If you can install ExpressVPN on your router, it will only take up one account and all the devices that connect to that router will be protected. MediaStreamer does not count as a device which means you can still set it up on an unlimited number of devices.
Was ExpressVPN Involved in Any Scandals?
In September 2021, it was revealed that ExpressVPN Chief Information Officer – Daniel Gericke, had formerly worked as a hacker-for-hire for UAE between 2016 and 2019. Gericke was hired by a United Arab Emirates-based cybersecurity firm to carry out various hacking activities, including monitoring political dissidents, activists, and journalists who criticized the UAE government.
In response to the controversy, ExpressVPN released a statement in which it notes that Gericke had stopped all involvement with his previous company before joining ExpressVPN in December 2019. They were also aware of his prior activities, which is why they hired him to assist them safeguard customers because of his 20 years background as a former hacker.
“While we are confident that our commitment to this mission is unwavering, we understand that actions speak louder than words. To begin with, we’ll be increasing the cadence of our existing third-party audits to annually recertify our full compliance with our Privacy Policy, including our policy of not storing any activity or connection logs. This is just a first step, and we will continue to strive to earn your trust.” – ExpressVPN explained. You can read the full statement here.
We can still believe that ExpressVPN is a reputable and trustworthy VPN service because there is never a solid evidence linking ExpressVPN to any of the bad activities. Furthermore, it’s good to see that ExpressVPN is willing to improve its transparency and accountability by increasing the frequency of its third-party audits.
ExpressVPN Review Summary
Whether you’re concerned about your online privacy or just want to watch your favorite shows from abroad, a VPN is a great tool to have in your arsenal. ExpressVPN is one of the best performing services out there that offers strong security, good speeds, and a large selection of servers. It’s also one of the most expensive VPNs on the market, but it’s still worth considering if you use VPN frequently and are willing to pay for a high-quality service.
Its strict no logs policy, strong encryption, and kill switch make it a great choice for privacy-minded users and users who want to torrent. For those who are looking for a VPN to unblock geo-restricted content, ExpressVPN can also do that with its VPN or MediaStreamer feature.
Overall, it is a great all-around VPN that does everything you need it to do. We recommend giving it a try.
