ExpressVPN Review (Tested)-The Best VPN Of 2021?

ExpressVPN Review

With growing internet security threats, the popularity of VPN is also increasing. You may wonder what actually VPN is? Then let me tell you that VPN, or virtual private network, is a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. VPNs protect you from online snooping, interference, and censorship. A VPN (a virtual private network) is the easiest and most effective way for people to protect their internet traffic and keep their identities private online. As you connect to a secure VPN server, your internet traffic goes through an encrypted tunnel that nobody can see into, including hackers, governments, and your internet service provider.

In short, A VPN can perform 4 basic function:

1. Change your location(IP Address)
2. Protect your privacy
3. Increase your security
4. Unblock websites

If you search for a VPN on the internet, there are tons of VPN service providers, but the question is which is safe to use? I have personally tested most of the VPN available in the market and shortlisted some of them on the list as viable VPN. If you are interested, you can check Our VPN Section Where You Will Find Lots Of Other Best VPN.

ExpressVPN is one of them on the list. So here I am going to give a complete ExpressVPN Review. In my review, I will cover all the necessary aspects that will surely help you to decide whether to choose this VPN or not?

ExpressVPN is a virtual private network service offered by the British Virgin Islands-registered company Express VPN International Ltd. The software is marketed as a privacy and security tool that encrypts users’ web traffic and masks their IP addresses.

ExpressVPN has released apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and routers. The apps use a 4096-bit CA, AES-256-CBC encryption, and TLSv1.2 to secure user traffic. ExpressVPN also offers various protocols that include Lightway, OpenVPN (with TCP/UDP), SSTP, L2TP/IPSec, and PPTP. In May 2020, ExpressVPN released a new protocol called Lightway intending to make its connections faster, stable, and more reliable. Lightway was developed by ExpressVPN.

When you connect to the internet with ExpressVPN, the VPN app on your device establishes a secure connection with a VPN server. Your traffic still passes through your ISP, but your ISP can no longer read it or see its final destination. The websites you visit can no longer see your original IP address, only the IP address of the VPN server, which is shared by many other users and changes regularly.

In this ExpressVPN review, we will discuss all the key features of ExpressVPN, Pros And Cons as well as ExpressVPn Price in details.

1. IP Address Masking

First, you have to know that everyone on the internet has a public IP address. Every time you connect to the internet, you’re sharing that IP address with every website, app, and service you use. But if you use a VPN proxy, websites, apps, and services will see the public IP address of the VPN proxy server instead of your personal device. This is what it means to “hide my IP” or “change my IP”.

Free proxies may hide your IP address for free, but they may also monetize your traffic through trackers, ads, and other malware. But ExpressVPN hides your IP address with a comprehensive set of security features.

2. No-log Policy

ExpressVPN claim that it does not keep activity logs or connection logs from our users. Here’s what that means:

• No activity logs– ExpressVPN does not see, record, or store which websites you visit. We never log the destination or contents of your traffic, and we run our own private, encrypted DNS on every VPN server for added privacy and anonymity.
• No Connection Logs– ExpressVPN never logs connection timestamps, session duration, your source IP address, or the ExpressVPN IP address that your computer assumes when connected to the VPN.

3. Anonymous Browsing

Many VPN providers say they offer complete anonymity but actually track what you do online. But ExpressVPN truly increases your anonymity. They claim that they never keep logs of your online browsing activity. So you can stay private, stay secure, and enjoy a higher degree of anonymity.

4. VPN Split Tunnelling

The Split Tunneling feature of VPN is in high demand these days. VPN split tunnelling lets you route some of your device or app traffic through the encrypted VPN tunnel while other devices or apps access the internet directly. ExpressVPN split tunnelling works two ways:

• Split Tunneling: Protect all connected devices or applications except for those specifically excluded.
• Inverse Split Tunneling: Protect only selected devices or applications. Everything else flows outside the VPN.

With the split-tunneling feature in the ExpressVPN apps for Mac, Windows and Android, select which apps use the VPN and which apps don’t when you’re connected to ExpressVPN.

5. Kill Switch

Here, Network Lock is the ExpressVPN Kill Switch. It keeps your data safe even if your VPN connection drops, blocking all internet traffic until protection is restored. If your VPN connection is ever interrupted, Network Lock will immediately stop traffic from entering or leaving your device. By halting all online activity, Network Lock keeps your personal information from being exposed to your internet service provider (ISP) or other prying eyes.

Simply, Network Lock means you never have to worry about a failed connection compromising your security and privacy. Not even for a moment.

6. Best-In-Class Encryption And Security Protocol

Besides hiding your IP address and mixing your traffic with that of other users, ExpressVPN also encrypts your traffic between secure VPN servers and your computer, so that it can’t be read by third parties in between, such as your internet service provider or your local Wi-Fi operator.

ExpressVPN uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) with 256-bit keys—also known as AES-256. It’s the same encryption standard adopted by the U.S. government and used by security experts worldwide to protect classified information.

It is worth mentioning in the ExpressVpn Review that this vpn uses all the latest protocols available in the market. It has options like Lightway, Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP), OpenVPN (TCP vs. UDP), Internet Key Exchange Version 2 (IKEv2), Point to Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP), WireGuard. We will discuss these protocols in more details below.

7. Private DNS

DNS (Domain Name System) is a directory of all websites and services. If you have a URL, you can use DNS to look up its corresponding IP address. Many VPN services protect only your internet traffic and leave your DNS requests exposed and vulnerable. ExpressVPN solves this problem by running its own private, encrypted DNS on every VPN server.

When you use ExpressVPN, your DNS requests are handled directly by ExpressVPN, with no exposure to third parties. You don’t need to opt in to use ExpressVPN’s private DNS. The ExpressVPN app protects all DNS requests automatically, with the same encryption and tunnelling protocols as all your other online activity.

8. Multiple Platform

I am quite impressed to see the wide variety of devices that ExpressVPN supports to. ExpressVPN apps for devices- App For Window, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, App For Chromebook, VPN For Kindle Fire. ExpressVPN also applications for smart TV systems like Smart TVs, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Tv Stick, Samsung Smart Tv, ROKU, EXpressVPN fOr Chromecast, Nvidia shield and Android Tv. We can also get ExpressVpn router support.

ExpressVPN for game consoles, PlayStation. Xbox, Nintendo Switch is also available. It is not the end. The VPN also offers an ExpressVPN browser extension:

1. ExpressVPN Chrome Extension
2. ExpressVPN Firefox Extension
3. ExpressVPN Edge Extension

9. Unlimited BandWidth

A viable VPN should give you the freedom to use the internet as it was meant to be—without limits or walls. And ExpressVPN does the same.

ExpressVPN enables you to download and access whatever you want, whenever you want it. ExpressVPN removes caps set by your internet service provider. It creates a 2​56-bit encrypted SSL­-secured tunnel between you and the internet. Your ISP can’t limit your speeds or bandwidth because it cannot see what download services you’re using.

10. Use 5 Devices Simultaneously

One ExpressVPN subscription allows you to connect up to five different devices, of any platform, at any one time. For example, if your household has an Apple laptop, a Windows PC, an iPad, an iPhone, and a Samsung phone, you can connect them all to the VPN, simultaneously, with the same ExpressVPN subscription.

From the above table, you can have a glance on how much does the ExpressVPN costs. You can also grab ExpressVPN free trail offer from the official ExpressVPN download page.

Advantages Of ExpressVPN

1. No Logging Policy

A big YES to this. ExpressVPN doesn’t let you doubt its security. ExpressVPN’s security protocols operate under a stringent “No Logging” policy.  This means they do not track or store any of your personal data whenever you are using their services. From the second, you log onto your ExpressVPN server, your information is encrypted and hidden from hackers, government agencies, and yes, even ExpressVPN themselves do not have access to your personal data which is another most important factor that we need to address in this ExpressVPN review.

However, ExpressVPN does collect some data as outlined in their privacy policy. According to the companies website, they do collect the Apps and app versions successfully activated, dates (not times) when connected to the VPN service, choice of VPN server location, total amount (in MB) of data transferred per day, and after reviewing dozens of other VPNs, I have found that this is just standard practice and is actually necessary to ensure an optimal user experience.

2. Really Fast VPN

Probably the most important strength that ExpressVPN apk has is their fast upload and download speeds. Without VPN, we had the following results from Europe:

Network Speed without VPN in Europe was, with a 100 Mbps connection, we’re able to get a download speed of 83.15 Mbps which makes them one of the fastest VPNs we’ve reviewed to date. Of the 70+ VPN providers that have been tested, only a few offer upload and download speeds comparable to ExpressVPN’s. ExpressVPN speed test in EU Server (Amsterdam) is Ping: 40ms / Download: 83.15 Mbps / Upload: 51.81Mbps whereas in US Server (New York) it is:  Ping: 110ms / Download: 60.04 Mbps / Upload: 30.41 Mbps. In Asia Server (Hong Kong) speed is Ping: 292ms / Download: 30.26 Mbps / Upload: 12.46 Mbps.

So, it is advisable to always take a speed test with a grain of salt because it relies on too many variables, such as your physical location, your computer specs, your Internet connection etc. But since VPN is compared with the same method (same computer & Internet connection), it can truly say that ExpressVPN speed is the fastest.

3. ExpressVPN For Torrenting And File Sharing

This is a huge plus point for many regular users of Torrent. While other companies like TunnelBear have officially stated that they do not allow torrenting, ExpressVPN has made no such statements for Torrent Users. Since ExpressVPN did not openly oppose Torrent so it can be said that in a way they are encouraging it. I believe ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Torrent with its military-grade encryption to unlimited bandwidth and admirable download times. Therefore, ExpressVPN and Torrent is nothing less than good friends complimenting each other. Next, let’s look into how good is ExpressVPN for Netflix.

4. ExpressVPN For  Netflix (Unblocking Netflix USA)

Like Torrent ExpressVPN for Netflix works like magic. As we know not a lot of VPN can bypass Netflix’s anti VPN system. As Netflix’s security protocols and procedures continue to evolve, it is becoming increasingly rare to find VPN providers with Netflix compatibility. Therefore, the first and most important thing that all wants to find out is whether or not ExpressVPN For Netflix unblocks Netflix contents, even in the USA. You will be surprised to know that using ExpressVPN for Netflix will lead you to a queue of films and TV shows that was wildly different from any regularly scheduled programming. The following servers worked perfectly fine for bypassing Netflix geo-block:

• United States (2 servers)
• Canada
• United Kingdom (2 servers)
• Netherlands

Therefore, I would indeed recommend ExpressVPN for Netflix.

5. ExpressVPNs 24/7 Customer Support

In an industry where bad customer service is almost the norm to preserve anonymity, ExpressVPN’s 24/7 live support is one of its biggest selling points. Unlike many providers who rely on outdated contact forms and laggy email chains, ExpressVPN’s Review overall comes out positive as it boasts a 24/7 365 live chat feature that has been consistently rated one of the best in the business.

But, for whatever reason, ExpressVPN decided that it would be beneficial to continue offering the more traditional contact forms and support emails. So it’s important to note that if you do run into any issues when you opt for one of these archaic methods, ExpressVPN will be quick to redirect you to their live support team (as they do in the following correspondence). For a system that depends on anonymity, such prompt customer service feels like a dream come true.

6. TOR Compatibility

Another huge plus point for ExpressVPN Review is that it works with TOR. When using TOR, your traffic information is encrypted across multiple servers and your data is relayed so that it is difficult (bordering on impossible) to track your actual location. If you are extremely concerned about your personal security, ExpressVPN allows you to combine the TOR networks on top of your existing VPN to maximize your privacy and but eliminate vulnerabilities in your data’s security. In countries with Draconian censorship laws, this added layer of security can (literally) be a lifesaver.

7. ExpressVPN Is IP Leak and DNS Leak Free

Before writing this ExpressVPN Review we also tested ExpressVPN towards multiple DNS, WebRTC and IP leaks. Luckily, we couldn’t find any (4 different sites tested): IPLeak.net, Perfect-Privacy.com DNS & IP leak test, Browserleaks.com for WebRTC leaks IPC.ax, ExpressVPN no leak 1, No IP leaks detected, ExpressVPN no leak 2, No WebRTC leaks detected. Also, no viruses found in ExpressVPN thus giving this VPN clean health.

8. ExpressVPN for China

With over 3000 servers across 94 countries, you’ll be able to access geo-blocked and censored content anywhere in the world. Several of these servers operate in free countries close to China, including Hong Kong and Nepal, and so you’ll never need to sacrifice your connection speed for your security. The closer you are to your server, the faster your speeds will be. Having a server in China, ExpressVPN For China is the best VPN option.

ExpressVPN for China’s high-level encryption protects your data and makes it unreadable to government surveillance agencies and cybercriminals. This means that the Chinese government won’t be able to view your browsing activity or see that you are accessing censored websites.

An automatic kill switch is crucial in China because it will block any unprotected traffic on your network if your connection becomes unstable. This ensures that government spies won‘t see your browsing activity even in the rare case that your VPN fails.

Disadvantages Of ExpressVPN

1. Only 5 Devices Allowed For Connection

If there is one other complaint I had about ExpressVPN in this ExpressVPN review it is that they only allow you to simultaneously use their services on 5 devices. While it’s unlikely that this is an issue for users who are only interested in personal security, the limit can become frustrating whenever you are trying to ensure the security of your entire family’s data and devices. This is especially bothersome when you compare ExpressVPN’s device limit to those of other companies who consistently offer 7-10 simultaneous connections. While it’s far from a deal breaker, it is an issue that would be wanted to see resolved sooner rather than later.

2. Lack Of Transparency

Similar to NordVPN, ExpressVPN remains pretty anonymous company. There are no visible phone numbers nor business contacts on the website, yet they serve millions of customers. However, remaining anonymous in the VPN business is a pretty common thing. Businesses tend to do that because of the different laws and their motive to protect their customer’s data.

The ExpressVPN app takes the guesswork out of protocols by automatically selecting the best protocol for you based on the quality of your internet connection. That is why your protocol is always set to “Automatic” by default. However, you may also manually choose a protocol if you have special circumstances. ExpressVPN offers tatest security protocols available in the market.

Lightway

Built from the ground up by ExpressVPN, Lightway is created for the modern world, forgoing features that are no longer needed from a VPN and implementing those that provide a smooth, secure experience. Establishing a VPN connection might take only a fraction of a second, depending on your network, and you’ll stay connected to the VPN even when your device switches networks. Lightway does the minimum needed to get you connected quickly and securely, so you might even notice less battery usage.

Lightway uses wolfSSL, whose well-established cryptography library has been extensively vetted by third parties, including against the FIPS 140-2 standard.

In addition to running on the UDP protocol, Lightway also supports TCP, which might be slower than UDP but connects better on certain networks. This allows Lightway to be used in a wide range of scenarios.

Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP)

A significant step up from pioneering but outdated protocols like PPTP and SSTP, the Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol delivers better security at the cost of reduced speed. L2TP is commonly paired with the IPsec protocol to deliver AES-256 encryption, with the combination of the two referred to as L2TP/IPsec.

However, L2TP/IPsec is still more suited for anonymization than for security, as there are other protocols, such as OpenVPN, offering even stronger levels of security.

OpenVPN (TCP vs. UDP)

OpenVPN is a highly configurable open-source protocol. It’s available free for all platforms and is held in high regard by the community, and it is widely adopted among consumer VPN services.

OpenVPN can most easily be configured to mask itself as ordinary internet traffic, which helps it evade detection by filters and firewalls. It has been widely audited by trusted independent researchers, making it appropriate for deployment even in sensitive environments.

In the ExpressVPN apps, users can toggle between UDP (optimal for speed) or TCP (optimal for connection reliability) within the app settings if they wish.

Internet Key Exchange Version 2 (IKEv2)

IKEv2 is one of the newest protocols and has significant strengths, particularly its speed. It’s well-suited for mobile devices across all platforms.

However, being primarily used in corporate environments, IKEv2 doesn’t have native support for Linux, and its lack of configurability can be a drawback. IKEv2 is also difficult to audit due to its strict licensing. ExpressVPN uses an open-source implementation of IKEv2 to ensure the integrity of the protocol.

IKEv2 is a popular choice, and it will sometimes be used by ExpressVPN apps when the protocol is set to “Automatic.”

From the above discussion, I am pretty much sure that you have got a rough idea about the security protocols that ExpressVPN offers. We can now conclude that this VPN is high secured beside being feature-packed.

In conclusion to this ExpressVPN Review, this VPN definitely offers a fantastic service that is filled with a wide array of features sure to delight both novice and expert web-surfers alike. ExpressVPN for Netflix and Torrenting enabled users to get access to a plethora of global TV programs. Moreover, they keep you fully anonymous, safe and secure. And with such a large pool of servers (3000+) to choose from and an effective team of customer service agents at your disposal, I feel that you get what you pay for – which is a lot! It’s fast, safe and secure. Considering all the ExpressVPN features, it is a most recommendable VPN service which assures complete safety and security in this price range.

NOTE: Accessing banned websites by using VPN is still illegal. You may face serious Legal problems while doing so.

I hope you have liked my ExpressVPN Review. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section below. I will be happy to respond.

ExpressVPN Review (Tested)-The Best VPN Of 2021?

• 1Introduction
• 2ExpressVPN Features
• 3ExpressVPN Pricing Info
• 4ExpressVPN Pros And Cons
• 5ExpressVPN Security Protocols
• 6ExpressVPN Vs Nordvpn
• 7Final Verdict