ExpressVPN Evaluation (2024): Pricing, Options, Execs, & Cons

As one of the vital well-liked VPNs at present, ExpressVPN presents an all-around expertise that makes it a stable alternative for many companies. It offers spectacular VPN speeds and efficiency, an intensive 105-country server suite, and a robust portfolio of unbiased audits.

Whereas its paid plans are on the costly aspect, I really feel it offers sufficient total worth to make the spend worthwhile.

ExpressVPN pricing

ExpressVPN has easy pricing that’s divided by contract size. It presents a one-month, a six-month, and a one-year contract. Whereas I want ExpressVPN had a two-year or three-year contract providing with decrease month-to-month charges, I respect how the subscription construction isn’t overly difficult.

Under is pricing for ExpressVPN’s paid plans as of August 2024:

Sadly, there was a worth enhance with ExpressVPN’s one-year contract in 2024, in comparison with 2023. Once I first reviewed ExpressVPN in 2023, the annual plan was priced at $6.67 per 30 days, or round $80 per yr. Proper now, the one-year subscription is pegged at $8.33 per 30 days, or round $100 per yr.

For context, one-year VPN plans normally vary from $3 to round $8 per 30 days, or $36 and $100 per yr, respectively. This places ExpressVPN’s annual plan on the higher finish of common VPN costs.

SEE: CyberGhost vs ExpressVPN (2024): Which VPN Is Higher? (TechRepublic)

Whereas I in the end suppose the worth is warranted given ExpressVPN’s function set, I can’t say I’m completely satisfied that the annual plan is now a bit pricier in comparison with final yr. That is particularly contemplating how one-year plans could be my go-to advice, as I really feel they provide the very best worth worth with out getting tied all the way down to an unreasonably lengthy contract.

In case you’re searching for a extra reasonably priced one-year VPN plan, Mullvad VPN’s $5.56 per 30 days annual plan (round $67 per yr) and Non-public Web Entry VPN’s $3.33 per 30 days one-year plan (round $40 per yr) are good alternate options.

Regardless of having a pricier one-year plan, I like how ExpressVPN contains its ExpressVPN Keys password supervisor service with each subscription. This helps reduce the blow of the marginally costlier plan and is usually a good choose for customers who don’t but have a devoted password administration service of their very own.

All contract choices additionally embrace a 30-day money-back assure, which I commend. ExpressVPN additionally presents a seven-day free trial, however that is solely obtainable through its iOS and Android cell purposes.

Is ExpressVPN safe?

Sure, ExpressVPN is a secure and safe VPN to make use of in 2024. It makes use of the trade commonplace AES-256 encryption algorithm, broadly thought-about one of the vital safe algorithms at present.

For its VPN protocols, I like that ExpressVPN covers each safety and velocity. It presents OpenVPN — which is well-regarded for its safety and stability and likewise offers its personal proprietary protocol referred to as Lightway — which ExpressVPN says was designed for velocity.

On the flipside, some customers might take difficulty with its possession. Again in 2021, ExpressVPN, together with Non-public Web Entry and CyberGhost, had been acquired by safety supplier Kape Applied sciences. Previously referred to as Crossrider, the corporate had beforehand been related to adware earlier than shifting into its new identify.

Luckily, ExpressVPN allayed considerations when it introduced that it could proceed to function as an unbiased service regardless of the acquisition.

As well as, ExpressVPN has a no-logs coverage, which states that it doesn’t log any person site visitors or private knowledge. Fortunately, ExpressVPN backs this up with plenty of unbiased audit outcomes that affirm its safety claims. I commend ExpressVPN for taking this strategy, particularly with how simple it’s to make false guarantees in terms of safety.

Once I first reviewed ExpressVPN again in October 2023, it had 16 third-party audits. As of August 2024, ExpressVPN has undergone a complete of 18 unbiased audits. This contains audits on its no-logs coverage, browser extension, and desktop purposes. To me, this reveals that ExpressVPN is severe about constructing belief and defending delicate person knowledge.

ExpressVPN additionally often publishes Transparency Stories on its official web site, showcasing real-world knowledge requests or inquiries on person knowledge. The VPN supplier reiterates that it “can never provide this customer data because it simply does not exist” — an announcement I’m completely satisfied to see from a no-logs VPN.

SEE: IPVanish vs ExpressVPN (2024): Which VPN Is Higher? (TechRepublic)

All in all, I’m glad with the safety measures ExpressVPN has put in place with its VPN. On prime of its audits and robust encryption, ExpressVPN additionally contains DNS leak safety, a built-in kill swap, and advert blocking capabilities.

For customers seeking to have a safe VPN service, I’ve no hassle recommending ExpressVPN as a viable choice in 2024.

ExpressVPN key options

In comparison with 2023, ExpressVPN has included extra standout options this yr on prime of its most important VPN service. Let’s take a look at three that stood out to me particularly.

Superior Safety capabilities

ExpressVPN has what it calls Superior Safety, which lets customers block off frequent intrusive gadgets on the web for a greater on-line expertise. Previously referred to as Risk Supervisor, Superior Safety contains the power to dam trackers, adverts, and malicious web sites.

What’s new in 2024 is ExpressVPN now has ‘Parental controls’ help, which robotically blocks grownup web sites whereas utilizing ExpressVPN. That is carried out by means of ExpressVPN’s grownup web site blocklist, which they are saying is often reviewed and up to date.

I like how ExpressVPN continues to develop its net safety capabilities, particularly with how malware and menace actors proceed to evolve themselves. I additionally respect Superior Safety being a set-and-forget function, needing solely to be toggled as soon as for it to be energetic.

ExpressVPN Keys password supervisor extension

So as to add much more worth to its VPN, ExpressVPN bundles in ExpressVPN Keys — its personal devoted password supervisor service — to each subscription. Keys lets you retailer and set up your passwords by means of an encrypted and safe vault.

ExpressVPN Keys is accessible as a browser extension and is pretty simple to arrange. Keys is a really primary password administration device. It features a password generator and a password vault that may retailer log-ins, notes, and bank card data.

SEE: The best way to Run a Cybersecurity Danger Evaluation in 5 Steps (TechRepublic Premium)

Whereas it’s not probably the most fully-featured password supervisor on the market, I respect the truth that ExpressVPN bundles it in with its VPN at no extra price.

This may be excellent for potential VPN customers who’re additionally all in favour of attempting out a devoted password supervisor. It additionally helps offset ExpressVPN’s costlier annual subscription, as you’re mainly getting two companies for the worth of 1.

TrustedServer RAM-only server expertise

One other standout function is ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer RAM-only server expertise. Since 2019, ExpressVPN has been utilizing a RAM-only server infrastructure that ensures all person knowledge is wiped with each reboot.

This additionally means no personal data is written into bodily laborious drives, eradicating the danger of knowledge by chance being compromised or stolen. As VPNs deal with delicate knowledge similar to our searching historical past and on-line site visitors, I believe having RAM-only servers must be the usual in trendy VPNs, and I’m completely satisfied ExpressVPN presents it through its TrustedServer expertise.

ExpressVPN velocity and efficiency

Per my testing, ExpressVPN was quick and secure all through my day-to-day duties as a author. This concerned having a number of Chrome tabs open for analysis, utilizing Google Workspace apps like Docs and Drive, and attending the occasional on-line video assembly for work.

At no level did I really feel a noticeable slowdown with my connection in comparison with my web service supplier. Loading webpages felt snappy, and it was an total constructive expertise the entire time I used to be related to an ExpressVPN server. Switching to completely different server places was additionally pretty fast, with ExpressVPN having no points establishing new connections.

The story was the identical when it got here to hurry testing, with ExpressVPN recording wonderful outcomes. For downloads, ExpressVPN had a lower of 25.65% — which I think about quick since velocity drops are anticipated with VPNs. For uploads, ExpressVPN truly recorded 0.37% sooner speeds in comparison with my ISP, which could be very spectacular and among the quickest I’ve recorded to this point.

In fact, velocity take a look at outcomes might fluctuate relying on your own home connection, location, and different components. However primarily based on my testing, I’m assured ExpressVPN will present quick and dependable VPN speeds for many customers.

When it comes to DNS leak safety, I ran ExpressVPN by means of a number of rounds on a public DNS leak device. All through all of the exams, utilizing completely different server places, I recorded zero DNS leaks in anyway.

Sadly, ExpressVPN solely permits for as much as eight simultaneous system connections. Whereas I believe that is greater than sufficient for the common person, having a limiteless variety of connections at a time would nonetheless be most well-liked. If you would like a VPN with limitless simultaneous connections, take a look at Surfshark VPN or Non-public Web Entry VPN.

ExpressVPN servers and places

In 2024, ExpressVPN brings an intensive server suite that spans 105 international locations worldwide. It is a vital bump up in comparison with the 94 international locations ExpressVPN had once I first used it in October 2023.

Whereas ExpressVPN doesn’t explicitly disclose its full server rely, some shops have reported the quantity to be round 3,000 servers.

In case you’re curious in regards to the nation unfold with ExpressVPN’s server community, under is a fast overview of its VPN server places throughout the globe:

I commend ExpressVPN for regularly increasing its server fleet and dealing to have that 11-country enhance in only a yr. That is vital since one of many main causes to make use of a VPN is to unblock geo-restricted content material.

At 105 international locations, ExpressVPN’s server suite is kind of on par with the competitors, like NordVPN’s 111-country server fleet and CyberGhost VPN’s 100-country server infrastructure. For customers who plan to entry geo-blocked content material on-line, I believe ExpressVPN can be a stable alternative.

ExpressVPN app expertise

For this assessment, I primarily used ExpressVPN’s desktop utility on a Home windows laptop computer. Personally, I believe ExpressVPN’s person interface is one among its sturdy factors. It combines having each a easy and easy-to-use UI with a contemporary aesthetic that’s pleasing to the attention.

Issues like server places, settings menus, and different options had been the place I anticipated them to be, and nothing felt complicated when it comes to UI alternative. I additionally suppose the app expertise is considerably helped by the truth that ExpressVPN feels so easy.

Every little thing labored as marketed, similar to switching by means of servers or utilizing one among ExpressVPN’s security measures. This helped make the general expertise really feel very polished on the entire.

In case you’re the kind of person who prioritizes a clear UI and an intuitive app expertise, I discovered ExpressVPN to be the most effective.

ExpressVPN browser extension

ExpressVPN has browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Courageous, and Vivaldi. Throughout my time with ExpressVPN, I used to be in a position to take a look at it with Chrome. Personally, I like ExpressVPN’s implementation with its browser extension, because it acts as a pseudo-remote management for its desktop app.

This makes the expertise from desktop to the browser borderline seamless. Just like the desktop counterpart, ExpressVPN on Chrome was intuitive, fast-performing, and fairly dependable.

Take word, nevertheless, that since ExpressVPN’s browser extension acts as a distant management, the server connection impacts your entire machine and never simply on the browser degree.

ExpressVPN buyer help

For buyer help, ExpressVPN presents 24/7 reside chat help, e-mail, and a data base help web page for frequent queries and in-depth guides.

I had a principally constructive expertise with ExpressVPN’s reside chat help. Inside 5 or so minutes, I used to be in a position to communicate with an actual help agent who was in a position to reply the questions I had pretty simply.

This was reflective of different customers’ sentiments on ExpressVPN’s buyer help. Within the ExpressVPN Reddit group, one person stated “support is excellent. Just go to their chat window and you get a person in less than a minute. They’re pleasant and knowledgeable and they’ve always fixed any issue I had.”

ExpressVPN execs

• 105-country server fleet.
• Quick speeds for each downloads and uploads.
• AES-256 encryption.
• ExpressVPN Keys password supervisor bundled with VPN.
• Intuitive and well-designed VPN utility.
• 18 unbiased audits as of 2024.

Specific VPN Cons

• On the pricier aspect.
• Owned by controversial Kape Applied sciences.

Who’s ExpressVPN greatest for?

ExpressVPN is greatest for customers and companies that need an all-around VPN service that may present quick speeds, sturdy safety, and a well-designed desktop utility.

It has a bigger 105-country server fleet in comparison with final yr, extra safety capabilities with its Superior Safety net safety function, and even bundles a devoted password supervisor on prime of the primary VPN subscription.

I personally discover a number of worth in ExpressVPN’s 18 third-party audits as of August 2024. With knowledge as delicate as on-line site visitors, I discover ExpressVPN’s all-in strategy to unbiased testing as a serious benefit in comparison with the competitors.

Whereas I acknowledge that ExpressVPN isn’t probably the most reasonably priced choice, I really feel its quick efficiency and polished person expertise deliver sufficient worth to warrant the spend.

ExpressVPN alternate options

NordVPN

NordVPN is likely one of the hottest VPN companies obtainable at present — and for good cause. It presents a big 111-country server fleet with 6,400+ servers, a novel Meshnet encrypted networking system for safe file-sharing and collaboration, and built-in menace safety in opposition to malware, adverts, and trackers.

SEE: The Prime 7 NordVPN Options for 2024 (TechRepublic)

I particularly respect how NordVPN brings all these options in a contemporary and easy-to-use desktop interface that’s each dependable and secure. It’s one among my picks in terms of utilizing a no-nonsense VPN that simply works.

If you wish to study extra, learn our full NordVPN assessment. You may as well take a look at our current NordVPN vs Proton VPN (2024) comparability.

Surfshark VPN

For extra budget-oriented customers, I like to recommend trying out Surfshark. It brings a extremely good stability between affordability and VPN capabilities. It brings quick VPN speeds, a variety of subscriptions for various kinds of customers, and a well-designed desktop utility.

I notably like the way it presents limitless system connections, letting customers have a number of computer systems or smartphones related through a VPN server without having an extra subscription.

If you wish to study extra, learn our full Surfshark VPN assessment. You may as well take a look at our AVG Safe VPN vs Surfshark comparability.

Non-public Web Entry VPN

If you would like a customizable VPN expertise, I recommend looking at Non-public Web Entry VPN. It brings a user-friendly interface that lets customers bookmark their favourite settings within the app, as they see match. You may as well set automated actions for the VPN, controlling issues similar to customized guidelines once you be part of a particular community.

Like Surfshark, PIA VPN brings limitless simultaneous system connections, which I envision can be particularly helpful for customers with a number of gadgets available.

If you wish to study extra, learn our full PIA VPN assessment. You may as well take a look at our PIA VPN vs NordVPN and PIA vs ExpressVPN comparisons.

Evaluation methodology

My assessment of ExpressVPN concerned an in depth analysis of its options, price, and real-world efficiency. I had hands-on time with Specific VPN’s one-year subscription plan on a Home windows laptop computer.

To guage ExpressVPN, I scored it on every thing from its safety protocols to its server community. Particularly, I took under consideration 5 most important pillars, every having corresponding weights:

• Pricing (20%).
• Core VPN options (30%).
• Ease of use (15%).
• Buyer help (30%).
• Skilled evaluation (5%).

From this rubric, ExpressVPN obtained a score of 4.6 out of 5 stars. I additionally appeared into actual person suggestions and different respected evaluations to spherical out my remaining suggestions.

For velocity and efficiency, I used Ookla’s public Speedtestto measure obtain and add speeds. I additionally ran ExpressVPN by means of DNSLeakTest a number of occasions to test for any DNS leaks. Lastly, I thought-about which kinds of customers or companies would greatest profit from utilizing ExpressVPN.

To study extra about how we assessment VPNs, learn ourfull VPN Evaluation Methodology.