We spent weeks testing ExpressVPN across a variety of networks, devices, and scenarios to determine whether it still earns its reputation. The results show that it remains a leader in speed, security, and ease of use.
Company Background and Privacy Stance
ExpressVPN is owned by Express Technologies Ltd. and is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction with no mandatory data-retention laws. This legal environment gives the company a strong foundation for its strict no-logs policy. Over the years, ExpressVPN has repeatedly proven its privacy claims by undergoing independent audits and implementing RAM-only servers that wipe data upon reboot. This commitment to privacy is especially valuable in a landscape where VPNs are increasingly scrutinized.
Performance and Speed
ExpressVPN is consistently among the fastest VPNs we test. Using the Lightway protocol—now open-sourced and reimplemented in Rust—we observed near–ISP speeds on local servers and impressive performance even on distant connections. Our average download speeds across multiple regions remained steady enough for lag-free 4K streaming, video conferencing, and online gaming.
Security Features
Security remains ExpressVPN’s strongest suit. All servers operate on TrustedServer technology, meaning they run entirely on volatile RAM rather than traditional hard drives. This design ensures that all data is wiped upon reboot and nothing is written to permanent storage. The company also supports secure protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2 alongside Lightway.
Streaming and Unblocking
ExpressVPN remains a go-to service for streaming enthusiasts. During our tests, it consistently accessed Netflix libraries in the U.S., U.K., Japan, and several other countries. BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video worked without issue. Playback was smooth and buffer-free, even during peak hours.
Ease of Use and Apps
ExpressVPN’s apps are some of the most user-friendly in the market. Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and a range of smart TVs and routers, the apps feature a clean interface with a single-click connection. The location picker is intuitive, and the apps include helpful features like recent location shortcuts and built-in speed tests.
Support and Customer Service
ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat and email support. In our experience, live chat responses arrived within a minute, and agents were knowledgeable about technical issues like manual router setups and protocol troubleshooting. The support website hosts an extensive library of tutorials, making it easy for users to find answers without direct assistance.
Bottom Line
ExpressVPN continues to stand out as a premium VPN solution. Its blend of top-notch security, fast and reliable performance, extensive streaming support, and intuitive design makes it one of the best choices for anyone who values privacy and convenience. While cheaper alternatives exist, ExpressVPN’s consistent quality justifies the price for those who want a VPN that simply works every time.