ExpressVPN Overview (2024): Pricing, Options, Execs, & Cons – Uplaza

ExpressVPN Quick info Our score: 4.6 stars out of 5 Pricing: $8.33 monthly Key options: Servers throughout 105 nations. Quick and dependable VPN speeds. Included password supervisor.

As probably the most fashionable VPNs right now, ExpressVPN affords an all-around expertise that makes it a stable alternative for many companies. It offers spectacular VPN speeds and efficiency, an in depth 105-country server suite, and a powerful portfolio of unbiased audits.

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

ExpressVPN pricing

ExpressVPN has simple pricing that’s divided by contract size. It affords 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 admire how the subscription construction isn’t overly difficult.

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

Length	Value
1-year plan	$8.33 monthly
6-month plan	$9.99 monthly
1-month plan	$12.95 monthly

Sadly, there was a value improve 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 monthly, or round $80 per 12 months. Proper now, the one-year subscription is pegged at $8.33 monthly, or round $100 per 12 months.

For context, one-year VPN plans normally vary from $3 to round $8 monthly, or $36 and $100 per 12 months, 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 assume the value is warranted given ExpressVPN’s function set, I can’t say I’m blissful that the annual plan is now a bit pricier in comparison with final 12 months. That is particularly contemplating how one-year plans could be my go-to advice, as I really feel they provide one of the best worth value with out getting tied all the way down to an unreasonably lengthy contract.

For those who’re in search of a extra reasonably priced one-year VPN plan, Mullvad VPN’s $5.56 monthly annual plan (round $67 per 12 months) and Personal Web Entry VPN’s $3.33 monthly one-year plan (round $40 per 12 months) are good alternate options.

Regardless of having a pricier one-year plan, I like how ExpressVPN consists of its ExpressVPN Keys password supervisor service with each subscription. This helps reduce the blow of the marginally dearer plan and is usually a good decide 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 affords a seven-day free trial, however that is solely accessible through its iOS and Android cellular 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 of probably the most safe algorithms right now.

For its VPN protocols, I like that ExpressVPN covers each safety and pace. It affords OpenVPN — which is well-regarded for its safety and stability and in addition offers its personal proprietary protocol known as Lightway — which ExpressVPN says was designed for pace.

On the flipside, some customers could take subject with its possession. Again in 2021, ExpressVPN, together with Personal Web Entry and CyberGhost, have been acquired by safety supplier Kape Applied sciences. Previously generally known 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 will 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 visitors or private knowledge. Fortunately, ExpressVPN backs this up with numerous unbiased audit outcomes that verify its safety claims. I commend ExpressVPN for taking this method, particularly with how straightforward it’s to make false guarantees with regards to 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 consists of audits on its no-logs coverage, browser extension, and desktop purposes. To me, this reveals that ExpressVPN is critical about constructing belief and defending delicate person knowledge.

ExpressVPN additionally recurrently publishes Transparency Stories on its official website, 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 blissful 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 high of its audits and powerful encryption, ExpressVPN additionally consists of DNS leak safety, a built-in kill swap, and advert blocking capabilities.

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

ExpressVPN key options

In comparison with 2023, ExpressVPN has included extra standout options this 12 months on high of its principal VPN service. Let’s try three that stood out to me particularly.

Superior Safety capabilities

ExpressVPN has what it calls Superior Safety, which lets customers block off widespread intrusive gadgets on the web for a greater on-line expertise. Previously generally known as Menace Supervisor, Superior Safety consists of the flexibility to dam trackers, advertisements, and malicious web sites.

What’s new in 2024 is ExpressVPN now has ‘Parental controls’ help, which mechanically blocks grownup web sites whereas utilizing ExpressVPN. That is accomplished by ExpressVPN’s grownup website blocklist, which they are saying is recurrently reviewed and up to date.

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

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 an encrypted and safe vault.

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

SEE: The right 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 admire the truth that ExpressVPN bundles it in with its VPN at no further value.

This may be excellent for potential VPN customers who’re additionally enthusiastic about attempting out a devoted password supervisor. It additionally helps offset ExpressVPN’s dearer annual subscription, as you’re mainly getting two companies for the value 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 non-public data is written into bodily arduous drives, eradicating the chance of information unintentionally being compromised or stolen. As VPNs deal with delicate knowledge similar to our shopping historical past and on-line visitors, I believe having RAM-only servers needs to be the usual in fashionable VPNs, and I’m blissful ExpressVPN affords it through its TrustedServer expertise.

ExpressVPN pace 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 general optimistic expertise the entire time I used to be linked to an ExpressVPN server. Switching to completely different server areas 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 pace drops are anticipated with VPNs. For uploads, ExpressVPN really recorded 0.37% sooner speeds in comparison with my ISP, which may be very spectacular and a number of the quickest I’ve recorded thus far.

After all, pace take a look at outcomes could differ relying on your property connection, location, and different components. However based mostly on my testing, I’m assured ExpressVPN will present quick and dependable VPN speeds for many customers.

By way of DNS leak safety, I ran ExpressVPN by a number of rounds on a public DNS leak instrument. All through all of the assessments, utilizing completely different server areas, I recorded zero DNS leaks in any respect.

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 an infinite variety of connections at a time would nonetheless be most well-liked. If you’d like a VPN with limitless simultaneous connections, try Surfshark VPN or Personal Web Entry VPN.

ExpressVPN servers and areas

In 2024, ExpressVPN brings an in depth server suite that spans 105 nations worldwide. This can be a important bump up in comparison with the 94 nations ExpressVPN had after 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.

For those who’re curious concerning the nation unfold with ExpressVPN’s server community, under is a fast overview of its VPN server areas throughout the globe:

Area	No. of nations
Americas	24
Europe	47
Asia Pacific	27
Center East and Africa	8

I commend ExpressVPN for regularly increasing its server fleet and dealing to have that 11-country improve in only a 12 months. That is vital since one of many main causes to make use of a VPN is to unblock geo-restricted content material.

At 105 nations, 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 will likely be a stable alternative.

ExpressVPN app expertise

For this evaluation, I primarily used ExpressVPN’s desktop utility on a Home windows laptop computer. Personally, I believe ExpressVPN’s person interface is certainly one of 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 areas, settings menus, and different options have been the place I anticipated them to be, and nothing felt complicated when it comes to UI alternative. I additionally assume the app expertise is considerably helped by the truth that ExpressVPN feels so clean.

All the things labored as marketed, similar to switching by servers or utilizing certainly one of ExpressVPN’s security measures. This helped make the general expertise really feel very polished on the entire.

For those who’re the kind of person who prioritizes a clear UI and an intuitive app expertise, I discovered ExpressVPN to be probably the greatest.

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 observe, nevertheless, that since ExpressVPN’s browser extension acts as a distant management, the server connection impacts your complete machine and never simply on the browser stage.

ExpressVPN buyer help

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

I had a largely optimistic expertise with ExpressVPN’s stay chat help. Inside 5 or so minutes, I used to be in a position to converse 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 mentioned “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.

Categorical VPN Cons

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

Who’s ExpressVPN finest for?

ExpressVPN is finest 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 12 months, further safety capabilities with its Superior Safety net safety function, and even bundles a devoted password supervisor on high of the primary VPN subscription.

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

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

ExpressVPN alternate options

	NordVPN	Surfshark VPN	Personal Web Entry VPN
Beginning value (annual plan)	$4.99 monthly	$3.69 monthly	$3.33 monthly
Server community	6,400+ servers in 111 nations	3,200+ servers in 100 nations	Servers in 91 nations
Free trial	Sure (through Android solely)	Sure (through cellular)	Sure (through cellular)
Standout options	In depth server community, privacy-centric further options	Limitless simultaneous system connections, reasonably priced pricing, and quick efficiency	Customizable app expertise, limitless simultaneous system connections

NordVPN

NordVPN is without doubt one of the hottest VPN companies accessible right now — and for good purpose. It affords 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 risk safety in opposition to malware, advertisements, and trackers.

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

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

If you wish to study extra, learn our full NordVPN evaluation. You can even try our latest NordVPN vs Proton VPN (2024) comparability.

Surfshark VPN

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

I notably like the way it affords limitless system connections, letting customers have a number of computer systems or smartphones linked through a VPN server with no need a further subscription.

If you wish to study extra, learn our full Surfshark VPN evaluation. You can even try our AVG Safe VPN vs Surfshark comparability.

Personal Web Entry VPN

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

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

If you wish to study extra, learn our full PIA VPN evaluation. You can even try our PIA VPN vs NordVPN and PIA vs ExpressVPN comparisons.

Overview methodology

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

To guage ExpressVPN, I scored it on every part from its safety protocols to its server community. Particularly, I took into consideration 5 principal pillars, every having corresponding weights:

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

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

For pace and efficiency, I used Ookla’s public Speedtestto measure obtain and add speeds. I additionally ran ExpressVPN by DNSLeakTest a number of occasions to verify for any DNS leaks. Lastly, I thought of which varieties of customers or companies would finest profit from utilizing ExpressVPN.

To study extra about how we evaluation VPNs, learn ourfull VPN Overview Methodology.