ExpressVPN is one of the best VPN providers that has provided strong internet privacy and security for the last ten years. But it was recently acquired by Kape Technologies, which has faced significant criticism due to its shady background. Also, the VPN provider had pulled out its servers from India. So has this change even brought a significant impact on ExpressVPN?
However, on the other hand, ExpressVPN uses strong encryption and provides a range of security and privacy-boosting features to ensure maximum online security. This review sheds light on all the relevant details, but before proceeding with that, here is a quick overview of the VPN provider:
Security and Privacy:
Encryption
- AES-256 bit encryption
- 4096 bit RSA key
- SHA-512 authentication key
Jurisdiction
- British Virgin Islands
Log Policy
- Follows a verified no-log policy
Security Features
- Network lock
- Split tunneling
- Zero-knowledge DNS
- Threat manager
- Tor over VPN
- Private DNS
Streaming and Torrenting
List of Compatible Streaming Platforms
- Amazon Prime Video
- BBC iPlayer
- Disney Plus
- Hulu
- HBO Max
- Netflix
List of Torrenting Features
- Split tunneling
- Torrent IP leak protection
User-friendliness
No. of Servers
- 3000 servers in 94 countries
Pricing
- $12.95/m on a 1-month plan
- $8.32/m on a 1-year plan
- $9.99/m on 6 month plan
Customer Support
- Live chat support
- Online resources
Compatible Devices
- Android
- iOS
- macOS
- Windows
- Routers
- Gaming consoles
- Streaming devices
While from an upfront ExpressVPN does seem like a reliable and trustworthy VPN provider. However, a deep review might reveal something much more.
Security and Privacy
A VPN is an online privacy and security tool and, therefore, is liable for every VPN to provide internet security to its users. However, unfortunately, many VPN providers might promise the utmost privacy and security. Still, their promises are mostly empty, so it is crucial to look into the three main things that shed light on how the VPN treats user security and privacy: jurisdiction, log policy, and encryption.
ExpressVPN’s turnover to Kape Technologies has become crucial more than ever to have a deep look into these matters since the company has a dark background.
What type of Encryption does ExpressVPN use?
ExpressVPN uses military-grade encryption to safeguard the users’ data from prying eyes:
- AES-256 bit encryption
- 4096-bit RSA key
- SHA-512 authentication key
Moreover, ExpressVPN also uses perfect forward secrecy. It creates a new encryption key for every session, leaving no room for hackers or snoopers to decrypt your data and learn about your online activities.
The encryption standard ExpressVPN uses is the same as banks and government officials use, so anyone cannot intercept your data traffic.
Jurisdiction of ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has its headquarters in a safe jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands. It is a privacy-friendly jurisdiction that is not a part of the five eyes, nine eyes, and 14 Eyes alliance. Your browsing data won’t be recorded or shared with the government or international surveillance agencies. The country also doesn’t impose any data retention laws. So, ExpressVPN is safe because its business location doesn’t interfere with providing a secure user experience.
Logging Policy – Does it Keep logs?
ExpressVPN, in its privacy policy, made it quite clear that the company follows a no-log policy and doesn’t log any of your browsing activity. The VPN won’t store you:
- IP address
- DNS queries
- Browsing history
- Traffic destination or metadata
According to Expres VPN’s privacy policy:
ExpressVPN respects users’ privacy and doesn’t log or share your activity and connection logs. From the above screenshot, it is clear that ExpressVPN won’t store the following:
- IP address
- DNS queries
- Browsing history
- Traffic destination or metadata
However, the VPN does collect a minimal amount of user information, such as
- Choice of the VPN server
- The apps version successfully activated
- Date when you connected to the VPN service
- Amount of data transferred per day in MB
Besides this, the VPN collects anonymized data like speed test data, crash reports, and connection failures. But none of the data collected enables ExpressVPN to match individual behavior and network activity. The VPN provides no information about how the company processes the data, but it shouldn’t be a concern. It uses trusted server technology and has no data to show. All the VPN servers run on the RAM-only servers that temporarily store and delete the data when the app is rebooted.
Moreover, ExpressVPN has undergone an independent log audit process. PwC audit firm tested the VPN code and also interviewed team members. The audit report confirms that ExpressVPN doesn’t log and share users’ data logs with anyone. However, this log audit is somewhat outdated since it happened in 2019 when a different name owned ExpressVPN. Since Kape Technologies bought ExpressVPN, it has yet to undergo a log audit that could prove its stance on being a no-log VPN and shed off many users’ suspicions.
Which Tunneling protocols does it offer?
ExpressVPN offers a range of popular tunneling protocols that helps in a secure connection. The VPN provider uses:
- OpenVPN
- IKEv2
- L2TP/IPSEC
- Lightway Protocol
The Lightway is ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol, optimized for reliability, speed, and security. It’s an open-source and lightweight protocol that won’t consume much of your bandwidth or battery. In addition, it enables users to pick up between the AES and ChaCha20/Poly 1305 encryption ciphers. This protocol is trustworthy because it has undergone an independent security audit and is open-source code, with its code available on GitHub for anyone to view. The proprietary protocol is now compatible with all ExpressVPN apps and hence is the most preferred choice of the users.
Besides this, you can also use the OpenVPN protocol. It has two ports; one favors speed, and the other is best for security. The VPN also supports the IKEV2 and L2TP protocols, but they don’t work on all devices, and the speeds are not as competitive as the other protocols.
If you need maximum speed and reliability, using the Lightway or OpenVPN protocol is best.
How good is ExpressVPN at bypassing censorship?
ExpressVPN is among the few best VPN providers that help users bypass censorship. It has a worldwide server network and the fastest connection speed that helps to access the blocked content anywhere. With ExpressVPN, you can use any popular blocked social media platforms like Skype or Twitter and read the news from any restricted website.
Moreover, you can access the blocked streaming content on Netflix or Hulu. The VPN also offers specialized stealth servers that mask your VPN traffic as the regular HTTPS traffic. Since banks or online shopping platforms commonly use this encryption, VPN filters don’t block it.
Besides this, you can use ExpressVPN in authoritarian countries like China, UAE, and Turkey by connecting to stealth servers. Though the VPN doesn’t offer servers in China, you can connect to the nearby servers in Hong Kong and Singapore and browse the web freely. You can also enable the stealth mode and bypass the censorship.
Are any extra privacy and security features by ExpressVPN?
A VPN’s popularity also stems from the extra features it offers. These features increase online security and privacy and ensure an excellent user experience. ExpressVPN offers basic security and privacy-enhancing features like:
Network lock
Network lock is another name for ExpressVPN’s VPN kill switch that keeps your data safe even when the VPN connection drops or gets interrupted. It ensures that the VPN won’t leak your IP address, location, or any data unencrypted until the connection has resorted.
Doing so protects your data from getting intercepted by hackers and other snoopers. This feature is enabled by default; hence, you don’t have to navigate the settings options. It is available in Windows, iOS, and MacOS apps, while in Android apps, you can find it by the name “Network Protection.“
Private DNS
Many VPN providers protect your internet traffic but expose your DNS requests to privacy invaders. However, ExpressVPN has a solution for this. It uses its own encrypted and private DNS on each VPN server. When you use ExpressVPN, it automatically handles your DNS requests without exposing them to third parties.
Each VPN server is protected with robust encryption and tunneling protocols, ensuring no one can spoof or intercept your online communication. This way, the private and encrypted DNS safeguards your DNS requests and internet traffic and ensures a top-notch level of privacy and security.
Split Tunneling
A VPN’s split tunneling is an advanced feature that secures sensitive data. ExpressVPN also offers this feature to route some of your app or device traffic via the encrypted VPN tunnel while other devices and apps access the web directly. ExpressVPN’s split tunneling works in two different ways, i.e., it protects all the apps and connected devices except the excluded ones. Or it might also cover only the selected apps and devices while everything else flows without the cover of the VPN.
It is a handy feature that lets you watch foreign movies and download them safely without slowing down your other activities. This feature is available for Android, Mac, Windows, and routers.
If you’re using this feature on a router, it comes in device groups that allow you to sort out devices connected to your Wi-Fi groups and then connect each group to a different VPN server location. While on other platforms, you can directly select the apps you want to encrypt via the VPN.
Trusted server technology
Most VPN providers use servers that rely on hard drives and record all data until they are deleted. This raises the risk as the servers can be hacked by a third party or hacker who gets control of users’ data. ExpressVPN solves this problem by introducing trusted server technology. ExpressVPN’s servers run on RAM or volatile memory that prevents privacy intruders from getting hold of your data and deleting the user’s data every time it is powered off.
Moreover, a trusted server ensures that every ExpressVPN server runs on the most updated software, and the VPN knows what’s running on each server. This reduces the security risks and misconfigurations that improve VPN security.
Tor Over VPN
Tor is an online privacy tool that has developed various vulnerabilities over time. Therefore, using it with a VPN boosts your digital privacy. ExpressVPN allows users to access the Tor browser without being tracked by ISP or other prying eyes.
The VPN has launched a hidden service in the Tor network that offers greater privacy to Tor users. Also, accessing any website becomes easy for people living and working in highly restrictive regions. To access the onion service via ExpressVPN, download the Tor browser on any compatible device > navigate to http://expressobutiolem.onion >, and browse safely and anonymously.
Threat Manager
ExpressVPN has recently introduced a threat manager feature that gives you more control over your online privacy and how your data is used. The threat manager blocks websites and apps from sharing your data with trackers or malicious sites. For this purpose, it uses a blocklist that automatically prevents your device from communicating with anyone known to be malicious, like trackers and malicious websites. The list is automatically updated to include new threats.
This feature is available only on Mac, iOS, and Linux devices and will be enabled only when using the Lightway protocol. To turn on the feature on Apple devices, go to Options > Settings/Preferences > Threat Manager.
ExpressVPN provides limited features, unlike other top-quality VPN providers. You won’t find a dedicated IP address, double VPN, and ad blocker, which might disappoint the users.
Streaming and Torrenting
While streaming and torrenting are often done merely for entertainment, they come with a hoard of issues, such as ISP throttling and online restrictions. With torrenting, things notch up further as the activity also results in privacy issues. While torrenting without a VPN, users have their IP address exposed within the torrent swarm, compromising their privacy. Therefore, a VPN compatible with both activities is best for a safe, secure, and reliable experience.
Compatible streaming platforms
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for streaming. Its extensive server network and fast speed make it an excellent option for accessing blocked streaming content from all popular streaming platforms. The VPN provider unblocks more than 10 Netflix libraries. You can watch your favorite content from the US, UK, Canadian, Australian, France, and German libraries. Moreover, it also helps access the blocked streaming content from Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney Plus.
Speeds are never an issue with ExpressVPN users; it offers 3000 servers in 94 countries. You can stream at a consistently fast speed without any connection lags and buffering.
However, ExpressVPN doesn’t offer any dedicated streaming servers. But it does have the SmartDNS technology known as the MediaStreamer feature. With this feature, you can access the geo-blocked content by spoofing your IP address on any streaming device and gaming console. Also, the stealth mode servers help bypass censorship and access the blocked content. Whether you want to watch free online movies or NFL or UFC matches, all is possible using ExpressVPN.
As a whole, ExpressVPN works on all major streaming platforms and enables you to stream your favorite content in HD and 4K quality.
Is ExpressVPN suitable for Torrenting?
ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for torrenting. It has dedicated P2P servers, torrent-specific features, and fast downloading, ensuring a secure and hassle-free downloading experience.
The VPN provider offers 150+ P2P-optimized servers that allow you to download large torrent files in less time. In addition, it has an advanced split tunneling feature that lets you encrypt your torrent activities while directly connecting to the web with the regular web.
Moreover, ExpressVPN works well on all popular torrent clients like BitTorrent and uTorrent. Also, it doesn’t leak your IP address and DNS credentials.
The VPN provider uses strong encryption combined with secure protocols. This guarantees that none of your torrent-related activities are tracked and recorded and makes ExpressVPN an ideal choice for torrenting.
How is ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the fastest and most reliable VPN providers available. It offers super-fast speeds on local and international servers with minimum connection drops.
The VPN offers consistently fast speed on short and long-distance connections. Moreover, the ping time is less since it has 3000 servers in 94 countries covering almost half of the world. Because of its low ping time, ExpressVPN is the ideal option for playing online games.
When you select an ExpressVPN server, the apps allow you to conduct a speed test first. You can decide if the selected server offers a suitable enough speed for your preferred activity.
ExpressVPN proprietary Lightway protocol also offers instant connection time. While torrenting and streaming, it’s better to use the Lightway protocol for improved speed. The OpenVPN (UDP) protocol also provides fast and reliable speed; IKEv2 offers impressive connection speed on mobile devices.
ExpressVPN provides super-fast connection speeds and is best for streaming, gaming, and downloading torrents.
User-Friendliness
Online privacy and security is a basic human right, so every VPN should be user-friendly. The VPN provider must be compatible with all major devices and operating systems through dedicated apps. Moreover, these apps must be easy to navigate and download. Along with that, VPN providers should have actively working customer support.
The number of servers ExpressVPN provides
ExpressVPN has a vast server network that consists of 3000 servers in 94 countries. Multiple ExpressVPN servers exist in all major countries, like Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the UK, and the US. Moreover, it also offers specialty servers that include:
- P2P Servers: These servers help in the fast torrent downloading process.
- Stealth Servers: You can connect to these servers to bypass internet censorship and access the internet freely.
- Virtual Servers: To enjoy a better connection, you can connect to a virtual location. Your internet traffic will come from an IP address in the country of your choice while being routed via a server in a country with improved internet speed.
All the servers mentioned above offer unlimited bandwidth and ensure fast connection speed. But you can also request a virtual server by contacting the customer support team. However, it is essential to note that since India had formed a strict surveillance law requiring VPN companies to log and share the users’ data, ExpressVPN removed its servers from India.
How good is ExpressVPN customer support
ExpressVPN has a responsive customer support team assists users via email and 24/7 live chat support service. You can use the live chat option if you want a quick answer. You can initiate the live chat by clicking on Need Help. Chat With Us option. It was good to see humans assisting the customers instead of the bots. The support team replied quickly and somehow was able to address the issue.
But if your query is technical, your live chat query is converted into an email ticket. But you don’t have to wait long; your query will be addressed promptly.
The VPN has a resourceful website with many guides, videos, and blog posts to make users aware. The best part of ExpressVPN’s online support is that it’s available in 17 languages, including English.
Overall, ExpressVPN’s customer support is good. With the live chat feature, the support team is always there to help you without any delay. Moreover, the website has vast knowledgeable material that educates the users from beginner to advanced levels.
What devices is ExpressVPN compatible with
ExpressVPN is compatible with all popular devices and operating systems. You can download and use ExpressVPN on the following devices:
- Android
- iOS
- MacOS
- Linux
- Windows
- Routers
- Android TV
- Amazon Firestick TV
- Apple TV
- Gaming consoles (PS4, PS5, and Xbox)
All the apps are well-designed and easy to use. You can download the apps from the ExpressVPN website or the app store. Remember that you won’t find all the ExpressVPN features in the above apps. This is something that users don’t like about ExpressVPN. An annoyed user on Reddit revealed that the Windows app doesn’t now offer the speed test feature.
Conclusion
ExpressVPN ranks among the top-rated VPN providers in 2024. It is a safe and secure VPN because it uses robust encryption and tunneling protocols. Moreover, it also maintains your online security by not leaking your IP and DNS requests. The VPN also uses a kill switch to protect your data when an accidental connection drops.
Besides this, the VPN belongs to a safe jurisdiction, offers user-friendly apps, and allows unlimited streaming and downloading. Furthermore, the VPN follows a zero-logging policy and has undergone a log audit process. But the VPN’s recent association with Kape Technologies and high prices users don’t like about ExpressVPN.
If there’s anything more you want to share, please don’t hesitate to share in the comment sections below.
FAQs
How useful was this post?
Share this article
About the Author
Rebecca James is an IT consultant with forward thinking approach toward developing IT infrastructures of SMEs. She writes to engage with individuals and raise awareness of digital security, privacy, and better IT infrastructure.
More from Rebecca JamesRelated Posts
ExtremeVPN Review (2024): Fast, Affordable, User-friendly
ExtremeVPN is a modern VPN with some of the most fantastic privacy, security, streaming, and torrent...
StrongVPN Review: Is It Strong Enough to Use In 2024?
StrongVPN is one of the oldest yet most overlooked VPN service providers, giving the impression that...
PrivadoVPN Review: Is It Fast, Secure, and Private to Use In 2024?
PrivadoVPN is a small yet mighty VPN provider that offers free and premium plans. The paid version p...
Does FastestVPN Provide Fastest VPN Service? Detailed Review
FastestVPN marked its way in the industry in 2016. The VPN claims to have the jam-packed features re...
How TorGuard VPN Really Guards Your Privacy? Detailed Review
TorGuard VPN emerges as a strong product that provides an anonymous VPN, a business VPN, and a priva...
Does Bitdefender VPN Provide Enough Defence? Detailed Review
Bitdefender is a trustworthy brand that offers cybersecurity solutions for homes and businesses, inc...
