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

ExpressVPN Quick details Our ranking: 4.6 stars out of 5 Pricing: $8.33 per 30 days Key options: Servers throughout 105 nations. Quick and dependable VPN speeds. Included password supervisor.

As one of the vital standard VPNs as we speak, ExpressVPN affords an all-around expertise that makes it a stable selection for many companies. It supplies 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 facet, I really feel it supplies sufficient general worth to make the spend worthwhile.

ExpressVPN pricing

ExpressVPN has easy 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 respect how the subscription construction isn’t overly sophisticated.

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

Length	Value
1-year plan	$8.33 per 30 days
6-month plan	$9.99 per 30 days
1-month plan	$12.95 per 30 days

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 per 30 days, or round $80 per 12 months. Proper now, the one-year subscription is pegged at $8.33 per 30 days, or round $100 per 12 months.

For context, one-year VPN plans often vary from $3 to round $8 per 30 days, 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 suppose the value is warranted given ExpressVPN’s function set, I can’t say I’m comfortable that the annual plan is now a bit pricier in comparison with final 12 months. That is particularly contemplating how one-year plans can be my go-to advice, as I really feel they provide one of the best worth value with out getting tied right down to an unreasonably lengthy contract.

When you’re in search of a extra reasonably priced one-year VPN plan, Mullvad VPN’s $5.56 per 30 days annual plan (round $67 per 12 months) and Non-public Web Entry VPN’s $3.33 per 30 days one-year plan (round $40 per 12 months) are good 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 costlier 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 embody a 30-day money-back assure, which I commend. ExpressVPN additionally affords a seven-day free trial, however that is solely out there through its iOS and Android cell functions.

Is ExpressVPN safe?

Sure, ExpressVPN is a protected and safe VPN to make use of in 2024. It makes use of the business normal AES-256 encryption algorithm, extensively thought of one of the vital safe algorithms as we speak.

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 likewise supplies its personal proprietary protocol referred to as Lightway — which ExpressVPN says was designed for pace.

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

Thankfully, ExpressVPN allayed considerations when it introduced that it might 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 affirm its safety claims. I commend ExpressVPN for taking this strategy, particularly with how simple 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 functions. To me, this exhibits 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 comfortable to see from a no-logs VPN.

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

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

For customers trying 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 12 months on prime of its essential 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 widespread intrusive gadgets on the web for a greater on-line expertise. Previously often known as Menace Supervisor, Superior Safety consists of the flexibility to dam trackers, adverts, and malicious web sites.

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

I like how ExpressVPN continues to develop its internet 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 permits you to retailer and manage your passwords via an encrypted and safe vault.

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

SEE: The 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 good for potential VPN customers who’re additionally taken with attempting out a devoted password supervisor. It additionally helps offset ExpressVPN’s costlier annual subscription, as you’re mainly getting two companies for the value of 1.

TrustedServer RAM-only server know-how

One other standout function is ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer RAM-only server know-how. 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 info is written into bodily arduous drives, eradicating the danger of knowledge by accident being compromised or stolen. As VPNs deal with delicate knowledge equivalent to our looking historical past and on-line visitors, I feel having RAM-only servers must be the usual in fashionable VPNs, and I’m comfortable ExpressVPN affords it through its TrustedServer know-how.

ExpressVPN pace and efficiency

Per my testing, ExpressVPN was quick and steady 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 constructive expertise the entire time I used to be related 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 take into account quick since pace drops are anticipated with VPNs. For uploads, ExpressVPN truly recorded 0.37% quicker speeds in comparison with my ISP, which may be very spectacular and a few of the quickest I’ve recorded up to now.

In fact, pace take a look at outcomes could fluctuate relying on your private home connection, location, and different elements. 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 via a number of rounds on a public DNS leak software. All through all of the exams, utilizing completely different server areas, I recorded zero DNS leaks in anyway.

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

ExpressVPN servers and areas

In 2024, ExpressVPN brings an intensive server suite that spans 105 nations worldwide. This can be a important bump up in comparison with the 94 nations ExpressVPN had once I first used it in October 2023.

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

When you’re curious in regards to the nation unfold with ExpressVPN’s server community, beneath 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 feel ExpressVPN can be a stable selection.

ExpressVPN app expertise

For this evaluate, I primarily used ExpressVPN’s desktop software on a Home windows laptop computer. Personally, I feel ExpressVPN’s person interface is one in all its robust 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 by way of UI selection. I additionally suppose the app expertise is considerably helped by the truth that ExpressVPN feels so clean.

Every part labored as marketed, equivalent to switching via servers or utilizing one in all ExpressVPN’s security measures. This helped make the general expertise really feel very polished on the entire.

When you’re the kind of person who prioritizes a clear UI and an intuitive app expertise, I discovered ExpressVPN to be among the finest.

ExpressVPN browser extension

ExpressVPN has browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Courageous, and Vivaldi. Throughout my time with ExpressVPN, I used to be capable of 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 notice, nonetheless, that since ExpressVPN’s browser extension acts as a distant management, the server connection impacts your entire machine and never simply on the browser stage.

ExpressVPN buyer assist

For buyer assist, ExpressVPN affords 24/7 reside chat assist, electronic mail, and a information base assist web page for widespread queries and in-depth guides.

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

This was reflective of different customers’ sentiments on ExpressVPN’s buyer assist. 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 professionals

• 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 software.
• 18 unbiased audits as of 2024.

Specific 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, robust safety, and a well-designed desktop software.

It has a bigger 105-country server fleet in comparison with final 12 months, extra safety capabilities with its Superior Safety internet safety function, and even bundles a devoted password supervisor on prime of the principle VPN subscription.

I personally discover loads 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 strategy to unbiased testing as a significant 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 convey sufficient worth to warrant the spend.

ExpressVPN options

	NordVPN	Surfshark VPN	Non-public Web Entry VPN
Beginning value (annual plan)	$4.99 per 30 days	$3.69 per 30 days	$3.33 per 30 days
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 cell)	Sure (through cell)
Standout options	Intensive server community, privacy-centric additional options	Limitless simultaneous gadget connections, reasonably priced pricing, and quick efficiency	Customizable app expertise, limitless simultaneous gadget connections

NordVPN

NordVPN is likely one of the hottest VPN companies out there as we speak — and for good cause. It affords a big 111-country server fleet with 6,400+ servers, a singular Meshnet encrypted networking system for safe file-sharing and collaboration, and built-in menace safety in opposition to malware, adverts, and trackers.

SEE: The High 7 NordVPN Alternate 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 steady. It’s one in all my picks with regards to utilizing a no-nonsense VPN that simply works.

If you wish to be taught extra, learn our full NordVPN evaluate. It’s also possible to take a look at our current NordVPN vs Proton VPN (2024) comparability.

Surfshark VPN

For extra budget-oriented customers, I like to recommend testing Surfshark. It brings a very good steadiness between affordability and VPN capabilities. It brings quick VPN speeds, a variety of subscriptions for several types of customers, and a well-designed desktop software.

I notably like the way it affords limitless gadget connections, letting customers have a number of computer systems or smartphones related through a VPN server while not having an extra subscription.

If you wish to be taught extra, learn our full Surfshark VPN evaluate. It’s also possible to take a look at our AVG Safe VPN vs Surfshark comparability.

Non-public Web Entry VPN

If you need a customizable VPN expertise, I recommend having a look 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. It’s also possible to set automated actions for the VPN, controlling issues equivalent to customized guidelines if you be part of a selected community.

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

If you wish to be taught extra, learn our full PIA VPN evaluate. It’s also possible to take a look at our PIA VPN vs NordVPN and PIA vs ExpressVPN comparisons.

Assessment methodology

My evaluate 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 judge ExpressVPN, I scored it on every thing from its safety protocols to its server community. Particularly, I took into consideration 5 essential pillars, every having corresponding weights:

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

From this rubric, ExpressVPN obtained a ranking 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 pace and efficiency, I used Ookla’s public Speedtestto measure obtain and add speeds. I additionally ran ExpressVPN via DNSLeakTest a number of instances to verify for any DNS leaks. Lastly, I thought of which sorts of customers or companies would finest profit from utilizing ExpressVPN.

To be taught extra about how we evaluate VPNs, learn ourfull VPN Assessment Methodology.