ExpressVPN offers a fast connection from 100+ server locations, a simple installation process, and an easy-to-use tool to connect and disconnect your VPN session.
ExpressVPN has a clean, polished website with easy-to-use navigation and ample support and documentation. They offer setup tutorials for all modern devices, including Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, and PlayStation.
Installation
VPN installation on a Windows 10 machine couldn’t have been more straightforward. After signing up for an account, we downloaded and installed the software. There’s not much else to say here.
Location
The VPN software automatically selected a VPN location that was nearby (New York) so that we would get the best connection speed while still hiding our identity, IP address, and location.
ExpressVPN has hundreds of locations available, and even if there isn’t one in your country, there should be one nearby that will allow you to securely connect and surf the Internet.
They have an excellent article on picking the best VPN location for your needs here and a list of server locations.
Speed and Responsiveness
While the VPN was connected, we ran some speed tests on our Gigabit Verizon FiOS connection. We connected to the New Jersey 1 location from our office in Western Pennsylvania. You can see the results below.
Next, we disconnected the VPN and reran the test to compare the differences.
You can see that the results were very close. It’s hard to tell which one is which.
Note that even though we have a gigabit connection, the various Cat 3 (yes, I know) wires plus routers and switches mean that my laptop upstairs can’t use the full bandwidth.
Features
One of the more exciting options was the ability to use a VPN on your cell phone. We didn’t get a chance to try it, though.
Here are some other features included in your ExpressVPN subscription:
- FREE ExpressVPN for your smartphone or tablet. Protect all your devices!
- Dozens of server locations and hundreds of VPN servers
- High-speed connection optimized for your location
- Unlimited bandwidth and no extra charges
- Hide your IP address and stay anonymous every time you’re online
- Access the websites and services you love with no restrictions
Security and Privacy
They use 256-bit encryption to secure all Internet traffic between your home and their server. Their software also hides your IP address from the sites you visit so you can surf anonymously.
While the VPN was running, we checked our IP address several times and verified that it was different from our regular IP address by using www.expressvpn.com/what-is-my-ip.
The “View log” option doesn’t have anything beneficial to the average user. And to be very clear, it does not have a list of the sites you visited. It’s simply for troubleshooting.
ExpressVPN client version : 4.0.5
ExpressVPN client build : 4.0.5.274
Operating system version : win6.2.9200
Timestamp: 2015-11-05 00:16:15.9715238 -0500 EST
Activation code:
Cluster list file version: 20151105|1|
Cluster list download date: 2015-11-05 00:02:24.3672705 -0500 EST
We also sent an email from Microsoft Outlook and checked the message headers. Everything came from the VPN IP address and not our own.
Independent Audits
Recently, ExpressVPN’s privacy policy and core server technology were validated in two new independent audits by KPMG and Cure53.
KPMG tested ExpressVPN’s no-log policy and the implementation of TrustedServer. Separately, Cure53 conducted a penetration test and source code audit of TrustedServer.
Together, these audits provide the confidence that we do not collect activity and connection logs and that the protections we have in place are keeping our users safe.
The full report by KPMG is available to anyone as long as you acknowledge KPMG’s terms and conditions before accessing it. The Cure53 PDF is available here.
ExpressVPN Wi-Fi 6 Router—The Aircove
ExpressVPN has developed a gigabit wireless router with built-in always-on VPN protection. This Wi-Fi 6 router protects your internet traffic from prying eyes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without having to manually connect or select a destination.
- World-class, built-in VPN: Exclusively developed by ExpressVPN, Aircove brings all the benefits of the #1 trusted VPN service to your whole home network (when used with an active ExpressVPN subscription, sold separately).
- Try ExpressVPN for free, no credit card required: Aircove comes with a 30-day free trial for new ExpressVPN users.
- Always-on protection for the entire family: Any device that connects to Aircove enjoys instant ExpressVPN protection 24/7. This includes smart TVs, voice assistants, and other smart home devices that usually aren’t compatible with VPN software.
- Connect to multiple VPN locations at once: Sort your devices into groups, each with its own VPN location. Watch a match in the UK, do your banking locally, and even set some devices to use no VPN at all.
- This version of Aircove only ships to U.S. & Canada locations. If you’re not in the U.S. or Canada, you can get our international version of Aircove. Both versions are functionally the same.
Even when the VPN has been enabled, the Aircove hits speeds of 180 Mbps with multiple devices connected. The router offers whole-house coverage and a 5-minute setup process.
Support
ExpressVPN has plenty of easy-to-read support documentation on choosing the best server location for your needs and troubleshooting slow connections.
They also have an excellent resource for how to connect to ExpressVPN using a variety of operating systems.
Referral Program
They offer a referral program so you can refer your friends for even more savings. Once you are signed in, look for the referral link in your dashboard.
Conclusion
VPNs don’t have to be scary. This VPN was one of the easiest we’ve used, and the amount of documentation and support on their site will surely answer any questions you may have.
Last update on 2024-04-25 / We may get a commission on clicks or purchases from this page. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
