ExpressVPN Review 2025
Our Verdict
ExpressVPN is the premium choice for users who prioritize speed and reliability above all else. While it comes at a higher price point, the consistently fast performance and polished experience justify the cost for many users.
Pros
- Consistently the fastest VPN we've tested
- Lightway protocol for optimal performance
- Works reliably in China
- TrustedServer technology (RAM-only)
- Excellent apps on all platforms
- 94 countries coverage
- 24/7 live chat support
Cons
- More expensive than competitors
- Only 8 simultaneous connections
- No ad blocker included
Overview
ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service that has consistently ranked among the top providers since its founding in 2009. Based in the British Virgin Islands, it offers excellent privacy protections combined with industry-leading speeds.
Speed Performance
ExpressVPN's proprietary Lightway protocol delivers exceptional speeds. In our extensive testing, ExpressVPN consistently outperformed other VPNs, with only a 5-10% reduction in download speeds on nearby servers. Even connections to distant servers remained highly usable.
Security Features
- Lightway protocol - Custom-built for speed and security
- AES-256 encryption - Industry-standard encryption
- TrustedServer - RAM-only servers that can't store data
- Network Lock - Kill switch for all platforms
- Private DNS - Runs its own DNS on every server
Streaming and Unblocking
ExpressVPN is one of the most reliable VPNs for streaming. It consistently unblocks major platforms including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
Works in China
ExpressVPN is one of the few VPNs that reliably works in China and other heavily censored countries. Its obfuscation technology helps bypass the Great Firewall.
Pricing
- Monthly: $12.95/month
- 6-month plan: $9.99/month
- 12-month plan: $8.32/month
All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.