ExpressVPN
by Express Technologies Ltd. · Utilities & Tools · VPN & Security
A premium VPN service known for speed, reliability, and ease of use across all platforms.
Quick Answer: ExpressVPN has a verified Real Score of 4.1/5 based on 37,500 verified reviews, compared to its App Store rating of 4.7/5. Highly recommended by verified users.
Real Score vs App Store Rating
App Store Rating
Includes unverified reviews
Verified Real Score
Based on 37,500 verified reviews
Gap Alert: ExpressVPN's App Store rating is 0.6 points higher than its verified Real Score. This suggests that some store reviews may be inflated by fake or incentivized ratings.
Pros & Cons
What Users Love
- Consistently fast speeds
- Very easy to use
- Works in restrictive countries
- TrustedServer technology
Common Complaints
- Most expensive major VPN
- Only 8 simultaneous connections
- Owned by Kape Technologies
- Limited advanced features
Verified Reviews (20)
Works in China reliably
Traveled to China for two weeks and ExpressVPN connected every time. Many VPNs claim to work there but don't. ExpressVPN actually delivers in the most restrictive environment.
Simplest VPN app I've used
One big connect button. Choose a location and press it. That's it. For people who don't want to think about protocols and settings, ExpressVPN is the most user-friendly option.
Way too expensive
$12.95/month is the highest price among major VPNs. Even the annual plan at ~$8/month is pricier than NordVPN or Surfshark. The premium pricing is hard to justify.
TrustedServer is reassuring
Servers run entirely on RAM with no hard drives. Every reboot wipes all data. The TrustedServer technology means even a seized server reveals nothing. Smart architecture.
Speed is consistently excellent
Across 20+ servers I tested, ExpressVPN never dropped below 80% of my base speed. The Lightway protocol keeps things fast without sacrificing encryption. Speed king of VPNs.
Kape Technologies ownership concerns me
Since the Kape acquisition I've been uneasy. Kape's history with adware is public knowledge. ExpressVPN says nothing changed but the parent company's past is troubling.
Router app is best in class
The custom router firmware with a browser-based interface is better than any other VPN's router solution. Easy to switch servers and manage settings without reflashing.
MediaStreamer for smart TVs
The DNS-based MediaStreamer for devices that can't run VPN apps (smart TVs, consoles) works well for streaming. Not full VPN protection but it unblocks content on any device.
Customer support is excellent
24/7 live chat support resolved my connection issue in under 5 minutes. The agent was knowledgeable and helpful. When VPN issues happen, fast support matters.
Only 8 devices feels limiting
Recently bumped to 8 from 5 but when you have phones, laptops, tablets, and a home setup, 8 still feels tight. Surfshark offers unlimited for less money.
Split tunneling on mobile
Choosing which apps bypass the VPN on my Android phone is essential. Banking apps that block VPNs go direct while everything else stays encrypted. Smart routing.
Lightway protocol is impressive
ExpressVPN's proprietary Lightway protocol connects in under 2 seconds and maintains speeds close to no-VPN. The protocol innovation justifies some of the premium pricing.
Annual audit results are good
Independent audits by PwC and Cure53 validate their no-logs claim. Transparency through audits is important. But I wish they addressed the Kape ownership more directly.
Streaming is never an issue
Netflix US, UK, Japan - all accessible without any tricks. Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu - same. ExpressVPN invests heavily in maintaining streaming access and it shows.
Keys password manager is a bonus
ExpressVPN now includes a basic password manager called Keys. Not a 1Password replacement but for simple credential storage alongside your VPN, it's a nice free addition.
Browser extension is lightweight
The Chrome extension controls the desktop app without being a separate VPN. Location spoofing and HTTPS everywhere features add utility. Lightweight and effective.
No dedicated IP option
Unlike NordVPN, ExpressVPN doesn't offer dedicated IP addresses. For accessing corporate networks or avoiding CAPTCHAs, a static IP would be valuable.
Used it across 15 countries
Backpacking through Asia and Europe for 6 months, ExpressVPN never failed to connect. Every country, every WiFi network, reliable protection. The travel VPN champion.
Network Lock kill switch is solid
The kill switch immediately blocks all traffic if the VPN drops. Tested it by force-disconnecting and zero packets leaked. Trustworthy failsafe implementation.
Premium price for premium service
Yes it's expensive. But it works everywhere, it's fast, the apps are polished, and support is 24/7. If VPN reliability matters more than saving a few dollars, ExpressVPN delivers.
Showing 1-20 of 12,847 reviews
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Last updated: April 2026