ExpressVPN review
The most beginner-friendly premium VPN, with great speeds and rock-solid streaming.
- Beautifully designed, beginner-friendly apps on every major platform
- Consistently fast speeds, even on distant servers, thanks to Lightway
- Reliably unblocks Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer
- RAM-only TrustedServer infrastructure with multiple independent audits
- Privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands jurisdiction and a clean no-logs record
- MediaStreamer SmartDNS unblocks streaming on consoles and smart TVs
- Excellent 24/7 live chat support and one-tap router setup
- Pricier than most rivals, with no free plan or trial
- Only 8 simultaneous connections, fewer than some competitors
- Missing power-user features like multi-hop, port forwarding, and Tor over VPN
- Owned by Kape Technologies, which some privacy-focused users dislike
How it scored, category by category
Fast and consistent in our tests, retaining around 90% of baseline speed on nearby servers and holding up well over long distances thanks to Lightway.
One of the best streaming VPNs available: Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer all unblocked smoothly, with MediaStreamer for devices that can't run the app.
AES-256 encryption, a reliable Network Lock kill switch, RAM-only TrustedServer infrastructure, and clean DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak tests.
Premium pricing with no free plan, but the polish, reliability, and audited privacy justify the cost for most users.
Who it's for — and who it isn't
- Beginners who want a VPN that just works out of the box
- Streamers who need reliable access to Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer
- Households wanting easy setup across phones, laptops, TVs, and routers
- Travelers who want consistent speeds on long-distance connections
- Bargain hunters looking for the cheapest VPN or a free plan
- Power users who need multi-hop, port forwarding, or Tor over VPN
- People who need to cover a large number of devices at once
Pricing & plans
ExpressVPN keeps its pricing simple with three plans. There's no free tier, but every plan is covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee, and the 12-month plan offers by far the best value.
Introductory rates apply to the first term only. Plans renew automatically at the standard rate, so check the renewal price before your term ends.
Speed & performance
Speed is one of ExpressVPN's strongest suits. In our testing it consistently retained a high share of our baseline connection, and the open-source Lightway protocol kept things quick and stable even on servers thousands of miles away.
| Server region | Download | Upload | Ping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local (same country) | 472 Mbps | 460 Mbps | 8 ms |
| Europe | 438 Mbps | 420 Mbps | 32 ms |
| US East | 395 Mbps | 360 Mbps | 88 ms |
| Asia (Japan) | 312 Mbps | 275 Mbps | 165 ms |
| Australia | 268 Mbps | 230 Mbps | 245 ms |
Streaming
ExpressVPN is one of the most dependable streaming VPNs we've tested. It unblocked every major service we tried, kept streams running in HD, and recovered quickly on the rare occasion a server was blocked.
MediaStreamer is ExpressVPN's SmartDNS feature, which routes streaming traffic to unblock content on devices that can't run a full VPN app, such as game consoles, Apple TV, and many smart TVs. It doesn't encrypt your traffic, but it's perfect for living-room streaming.
Security
ExpressVPN covers the security essentials thoroughly, pairing strong encryption with a dependable kill switch and a hardened, RAM-only server architecture that's been independently audited.
- DNS leak test No leak
- IPv6 leak test No leak
- WebRTC leak test No leak
Privacy & logging
ExpressVPN has built its reputation on privacy, combining a favorable jurisdiction, a strict no-logs policy, and a track record of independent audits that back up its claims.
- Independent audit of the no-logs policy and privacy practices
- Security audit of the Lightway protocol and apps
- Verification of the TrustedServer RAM-only infrastructure
Servers & locations
ExpressVPN runs a broad, well-distributed network that prioritizes quality and coverage, giving you fast nearby options as well as hard-to-find locations around the world.
Feature checklist
Apps & ease of use
ExpressVPN's apps are the most polished we've used. They look consistent across platforms, connect in a tap or two, and put the most useful settings within easy reach without overwhelming newcomers.
Torrenting is fully supported on ExpressVPN, and you don't need to hunt for special servers to do it.
Customer support
Support is another area where ExpressVPN shines, with responsive 24/7 live chat and a deep library of setup guides and troubleshooting articles.
Alternatives to ExpressVPN
Is ExpressVPN worth it?
ExpressVPN earns its reputation as the go-to premium VPN for people who want speed and simplicity without fiddling. In our testing the apps were the most polished we've used, connecting in a couple of taps and holding speeds well even on long-distance servers thanks to the open-source Lightway protocol. Streaming is a standout: Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer all worked without drama, and MediaStreamer extends unblocking to devices that can't run a VPN app. Privacy is well covered too, with British Virgin Islands jurisdiction, RAM-only TrustedServer infrastructure, and a string of independent audits. The catches are familiar: it's one of the pricier VPNs, there's no free plan or trial, and power-user extras like multi-hop and port forwarding are missing. But if you value reliability and ease of use over squeezing every feature, ExpressVPN is an easy recommendation and a deserving 9.1 overall.
ExpressVPN FAQ
Is ExpressVPN good for beginners?+
Yes. ExpressVPN's apps are among the easiest to use of any VPN. You can install and connect in just a couple of minutes, and the one-tap interface means you rarely need to touch the settings. It's our top pick for anyone using a VPN for the first time.
Does ExpressVPN work with Netflix and other streaming services?+
Yes. In our testing ExpressVPN reliably unblocked Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Max, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer in HD. For devices that can't run the app, the MediaStreamer SmartDNS feature handles unblocking instead.
Does ExpressVPN keep logs?+
No. ExpressVPN operates a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited. Its RAM-only TrustedServer infrastructure wipes all data on every reboot, and its British Virgin Islands base sits outside major intelligence-sharing alliances.
Does ExpressVPN offer a free plan or trial?+
There's no free plan. However, every subscription is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the full service and get a no-questions-asked refund if it isn't right for you.
How many devices can I use with ExpressVPN?+
You can connect up to 8 devices at the same time on a single subscription. You can also install it on a router, which lets you cover an entire household behind one connection.
Reviewed by . VPN Runner buys every subscription and runs the same hands-on test bench on every VPN. Last updated June 2026.