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ExpressVPN Review (2025): Is it the right choice?
By Tibor Moes / Updated: January 2025
ExpressVPN Review
ExpressVPN is an excellent VPN, but it’s overpriced. While it excels in privacy, security, and speed, it’s hard to justify paying double or triple the price of competitors like NordVPN or Surfshark.
- Privacy: 100%. ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy is third-party audited, ensuring your privacy is fully protected.
- Streaming: 100%. In our tests, ExpressVPN provided reliable access to Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, Max, and BBC iPlayer.
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Speed: 100%. ExpressVPN is among the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, ideal for streaming, downloading, and gaming.
- Security: 100%. With RAM-only servers, the Lightway protocol, AES-256, a kill switch, and more, ExpressVPN is highly secure.
Thanks to the 30-day return policy, you can try it risk-free.
Key Data
ExpressVPN is ranked #8 of the 25 best VPNs of 2025.
Below are the key facts of our ExpressVPN review.
Privacy
ExpressVPN is a trustworthy VPN provider that takes user privacy seriously. It operates entirely on diskless servers, ensuring that no data is stored long-term. Independent audits have repeatedly verified its no-logs claims, confirming that ExpressVPN does not track your browsing activity, IP address, or traffic destinations.
The only data it collects—such as app versions, server location used (not the server IP), and daily data transferred—is anonymous and solely used for diagnostics and service improvement. This transparency builds confidence in its privacy practices.
What Makes ExpressVPN Stand Out?
- Jurisdiction: Based in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), ExpressVPN benefits from the absence of mandatory data retention laws and operates outside surveillance alliances like the Five Eyes.
- Diskless Servers: Its TrustedServer technology ensures all servers run on volatile memory, leaving no data behind after a reboot. This architecture has been independently verified by Cure53 and others.
- Audits and Transparency: Over the years, ExpressVPN has undergone numerous audits from PwC, Cure53, and KPMG, covering everything from its server security to privacy policies. Real-world incidents, such as a server seizure, have also validated its no-logs claims.
- Anonymous Options: ExpressVPN supports anonymous payments and collects less user data than most VPNs.
Ownership and Trustworthiness
While its 2021 acquisition by Kape Technologies raised concerns due to Kape’s past with ad-related practices, there’s no evidence of a privacy impact. In fact, ExpressVPN has enhanced its security under Kape, introducing more audits and a bug bounty program.
What ExpressVPN Logs vs. Doesn’t Log
Does log:
- Dates of VPN connection (not specific times)
- Amount of data transferred per day
- Account details for billing purposes
Does not log:
- Browsing history or traffic destination
- Connection timestamps or session duration
- Your IP address or the server’s IP
- Metadata or DNS queries
Simply put, ExpressVPN’s commitment to privacy, supported by audits and secure server technology, makes it one of the most reliable VPNs for anonymity online.
Streaming
ExpressVPN is one of the most reliable VPNs for accessing geo-restricted streaming platforms. Our testing confirms its effectiveness in unblocking major services like Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer, among others.
However, it’s not without flaws. For instance, its default US server doesn’t work with Netflix US. Instead, you’ll have to switch to the New Jersey server. We wonder how many users will have missed this option.
For a more straightforward solution, consider NordVPN or Surfshark.
Speed
ExpressVPN stands out as one of the fastest VPNs available, thanks to its Lightway protocol and 10Gbps servers. It’s exceptionally well suited for intensive web activities such as gaming, streaming, and video calls.
Security
ExpressVPN is among the most secure VPN services available, consistently performing well in security tests and featuring cutting-edge technology. However, while its proprietary Lightway protocol offers unique advantages, the lack of support for WireGuard may disappoint some users seeking a widely established alternative.
TrustedServer Technology
ExpressVPN employs RAM-only servers globally through its TrustedServer technology. This ensures that all data is wiped upon reboot, reducing security risks from potential hacks or server seizures. Additionally, the uniform software stack minimizes vulnerabilities and guarantees up-to-date security protocols.
Encryption and Protocols
ExpressVPN defaults to its proprietary Lightway protocol, designed for speed, reliability, and security with a lean 2,000-line codebase. It uses AES-256 encryption, a gold standard in data protection, alongside Perfect Forward Secrecy and SHA-512 HMAC authentication for robust data integrity.
Though Lightway is open-source and has undergone independent audits, some users may prefer the more established WireGuard protocol, which ExpressVPN currently does not offer.
Kill Switch and Leak Protection
ExpressVPN’s Network Lock kill switch is available across all platforms, including rare ones like iOS and Fire TV. It successfully prevents IP and data leaks during unexpected disconnections. However, during server switches on macOS, the kill switch may leak your IP address briefly, a vulnerability the company has acknowledged but not resolved.
ExpressVPN has passed rigorous IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak tests and uses its own private DNS servers for added security. However, it currently blocks IPv6 traffic instead of offering IPv6 support, which could pose risks if the blocking mechanism fails.
Independent Audits
ExpressVPN is one of the most transparently audited VPN services, with 13 third-party security audits in the last three years. These audits have verified its privacy policies, browser extensions, and infrastructure, building trust among privacy-conscious users.
Advanced Security Features
- Threat Manager: Blocks apps and websites from communicating with trackers or malicious third-party servers at the DNS level.
- Stealth Servers: Employs obfuscation technology to bypass VPN-blocking firewalls, useful in countries with heavy censorship, such as China.
- Split Tunneling: Offers granular control over which apps use the VPN and which connect directly to the internet.
- Private DNS: Encrypts DNS queries, preventing ISPs from monitoring your browsing history.
Hardware and Speed Optimization
ExpressVPN is upgrading its infrastructure to 10 Gbps servers with 32 cores, significantly improving bandwidth and reducing congestion. Combined with the Lightway protocol, this ensures instantaneous connections and faster download speeds.
Additional Features
- Auto-Launch and Auto-Connect: Simplifies security by ensuring the VPN is always active.
- Password Manager (ExpressVPN Keys): Integrated with its mobile apps and browser extensions to create and securely store passwords.
- Streaming and P2P Support: No need for dedicated servers; streaming and torrenting work seamlessly on all servers.
- Compatibility with Tor: Adds an extra layer of anonymity by combining Tor with VPN.
Areas for Improvement
- WireGuard Support: While Lightway performs well, offering WireGuard as an alternative could provide users with greater flexibility and trust in established protocols.
- IPv6 Support: Transitioning to full IPv6 compatibility would improve future-proofing and reduce reliance on IPv6 blocking.
- macOS Vulnerability: Addressing the IP leakage issue during server switching would enhance reliability for macOS users.
ExpressVPN’s security infrastructure is world-class, with numerous unique features and a strong commitment to transparency through audits. While a few gaps remain, such as WireGuard support and minor macOS vulnerabilities, its advanced features, speed, and privacy safeguards make it a top contender in the VPN market.
Servers
ExpressVPN boasts servers in 105 countries, making it one of the most globally expansive VPN providers we’ve tested. This wide coverage includes 47 countries in Europe, 26 in Asia, 13 in North America, 10 in South America, 6 in Africa, and 3 in Oceania. You can get an IP address from nearly every corner of the globe, allowing access to local content and services with ease.
Physical vs. Virtual Servers: What’s the Difference?
Of its 106 countries, 46 have physical servers, while the rest are virtual. A physical server is located within the country’s borders, while a virtual server provides an IP address for a specific country but is physically hosted elsewhere.
For example, ExpressVPN’s virtual servers for Chile and Guatemala are routed through Brazil, while those for Pakistan and Sri Lanka are hosted in Singapore.
Virtual servers are a practical solution when secure infrastructure isn’t available locally. They offer users local IP addresses while ensuring data is processed through more reliable and secure data centers elsewhere.
This approach allows ExpressVPN to maintain its vast global reach. However, it’s worth noting that virtual servers may impact speeds and latency, as the actual server might be farther from your location.
City-Specific Servers for Precise Access
ExpressVPN stands out by offering city-specific server options in 15 countries, more than any other competitor. This feature is particularly useful for accessing localized content, avoiding sports blackouts, or simply connecting to the nearest server for optimal performance. While impressive, the number of U.S. city-based servers is smaller than competitors like Private Internet Access (50 states) or HMA (48 states).
TrustedServer Technology: Setting the Standard for Security
All ExpressVPN servers employ TrustedServer Technology, using RAM-only systems instead of traditional hard drives. This means no data is ever stored permanently; all information is wiped whenever a server is rebooted. Not only does this eliminate potential risks if a server is compromised, but it also ensures that software is updated and uniform across all servers, reducing vulnerabilities.
Unlike some competitors still transitioning to RAM-only servers, ExpressVPN has fully implemented this technology across its entire network, demonstrating its commitment to user security.
Room for Growth
Despite its extensive network, some regions remain underserved. Virtual servers in places like the UAE and Russia would make a valuable addition. Additionally, while ExpressVPN officially reports servers in 105 countries, our tests revealed 106, suggesting a minor oversight in their documentation.
Prices
The main downside of ExpressVPN is its price. Its annual cost is double that of premium competitors like NordVPN and Bitdefender, and triple that of budget options such as Surfshark, Norton, CyberGhost, and TotalVPN.
While we wholeheartedly believe that ExpressVPN is a great VPN, at the end of the day, many people see a VPN as a “one-click-to-privacy” tool. And there are plenty of other providers that offer the same convenience at a much lower price.
User reviews
We’ve compared the user reviews of all VPN brands. We’ve used the scores and review count of TrustPilot, a leading user review platform. However, take these results with a grain of salt, as some brands actively attempt to increase their ratings.
ExpressVPN enjoys stellar customer reviews, ranking just above the average for the top 10 VPNs. Users often praise its responsive and friendly customer support team, along with its seamless streaming performance.
Ownership
ExpressVPN is owned by Kape Technologies, a London-based security software provider with ties to Israel. Kape also owns CyberGhost VPN, Private Internet Access, ZenMate, and Intego Antivirus, with over 7 million paying subscribers across its products.
Kape Technologies
ExpressVPN was founded in 2009 by Peter Burchhardt and Dan Pomerantz, then acquired by Kape Technologies in 2021.
Kape’s history is notable:
- 2012: Teddy Sagi, an Israeli entrepreneur, acquired Crossrider, a browser extension development company later associated with adware.
- 2014: Crossrider went public on the London Stock Exchange.
- 2016: New management pivoted to privacy and security.
- 2017-2021: Kape acquired CyberGhost VPN, Intego, ZenMate, Private Internet Access, and ExpressVPN.
- 2023: Kape delisted from the London Stock Exchange and became private.
Some worry that Kape is largely a financial holding company, focusing on subscriber growth, while limiting the R&D spend in its companies.
ExpressVPN is based in the BVI
ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), an independent Caribbean territory. Although historically linked to the UK, the BVI operates its own judiciary, legislature, and law enforcement, and it is not part of the 14 Eyes Surveillance Alliance.
The BVI was chosen for its lack of data retention laws and the difficulty of obtaining user data through subpoenas. However, ExpressVPN’s substantial user base in the U.S. and EU, along with its parent company’s Western ties, means the BVI registration doesn’t guarantee complete immunity.
Ultimately, ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy and RAM-only servers—which prevent data storage—are more crucial to ensuring user privacy.

Author: Tibor Moes
Founder & Chief Editor at SoftwareLab
Tibor has tested 28 antivirus programs and 25 VPN services, and holds a Cybersecurity Graduate Certificate from Stanford University.
He uses Norton to protect his devices, NordVPN for his privacy, and Proton for his passwords and email.