Our Verdict
ExpressVPN is the best VPN service we’ve tested, rated 9.6/10 as per our testing methodology. Its servers in 106 countries are fast and work to bypass geo-blocks, making it an excellent choice for streaming. The VPN also encrypts web traffic using AES-256 to hide your browsing activity from your ISP. Although it’s more expensive than alternatives, ExpressVPN’s superior performance, versatility, and advanced features make it worth the price.
We review VPNs independently, but we may earn commissions if you buy a VPN via our links.
- Excellent security & privacy features
- Works with Netflix, Hulu & all other streaming sites
- Fast connection speeds in every location
- Intuitive apps for every platform
- IP addresses in 106 countries
- Torrenting traffic allowed on every server
- More expensive than most rivals
- Doesn’t support port forwarding
- Some IP addresses trigger CAPTCHAs on search engines
- No multi-hop or other advanced features
Launched in 2009, ExpressVPN is now one of the most popular VPN services in the world. It’s owned and developed by Kape Technologies and has over four million users worldwide.
For this ExpressVPN review, we tested all its VPN applications to observe how it performs on different devices and in various categories. We found that it excelled in each, including security, speed, and streaming compatibility.
Keep reading to view our full test results, or view the VPN service’s key specifications in the table below. You can also compare ExpressVPN with other popular VPNs later in this review.
Who Should Get ExpressVPN?
Get ExpressVPN if:
- You want an excellent all-around VPN. ExpressVPN is a well-polished option that performs exceptionally well in all of our testing categories.
- You want to access geo-blocked streaming services. ExpressVPN works to unblock every popular streaming service, including US Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV, and BBC iPlayer.
- You haven’t used a VPN before. ExpressVPN’s apps are easier to use than all other VPN software we’ve reviewed. It requires no learning curve, so you can get started without prior experience.
Avoid ExpressVPN if:
- You’re on a tight budget. ExpressVPN is the fourth most expensive VPN of all 65 VPNs that we’ve reviewed.
- You want an all-in-one cybersecurity product. ExpressVPN only includes a VPN, a poor tracker blocker, and a password manager. It won’t protect you from viruses, malware, or ads.
- You need to seed torrent files. ExpressVPN doesn’t support port forwarding, so you won’t be able to connect directly to other users’ torrenting clients.
- You’re on a tight budget. ExpressVPN is the fourth most expensive VPN of all 65 VPNs that we’ve reviewed.
Streaming
ExpressVPN Works with All Streaming Platforms
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for bypassing geo-blocks on streaming websites. Using it, we could access US Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV, and BBC iPlayer from anywhere. It’s also one of the only VPNs with Smart DNS functionality, meaning you can use it on every digital media player.
Ranked #1 out of 65 VPNs for Streaming
Streaming Platform
- Amazon Prime Video
- BBC iPlayer
- Channel 4
- Disney+
- Hotstar India
- Hulu
- ITVX
- Max
- Netflix US
- YouTube TV
Works with ExpressVPN
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
Speed
Fast Connection Speeds in Every Location
According to the data from our most recent speed tests, ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs: beating PIA, NordVPN, and many other leading VPN services. Using its Lightway protocol, we recorded speed losses of just 3%, which is more than fast enough for every intensive web activity, including gaming, streaming, and video calling.
Ranked #5 out of 65 VPNs for Speed
Privacy & Logging Policy
Doesn’t Store Any User Data
ExpressVPN is a trustworthy VPN service with a strong track record of protecting its users’ privacy. ExpressVPN doesn’t store any personally-identifiable data, like your IP address or DNS queries. It’s also based in the British Virgin Islands, which has no data retention laws.
Ranked #8 out of 65 VPNs for Privacy & Logging Policy
Test VPNs Details
