ExpressVPN Review in USA 2025: Fast, Secure, and Reliable

Speed: How Fast is ExpressVPN?

In my ExpressVPN speed review, I noticed a speed reduction, mainly due to slow OpenVPN speeds on Windows, which dropped by about 20%. ExpressVPN offers both the OpenVPN protocol for security and the newer, faster Lightway protocol.

OpenVPN had some speed issues, but ExpressVPN focuses on improving Lightway, which most users prefer. Lightway showed much less speed loss and performed more efficiently, especially on newer devices.

ExpressVPN’s performance stayed stable across tests, even with the OpenVPN issues. Local servers reduced download speeds by about 12-15%, and long-distance servers experienced around a 20% speed loss, which is still better than many other VPNs. For more details, check out ExpressVPN’s full-speed analysis on both local and long-distance servers.

Does ExpressVPN Slow Down Internet Speed Significantly?

Speed is a critical factor for VPN users, and this query addresses a common concern. Generally, ExpressVPN maintains high speeds, with average Express VPN download speeds around 89.42 Mbps. Here’s a comparison of speeds across different servers:

How Fast Is ExpressVPN Compared to Other VPNs?

Speed comparisons help users make informed decisions based on performance. Below is a graph comparing ExpressVPN with other top VPNs.

The graph shows that ExpressVPN offers the fastest download speeds among the top VPNs, including NordVPN, Surfshark, IPVanish, and PIA. This makes ExpressVPN a top choice for users who prioritize speed.

ExpressVPN Security Features: Is ExpressVPN Safe?

ExpressVPN works hard to keep your online activity safe, especially when you use public Wi-Fi. It uses strong security tools to protect your data, like an Advanced Protection suite that blocks trackers, harmful websites, and ads.

The app also has split tunneling and a privacy checklist for Android users. It includes a password manager called Keys, which is free for both Android and iOS. Keys has received good reviews for being secure and easy to use.

To show its commitment to privacy, ExpressVPN shares transparency reports twice a year, explaining how many legal requests it gets and how it handles them. The company’s privacy policy makes it clear that they do not log your online activity, browsing history, data, DNS queries, IP address, or connection times.

All personal information related to your account is handled by ExpressVPN and its partners to keep your data safe and private.

Secure Connections Via Tunnelling

Split tunneling with ExpressVPN allows you to send data privately while exempting some traffic from the VPN tunnel. This is useful if you want to enjoy streaming with an international connection and access your banking site with a local IP. First, you must decide which app will use the VPN connection.

Please disconnect from your VPN connection to add/exclude websites and apps

You’ll find three options under the settings of split tunnelling:

In my ExpressVPN review for testing, I chose the 3rd option and added a Netflix app to test the feature. Then, I connected to ExpressVPN’s USA – New Jersey – 3 server and accessed the streaming platform’s app. It worked great, and I could normally stream the exclusive US content while using my local IP for everything else.

This feature is only available on the Mac, Windows, and router apps for ExpressVPN. Sadly, you don’t get split tunnelling on mobile apps.

Data Encryption — Military-Grade Protection

ExpressVPN utilizes the industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption, matching the security levels of top VPNs like Surfshark and NordVPN. On the 256-bit keyspace, your data is uncrackable. Please note that this is the same encryption level that banks, governments, and militaries use to secure sensitive data.

AES 256-bit means 1.1 x 10^77 or 2^256 possible combinations. The number of bits tells you the potential number of combinations there are to make the key.

Moreover, ExpressVPN uses the SHA-512 HMAC authentication, which is super-secure for transferring all kinds of data, including torrent files. With a shared key, both the sender and receiver can determine the identity of the file. In case of any changes in the secret key, you’ll know that the file has been tampered with, so the breach would quickly be identified and dealt with.

It uses perfect forward secrecy, which changes the encryption key every time you log into ExpressVPN. So, even if someone decrypts your key, your past and future sessions will not be decrypted.

What Encryption Protocols Does ExpressVPN Use?

ExpressVPN uses advanced encryption protocols to ensure user security. Understanding these protocols is vital for evaluating the security of a VPN.

• OpenVPN
• Lightway
• IKEv2
• L2TP/IPsec

Security Protocols

Wondering, Is ExpressVPN risky? ExpressVPN offers different protocols, allowing you to customize the VPN for any situation. Security protocols are rules that a VPN uses to inform how to encrypt your data.

ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol recently upgraded to DTLS 1.3, significantly enhancing its encryption capabilities. This update improves protection against security threats like eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks, where sensitive data like passwords or financial information can be intercepted.

You can find the ExpressVPN protocols tab under Settings

Please note that every protocol is a bit different than the other. Let’s check all of them below:

You can switch to different protocols using the Mac, iOS, Windows, and Android tabs. On the other hand, on Linux, you can use various commands in the terminal. Moreover, you get a different set of protocols based on your device:

You can also use the Automatic selection option to choose the best protocol based on your connection. My Express VPN review found that not every server supports the L2TP/IPsec protocol. Furthermore, I appreciate that the Lightway protocol automatically includes obfuscation, eliminating the need to connect to separate obfuscated servers to hide VPN usage when using Lightway.

ExpressVPN Kill Switch Feature

ExpressVPN kill switch (also called Network Lock) is available on the app for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and routers. It keeps your activities safe if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly. This kill switch mechanism ensures that not even a single packet of your data slips through the internet from your computer without Express VPN guarding it.

Enable the ExpressVPN Network Lock and secure your activities from leaking

To evaluate the kill switch for the ExpressVPN review, I connected to ExpressVPN’s AU – Brisbane server and switched my internet off to see the results. I kept the ExpressVPN app open on a screen while doing so, and this is the error I immediately received:

Testing of ExpressVPN’s kill switch was a success!

Once this error was displayed on my screen, I could not access any site until I connected to the Wi-Fi network again. In short, ExpressVPN worked flawlessly without any issues and responded swiftly to my attempts.

You can enable and disable the kill switch on the Windows and Android apps using its toggle as your preference. The same function isn’t offered on the router app, though.

Additionally, the feature is known as Network Protection on Android devices, and you require setting the feature to ‘Always On’ in the settings to make the most of it. Not to mention, ExpressVPN’s kill switch is automatic on Mac, iOS, and Linux.

ExpressVPN’s DNS Leak Protection

Regarding the DNS leak, Is Express VPN 100% safe? As per my experience, I discovered a DNS leak issue in the Windows app while using the split tunnelling feature, exposing my DNS requests to my ISP. This privacy flaw was significant, especially for users in strict surveillance regions.

After reporting the bug, ExpressVPN responded promptly, temporarily disabling the split tunnelling feature and working quickly to patch the issue. They also communicated openly about the problem in a blog post and successfully fixed it, restoring the feature without further DNS leaks in subsequent tests.

Once fixed, I ran ExpressVPN through browserleaks.com to check whether it leaked the WebRTC information. Since I was connected to the Canadian server of ExpressVPN for the test, the results below showed IP addresses associated with ExpressVPN’s servers, evidence that I did not encounter WebRTC leaks at all with this VPN.

ExpressVPN dedicated IP remains consistent in testing as well

Even if a VPN keeps you secure, leaks can still occur. That’s why it’s great to use ExpressVPN since it offers a built-in feature that blocks DNS for privacy, keeping you safe from all kinds of leaks.

Does ExpressVPN Protect Against DNS Leaks?

ExpressVPN offers robust protection against DNS leaks. It has been rigorously tested to ensure that users’ DNS queries are secure, maintaining privacy and anonymity.

Does ExpressVPN Keep Logs?

No, it does not keep any connection or activity logs of its users. No activity logs mean ExpressVPN does not view, store, or record the sites you visit. It also doesn’t log your traffic or destination’s content, session duration, timestamps, or source IP address.

ExpressVPN’s no-logging policy in USA is stringent, and the VPN is confident enough not to over-advertise its no-logs policy on its homepage.

ExpressVPN does not keep the following:

To summarize, no record exists of where you connected to ExpressVPN or what you did while connected.

No activity or connection logs were collected either.

If you’re not aware, ExpressVPN’s zero-logs policy was tested in 2017 when the Turkish government seized one of ExpressVPN’s servers. However, they discovered nothing because no data was stored, demonstrating the legitimacy of the no-logs policy because ExpressVPN is also the best offshore VPN in USA.

ExpressVPN Independent Audits

ExpressVPN has been audited by Nettitude Audit, Cure53, PwC, and F-Secure, proving that it has a legitimate privacy policy and can be fully trusted:

New Features and Security Improvements:

Since my last review, ExpressVPN has significantly enhanced its privacy measures. The open-source Lightway protocol now uses DTLS 1.3, providing stronger encryption and better protection against threats like eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks.

With the addition of post-quantum protection, ExpressVPN is preparing for future threats from quantum computers. This proactive approach places ExpressVPN ahead of other VPNs that haven’t yet adopted such technology.

ExpressVPN’s new Advanced Protection features block trackers, malicious sites, ads, and adult content. Users can customize protection levels directly from the app. It’s reassuring to see ExpressVPN matching the functionality of competitors like Surfshark and NordVPN.

ExpressVPN’s Dedicated IP:

ExpressVPN’s dedicated IP feature offers users a personalized IP address that only they can use, providing a unique solution for those who need consistent access to the same IP address. Unlike shared IP addresses, a dedicated IP ensures that your internet activity is tied to a specific address, making it ideal for use cases such as accessing secure accounts, remote work environments, and avoiding CAPTCHAs.

It combines the benefits of privacy from a VPN with the convenience of having a fixed, dedicated IP address. One of the standout benefits of ExpressVPN’s dedicated IP is its balance between security and accessibility. You retain the encryption and anonymity of a VPN while enjoying the stability of a static IP.

This can be especially useful for users who need to access services that block shared VPN IPs or want to keep a consistent online identity. Additionally, ExpressVPN’s strict no-logs policy remains intact with dedicated IPs, ensuring that your online activities remain private.

How to Set Up ExpressVPN’s Dedicated IP on Android, iOS, and Windows?

Setting up ExpressVPN’s dedicated IP feature on your devices is simple and straightforward. Here’s how to get started on Android, iOS, and Windows:

Set Up ExpressVPN’s Dedicated IP

Dedicated IP for Android:

• Download and install the ExpressVPN app from the Google Play Store.
• Open the app and log in with your ExpressVPN credentials.
• Once logged in, navigate to the settings menu and select the dedicated IP option.
• Follow the prompts to activate and configure your dedicated IP.
• Connect to the dedicated server to enjoy a stable, personalized IP address.

Dedicated IP for iOS:

• Go to the App Store and download the ExpressVPN app.
• Sign in using your account details.
• Access the app settings and select the dedicated IP option.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to enable your dedicated IP.
• Once set up, connect to your dedicated server for a seamless VPN experience.

Dedicated IP for Windows:

• Download and install the ExpressVPN application from the official website.
• Log in to your account.
• Open the app settings and choose the dedicated IP option.
• Follow the steps to activate your dedicated IP.
• Connect to the dedicated server to enjoy uninterrupted, reliable VPN service.

ExpressVPN Compatible Devices:

In my ExpressVPN review, I found that ExpressVPN offers extensive compatibility across various devices, ensuring I can enjoy a secure internet experience on any platform.

With a single subscription, you can secure multiple devices, including wireless routers, gaming consoles, and streaming devices like PlayStation, Xbox, FireStick, and Apple TV. Moreover, you can pair ExpressVPN with Xbox in USA for streaming and gaming, while the apps are intuitive across all devices.

Although the Linux app uses a text-based interface, it’s still easy to access features and switch servers via the command line. While features like Split Tunnelling, Network Lock, and Threat Manager vary slightly across platforms, ExpressVPN consistently provides a comprehensive and secure online experience.

While the apps are similar, their features do differ from one another:

Use ExpressVPN on Windows:

I had no trouble downloading and installing the ExpressVPN client on my Intel NUC 11 desktop, running the latest version of Windows 11. Instead of logging in with a username and password, you use an activation code found in the customer portal. While it may differ for those used to enter ExpressVPN login credentials, it’s ultimately easier to enter one code.

The Windows app supports most versions of the operating system

The design of the ExpressVPN app uses soft colours and serif fonts, giving it a retro airline vibe that I find appealing. It’s built around a large on/off button, making it easy to connect and see if you’re still on the VPN. When connected, it turns green, and disconnected, it resembles a sunset. You can also add shortcuts to your favourite apps and websites.

An additional window lets you browse and search servers, although I wish it provided more details like usage stats. You can enable a kill switch from the Options panel, allowing internet activity to stop if the VPN connection drops. There’s also a split tunnelling feature, letting you choose which apps to segregate or require to use the VPN.

For those using Windows devices, ExpressVPN proves to be one of the best VPNs for Windows in USA, offering unrestricted streaming on Netflix, Disney Plus, and other geo-restricted platforms. It effectively hid my IP address, ISP, and DNS requests on all devices, ensuring flawless streaming.

Use ExpressVPN on Android:

You can use ExpressVPN with all Android tablets and smartphones. The Android app of ExpressVPN is similar to its Windows counterpart, offering features like a kill switch, split tunnelling, and auto-connect. The Protection Summary displays how often you’ve connected to the VPN since installation.

To use the VPN on Android, you’d require an Express VPN sign in through ExpressVPN’s website and then install its app from the Google Play Store. Also, you’d need an Android version of 5.0 or over.

The interface is clean and user-friendly for your devices

The Android app also lets you add up to five website and app shortcuts. Switching servers was smooth, and I enjoyed HD streaming without any issues. However, it lacks the ‘Reinstall VPN Configuration’ feature found in other versions.

While testing the app on a Samsung A71 running Android 11, I found the layout to have the same cool ’70s vibe as the Windows app, with greys, purples, and orange tones. The large connect button in the centre is easy to use, and below it, the time protected” bar shows how often you’ve been connected to the VPN.

To ensure the VPN protected my information, I navigated to DNSLeakTest.com and ran an extended test while connected to a server in Toronto. My actual IP address was hidden, and my DNS information remained secure. I then tried streaming on YouTube and Twitch and could watch videos without interruptions or buffering, even in high resolution.

Overall, the Android app works just as well as the Windows version, with a consistent design and reliable performance that makes switching servers and streaming a breeze.

ExpressVPN on iOS:

ExpressVPN works flawlessly on all iPhones, securing your device on LTE/4G, Wi-Fi, 3G, and other mobile data carriers. You can select between IKEv2, UDP, and TCP protocols or let the app choose the best one. ExpressVPN’s iOS app is compatible with iOS 12 and newer, making it accessible to most iPhone users.

Installing ExpressVPN on iPhone was straightforward, and I found the app’s warm autumnal color scheme inviting. The large connection button in the center makes connecting to any VPN server easy. In my ExpressVPN review for iPhone, I also found a user-friendly experience packed with robust security features.

You can see the exclusive features that are offered only on the iOS apps

In addition, ExpressVPN includes exclusive features like an IP checker, DNS/WebRTC leak tester, and password generator. Despite some limitations due to iOS restrictions, you have Parallel Connections for faster VPN performance and Threat Manager to protect against malware.

While doing an ExpressVPN review, I also visited DNSLeakTest.com and performed an extended test while connected to a server in Stockholm, Sweden. My actual IP address and DNS information stayed private throughout. I also streamed videos on YouTube Premium and Twitch, experiencing no interruptions or buffering while watching high-resolution content.

ExpressVPN’s iOS app offers a seamless experience with a user-friendly design and reliable security, ensuring your iPhone remains protected on any network.

Use ExpressVPN on macOS:

ExpressVPN doesn’t have a macOS VPN app in the App Store, so I downloaded it directly from the vendor’s website. I installed the app on my MacBook Air (2020) running Big Sur 11.2.2. The colour scheme mirrors the iOS and Android versions, featuring a retro appeal with autumnal tones.

The app has a large connection button in the middle and a list of apps and sites you can pin to the dashboard. You can select your preferred server by city and country. While the macOS app has a kill switch, it’s disappointing that it lacks the split tunnelling feature found in the Windows version.

To confirm my IP address wasn’t leaking, I visited DNSLeakTest.com and ran an extended test while connected to a server in Hong Kong. My information remained secure. I stayed connected to the Hong Kong server and tested speed and reliability by watching YouTube videos and Twitch streams. The videos loaded within seconds, and I experienced no lag or buffering.

Use ExpressVPN on ChromeOS:

I downloaded the ExpressVPN Android app onto my Dell Chrome 3100 with an Intel Celeron Processor. The app’s user-friendly interface makes connecting to a VPN server simple and has a small screen footprint that can be expanded.

I easily used ExpressVPN on my Chromebook.

ExpressVPN on ChromeOS offers split tunnelling and an auto-connect option. Most of the app’s features are in the Privacy and Security menu. There’s also an IP address checker, DNS leak test, WebRTC leak test, and password generator. I found it easy to navigate, and the split tunnelling feature is beneficial for managing your connections efficiently.

ExpressVPN’s Compatibility with Other Devices:

With an ExpressVPN subscription, you can connect up to eight devices simultaneously, which is fairly standard for VPN services. If you need more than eight simultaneous connections with this VPN, there are alternatives, though they might be expensive. Purchasing additional subscriptions is one option, but a more cost-effective solution over time could be to use a router.

During ExpressVPN review, I checked its compatibility by setting up ExpressVPN on Windows or any compatible third-party VPN router or opting for ExpressVPN’s own Aircove Wi-Fi 6 router. The Aircove router allows unlimited device connections and offers features like parental controls. In the ExpressVPN Aircove review, users laud its seamless integration and intuitive controls.

Here’s the full list of devices officially supported by ExpressVPN:

While testing, I found ExpressVPN’s Apple TV app quite disappointing while streaming and encountered persistent SSL errors across multiple servers. Although ExpressVPN indicated their engineers had addressed the issue, my subsequent tests still showed SSL errors.

ExpressVPN is known for its supportive and interactive app across all devices, from Windows PCs to iOS and Linux devices. It installs easily and works perfectly. Thanks to its intuitive application for every device, users gave it 7.4 out of 10 in the ease of use category on VPNScore, highlighting its user-friendliness.

Is ExpressVPN Good for Streaming?

ExpressVPN is renowned for unblocking various streaming platforms like regional Netflix libraries, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. My ExpressVPN Review confirms it is the best VPN for streaming.

The service provides fast, reliable speeds that facilitate smooth, high-definition streaming without compromising privacy. Its compatibility with various streaming devices ensures accessible content across different platforms and screens. I couldn’t find a single website that the VPN couldn’t access.

I tested around 50+ servers and unblocked this entire list of streaming platforms with ExpressVPN:

How Many Servers Does ExpressVPN Have?

ExpressVPN offers 3000 servers across 105+ countries. Amongst all high-rated VPN services, ExpressVPN has the perfect balance of physical and virtual servers in most countries.

This server network is available across four regions worldwide:

While most servers in ExpressVPN’s network are bare-metal, physical servers, less than 3% of the servers are virtual.

However, this VPN still has many more servers in Europe and the Asia Pacific than any of the top VPN providers. Also, you can choose among the four locations in Africa, while other VPNs only offer one or two.

One of the most distinguishing characteristics of ExpressVPN’s network is its RAM-only servers compared to most providers’ hard disk-based servers. Therefore, any information related to the user gets instantly deleted whenever their servers are restarted and refreshed.

ExpressVPN Obfuscated Servers

ExpressVPN is known as a Stealth VPN, meaning a few of its servers use obfuscation technology. This feature masks your VPN traffic and makes it seem like regular internet traffic. Using stealth servers, even deep packet inspection would enable you to see that you’re using a VPN.

However, there’s barely any information about ExpressVPN’s obfuscation technology. To confirm it, I raised some questions in the live chat support of ExpressVPN. I asked if they supported obfuscation technology and how many servers they have and got the following reply:

Any server you connect to would be viewed as regular internet traffic.

Does ExpressVPN Allow Torrenting?

ExpressVPN is an excellent VPN for torrenting due to its fast connection speeds and solid privacy measures. ExpressVPN lets you freely torrent and share peer-to-peer (P2P) files on all its servers, enabling private file downloads. However, download speeds can vary based on the file’s location and the number of seeders involved.

Per my testing and user reviews, many people prefer ExpressVPN for torrenting as this VPN’s stable speeds and high degree of security make it a perfect companion for torrenting.

You can see that the speeds were fast when downloading torrents with ExpressVPN.

Suppose you see other apps on your device affected by the VPN connection. In that case, you can enable split tunneling, separating your VPN traffic (torrent client) so the rest of the sites and apps you use remain unaffected.

Since there are no bandwidth caps or limitations, you’d never face a throttled connection. Moreover, its no-logs policy and crypto support make torrenting on ExpressVPNin USA an excellent combination.

Is ExpressVPN Good for Gaming?

In my latest ExpressVPN review 2025, I’ve found that ExpressVPN offers fast and stable connections, essential for activities such as gaming and streaming; if you use Express VPN for gaming, you can access games at a reduced price and unlock exclusive maps and skins by changing your region. ExpressVPN stands out for gaming and overall quality.

I evaluated the performance impact of ExpressVPN during online multiplayer gaming sessions, testing it with games like Counter-Strike 2, Overwatch 2, Apex Legends, Modern Warfare 3, League of Legends, and Minecraft. I opted for the nearest servers without specialized gaming servers, often using the Smart Location feature to ensure optimal server selection based on my location for enhanced performance.

How is ExpressVPN for Traveling?

ExpressVPN is an excellent VPN for frequent travelers. As someone who often travels, I find ExpressVPN’s global server network indispensable. With 3000 servers in 105 countries, I’ve always been able to connect to a server that offers me the speeds and access I need, regardless of my location.

This extensive server network ensures that I can maintain access to content from home while abroad, which is critical for both my personal and professional online activities.

ExpressVPN’s commitment to placing physical servers in strategic locations worldwide has provided me with reliable speeds and access anywhere I go. This global footprint is one of the many reasons I find it an ideal choice for travellers who require consistent and secure internet access across borders.

Connection and Disconnection Issues

Stability Concerns: Some users face problems with ExpressVPN not disconnecting properly, causing network disruptions. This interrupts user experience and poses security risks. Resetting network settings or reinstalling the app can help; contacting customer support for advanced troubleshooting is recommended.

Billing and Subscription Problems

Unexpected Charges and Cancellation Issues: Users report unexpected charges and difficulty cancelling subscriptions. To avoid this, turn off auto-renewal in advance and keep cancellation records. Contact customer support promptly for billing issues and refunds.

Speed and Performance Variability

Inconsistent Speeds on Servers: Users experience variable speeds, especially on Canadian servers during peak times. Testing different server locations and using the built-in speed test can identify optimal servers. Split tunnelling can manage bandwidth more effectively.

Streaming Service Restrictions

Blocked Streaming Services: Difficulties in accessing streaming services like Netflix and ESPN due to blocked servers. Contact support for updated server recommendations or use dedicated streaming servers. Consider VPNs with better success rates for streaming.