ExpressVPN Review in UK 2024: Is It Really Worth The Money?

VPNs are indispensable tools for online users, securing data, offering virtual IPs, and unblocking geo-restricted sites. Recognizing the importance of these features, finding a VPN that delivers them all is crucial, and ExpressVPN excels in this regard. In this ExpressVPN review in UK, I’ll thoroughly examine its pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

ExpressVPN stands out with its exceptional commitment to user privacy and an extensive network of servers across the globe. However, it’s essential to scrutinize whether its premium price tag is justified. I’ve rigorously tested its speeds, delved into its streaming capabilities, and examined its security suite to bring you a comprehensive verdict. Keep reading to discover my findings on ExpressVPN in UK.

Quick Summary – ExpressVPN Review

According to VPNRanks’ proprietary VPNScore system, which aggregates thousands of user reviews, and as per Express VPN reviews, it has a 7.2 rating. This score reflects its user-friendliness, overall quality, and customer satisfaction levels, underscoring its reputation as a solid choice for internet users seeking privacy and performance.

Per my review, ExpressVPN offers robust security features, including 256-bit encryption and a strict no-logs policy, which enhances user privacy and security. The service supports various devices and platforms, making it versatile for different users. ExpressVPN stands out as one of the pricier VPN providers available; however, its exceptional value justifies the cost entirely.

Also, ExpressVPN has over 4 million subscribers who benefit from strong security protocols, high-speed connections, and a reliable global server network, making it a solid investment for anyone prioritizing comprehensive digital protection.

ExpressVPN Cost: How Much Does ExpressVPN Cost in UK?

While ExpressVPN is pricier than many competitors, the cost is reasonable, given the unparalleled quality of its VPN service. ExpressVPN offers pricing options of $12.95 per month, $59.95 for six months, or $99.95 for an annual subscription., compared to Surfshark’s $60 yearly fee post-promotion.

NordVPN’s prices are similar to ExpressVPN’s, at $13 per month or $100 annually after promotional rates. Despite being on the higher end, the ExpressVPN pricing structure is straightforward in a market where VPN pricing can be overly complex.

ExpressVPN offers 3 subscription plans in UK.

Even though my VPNScore system ranks NordVPN higher on the metrics, ExpressVPN justifies its price with superior security, a wider server network spanning more countries, and advanced connection protocols. ExpressVPN’s pricing remains competitive, given its comprehensive offerings, including robust security features, high-speed connections, and an extensive global server network.

Registering for ExpressVPN is straightforward, with payment options like credit cards, PayPal, and even Bitcoin for those seeking more privacy. Users paying ExpressVPN costs in UK could benefit from expanding their cryptocurrency options beyond Bitcoin, as competitors like Surfshark and NordVPN accept various digital currencies.

Additionally, ExpressVPN supports numerous international and online payment methods, including Mint Prepaid, which offers secure payments without revealing personal or banking details.

Ultimately, whether ExpressVPN’s service and pricing align with your needs can be confidently determined through the 30-day money-back guarantee and by using the ExpressVPN free trial in UK. This opportunity allows you to fully explore the VPN’s capabilities and ensure it meets your expectations, offering peace of mind and flexibility in your decision-making process.

Speed: How Fast is ExpressVPN in UK?

In my ExpressVPN review, the VPN showed a speed reduction, primarily due to the slow OpenVPN speeds on Windows, where it lost 20% of its internet speeds. ExpressVPN offers the OpenVPN protocol for security and its proprietary Lightway protocol, which is newer and typically faster.

Despite the speed challenges with OpenVPN, ExpressVPN focuses more on developing Lightway, which is used by most users, suggesting minimal future enhancements for OpenVPN speeds. Lightway, in contrast to OpenVPN, demonstrated a significantly lower average speed loss, proving to be more efficient, especially on newer operating systems.

ExpressVPN’s performance was stable across various tests in UK, maintaining consistent speeds despite the OpenVPN issues. The local servers of ExpressVPN lowered the download speeds by 12-15%.

The long-distance servers came with a speed loss of around 20%, which was not bad and still better than all the VPNs in the industry. For more information, you can check out ExpressVPN’s in-depth speed analysis in UK offered on long-distance and local servers.

Security and Privacy: Is ExpressVPN 100% Safe in UK?

ExpressVPN enhances your online security significantly, particularly when you’re connected to public Wi-Fi networks. ExpressVPN uses robust security measures to protect your online data in UK. Moreover, ExpressVPN has introduced its new Advanced Protection suite, which offers features to block trackers, malicious sites, and ads.

The app includes split tunneling and a privacy checklist tool for Android users. Moreover, ExpressVPN’s password manager, Keys, is now included at no extra cost in Android and iOS applications. In the ExpressVPN Keys review, it was also praised for security and user-friendliness.

Apart from that, VPN Express stands out for its transparency in the VPN industry. The company offers detailed insights into its operational security measures and initiatives to safeguard user data through its extensive Trust Center. Additionally, the suite comes with essential privacy/security tools such as an IP address checker, DNS leak test, and WebRTC leak test.

Additionally, ExpressVPN has begun issuing biannual transparency reports, enhancing its commitment to transparency by disclosing the volume of legal requests received and its responses to these inquiries.

ExpressVPN’s privacy policy emphasizes its commitment to user privacy. It does not log any online activity, browsing history, traffic destination, data content, or DNS queries while connected to its services. It also maintains no connection logs, including not storing users’ IP addresses, VPN IP addresses, connection timestamps, or session durations.

The policy is notably clear and straightforward, specifying that all personal information related to ExpressVPN accounts is exclusively managed and stored by ExpressVPN and its subsidiaries, ensuring user data remains protected and private.

Secure Connections Via Tunneling

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 in UK

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 stream the exclusive US content while using my local IP for everything else normally.

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

In the Express VPN review, I found that each security protocol will slightly change your level of encryption. For example, the Lightway protocol uses wolfSSL, which is not AES but still tends to be 256-bit encryption. So, it’s more open-source and pretty secure.

Security Protocols

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 in UK

You can switch to different protocols using the Mac, iOS, Windows, and Android tabs. Whereas 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

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 ExpressVPN guarding it.

Enable the ExpressVPN Network Lock and secure your activities from leaking in UK

Testing of ExpressVPN’s kill switch in UK was a success!

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

In my ExpressVPN review, I discovered a DNS leak issue in the Windows app while using the split tunneling 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 tunneling 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 in UK

Does ExpressVPN Keep Logs in UK?

No, it does not keep any connection or activity logs of its users in UK. 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 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.

There are no activity or connection logs collected as well.

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:

What Devices Are Compatible With ExpressVPN in UK?

ExpressVPN offers extensive compatibility across various devices in UK, ensuring I can enjoy a secure internet experience on any platform. The ease of setup category by VPNScore rates it a solid 7.1 out of 10. I’ve found their applications user-friendly on operating systems like Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and even Linux.

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 Xbox in UK together for both 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 Tunneling, 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 login credentials, it’s ultimately easier to enter one code.

The Windows app supports most versions of the operating system in UK

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 tunneling feature, letting you choose which apps to segregate or require to use the VPN.

Windows devices can enjoy unrestricted streaming on Netflix, Disney Plus, and other geo-restricted platforms. ExpressVPN hid my IP address, ISP, and DNS requests on all devices, and streaming worked flawlessly.

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 tunneling, 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 in UK

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 grays, purples, and orange tones. The large connect button in the center 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 UK

I 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 color 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 tunneling 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’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.

You could set up ExpressVPN on a compatible third-party VPN router or opt for ExpressVPN’s own Aircove Wi-Fi 6 router. The Aircove router allows unlimited device connections and offers features like parental controls, including site blocking and internet usage limits. 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 in UK?

ExpressVPN unblocks various streaming content across multiple platforms, including regional Netflix libraries, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. Customer feedback and my tests affirm its status as one of the best VPNs for streaming in UK, renowned for its ability to unlock virtually any online content.

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.

However, there’s a slight drawback: the VPN doesn’t unblock a few Netflix regions.

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

How Many Servers Does ExpressVPN Offer?

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.

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 in UK?

ExpressVPN is highly recommended 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, this VPN’s stable speeds and high degree of security make it a perfect companion for torrenting.

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

You’d never face a throttled connection since there are no bandwidth caps or limitations. Moreover, it’s no-logs policy and crypto support make ExpressVPN torrent an excellent combination.

Is ExpressVPN Good for Gaming in UK?

ExpressVPN enhances your gaming experience by lowering ping times, offering access to games at reduced Express VPN price, and unlocking exclusive maps and skins. ExpressVPN stands out for gaming and overall quality. It also allows you to play games outside your regional zone, protects against DDoS attacks, and more.

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?

As someone who often travels, the global server network of ExpressVPN has been 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 travelers who require consistent and secure internet access across borders.

ExpressVPN Customer Support

According to my ExpressVPN review, the VPN outperforms other providers in this category. The service has divided the support section into subcategories: live chat support, troubleshooting guides and installation instructions, email support, and support ticket submissions.

The answers through all these are prompt and informative.

Does ExpressVPN have a live chat?

Well, let me reiterate. Yes, ExpressVPN’s live chat support is available 24/7 and is now better than ever! If you ever face any issue with your service, contact the support team, and it’ll promptly help you.

From finding an optimized server to access Netflix to solving the technical installation issues – its representatives take adequate time to provide informative answers and get to the bottom of your problem to assist you.

I also tested the service response by canceling the subscription with this VPN and could do it without the representatives probing the issue or asking any irrelevant questions.

I got my refund in 6 days.

The setup guides are even better. They cover every topic from generic to techniques to help you, including installing the ExpressVPN app, configuring manual connections, or using OpenVPN GUI. Also, you get these guides for almost every operating system or device you own, including Windows, Mac, routers, Smart TVs, Android, iOS, Linux, Chromebooks, and more.

Its search bar is so robust that you get all these guides when you enter a single keyword. The tests discovered 126 results for Mac, 56 for DNS, 31 for Asus, and 113 for Android.

Finally, I decided to shoot a question to check out its email support. While the VPN claims to answer within 24 hours, I got ours within an hour!

Compare ExpressVPN With the Top Alternative VPNs

After going through ExpressVPN review of Reddit threads and conducting the ExpressVPN reviews, I also compared the VPN with various top competitors in the industry. You can check the comparisons below:

FAQs – ExpressVPN Review

Final Verdict – Is ExpressVPN Good in 2024?

Yes, ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs I’ve tested in 2024. After an extensive ExpressVPN review in UK based on security protocols and the latest features, I delivered my final verdict on ExpressVPN. It offers excellent speeds, security, and unblocking ability so that you can enjoy its well-rounded service.

However, the ExpressVPN review sections, backed by evidence, show that this VPN works perfectly and is worth every penny. ExpressVPN earned a 7.2 VPNScore, reflecting its reliability and excelling in ease of use, meeting user requirements, ease of setup, and quality of support.

Despite these strengths, ExpressVPN has faced issues, such as DNS leaks, yet the company’s prompt and transparent handling of such problems reaffirms its dedication to user privacy. So, if you’re looking for the best, ExpressVPN is undoubtedly the way to go!