Table of Contents
ExpressVPN Features
ExpressVPN is a popular VPN service that offers a range of features to ensure privacy, security, and access to streaming websites. In this review, we thoroughly tested ExpressVPN to evaluate its performance and capabilities. We examined its data logging practices, encryption and VPN protocols, kill switch functionality, split tunneling capability, and its ability to bypass streaming website restrictions. Here’s a detailed overview of ExpressVPN’s features.
Will ExpressVPN Log My Data?
Privacy is a top concern when using a VPN, as users want to protect their browsing data from hackers, advertisers, and internet service providers. ExpressVPN prioritizes privacy and has a strict policy of not logging IP addresses and browsing histories. In fact, when the Indian government implemented a law requiring VPN companies to log user data, ExpressVPN promptly withdrew its servers from the country. While ExpressVPN does collect some data during the signup process and through its apps and website, this data is unrelated to VPN activity and does not compromise user privacy. The collected data includes device information, choice of server location, bandwidth usage, and payment details. However, this is standard practice for most VPN companies and does not raise any significant concerns.
Does ExpressVPN Have a Kill Switch?
A kill switch is an essential feature for VPNs as it ensures that the user’s internet connection is immediately blocked if the VPN connection drops. This is crucial for maintaining privacy and preventing accidental exposure of browsing activity. ExpressVPN does have a kill switch feature, which provides an added layer of security. Throughout our testing, the kill switch activated only twice, indicating that ExpressVPN’s connections are generally stable and reliable.
What Kind of Tunneling Does ExpressVPN Offer?
ExpressVPN offers split tunneling, allowing users to direct traffic from their devices through both encrypted VPN networks and regular unencrypted networks. This feature is particularly useful when certain apps or websites do not support VPN traffic. By using split tunneling, users can select specific apps to connect directly to the internet while keeping the rest of their device’s traffic protected by the VPN. For example, if a VPN blocks access to a mobile banking app, users can exclude that app from the VPN tunnel to ensure uninterrupted access. ExpressVPN’s split tunneling feature worked seamlessly during our testing, providing a smooth experience while maintaining privacy and security.
Can I Use Netflix with ExpressVPN?
One of the most popular uses of a VPN is to access streaming libraries from different countries. ExpressVPN successfully bypasses restrictions and allows users to access Netflix libraries from various regions, including the UK, Australia, and Japan. It also works well with other streaming platforms like Prime Video. Additionally, ExpressVPN allows users to download content from torrent networks, providing a comprehensive streaming and downloading experience.
ExpressVPN Encryption
ExpressVPN prioritizes user privacy by employing various methods to protect data. It uses a private DNS server to avoid relying on the user’s internet provider’s DNS. It also regularly rotates the user’s IP address to prevent tracking. One of the most crucial privacy measures is encryption, which hides the content of the user’s traffic from unauthorized access. ExpressVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, which is the highest encryption standard available and is used by the US military. Coupled with ExpressVPN’s efficient traffic delivery protocols, this encryption ensures a secure and smooth browsing experience.
ExpressVPN Protocols
Internet protocols determine how data packets are transmitted across a network. ExpressVPN offers several VPN protocols to cater to different user needs:
-
L2TP/IPsec: This protocol combines the Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) with IPsec to create a highly secure VPN client. L2TP establishes the tunnel, while IPsec handles encryption and channel security.
-
IKEv2: Internet Key Exchange version 2 automatically re-establishes the VPN connection after disconnection from the internet. This protocol is beneficial for users who frequently switch between Wi-Fi and mobile hotspots.
-
IPsec: IP Security creates secure internet connections and is often used in conjunction with other protocols like IKEv2 and L2TP to enhance security. IPsec offers two modes: transport mode, which encrypts only the data packet message, and tunneling mode, which encrypts the entire data packet.
-
OpenVPN: OpenVPN is the most popular VPN protocol due to its combination of speed and security. ExpressVPN offers two versions of OpenVPN:
-
UDP: User Datagram Protocol (UDP) sends datagrams that don’t require virtual circuits, resulting in lower bandwidth usage and less delay. However, some packets may be lost or out of order.
-
TCP: Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) breaks data into smaller packets and ensures their proper delivery. It works well in conjunction with UDP to ensure data integrity.
-
Lightway Protocol: ExpressVPN has developed its own proprietary protocol called Lightway. It prioritizes speed by eliminating non-essential features and uses WolfSSL for data security. Lightway is widely implemented in ExpressVPN’s mobile and desktop apps, providing a lightweight and stable protocol for smartphone and laptop users. ExpressVPN automatically selects the best protocol for users upon signing in.
Password Manager
In addition to its VPN services, ExpressVPN now includes a password manager with each subscription. While seemingly unrelated to VPNs, a password manager is a valuable tool for enhancing digital security. It securely stores passwords in an encrypted vault, generating strong and randomized passwords for users. The password manager can be used alongside ExpressVPN to ensure robust security and privacy.
VPN Hardware: Aircove Router by ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has introduced a new hardware product called Aircove, which is a Wi-Fi 6 router equipped with ExpressVPN. Aircove allows users to set up a VPN on their Wi-Fi router without the need for manual configuration. This device offers the convenience of easy VPN setup and configuration through ExpressVPN’s online dashboard. Users can customize how each connected device connects to ExpressVPN, designate specific VPN servers for different devices, and exclude certain devices from the VPN network while still providing internet access. Aircove provides a more flexible and user-friendly router VPN solution compared to traditional router setups. It is important to note that Aircove requires an ongoing ExpressVPN subscription to access its VPN benefits and functions as a regular Wi-Fi router without a VPN connection.
In conclusion, ExpressVPN offers a comprehensive set of features to ensure privacy, security, and access to streaming websites. Its no-logging policy, kill switch functionality, split tunneling capability, and support for various VPN protocols make it a reliable and versatile VPN service. Additionally, the inclusion of a password manager and the introduction of the Aircove router demonstrate ExpressVPN’s commitment to providing comprehensive solutions for digital security and privacy.