Table of Contents
Introduction
ExpressVPN is currently CNET’s pick for the best VPN overall, scoring an 8.8/10 on our VPN rating scale. It is considered a veteran VPN provider that consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to privacy and transparency. In this article, we will explore the features and performance of ExpressVPN, as well as compare it to other leading VPN providers in terms of price, ease of use, streaming capabilities, and speed.
ExpressVPN: A Premium VPN Provider
ExpressVPN is known for its premium service and excellent performance. However, it comes at a higher price compared to other VPN providers in the market. The service costs $13 a month, $60 every six months, or $100 a year. This is considerably more expensive than Surfshark, which charges $60 a year after its initial promotional pricing, and NordVPN, which costs $13 a month or $90 annually (after a promotional $69 price for the first year).
User-Friendly and Streamlined App
ExpressVPN delivers a consistent and streamlined VPN app experience across various platforms. Its minimalist interface is easy to navigate for both advanced VPN users and beginners. Finding a server location is straightforward, and the app always connects quickly, unlike some other VPNs that struggle to connect immediately on the first attempt, such as Surfshark. This makes ExpressVPN a reliable choice for streaming, as it effortlessly unblocks various streaming content platforms, including Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
Simultaneous Connections and Compatibility
ExpressVPN recently increased its simultaneous connection allowance to eight, which is more generous than NordVPN’s six simultaneous connections. However, it falls short compared to VPN providers like Surfshark, PIA, and IPVanish, which offer unlimited simultaneous connections. ExpressVPN is compatible with multiple platforms, ensuring that users can easily connect and protect their devices, regardless of the operating system they use.
Speed Performance
While ExpressVPN offers fast speeds suitable for most online activities, it is not the fastest among its competitors. Based on our latest speed tests, ExpressVPN had an average speed loss of 24.8% in 2024. Although this is still considered fast compared to many other VPNs that can slash internet speeds by 50% or more, it is not as fast as NordVPN (11% speed loss) and Surfshark (17% speed loss). However, ExpressVPN’s speeds remain consistent and aligned with expectations across protocols and server locations.
Speeds by Protocol and Server Location
In our speed tests, we found that ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol on MacOS provided the fastest speeds, with only a 7% speed loss. On the other hand, the slowest speeds were observed when using OpenVPN on Windows, with a 48% speed loss. Generally, speeds were faster to relatively closer server locations like New York City and the UK, while they were slower to distant locations like Australia and Singapore. However, even with these variations, ExpressVPN’s speeds were still fast enough for general browsing, streaming, gaming, and videoconferencing, especially when using the Lightway protocol.
Comparison with Other VPN Providers
To provide a comprehensive review, it is important to compare ExpressVPN with other leading VPN providers. Here is a comparison table highlighting the key features and pricing of ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN:
| VPN Provider | Price (per month) | Simultaneous Connections |
|————–|——————-|————————-|
| ExpressVPN | $13 | 8 |
| Surfshark | $5.99 | Unlimited |
| NordVPN | $13 | 6 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, ExpressVPN is a top choice for users looking for a premium VPN provider that prioritizes privacy, transparency, and streaming capabilities. While it may be more expensive than its competitors, its consistent and streamlined app experience, along with its ability to unblock various streaming platforms, make it worth considering. Although its speeds may not be the fastest among its competitors, they are still fast enough for most online activities. Ultimately, ExpressVPN offers a reliable and secure VPN service that caters to both advanced users and beginners.