Table of Contents
Introduction
ExpressVPN is currently considered the best VPN overall, according to CNET. With a score of 8.8/10 on their VPN rating scale, it has proven to be a reliable and trustworthy VPN provider. ExpressVPN is particularly known for its strong commitment to privacy and transparency. It is also highly recommended for streaming and gaming, making it an ideal choice for gamers. However, it is worth noting that ExpressVPN comes at a premium price compared to other VPN providers in the market.
Pricing
ExpressVPN is known for being one of the most expensive VPN providers currently available. The service costs $13 per month, $60 every six months, or $100 per year. In comparison, Surfshark charges $11 per month or $60 per year, making it a more affordable option. NordVPN, on the other hand, is priced similarly to ExpressVPN at $13 per month or $100 annually (after a promotional $60 price for the first year).
Speed
While ExpressVPN is fast enough for most online activities, its speeds are not as fast as some of its competitors, based on recent speed tests. In 2024, ExpressVPN had an average speed loss of 24.8%. Although this is still considered fast, as many VPNs can significantly reduce internet speeds by 50% or more, NordVPN (11% speed loss) and Surfshark (17% speed loss) offered substantially better speeds. However, ExpressVPN’s speeds remained consistent and aligned with expectations across different protocols and server locations. The fastest speeds were achieved using ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol on MacOS, with only a 7% speed loss. To minimize lag, it is recommended to use ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol, which can minimize disruptions regardless of the user’s base internet speed.
Privacy and Security
During a recent evaluation of ExpressVPN’s privacy and security features, a bug was discovered in its Windows app. When the split tunneling feature was enabled, the app sent DNS requests to the user’s internet service provider (ISP) instead of ExpressVPN’s dedicated DNS servers. This exposed the user’s true IP address, general location, and the websites they visited. ExpressVPN was promptly notified about this issue and took immediate action by disabling split tunneling in its Windows app as a temporary solution. The company’s engineers worked on a permanent fix, and in the meantime, ExpressVPN demonstrated transparency by publishing a detailed explanation of the bug and the steps they were taking to address it. A fix was quickly rolled out for the Windows app, resolving the DNS issue and eliminating any leaks. Subsequent tests with the updated app confirmed that there were no leaks, whether split tunneling was enabled or not. While the DNS leaks were concerning, the swift response from ExpressVPN showcased the company’s commitment to transparency and user privacy. In addition to their transparency efforts, ExpressVPN’s privacy protections are top-notch and forward-thinking.
Conclusion
ExpressVPN remains a top choice for those seeking a VPN for gaming in 2024. Despite its higher price tag, it offers excellent privacy and security features, reliable speeds, and a user-friendly interface across various platforms. The recent DNS bug, although concerning, was promptly addressed and resolved by ExpressVPN, further highlighting their commitment to user privacy and transparency. While there may be cheaper alternatives available, ExpressVPN’s reputation for quality and performance makes it a worthwhile investment for gamers looking to enhance their online gaming experience.