ExpressVPN Review in 2025: Pricing, Plans, Speed, Features, Pros, Cons, Streaming Service

ExpressVPN Review: Is ExpressVPN still one of the best VPNs on the market? In our latest round of testing, we liked that ExpressVPN offers over 100 server locations and dozens of user-friendly apps for computers, phones, and streaming devices. ExpressVPN remains our top choice, consistently delivering best-in-class security, privacy, and performance. The apps are fast, intuitive, and handle everything from streaming geo-blocked content to securing public Wi-Fi. However, ExpressVPN costs more than twice as much as NordVPN and other VPNs. While we think the premium price is justified by its quality, we recommend making use of its 30-day money-back guarantee to test it yourself first.

ExpressVPN Review in 2025

ExpressVPN Pros And Cons

Pros

• Excellent security & privacy features
• Works with Netflix, Disney+ & all other streaming sites
• Fast connection speeds in every location
• Intuitive apps for every platform
• IP addresses in 106 countries
• Torrenting traffic allowed on every server

Cons

• Expensive
• Slow to add new features
• Triggers CAPTCHAs on search engines
• No multi-hop or other advanced features
• Doesn’t support port forwarding
• Fewer simultaneous connections than alternatives

ExpressVPN Pricing Plans 2025

Free Trial Options for ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN Detailed 2025

ExpressVPN Streaming Service

ExpressVPN Server locations & Speed

Security Features

Protocols & Encryption

Speed Test

Obviously, internet and vpn speeds are really important Keep in mind that internet speed is made up of several factors, including the time of day, location, internet service provider, software, hardware, and the VPN server. We tested ExpressVPN on a Macbook Air and a Windows Vivobook from our apartments in Brooklyn, New York. Without a VPN, we’re on an Optimum Wi-Fi network, typically.

The Best VPN Services

Download Speed Tests

Mac

Windows

Upload Speed Tests

Mac

Windows

Ping Speed Tests

Mac

Windows

User Experience

For us, ExpressVPN is categorically the easiest and nicest VPN to use. Its apps don’t require any learning curve, you just need to press the large ‘on’ button and the app will automatically select the best protocol and server location based on your network and location. We also love just how quick the app opens and connects to a server. These quality-of-life features might seem small, but they make a noticeable difference when you’re using a VPN daily.

Desktop & Laptop (Windows & Mac)

Although many VPNs release subpar Mac apps compared to the Windows versions, both ExpressVPN desktop apps are practically identical. This is a good thing, as ExpressVPN’s desktop apps are the most intuitive VPN apps we’ve used. You can customize the home screen to include shortcuts to your most frequently visited websites. We prefer the app’s design without them, though, so we’re glad you can disable this feature in the settings.

The VPN’s server list is easy to navigate, too. ‘Recommended’ servers are selected by default, but it doesn’t reveal the whole server list. We had to click ‘All Locations’ to see the full list, or we used the search bar to find a specific location. That said, we would like to see some information about each server, like ping and server load. Without it, it’s impossible to determine which server will provide the best connection

Mobile (iPhone & Android)

ExpressVPN’s mobile apps look and feel very similar to the desktop versions. The interface is taken up by the large connect button and you change servers by using the same server list. Both apps include the Protection Summary in the bottom half of the home screen. This tells you how long you’ve been connected to an ExpressVPN server over the past week, as well as the IP address of the VPN server.

Frankly, we don’t find the Protection Summary feature useful at all, and it makes the app worse to use. The information it provides isn’t practical and is intimidating to beginners. Previously, we could disable the Protection Summary in the settings, but this option has frustratingly been removed, narrowing ExpressVPN’s design lead over competitors. We’ve wished and requested for years for it to add dark mode to its mobile apps, too, but this is still missing.

Streaming Devices (Fire TV, Apple TV & Android TV)

ExpressVPN’s apps for Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android TV are well-designed and user-friendly, featuring a dark mode interface that made it easier to read text on our TV screen.

While a light mode option would be a welcome addition for added customization, the apps already stand out for their intuitive layout. Server locations are organized by continent, complemented by a clear and straightforward visual design that simplifies server selection.

We like how ExpressVPN has consistent interface across all these devices. We’re puzzled when competitors like NordVPN use a different app design for its Fire TV and Apple TV apps.

Torrenting

In our tests, ExpressVPN downloaded P2P files a lot faster than most of the competition. All 3,000 of ExpressVPN’s servers allow torrenting activity, and its kill switch and private logging policy will prevent your ISP from seeing your P2P activity. The only downside is the lack of port forwarding, but ExpressVPN is fast enough without it.

Device Compatibility

Smart DNS

Additional Features

ExpressVPN Quick Stats

ExpressVPN Features

ExpressVPN has 24/7 customer support through live chat and email. As millennials, these services were enough for us, despite the lack of a phone line. We also had the option to contact customer support through our ExpressVPN app directly, which should have made the whole experience seamless.

We put ExpressVPN through the ringer by testing it with Wi-Fi and mobile connections. But that’s not all. We even combed through ExpressVPN’s privacy policy to learn more about what data the company logs, read up on the encryption and VPN protocols, and streamed a TV show or two on another country’s streaming service. Here’s what we discovered.

ExpressVPN FAQS

Is ExpressVPN free?

ExpressVPN is not free. Rather, its monthly costs start at $6.67 if you sign up for a year. However, while ExpressVPN lacks a free version or trial, the company does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you cancel before the first billing date, you can get your money refunded.

Is ExpressVPN legit?

ExpressVPN is a legitimate VPN service. The company is based in the British Virgin Islands and has over 2,000 servers in 160 countries.

How much does ExpressVPN cost?

Normally, ExpressVPN costs $12.95 per month. If you sign up for a year or two-year plan, you have to pay for the entire length of the plan upfront, but get a per-month discount. Right now, the one-year plan costs $99.95 upfront, but comes with 3 free months for a per-month cost of $6.67. Likewise, the two-year plan costs $139.72 upfront, but it includes 4 free months for a per-month cost of $4.99.

Is ExpressVPN illegal?

In the United States, ExpressVPN is legal, as VPNs are legal here. However, not all countries allow for VPNs, so in some countries like Russia and China, ExpressVPN may be illegal.

Conclusion

ExpressVPN remains a top-tier VPN in 2025, offering fast speeds, robust security, and excellent streaming support across numerous server locations. Its user-friendly apps and reliable performance justify the higher price, despite lacking some advanced features. Overall, it’s a great choice for users prioritizing ease of use, privacy, and consistent connectivity.