ExpressVPN Review 2025: Speed and Reliability Combined

Overview

ExpressVPN has long been regarded as the gold standard for VPN services, particularly when it comes to speed and reliability. Based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN operates under privacy-friendly jurisdiction and has built an impressive reputation for consistent performance and excellent customer service.

With over 3,000 servers across 94 countries, ExpressVPN offers one of the most extensive server networks in the industry. The service is particularly popular among users who prioritize speed and need reliable access to streaming services from around the world.

Speed and Performance

ExpressVPN's greatest strength lies in its exceptional speed performance. In our extensive testing, ExpressVPN consistently delivered the fastest speeds among all VPN providers we've tested. Local connections typically maintain 90-95% of the original internet speed, while international connections rarely drop below 80%.

The service uses its proprietary Lightway protocol, which is designed for speed and security. Lightway offers faster connection times, better battery life on mobile devices, and improved reliability when switching between networks.

Speed Test Results

• Local servers: 5-10% speed loss
• International servers: 15-25% speed loss
• Connection time: 3-5 seconds average
• Stability: Excellent with minimal disconnections

Security and Privacy

ExpressVPN employs military-grade AES-256 encryption with perfect forward secrecy, ensuring that even if one session key is compromised, past and future sessions remain secure. The service supports multiple protocols including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and their proprietary Lightway protocol.

The company maintains a strict no-logs policy and has undergone independent security audits by Cure53 and PwC. ExpressVPN's jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands provides additional privacy protection, as the territory has no mandatory data retention laws.

Security Features

• Network Lock: Kill switch that blocks internet traffic if VPN disconnects
• Split Tunneling: Choose which apps use the VPN connection
• DNS Leak Protection: Prevents DNS queries from leaking
• TrustedServer Technology: RAM-only servers that wipe data on reboot

Streaming and Unblocking

ExpressVPN excels at unblocking streaming services and is often considered the best VPN for Netflix. The service reliably accesses Netflix libraries from multiple countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Japan. It also works well with other streaming platforms like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer.

The service's MediaStreamer feature allows you to use ExpressVPN on devices that don't typically support VPN apps, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles, making it easier to stream content on any device.

Apps and User Experience

ExpressVPN offers intuitive, well-designed apps for all major platforms. The interface is clean and user-friendly, making it easy for beginners to connect while still providing advanced options for experienced users. The one-click connect feature automatically selects the best server for your location.

The service supports up to 5 simultaneous connections, which may be limiting for larger households but is sufficient for most individual users. Router installation is supported, allowing you to protect unlimited devices through your home network.

Customer Support

ExpressVPN provides excellent 24/7 customer support through live chat and email. The support team is knowledgeable, responsive, and capable of handling both basic and technical inquiries. Response times are typically under a minute for live chat and within a few hours for email support.

The company also maintains comprehensive setup guides and troubleshooting resources, making it easy to get started and resolve common issues independently.

Pricing and Value

ExpressVPN is positioned as a premium service, and its pricing reflects this positioning. While more expensive than many competitors, the service delivers consistent performance that justifies the higher cost for users who prioritize speed and reliability.

• Monthly: $12.95/month
• 6 Months: $9.99/month (billed every 6 months)
• 12 Months: $6.67/month (billed annually)

All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, and the annual plan often includes additional months free during promotional periods.

Conclusion

ExpressVPN remains the top choice for users who prioritize speed, reliability, and ease of use. While it comes at a premium price, the service delivers consistent performance that makes it worth the investment for many users. The combination of fast speeds, excellent streaming capabilities, and reliable customer support makes ExpressVPN particularly appealing to users who need a VPN that "just works."

We recommend ExpressVPN for users who need the fastest possible speeds, want reliable access to streaming services, or require a VPN that works consistently in restrictive environments. If budget is a primary concern, there are more affordable alternatives, but few can match ExpressVPN's overall performance and reliability.