ExpressVPN, a virtual private network, is software that enciphers web traffic of the users’ and conceals their IP addresses to protect their privacy and security. Claimed to be the best-in-class encryption service ExpressVPN are the most reliable software security and privacy tools out there.
Its Android app has been certified by the Alliance that includes a group of leading technology companies such as Amazon, Google, Facebook, Comcast etc., With this new certification, it’s more assurance to the existing reputation of ExpressVPN. Once going through the expressvpn reviews online one can find that the platform has been providing a service that is alike for both a tech novice and professional.
Here is an expressVPN review that provides information on how to use expressVPN, how much is expressvpn, how to use expressvpn for Android, iOS and desktop, expressvpn free trial and many more. The expressvpn review also gives insights about VPN security, supported devices, platforms, customer service and other features.
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How to use ExpressVPN
Express VPN is available for Macintosh, windows, android and Linux OS as well.ExpressVPN is a highly secured VPN service that offers 160 VPN locations, thus enabling you to stream Netflix, Disney, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC I player, HBO Go and many other streaming services in High Definition (HD).
ExpressVPN enables users to use services like Google, Facebook, youtube, Gmail even in countries with strict cyber restrictions, like China and Russia. ExpressVPN is also handy for gamers, who want to connect to servers that are thousands of miles apart from their original location. Users have a hassle-free torrenting experience with the help of. ExpressVPN.
Using ExpressVPN is very easy and they offer a 1-month unlimited free trial for all the new subscribers. Using ExpressVPN involves very simple steps. After choosing the plan of their choice, the user should enter their email address and payment information. Payments via bitcoin, PayPal and a wide range of debit and credit cards are accepted.
After entering the payment details, you will get a mail on your registered email address with a link and a welcome note. On clicking the link, the user will be redirected directly to the installation guide with the install button. Clicking on the install button installs the ExpressVPN application to the mobile/iPad/computer/laptop.
A single click on the smart location feature automatically connects the user’s device to the fastest and most secured server available at the time, enabling users to enjoy uninterrupted browsing, streaming, gaming and browsing against geoblocks in countries with cyber restrictions.
Setting up an Expressvpn
While it might be a daunting experience for many. However, the stress has been taken out of it quite effectively by ExpressVPN. The process is the same for any other providers which need us to sign up and make an account.
After signing up, the OS of the user’s system is detected by ExpressVPN and it will direct the user to the version one needs and most of the times it’s always correct. However, if the user wants a different version it can be selected from the navigation bar at the top of the website.
And using these is as easy as using any of the Google play store links. Also, there is an option for the. APK files for the Android version of the VPN and a QR code can be used to receive a setup to the registered email.
After getting done with the downloading process on a preferred device, verification takes place via an activation code. That’s it, it doesn’t need you to enter the login details.
By using ExpressVPN’s configuration files, a different client can be opted for.
Pricing
Pricing is about how much is expressvpn subscription.
ExpressVPN offers three subscription plans, all of them provide the same features.
There are three plans – monthly @ $12.95/month, 6 months plan @ $9.99/month and annual plan @ $8.32/month. The Payment can be done via Credit card, Paypal, Bitcoin and Unionpay. Yes, users can also pay through Bitcoin, Webmoney, Yandex Money, Alipay alongside using the traditional methods of payment such as PayPal and credit card.
ExpressVPN’s subscription works in such a way that the longer you opt for them the cheaper it can get.
Upon signing up for 6 months, the price drops to $9.99, which is fairly an expensive sum compared to its competitors. It is the only provider that offers a mid-length plan like this.
However, the best plan can be acquired upon signing up for a year.
The price at which the platform offers its services is hefty when compared to the other service providers. However, the fact that it allows its usage simultaneously on 5 devices at a time is a bit disappointing considering the expensive price.
Free trial
There is a no question asked, 30-day risk-free refund period. Expressvpn free trial can be accessed when the Android or iOS app is downloaded. And plans of any length subsequently come with a 30-day money-back policy. This offer is available only once and it is there so that the user can make sure that the platform and its services suit them before committing to it.
Mobile app
ExpressVPN has apps for Android and iOS which is almost the same as the desktop version of the app in terms of its features and security. Since the app is a fast one, it doesn’t slow down the device however opting for Lightway protocol ensures more speed and efficiency. The setting up process of these apps is quite easy for both Android and iOS. One can easily login in by using their login details following the acceptance of few permissions.
Both the versions consist of some features other than VPN protection and they include an IP address checker, a password generator, a WebRTVc leak tester and a DNS leak tester. However, the phone version of the app doesn’t support the speed test as it is slightly different from the desktop version. Even though it is not possible to say how quick a server is on a phone, Smart Location solves this.
The iOS version of the app has some limitations as compared to the OS. While the Android version has the split tunnelling option and the kill switch option, the OS on the other hand has the automatic reconnection which is close to the kill switch feature of the iOS. While the Android and iOS apps lack some features like the option to choose DNS servers, ExpressVPN’s mobile app versions are designed in a way that is easy to use.
Features
Novice Friendly
With an easy-to-navigate interface ExpressVPN is extremely novice-friendly, all you have to do is to sign up for it at a chosen price among their plans. Upon following the instructions for the device on which you’re planning to use, it will start running within minutes.
Smart Location Assistance
One can either connect to any of the 160 VPN locations across 94 countries or can avail the assistance of the smart location for choosing the optimal location for their network.
The countries which are top-notch server locations include South Africa, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Israel, Switzerland, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Japan, India, Australia, Sweden, Spain, Canada, Germany and the USA.
Multi-Platform compatibility
ExpressVPN can be accessed through its app available in most popular platforms around such as Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook computers, Kindle Fire, Android, iOS. The app design is almost uniform across all platforms.
Device Compatibility
ExpressVPN is compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems. ExpressVPN compatible for PCs,laptops,tablet PCs,Ipad,mobiles.It can be accessed on any 5 devices at a time.
Smart TV systems Android TV systems, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, NVIDIA Shield, Chromecast, Roku Fire TV stick.
Game consoles
Playstation, XBOX, NINTENDO SWITCH.
Browser extensions
ExpressVPN’s browser extensions are available for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari. Unlike many other extensions offered by its competitors, it’s not a proxy but rather a full-blown VPN in the browser. These browser extensions come with added benefits like protection against WebRTC leaks and HTML5 geolocation spoofing.
The idea behind the geo-location spoofing feature is, it hides the true geological location of a user along with concealing one’s IP (internet protocol) addresses. Websites can still determine the user’s location through GPS, wi-fi, mobile signals and tools like HTML5 geolocation API.
However, the browser extension of ExpressVPN spoofs the location determined by the API to a partly random point near the location of the VPN to which the user’s network is connected.
Having these extensions means that one doesn’t have to switch between windows to change settings. The extension imposes HTTPS everywhere. Your true location is not known because it prevents HTML5 geolocation from revealing it.
The extension not as useful as the app but it does its job.
Unlimited bandwidth
ExpressVPN provides unlimited bandwidth so the users can download as much as they want without their SP or VPN capping certain kinds of traffic.
Safer internet presence
ExpressVPN gives utmost priority to the security of users. ExpressVPN offers multiple security protocols for the users and automatically selects the best for the user in real-time to provide a safe as well as ultra-fast browsing or streaming experience to the user.
The kill switch feature in the ExpressVPN automatically hides the IP address and keeps the traffic secure in case of a VPN failure, thus providing maximum security even in the light of connection extremities. The split tunnelling feature, which helps you to browse locally and via VPN simultaneously is the distinguishing feature of our VPN. Express VPN is also breach-free and DNS leaks free. With the most advanced and powerful security features in the arsenal, ExpressVPN provides uncompromising security to the user.
Data Protection
Servers of ExpressVPN are located at a discreet, secured place, making it almost impossible to breach or invade. ExpressVPN neither tracks the activity of users nor maintains any logs of the users to ensure utmost privacy and secrecy to all the users of ExpressVPN.
With the state-of-art TrustedSever technology, which makes sure that servers work only on RAM. As the servers are limited to RAM only, all the information/data gets wiped at every reboot. ExpressVPN offers virtual server locations so that your virtual server lies in the target country and the physical server lies at some other place. ExpressVPN encrypts the traffic before coming into your device. It also enables users to bypass the firewalls in countries with geoblocks, thus allowing users to access all the international browsing, streaming, gaming applications.
The Protection Summary Box feature helps to view the IP address of the device and the VPN location of the users. This feature also shows the duration of VPN usage.
The company has a ‘zero log’ policy. ExpressVPN doesn’t keep any logs and is headquartered in a private location, the torrenting activity of the users cannot be leaked and there is guaranteed anonymity of the user.
The platform doesn’t keep any record of the users’ data of their online activity or any information regarding the users’ identity. The only information which is recorded is the version of the app the user uses, the date on which the connection is established, VPN location, Country and ISP they connect from all of which gets transferred in a 24hr period which is used for diagnostics and there is no third party involved.
Privacy
The make or break factor for any VPN provider is privacy. While other providers aren’t quite sure about the promises they make regarding the security they offer, ExpressVPN went a step ahead in proving it by bringing some tech on show. ExpressVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption powered with the combination of AES 256-bit cypher with a 4096-bit RSA key and SHA-512 HMAC authentication.
This powerful encryption makes it impossible to break your guard and provides security from all types of malicious invasions. Perfect Forward Secrecy is also present to give the users more protection. This essentially means that the users will be given a news session key every time they want to connect and another one 60 minutes later. It means that even if you’re security is somehow compromised, the third party gets only a 60-minute window before they can do anything.
ExpressVPN also has numerous obscure servers that are useful as a China VPN. These servers conceal the fact that a VPN is being used and eliminate the regional VPN blocks and make it usable at places that may usually restrict VPN use like universities.
DNS Support
On one hand, DNS support of ExpressVPN prevents the users’ data about their online activities from leaking out of the VPN tunnel; on the other hand, it runs its private, 256-bit encrypted DNS (Domain name system) on each of its servers unlike many of its competitors.
DNS leak test
A DNS leak occurs when a VPN fails to mask the device’s DNS queries even when the VPN tunnel masks the rest of the traffic. This way unauthorised entities such as a DNS server operator, Internet service provider can see which website the user visited and information about the apps the user uses. However, ExpressVPN protects the device from DNS leaks because of its proper configuration and the VPN encrypts all the traffic between device and DNS servers in an end-to-end way.
The ExpressVPN website has a clear description of what is a DNS leak and how one can prevent a DNS leak and also the users can take a DNS leak test to see if it works.
Router Firmware
If any device doesn’t support the VPN apps and changing the DNS servers then it can still be connected to the VPN through a wi-fi router by setting up a VPN on the router manually, provided it supports firmware.
However, ExpressVPN offers much more ease. The router’s firmware of ExpressVPN is free and it can fully replace the existing firmware of a router.
There are two ways one can do it, either by purchasing a wi-fi that has ExpressVPN firmware installed on it already or by opting for a router that supports the ExpressVPN firmware and installing it manually. This should be done carefully as any mistake may damage the router permanently.
Speed
With the availability of quality providers that combine security and speed even those who are most concerned with privacy don’t compromise on speed. So VPN’s performance is critical for browsing and gaming equally.
The average speed of an ExpressVPN server is 135 Mbps which is more than most other VPN servers. Hence, ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN. ExpressVPN’s performance remained admirably the same while online gaming as well.
There is a new protocol called the Lightway VPN protocol which is designed to increase the speed and stability of the connection while the VPN is being used. Lightway not only enhances the speed but also help in switching between wi-fi and mobile network quickly with strong security.
High-speed servers worldwide
ExpressVPN provides its services to over 3000 remote servers across 94 countries and 160 locations worldwide with unlimited bandwidth. Its access is unrestricted worldwide.
Access to global content
With 160 VPN locations, ExpressVPN enables users to browse, stream, play from any part of the world, even in countries with very strict cyber restrictions and censorship. ExpressVPN is available in 94 locations spread over North America, Europe and Asia.
Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney +, BBC I player, HBO go can access from any part of the world in High Definition without any interruptions. Other applications like Google, Facebook and youtube can be accessed hassle-free even in countries with censorship like Russia and China. The smart location feature in ExpressVPN automatically detects the fastest and most secured server location in real-time.
Torrenting is also made easy with ExpressVPN. Gamers can connect to servers across the oceans, which are thousands of miles apart.
ExpressVPN for Torrenting
uTorrent can be downloaded from its official website and it can be used with ExpressVPN with the VPN turned on.
Does Netflix work with ExpressVPN?
Each country has its shows and movies on Netflix. ExpressVPN can unblock region-locked Netflix versions of the US, UK, Canada, France, Japan.
It also works with other streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Sky TV, BBC iPlayer, Crunchyroll, YouTube, Hulu etc.,
Also, reaching out to the customer service desk might help in finding which servers work with which streaming services.
Can ExpressVPN help in blocking advertisements?
ExpressVPN has no ad-blocking features as such.
Customer Service
Like any other software ExpressVPN might also have its share of issues that might crop up occasionally. It can be related to server upsets, lost access to a streaming platform like Netflix.
So whenever an issue pops up there are articles, setup articles available on the website which is the first resort of the users facing issues. These articles are about how to fix a dropping connection, how to set up a VPN on a router, how to cancel the existing account etc.,
These articles are not too long and not too brief but one can gain enough understanding of the problem and the necessary steps to resolve the issue. There are frequently asked questions as well.
Another kind of support is the Customer support which is available all the time via live chat on the ExpressVPN website.
It has a quick response to the customer’s queries. Apart from Zendesk which the platform uses to manage help tickets, there is an email option available for queries and support.
The support includes contact support along with Troubleshooting, step-by-step instructions on how to carry out the installing process and usage of the app are available on the website.
There are a lot of positive expressvpn reviews regarding the customer care service.
The customer support also has a space for the users where they can leave the expressvpn reviews.
Overview of expressvpn review
Number of countries: 94
Number of location: 160
Number of servers: 3000+
Bandwidth: Unlimited
How to use: App is available for Android, iOS or Desktop.
Supported Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook computers, Kindle Fire, Android, iOS.
Supporting Devices : PCs,laptops,tablet PCs,Ipad, mobiles.
Supported connections: 5 connections at a time.
Kill Switch: available
Protocols: Lightway, OpenVPN UDP.
How much is expressvpn : There are three plans – monthly @ $12.95/month, 6 months plan @ $9.99/month and annual plan @ $8.32/month.
To read more interesting reviews, refer to Zeen blog.
