This ExpressVPN Review is an update to our original that was published approximately one year ago. We’re revisiting this ExpressVPN review due to their newly added features and updated geo-blocking circumvention technology.
ExpressVPN is considered the best when it comes to VPN services. Yes, it’s pricier than most other VPNs, but its faithful users will tell you that you get what you pay for.
In this review, I will be using the most popular streaming device of today, which is a Fire TV Stick 4K Max. I will also cover the key features offered on both Windows and Mac systems since most people run a VPN on those devices. Keep in mind that ExpressVPN offers apps for all popular devices such as Fire TV, Android TV, Windows, Mac, Linux, Routers, iOS, Android phones, and tablets.
You can find our setup guide for Fire TV Stick/Fire TV and Android TV devices via the link below.
ExpressVPN Tutorial for Firestick & Android TV
ExpressVPN Review
This ExpressVPN review will cover its important features and any shortcomings.
You can find more information by exploring further on the ExpressVPN Website via the link below.
160 ExpressVPN Locations
ExpressVPN boasts over 160 VPN server locations in 94 countries.
No matter where you are globally, you can connect to one of their swift VPN servers.
When I say swift, I truly mean it! Check out my speed tests below.
ExpressVPN also provides Virtual Server Locations to ensure a speedy, secure, and consistent connection.
When connected to a virtual location, your traffic will appear to be from an IP address registered in your chosen country while being routed through a server in a country with a superior (faster) connection.
Virtual servers are a key reason why ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPN services on the market today.
I tested this and noticed quicker speeds (compared to other VPNs) when connecting to servers outside of the United States.
Why would you connect to a server outside your country? Some people do this to bypass geo-blocks set by popular streaming platforms such as Netflix. ExpressVPN is among the handful of VPNs that can still unblock popular streaming services, expanding media catalogs. By simply connecting to a VPN server in a different country, you can potentially double your streaming service options in some cases.
Smart Location
ExpressVPN simplifies VPN connections by offering the Smart Location feature.
Smart Location suggests the server that will provide the best download speeds based on your location.
Typically, this will be the server nearest to your physical location.
You still have the option to select a different VPN server, but most users opt for the Smart Location setting.
ExpressVPN Kill Switch
ExpressVPN is among the few services that offer a functioning kill switch on Fire TV and Android TV systems. Getting the kill switch to work effectively on these devices can be tricky, but ExpressVPN has managed to do it.
If your ExpressVPN connection is ever interrupted, Network Lock will promptly prevent traffic from entering or exiting your device for maximum security.
If you’ve followed TROYPOINT for some time, you know my stance on a reliable kill switch! What use is a VPN without one?
The Network Lock Kill Switch is available in Fire TV, Android TV, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and router apps.
Split Tunneling
Split tunneling lets you disable the VPN connection for specific applications that may not work well with ExpressVPN.
This feature is popular among Firestick and Android TV/Google TV users. Certain services like Amazon Prime Video may not function with an active VPN, and split tunneling allows users to bypass the VPN for those apps. This means the VPN doesn’t need to be turned off on the device whenever that app is in use.
ExpressVPN’s Split Tunneling operates in two ways:
- Protect all connected devices or apps except for those specifically excluded.
- Inverse Split Tunneling: Shield only selected devices or apps, with everything else bypassing the VPN.
Thankfully, both Prime Video and Netflix work smoothly with ExpressVPN active when connected through a server in the United States. More on this below when discussing bypassing geo-blocks.
New ExpressVPN Threat Manager
Threat Manager is a new feature introduced since our last ExpressVPN review.
Threat Manager helps block communication between your device and potentially malicious third parties, enhancing your online privacy and control over data usage.
This feature by ExpressVPN prevents your device from communicating with servers listed on ExpressVPN’s blocklist, updated regularly with new app versions.
Best In-Class Encryption
ExpressVPN’s encryption secures your traffic between VPN servers and your computer, ensuring privacy from third parties like ISPs. The VPN uses AES-256, a standard trusted globally for protecting sensitive information.
ExpressVPN offers various VPN protocols, including Lightway – UDP, Lightway – TCP, OpenVPN – UDP, and OpenVPN – TCP, catering to diverse network needs and preferences.
Lightway protocol, known for speed, may vary in performance on different networks, suggesting users test speeds with different protocols.
Lightway, developed by ExpressVPN, is fast and efficient, prioritizing swift secure connections with minimal battery consumption, ensuring a smooth VPN experience.
If Threat Manager is enabled in ExpressVPN, access to all supported VPN protocols may not be available.
WireGuard, a new VPN protocol not supported by ExpressVPN, raises concerns regarding static IP allocation for user anonymity, a practice ExpressVPN aims to avoid for user privacy.
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TrustedServer Technology
ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer Technology offers unique privacy protections unmatched by other VPN services, with servers running on RAM only and wiping data at every reboot.
Server features like no hard drive writing, software stack reinstallation, and consistent server monitoring ensure data security and reliability.
TrustedServer minimizes data risk by running servers entirely on volatile memory, removing data and potential threats upon each power cycle.
Private DNS on Every Server
ExpressVPN operates encrypted DNS on all VPN servers, offering advantages like no activity logs, enhanced security, and faster queries compared to public DNS services.
The private DNS system ensures no third-party exposure, obviating the need for manual DNS configuration on devices or routers when using ExpressVPN.
All DNS requests are automatically encrypted and tunneled with the same protocols used for all your other online activities. ExpressVPN ensures no activity or connection logs like IP addresses, browsing history, traffic destination, or DNS queries are stored. The collected data includes activated apps, VPN service connection dates, server location preferences, and daily data transfer amounts for troubleshooting and customer support purposes. ExpressVPN, based in the British Virgin Islands, prioritizes privacy with their tools such as the IP Address Checker, DNS Leak Tester, WebRTC Leak Tester, Password Generator, and Browser Extensions for various platforms. ExpressVPN offers applications for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chromebook, Fire TV Tablet, and Routers. They also provide download speed tests for Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Windows 10 PC to assess the impact of encryption and tunneling on internet speeds.Currently, it is performing the fastest. Yes, in many instances, the Smart Location will choose the swiftest speed automatically. However, you might have your reasons for connecting to a different location and it’s useful to observe how well the other locations are performing. Many VPN services face challenges with unblocking Amazon Prime Video or Netflix as these platforms actively try to prevent VPN usage to access region-restricted content. During testing on a Fire TV Stick 4K Max, both Amazon Prime and Netflix performed flawlessly. When I connected to a UK server using ExpressVPN, I was able to watch episodes of The Office that were not available in the US catalog. This opens up the possibility of accessing numerous additional TV episodes, movies, songs, and more from various streaming services including Netflix, Hulu, BBC, and many others. ExpressVPN is compatible with Real-Debrid, a popular unrestricted downloader that enhances media streaming experiences without buffering. While ExpressVPN does not offer support for Socks5 Proxy, a technology commonly used for torrent downloads, it is not a major drawback for most users as streaming content online has become more prevalent. ExpressVPN allows up to 5 simultaneous connections per account, making it essential for users with multiple devices. However, some may find this limit restricting due to the increasing number of internet-connected devices we use daily. To bypass this limit, ExpressVPN offers the Aircove Router, which extends protection to all devices connected to it. Additionally, ExpressVPN provides its own router firmware, allowing users to safeguard their entire home network without the need to install the VPN app on individual devices. This firmware can be installed on compatible routers to protect devices like Roku and gaming consoles. ExpressVPN’s innovative solutions cater to users looking to secure more than five devices on their network. Stay informed with the TROYPOINT Advisor to access tutorials on setting up ExpressVPN on compatible routers in the future.
In this ExpressVPN Review, new customers have the opportunity to get three months for free by selecting the 12 Months Option priced at $99.95.
With this option, you will be billed $99.95 and be covered for the first 15 months. Following that period, you will be charged $99.95 every 12 months.
You’ll also notice they offer a 1 Month plan at $12.95 and a 6 Month plan at $9.99 per month.
ExpressVPN provides a no-risk 30-day money-back guarantee.
Although ExpressVPN is more expensive than many competitors, loyal users insist that, “You get what you pay for.”
Acquire ExpressVPN with 3 Free Months
Things I Like
- New: Threat Manager
- New: Unblocks Netflix & Other Streaming Services Successfully
- New: Aircove ExpressVPN Router
- Offers blazing fast download speeds
- Utilizes Lightway VPN Protocol developed by ExpressVPN
- Uses shared IP addresses for 100% anonymity
- Implements TrustedServer Technology, writing to RAM instead of a hard drive
- Supports all popular devices including Windows, Mac, Firestick, Android TV, phones, tablets, iOS, and more
- Compatible with all popular VPN protocols
- Features a user-friendly interface in all applications
- Works effectively with most streaming services
- Real-Debrid friendly
- Provides ExpressVPN Router Firmware
- No CAPTCHA prompts for human verification
- Headquartered in British Virgin Islands
Things I Dislike
- Device limit of 5
- Lacks Socks5 proxy support
- Considered expensive
Final Reflections on ExpressVPN
It’s unquestionable that ExpressVPN stands out for those seeking a secure, fast, and dependable VPN service.
It’s impressive to see a VPN provider continuously introducing new features to its users. ExpressVPN remains at the forefront of innovation.
The introduction of Threat Manager, along with a new VPN router and geo-block circumvention technology, is welcomed.
ExpressVPN’s new Aircove Router is a valuable addition, allowing subscribers to safeguard unlimited devices within their home or business. Alternatively, users can install the ExpressVPN router firmware on an existing router to access the same technology.
If you’ve encountered slow download speeds with other VPN services previously, I highly recommend trying ExpressVPN. It’s also a great option for overcoming various streaming geo-locks.
Remember, ExpressVPN offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. If it doesn’t meet your expectations, you can claim a refund and explore other alternatives.
Following our comprehensive ExpressVPN Review, TROYPOINT has uplifted our rating for this VPN service from 4.5/5 stars to 4.7/5 stars.
Attention Firestick and Android TV Users! Access our free ExpressVPN Setup Tutorial via the link below: