Express VPN is a virtual private network service that provides a stable and feature-packed network with clients and documentation. The British Virgin Islands-based company Express VPN International Ltd. offers this service which can be used on several devices and operating systems. This service might seem expensive, but it’s only one of the few VPN services which encrypt users’ web traffic and mask the IP addresses. Here is a short review, as well as, a beginner’s guide to ExpressVNP.
Why and How to Buy Express VPN?
Express VPN International Ltd. is a British Virgin Islands-based company that doesn’t share the UK’s strict data retention laws. Hence, if you want to pay with anonymous payment options, you can purchase your subscription with bitcoin. The no-logging policy of the company has been put to the test in a court of law and no logs were found on the systems.
What’s best about Express VPN is that using it doesn’t require any tech skills. Instead, you should simply sign up, install, and click On to connect. Express VPN is probably the most straightforward software you’ll ever encounter.
The Most Prominent Features and Usability of Express VPN
ExpressVNP can be used on a wide range of operating systems and works with any internet connection including wired, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks. When used on Windows, it has a very simple interface. Hence, to use it, you should press on a cheery-looking button that will connect you to an optimized endpoint or the last selected one. Moreover, it features a diagnostics output and a speed test. The diagnostic output is an excellent feature for people who want to be aware of what is going on in the background as it lets you see your log files. Additionally, there is also an options menu from which you can enable an internet kill switch that stops the internet traffic when you lose a VPN connection. You can also choose whether you want ExpressVPN to start and connect on Windows startup.
With Chrome, Firefox, and Safari extensions, you can start the VPN directly from your browser, automatically connect to the last used location as soon as you open your browser, and prevent or block data leaks from the WebRTC protocol. Besides Windows, ExpressVNP can be used on Linux, macOS, mobile platforms, Kindle Fire and Fire TV. The instructions on how to use ExpressVPN are always available with routers and other appliances.
Nevertheless, it is worth noting another important feature of the ExpressVNP and that’s its price. ExpressVNP is probably one of the most expensive VPN services and it comes with an annual price of £76.42 (£6.37 per month) and a month-to-month subscription price of £9.93.
Does ExpressVPN Have A Kill Switch?
Say you’re on an ExpressVPN network and your connection dies. Will your privacy be compromised? The answer is no, and that’s due to the kill switch, also known as a network lock feature. If your network connection is lost, the kill switch will automatically kill whatever software or websites you were using, so your privacy will be protected.
What Kind of Tunneling does ExpressVPN Offer?
Another feature I like about ExpressVPN is its split tunneling. Split tunneling means that you can be on a VPN and a local network simultaneously, a great way to lower bandwidth. Here’s how it works: part of your traffic will go through the ExpressVPN tunnel, while some of your traffic will connect directly with the Internet. It’s awesome if you need access to a public network and a private network at the same time. Kudos to ExpressVPN for giving customers that flexibility!
How fast is ExpressVPN?
Even for the most privacy-conscious users, sacrificing connection speed won’t be an option – especially since there’s such a range of top-quality providers that combine security and speed. So, whether you’re after a maxed-out gaming VPN or just want to browse at speed, a VPN’s performance is critical.
To briefly summarize our methodology, we used a Windows 10 machine to connect ExpressVPN to the nearest location (US and UK). To test the speeds we used several different speed test sites and services, and we noted down at least five results from each. We repeated the process three times, using OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Lightway, and also undertook morning and evening sessions to check on variations in speed.
Starting on our superfast 1Gbps US line, ExpressVPN’s OpenVPN connections were impressive, delivering speeds of 270-280Mbps. That’s very slightly higher than we’ve seen before, so we can safely say that ExpressVPN delivers consistently swift OpenVPN connections in the US. Using IKEv2, speeds jumped to 300-310Mbps, which is the fastest we’ve seen using that protocol.
ExpressVPN Encryption
All of your data will be encrypted in 256 bits, which is a modern and widely-used Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). Your connection will have its own private, encrypted domain name server, and your IP address will be completely anonymous and rotated regularly. Your data will be encrypted through the following methods:
IKEv2
Internet Key Exchange version 2 is a widely used VPN protocol that automatically re-establishes your connection with your VPN after you’re disconnected from the Internet. It’s particularly helpful for anyone that likes to switch in between Wi-Fi and mobile hotspots, a very common dance while using the Internet in public.
IPsec
Finally, IP Security creates secure Internet connections, often used in tandem with other protocols to increase security. IPsec employs one of two modes: transport mode, which only encrypts the data packet message itself, or tunneling mode, which encrypts the entire data packet.
ExpressVPN Protocols
Internet protocols determine how data packets are dispatched across a network. I like to think of the data packets as mail, and protocols as the different routes that mailmen could take. Sure, they could go through the woods and get there quicker, but they might run into a wolf on the way. On the other hand, if they only take major highways, the mail will arrive safely, but perhaps later than it would in the woods. The metaphor holds through internet protocols, as safe protocols mean a safe VPN server. ExpressVPN uses the following VPN protocols:
SSTP
Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol is known for its performance and speed, and it’s supported on all Windows devices. It’s known for being able to easily bypass firewalls, and it creates a very secure connection.
L2TP/ IPsec
The Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol works with IPsec (see above) to create a very secure VPN client. While the L2TP creates the tunnel itself, IPSec handles the encryption and channel security. It also makes sure that the data’s integrity hasn’t been compromised.
PPTP
Finally, Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol creates tunnels to encapsulate the data packets. Although PPTP has been used often since the 1990s, it’s not the most secure method available.
ExpressVPN is also compatible with TOR if you’re trying to fly under the radar.
UDP
UDP, or User Datagram Protocol, sends messages called datagrams that don’t require virtual circuits to transfer data. The advantage of UDP is that it requires lower bandwidth, resulting in less delay. Its disadvantage is that some packets may be lost or out of order.
TCP
Transmission Control Protocol is made up of seven layers that transport data and make sure it gets to the right place by breaking the data into smaller packets. It’s an excellent combination with UDP, as it can make sure the data is put back together in the right order. Think of them as your parents packing for a trip. While your Dad might pack your stuff a bit quicker, your Mom will make sure that everything gets to your destination safely and in order.
The Pros and The Cons of express vpn In a Nutshell
So, in a nutshell, ExpressVPN offers a wide range of endpoint countries, excellent transfer speeds, and a no-logging policy. However, it is quite pricey when compared to other VNPs and there is a possibility to be detected by Netflix US and BBC iPlayer.
The ExpressVPN App
Of course, you’ll need a good app to connect with express VPN. Let’s talk about the express VPN app- where you can use it, what it offers, and whether or not it works well.
The ExpressVPN app is supported on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Blackberry, routers, and Kindle. From the app, you’ll be able to select your VPN and talk to customer support if needed (more on that below). People are pretty happy with the Express VPN app. It has a nearly perfect 4.7 rating from the Apple store and a decent 4.1 rating from the Google Play store.
That was it for this article. If you found it helpful, consider checking out our blog STORIFYGO!
