ExpressVPN Pricing & Plans Explained

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ExpressVPN may not be the cheapest VPN but there are very few other VPNs out there that can match their speed, privacy, and security features. Here, I explain ExpressVPN’s pricing and plans ⇣ to help you better understand what they have to offer and if their premium price is worth it.

3000+ servers in 94 countries

Get 49% OFF + 3 FREE months

Key Takeaways:

ExpressVPN offers a range of subscription options, including monthly, annually, and biennially, with discounts available for longer-term plans.

ExpressVPN offers many privacy and security features, such as military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, split tunneling, kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy that protects user data.

Customer support is available 24/7 and can be accessed via live chat or email. ExpressVPN also provides a reliable and fast VPN service with server locations in 94 countries and excellent internet speeds.

“The best offshore VPN for privacy and unblocking”

Techradar

“The best just keeps getting better ExpressVPN is our #1 VPN”

Tom’s Guide

The way I see things is that no one VPN provider seems to have it all. They usually have some mix of sketchy practices, outdated encryption, five-eyes country locations, lack of clients, speed issues, and so on. I tried to find a balance I was comfortable with. Speed is important to me, but it wasn’t the only reason for my options.  No more need for sideloading, manual updates, or sketchy OpenVPN clone clients. I am honestly very happy at the times I do use ExpressVPN.

Bigkenw, Reddit

ExpressVPN might not be the cheapest VPN service on the market, but what it lacks in cheap pricing, it makes up for in superior features. This fast and secure VPN service allows you to access blocked websites, unblock streaming services, and protect your privacy and security.

An “Express-way” to hell or a highway to heaven? With high-speed, unlimited bandwidth on all plans, over 160 server locations all over the world, compatibility with every major device you can imagine, and new-age techs like crypto payments and Tor integration, we also knew we were hooked the second we saw the “Pay with Bitcoin” option combined with a 30-day no-risk money-back guarantee.

But is ExpressVPN really as good as they’d make you believe? With as many as 61% of reviews out there being fake according to some sources, you could do with an honest review that pulls together nothing but real facts and quantifiable proofs all of which you can check for yourself.

That way, you know you’re not only getting the best possible product out there but that you’re also handing over your credit card details to the right people.

Is ExpressVPN safe? Is it the best you can get for your money? What about hidden costs and concealed fiascos? Let’s find out the truth and nothing but the truth.

Reddit is a great place to learn more about ExpressVPN. Here are a few Reddit posts that I think you’ll find interesting. Check them out and join the discussion!

How much does ExpressVPN cost?

“Not enough” is a short answer.

expressvpn pricing and plans 2024

ExpressVPN pricing couldn’t be simpler, here are more details:

1 Month Plan12+3 Free Months Plan6 Months Plan
$12.95$6.67 + 3 free months included$9.99

Visit the ExpressVPN website for more information, and their latest deals

… check out my detailed ExpressVPN review here

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that encrypts your internet connection to hide your online activity from anyone trying to spy on you, including advertisers and hackers. 

This includes ensuring your data doesn’t leak while using public Wi-Fi networks or when connecting to certain websites, such as social media sites. A VPN can also bypass government censorship filters in place, allowing you to access blocked content from around the world.

ExpressVPN is a leading VPN provider known for its privacy protection and excellent service, as confirmed by many ExpressVPN reviews. Featuring robust encryption and split tunneling, ExpressVPN offers privacy protection from prying eyes.

Users can choose from a range of VPN servers and protocols, pick their desired VPN server location and connect directly using the VPN app on several operating systems. With VPN router support, users can protect all devices on their network, allowing them to access the web securely.

The Network Lock feature prevents the user’s internet traffic from being exposed in the event of their VPN connection dropping, while the easy-to-use VPN app ensures that users can enjoy a seamless and secure browsing experience.

Military Grade Encryption: Why AES 256-bit Encryption Matters When You’re Using Your VPN

“I challenge anyone to find a VPN with more advanced security while keeping the experience simple and novice-friendly.”

Comparitech

AES 256-bit encryption is the standard for military-grade encryption. It provides a much higher level of security than other forms of AES and ensures that your data will not be accessed by hackers or others who want to do you harm.

AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) 256-bit encryption was created by the National Institute of Standards and Technology to provide an unbreakable form of security for computer networks. 

It’s also the best in the field according to the National Institute of Standards and Technology which was chosen by the US Government to design an algorithm that would protect classified information:

”Competing algorithms were to be judged on their ability to resist attack — as compared to other submitted ciphers. Security strength was to be considered the most important factor in the competition…The NSA chose AES as one of the cryptographic algorithms to be used by its Information Assurance Directorate to protect national security systems”.

Search Security

Not only does ExpressVPN use AES, but it also goes a step further and uses another form of encryption called RSA:

“AES is used widely for protecting data at rest. Applications for AES include self-encrypting disk drives, database encryption, and storage encryption. On the other hand, the RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) algorithm is often used in web browsers to connect to websites, in virtual private network (VPN) connections, and in many other applications. Unlike AES, which employs symmetric encryption, RSA is the base of asymmetric cryptography. While RSA encryption works well for protecting the transfer of data across geographic boundaries, its performance is poor. The solution is to combine RSA encryption with AES encryption in order to benefit from the security of RSA with the performance of AES. This can be accomplished by generating a temporary AES key and protecting it with RSA encryption.”

As you can see, ExpressVPN really goes a long way when it comes to user safety:

“ExpressVPN certificates are all signed using SHA512 hashing and a 4096 bit RSA key. As a comparison, the majority of popular websites—including those of most banks—only use a 2048 bit RSA key!

To put the strength of 4096 bit RSA key encryption into perspective, it would take the combined power of every computing resource on the planet longer to crack than the life expectancy of the Sun.”

ExpressVPN blog

What are the benefits of using a VPN?

The threat of hackers, identity thieves, government surveillance, censorship, or just a good old-fashioned cyber-criminal has created the need for VPNs.

A Virtual Private Network is important because it gives people online anonymity by creating an encrypted tunnel between themselves and their VPN provider of choice.

This means that any data you send is encrypted before it leaves your device and can’t be intercepted by others on the network. Your connection to these networks is also secure as it uses military-grade encryption protocols so there’s no way for someone else to break in and steal your information.

VPNs allow you to access geo-restricted content from around the world without risking your connection speed or giving out any information about yourself. You may want to access academic content, hide from people wanting to harvest your data or watch movies in countries your subscription doesn’t allow you to.

Are governments shutting down the likes of Wikileaks? The truth is somewhere here, and now with one click of a button, this insanely complicated technology that took years of being created by the best geniuses out there is working for you. Just like crypto. Or Tor. What is that if not a miracle?

“In the world of virtual private networks (VPN), ExpressVPN and NordVPN are two of the biggest competitors slugging it out to keep your internet activity safe.

You cannot lose with either one, but here’s how to decide which VPN is ideal for you. Start by looking at the two most important criteria—speed and price. Then explore other vital features such as a No-Logs policy and supported platforms.”

Forbes

There are also more uses for VPNs:

  • improving your privacy by encrypting all of the data that you send over the internet.
  • getting access to restricted content in other countries like streaming videos or TV shows from different regions.
  • protecting yourself from hackers when connected to public Wi-Fi networks such as coffee shops or airports.
  • bypass any government censorship filters in place, allowing you access to blocked content from around the world.
  • stop your bandwidth from being throttled.
  • run your apps on the cloud and give your employees safe encrypted access.

While on the subject, we really ought to give you an overview of how VPNs can negatively affect your experience. Just bear in mind these problems can all be fixed if you know what you’re doing (if not, read more of our guides) ^ ^

  • Setup can be complex and require technical mastery.
  • With the rising number of cybercrimes, it’s not difficult to imagine how a hacker could use a VPN that gains control of your system to integrate a virus into it.
  • Some VPNs have lower speeds than others.

So essentially what you’re looking for is a VPN with a good reputation that is easy and quick to install and get running and that doesn’t slow down your PC to a screeching halt.

Next up are speed and price.

Then log-lessness (not law-lessness, although in some parts of the world, you may need that in a VPN too) and supported platforms. Could this be it?

What do I get for my money?

So what’s so good about ExpressVPN, you might ask, to make it worthy of brands so stunningly famous you’ll stagger when you see ExpressVPN’s list of affiliates?

Speed

Internet speed is a significant factor to consider when choosing a VPN provider. ExpressVPN has thousands of high-speed servers located worldwide, ensuring that users experience minimal slowdowns while browsing or streaming their favorite content.

According to a fresh review by comparitech, you will be pleasantly surprised. What’s better than one 10/10 score after another? And, just like Forbes said, it may be a little expensive, but will you really notice?

expressvpn speed

With ExpressVPN, users can quickly test their internet speed by using the built-in speed test within the VPN app. This feature provides users with precise results of their internet performance, allowing them to switch to a faster server if needed.

Moreover, ExpressVPN’s strict no-logs policy guarantees that users’ web traffic remains private, and they can browse the web with peace of mind, knowing their activity is not being monitored. Overall, with top-notch speed tests and a reliable network, ExpressVPN is an ideal choice for users looking for a fast VPN service that prioritizes speed and privacy.

Privacy and Security

Privacy and security are the primary selling points of ExpressVPN, and the VPN provider ensures that its users’ data remains protected while using the internet.

ExpressVPN employs cutting-edge security measures, such as its zero-knowledge DNS system that keeps the user’s DNS requests private, a strict no-logs policy, and the option for users to pay via Bitcoin, ensuring that user data and IP addresses are never recorded.

In addition to its strict privacy policy, ExpressVPN offers various privacy features like Network Lock, which automatically disconnects the user’s internet traffic in case the VPN connection drops, a Threat Manager, which prevents users from accessing harmful websites, and VPN browser extensions, which help users securely navigate the web.

expressVPN Network lock

With affiliate links, users can earn rewards for referring new customers to ExpressVPN, allowing them to access one of the best VPN services out there with the added benefit of enhanced privacy and security.

Price

As you already found out, it’s exceptionally low at 27 cents a day (it also goes down to under $7).

How does the price compare with the other VPNs out there?

In fact, it turns out, quite well. Not as well as the majestic NordVPN you can read about here, but very, very well. Very well:

FeaturesExpressVPNNordVPNPrivate Internet Access (PIA)
Average Internet Speed135 Mbps115 Mbps68 Mbps
Encryption Type 256-bit AES256 AES128-bit AES
Kill Switch✔ desktop only
DNS Leak Protection
Allows P2P / Torrenting
Records Activity Logs
Unblocks Netflix US
Unblocks Amazon Prime 
Unblocks Hulu
Unblocks BBC iPlayer 
Desktop App / Mobile App
Lowest Monthly Cost $6.67 per month$3.99 per month$2.19 per month
Money-back guarantee30 days 30 days30 days
More infoExpress VPN ReviewNord VPN ReviewPIA VPN Review

No-logs policy

When it comes to logs, ExpressVPN is really on the side of the user: as the company describes, even when compelled they can’t give up information they don’t have, so they collect the bare minimum:

“We do not collect logs of your activity, including no logging of browsing history, traffic destination, data content, or DNS queries. We also never store connection logs, meaning no logs of your IP address, your outgoing VPN IP address, connection timestamp, or session duration.”

Read more about NordVPN who, thanks to being located in Panama, can’t even be required to give up user information in the first place thanks to mandatory data retention laws and not being a part of the Five Eyes or Fourteen Eyes alliances. Pow!

Does ExpressVPN offer a free trial? What is their money-back policy?

There are many VPN providers out there, but how do you know which one is the best? You might think that if a provider offers more features and has the highest download speeds then it must be the best.

But in reality, it’s not that simple. The truth is, guides are great, but you’ll only find out if it’s a match made in heaven or a quick and dirty road to hell when you try it.

Here are a few reasons you want to try your VPN for free before you buy:

  • Do you want to test that remote server speeds are for real  
  • You’re on a budget and need some assurance that the price will work for your needs 
  • You want to compare features against the competitors
  • See how your PC deals with it (personal compatibility is always an unpredictable thing).

In fact, unlike some others out there, ExpressVPN not only offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, but it will return the money with minimum problems and time delays, usually in less than a week.

expressvpn money back guarantee

How can I cancel and get a refund?

You can find out literally everything you could possibly want to know in this guide. We used a website that isn’t biased to make your canceling process as difficult as possible, too.

What are the payment options?

As hardcore crypto fans, we think there’s no better sign of future success than a company embracing new tech like crypto.

All throughout humankind’s history, the companies that were the most successful were the ones that used the most advanced technology. That’s why the fact that ExpressVPN accepts crypto is inspirational to us.

If you’re not with Satoshi’s genius child (yet), you can go ahead and pay with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, Delta, Diners Club International, OneCard, Maestro, Mint, FanaPay, Teencash, Boleto, Sepa Direct Debit, PostePay, Dankort, Elo, Carte Bleue, Mercado Pago, Culture Voucher, and Book Voucher, PayPal, Giropay, iDEAL, Interac, and Klarna, and Hipercard too. And even Yandex Money.

Will Russian hackers use that latter Russian system to hijack your OS and topple the free world into chaos so they can triumphantly play balalaikas and dance Kalinka with bears in the charred remnants of democracy? Probably. So don’t give up your credit card details and use crypto!

Questions & Answers

How much does ExpressVPN cost?

ExpressVPN offers three subscription plans: the monthly plan is $12.95/month, the 6-month plan is $9.99/month (billed $59.95 every six months), and the 12-month plan is $6.67/month (billed $99.95 every 12 months) which also gives you 3 free months. 

What makes ExpressVPN’s server network unique?

ExpressVPN operates its server network in the British Virgin Islands, which has no data retention laws, and thus, it is beyond the reach of Five Eyes jurisdictions or other government bodies that may demand people’s data.

The VPN provider has over 3000 servers in 94 countries worldwide, providing users with countless server location options. With such a vast server network, ExpressVPN can offer a reliable and fast service to its users, ensuring they enjoy fast internet speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and no downtime.

Additionally, ExpressVPN has multiple server options, including standard VPN servers, virtual servers, and onion servers, so users can pick a server type that best suits their security and privacy needs.

Is ExpressVPN compatible with different operating systems and devices?

Yes, ExpressVPN is designed to work with a wide variety of operating systems and devices, ensuring that users remain protected regardless of the device they’re using. The VPN provider supports multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and it also works with Linux, Chromebook, and routers.

ExpressVPN offers a router app, allowing users to secure all of their connected devices through a single access point while ensuring their internet service provider (ISP) cannot track their online activities.

Moreover, ExpressVPN’s VPN app is also Android TV compatible, allowing users to enjoy a private and secure browsing experience while streaming their favorite shows and movies from their Android TV.

With broad operating system compatibility and easy-to-use apps, ExpressVPN is a convenient and reliable VPN service for users who want to ensure their online privacy and security on all their devices.

What customer support options does ExpressVPN offer its users?

One thing to look for when choosing a VPN is whether or not it offers 24/7 support (live chat).

The problem is that the best VPNs can be expensive and difficult to set up, while the worst ones are not secure at all. It’s important to find a service with 24/7 support, so you’re never left in the dark about how it works or why you need it.

A good provider will also offer plenty of features, including access to many different devices and connection speeds fast enough for any type of use.

ExpressVPN believes in providing the best customer support to its users that requires quick and effective assistance. The VPN provider allows users to get in touch with its support team via several channels, including 24/7 chat support, email, and a vast knowledge base with articles and video tutorials.

The chat support is very responsive, helpful, and efficient, resolving any queries or issues quickly so that users can continue enjoying a secure and private browsing experience. Along with speedy customer support, ExpressVPN features an intuitive and user-friendly VPN app that makes navigating its features and options a breeze.

How easy/hard is it to hack it? 

After dedicated research from VPNMentor, we found out ExpressVPN not only renegotiates a secret key once an hour and implements DNS leak protection audited by 3rd parties, and prevents WebRTC-based IP leaks, but:

“ExpressVPN isn’t just the fastest VPN on the market. This premium VPN service offers users top-notch online security without compromising on speed. Most connections using AES-256 bit can significantly slow down your device given the effort it takes to place high levels of encryption on data. However, ExpressVPN manages to implement military-grade security without any noticeable lags. In fact, in our speed test, ExpressVPN often made device simultaneous connections faster.”

What additional features does ExpressVPN offer to enhance the user’s browsing experience?

ExpressVPN offers several additional features that can enhance a user’s experience while browsing the internet. These include a kill switch, which halts all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, ensuring the user’s web traffic remains anonymous.

Another feature is the use of VPN protocols, such as L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 that provide advanced security, encryption, and data integrity features. Additionally, ExpressVPN comes with a password manager that users can access through its VPN app and add-ons to maximize privacy and protection.

Users can, for instance, subscribe to its DNS leak protection add-on, which prevents a user’s DNS queries from being exposed to their internet service provider. With its broad range of additional features, ExpressVPN keeps users and their internet access safe and secure.

Can I go to jail for using a VPN?

VPNs are like crypto: in some countries, they’re illegal (like many other things that are legal in other countries and really should be legal everywhere) for now. The world is quickly opening up to both VPNs and crypto though, although VPNs are illegal, as of the time of writing, in China, Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Iraq, Turkey, UAE, and Oman.

Some countries, according to reports, boast fines of up to $500,000 or disappearing people over illegal use of VPN so you should probably check you’re not breaking the law.

However, in most places around the world cops have actual crimes to solve rather than people watching Netflix abroad or accessing academic content.

While we’re on the subject, in countries like the US using a VPN is legal, but if you’re using a VPN to do something illegal you’ll still be facing a 2 by-2 cell with a weightlifter named Burt, so just in case, again: whatever you do, don’t break the law!

What payment and subscription options does ExpressVPN offer?

ExpressVPN provides users with various payment and subscription options, making it easier for everyone to access its services. Users can choose from three subscription options: monthly, annually, and biennially, with discounts applied to longer-term plans.

The VPN service supports several payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and Bitcoin, so users can select the payment method that fits their preferences. Additionally, ExpressVPN features an on/off button on its VPN app, allowing users to swiftly toggle VPN protection on and off, depending on their internet activities.

As for plan costs, ExpressVPN’s subscription fees are higher than some of its competitors, but the service’s reliable and fast VPN and robust privacy and security features make it an excellent value for users seeking top-notch protection while online.

Our Verdict

ExpressVPN is an industry-leading provider of VPN services, renowned for its exceptional privacy and security features. The VPN company was founded in 2009, and it has since grown to become a key player in the cybersecurity space. ExpressVPN operates through parent company Kape Technologies, which is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange.

ExpressVPN - Superior VPN That Just Works!
From $6.67/month

With ExpressVPN, you're not just signing up for a service; you're embracing the liberty of the free internet the way it was meant to be. Access the web without borders, where you can stream, download, torrent, and browse at lightning-fast speeds, while staying anonymous and securing your online privacy.

Though some may raise concerns about Kape Technologies’s past, ExpressVPN vows to remain committed to its strict no-logs policy, ensuring its users’ online activity remains private and secure. The service’s success speaks for itself, along with the many accolades and awards it continues to win from independent reviewers and respected senior editors in the cybersecurity industry.

ExpressVPN’s transparency and steadfast commitment to privacy make it a top choice for users looking for VPN services they can trust.

Is ExpressVPN worth the money?

With an impressive array of functions like the no-logs policy, a kill switch, crypto payments, a very impressive price, and a firm 10/10 on download speed (which is even better than NordVPN),

ExpressVPN is a top-notch VPN that seems to have satisfied even Forbes’ demanding taste enough to name it one of the 2 Apex Predators in this niche.

You certainly owe it to yourself to take advantage of the trial offer and use it and see what you think.

I’d definitely advise reading up on NordVPN with its equally impressive features (but no Hulu!) so you don’t miss out on the other superheroes of this story.

How We Review VPNs: Our Methodology

In our mission to find and recommend the best VPN services, we follow a detailed and rigorous review process. Here’s what we focus on to ensure we provide the most reliable and relevant insights:

  1. Features and Unique Qualities: We explore each VPN’s features, asking: What does the provider offer? What sets it apart from others, such as proprietary encryption protocols or ad and malware blocking?
  2. Unblocking and Global Reach: We assess the VPN’s ability to unblock sites and streaming services and explore its global presence by asking: How many countries does the provider operate in? How many servers does it have?
  3. Platform Support and User Experience: We examine the supported platforms and the ease of the sign-up and setup process. Questions include: What platforms does the VPN support? How straightforward is the user experience from start to finish?
  4. Performance Metrics: Speed is key for streaming and torrenting. We check the connection, upload, and download speeds and encourage users to verify these on our VPN speed test page.
  5. Security and Privacy: We delve into the technical security and privacy policy of each VPN. Questions include: What encryption protocols are used, and how secure are they? Can you trust the provider’s privacy policy?
  6. Customer Support Evaluation: Understanding the quality of customer service is crucial. We ask: How responsive and knowledgeable is the customer support team? Do they genuinely assist, or just push sales?
  7. Pricing, Trials, and Value for Money: We consider the cost, available payment options, free plans/trials, and money-back guarantees. We ask: Is the VPN worth its price compared to what’s available in the market?
  8. Additional Considerations: We also look at self-service options for users, such as knowledge bases and setup guides, and the ease of cancellation.

Learn more about our review methodology.

References

Mathias Ahlgren is the CEO and founder of Website Rating, steering a global team of editors and writers. He holds a master's in information science and management. His career pivoted to SEO after early web development experiences during university. With over 15 years in SEO, digital marketing, and web developmens. His focus also includes website security, evidenced by a certificate in Cyber Security. This diverse expertise underpins his leadership at Website Rating.

The "WSR Team" is the collective group of expert editors and writers specializing in technology, internet security, digital marketing, and web development. Passionate about the digital realm, they produce well-researched, insightful, and accessible content. Their commitment to accuracy and clarity makes Website Rating a trusted resource for staying informed in the dynamic digital world.

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