Express VPN functions as a form of virtual private network, permitting individuals to establish a secure and encrypted online connection. This proves advantageous for several reasons. Primarily, it ensures the confidentiality of your online endeavors, safeguarding them from prying eyes. Additionally, it facilitates the circumvention of limitations, granting entry to blocked websites and content.
Generally, Express VPN delivers higher levels of security and privacy compared to alternative VPN variants, albeit potentially at a higher cost. Various factors warrant consideration when determining the suitability of using Express VPN. Firstly, contemplate the underlying reason for your VPN requirement. Should your objective encompass solely shielding your web browsing, a more budget-friendly choice could suffice. In contrast, if the goal is to access restricted content or overcome limitations, Express VPN likely emerges as the optimal solution.
Express VPN is very easy to use
Although making strides in cybersecurity and innovative online tools is undeniably attention-grabbing, a product’s essence lies in its user-friendliness. ExpressVPN has dedicated significant effort to guarantee that its service remains accessible and easily understandable, catering to customers with varying levels of technical expertise. To begin with, the VPN can be utilized on a wide range of devices, extending beyond just mobile phones, tablets, and laptops to encompass routers, televisions, and gaming consoles as well.
Is the cost of Express VPN truly deemed excessive?
ExpressVPN presents three subscription alternatives: a monthly plan for $12.95, a biannual plan priced at $59.95, or an annual plan available for $99.95. Much like typical VPN service arrangements, the sole distinction lies in the duration of your chosen subscription.
The company accepts payments via major credit cards, PayPal, and various other services, including WebMoney. Furthermore, ExpressVPN allows the utilization of Bitcoin for purchasing its subscriptions. Notably, ExpressVPN’s counterpart, Mullvad, which was awarded Editors’ Choice, also permits cash payments to heighten anonymity.
Comparatively, the average monthly cost among the VPN services subjected to our testing stands at $9.78, notably lower than ExpressVPN’s listed rate of $12.95. For reference, Mullvad VPN, our favored choice, stands as one of the most budget-friendly VPN options, priced at just €5 per month ($4.97 at the time of writing).
VPN Protocols
Given the maturation of VPN technology, various methods exist for establishing VPN connections. Among these options, OpenVPN has consistently been a preferred choice due to its open-source nature, and potential vulnerabilities have been identified and addressed by invested parties over time. WireGuard, serving as the open-source successor to OpenVPN, touts improved speeds and novel encryption techniques. Nonetheless, due to its recent emergence, not all VPN providers have fully integrated WireGuard into their offerings.
ExpressVPN, as an alternative approach, omits WireGuard in favor of concentrating on its proprietary protocols, namely OpenVPN and Lightway. The latter protocol is founded upon the open-source wolfSSL cryptographic library. This strategic decision is astute, as developing an entirely new cryptographic system carries inherent risks and uncertainties.
Your Privacy With ExpressVPN
If VPN providers had unethical intentions, they could easily exploit your personal data for monetary gain, much like your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This underscores the significance of reviewing and comprehending your VPN’s privacy policy. Rest assured, I’m attentive to the details.
Credit should be given to ExpressVPN for its comprehensive and relatively clear privacy policy, though it could be presented more accessibly. Your active presence is commendable, and more companies should strive to emulate such efforts.
According to the company, they refrain from retaining logs of user activities, original IP addresses, the VPN IPs connected to, session durations, and connection timestamps. This aligns with the expectations of a trustworthy VPN provider. Impressively, ExpressVPN explicitly states in its policy that user data is not sold.
However, the company does gather some information. They keep track of the total data transmitted by each user. The last successful connection’s date is noted, though not the exact time. Additionally, the VPN sites you connect to are logged, but not your specific publicly available IP address, which isn’t adequate for personal identification. Nevertheless, it’s crucial for customers to maintain a healthy skepticism about anonymized data, as such data might not always remain truly anonymous. (source opens in a new window).
