Tuesday, December 10th
2024 VPN Service Provider Reviews
Express VPN
- Pricing: $6.67 to $12.95 per month, with a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Proprietary Lightway protocol and industry-standard OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols
- Apps available for iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, and various router types
- Supports up to 8 devices simultaneously
- Features include split tunneling, kill switch, and TrustedServer technology
- AES-256 encryption for data protection
- 24/7 live chat support
- Dedicated VPN router (Aircove) available
- Wide range of payment options, including cryptocurrencies
- Solutions for streaming devices like Apple TV, Fire Stick, and Android TV
ExpressVPN is a very well-known VPN service provider that includes a password manager with every subscription. Based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN has unspecified "thousands” of servers across "dozens” of locations worldwide. However, our research uncovered some controversies raising questions about how trustworthy they really are.
New ownership made money selling malware
You'll want to be aware of some concerning facts about ExpressVPN's ownership. The company that bought ExpressVPN, now called Kape Technologies, used to be known as Crossrider. Before 2017, Crossrider wasn't in the VPN business - they were actually involved in creating malware. In fact, Malwarebytes, a well-known anti-malware company, discovered that Crossrider was hiding malware in software installation packages. This malware was designed to take over people's web browsers to harvest their private data - exactly what a VPN is meant to prevent. Even though ExpressVPN is supposed to operate independently from its new owner, this situation doesn't look good for the company's reputation. It'd be natural to feel uneasy about using a VPN service owned by a company with such a questionable past.
Starting at $6.67 a month
ExpressVPN's pricing structure ranges from $6.67 to $12.95 per month, depending on the length of your subscription (1-12 months). The more you buy up front, the more you save. They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is pretty standard in the industry. They don't appear to have a dedicated plan for businesses, but there's no limit to the number of accounts you can purchase.
Might be hard to cancel
We found that ExpressVPN accepts most payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and even cryptocurrencies if you're really prioritizing anonymity. However, you may want to know that some customers have had difficulties with cancellation and refund processes, even within the 30-day window.
Does not work in China
ExpressVPN utilizes its proprietary Lightway protocol (which is open-source and available to the public for review) alongside industry standards like OpenVPN and IKEv2. Oddly, they don't support WireGuard, which is favored by most users for its superior speed. That said, customer reviews indicate that the speed of this VPN still ranges from "reasonable” to "great”, although your experiences will always depend on several variables unique to you. Just know that if you're traveling to Asian countries, particularly China, you likely won't be able to bypass the Great Firewall with this VPN.
8 devices at once
You can use ExpressVPN on up to 8 devices simultaneously, with apps available for iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, and various router types. They also offer solutions for streaming devices like Apple TV, Fire Stick, and Android TV. This wide compatibility is a strong point, but the device limit might be restrictive for larger households or small businesses.
Has had long-term leaks in the past
ExpressVPN comes with features including split tunneling, a kill switch, and TrustedServer technology that prevents data from ever being written to hard drives. They also provide VPN router software and a dedicated VPN router called Aircove. However, during our research, we learned of a concerning DNS leak bug that affected a small percentage of Windows users with active split tunneling for a few years, exposing their browsing history to ISPs. While ExpressVPN has since addressed and fixed this issue, it still raises questions about their "no-logs" policy claims.
Not a favorite with privacy geeks
ExpressVPN touts a strict no-logs policy, conducts third-party audits, and uses AES-256 encryption. However, the DNS leak issue and the company's acquisition by Kape Technologies have gotten people in the privacy community talking - and the consensus seems to be that if absolute privacy is your concern, ExpressVPN won't cut it.
24/7 chat is impersonal and often unhelpful
ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat support, which can be helpful for quick and simple issues. For more complicated issues, though, you could be in for some aggravation. Some users report receiving generic, scripted responses that fail to address their specific problems. Common complaints include being told to wait for the issue to resolve itself or switch servers, or being offered free months of service instead of actual solutions. One customer griped that responses often come so quickly they seem automated rather than from a real person. We also found reports of massive layoffs happening at ExpressVPN, which tracks with what customers are experiencing on their end.
Not your best option
Between this company's shady ownership, past leaks, and current customer service difficulties, we wouldn't recommend ExpressVPN as your first choice if you're looking for a VPN service.
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The 11 Best VPN Service Providers
What is the Best VPN Service?
When you browse the internet, your personal information can be at risk. Whether you're checking your bank account from a café, streaming content from abroad, or simply browsing from home, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can protect your privacy. A VPN encrypts your data and routes it through secure servers, making it harder for hackers, governments, or companies to track your online activity.
VPNs are especially useful for frequent travelers, remote workers, or anyone concerned about security when using public Wi-Fi. They can also help bypass geographical restrictions, so you can access websites or content not available in your region. But not all VPNs are created equal.
VPN Service Provider FAQ
Continued from above...
Some offer blazing-fast speeds, while others might slow your connection. Some provide extra security features, like multi-hop encryption or malware protection, while others focus on ease of use and broad device compatibility. Free VPNs exist, but they often come with limitations like data caps, slower speeds, or even questionable privacy practices. (Ironic, no?)
Another important aspect to consider when choosing a VPN is the availability of advanced features like split tunneling and kill switches. Split tunneling lets you decide which apps or websites use the VPN connection and which ones connect directly to the internet. This feature is helpful if you want to protect sensitive activities, like online banking, while still using your regular internet speed for things like streaming or gaming. A kill switch, on the other hand, is a safety feature that automatically disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops. This prevents your data from being exposed during those brief moments when you're not protected, ensuring that your privacy remains intact at all times.
You should carefully consider the country where the company operates. This is important because of international surveillance alliances like the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes. These alliances are agreements between countries to share intelligence information, which could potentially include data collected by VPNs. If you're using a VPN based in a country within these alliances, your data might be at risk due to laws requiring VPN providers to collect and share user information. For maximum privacy, you might want to choose a VPN provider based outside of these alliances, in countries with strong privacy laws. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of your data being shared or accessed by government agencies, even if requested.
Here are a few things to think about when choosing a VPN provider:
- Speed. If you stream movies, download large files, or play online games, speed should be a priority. Some VPNs slow your connection significantly, while others offer minimal disruption. Look for services that are known for high performance in your region.
- Security and privacy. Not all VPNs offer the same level of protection. Check if the VPN uses military-grade encryption (AES-256) and has a no-logs policy to prevent your data from being stored or shared. Features like kill switches (which disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops) and DNS leak protection add extra layers of security.
- Device compatibility. If you need a VPN for more devices than just your computer (like your phone, tablet, or even a smart TV) it's a good idea to go with a VPN that supports all your devices. Some services allow multiple simultaneous connections, while others limit you to one or two.
- Server locations. A VPN with more server locations allows you to access content from different countries. If you need a specific location, like for streaming services or online shopping, verify that the VPN provider has servers there.
- Ease of use. Some VPNs come with complex setups, while others offer user-friendly apps that require just a tap to protect your connection. Choose a provider that matches your comfort level with technology.
- Customer reviews. Feedback from real users can give you insight into a VPN's reliability and performance. Look for patterns in reviews, like frequent mentions of connection drops, poor customer support, or ease of use, to make a more informed decision.
Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the leading VPN providers available. We hope this review helps you find the best protection for your needs.
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