Overview
ExpressVPN has long been considered the gold standard of VPN services. Their proprietary Lightway protocol delivers excellent speeds while maintaining strong encryption, and their TrustedServer technology — which runs entirely on RAM — means your data is never written to a physical hard drive. It's a premium service with a premium price tag, but the quality justifies the cost for many users.
In our extensive testing for this 2026 review, we evaluated ExpressVPN across multiple criteria including connection speeds, streaming platform compatibility, security features, ease of use, and overall value for money. We ran speed tests from multiple locations, tested streaming access on all major platforms, and analyzed the security architecture in detail.
Pros
- ✓ Consistently fast speeds with Lightway protocol
- ✓ TrustedServer technology ensures no data stored on disks
- ✓ Excellent streaming unblocking — works with virtually every platform
- ✓ Polished, easy-to-use apps on every device
- ✓ Dedicated router app for whole-home VPN coverage
- ✓ 24/7 live chat support with knowledgeable agents
Cons
- ✗ More expensive than most competitors
- ✗ Only 8 simultaneous connections
- ✗ No multi-hop feature
Speed Test Results
Speed is one of the most important factors when choosing a VPN, and ExpressVPN delivers strong performance. We tested connections from multiple locations using a 1 Gbps base connection to get accurate results.
These speeds represent averages across our testing period. ExpressVPN maintained consistent performance throughout, with minimal speed drops during peak hours. The Lightway protocol delivered the best results in our tests, which is what we recommend for most users.
Security & Privacy
ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption — the same standard used by governments and military organizations worldwide. This level of encryption is considered unbreakable with current technology, ensuring your data remains private even if intercepted.
The service supports multiple VPN protocols:
- Lightway
- OpenVPN
- IKEv2
Features
Streaming
We tested ExpressVPN with all major streaming platforms. Here's what it can unblock:
ExpressVPN reliably unblocks 7 major streaming platforms in our testing. Connection quality was consistently good enough for 4K streaming without buffering on nearby servers.
Pricing
All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN risk-free. The 2-year plan offers the best value per month, though it requires a larger upfront payment.
Get ExpressVPN — Save with the 2-Year Plan
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Visit ExpressVPN →Our Verdict
ExpressVPN remains a top-tier choice for users who want the most polished, reliable VPN experience available. While it's pricier than alternatives, the combination of Lightway speeds, TrustedServer security, and exceptional app quality makes it worth the investment for those who prioritize reliability.
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