Straightforward UI, No Frills

The user interface is clean and functional. It’s not going to wow anyone, but it gets the job done. You’ve got a big connect button, quick access to server locations, and just enough settings to tweak things if you want.  It’s simple but maybe a bit too simple if you’re after customization or extras.

Protocols That Just Work

ExpressVPN offers a few reliable protocol options:

• Auto
   
• Lightway (UDP/TCP) – ExpressVPN’s own fast, lightweight protocol
   
• OpenVPN (UDP/TCP) – The trusted classic
   

They all work smoothly, and Lightway is especially solid for streaming or switching networks frequently.


Advanced Protection That’s Actually Useful

Privacy is ExpressVPN’s strong suit. It doesn’t log your activity, and it avoids shady practices.
Its Advanced Protection feature adds meaningful safety when enabled:

• Blocks malicious websites
   
• Stops trackers
   
• Filters out ads
   
• Optionally blocks adult content
   

It’s DNS-based and only runs while the VPN is connected—so no inspection of your traffic like some competitors do.  Ie. NordVPN


Speed That Rarely Disappoints

ExpressVPN is consistently fast. Whether you're connecting nearby or across the globe, speeds are generally stable enough for HD streaming, browsing, and video calls. Lightway helps here—it connects quickly and keeps performance snappy, even on mobile.


Streaming Unblocking: Still One of the Best

When it comes to streaming, ExpressVPN still delivers. It unlocks most major platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, and more. Servers are optimized for bypassing geo-blocks, and you won’t need to jump through hoops to find one that works.


But... That Price Tag

At $12.95/month, ExpressVPN is firmly in the premium tier. There’s no free trial, though you do get a 30-day money-back guarantee—which is nice, but still requires you to pay upfront. You’re limited to eight (8) device connections, and while performance is solid, the lack of built-in extras like breach alerts, identity protection, or system-wide ad blocking—makes the overall value feel a little underwhelming.

Add-ons: ExpressVPN Keys (password manager), Aircove (secure router).

Feedback on Add-ons: Nice to have, but the password manager is basic and the router caters to a niche. You could easily pair ExpressVPN with free, more advanced tools.

The REAL Price After Renewal

Here’s where things get a little less appealing. ExpressVPN’s 12-month plan is often marketed at a discount for the first year (e.g. $99.95 for 12 months). But after that, it renews at $155.40/year—a steep jump for a VPN that limits you to five devices and doesn’t include add-ons like cloud storage or email breach monitoring.

A Quick Note on Ownership

ExpressVPN is owned by Kape Technologies, a company with a complicated history involving adware under a previous name. While ExpressVPN operates independently and has passed third-party audits, the association may give some users pause.
To read more about Kape Technologies, check out this blog post by Windscribe (https://windscribe.com/blog/what-is-kape-technologies/).


Final Thoughts

ExpressVPN does what it promises: fast speeds, strong encryption, and real privacy. Advanced Protection is a useful feature that adds a layer of security without overcomplicating things.
But for the price, it’s starting to feel a bit behind in value—especially compared to services offering more devices, more features, and tighter integration for less money.
If you want a VPN that’s clean, private, and just works, ExpressVPN is a safe choice. But if you're after more for your money, it might be time to explore other options.