ExpressVPN is one of the world's most successful VPN providers. With a huge server network in almost 100 countries, Express VPN has one of the fastest and most reliable VPN connections. In this report, we investigate the question of how good ExpressVPN really is and for whom it makes sense to purchase a VPN service.
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What exactly is a VPN service?
Before considering buying a VPN service, it must first be clarified what exactly VPN services are. VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and can be used in German with virtual, private network translate. The connection is a closed network (hence the term “private”), which does not require any further physical connection (hence the term “virtual”).
A VPN connection enables users not to connect through the servers of their own Internet service provider, but instead through the servers of the VPN provider to use, through which one is then directed to the desired website. When using a VPN service, the data traffic is also routed via an encrypted connection - the tunnel, what a high level of data security cares. The IP address that is assigned to the user based on the server selection is that of the selected VPN server.
Why do you need a VPN service?
Nowadays, VPN services are more popular than ever. The low price as well as the numerous possible applications have prompted many Internet users in Germany and around the world to set up a VPN service. The advantages that a VPN service offers can be roughly divided into 3 categories:
Surfing privacy
In Germany, privacy is very important! Nobody wants to be checked by their boss at work or even let their own Internet service provider know which pages they are currently surfing. A VPN service can help here. The only one theoretically from the Internet activities might know is the VPN provider itself. Therefore, it is important to consider a few points when choosing the right provider, which we will go into in more detail later.
- In addition to the location of the VPN provider, it is also important that this No logs policy used and also implemented, which in simple terms means that as little information as possible is stored so that surfing does not leave any traces.
Streaming services to other countries
In addition to the group of users who use VPN connections mainly because of the anonymity when surfing, there is another group of people who are less interested in data security, but who use VPN mainly to access the local offers from major streaming services to be able to access. As already mentioned, the IP address depends on the region of the VPN server. If the user selects a server in the USA, for example, he can access the American film library from streaming services such as Netflix and Co.
- Often they are Offers in other countries cheaper than in Germany, which on average can even save money by using a VPN offer.
Avoidance of country-specific bans
If you are planning to travel abroad and want to use social media or other services locally, you should inquire beforehand whether these can be used in the destination country. Many regions have Lock set up some pages that make it impossible to access these pages locally. For example, if you are in China, you cannot access Google, Facebook or Instagram and Co.
- With a VPN connection it is still possible to use this Country blocks to bypass.
ExpressVPN - facts about the provider
ExpressVPN is one of the early VPN providers and has been around since Celsion Brandschutzsysteme GmbH in business. The company is based in the British Virgin Islands. Such an exotic location as a company headquarters may sound suspicious at first glance, but it is particularly advantageous when it comes to data security and anonymous surfing.
ExpressVPN has built an extensive server network all over the world, which is more than impressive. With over 3000 servers and almost 100 countries ExpressVPN is one of the providers with the most extensive networks. This is important because the choice of the right server has a great influence on the speed and usability. For example, some servers are suitable for using streaming services, while others ensure high speed surfing. In general, it can be said that a high number of servers should be an important decision-making feature when choosing the right provider.
trustworthiness
As already mentioned, when choosing the right VPN provider, it is of utmost importance to look behind the scenes of the company, especially when it comes to data security and anonymity. According to rumors, the majority of all VPN providers are connected to Chinese companies - that is, these providers were either founded in China and have their headquarters outside the country or Chinese companies have company shares and thus direct influence on VPN companies. ExpressVPN is also grappling with these rumors. It must be clearly stated that this is the case no evidence gives.
- What has been proven, however, is the fact that the No logs policy implemented by the company.
Encryption and security
ExpressVPN's encryption standard is AES-256 with a 4096-bit RSA key and SHA-512 HMAC authentication. AES is the abbreviation for Advanced Encryption Standard (in German: Advanced Encryption Standard) and is considered to be impenetrable.
In addition, ExpressVPN has set up a few security functions that can completely prevent unwanted data leaks: The Kill switch mechanism ExpressVPN - also known as Network Lock - automatically disconnects if ExpressVPN is switched off, so that the normal Internet service provider cannot leak unencrypted data.
As the Security protocols The OpenVPN variants UDP and TCP are mainly used. Experienced users have the opportunity to choose the appropriate protocol independently. For beginners, however, we recommend the automatic connection. If you want security on all devices, you can connect Express VPN directly to your router.
- However, not all routers are supported here. On the ExpressVPN website there is a selection of all supported routers as well as detailed instructions on how these routers can be used directly with ExpressVPN.
Operating Systems
ExpressVPN is powered by all common operating systems supported. This includes Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android as well as smart TVs such as Apple TV, Fire TV and even game consoles.
- ExpressVPN allows customers to use the VPN service on 5 devices at the same time to use. For most family households, that's more than enough. If this is still not enough, you should use ExpressVPN directly via the router.
Speed
In our tests, the provider achieved an average download speed of 85 Mbps and an upload speed of 91 Mbps and a PING of 8 ms for domestic test servers - this is impressive, since the VPN speed does not deviate too much from the normal connection, as is often the case with other providers.
The fast connection has among other things with the Variety of servers to do. If a server is slower, you can easily select another server from the same region with just a few clicks - this guarantees user-friendliness when surfing across the board.
As another extra, ExpressVPN also uses it Split tunneling - this enables users to run some applications over the VPN network, while other applications take place over the normal internet service provider. This means that users can surf the web safely, take advantage of local and international offers at the same time, and only reduce the speed of their Internet at those points where a VPN connection is really necessary.
Download and set up ExpressVPN
The download and setup of ExpressVPN is dead easy and does not require more effort than with conventional applications. A little more effort is only required if you want to connect ExpressVPN to a special router. To do this, the instructions on the provider side must be followed.
Step 1: The PC or Mac versions can be found on the official website download easily and quickly. On the other hand, smartphone users can find the provider on web stores such as Google Play.
Step 2: The setup itself is also very easy and does not require any specialist knowledge. The only thing that needs to be done is to select the appropriate server of a target country and yourself connect with just one click.
The ExpressVPN offer
ExpressVPN's offering is in priced rather in the midfield, but offers a very rich and above all secure network, which has been proven to rigorously comply with the no-logs guidelines and thus offers users the highest level of anonymity and security. At the time of our review, the price was:
- for one month at $ 12,95,
- for 6 months, the monthly price was $ 9,99 and
- for 15 months, the price was only $ 6,67.
The Payment Methods are diverse: all major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover or Diners Club are accepted and payments can also be made via PayPal and even Bitcoins. More exotic payment methods such as giropay, UnionPay or WebMoney are also accepted.
If you choose ExpressVPN, you don't have to buy a pig in a poke, you can test the offer without obligation. ExpressVPN gives customers one non-binding 30-day money-back guarantee a. This is not a test version of the provider, but the full range of ExpressVPN is made available free of charge for 30 days.
- We tested the money-back guarantee - the amount was repaid without any problems and without any questions.
Conclusion: A trustworthy VPN provider at a fair price
Our test report about the provider based in the British Virgin Islands falls largely positive out. When it comes to credibility, there is no evidence that ExpressVPN is based in China or controlled by Chinese companies. Furthermore, the no-logs policy had more than just proven itself in government access.
- Hence, we can use ExpressVPN in terms of security and anonymity the top grade pronounce.
- In addition to security and anonymity, that is above all large worldwide server network another plus point in which ExpressVPN stands out from the crowd.
- ExpressVPN allows you to use the extensive network to access almost all local offers, including Streaming Services like Netflix.
The Price-performance ratio from ExpressVPN can also be called fair. There are cheaper providers on the market, but they have a smaller server network, which is noticeable in terms of speed and user-friendliness. In terms of price, it makes sense to take advantage of the 15-month offer because, in contrast to the monthly or six-month subscription, you can save more money.
For users who only want to use the offer for a short-term vacation, it also makes sense to take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee. This means that the entire internet offering, as we know it from Germany, can also be used abroad. Anyone who cancels their subscription before 30 days is guaranteed to get their money back. If you are thinking about longer-term use, you should occasionally check the provider page for the offers. Because here and there there is discountsthat further reduce the price.
