ExpressVPN Review 2024

Quick Hits:

1-month subscription: $12.95/month

6-month subscription: $9.99/month

12-month subscription: $8.32/month  

Best for: Individuals who want a simple VPN for secure working, whether in a coffee shop in their hometown or worldwide.

Not recommended for: individuals outside of the countries ExpressVPN serves or someone who wants a more robust VPN.

ExpressVPN is one of Batten’s top choices for VPNs. It offers a simple user interface that makes it easy to use while providing excellent browsing protection. In addition, ExpressVPN’s servers cover a wide range of servers and countries, so if you’re at a coffee shop down the street or an Airbnb halfway across the world, you’ll have a fast, reliable connection. Plus, ExpressVPN is compatible with virtually any device, ranging from your router to your computer to even your AppleTV. So no matter what device you have or how many, you’ll always have a safe and secure connection. 

What We Like About ExpressVPN

• It connects quickly and stays connected even if your computer goes to sleep or if you lock your screen—no need to reconnect when you log back in. You can even choose to connect to the VPN when you start your computer automatically.
• Connect via your computer or browser to keep your laptop and all its apps protected or just your internet browsing.
• 24/7 support supports different timezones worldwide, plus several articles and videos to troubleshoot any connectivity issues. Chat or email the ExpressVPN team for assistance.
• A comprehensive list of devices compatible for download, ranging from your router to your iPhone, so everything you use with an internet connection is protected.

What We Don’t Like About ExpressVPN

• No “free” trial. You still have to pay to sign up to start using the service. However, if you cancel within 30 days, you’ll get a refund. 

Unique Features of Express VPN

• Threat manager to block malicious activity and trackers
• Add your favorite sites for easy access to startup
• Refer a Friend program
• 30-day money-back guarantee 

Features

• Connects to 160 server locations in 94 countries, so you’re always connected, no matter where in the world you are
• Access blocked content in other countries, so you never miss a beat on your favorite sites. 
• 24/7 support over live chat/email to troubleshoot your connection any time of the day or night
• 30-day money-back guarantee with all plans 
• Best-in-class encryption to protect your data and communications 
• VPN Speed Test so you can connect to the fastest VPN server location for you
• TrustedServer technology for essential privacy protections
• Network Lock kill switch to keep your data safe even if your VPN connection drops, blocking all internet traffic until protection is restored.
• Private DNS on every server for a more secure internet connection
• Split tunneling so you can route some of your device or app traffic through the VPN tunnel while other devices or apps can access the internet directly
• No activity or connection logs, so it keeps your online activity private.

Getting the Most Out of ExpressVPN

• Save your activation code and password. When setting up ExpressVPN, you set your password and activation code. This code is needed to set up the VPN across devices, so make sure you write it down and keep it in a safe place for easy setup. 
• Download it for all of your devices, so your connection is always private. ExpressVPN allows you to download the VPN on unlimited devices and connect to five simultaneously. Download it for your computer, phone, and even your TV streaming device, so you’re protected anywhere. 
• Bookmark your favorite sites within the app. ExpressVPN gives you a place to add your most frequently visited sites so you can access them the moment you connect to the VPN. Take advantage of this handy feature so you can access your areas right away. 
• Refer a friend for a free month. ExpressVPN has a referral program, so you get a free 30 days if you refer a friend. This program is perfect if you’re looking to save some money on your subscription. 

Getting Started with ExpressVPN

Signing Up & Setting Up Your Devices

It’s straightforward to sign up and get started with ExpressVPN. After selecting your plan and inputting your credit card information prompts you to create a secure password for your account. Once you’ve chosen your password (and saved it), it takes you to the download page, where you can select the device to download VPN to. Each device type will have its instructions for a seamless setup. ExpressVPN gives you a unique activation code that you enter each time you set up a new device; the code links the VPN with your account. The VPN downloads to your device within minutes, and you’re ready to connect. 

Connecting to the VPN

After the VPN downloads to your device and you log in, you’re ready to connect to the VPN. First, you can automatically choose the city or country you want to connect to. Next, you see which server you’re currently connected to in the desktop app. Finally, it gives you several customization options, such as launching on startup, which location to connect by default, and even if you want it to be visible in your computer’s menu bar or dock. 

Additionally, you can activate Network Lock, enable Threat Manager, and bookmark your most frequently used sites for easy access. 

Mobile App

Like getting the VPN downloaded to your computer, you follow the same process to get it on your mobile devices. ExpressVPN is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. Setup takes three steps: 

1. Download the app to your device and accept permissions
2. Log in with your password and activation code
3. Choose your server location and connect

The UX/UI is straightforward to use. It stays connected in the background and doesn’t impact any activity you perform on your phone. 

Plans & Pricing 

ExpressVPN’s pricing is pretty straightforward. All plans offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can cancel and receive a full refund if you’re not satisfied. Additionally, you get a free 30 days if you refer a friend. With each plan, you can download the VPN to unlimited devices and connect to five simultaneously. 

ExpressVPN offers three plans: 1 month, six months, and 12 months depending on how long you need a VPN (we recommend always using one when you’re away from your home network):

• 1 month: $12.95
• 6 months: $9.99 per month/ $59.95 total
• 12 months: 8.32 per month / $99.95 (save 35%)

Final Thoughts

ExpressVPN is the perfect tool if you’re entering the world of VPNs. It’s simple to use, easy to set up, and gives you all the browsing protection you need without even knowing it’s there. While its pricing can be considered steep on a monthly, bi-annually, or annual basis, you’re getting VPN protection for unlimited devices, so virtually anything in your home—mobile devices, TVs, routers, computers—can be on the VPN. In our opinion, it’s a small price to pay for total peace of mind. 

Purchase ExpressVPN today on the Batten Marketplace.