ExpressVPN Expert Review
Premium VPN service with exceptional streaming capabilities, analyzed by Tom Spark
ExpressVPN achieves a solid 69 out of 93.5 points, earning a B-tier ranking. While still one of the most premium VPN services available, ExpressVPN's higher price point is harder to justify when newer competitors offer similar or better performance at lower costs.
Pros
- •Best-in-class streaming
- •Exceptional speeds
- •Intuitive interface
- •24/7 live chat support
- •Privacy audited
- •RAM-only servers
Cons
- •Premium pricing
- •Not open-source
- •Only 8 connections
- •No dedicated IPs
- •BVI jurisdiction
Detailed Scoring Analysis
Category Analysis
Streaming & Torrenting (13.5/14) - Industry Leader
ExpressVPN sets the standard for streaming:
- ✓ Netflix works on nearly all servers
- ✓ Unblocks all major streaming platforms
- ✓ Excellent torrenting support
- ✓ Consistent 4K streaming quality
- ⚠ No dedicated streaming servers (doesn't need them)
Speed & Servers (10/10) - Perfect Score
Industry-leading performance:
- ✓ Speed score: 5/5 (exceptional)
- ✓ 3,000+ servers in 105 countries
- ✓ Only 5-10% speed loss typical
- ✓ Consistent performance globally
Pricing & Value (5/10)
Premium service at premium prices:
- ✗ Annual plans: $100+ (most expensive)
- ✗ Monthly: $12.95 (high)
- ✓ Quality justifies price for many
- ✓ 30-day money-back guarantee
- ✓ Cryptocurrency accepted
- ⚠ Only 8 device connections
GUI (Interface) (9/10)
User experience excellence:
- ✓ Beautiful, intuitive design
- ✓ One-click connections
- ✓ Speed test built-in
- ✓ Smart location selection
- ✓ Consistent across platforms
Privacy & Security (12/16)
Strong security with some concerns:
- ✓ RAM-only servers (TrustedServer)
- ✓ Privacy audited multiple times
- ✓ No-logs policy proven
- ✓ Strong encryption standards
- ⚠ Based in British Virgin Islands
- ✗ Not open-source
Real-World Testing Results
ExpressVPN consistently delivers premium performance that justifies its position as one of the most expensive VPNs. During testing, it excelled in nearly every category, with only the high price preventing a higher score.
Streaming Perfection
No other VPN matches ExpressVPN's streaming reliability. Netflix worked on 95% of servers tested—an unprecedented success rate. HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Prime Video and other tested platforms consistently unblocked.
Speed Leadership
ExpressVPN delivers exceptional speeds. We measured only 5-10% speed loss on nearby servers—the best in the industry. Gaming, 4K streaming, and large downloads all performed flawlessly.
The Premium Question
At $100+ annually, ExpressVPN costs nearly double some competitors. Is it worth it? For users prioritizing streaming access, speed, and ease of use—absolutely. For budget-conscious users or those with basic needs, the premium may be hard to justify.
Final Verdict
ExpressVPN's 69/93.5 score and B-tier ranking reflect its position as a premium VPN that delivers on its promises. While expensive, it offers the best overall experience for users who can afford it.
Best For:
- • Streaming enthusiasts
- • Speed-priority users
- • VPN beginners
- • International travelers
Not Ideal For:
- • Budget-conscious users
- • Large families (8 device limit)
- • Open-source advocates
- • Those needing dedicated IPs
Score Summary
#1 for Streaming
Unmatched Netflix & streaming platform access