ExpressVPN Review India (2024) – Is It the Right Choice In India?

Disclaimer : I strongly believe in transparency. If you buy using the links on our site, we may earn a small commission without any extra cost to you. This helps me to keep producing honest reviews. Read More >>

ExpressVPN Review Overview

Rating	4.2 out of 5 ⭐️
Speeds	Download speed: 220 Mbps Upload speed: 71 Mbps
No Log	Yes
Audit	September 2022 by KPMG
Streaming	Netflix, Zee5, Amazon Prime Video, JioCinema, Hotstar, BBC, Hulu
Servers	3000+ servers across 105 nations
Devices	Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android
Pricing	$6.67 per month (1 year plan)
Coupon Code	Get ExpressVPN 3 extra months FREE 🔥

About ExpressVPN

Tech entrepreneurs Peter Burchhardt and Dan Pomerantz founded ExpressVPN, a worldwide leader in virtual private network (VPN) services, in 2009. 

Headquartered in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, the company operates under the name Express Technologies Ltd. However, Kape Technologies acquired it in September 2021.

Concerned about data monitoring and manipulation by corporations, governments, and hackers, Burchhardt and Pomerantz launched ExpressVPN to provide users with secure and unrestricted internet access. 

ExpressVPN has over 4 million customers in 180 countries which is one of the largest customer bases. It boasts a robust network of servers in 105 locations and offers its platform in nearly 17 languages.

ExpressVPN Speeds

Well, connecting to a VPN can slow down internet speeds. However, paid VPNs typically experience smaller speed drops compared to free options.  Curious why a VPN causes a slowdown? Check out our guide to VPNs for a comprehensive explanation!

To illustrate the impact on speed, I tested ExpressVPN’s speed using the reliable speedtest.net website in two locations: India (my home country) and the USA (a distant server).

My baseline internet speed is 240 Mbps download and upload, with a ping of 7 ms. While ExpressVPN offered consistent speeds in my testing, it wasn’t the absolute fastest compared to NordVPN or Surfshark.

Speed in India

Download speed remained consistent at 220 Mbps (8% drop), while upload speed dropped to 71 Mbps (70% drop). Ping increased to 150 ms.

Speed in the US

Next, I tested with the USA server. Download speed dropped slightly to 197 Mbps (18% drop). Similar to India, upload speed decreased to 69 Mbps (71% drop). Ping jumped to 225 ms.

Location	Download Speed (Mbps)	Upload Speed (Mbps)	Ping (ms)
India (Base Speed)	240	240	7
India Server (ExpressVPN)	220	71	150
USA Server (ExpressVPN)	197	69	225

Overall, ExpressVPN delivered good speeds, with a maximum download drop of 18% in the US. This is comparable to other paid VPNs like NordVPN (87% drop) and Surfshark (85% drop) for long-distance connections. However, the upload speed could be improved for users who upload large files.

ExpressVPN Servers

Servers Locations

ExpressVPN has a large network with servers in over 105 countries. This means you can connect to many places, including popular ones like the US, Singapore, and Canada. They even have servers in more unusual places like Algeria and Cuba. However, in India, they use virtual servers routed through other countries like the UK or Singapore to adhere to local laws in India.

Compared to competitors like NordVPN (67 countries) and Surfshark (65 countries), ExpressVPN offers a wider reach. This allows users to connect to a server closer to them, potentially improving connection speeds.

RAM Servers 

ExpressVPN’s servers run entirely on Random Access Memory (RAM), a volatile memory that automatically wipes clean upon disconnection. This eliminates the risk of data persistence on physical storage drives. 

Obfuscated Servers

If you’re stuck in a country with internet censorship (think China, Iran, or Russia), ExpressVPN has your back. These servers disguise VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, allowing users to bypass censorship and access the internet freely and securely.

Dynamic or Static IP Address

ExpressVPN uses dynamic IP addresses for privacy, making it tough to track you. While it lacks static IPs, you can pick the best server or use “smart location” for automatic speed optimization. 

For additional privacy protection, explore these 4 secure Android browsers to block intrusive ads and trackers.

ExpressVPN Streaming Performances

ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs I’ve used for streaming purposes over the past few years. It works with almost all streaming platforms in India and abroad.

In India, ExpressVPN easily unlocks popular services like SonyLiv, Zee5, Amazon Prime Video, JioCinema, and Hotstar. It also works with international streaming sites like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+.

I have experienced no lagging or buffering issues while connected to this VPN. It lets you enjoy high-definition content without compromising your privacy.

Privacy

Privacy Policy

ExpressVPN boasts a strong privacy policy. They collect only the minimum data necessary, and everything is clearly explained on their website. This includes:

• Connection Date: Used for troubleshooting technical issues.
• Connection Location (not server IP): Helps provide better support.
• Email Address: Required for account activation
• Payment Information (if applicable): Only collected if you use a credit card. Consider using Bitcoin for anonymous purchases.

No-log Policy

ExpressVPN claims a strict no-log policy, meaning they don’t collect, store, or record user activity data on hard drives. Their apps and services eliminate sensitive information. 

Security Audits

To ensure transparency, independent security firms regularly audit their practices. As of March 2024, ExpressVPN has undergone an impressive 16 audits. 

Here are some key examples:

1. Windows app audit by Nettitude (April 2024)
2. VPN protocol Lightway audit by Cure53 (November 2022)
3. No-log policy audit by KPMG (September 2022)
4. Privacy policy compliance and server audit by PwC Switzerland (June 2019)

ExpressVPN Headquarter

Other things are: locating a VPN provider’s headquarters is important because they must comply with local laws. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which has no data retention laws. This allows them to follow a true no-log policy and offer complete user anonymity. The British Virgin Islands are outside the 14 Eyes alliance, a group of countries known for data sharing.

Privacy Comparison: NordVPN vs ExpressVPN

NordVPN’s no-log policy has undergone recent audits by Deloitte (2022 and 2024). The no-log policies have been audited four times by independent firms. In addition, they publish transparency reports to keep users informed about data protection practices. 

Although ExpressVPN has conducted some recent audits on their apps, protocols, and servers, their no-log policy itself hasn’t been independently audited since Sept, 2022.

ExpressVPN History

ExpressVPN has maintained a clean past in terms of data breaches. It has been involved in a few legal cases. 

For example, in December 2017, ExpressVPN first faced scrutiny during the investigation into assassinating Russia’s ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov. Turkish authorities seized an ExpressVPN server but found no usable logs, ultimately confirming the company’s adherence to a no-log policy.

Again, in September 2021, their then-CIO (Chief Information Officer) was penalized for his alleged involvement in “Project Raven”. This project aided the UAE in spying on and hacking its political opponents, journalists, and human rights activists, including some in the US.

Recently, in February 2024, CNET reported a DNS leak issue affecting approximately 1% of ExpressVPN users. The company acknowledged the issue and removed the split tunneling feature in version 12.73.0 of its Windows app. This feature was restored in version 12.74.0.

ExpressVPN Security

Security Protocols 

ExpressVPN takes things a step further with its proprietary Lightway protocol. When you connect to their VPN, they automatically choose the best option, but you can also select it manually. Here’s a breakdown of the protocols:

• Lightway protocol (ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol): Known for its speed, reliability, and enhanced security for browsing activities. It uses the well-established wolfSSL cryptography library. Lightway comes in two categories: Lightway UDP and Lightway TCP. This protocol boasts faster speeds, lower battery consumption, and easier auditing and maintenance.

• OpenVPN protocol: Similar to other premium VPNs, ExpressVPN also offers OpenVPN. This protocol is built for a balance between security and speed. Like Lightway, the UDP version offers better speeds for activities requiring lower bandwidth. Conversely, TCP uses more bandwidth to provide stronger security.

DNS Leak Test

When it comes to security, DNS leaks can be a major concern. While your VPN encrypts your IP address and allows you to browse anonymously, a DNS leak could expose your identity.

Here’s what happens: If a DNS leak occurs, your device sends DNS requests outside the secure tunnel established by your VPN. This means your browsing activity, web searches, IP address, and location could still be visible. 

To check for leaks, I ran a DNS leak test using a reliable website like IPLeak.net. The results are positive! The Ipv4 address matches the server I’m connected to (New Jersey, USA), showing all DNS requests are being handled by ExpressVPN servers. Since the IPv6 address is unreachable, it’s not a concern in this case. This confirms that there are no leaks or security issues found with any of ExpressVPN’s apps.

Want to learn more about DNS records? Check out this helpful resource: 6 DNS Record Types Explained!

Kill Switch

Many VPNs, including ExpressVPN, offer a kill switch feature to safeguard user data even during unexpected internet disconnections. This feature prevents leaks of your real IP address and location, maintaining your privacy. ExpressVPN calls this feature “Network Lock,” and it’s automatically enabled in the General settings of the Windows app.

Security Comparison with Premium VPNs

In terms of security, ExpressVPN holds its own against other premium VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark. It uses the Lightway protocol, similar to NordLynx (NordVPN’s default WireGuard protocol). All three perform well in DNS leak tests.

However, ExpressVPN lacks a split tunneling feature in iOS devices, functionality offered by both Surfshark and NordVPN. Split tunneling allows you to choose which applications use the VPN connection and which one’s bypass it.

Pricing

Subscription Duration	Price per month	Billing Amount	30-day money-back guarantee
1 month	$12.95	$12.95	Yes
6 months	$9.99	$59.95	Yes
1 year	$6.67	$99.95	Yes

Pricing Plans

ExpressVPN offers three pricing tiers: monthly, 6-month, and annual plans. The monthly plan starts at $12.95. It’s ideal for trying the service before committing to a longer term.

For cost savings, consider the 6-month and annual plans. The 6-month plan is $9.99 per month, while the annual plan comes down to just $6.67 per month. This translates to roughly a 50% discount compared to the monthly price. 

Money-Back Guarantee

ExpressVPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, if you’re not satisfied with their speed, security, or convenience, you can get a full refund.

Payment Options

ExpressVPN offers a wide range of payment methods for your convenience. You can use credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, etc.) and PayPal. For added privacy, you can pay with Bitcoin or other options like UnionPay, Giropay, SOFORT, and more.

Competitor Pricing

While ExpressVPN offers excellent service, it’s not the cheapest option. Their lowest price is $6.67 per month for the annual plan. In comparison, the NordVPN Basic starts at just $4.59 per month and the Surfshark Starter is as low as $3.49 per month.

Coupon Code

ExpressVPN is currently available at an unbeatable deal. By visiting their website through my affiliate link, you can get 3 extra months FREE on top of the standard 12-month subscription. This brings the total cost down to just $99.95, effectively giving you 15 months of service for the price of 12!

ExpressVPN Customer Support

Customer Support Facility	ExpressVPN
24/7 Live chat support	Yes
Email	Yes
Phone Line	No
Guidelines or Informative article	Yes
FAQs	Yes

ExpressVPN maintains a strong customer support system. They offer a 24/7 live chat feature where you can connect directly with a human agent, unlike some VPN providers that use bots.

The best part is their dedicated support page on the official website. Here, you’ll find hundreds of FAQs, guides, informative articles, and more. They cover everything from setting up your account to troubleshooting and managing it.

My experience with their live chat support was mostly positive. They typically respond to general inquiries within 10 seconds and provide helpful links for further information. For complex issues, I suggest raising email tickets for further help.

There are a few areas for improvement. Response times for complex queries can range from 3 to 10 minutes, which could be faster. They also don’t answer basic questions directly, like the number of audits performed on their no-log policy or the total number of servers they operate. They attach links which might be confusing sometimes. 

Overall, ExpressVPN offers a vast library of content on its website. While they lack phone support, email support is good. Live chat with human agents is a plus, but improvements can be made in response times and the scope of questions answered.

P2P

No VPN review is complete without checking its performance for torrenting on P2P servers. Right? For those unfamiliar with P2P (peer-to-peer) networks, they are decentralized networks where users directly share files like documents, music, videos, software, and games.

ExpressVPN fully supports P2P file sharing with no data restrictions. This means you can enjoy torrenting with all major P2P applications like qBitTorrent, Transmission, Vuze, Deluge, uTorrent, and more.

I tested ExpressVPN’s torrenting performance. Using uTorrent, I downloaded a 1.86 GB movie with 5.738 seeders. My download speed averaged around 2.6 Mbps, resulting in an estimated completion time of 23 minutes, which is quite impressive.

Additional Features

Excited to know what additional features you’ll get to enjoy paying such high prices? Let’s check them out one by one!

Ad Blocker

Do ads annoy you while browsing? Then, turn on ExpressVPN’s ad blocker for a better user experience. It blocks most display ads, but doesn’t expect to block everything since it relies on a predefined block list. 

Also, turning it on is easy: go to the “Advanced Protection” menu under Options, tick the ad blocker checkbox, and save the settings. 

If you’re interested in exploring more powerful options to block banners, ads (including blinking ads, pop-ups, flashing ads, and video ads), check out these 11 best free ad blockers!

Threat Manager

Another amazing feature offered by ExpressVPN is Threat Manager. What does it do? 

Many apps and websites track your activity and sell it to third parties without your permission. This can serve you with targeted ads and content, and sometimes, it can even lead to cybercrime or data breaches.

The Threat Manager puts you in charge. By enabling it within the “Advanced Protection” settings, you block these trackers and malicious actors from communicating with your device. Enjoy a safer, more private browsing experience with ExpressVPN.

MediaStreamer

ExpressVPN offers a unique feature called MediaStreamer, a DNS service that allows unblocking geo-restricted content on devices that typically don’t support VPN connections, such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, and routers.

Split Tunneling

Split tunneling is a valuable feature that can significantly improve browsing speed. This is because some everyday browsing activities don’t require the extra security of a VPN tunnel. Split tunneling lets you choose which apps or websites use the encrypted VPN connection and which one uses your regular internet connection. 

ExpressVPN offers split tunneling on most platforms, including Linux, Windows, Android, and Mac applications, as well as router apps. However, it’s currently unavailable for iOS devices and macOS versions 11 and above.

User Interface

Devices	Experiences
Windows	Clean and intuitive user interfaceAll features and functions are clearly displayed
macOS	Looks similar like Windows systemSetting up and using the VPN is straightforward
Linux	Complex navigation process for non-technical usersLinux interface requires navigation through the terminalSome features may be unavailable
Android and iOS mobile	Well-designed user interfaceThe Android app offers a few extra features compared to the iOS version
Browser Extension	Separate extensions for Chrome, Opera, Edge and other popular browsersLightweight extensions and easy to install

The overall ExpressVPN interface is clean and user-friendly. Key features like the kill switch, ad blocker, and split tunneling are easily accessible within the “Options” menu.

ExpressVPN provides a user-friendly experience across a wide range of devices. However, Linux users should know the more technical setup process.

Performance & Reliability

After testing various aspects of ExpressVPN, I can confidently say it ranks among the top VPNs of 2024. The user-friendly applications offer one-tap connection in just seconds. One noteworthy feature is including parental controls, which help protect children from unauthorized streaming content.

Over several months of use, I’ve enjoyed consistent speeds with minimal downtime, similar to other reputable paid VPNs. Transitioning between networks doesn’t disrupt your VPN connection. 

While ExpressVPN requires strong passwords, it doesn’t currently offer two-factor authentication (2FA) for an additional layer of security. Can’t remember your lengthy passwords? A password manager can help! Here are the Top 10 Best Password Managers for 2023.

ExpressVPN also relies on manual application updates. Be sure to stay up-to-date with the latest security patches to ensure optimal protection.

ExpressVPN Alternatives

While ExpressVPN offers excellent security and ease of use, it may not be the most affordable option. Here’s a look at three strong competitors with a budget-friendly price tag.

NordVPN

NordVPN, launched in 2012, has earned a reputation for its ultra-fast speeds and robust security. It’s headquartered in Panama, outside of any major surveillance alliances (Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, Fourteen Eyes). It offers some unique features: Meshnet, threat protection, dark web monitor, dedicated IP. 

NordVPN boasts an impressive network of over 6138 servers across 67 countries, including virtual servers in India. This surpasses ExpressVPN’s offering of 3,000 servers in 105 locations. NordVPN allows you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, making it ideal for larger families compared to ExpressVPN’s 8-device limit.

The pricing  is more budget-friendly than ExpressVPN. Their 2-year plan with 3 months extra access comes in at just $3.99 per month. You can purchase through my link to avail additional discounts. 

Surfshark

Surfshark is a versatile, robust VPN service provider. They launched in 2018 and moved their headquarters from the British Virgin Islands to the Netherlands, a privacy-friendly country.

It offers all the essential features you’d expect from a VPN, including: Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, Zero-log policy, Strong encryption protocols (OpenVPN and WireGuard). However, unlike ExpressVPN, Surfshark goes a step further by providing additional features.

The list includes 3200+ servers in over 65 countries and Multi-hop (double VPN). Plus, Surfshark One is an all-in-one digital security subscription that includes Surfshark VPN, antivirus software, a secure search engine, and an identity monitoring service.

Unlike ExpressVPN, it allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. A 2-year subscription to Surfshark One can be as low as $3.06 per month. You can also get an extra month of access by purchasing through our link. 

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is a strong contender for your VPN choice. Launched in 2017 by Proton AG, a well-respected Swiss company known for its secure email services, ProtonVPN benefits from Switzerland’s jurisdiction, which falls outside the 14 Eyes alliances known for government surveillance.

ProtonVPN boasts an impressive network of 1700+ servers across 60 countries. It offers a comprehensive set of features, including RAM-only servers for enhanced security, industry-best tunneling protocols, a kill switch to prevent accidental leaks, a strict no-logs policy, and strong encryption.

Compared to ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN stands out with its superior support for multiple devices (allowing up to 10 simultaneous connections, matching NordVPN). It offers both free and paid plans. The 2-year plan provides excellent value at $4.49 per month, and you might even find additional discounts through my affiliate links. 

Pros

In my opinion, ExpressVPN excels in several key areas:

1) Superior Speed

I experienced download speeds of 220 Mbps and upload speeds of 71 Mbps on the Indian server, with a ping of 319 ms. ExpressVPN consistently delivers fast connections with minimal downtime.

2) Virtual Indian Server

Due to Indian government regulations requiring user data storage, ExpressVPN no longer maintains physical servers in India. However, they offer two virtual Indian servers that provide blazing-fast speeds while upholding user privacy.

3) RAM-based Servers

ExpressVPN uses RAM-only servers, enhancing security and privacy. Every server reboot automatically wipes clean all user data, eliminating the potential storage of sensitive information.

4) User-Friendly Interface

The user interface (UI) is intuitive and easy to navigate. All features are clearly displayed within the settings options, making it simple to find and use the desired functions.

5) Exceptional Customer Support

You can connect directly with knowledgeable agents, bypassing any automated bots. Their comprehensive knowledge base provides informative guides and a wealth of FAQs for self-service troubleshooting.

Cons

1) Acquisition by Kape Technologies

In 2021, Kape Technologies, a cybersecurity company with a checkered past, acquired ExpressVPN for a hefty $936 million. This raises concerns about ExpressVPN’s future commitment to privacy.

Kape Technologies, formerly known as Crossrider, developed software some consider malware. While Crossrider shut down in 2016 and rebranded, its past association raises red flags. 

Kape Technologies’ ownership of popular VPN review websites like vpnmentor.com and wizcase.com creates a potential conflict of interest, as users might not get unbiased reviews.

2) Split Tunneling 

ExpressVPN lacks split tunneling on iOS apps. This means iOS users can’t choose which traffic goes through the VPN and which uses their regular internet connection, potentially impacting browsing speeds.

3) 2FA Authentication

Why Should You Trust Me?

Wondering why you should listen to my advice on VPNs? I’ve been following tech trends since 2015, so I know what’s going on. I’ve actively used various SaaS tools and services to optimize my workflow for real-hand experience. 

 In the last 3 years, I’ve reviewed over 30 free and paid VPNs, including popular choices like Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN. To help you out even more, I’ve created videos explaining things like the India VPN ban and the difference between VPNs and Tor. Plus, I made a handy VPN buying guide!

I actively maintain subscriptions to several VPN services. This allows me to stay on top of the latest features, performance updates, and security patches.

Conclusion

ExpressVPN is a solid VPN service for frequent travelers, power users and privacy enthusiasts. While some users are concerned about the recent acquisition by Kape Technologies, I haven’t noticed any significant changes to the service. So, I still maintain an active subscription now. 

One of ExpressVPN’s strengths is its extensive server network, spanning over 105 countries. Features like a kill switch, split tunneling, and AES 256-bit encryption contribute to a positive user experience. Their RAM-based servers and proprietary Lightway protocol ensure optimal security.

ExpressVPN excels at supporting a vast array of major Indian and international streaming platforms. They maintain a strong privacy policy with a regularly audited no-logs policy. Customer support and reliability are also commendable.

While ExpressVPN offers many advantages, there are some trade-offs to consider. It lacks features like multi-hop connections, 2FA authentication and dedicated IP addresses. If these features are crucial for you, consider alternatives like Surfshark, NordVPN, or ProtonVPN. These VPNs might offer better value depending on your needs.

Additionally, ExpressVPN’s pricing is on the higher end compared to some competitors. However, if you’re new to VPNs and just want to try one out for free, we have a list of the 6 best free VPNs in India that you can explore.

It’s important to note that this review is based on my personal experience and performance testing. You can avail amazing discounts using my link. Want more such detailed reviews? feel free to leave a comment below and suggest other VPNs from your wishlist!

FAQs