ExpressVPN Review India (2026) – Is It the Right Choice In India?

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ExpressVPN Review Overview

About ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN was launched in 2009 by entrepreneurs Peter Burchhardt and Dan Pomerantz. Its headquarters are in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. In September 2021, it was acquired by Kape Technologies.

The platform operates in nearly 17 languages and 100+ countries. As of 2026, the ExpressVPN app has surpassed 50 million downloads on the Google Play Store, with a 3.6-star rating.

ExpressVPN Speeds

ExpressVPN delivers good speed performance. I just noticed a 20-30% speed drop on average. 

To a real-time test, I checked ExpressVPN’s performance on speedtest.net by Ookla in two locations: India (my home country) and the USA (a distant server). My baseline internet speed is 200 Mbps with a ping of 7 ms. 

Speed in India

I recorded 140 Mbps download and 129 Mbps upload speeds. So, a drop of around 30% in downloads and 35% in uploads. The ping increased to 229 ms.

Speed in the US

On the distant server, the download speed dropped to 129 Mbps (35% drop). And the upload speed decreased to 95 Mbps (52% drop). 

Compared to other VPNs, it stands out in:

• NordVPN: NordVPN outperformed ExpressVPN in my home country. But for the distant server, I got better performance with ExpressVPN.
• Surfshark: On both nearby and distant servers, ExpressVPN is behind Surfshark in speed performance.

ExpressVPN Servers

Servers Locations

ExpressVPN has a large network with 3000+ servers in over 105 countries. These servers are located in 5 regions: Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa. The provider hosted servers from popular regions like the US, Singapore, Canada, etc., to unusual places like Algeria and Cuba.

In India, ExpressVPN uses virtual servers routed through locations like the UK or Singapore. It removed physical servers from India due to mandatory data retention rules of the Indian government for VPN providers. 

Well, in 2026, NordVPN and Surfshark both expanded their server networks. NordVPN now covers 180+ countries, and Surfshark operates in 100+ countries. But ExpressVPN has not increased its server locations yet.

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

ExpressVPN is the most reliable VPN for bypassing the “Great Firewall” and censorship restrictions in Middle Eastern countries. It automatically applies obfuscation on all of its servers. You don’t need to manually change to the OpenVPN protocol or turn on the obfuscation button like other VPNs. 

So, you can access the internet in China, Iran, Russia, UAE without any restrictions. 

Dynamic or Static IP Address

Upon connecting to ExpressVPN servers, you are assigned a shared dynamic IP address (via ExpressVPN’s ShuffleIP feature). ShufleIP constantly changes user IP addresses in the background to make it difficult for ISPs to trace the original digital identity. 

ExpressVPN has now introduced dedicated IP services. With this, you’ll be assigned a fixed IP address for a specific VPN location. As of 2026, it offers dedicated IPs in 29 locations, including the USA, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, etc. 

You have to pay extra along with the regular plan. For example, a dedicated IP with the ExpressVPN Basic 2-year plan will cost around $3.99/month. 

Streaming and Gaming Performances

This time, ExpressVPN’s streaming performance has become hit or miss!

In India, ExpressVPN easily unlocks popular OTTs 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+.

At first, I didn’t experience any buffering and was able to enjoy streaming in Netflix US libraries. But the streaming stopped multiple times mid-session. I had to switch to different servers each time, after which it worked again.

Now for gaming, ExpressVPN beats both Nord and Surfshark VPN. It kept between 60ms with distant Singapore speeds. I haven’t experienced lagging or interruptions during competitive games. 

Privacy

Privacy Policy

As a premium VPN provider, ExpressVPN maintains a transparent privacy policy. They collect only the minimum data necessary, and everything is clearly explained on their website. 

Below, I’ve mentioned the data ExpressVPN collects and the reasons behind it:

• 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 follows a strict no-log policy. That means the provider doesn’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 September 2026, ExpressVPN has undergone over 20 audits.

Here are some key examples:

• KPMG Audit (June 205): KPMG conducted its third examination of ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer system and privacy policy claims. The cybersecurity firm confirmed that ExpressVPN provides reasonable security protections. 
• Nettitude Audit (April 2024): Nettitude, a third-party cybersecurity firm, conducted a penetration test of the ExpressVPN Windows app. The review confirmed a robust security level.
• KPMG Audit (December 2023): KPMG LLP performed an independent audit of ExpressVPN’s privacy policy and tested ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer services. The audit provided reasonable assurance of ExpressVPN’s privacy architecture, and no issues were found.
• Cure53 and KPMG Audit (September 2022): To build trust and transparency, ExpressVPN invited two reputable security firms, KPMG and Cure53, to review its no-logs policy. Both organizations confirmed no sensitive information collection or storage by the VPN provider.

In addition to these audits, ExpressVPN continuously conducts audits of its various services. For example, the provider audited its new AI platform, ExpressAI by Cure53, in March 2026.  

ExpressVPN Headquarter

 This VPN service is based in the British Virgin Islands, which has no data retention laws. So, as a user, we can expect a true no-log policy and offer complete user anonymity. Moreover, the British Virgin Islands is outside the 14 Eyes Alliance (a group of countries known for data sharing).

Privacy Comparison: NordVPN vs Surfshark vs ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN all maintain verified no-logs policies and strong privacy measures. But NordVPN faced criticism for delaying disclosure of its 2018 Finland server incident. At the same time, ExpressVPN’s no-logs claims were tested in court during a 2017 Turkish server seizure.

Another point is jurisdiction! Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is part of the 14 Eyes alliance. ExpressVPN operates from the British Virgin Islands, a more privacy-friendly jurisdiction with no such data-sharing obligations.

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 the assassination of 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 

When you connect to their VPN, the VPN automatically chooses the best option. But we can also select the following protocols manually:

• Lightway: It’s ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol, which is designed for the best speed, reliability, and enhanced security. Lightway comes in two categories: Lightway UDP and Lightway TCP. Now ExpressVPN includes post-quantum encryption by default on this protocol to make the VPN future-proof against quantum attacks. 
• OpenVPN: 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. But TCP mode provides stronger security.
• WireGuard: Now, the platform has also brought the WireGuard protocol for speed benefits. But they added post-quantum protections to improve privacy. WireGuard protocol is available for Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and Windows.

DNS Leak Test

ExpressVPN claims to provide DNS leak protection. If the VPN you’re using is unable to provide DNS protection, your device sends DNS records outside.  Such leaks will reveal your browsing activity, web searches, IP address, and location. 

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). That means all DNS requests are being handled by ExpressVPN servers. And the IPv6 address is unreachable. This confirms that there are no leaks or security issues found with any of ExpressVPN’s apps.

Kill Switch

ExpressVPN offers “Internet Kill Switch” or “Network Lock” across all devices. On Mac, you can either “enable the kill switch when VPN is connected” or “enable it at all times.” The kill switch remains on by default. It reliably stopped leaks.    

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 and Mac devices. But Surfshark VPN introduced it in 2026. 

Pricing

ExpressVPN offers three pricing tiers: Basic, Advanced, and Pro. The Basic plan is ideal for secure connections at an affordable rate. The Advanced plan suits modern users who want additional privacy protection. The Pro plan is the most powerful option, designed for advanced users.

All three plans are available for 1 month, 1 year, and 2 years. The Basic plan is sufficient for beginners. For maximum savings, I recommend the 2-year subscription, which costs around $78.18. This reduces the monthly cost from $12.99 to $2.79, saving you up to 78%.

Money-Back Guarantee

ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with their speed, security, or ease of use, you can receive a full refund. Furthermore, they provide a 7-day free trial with all plans. The trial period allows you to experience the full range of ExpressVPN services for a week.

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 PayPal.

Competitor Pricing

ExpressVPN is not the most budget-friendly choice, but the provider has made its price competitive with NordVPN. They have reduced the Basic plan price from $3.49/month to $2.79/month. Whereas NordVPN’s Basic plan with similar features starts at $2.82/month. But Surfshark remains the most affordable VPN with a similar plan starting at $1.68/month for 2 years with 4 months extra access. 

Coupon Code

ExpressVPN is currently offering an unbeatable deal. By purchasing through my link, you’ll receive four additional months of free access with a two-year plan. This provides you with a total of 28 months of ExpressVPN Basic subscription for $78.18. The coupon code is auto-applied at checkout.

If a two-year plan seems too long, even their annual Basic plan includes three months of free access. You’ll pay $74.85 for 15 months of service. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN Customer Support

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.

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.

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.

But there are a few areas for improvement. Response times for complex queries 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 that might be confusing sometimes. 

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

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.

Overall, the torrenting performance is quite impressive, but no port forwarding is allowed. 

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!

1) Ad Blocker

Do ads annoy you while browsing? Then, turn on ExpressVPN’s built-in ad blocker for a better user experience. It blocks most display ads and other threats like trackers and malicious domains. The ad blocker relies on a predefined block list (weekly updated). 

Also, to enable ad blockers, you have to toggle on separate buttons for trackers and ads under the “Add-ons tab.” The settings are available for all devices. Both threat manager and ad blockers come as an Advanced protection suite without any extra cost. 

2) Split Tunneling

ExpressVPN offers split tunneling on most platforms. We can choose apps or IP addresses to use the encrypted VPN connection or bypass the VPN. It’s very easy to enable from the “Profile” section of the ExpressVPN app.  

Standard split tunnel is available for Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and Aircover routers. But iOS users can only choose IP addresses, not apps. 

3) Keys Password Manager

A password manager allows you to store all your passwords and sensitive information in an encrypted digital vault. ExpressVPN offers a similar password manager called ExpressKeys. Its features include:

• Generating alphanumeric passwords
• Storing strong passwords for all your online accounts
• Autofilling passwords on websites and apps
• Securely storing notes and credit card details
• Generating two-factor authentication or 2FA codes

While ExpressVPN Keys uses zero-knowledge encryption to protect your privacy, it is not as advanced as 1Password.

4) Parental Controls

Want to protect your child from age-inappropriate content? ExpressVPN offers Parental Control. This feature blocks adult sites and other offensive content using publicly available and open-source lists.

To enable it, go to “Add-ons” from the left menu bar and check the box for “Block adult sites”. For other devices, follow the parental control page. 

5) ID Alerts

ExpressVPN has launched ID Alerts to protect users from data theft. This feature includes dark web monitoring, address change monitoring, and social security number monitoring. All users who sign up for ExpressVPN after October 28, 2024, can access ID Alerts for free.

This feature is currently available to US users.  ID Alerts can be enabled by navigating to Upgrades > ID Alerts and entering your personal information for ExpressVPN to scan for identity theft.

User Interface

ExpressVPN recently upgraded its desktop and Android apps. I tested it on my MacBook, and the app now features a cleaner, Qt-based design with both compact and extended views.

It also includes features like Smart Location, a server map, and window resizing. The interface feels more polished compared to the earlier version.

On Android, ExpressVPN now features a large connect/disconnect button with connection stats and a server map. The settings tab is well-organized and easy for beginners to use. Both the desktop and mobile apps also include a built-in speed test feature.

Similar to NordVPN and Surfshark, Linux users can now use a full graphical user interface with smooth controls. Overall, the ExpressVPN app is beginner-friendly yet modern.

Performance & Reliability

After testing various aspects of ExpressVPN, I can confidently say it ranks among the top VPNs of 2026. The user-friendly applications offer a one-tap connection in just seconds. One noteworthy feature is the inclusion of 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. 

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.

1) ExpressVPN vs NordVPN

NordVPN, launched in 2012, has earned a reputation for its ultra-fast speeds and robust security. It’s headquartered in Panama and offers some unique features: Meshnet, advanced threat protection, dark web monitor, etc. 

It offers a higher server coverage (9000+ servers across 188 nations) than ExpressVPN. The VPN includes specialty servers like Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and Obfuscation. And streaming performance is far better than ExpressVPN.

Its 2-year plan comes at $2.82 per month. You can purchase through my link to avail 4 months of extra access. 

2) ExpressVPN vs Surfshark

Surfshark was launched in 2018. It moved its headquarters from the British Virgin Islands to the Netherlands, a privacy-friendly country. Unlike ExpressVPN, Surfshark provides additional features like CleanWeb, Camouflage mode, NoBorders mode, Double VPN, etc. 

You can access unlimited devices with Surfshark. The VPN also has expanded servers over 4500 in 100 nations. Lastly, it’s the best budget alternative to ExpressVPN.

For example, Surfshark One includes VPN, antivirus software, a secure search engine, and an identity monitoring service. And it’ll cost $1.98/month for 28 months after purchasing through our link.

3) ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN

Proton AG, known for ProtonMail, launched its VPN in 2017. The VPN benefits from Switzerland’s jurisdiction. ProtonVPN stands out mainly for open-source apps, free VPN, a kill switch to prevent accidental leaks, and an audited no-logs policy. 

Compared to ExpressVPN, it has an expanded server limit (18000+ servers). Plus, all of its servers are Secure Core for double-hop protection. Here, the user can also share P2P files with a port forwarding facility. 

Proton VPN 2-year paid plan starts at $2.99 /month through my links. 

ExpressVPN Pros

In my opinion, ExpressVPN excels in several key areas:

1) Superior Speed

I experienced download speeds of 189Mbps and upload speeds of 111Mbps on the Indian server, with a ping of 114ms. ExpressVPN consistently delivers fast connections with minimal downtime. In fact, the upload speed is better than NordVPN and Surfshark. 

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.

6) Support Multiple Devices

ExpressVPN has increased its device connection limit. Users can now connect up to 8 devices simultaneously, an improvement from the previous limit of 5 devices.

ExpressVPN Cons

1) Acquisition by Kape Technologies

In 2021, Kape Technologies (formerly known as Crossrider) acquired ExpressVPN in a $936 million deal. This raised concerns among privacy-focused users, as Crossrider had been associated with developing adware and malware.

2) No Split Tunneling 

ExpressVPN does not offer split tunneling on its iOS app. This means iPhone and iPad users cannot choose which apps use the VPN or bypass it for better speed and performance.

3) Poor Streaming Performance

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-world 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, the best gaming VPNs, free VPNs in India, ways to reduce VPN latency, etc. 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 reliable VPN for travelers and privacy-focused users. While some people had concerns after its acquisition by Kape Technologies, there haven’t been any major negative changes in the service over the years.

The VPN service continues to offer strong privacy with regular audits. It also has a wide server network across 105+ countries. Features like a kill switch, RAM-based servers, split tunneling, and AES-256 encryption make it a solid choice. The upgraded Lightway protocol and added post-quantum protection also help future-proof the service.

The ExpressVPN Android and desktop app upgraded this year. However, it still lacks multi-hop connections, built-in antivirus, and split tunneling on all platforms. On the plus side, its pricing is now more competitive due to its 2-year plan. 

Overall, ExpressVPN is a strong premium VPN that is simple to use and runs smoothly in the background.

FAQs