11:56 AM
samsungapps
The VPN provider based in the British Virgin Islands doesn’t really need a detailed introduction. Together with NordVPN, for example, it is one of the best-known and most popular service providers.
All the more, the question arises: have you earned the popularity, are you deserving to be at the top, or are you once again benefiting from clever marketing? This ExpressVPN test explains how the red lightning strikes in everyday practice.
ExpressVPN is often found on the best VPN lists worldwide. Thanks to a clever combination of sophisticated marketing techniques and inspiring reviews that can be read online, ExpressVPN seems to be the best VPN to get in 2019.
However, I wanted to test this VPN provider and check all the advance laurels myself. Whether ExpressVPN can really unlock websites, stream Netflix US and whether it really offers such amazing speeds and security-related functions?
ExpressVPN started operating in 2009, exactly 10 years ago. This makes you one of the cornerstones of the scene. The company is located outside the EU jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. Activity and connection logs are not saved, according to ExpressVPN.
Although the islands are part of the United Kingdom, they have their own legislation and jurisdiction. The so-called “14-Eyes” agreement is therefore not applicable. You can find more information about the agreement here:
The more than 3000 servers can currently be accessed simultaneously with a maximum of three devices. These are spread across 94 countries and 160 cities worldwide. Compared to other providers, the selection is gigantic, but fewer devices can be used at the same time. So if you want to use it with several smartphones, laptops or a SmartTV ExpressVPN, it could quickly become scarce.
Especially with a very limited number of maximum usable connections, it makes sense to think about using a global solution for all internet-enabled home devices. I always like to use the Asus AC-86 U WLAN router and let the VPN service run directly in the router. This automatically takes care of establishing a VPN connection, kill switch etc. in the background.
Security, encryption, apps
All common protocols are supported, encrypted in AES 256-bit. So far there is nothing to complain about in this regard. There are also apps for Windows and macOS as well as iOS and Android. You will also find tutorials on setting up compatible routers - standard now.
Encryption OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, SSTP, PPTP
Systems Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, browser, router.
ExpressVPN setup and operation
What I particularly like here is the quick and easy setup and operation. The app for macOS was not localized, but you shouldn't encounter any problems.
The app starts quickly and connects automatically to the last server used when it starts. Otherwise you can select a different server at the push of a button. This opens a tab that is divided into three sections for recommended, favorite and recently used servers. A search bar is installed above the tab, which you can use to search for a specific city or country. You probably won't have to do more in everyday life.
But there is still a settings menu with more options. Here you can do some fine tuning. The function called "Kill Switch" by other providers here is called "Network Lock" - you should definitely switch it on. This will stop all Internet traffic if you change servers or if the connection drops unexpectedly. Works absolutely reliably.
The apps for iOS and Android basically work in the same way as the operation of the desktop versions.
You can also do without an app entirely and instead use the browser extensions for Firefox and Chrome. This degrades encryption via VPN to a mere push of a button - there are worse things!
