Last Updated on 2025年11月19日 by wallzhihu
In today’s increasingly restricted and complex online environment, having a reliable and secure VPN is no longer a luxury—it’s essential. Among all VPN providers, ExpressVPN stands out as one of the most trusted and best-performing options globally. Whether you need a VPN for streaming, privacy protection, secure browsing, or bypassing regional restrictions, ExpressVPN consistently proves itself with fast speeds, strong encryption, and user-friendly apps across all major devices.
This guide serves as your complete walkthrough for downloading, installing, and setting up ExpressVPN on every platform, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and browser extensions. You will also find a comparison with other VPNs, real performance insights, and practical troubleshooting tips to help you get the most out of ExpressVPN in 2025.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be fully equipped to:
- Install ExpressVPN on any device
- Configure browser extensions
- Optimize server selection for speed and performance
- Decide between ExpressVPN and other competitors
- Understand ExpressVPN’s key features and real-world results
Let’s dive in and get ExpressVPN fully set up on your devices—quickly, safely, and efficiently.
WallZhihu Statement – Our Commitment to Honest, Ad-Free VPN Reviews
Unlike many other VPN review websites, WallZhihu does not run pop-up ads, sponsored banners, or aggressive promotional traps.
We also never collect your email address or any personal information.
I do not work for any VPN company, I do not receive payments to write “good reviews,” and I do not publish articles based on sponsorship deals.
Over the years, I have personally tested more than 100 VPN services, conducting speed tests, stability checks, and long-term performance evaluations.
Based on my own experience working internationally and relying on VPNs daily, I only recommend services that prove themselves through real data—and I clearly mark those that do not work.
My goal is simple:
👉 Provide honest, transparent VPN testing results
👉 Help users browse the internet freely and safely
👉 Create a clean, ad-free space where people can trust the information
I hope this website helps you enjoy a clearer, freer digital sky—wherever you are.
EHow Good Is ExpressVPN? (A Long-Standing Favorite in the VPN World)
ExpressVPN is one of the most established names in the VPN industry. It has been around for many years, serving millions of users worldwide with fast speeds, excellent reliability, and support for virtually every device. While every big VPN brand highlights similar features—speed, privacy, unlimited bandwidth—ExpressVPN separates itself through consistency, infrastructure quality, and its unmatched reliability over time.
I have personally used ExpressVPN for several years across laptops, phones, and tablets. While no VPN on earth can guarantee 100% uptime, ExpressVPN stands out because whenever a connection issue occurs, its nodes and routing paths get fixed extremely quickly. Combined with the fact that it is a reputable Western-based company with one of the largest global server networks, ExpressVPN has earned its place as a true “evergreen” VPN service.
Below are the major advantages that make ExpressVPN a top-tier VPN option for US and international users:
🌎 Massive Global Coverage
ExpressVPN runs a premium worldwide network of 3,000+ servers across 94 countries and 160+ locations.
This makes it extremely easy for users to access high-speed servers near their region or unlock content worldwide.
Commonly used server regions include:
- United States (multiple locations)
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Japan
- Australia
- Germany
- Singapore
- Netherlands
… and many more.
💳 Multiple Payment Options + 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
ExpressVPN supports:
- Credit cards
- PayPal
- Google Pay / Apple Pay
- Bitcoin
- Many regional payment methods
The 30-day money-back guarantee acts as a risk-free trial—if it doesn’t meet your expectations, you can easily request a refund.
🔐 Industry-Leading Security
ExpressVPN offers enterprise-grade encryption and next-generation privacy technology:
- AES-256 encryption
- Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols
- Perfect Forward Secrecy
- Private DNS on every server
- TrustedServer technology (RAM-only servers)
Notably, ExpressVPN’s servers run entirely on RAM, meaning no data is ever written to a physical hard drive. When servers reboot, all data disappears—providing an extra layer of security that many VPNs still lack.
📝 Strict No-Logs Policy (Independently Audited)
ExpressVPN never stores:
- Browsing history
- DNS queries
- IP addresses
- Traffic logs
Its privacy policy has been independently audited several times by reputable firms such as PwC and Cure53, adding further credibility.
📱 Works on All Major Platforms
ExpressVPN supports nearly every mainstream device:
- Windows / macOS / Linux
- iOS / Android
- Smart TV apps
- Apple TV, Fire TV, PS5, Xbox
- Chrome, Firefox, and Edge extension
- Router support
You can connect up to five devices simultaneously on a single subscription.
⚡ Fast & Reliable Performance
ExpressVPN consistently ranks at the top in independent speed tests.
Its proprietary Lightway protocol provides:
- Faster connection times
- Stable long-distance performance
- Excellent streaming speeds
- Low latency for gaming
Few VPN providers match ExpressVPN’s speed consistency across different continents.
🟢 Why It’s Considered a Long-Term, Stable Choice
- ExpressVPN wins in areas many cheaper VPNs struggle with:
- Reliability
- Long-term server maintenance
- Consistent speeds across regions
- Fast response to server outages
- Industry reputation
- Strong infrastructure investment
- It’s a premium-priced VPN, but the performance justifies the cost—especially for users who prioritize privacy, stability, and ease of use.
ExpressVPN Summary
ExpressVPN remains one of the most dependable VPNs available today thanks to:
- Exceptional speed
- Global coverage
- Highly stable connections
- Best-in-class security
- Broad device support
- Responsive 24/7 customer service
- 30-day money-back guarantee
If you need a high-quality, no-nonsense VPN that “just works,” ExpressVPN is one of the safest choices in the market.
How to Purchase, Download, and Install ExpressVPN (Windows Setup Guide)
This section will walk you through the entire ExpressVPN purchase and installation process on Windows. The payment steps are the same across all platforms, and after purchasing, you can continue with the installation guides for macOS, iOS, Android, or Linux provided later in this article.
Step 1: Visit the Official ExpressVPN Website
Go to the official ExpressVPN homepage and click “Get ExpressVPN.”
The website is available in English only.
Tip: Always download ExpressVPN directly from the official website to ensure authenticity and security.
Step 2: Choose Your Subscription Plan
ExpressVPN offers three subscription options:
- 1-month plan
- 6-month plan
- 12-month plan
For the best value, the annual plan usually includes an additional 3 months free when purchased through the official discount link.
Choose the plan that fits your needs and click Continue.
Step 3: Enter Your Email and Complete Payment
Next, enter your email address, which will receive:
✔ Your ExpressVPN activation code
✔ Your purchase receipt
✔ Installation instructions
ExpressVPN supports the following payment methods:
- Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
- PayPal
- Google Pay
- Bitcoin (in select regions)
After payment is completed, your account will instantly activate.
Step 4: Download ExpressVPN
Navigate to the Products page and choose your operating system.
For Windows, click Download for Windows, and the installer (.exe) will begin downloading.
Step 5: Install ExpressVPN (Windows)
- Open the downloaded file.
- Click Install.
- Wait roughly 20–30 seconds for the setup to complete.
- The ExpressVPN app will launch automatically once installation is finished.
How to Use ExpressVPN on Windows
- Open the ExpressVPN app.
- Enter your email and activation code.
- Click Sign In.
- After logging in, click the big power button in the center to connect.
Connection Status:
- Green “Connected” → Your VPN is active and protecting your online privacy.
- Red / Gray “Not Connected” → VPN is off.
ExpressVPN Browser Extension Download Guide
Compared to many traditional VPN services, ExpressVPN offers an additional advantage — a dedicated browser extension. This top-tier VPN browser add-on allows you to secure your online activities effortlessly without installing a full desktop application. The extension is fully compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it extremely convenient for users who prefer lightweight protection directly inside their browser.
Once you complete your ExpressVPN subscription, you can download the extension from the ExpressVPN Chrome Web Store page. Below, we explain the benefits of using the Chrome extension and provide a quick setup guide. (ExpressVPN also offers extensions for Firefox and Microsoft Edge.)
Benefits of Using the ExpressVPN Chrome Extension
- Easy to Use :The ExpressVPN browser extension allows you to instantly activate VPN protection directly from your Google Chrome, Brave, or Vivaldi browser window. No need to open the desktop app—just click the extension icon and connect.
- Multi-Language Interface: Not a native English speaker? The ExpressVPN Chrome extension supports 16+ languages, making it accessible for global users.
- Automatic HTTPS Upgrade: The extension automatically redirects you to the HTTPS version of websites, even when ExpressVPN is not connected. This provides an extra layer of security during your everyday browsing.
ExpressVPN Mac Setup Guide (Updated for 2025)
Installing ExpressVPN on macOS is straightforward and works across a wide range of macOS versions, including OS X 10.11 (El Capitan), macOS 10.12–10.15 (Sierra → Catalina), macOS 11 (Big Sur), macOS 12 (Monterey), and newer versions.
If you’re unsure which macOS version you're running, you can check it under Apple Menu → About This Mac.
Below is a step-by-step guide to installing and activating ExpressVPN on your Mac.
Step 1: Download ExpressVPN for macOS
Visit the official ExpressVPN website, log in to your dashboard, and select the macOS version under the “Products” section.
Click Download to get the installer (.dmg file).
✔ Works on Intel and Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3)
✔ No technical skills needed
Step 2: Locate Your Activation Code
Unlike some VPN apps, ExpressVPN requires an activation code the first time you sign in on macOS.
You can find it in your ExpressVPN dashboard under “Set Up Your Devices”.
It will look like a long combination of letters and numbers (e.g., XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX).
👉 Keep it ready — you’ll need it right after installation.
ExpressVPN Android Installation Guide (2025 Updated)
Installing ExpressVPN on an Android device is quick and straightforward. Below are two recommended methods depending on how you prefer to download apps on your device. Method 1: Download ExpressVPN Directly from the Official Website
If you prefer downloading the app directly from the source, you can install ExpressVPN from the official website.
Step 1 — Visit the ExpressVPN Website
Open your mobile browser (such as Chrome) and go to the official ExpressVPN website.
Tap “Download for Android” to get the APK installation file.
Step 2 — Install the App
After the file is downloaded, open it and proceed with the installation.
(You may need to allow installation from “Unknown Sources” depending on your device settings.)
Step 3 — Sign In and Activate
Launch the app and sign in using your email and password.
Enter your activation code if prompted. You can find this code in your ExpressVPN account dashboard.
Method 2: Install ExpressVPN from Google Play Store
This is the simplest option for most Android users.
Step 1 — Open Google Play Store
Search for “ExpressVPN” in the Play Store.
Step 2 — Download and Install
Tap Install, and the app will appear on your home screen once ready.
Step 3 — Log In and Connect
Open the app, enter your account credentials, and activate your subscription.
Tap the central Connect button to secure your connection instantly.
Using ExpressVPN on Android
Once installed:
- When the button turns green, your VPN is active.
- When it shows Not Connected, the VPN is off.
- You may switch between server locations anytime — simply choose your preferred region from the location list.
ExpressVPN also supports:
- Smart server recommendations
- One-tap connection
- Automatic best-server selection
- Up to five simultaneous device connections
ExpressVPN Linux Installation Guide (Beginner-Friendly, Tested on Ubuntu)
ExpressVPN offers full compatibility with major Linux distributions, including all Ubuntu LTS and interim releases. Below is a simplified, beginner-friendly guide to installing and using ExpressVPN on Linux. Although Linux environments vary widely—GNOME, KDE, Xfce, Mint, Pop!_OS, Debian-based distros, and more—the steps below focus on Ubuntu as a clear example. If you prefer, ExpressVPN also provides an official step-by-step installation video tutorial.
1. Download and Install ExpressVPN for Linux
After purchasing your subscription, log in to your ExpressVPN account dashboard.
Navigate to the download section and choose the Linux version that matches your distribution.
You can install ExpressVPN either via a graphical installer or through the terminal.
If your system does not support GUI installation, follow the terminal-based installation method shown in the official tutorial.
2 How to Activate and Control ExpressVPN via Terminal
Once ExpressVPN is installed, you can use it exactly as you would on Windows or macOS—either through the GUI (if your Linux environment supports it) or entirely through terminal commands.
Below are the most common terminal commands you will use:
- Activate ExpressVPN: expressvpn activate
- Connect to the default recommended server: expressvpn connect
- Disconnect: expressvpn disconnect
- View the full list of server locations: expressvpn list
- Connect to a specific server location: expressvpn connect “USA – New York”
- Connect using Smart Location: expressvpn connect smart
Smart Location automatically selects the best server based on latency, speed, and distance.
If you’ve connected before, ExpressVPN will automatically reconnect to your most recent server.
Successful Connection Indicator
Once the terminal displays a green “Connected to” message, your VPN is active.
At this point, all your network traffic routes securely through ExpressVPN’s encrypted tunnel.
ExpressVPN FAQ – Common Issues & Troubleshooting Guide (2025 Updated)
Below are the most frequently asked questions when using ExpressVPN on desktop and mobile devices. These tips are based on real-world testing, customer support feedback, and common VPN behavior across different network environments.
1 Why do most VPNs fail to work properly?
Many VPN services stop working reliably over time due to constant network environment updates, server blocks, outdated protocols, or insufficient infrastructure.
To help you avoid unreliable services, I maintain a list of VPNs that consistently underperform and should be avoided, based on repeated speed tests and connectivity checks.
2 ExpressVPN is on, but I still can’t access international websites. What should I do?
There are several troubleshooting steps you can try:
✅ a. Contact ExpressVPN Support
ExpressVPN has 24/7 live chat support and can quickly diagnose whether a server or protocol is experiencing issues.
✅ b. Check your device’s firewall settings
Local firewalls can block VPN tunnels.
You may temporarily disable the firewall (such as Microsoft Defender Firewall) to test whether it’s restricting VPN traffic.
✅ c. Make sure you are not running multiple VPNs simultaneously
Running two or more VPN apps can cause encryption conflicts.
Close all VPN apps, restart your device, then reconnect ExpressVPN.
✅ d. Switch to a different location
If one location isn’t working, change to another nearby region.
For example:
- If you originally connected to Singapore, try:
- Japan
- South Korea
- USA
- UK
If multiple locations fail, contact ExpressVPN support—they can provide updated recommended servers.
3 Which ExpressVPN locations offer the fastest speeds?
Based on intensive speed tests, the rule is simple:
The closer the server, the faster the connection.
Your optimal server will depend on your physical location, but regions with consistently good performance include:
- Japan
- South Korea
- Singapore
- United States (West Coast)
Shorter distance = lower latency = faster speeds.
4 Can I use ExpressVPN on other devices like smartphones and tablets?
Absolutely.
ExpressVPN supports all major platforms:
- Windows
- macOS
- iOS
- Android
- Linux
- Router setups
- Browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
One subscription lets you protect multiple devices.
5 Can I use ExpressVPN on my PC and phone at the same time?
Yes.
ExpressVPN allows five simultaneous connections under one account.
You can use it on:
- iPad
- PC
- Mac
- iPhone
- Android
6 Why is my Wi-Fi slower after turning on ExpressVPN?
This is normal. A VPN encrypts your data and routes it through an additional server, which introduces:
- Encryption overhead
- Additional routing distance
- Possible server congestion
This can reduce your speed by 20–40% on average, depending on your chosen VPN location.
If you don’t need to access region-restricted websites, you can disable the VPN to restore full local speed.
VPN Value-for-Money Comparison – November 2025 (Updated)
When choosing a VPN, most users care about four things: security, connection stability, speed, and overall value for money.
There are many exaggerated claims online, but the recommendations here are based on real-world tests that I personally performed. My goal is to give you clear, practical information without unnecessary filler.
Why You Can Trust My Testing
- I evaluate every VPN using an objective and unbiased criteria.
- All tests are performed under real everyday usage, not theoretical lab conditions.
- Even though my home connection has limits, I ensure every VPN tested can handle
HD streaming, video calls, online gaming, and secure downloads without issues.
Value-for-Money Analysis
To make comparison easier, I prepared a chart where:
- The horizontal axis represents the plan duration.
- The vertical axis represents the monthly price (in USD).
Based on these metrics:
🔹 Annual Plan → StrongVPN is the most affordable
StrongVPN costs around $3 per month on its yearly plan, making it the best one-year value.
🔹 Two-Year Plan or Longer → Surfshark offers the best deal
Surfshark’s 24-month plan comes out to about $2 per month, giving it the best long-term value.
🔹 Monthly Plan → FlowVPN is the cheapest
FlowVPN offers the lowest monthly price at around $6 per month, ideal for casual or short-term use.
⭐ Personal Recommendation
- If you’re planning to subscribe for one year, StrongVPN offers the best balance of price, performance, and features.
- If you intend to subscribe for two years or more, Surfshark provides the strongest long-term value.
Over the long run, these two services deliver the best combination of affordability and reliable performance.
VPN Pricing Comparison – November 2025
VPN Speed Comparison by Country – Updated November 2025
This year, we performed extensive speed tests using StrongVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, FlowVPN, and other leading providers.
Tests were conducted from multiple regions and across different international servers to provide real-world, data-driven results.
Our goal: help you choose the VPN that offers the best speed for your location and usage needs.
United States Server Tests (West Coast, California)
When connecting to U.S. West Coast servers, ExpressVPN delivered slightly faster speeds than StrongVPN.
This makes ExpressVPN a strong choice for:
- Streaming Netflix U.S.
- Gaming on American servers
- Low-latency, high-bandwidth activities
ExpressVPN’s broad U.S. infrastructure gives it a measurable edge in this region.
Europe Server Tests
Both StrongVPN and ExpressVPN performed well throughout Europe, but:
- ExpressVPN has more server locations across European countries
- This results in better stability, more routing options, and more consistent performance across peak hours
For users who travel frequently or access European content regularly, ExpressVPN has the advantage.
Asia & Latin America Server Tests
Asia (Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore)
StrongVPN performed exceptionally well on long-distance routes to Asia.
It delivered:
- Lower ping
- Faster download speeds
- More stable connections to Japan and Hong Kong
This makes StrongVPN ideal for gamers or users accessing Asian streaming libraries.
Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Argentina)
Speed differences between the two weren’t as large.
However:
- ExpressVPN offers more server locations in the region
- This can lead to better stability depending on routing
Overall performance here is mixed but competitive.
⭐ Overall Conclusions
ExpressVPN
Best for:
- Fastest speeds to the United States
- More server options and stability in Europe
- Consistent global streaming performance
StrongVPN
Best for:
- Superior speeds to Asia (Japan, Hong Kong)
- Best price-to-performance ratio on annual plans
- Lower latency on long-distance connections
Regional Performance Summary
Additional Comparison Reports (Available Sections)
| Region | Winner |
|---|---|
| North America | ExpressVPN |
| Europe | ExpressVPN |
| Asia | StrongVPN |
| Latin America | Tie (ExpressVPN offers more locations) |
1 Global Speed Comparison – October 2025: Includes results for North America, Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, Oceania, and Canada.
2 2. European & Latin American Speed Tests – October 2025 Includes Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Mexico, and Chile.
3 VPN Successful Connection Rates by Continent – October 2025。Each VPN tested 1,000 times with random nodes using a 95% confidence interval.
4 Netflix Connection Success Rate
A detailed comparison of how well ExpressVPN, FlowVPN, Surfshark, and StrongVPN unblock Netflix across different continents.
This chart shows:
- Horizontal axis: Continents (Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Oceania, Africa)
- Vertical axis: % Netflix connection success
- All four VPNs perform best in Europe, North America, and Oceania
- Lower success rates appear in some South American and African regions
These differences are influenced by:
- Regional network infrastructure
- Number of available VPN servers
- Specific local restrictions and censorship policies
Overall, this visual breakdown helps users choose the VPN that performs best in the region they care about most.
Facts About ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands and was launched in 2009. It supports desktop operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as mobile operating systems such as Android and iOS. It can also be used on routers through firmware or manual VPN configuration, allowing users to encrypt network traffic on devices that do not natively support VPN apps (such as PlayStation).
As of October 2020, ExpressVPN operates more than 3,000 servers across 160 locations in 94 countries. The largest server clusters are located in Brazil, Canada, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan.
In April 2019, ExpressVPN announced that all of its VPN servers run entirely on RAM-only (volatile) memory rather than hard drives. This ensures that no data remains when a server is powered off. In Western markets, ExpressVPN is regarded as one of the top VPNs in terms of market share and security.
ExpressVPN Conclusion
In my opinion, ExpressVPN remains one of the most reliable VPN choices available today. It delivers fast speeds, strong stability, high-level security, and a 30-day refund guarantee. This article explains in detail how to download, install, and use ExpressVPN, along with answers to common questions.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out — I’ll do my best to help.