ExpressVPN Deal: Get 12 Months + 3 Months Free (Updated May 2026 + Speed Test)

Last Updated on 2026年5月19日 by wallzhihu

ExpressVPN Deal: Get 12 Months + 3 Months Free (Updated 2026 + Speed Test)

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 this year

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I do not work for any VPN company, I do not receive payments to write “good reviews,” and I do not publish articles based on sponsorship deals.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 this year)

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 (this year 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 (this year 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 – 5 2026 (Updated)

When choosing a VPN, most users care about four key factors: security, connection stability, speed, and overall value for money.

There are many exaggerated claims online, but the recommendations here are based on real-world testing that I personally conducted. My goal is to provide clear, practical insights without unnecessary filler.

Why You Can Trust My Testing

I evaluate every VPN using objective and unbiased criteria
All tests are conducted under real everyday usage, not lab conditions
Each VPN is tested to ensure it supports HD streaming, video calls, gaming, and secure downloads

Value-for-Money Analysis

To simplify comparison, I prepared a chart where:

Horizontal axis: Subscription duration
Vertical axis: Monthly price (USD)

Key Findings

🔹 Annual Plan → StrongVPN is the most affordable
Around $3/month, offering the best one-year value
🔹 Two-Year Plan or Longer → Surfshark offers the best deal
Around $2/month, making it the best long-term option
🔹 Monthly Plan → FlowVPN is the cheapest
Around $6/month, ideal for short-term usage

⭐ Personal Recommendation

If you plan to subscribe for one year, StrongVPN offers the best balance between price and performance.

If you plan to subscribe for two years or more, Surfshark provides the strongest long-term value.

Overall, these two services deliver the best combination of affordability and reliability.

VPN Pricing Comparison – 5 2026

VPN Speed Comparison by Country – 5 2026 Real-World Test

We conducted extensive real-world testing across multiple regions using StrongVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and FlowVPN. All results reflect actual usage conditions including streaming, gaming, and international browsing.

Below you’ll find a complete breakdown of speed, stability, and streaming performance — so you can quickly choose the best VPN for your needs.

🌍 Global Speed Comparison

From a global perspective, ExpressVPN leads in North America and Europe, while StrongVPN performs better across Asia.

—

🌏 Asia Speed Test Breakdown

For users connecting to Asia, StrongVPN offers lower latency and more stable performance, making it ideal for gaming and regional content access.

—

🔒 Connection Stability (Success Rate %)

All providers maintain high reliability, but ExpressVPN and StrongVPN deliver the most consistent global connections.

—

🎬 Netflix Unblocking Performance

For streaming, Surfshark shows slightly higher success rates, while ExpressVPN remains the most consistent across regions.

—

⭐ Final Recommendation

If you want the best overall performance across regions, choose ExpressVPN.

If your focus is Asia and better pricing, StrongVPN offers the strongest value.

Bottom line: ExpressVPN for global performance — StrongVPN for Asia-focused users and value seekers.

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.