The VPN that just works

Go further with the #1 trusted leader in VPN

30-day money-back guarantee

  • What is a VPN?
  • Why ExpressVPN?
  • Ultra-fast servers around the globe
  • What people are saying about ExpressVPN
  • Benefits and advantages of VPN
  • When should I use a VPN?
  • How does a VPN work?
  • Types of VPN
  • FAQ
  • What is a VPN?
  • Why ExpressVPN?
  • Ultra-fast servers around the globe
  • What people are saying about ExpressVPN
  • Benefits and advantages of VPN
  • When should I use a VPN?
  • How does a VPN work?
  • Types of VPN
  • FAQ

The ExpressVPN Guarantee

Try ExpressVPN with no commitment! If you’re not satisfied in the first 30 days, let us know, and you’ll get your money back.

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. VPNs protect you from snooping, interference, and censorship.

As you connect to a secure VPN server, your internet traffic goes through an encrypted tunnel that nobody can see into—including hackers, governments, and your internet service provider.

Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free

Why ExpressVPN?

  • Servers in 105 countries

    Appear to be anywhere in the world with our global fleet of VPN servers.

  • Best-in-class encryption

    Your data is protected by AES-256, the standard trusted by security experts.

  • 24-hour live chat support

    Real humans are available 24/7 to help you with setup and troubleshooting.

  • TrustedServer technology

    With our innovative server technology, no data is ever written to a hard drive.

  • Lightning-fast speeds

    Enjoy superior speeds anywhere. Find out why we’re named ExpressVPN.

  • Works on every platform

    ExpressVPN has apps for iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, routers, and more.

  • Use on up to 8 devices

    Install ExpressVPN on all your devices, and connect up to eight at once.

  • No activity logs

    ExpressVPN never keeps data that could tie you to any online activity.

  • World’s #1 premium VPN

    We’re crowned the Best VPN by CNET, PCWorld, The Verge, and more.

What people are saying about ExpressVPN

As seen on

Benefits and advantages of VPN

Laptop screens demonstrating the before and after process of changing a user's IP address.

Change your location

Using a VPN changes your IP address, the unique number that identifies you and where you are in the world. A new IP address makes it harder to determine your identity and real location. With ExpressVPN, you can appear to be in the UK, U.S., Canada, Australia, or any of 105 countries.

Download VPN provided the best-in-class 256-bit encryption.

Protect your privacy

Changing your IP address with a VPN helps shield your identity from websites, apps, and services that want to track you. Good VPNs also prevent your internet provider, mobile carrier, and anyone else who may be listening from seeing your activity, thanks to a layer of strong encryption.

Router VPN that covers all devices.

Increase your security

Using a VPN protects you from security breaches in many forms, including packet sniffing, rogue Wi-Fi networks, and man-in-the-middle attacks. Travelers, remote workers, and all kinds of on-the-go individuals use a VPN whenever they’re on an untrusted network like free public Wi-Fi.

When should I use a VPN?

If privacy is important to you, you should use a VPN every time you connect to the internet. A VPN app runs in the background of your device so it won’t get in the way while you use other apps and browse the internet. And you’ll have peace of mind knowing your privacy is always protected.

But here are some situations in which a VPN is especially useful:

  • Airplane flying over the world.
    While traveling

    Exploring the world doesn’t mean you have to change the way you use the internet. A VPN lets you use the internet as if you were still in your home country, no matter how far you travel.

  • Enjoy the content you want: streaming TV and music on a laptop.
    While having fun

    A VPN lets you enjoy the sites and services you like without ISP throttling that could detract from your experience or outright blocking by your ISP or local Wi-Fi network.

  • Stay safe on public Wi-Fi: using a laptop in a coffee shop.
    While on public Wi-Fi

    Connecting to public Wi-Fi hotspots like those in cafes, airports, and parks could leave your private information vulnerable. Using a VPN on your devices keeps you safe with strong encryption.

  • Devices for gaming.
    While gaming

    Using a VPN unlocks games, maps, skins, and other add-ons that might be restricted on your network. It also shields you from DDoS attacks and reduces ping and overall lag.

  • Download anonymously. Laptop with download icon.
    While file-sharing

    P2P file sharing usually means that strangers can see your IP address and possibly track your downloads. A VPN keeps your IP address private, letting you download with increased anonymity.

  • Shopping browser window.
    While shopping

    Some online stores show different prices to people in different countries. With a VPN, you can find the best deals in the world no matter where you’re shopping from.

How does a VPN work?

To understand how a VPN works, it helps to first understand how your internet connection works without one.

Without a VPN

When you access a website without a VPN, you are being connected to that site through your internet service provider, or ISP. The ISP assigns you a unique IP address that can be used to identify you to the website. Because your ISP is handling and directing all your traffic, it can see which websites you visit. And your activity can be linked to you by that unique IP address.

With a VPN

When you connect to the internet with a VPN, the VPN app on your device (also called a VPN client) establishes a secure connection with a VPN server. Your traffic still passes through your ISP, but your ISP can no longer read it or see its final destination. The websites you visit can no longer see your original IP address, only the IP address of the VPN server, which is shared by many other users and changes regularly.

  • Col left
  • Col right
Here are several key concepts related to VPN that will help you understand how a VPN works and the benefits it provides:

Proxying

The VPN server acts like a proxy, or stand-in, for your web activity: Instead of your real IP address and location, websites you visit will only see the IP address and location of the VPN server.

This makes you more anonymous on the internet.

Authentication

Establishing a secure connection is a tricky problem solved by clever mathematics in a process called authentication.

Once authenticated, the VPN client and VPN server can be sure they are talking to each other and no one else.

Tunneling

VPNs also protect the connection between client and server with tunneling and encryption.

Tunneling is a process by which each data packet is encapsulated inside another data packet. This makes it harder for third parties to read in transit.

Encryption

Data inside the tunnel is also encrypted in such a way that only the intended recipient can decrypt it. This keeps the contents of your internet traffic completely private. Even your internet service provider won’t see it.

Types of VPN

  • Laptop with a plant and drink.
    Commercial VPN

    A commercial VPN, also called a personal VPN or a consumer VPN, is a private service offered directly to individuals, usually for a fee.

    ExpressVPN is such a VPN service because it directly caters to the privacy needs of its customers.

  • Pie chart.
    Corporate VPN

    A corporate VPN, also called a business VPN, allows an organization’s remote employees to connect securely to the internet as if they were physically present in the office.

    Unlike commercial VPNs, however, corporate VPNs are meant to protect the privacy of the company and not necessarily the individual.

  • Spanner and wrench.
    Self-setup VPN

    Some tech experts and DIY hobbyists choose to set up their own VPN using their own equipment.

    Self-setup VPNs, however, do not provide the protection of shared IP addresses, server locations in multiple countries, or many other features enjoyed by commercial VPN users.

FAQ

Why is ExpressVPN one of the best VPN providers?

ExpressVPN is consistently rated as one of the best VPN providers for its commitment to privacy, speed, and reliability. With a no-logs policy audited by independent firms, your online activities remain private - even from us. Our network of servers in more than 100 countries delivers fast, secure connections, whether you're streaming, gaming, or browsing. Advanced TrustedServer technology ensures data is never written to hard drives, further enhancing security.

How to choose a VPN provider?

Choosing a VPN provider depends on your needs. Prioritize privacy features like a no-logs policy, encryption, and a kill switch. Look for fast servers and a large number of server locations to ensure smooth streaming, gaming, and bypassing geographic restrictions. For censorship resistance, choose a VPN with proven reliability in restricted regions. Finally, ensure the VPN supports your devices and offers 24/7 customer support.

What are the most important things when it comes to VPN?

Strong security, fast speeds, wide server locations, and reliable connections are among a VPN's most important features. Look for advanced encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch for privacy. Choose a VPN with high-speed servers and global coverage to ensure smooth browsing and streaming.

Are VPNs legal?

Yes, VPNs are legal in most countries and are commonly used by individuals and businesses to protect privacy and secure online activity. However, some countries with strict internet regulations may restrict or monitor VPN use. Always check local laws if you’re unsure. Keep in mind, using a VPN doesn’t make illegal activities legal.

Is ExpressVPN trustworthy?

Yes, ExpressVPN is highly trustworthy. Its strict no-logs policy, independently audited by third-party firms, ensures your online activity is never recorded. Advanced security features like AES-256 encryption and TrustedServer technology protect your data, while past legal cases have proven there’s no user data to share. These safeguards demonstrate ExpressVPN’s commitment to privacy and transparency.

Why choose ExpressVPN over a free VPN?

Free VPNs often come with risks like logging your data, injecting ads, or selling your browsing history. In contrast, ExpressVPN offers fast, reliable connections with no bandwidth caps, advanced encryption for privacy, global server coverage in 105 countries, and 24/7 customer support. For security and performance, a premium VPN is the safer choice.

Can VPN bypass censorship?

Yes, VPNs can bypass censorship by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through secure servers in other countries. This masks your real IP address, making it appear as though you’re browsing from a different location. Advanced VPNs also use obfuscation technology to bypass firewalls in heavily restricted regions, ensuring access to blocked websites and apps.

Which devices does ExpressVPN support?

ExpressVPN supports Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Apple TV, Android TV, Fire Stick TV, and more. You can also install it on compatible routers or use the Aircove router with built-in VPN functionality to protect all Wi-Fi devices, including game consoles, smart doorbells, and voice assistants.

Can I use ExpressVPN while traveling or on vacation?

Yes, ExpressVPN is ideal for traveling. It secures your internet connection on public Wi-Fi, protecting your data with advanced encryption. You can access online services from your home country, such as streaming platforms or banking apps, no matter where you are. Additionally, ExpressVPN helps you bypass regional restrictions, allowing you to unlock websites and apps that may be blocked in your location

  • 24-hour support speech bubbles.

    Live, 24-hour customer support

    Real support from real people. We’re available through instant live chat and email to help you set up and troubleshoot.

    Contact Support

  • 30 days money back guarantee.

    30-day money-back guarantee

    Our VPN is easy to use. So is our guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, just ask Support for a full refund. No hassle, no risk.

    Get ExpressVPN

Get Started