VPN review
ExpressVPN review
ExpressVPN Basic supports ten simultaneous devices and desktop/mobile apps, with Lightway, WireGuard and OpenVPN options and platform-dependent split tunneling.
By VPNTrends · Updated 2026-10-21
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Our assessment
Basic covers ten devices, with important platform distinctions
The Basic plan offers ten simultaneous connections and apps for the main desktop and mobile platforms. Protocol and split-tunneling support should be read by operating system rather than treated as identical across every app.
Key capabilities
ExpressVPN Basic supports ten simultaneous devices and desktop/mobile apps, with Lightway, WireGuard and OpenVPN options and platform-dependent split tunneling.
Limitations to check
The iOS split-tunneling documentation describes individual IPv4 website exclusions. It should not be interpreted as the same app-routing control available on other platforms.
See platform support ↓
ExpressVPN privacy and TrustedServer
TrustedServer is ExpressVPN’s RAM-based server design. Rather than relying on a server’s ordinary hard-drive installation for its running software, it loads a consistent software image at startup and clears volatile data when the server reboots. The design addresses persistence and configuration consistency; it should not be mistaken for a personal anonymity guarantee.
ExpressVPN has also undergone external assessments of its privacy controls, including KPMG’s assessment of the TrustedServer and privacy-policy claims as of February 2025. That describes privacy assurance at a particular scope and time. It does not provide a speed ranking, an independent result for every app version or a guarantee that every website accepts ExpressVPN addresses.
Basic, 10 devices and protocol choices
Basic’s allowance is 10 simultaneous connections. That makes a phone, laptop and tablet setup straightforward to count, but it remains a different offer from higher tiers. Compare the exact tier when looking at feature bundles or device allowances rather than treating all ExpressVPN subscriptions as interchangeable.
The apps cover Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. Lightway is a distinct protocol choice; the current feature comparison also records WireGuard and OpenVPN support with platform notes. A protocol being available in the product family does not mean that every manual setup or router supports the same choices.
Split tunneling and the iPhone distinction
ExpressVPN’s iOS split-tunneling implementation deserves particular attention. The reviewed capability concerns exclusions for individual IPv4 websites. It should not be described as a universal control for excluding any iPhone app, and it is not identical to all of the routing options on desktop systems.
This distinction matters if you need to keep a bank, work application or local device connection outside the tunnel. Write down whether the requirement is a website, an entire app or a whole device before comparing. Router deployment can move the VPN boundary to the network, but requires compatible hardware and cannot be assumed to reproduce every desktop-app setting.
Comparing ExpressVPN’s first term with renewal
The reviewed Basic offers include different initial service periods. Extra promotional months belong to the specific offer shown in the plan table. A longer first term should not be copied into the renewal period: the later charge and number of months are listed separately.
The monthly equivalent helps compare prepaid offers, while the first-payment amount tells you the immediate financial commitment. If you only need a VPN briefly, that distinction can matter more than the advertised discount percentage. Dedicated IP is a separate paid option, so include its charge only when a stable personal exit address is actually part of your requirement.
When ExpressVPN Basic makes sense
ExpressVPN is a useful comparison candidate for a mixed-platform household that fits within 10 simultaneous connections and values a clear distinction between VPN server design and app-level routing controls. It is particularly important to compare the precise iOS behaviour if you want selective routing on an iPhone.
Choose by the subscription term, the devices you will use and the controls available on those devices. If your main requirement is an unlimited device allowance or a particular app-exclusion feature, compare those directly with alternatives. This review does not award a streaming or speed advantage without measuring it on an actual connection.
Plans, first payment and renewal
Introductory offers and renewals are different billing periods. Compare the actual charge and included months, not only an advertised monthly equivalent.
| Plan | First payment | Monthly equivalent | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic — 2 years + 4 extra months | USD 83.72First 28 months | USD 2.99Introductory equivalent | USD 99.95Every 12 months |
| Basic — 1 year + 3 extra months | USD 74.85First 15 months | USD 4.99Introductory equivalent | USD 99.95Every 12 months |
Official indexed USD web offer; direct visits may show a different regional currency or promotion. Amounts are public observations, not a guaranteed checkout quote.
Features and platform support
Support can differ between apps and operating systems. Platform coverage and limitations are shown below.
- Windows
Native Windows application is listed on the official download page.
- macOS
Native macOS application is listed on the official download page.
- Linux
Native Linux application is listed on the official download page.
- iOS
Native iOS application is listed on the official download page.
- Android
Native Android application is listed on the official download page.
- WireGuard / WireGuard-based protocol
Current support page updated October 16, 2026 lists WireGuard; availability varies by app. Lightway is a distinct protocol. The dedicated protocol page explicitly names ExpressVPN iOS, Android, Windows, macOS and Linux apps, plus Apple TV. This is stronger evidence than generic troubleshooting or general WireGuard compatibility.
Verified platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.- OpenVPN
Official protocol troubleshooting lists OpenVPN TCP/UDP; available protocols vary by app. The dedicated ExpressVPN protocol page explicitly says OpenVPN can be manually selected on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS, and links each setup guide. Availability should still be checked against the specific app version.
Verified platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.- Kill switch
Internet Kill Switch supported. Windows/macOS/Linux default behaviour and mobile protection settings differ. Official FAQ explicitly names all five. Windows/macOS/Linux/Android are enabled by default; iOS is always on with Standard/Advanced settings and an Apple DNS exception noted in Advanced mode.
Verified platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.- Router support
VPN router configuration options are documented; hardware and firmware compatibility required.
- Split tunneling
Current page documents Windows/macOS/Linux/Android and iOS; iOS excludes websites using individual IPv4 addresses, not arbitrary apps. Official page has a section for each platform. Windows/macOS/Linux permit documented app/IP rules, Android per-app routing; iOS website bypass uses single IPv4 exclusions, not arbitrary app exclusions.
Verified platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.- Dedicated IP available
Paid add-on on Basic/Advanced; included with Pro. Requires Lightway according to support.
Paid add-on; excluded from VPN price
Questions about ExpressVPN
How many devices can connect simultaneously?
Basic permits 10 devices; Advanced 12 and Pro 14. Catalogue pricing here refers to Basic only.
Is the introductory monthly equivalent the renewal price?
No. It divides the exact first payment by its initial service period. Renewal is shown separately with its own charge and period; an unknown renewal is never inferred from the introductory offer.
Does a supported platform include every feature?
No. Protocols, split tunneling and kill switches can have different platform support. Use the feature descriptions above to check the app you intend to use.
Can ExpressVPN exclude any iPhone app from the VPN?
The iOS split-tunneling capability reviewed here concerns individual IPv4 website exclusions. It should not be assumed to provide arbitrary app exclusions.
Does the promotional term determine the renewal period?
No. Initial bonus months and renewal are separate. The plan table lists the first term and later billing period independently.
Before you choose
Regional offers, taxes and purchase channels can change the amount billed. Paid add-ons are identified separately, and unavailable pricing remains marked as not verified.
We have not conducted hands-on speed, streaming or app tests for this review. No numerical ratings or test badges are assigned.