ExpressVPN ExpressVPN: Review, price and specification – VPN

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Installation

ExpressVPN installs conventionally via an application on macOS and Windows. Under Linux, a small detour to the terminal is again essential. On this point, and for a more user-friendly use, a graphical interface would be welcome to support the less experienced Linux users.

Browser extension

ExpressVPN offers extensions for Firefox and Chrome to surf the internet anonymously. However, and unlike other providers, the use of Plug-in requires software installation on the computer and therefore a subscription. On this point CyberGhost is much more interesting with free browser extensions, but with limited functionality.

It is possible to install the software on many devices from the smartphone to the Amazon Firestick, naturally going through the computer.

Encryption, protocols and DNS

ExpressVPN offers several connection protocols for using VPN services:

• OpenVPN with UDP / OpenVPN with TCP

• IKEv2

• L2TP / IPsec

• PPTP (Windows)

So it's very classic. ExpressVPN uses its own DNS servers to limit leaks and therefore ensure maximum confidentiality during your queries on the internet.

Which VPN protocol to use?

OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP / IPSec … Under these barbaric names are hidden the communication protocols generally used by VPN services. This involves establishing secure tunnels between the server and the VPN client through which the encrypted data can pass. If most applications offer an automatic connection mode, you can also choose a specific protocol to ensure your connection. More or less fast, more or less recent, here are the differences between the different protocols:

• OpenVPN: It is an open source protocol (anyone can examine the code and the functioning of the software) which works on SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). It is therefore OpenSSL which is used for data encryption and works on both UDP / TCP ports and other ports to bypass firewalls. OpenVPN presents a good balance between security and performance. It is one of the most used by VPN providers.

• IKEv2: It is one of the most recent protocols. It is developed by Cisco and Microsoft and is effective in restoring a VPN connection after a power outage. It is therefore frequently used on mobile.

• L2TP / IPSec: this is the alternative if you cannot use OpenVPN. But under complex conditions, this protocol is generally blocked.

• SSTP (Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol): it is a robust communication protocol installed in Windows. This protocol is however available on other platforms (macOS, Linux …). The main criticism of SSTP comes from the fact that it is developed by Microsoft.

• PPTP: it is the oldest communication protocol and therefore the least efficient. It is to be avoided if you have other possibilities.

 streaming ehealth

Some users use VPN services to access different services streaming foreigners or simply to connect to television services in France from abroad. Note that access to certain services like Netflix or Amazon Prime varies over time, with companies constantly seeking to protect their content from unauthorized access. During our tests with ExpressVPN services, we were able to connect to the streaming the most common, taking care to create private browsing.

Advanced features

Despite its apparent simplicity, ExpressVPN offers some interesting functions like the split tunneling which allows certain applications to pass through the VPN (generally banks, which do not appreciate connections from foreign countries) or the kill switch which blocks internet connections in the event of a VPN failure. ExpressVPN, however, is not as comprehensive as NordVPN, for example, which offers an optional dedicated IP address or different types of connection such as dual VPN, Onion over VPN or Obfuscted (Masking). We would also have appreciated a function to block malicious sites as proposed by CyberGhost.

Technical assistance

The ExpressVPN site offers many tutorials to help you configure the software on different platforms in French, but beware, most of the videos are in English. You have the option of communicating with technical support via instant messaging. The waiting time is generally quite short, but the operators are not French-speaking and translate the conversation on the fly.

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