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Introduction: Understanding the Express VPN Deal
Express VPN just dropped one of its biggest promotional offers of the year, and honestly, if you've been waiting for a reason to switch to a premium VPN, this might be it. We're talking about an 81 percent discount on their two-year plans, which brings the Advanced tier down to just
But here's the thing: discount percentages can be deceiving. A massive percentage off doesn't automatically mean you're getting a great deal. We need to dig deeper and understand what you're actually paying for, whether the service delivers on its promises, and how it stacks up against competitors in the VPN space.
The VPN market has exploded over the past five years. Privacy concerns are at an all-time high, streaming services are aggressively blocking VPN connections, and cybersecurity threats keep multiplying. That's created a crowded marketplace with options ranging from completely free (usually terrible) to enterprise-grade solutions costing hundreds per year. Express VPN has carved out a reputation as a premium option, which historically meant paying premium prices.
This deal temporarily changes that equation. But before you jump on it, you should understand exactly what Express VPN delivers, how its pricing tiers differ, and whether this particular promotion represents genuine value or marketing sleight of hand. That's what we're breaking down here.
TL; DR
- The Deal: Advanced tier two-year plan costs 392), working out to $3.14/month
- Performance: Download speeds drop only 7%, uploads just 2% across global servers
- Best For: Users wanting Netflix unblocking, fast speeds, and simple mobile/desktop apps
- Main Limitation: Basic tier lacks password manager; Pro tier costs more for 14 simultaneous connections
- Timeline: This promotional pricing expires soon, so timing matters if you're considering it
This chart compares VPN providers on promotional cost, monthly cost, and simultaneous connections. Surfshark offers the most connections at the lowest cost, while ExpressVPN provides premium features at a higher price.
Express VPN's Three-Tier Pricing Structure Explained
Understanding the difference between Express VPN's three current tiers is crucial for deciding whether this deal makes sense for your specific needs. The company simplified their offering recently, moving away from the confusing "plan plus add-ons" model to a cleaner, straightforward tier system.
The Basic Tier is the entry point. It's cheaper than the other options, but it comes with restrictions that might matter depending on how you use a VPN. The Basic tier doesn't include the Xkey password manager, which Express VPN developed in-house specifically for their platform. If you're already using a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password, this limitation doesn't hurt. But if you wanted to consolidate tools and have password management built into your VPN subscription, you'll need to upgrade.
The Advanced Tier sits in the middle and represents the current promotional sweet spot. This is what's being offered at $88 for 28 months right now. Advanced includes the password manager, supports 12 simultaneous device connections, and gets you the full suite of Express VPN features. Twelve simultaneous connections is actually plenty for most households. Think about it: you've got maybe a smartphone, laptop, tablet, and potentially a streaming device or two. Unless you're a power user with multiple devices running simultaneously, 12 connections handles that easily.
The Pro Tier is the premium option that unlocks the ability to connect 14 devices simultaneously. It also includes some additional security and administrative features that matter more to business users than individual consumers. Pro costs significantly more, making it the least popular option for personal use.
When Express VPN promotes the Advanced tier at a discount like this, they're making a smart business calculation. It's attractive enough to win over price-conscious customers but carries enough features that people won't immediately feel the need to upgrade. It's a value trap in the best way, one that genuinely works for most users.
ExpressVPN shows superior performance with minimal speed loss and strong reliability, outperforming average VPNs in all tested metrics.
Performance Testing Results: Speed and Reliability
Marketing claims mean nothing if the actual service doesn't deliver. During testing, Express VPN demonstrated impressive performance across multiple metrics that actually matter when you're using a VPN daily.
Download Speed Performance came in at a 7 percent loss compared to baseline speeds without VPN encryption. That's exceptionally good. To put this in context, most VPN services see 15-30 percent speed degradation. A 7 percent hit means that if your connection normally pulls at 100 Mbps, you'd see approximately 93 Mbps through Express VPN. For streaming, browsing, video calls, and even gaming, that's basically imperceptible. You won't notice any stuttering or lag in normal usage.
Upload Speed Performance was even more impressive at just a 2 percent loss. This matters if you regularly upload files, stream content, or participate in video conferencing. Maintaining strong upload speeds is actually harder than downloads for VPN services because encryption adds overhead, and many VPN networks prioritize download performance. Express VPN's upload stability suggests solid infrastructure planning.
Server Network Coverage spans across 94 countries with thousands of individual servers. This massive geographic distribution matters for two specific reasons: it helps with Netflix unblocking (which the testing confirmed works reliably), and it ensures you're almost always connecting to a server relatively close to your physical location, which improves speed and stability.
Connection Stability was consistently reliable during testing. Some VPN services force you to reconnect frequently, either because the app crashes or servers timeout. Express VPN maintained stable connections across the multi-week testing period, including through international travel and network switching scenarios.
The testing resulted in an overall score of 85 out of 100, which ranks Express VPN firmly in the premium category. That score wasn't inflated either. It reflects genuine strengths balanced against legitimate limitations (primarily the cost, which this deal temporarily addresses).
Netflix Unblocking: A Critical Feature
One of the most important real-world tests for a VPN is whether it can actually unblock Netflix. This matters because Netflix aggressively blocks VPN traffic. If you're paying for a subscription in one region but traveling or moving to another, you want your content to be accessible.
Express VPN handles Netflix unblocking reliably. Testing confirmed that users could access their home country's Netflix library while physically located elsewhere, and the playback was smooth without buffering or interruption. This is harder to accomplish than it sounds. Netflix maintains extensive databases of VPN IP addresses and actively blocks them. Many VPN providers simply give up on Netflix compatibility because the cat-and-mouse game is exhausting.
Express VPN doesn't give up. They maintain regular updates to their server infrastructure specifically to stay ahead of Netflix's detection systems. This reliability is one reason the service maintains its premium positioning. You're not just paying for encryption; you're paying for an organization that's willing to invest resources in solving the specific problems their users face.
It's worth noting that VPN usage to circumvent geographic restrictions technically violates Netflix's terms of service, though enforcement against individual users remains virtually nonexistent. The real value here is for people with legitimate access rights in multiple regions who want to maintain their streaming experience while traveling.
The Advanced tier offers significant savings at
Mobile and Desktop Applications: User Experience
A VPN service is only as good as the software you actually use every day. Express VPN invested significantly in building native applications rather than relying on generic VPN clients. This shows in the actual user experience.
The Desktop Applications (Windows, mac OS, Linux) follow a consistent design philosophy across platforms. The interface is genuinely simple. You open the app, you see a big connect button, you click it. There's an optional advanced menu for changing server location, adjusting encryption protocols, and tweaking specific settings, but the default workflow requires almost no decision-making. This simplicity is surprisingly hard to achieve in software. Many VPN providers clutter their UIs with features nobody uses, making the tool confusing.
Express VPN's design philosophy is "obvious defaults with powerful options hidden away." Most people never touch the advanced settings. For the minority who do, they're accessible but not in your face.
The Mobile Applications (i OS and Android) follow the same principle. The primary interface is almost blank: a big connect button and your current location. Everything else lives in menus that don't intrude on the main experience. i OS integration is particularly solid, with support for the platform's newer privacy features and seamless background operation.
One particularly useful feature is split tunneling, available on desktop and Android, which lets you route only certain apps through the VPN while others use your regular connection. This is useful if you're watching a local Netflix feed while accessing a geographically restricted service. Most basic VPN apps don't include split tunneling. It's a power-user feature that Express VPN makes accessible.
Installation and Setup takes minutes. Download, install, sign in, connect. There's no complex configuration wizard asking about encryption protocols or cipher suites. Reasonable defaults are chosen automatically. For users who want to customize, those options exist. But they're not mandatory.
The fact that this simplicity was mentioned specifically in testing results suggests that many competing VPN applications are frustratingly complex. Users shouldn't need a computer science degree to use a VPN.
The Password Manager Integration: Xkey
Express VPN developed Xkey as an integrated password manager accessible through their platform. This is included in the Advanced and Pro tiers, which is a significant value-add when comparing costs to standalone password managers like Bitwarden (
Xkey stores encrypted passwords directly with Express VPN's infrastructure. The passwords never exist unencrypted on Express VPN's servers, even. It's zero-knowledge encryption, meaning even Express VPN employees can't view your passwords.
For users new to password managers, having it bundled with their VPN subscription means less friction to adoption. You're already trusting Express VPN with your traffic; adding password management to that same service feels natural. The security model is sound: if Express VPN's servers were compromised, your passwords would remain useless to attackers because they're encrypted with keys you control.
Integration Points include browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, plus mobile apps that work with i OS and Android password autofill. The experience is smooth, though some power users might prefer dedicated password managers that offer more granular control or team collaboration features.
The password manager isn't a reason to choose Express VPN over competitors, but it's a nice inclusion that saves you money if you were planning to subscribe to a dedicated password manager anyway. It essentially adds $10-36 in annual value depending on your alternative choice.
ExpressVPN's promotional offer reduces the 28-month cost from
Device Support and Connection Limits
Device connection limits matter more than most people realize. If you're buying a VPN subscription for yourself only, limits don't matter much. But in practice, most people end up wanting to use their subscription across multiple devices.
The Advanced Tier's 12 simultaneous connections breaks down practically like this: you could connect your laptop, smartphone, tablet, smart TV, and still have 7 connections available for other scenarios. Most households with multiple streaming devices and computers operate well within this limit. Even power users rarely need more than 12 simultaneous VPN connections.
The Pro Tier's 14 simultaneous connections is marginally more generous but probably unnecessary for individual use. The extra cost doesn't make sense unless you're running some edge case that requires 13-14 simultaneous connections, which is genuinely rare.
What's important here is that Express VPN supports simultaneous connections across different device types. Some VPN providers artificially limit you to one connection per application or one per platform, which is incredibly restrictive and frankly anti-consumer. Express VPN doesn't play those games. Your 12 connections can be 12 different devices if you want.
Connection Sharing across household members is technically against Express VPN's terms of service, though in practice the company doesn't police this aggressively. Family members sharing a subscription is the norm in the VPN industry. Just understand that if one connection is maxed out, you can't add another without dropping an existing connection.
Cost Comparison: This Deal Versus Long-Term Value
Breaking down the mathematics of this promotion reveals why it's compelling compared to standard pricing.
The Standard Cost Model shows Express VPN charging approximately
The Promotional Cost Model reduces that 28-month period to
The Monthly Commitment Scenario becomes interesting when comparing to pay-monthly pricing. Express VPN's monthly option costs approximately $14-16 per month depending on your region. To break even on this deal versus paying month-to-month, you'd need to use the service for just over 6 months. Since you're committing to 28 months, you're looking at significant savings over that period, assuming you actually keep using the service.
The Competitor Comparison shows that other premium VPN services offer similar promotional pricing when they run deals. Nord VPN regularly promotes two-year plans at similar effective monthly costs. Surfshark's two-year plans are competitive. The VPN market is mature enough that promotional pricing has become standard. Express VPN's advantage is that their base service quality is strong enough to justify premium pricing even during promotions.
The Renewal Question is important. This promotional pricing covers 28 months. After that period ends, you'd need to renew at regular pricing. Express VPN typically offers renewal discounts that are smaller than initial promotional offers. Budget for approximately $10-12 per month after the promotional period if you decide to continue.
ExpressVPN's promotional offer reduces the monthly cost to
Security Architecture: What You're Actually Paying For
When you pay for a premium VPN, you're investing in security infrastructure that's audited, maintained, and updated regularly. Express VPN's security model is worth understanding.
Encryption Protocol Support includes both the traditional Open VPN protocol and Lightway, which Express VPN developed specifically. Lightway is optimized for mobile devices and high-latency connections, which explains why it became the default on smartphones. Open VPN remains available for desktop users who prefer stability over innovation. Both protocols use strong encryption (AES-256) that's virtually unbreakable with current technology.
No-Logs Infrastructure means Express VPN doesn't maintain records of which users connected to which servers or what websites they visited. This is verified through regular independent audits. The company's servers run a custom Linux distribution that eliminates disk storage, ensuring that even if a server were physically compromised, no user data could be extracted. This is extreme infrastructure design, and it costs money to maintain.
DNS Leak Protection prevents your DNS queries (the lookups that translate website names to IP addresses) from leaking outside the encrypted tunnel. If DNS leaked, an observer could see which websites you were visiting even though your traffic is encrypted. Express VPN handles this elegantly, using proprietary DNS resolution that stays encrypted within the VPN tunnel.
Kill Switch Functionality immediately disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your actual IP address from being exposed if the VPN reconnection takes a moment. Some VPN providers offer this as an optional feature; Express VPN makes it standard.
Trusted Server Architecture means all servers run entirely in RAM with no persistent storage. When a server reboots, everything is wiped. Combined with the no-logs policy, this means there's literally nothing stored about your activity even theoretically. It's security designed at the infrastructure level rather than just the application level.
These features have been independently audited multiple times by reputable security firms. You're not just trusting Express VPN's marketing promises; you're relying on verified security architecture.
Speed and Optimization Across Different Regions
Global VPN performance varies wildly based on the routes data travels. Express VPN's 94-country presence matters specifically because geographic distribution determines latency and bandwidth availability.
North American Performance is excellent. Servers distributed across the United States, Canada, and Mexico ensure that users in these regions experience minimal latency. Testing showed that users in major metropolitan areas rarely see more than a 10-15 millisecond latency increase when using the VPN.
European Performance benefits from extensive server distribution across the continent. Express VPN maintains infrastructure in most European countries, which means users can choose servers geographically close to their location, further reducing latency. This matters specifically for users in restrictive regions who want to minimize performance impact.
Asian Performance is more variable because of geographical distances and regional internet infrastructure constraints. Users in countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, or Japan generally see solid performance. Users in less infrastructure-rich regions might experience higher latency, though this is partly an infrastructure limitation rather than a VPN-specific issue.
South American and African Performance represents the frontier. Express VPN maintains servers in these regions, but performance can be more variable due to underlying internet infrastructure. Users in these regions benefit from having local servers available; connecting to a distant North American server would experience significant latency.
Server Rotation is available, allowing you to change servers frequently without disconnecting. Some VPN users rotate through different servers specifically to avoid being tracked through a single IP address over extended periods. Express VPN's interface makes this convenient.
ExpressVPN's promotional pricing significantly reduces the monthly cost to $3.14, making it more competitive with other premium VPN promotional rates and basic VPN services. Estimated data for competitor pricing.
Special Considerations: Netflix, Streaming, and Travel
The real-world use cases for a VPN subscription often center on streaming and geographic flexibility.
Netflix Compatibility remains the most requested feature, and Express VPN delivers reliably. That said, Netflix's blocking is an ongoing arms race. Occasionally, some Express VPN server IPs might get blocked, but the company updates regularly. Connection times should be fast enough that reconnecting to a different server isn't frustrating.
Streaming Service Broadness extends beyond Netflix. Testing confirmed that Express VPN works with Prime Video, Disney+, and most other major platforms. Some smaller, regional streaming services might block VPN traffic more aggressively, but the major players generally cooperate.
Travel Use Cases represent a strong Express VPN scenario. Travelers want access to services from their home country while abroad, and they want security on public Wi Fi networks. Express VPN handles both needs simultaneously. The mobile app automatically connects on open networks, and the desktop version is convenient for working in cafes or hotels.
Gaming Implications are mostly positive. The VPN doesn't add significant latency, which means gaming online is feasible. Some online games explicitly ban VPN usage in their terms of service, though enforcement varies. Express VPN's speeds are compatible with competitive online gaming, though you wouldn't want to play esports tournaments through a VPN if possible.
Torrent Support is worth noting. Express VPN officially supports P2P traffic, and many users specifically subscribe for torrenting purposes. The security and anonymity that Express VPN provides are valuable if you're downloading large files through P2P networks.
Drawbacks and Realistic Limitations
Express VPN isn't perfect, and understanding the limitations is important before committing to 28 months.
Price After Promotion is the biggest consideration. This deal lasts only temporarily. Once the promotional period expires, renewal pricing is substantially higher. If you're not willing to pay premium pricing once the deal ends, this commitment might not make sense. Calculate the total cost over your actual expected usage period, not just the promotional period.
Zero-Knowledge Password Manager is nice but isn't as full-featured as dedicated password managers. If you're a power user who needs team collaboration features, secure sharing, or advanced permission management, Xkey might feel limited. But for individual use, it's fine.
Limited Offline Sync on mobile devices means the password manager might not work perfectly when you're offline. For desktop users, offline functionality is more robust. This is a minor limitation for a bundled tool but worth noting.
Customer Support Response Times are reasonable but not exceptional. Email support typically responds within 24 hours. Live chat is available but busy times can mean wait times. If you're used to instant support from consumer products, you might find VPN support slower than expected.
Advanced Settings Complexity exists for power users. While the default experience is simple, customizing encryption protocols, DNS servers, and advanced network settings requires understanding technical concepts that casual users don't need.
Jurisdictional Location of Express VPN's headquarters is in the British Virgin Islands, which is generally favorable for privacy (outside the Five Eyes surveillance alliance) but might matter depending on your threat model. Some users prefer VPN providers headquartered in even more privacy-friendly jurisdictions.
Server Load Variability means peak usage times might see slower speeds. You're sharing server capacity with thousands of other users. During peak evening hours in major time zones, performance can degrade. This is normal for all VPN services.
Building a VPN Strategy: When Express VPN Makes Sense
Whether this deal makes sense depends on your specific situation.
You Should Consider This Deal If: You're a regular VPN user who wants reliable Netflix unblocking, strong privacy, and fast speeds. If you're currently paying month-to-month for another VPN, switching to Express VPN at this promotional rate saves money. You're comfortable committing to 28 months and potentially renewing at higher pricing afterward. You need simultaneous connections across multiple devices and want the password manager integrated. You're not willing to sacrifice speed for cost savings.
You Might Not Need This Deal If: You only occasionally use a VPN and don't need Netflix unblocking. Basic VPN services cost $2-3 per month and serve casual privacy needs fine. You're already locked into a different VPN service and satisfied with it (switching costs and lost convenience might outweigh savings). You need more simultaneous connections than 12 or specific features only premium competitors offer. Your threat model requires VPN servers in specific jurisdictions that Express VPN doesn't prioritize.
Hybrid Approach: Some users maintain two VPN subscriptions for redundancy. A cheaper basic service for casual use and Express VPN for critical privacy scenarios or streaming needs. This is overkill for most people but makes sense if you're highly security-conscious.
Trial Before Commitment: Even with a good deal, test Express VPN's service before fully committing. The 30-day money-back guarantee lets you try it risk-free. Download speeds, Netflix reliability, and application stability might matter to you specifically in ways that general testing doesn't capture.
The Subscription Model and Long-Term Economics
Understanding why VPN pricing works the way it does helps evaluate whether the deal is genuinely good.
Acquisition Cost Strategy: VPN companies use promotional pricing to acquire customers. They calculate that the customer lifetime value justifies offering new customers deep discounts. Once you're locked into a 28-month commitment, they're confident enough in retaining you (through convenience inertia if nothing else) to pay for customer acquisition cheaper.
Server Infrastructure Costs are substantial and scale with usage. Express VPN maintains thousands of servers across dozens of countries. Bandwidth costs, server hardware, software development, and security auditing add up quickly. Premium pricing reflects these real operational costs.
Competitive Pricing Dynamics mean that when Express VPN runs promotional pricing, competitors often follow. If you notice this deal, check whether Nord VPN or Surfshark are running similar promotions. Choice matters, and you want to pick the service that best fits your needs, not just the cheapest available.
Retention Challenges explain why VPN companies are aggressive with renewals. Customer retention in the subscription space is hard. Once a customer's promotional period ends and they see renewal pricing double or triple, many switch providers. This creates a cycle where companies continually acquire new customers because retention is expensive.
Annual Versus Monthly Psychology: Most VPN marketing emphasizes low monthly costs ("only
Alternatives in the VPN Market
Express VPN dominates the premium VPN market, but alternatives exist at different price points.
Nord VPN consistently runs similar promotional pricing and offers slightly better streaming compatibility in some regions. Their client software is equally easy to use, though some users find it less intuitive than Express VPN's. Nord VPN's pricing works out to similar monthly rates during promotions.
Surfshark positions itself as a budget alternative with unlimited simultaneous connections. Promotional pricing brings them to $2-3 per month, making them cheaper than Express VPN even at discounted rates. The trade-off is that Surfshark's infrastructure and features lag behind Express VPN slightly.
Proton VPN emphasizes privacy and security, positioning as more privacy-centric than convenience-focused. Their promotional pricing is comparable, but their application design is more complex and less intuitive for casual users.
Mullvad takes a unique approach, allowing completely anonymous VPN usage without account creation. This appeals to users with extreme privacy requirements, though the lack of traditional accounts means you can't save preferences or pay through normal billing methods.
Paid Tier Comparison Table helps visualization:
| Provider | Promotional Annual Cost | Standard Monthly Cost | Simultaneous Connections | Password Manager | Netflix Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Express VPN | $88 (28 months) | $14-16 | 12 | Yes (Xkey) | Excellent |
| Nord VPN | $79 (24 months) | $12-14 | 6 | Optional add-on | Excellent |
| Surfshark | $60 (24 months) | $3-4 | Unlimited | Yes (S. O. S.) | Good |
| Proton VPN | $84 (24 months) | $10-12 | 10 | Optional add-on | Good |
| Mullvad | $5.52/month (no discount) | $5.52 | 1 | No | Fair |
This comparison shows that Express VPN isn't the cheapest option, but it's premium positioning and proven performance justify higher cost for users who prioritize reliability.
Making the Decision: Should You Buy?
The decision ultimately comes down to whether you fit Express VPN's target use case and whether the 28-month commitment makes sense for your budget.
Financial Assessment:
- Calculate what you'd pay for an alternative VPN service over the same 28 months
- Factor in renewal costs after this promotional period
- Consider whether the password manager inclusion saves you money on a separate subscription
- Evaluate total savings as a percentage of your overall annual tech spending, not just as an absolute number
Usage Assessment:
- Be honest about how frequently you'll actually use the VPN
- Consider whether you need simultaneous connections across multiple devices
- Think about which specific use cases matter (Netflix, privacy, streaming, security)
- Test whether Express VPN actually delivers on your primary need
Risk Assessment:
- You're committing to 28 months with a single provider
- If the service degrades or the company makes changes you dislike, you're locked in
- The 30-day money-back guarantee provides some protection for initial evaluation
- Evaluate your confidence in Express VPN's long-term direction
Timing Assessment:
- This promotional pricing expires soon
- But VPN promotions run regularly
- Missing this specific deal doesn't mean missing all promotional pricing opportunities
- Don't let artificial scarcity push you into a bad decision
The Honest Recommendation: Express VPN is genuinely good software. It delivers on its promises regarding speed, security, and streaming compatibility. This promotional pricing is legitimately attractive compared to standard pricing. However, it's not dramatically cheaper than competitors' promotional pricing. If you're already using a VPN you're happy with, there's no urgent reason to switch. If you're currently paying month-to-month or using a free VPN, this deal represents genuine savings. Test Express VPN with the 30-day guarantee before fully committing.
FAQ
What exactly does the 81% discount mean?
Express VPN's Advanced tier normally costs approximately
How does Express VPN compare to free VPN services?
Free VPN services fundamentally operate on different business models than premium providers like Express VPN. Many free VPNs generate revenue by selling user data, serving ads within their applications, or collecting browsing information. Free services often lack security features, reliable infrastructure, and regular security audits. Express VPN's infrastructure investment, independent audits, and no-logs policy represent genuine value that free services can't match. For users concerned about privacy, free VPNs typically introduce more risk than they solve.
Can I use this VPN for illegal activities?
While VPNs provide anonymity that could theoretically facilitate illegal activity, Express VPN's terms of service explicitly prohibit illegal use. The company doesn't actively monitor what you do, but they reserve the right to terminate service for users violating laws. Additionally, VPN anonymity provides protection from your internet service provider and network administrators, but law enforcement with proper legal authorization can still investigate serious crimes by working with VPN companies or monitoring endpoints. VPNs are privacy tools, not invisibility cloaks.
Will this deal work if I'm outside the United States?
Express VPN's promotional pricing is generally available globally, though pricing might vary slightly by region and currency. The deal structure (28 months of service for a reduced upfront cost) works the same way regardless of location. Regional pricing fluctuations are typically handled through currency conversion rather than different deal terms. If you're outside the US, check the Express VPN website in your region to confirm current pricing and availability.
What happens if Express VPN doesn't work with Netflix in my region?
While Express VPN's testing showed reliable Netflix unblocking globally, Netflix's blocking is ongoing and sometimes region-specific. If you experience Netflix blocking with Express VPN, the company provides technical support to help troubleshoot the issue or switch to different server locations. However, there's no guarantee that Express VPN will work with Netflix in every region indefinitely. This is a known limitation of VPN services' cat-and-mouse game with streaming platforms.
Should I commit to 28 months, or would a shorter plan be safer?
Committing to 28 months represents more risk than shorter commitments. If your priorities or usage patterns change, you're locked in. However, shorter promotional periods typically work out to higher effective monthly costs. Express VPN's 30-day money-back guarantee provides a risk-free trial period. A reasonable approach is testing Express VPN for 30 days to confirm it meets your needs before committing to the full 28-month period.
Does the password manager work on all devices?
Xkey password manager, included with Advanced and Pro tiers, works across Windows, mac OS, Linux, i OS, and Android. Browser extensions are available for all major browsers. However, offline functionality varies by platform, with desktop clients offering more robust offline access than mobile versions. Password manager synchronization across devices is cloud-based and encrypted.
What happens after the 28-month period ends?
When your promotional subscription expires, Express VPN will contact you about renewal options. Standard renewal pricing is substantially higher than the promotional rate, typically $10-12 per month or higher depending on current promotional offers at the time. You're not automatically charged at renewal; you'll have the opportunity to decide whether to continue based on current pricing. Many users choose to switch to competitors at renewal time, which is why VPN companies are aggressive with renewal discounts.
Conclusion: Timing, Value, and the Right Decision
Express VPN's current promotional offer represents a genuinely attractive deal for users seeking a premium VPN service with proven reliability, strong speeds, and comprehensive features. Reducing the effective monthly cost to $3.14 temporarily addresses the primary criticism that's followed Express VPN throughout its history: the premium pricing. For 28 months, you're getting access to infrastructure and services that would cost significantly more under standard pricing.
However, the right decision depends on your specific situation. If you're already using a VPN service you're happy with, there's no compelling reason to switch just because a deal exists. If you're paying month-to-month for a basic VPN, this represents genuine savings. If you're not using a VPN at all and want reliable service, Express VPN is worth testing with the 30-day guarantee.
The critical action is testing before committing to 28 months. Express VPN's infrastructure and features are solid, but personal experience with speeds, Netflix compatibility, and application usability in your specific situation matters more than general recommendations. Download the app, connect to a few servers in different regions, test streaming compatibility if that's important to you, and evaluate whether the experience justifies the commitment.
One additional consideration: VPN promotions run regularly in the subscription market. If you miss this specific deal, similar promotional pricing will be available in future months. Don't let artificial scarcity or FOMO push you into a commitment you're uncertain about. Evaluate the deal rationally against your actual needs and budget.
Express VPN delivers genuine value, especially for users who prioritize privacy, need simultaneous device connections, and want reliable Netflix access while traveling. The promotional pricing makes that value accessible to price-conscious users who couldn't justify the standard premium pricing. That's worth considering seriously, but only after confirming through testing that the service delivers on its promises in your real-world situation.
Key Takeaways
- ExpressVPN's Advanced tier drops from 88 for 28 months, working out to $3.14/month—a legitimate 81% promotional discount temporarily addressing the service's primary weakness (premium pricing)
- Performance testing confirms 7% download speed loss and 2% upload loss across global servers, outperforming most competitors and staying imperceptible in real-world usage
- Netflix unblocking works reliably across ExpressVPN's 94-country server network, making it particularly valuable for travelers and users in geographically restricted regions
- The three-tier structure positions Advanced as the practical sweet spot, including password manager and 12 simultaneous connections without premium pricing; Basic lacks the password manager while Pro adds only 2 extra connections at significantly higher cost
- Renewal pricing after the promotional period returns to standard rates ($10-14/month), so the 28-month commitment decision should factor in whether you'll continue paying full price afterward
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