How ExpressVPN Handle Online Streaming? (Facts and Features)

ExpressVPN is considered to be at the top of the VPN game. It is mainly known for its encryption and proprietary protocols. Besides, the VPN offers various streaming features, such as bypassing geo-blocks, unblocking streaming sites, etc. But is the VPN good enough for streaming? 

A customary glance at all its features gives the assurance that the VPN might offer a good streaming experience. But is it necessary that the VPN is always as good as it claims to be? To find out whether ExpressVPN is living up to its claims, we have conducted this review, testing its privacy, security, speeds, and streaming capabilities. 

Quick Highlights

Here is a quick insight into all that ExpressVPN has to offer its users. The table gives a brief insight into all the main features that ExpressVPN has p[providing a rough sketch of how good the service seems upfront. 

As mentioned before, the customary glance at the features of ExpresVPN makes it stand out from several prominent VPNs in the market. But to find out if it’s good enough, it is best to venture deep into this review! 

Why is ExpressVPN Good for streaming?

If you’re looking for a VPN that’s good for streaming, ExpressVPN is a great option. It’s one of the fastest and most reliable VPNs on the market, so you’ll never have to worry about buffering or lag. Plus, it’s got a huge network of servers and is always ahead of its competitors. When streaming with ExpressVPN, we had a seamless experience. The following features helped us achieve that: 

Rohbust encryption

ExpressVPN offers robust encryption of AES-256-bit along with 4096-bit RSA and SHA-512 authentication keys. These encryption ciphers help in protecting users’ data while streaming, prevent online monitoring, and ensure maximum anonymity.

Moreover, the service follows a no-log policy and promises to keep no tabs on its users. Besides, the VPN offers encryption protocols that provide fast streaming speed and quick connections with servers. The protocols offered by ExpressVPN are OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSEC, and Lightway Protocol. With IKEv2, users can get fast connection speed, and the proprietary lightway protocol offers a smooth streaming experience with no buffering and lags. 

High-speed

Many VPNs slow down internet speed when connected to a device because the VPN is constantly passing the data through encrypted tunnels, which slows down the internet speed. However, ExpressVPN is completely the opposite; the VPN increases the internet speed and prevents buffering and lagging issues.

Moreover, the 3000 servers in 94 countries only help in providing speed; users can connect to the servers closest to them for fast speed. It also offers the fastest encryption protocols;  the proprietary lightway protocol ensures quick connection and offers lightning-fast speed, best suitable for streaming. 

Mediastreamer

It is a DNS specially designed to provide a smooth streaming experience. If a VPN is not your priority, mediatreamer might be the right choice for you. It allows users to bypass geo-blocks by spoofing their location and accessing multiple content libraries.  

Here is how you can use the mediastreamer DNS

1. Sign in with expressVPN on your router
2. Select  on your device
3. Select mediastreamer
4. You are now successfully connected to the mediastreamer. 

However, remember that the mediastreamer DNS does not encrypt your data and will not provide security; you will need a VPN service.

Globally located servers

ExpressVPN is a large and well-known VPN service provider with a huge network of 3,000 servers in 94 countries. One of the main benefits of using ExpressVPN is that you can pick and choose from a wide range of servers, depending on your needs. Moreover, their server network is constantly expanding, so you’ll always have access to the latest and greatest.

Also, it’s not just the quantity of servers that matters; it’s also the quality. You will always get HD-quality streaming with the VPN because the servers do not slow down the internet speed. Apart from that, ExpressVPN runs its own private, zero-logging DNS on every server, which means your traffic is always protected against third-party snooping.

Network lock

When your device is disconnected from the VPN while streaming, unencrypted data, such as your location, IP address, etc., can fall into the hands of hackers and snoopers. Network locks block all internet traffic and keep your data protected. It is a substitute for the kill switch feature that prevents data leaks during connection drops. 

Besides, the network lock is enabled by default in Android devices; however, in Apple devices, there is no network lock feature as iOS does not allow any app to take full control of the device. 

Stealth VPN

A stealth server is what makes ExpressVPN a stealth VPN. These are obfuscating servers specially designed to bypass censorship and geo-restrictions. When you connect to a stealth server, your traffic is encrypted and routed through a different IP address so that it appears you are accessing the internet from another location. This allows access to websites and content that would otherwise be blocked.

You can access content from highly censored countries such as;

• China,
• Pakistan,
• Cuba,
• Iran,
• UAE.

ExpressVPN uses stealth servers to protect their user’s data and allows them to bypass VPN blocks and geo-restricons. Moreover, these servers also hide your VPN activity, preventing ISP throttling and snoopers from tracking your activity while streaming or browsing the internet. 

Prevents ISP throttling

When your ISP throttles your connection and restricts your bandwidth, it’s called ISP throttling. Generally, ISP throttling occurs during online streaming, as this is the time when the internet usage is the most, and to prevent excess bandwidth usage, ISP throttle users’ connections.

However, when you use ExpressVPN, it masks your IP making it impossible for your ISP to monitor your activity, preventing ISP throttling. in addition, ExpressVPN has obfuscating servers which hide the VPN activity, so your ISP is unable to monitor your activity and throttle your connection. 

Virtual servers

ExpressVPN has virtual servers which offer various benefits to users. These servers provide a way to access the internet without being physically present at a specific location, and they can be used to bypass geo-restrictions or censorship. 

Moreover, By using virtual servers, the service keeps its physical servers in fewer locations, which helps keep costs down. And because each virtual server can handle more traffic than a physical one, ExpressVPN can offer its users a more reliable experience. 

How to set up ExpressVPN for streaming?

ExpressVPN is a renowned  VPN company that offers various streaming features. Besides, the VPN is pretty simple to set up. Here is how you can stream with ExpressVPN;

• Step 1: Purchase a subscription to the streaming service you want to watch.
• Step 2: Install ExpressVPN and login into your account. Or sign up for an account if you don’t have one.
• Step 3: Turn on the network lock  feature from the settings to prevent IP leaks. 
• Step 4: Go to settings and turn on the mediastreamer; it will help you bypass geo-blocks. 
• Step 5: Select a server manually or click on quick connect. 
• Step 6: Open the streaming site you want to watch. Start streaming without interruptions!

Follow these steps to stream with ExpressVPN. 

How ExpressVPN Unblocks With Netflix, BBC, Hulu, and Others.

ExpressVPN is a well-known service that works with all the top streaming platforms. Here is a guide on unblocking streaming platforms with ExpressVPN;

Unblock Netflix with ExpressVPN 

ExpressVPN unblocks 20+ Netflix libraries, such as;

• US.
• UK.
• Canada.
• France.
• Japan.
• Australia.

Follow these steps to access Netflix with ExpressVPN;

1. Download the ExpressVPN app. 
2. Open ExpressVPNand login into your account. If you don’t have one, signup now. 
3. After signing in, connect to a server. Make sure you are connected to a server manually. 
4. Choose the server from where you want to access Netflix from.
5. Turn off your GPS.
6. Open Netflix, and start streaming!

Users must have a Netflix subscription to stream on the site. 

Unblock Hulu with ExpressVPN.

Streaming on Hulu is easy with ExpressVPN. The service is available in the US only, so it connects to a US-based server. 

1. Download ExpressVPN . 
2. Open ExpressVPN and login into your account. If you don’t have one, signup now.
3. Connect to a US server from the server list.
4. Turn off your GPS.
5. Open Hulu and stream all you want!

Users must have a Hulu subscription to stream on the site. 

Unblock Amazon Prime with ExpressVPN. 

It unblocks these Amazon Prime libraries;

• United states.
• Canada. 
• United Kingdom.
• Australia.

Here is how to stream on Amazon Prime with ExpressVPN;

1. Download the ExpressVPN app on your device. 
2. Open ExpressVPN and login into your account. If you don’t have one, signup now.
3. Connect to a server from the list.
4. Choose the server from which you want to access Amazon Prime.
5. Make sure your GPS is turned off.
6. Open Amazon Prime and start streaming!

Users must have an Amazon Prime subscription to stream on the site. 

Unblock Disney + with ExpressVPN. 

ExpressVPN offers over 3000 servers and can easily unblock Disney +. Follow these steps;

1. Download the ExpressVPN app. 
2. Open ExpressVPN and login into your account. If you don’t have one, signup now.
3. Connect to a server from the list.
4. Choose the server in the country you want to access Disney +.
5. Turn off your GPS.
6. Open Disney + and start streaming!

Users must have a Disney + subscription to stream on the site. 

Unblock BBC with ExpressVPN.

Here are quick steps on how to access BBC with ExpressVPN;

1. Download ExpressVPN. 
2. Open ExpressVPN and login into your account. If you don’t have one, signup now.
3. Connect to a server in the UK.
4. Make sure your GPS is turned off. 
5. Open BBC and start streaming. 

Users must have a BBC subscription to stream on the site. 

Unblock HBO with ExpressVPN.

Follow these steps to unblock HBO outside the US;

6. Download ExpressVPN. 
7. Open ExpressVPN and login into your account. If you don’t have one, signup now.
8. Connect to a server in the US.
9. Make sure your GPS is turned off. 
10. Open HBO and start streaming. 

Users must have an HBO subscription to stream on the site. 

Troubleshooting

Sometimes, users face difficulty in accessing streaming sites. Here is how you can fix this issue;

1. Clear the cache of your browser.
2. Restart the VPN app.
3. Restart your device.
4. Clear your browser history. 
5. Change your server. 

If none of the above methods work, contact ExpressVPN’s customer service.

ExpressVPN streaming issues 

Some users are facing trouble accessing Netflix. In a recent Reddit post, a customer wrote about facing difficulty with the mediastreamer.

Apart from this, there have been no issues with the VPN. However, if the issue is not resolved quickly, ExpressVPN might lose some valuable customers. 

Does ExpressVPN provide fast streaming speeds?

Online streaming has numerous benefits; you don’t have to pay expensive cable fees and can access quality content anywhere you want. However, one major issue with online streaming is slow internet speed, and usually, when you are connected to a VPN, it further slows down your internet speed. 

So, If you’re looking for a VPN that can offer fast speed, ExpressVPN is definitely worth considering. Their Lightway protocol is one of the fastest protocols out there, and it is better to use this protocol while streaming as it provides quick connection speed. 

In addition to their proprietary protocol, ExpressVPN also has a huge network of servers in over 90 countries, which offer fast speed on both short and long-distance connections. In short, expressVPN is a fast and reliable VPN ideal for streaming. 

Security features of ExpressVPN 

VPNs are generally used for security purposes, and ExpressVPN is the most reliable and trustworthy VPN on the internet. The service offers various security features to assure users of maximum privacy. We have compiled all the prominent security features of ExpressVPN here. 

No-log policy

ExpressVPN, aside from all the controversies after being owned by kape technologies, the VPN has managed to maintain its respectable image. It offers a strict no-log policy; This means that none of your online activity is tracked or monitored by ExpressVPN. Here is a screenshot from the ExpressVPN policy; 

In addition, ExpressVPN encrypts all your traffic with AES-256 encryption, making it impossible for anyone to snoop on your online activity. So you don’t have to worry about data leaks anymore. 

Encryption ciphers

While streaming, internet speeds play an essential role if the VPN has a fast encryption rate so your internet speed won’t be compromised. It offers high levels of security and privacy protection. Their encryption technologies are top-notch, so you can rest assured that your data and activities are safe from prying eyes. ExpressVPN offers three robust encryption cipher and authentication keys for safe and fast streaming. 

• AES-256 bit encryption,
• 4096-bit RSA key,
• SHA-512 authentication key.

These ciphers prevent ISP throttling, buffering, and lags during streaming. Moreover, it also prevents hackers from tracking your activity and stealing your data. 

Encryption protocols 

ExpressvPN offers fast encryption protocols to ensure fast speed and quick connections; not only do these protocols provide robust security, but they play an important role in providing a seamless streaming experience. ExpressVPN offers the following protocols.

• OpenVPN: it offers fast speed and maximum security while online streaming. 
• IKEv2: this protocol is not compatible with all devices, but the speed is still pretty reliable. 
• L2TP/IPSEC: the speed is not as fast as other protocols and is not suitable for streaming. 
• Lightway Protocol: it is a proprietary protocol that offers the most reliable and fast speed. It is ideal for online streaming. 

These protocols offer various features, so make sure to use the protocol that suits your need best. 

Where is ExpressVPN located?

ExpressVPN is located in the jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands, which is safe from the eye alliances, so you can rest back; your data is not being shared with the government or any third parties. In addition, the British Virgin Islands has no data retention laws making ExpressVPN a reliable service for users. 

Zero-knowledge DNS

ExpressVPN zero-knowledge DNS server is a great way to keep your online activity private and secure. When you connect to ExpressVPN, your traffic is encrypted and routed through a secure encrypted DNS server. This means that anyone snooping on your connection cannot see what you’re doing or where you’re going. 

Moreover, it adds an extra layer of security by ensuring that your DNS queries are also encrypted and routed through the VPN tunnel, so if someone intercepts your DNS traffic, they would not be able to see what sites you’re visiting or what queries you’re making.

Threat manager

It is a DNS-based web filtering service that helps protect users from malicious and unwanted websites. It works by blocking DNS requests to known malicious domains and IP addresses that are known to be associated with malware or phishing attacks. This can help protect you from accidentally stumbling onto a malicious website or clicking on a malicious link, both of which could lead to serious security risks.

 In addition to its security benefits, Threat Manager can also help improve your internet speeds by blocking unwanted content that can bog down your connection. However, it is only available for  Mac, iOS, and Linux devices. 

ExpressVPN does not have other security features like dedicated IP, ad blocker, and double VPN like other services. 

Pricing and Payment methods 

It offers 3 subscription plans, and users can find similar features in all palms.

The subscription is billed in USD, and it also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. ExpressVPN accepts the following payment method;

• credit card,
• PayPal,
• debit card,
• online transfer payments,
• Bitcoin,
• other cryptocurrencies.

Final Verdict 

ExpressVPN is a feature-rich VPN service that offers plenty of features to its users. It has a large network of servers in 94 countries, which ensures quick connections. Virtual and stealth servers help bypass geo-blocks and provide an excellent streaming experience. It is also one of the fastest VPNs on the market with its lightway protocol; This means that you’ll be able to stream HD video without any buffering or lags. 

Besides, it also offers a variety of security features, including AES-256 encryption and network lock, which make it a great choice for users looking for a secure VPN service, making it a great option for users who need a fast VPN connection.

FAQs