ExpressVPN is one of the most well-respected names in the industry, thanks to its class-leading privacy and security, easy-to-use apps, 24/7 customer support, strong streaming performance, and fast servers.
Most importantly, ExpressVPN has been a constant in our best VPN rankings due to its attention to detail and its commitment to continuously improving its service.
As a result, the VPN provider’s 2025 – like previous years – was packed with several important developments, from third-party audits to new feature rollouts, all of which we’ll quickly summarize in the article below.
ExpressVPN's developments in 2025
Here's everything important that happened with ExpressVPN in 2025:
Lightway protocol remade in Rust (February 2025)
ExpressVPN re-released its proprietary Lightway protocol in Rust – a modern programming language – highlighting its commitment to privacy and longevity.
Rust is inherently more secure than alternative programming languages. It delivers better performance, improved battery life, and stronger protection, making it easier to expand Lightway in the future without overcomplicating its base code.
Even better, ExpressVPN had Lightway’s Rust code audited by not one but two independent firms: Cure53 and Praetorian. All findings were immediately addressed by the ExpressVPN team and re-assessed by the auditors.
Huge Linux update launched (March 2025)
Previously, a GUI for Linux was only available through ExpressVPN’s Chrome or Firefox VPN extensions. However, in Q1 2025, ExpressVPN finally released a new Linux VPN app that supports both GUI and CLI, allowing users to use the VPN just like on Windows or Mac.
This improved ExpressVPN’s standing as one of the best Linux VPNs, as the GUI offers all the essentials, from the provider’s world-renowned ease of use and post-quantum encryption (PQE), to features like a kill switch and split tunneling.
Significantly redesigned mobile apps (May 2025)
ExpressVPN’s new UI update made its mobile VPN apps even easier to use. It introduced a simple, non-interactive map that lets you see where you’re connected in the world, while also making the VPN settings quicker to access. The update improved the performance of the Smart Location feature, which now uses speed, latency, and distance to suggest the best servers for you.
Additionally, the app’s homepage now includes a built-in speed test. You can run it with or without the VPN to determine which ExpressVPN server delivers the best speeds at any given time.
Finally, while Android VPN users already had access to OpenVPN, this super-secure VPN protocol is now also available on iOS.
Dark mode comes to ExpressVPN (June 2025)
In order to "combine functionality with user-centric design," ExpressVPN launched a new Themes feature for its Android and iOS apps, with the much-anticipated dark mode finally arriving for iOS users. ExpressVPN calls it the Twilight mode and says it’s designed to reduce eye strain in low-light environments.
Themes also go beyond light/dark mode, offering additional options such as Sand, Midnight, Sky, and System Default. Plus, users can customize the ExpressVPN app icon on their device, with choices including Classic, Dynamic, Neon, and Grey.
Third no-logs audit passed (June 2025)
ExpressVPN completed a third audit of its no-logs policy and TrustedServer system, which wipes out all accumulated data with every server reboot.
The auditor, KPMG LLP, examined ExpressVPN’s privacy claims and stated that the company provided "reasonable assurance" that it does not collect activity logs, including browsing history, data content, traffic destinations, DNS queries, or specific connection logs.
No issues were identified either, which is exactly what we’ve come to expect from one of the most private VPNs in the industry.
A server in every US state (July 2025)
ExpressVPN upgraded its US server locations from 24 to 62, meaning it now offers a VPN server in every US state – joining Private Internet Access (PIA) as the only other VPN to do so. More servers mean a wider distribution of server load, resulting in faster speeds and a more reliable VPN connection.
It’s worth noting that some of ExpressVPN’s US locations are virtual servers, but that’s hardly a cause for concern, as your IP address will still match your chosen state.
ExpressVPN fixes a bug which could've disclosed user IP addresses (July 2025)
Being one of the most secure VPNs doesn’t mean ExpressVPN isn’t immune to mistakes; it’s just quick to address them.
When code meant for internal testing "mistakenly made it into production builds," ExpressVPN promptly – within just five days – updated its Windows VPN app and patched the vulnerability, which could have exposed a user’s IP address to observers such as internet service providers (ISPs).
Even though the likelihood of real-world exploitation was extremely low, ExpressVPN promised to strengthen its internal safeguards to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
Support for the WireGuard protocol (August 2025)
ExpressVPN addressed its long-standing lack of the WireGuard protocol and launched the protocol with post-quantum encryption already implemented – something WireGuard doesn't support by default.
The provider wants to help the wider VPN industry adopt PQE and released a white paper fully explaining how it built its PQE-enabled WireGuard implementation.
Post-quantum encryption is important because it future-proofs VPNs against Q-Day – the day when quantum computers will be able to break the encryption standards currently safeguarding most of the internet.
Pricing overhaul with three new tiers of plan (September 2025)
For years, the biggest criticism of ExpressVPN was its super-expensive pricing. However, in one of its biggest updates of 2025, ExpressVPN revamped its offering and introduced three new pricing tiers: ExpressVPN Basic, ExpressVPN Advanced, and ExpressVPN Pro, with each tier unlocking additional features.
While it’s still a premium pick, ExpressVPN is now cheaper than Proton VPN – and no longer more than $1/month pricier than its closest rivals. This new approach also marked a clear shift from ExpressVPN’s previous model, where all plans included the same features and only differed by subscription length.
Another major change was an increase in simultaneous connections, which jumped from 8 to between 10 and 14, depending on the plan you choose.
Widgets and Siri shortcuts come to iOS apps (September 2025)
The latter half of 2025 saw ExpressVPN roll out several Apple-centric features, the first of which was the launch of widgets, Siri controls, and Shortcuts for its iPad and iPhone VPN apps. Although connecting to ExpressVPN was already a two-tap process, this update meant you no longer needed to open the app to connect to an encrypted VPN server.
You can now use the ExpressVPN widget to connect to your most recent server location with a single tap, use your voice to ask Siri to turn on ExpressVPN, or create automated Shortcuts for custom VPN connections. For example, you can configure ExpressVPN to automatically turn on when you join public Wi-Fi.
iPad redesign unveiled and Mac App Store rollout (September 2025)
ExpressVPN fully redesigned its iPad VPN app, making it easier to use than ever before. The app is now optimized for both portrait and landscape modes, connecting to your favorite location takes just a single tap, and switching servers is simpler too.
As well as this, ExpressVPN became available on the Mac App Store. You no longer have to download it directly from the ExpressVPN website, which was previously the only way to get its Mac VPN app. This makes it easier to get started with the service and receive regular updates.
ExpressVPN makes it easier than ever to monitor iPhone VPN connection (October 2025)
ExpressVPN unveiled two new features in October 2025: Network Insights and Secure Device Assistant.
Network Insights, available for iPhone users, provides a one-snapshot view of key connection details, including upload/download speeds, connection status, and data usage. This information is neatly displayed on the lock screen and in the Dynamic Island, helping users quickly spot network issues and switch servers if needed.
Secure Device Assistant, by contrast, is available on both Android and iOS. It automatically checks whether your phone’s OS is up to date and whether important privacy settings are enabled. It also offers recommendations, such as pending updates or setting changes, to help strengthen your overall security.
Connection speeds supercharged with Fastest Connections (December 2025)
ExpressVPN rounded off the year by supercharging its connection speeds with two new features.
First, the Fastest Location feature automatically connects you to the most optimal server based on real-time conditions, keeping connection times and latency to a minimum. This update also added more transparency to ExpressVPN’s server list, which now highlights the connection strength of the top 3-5 fastest servers.
Finally, ExpressVPN rolled out a new native Mac app designed to launch faster and feel more responsive and better integrated with macOS. Previously, ExpressVPN’s Mac app was based on a version originally built for iPad.
"We wanted the Mac version to feel just as refined as our other platforms," said Shay Peretz, Chief Operating Officer at ExpressVPN.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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