No longer just a VPN – ExpressVPN launches four new products to create a total privacy suite

(Image credit: Future)

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ExpressKeys
ExpressMailGuard
ExpressAI
Identity Defender
A serious privacy and security suite

ExpressVPN has launched four new tools in another significant overhaul of its VPN subscriptions.

ExpressVPN, ExpressKeys, Identity Defender, ExpressAI, and ExpressMailGuard – the latter two newly created – will now have separate apps but come bundled together in one ExpressVPN subscription.

ExpressVPN is no stranger to significant product announcements. Its constant innovation is why we rate it as one of the best VPNs – you can read our ExpressVPN review for more details.

ExpressKeys

ExpressKeys was previously built-in to the ExpressVPN app but it's now its own beast. It provides Android, iOS, and browser extension users with a dedicated password manager, capable of securely storing and generating complex passwords.

According to ExpressVPN, separating the VPN and password manager allows ExpressKeys to "iterate faster and expand over time with new features that give users greater control and security."

The app is more streamlined and, as well as password generation, gives you the ability to store logins, credit cards, and secure notes, with autofill available for all. You can also use it as an authenticator. All information is protected by zero-knowledge encryption, meaning only you can see your data.

Existing ExpressKeys users can download and log in to the new app and find all their passwords and login information ready and waiting.

ExpressKeys is included with ExpressVPN Advanced and Pro plans, as well as legacy subscriptions. ExpressKeys will remain accessible within the ExpressVPN mobile app until March 5. After this date, it will only be accessible via the ExpressKeys app.

ExpressKeys app homescreen open on an iPhone — (Image credit: ExpressVPN)

ExpressMailGuard

ExpressMailGuard is one of two newly-launched features from ExpressVPN. The VPN describes ExpressMailGuard as "a new email aliasing and inbox protection service designed to help users take control of one of their most exposed digital identifiers: their email address."

Disposable email addresses can be created and these mask your real email address when signing up for services and/or using apps. Mail can be forwarded to your genuine inbox and you can block and delete aliases that receive unwanted mail, such as spam.

ExpressVPN said ExpressMailGuard "works with any email service and any device" and is designed to "reduce exposure" to scams, spam, and email-associated threats.

Person navigating the ExpressMailGuard dashboard on a laptop — (Image credit: ExpressVPN)

ExpressVPN COO, Shay Peretz, said ExpressMailGuard was "like a VPN for email." He said ExpressMailGuard makes it "easy for anyone to protect their real email address, reduce unwanted exposure, and manage aliases in one place, no matter which email provider they use."

ExpressMailGuard is included in all ExpressVPN plans, but the amount of features vary. ExpressVPN Basic subscribers receive 10 active shared domain aliases and 10MB of bandwidth. ExpressVPN Advanced subscribers receive 50 active shared domain aliases and 100MB of bandwidth. ExpressVPN Pro subscribers receive unlimited active shared domain aliases and unlimited bandwidth.

Screenshot of ExpressMailGuard tier comparison — (Image credit: ExpressVPN / Future)

ExpressAI

ExpressAI is the second brand-new feature introduced in this update. It was due to be released on February 5 but ExpressVPN has confirmed its rollout has been delayed. The company did not give a new date but said it wanted to ensure it delivers the quality experience its users deserve.

The feature is a "private-by-design" AI platform where you're not profiled and your data and prompts are not used for LLM training.

The platform uses zero-knowledge, end-to-end encryption. Only you can decrypt your data – not ExpressVPN or any other third-party. Conversations can be configured to automatically expire and be deleted and no files are stored server side.

There is a dedicated ExpressAI website and it includes a variety of models to cover everyday tasks. You can compare models side-by-side, running the same prompts simultaneously.

All plans include ExpressAI, with your level of access varying at each tier. ExpressVPN Basic subscribers have access to one model, 50 credits per day, and a 5MB file upload limit. ExpressVPN Advanced subscribers see this increase to three models, 150 credits per day, and a 10MB file upload limit. ExpressVPN Pro subscribers can use all five models, 500 credits per day, and have a 50MB file upload limit.

Identity Defender

Identity Defender is also coming later than the other features, releasing on February 26. ExpressVPN has not released full details about Identity Defender but has said new options will be coming.

With the US-exclusive feature, you're protected by up to $1 million of cyber insurance. You'll also benefit from credit scanning and monitoring, ID alerts, and a data removal service.

For a limited time, Identity Defender Pro comes as part of the ExpressVPN Advanced and Pro plans. Typically, only the Lite version is bundled with ExpressVPN Advanced and the Pro version reserved for ExpressVPN Pro. It will continue to work in its current form before being upgraded at the end of February.

Cartoon person protecting their information using ExpressVPN — (Image credit: ExpressVPN)

A serious privacy and security suite

The inclusion of five privacy apps in one subscription is a huge step for ExpressVPN. It can now not only challenge NordVPN's suite and the likes of Proton Unlimited, but arguably outclass both.

Price is where ExpressVPN really stands out. It's currently running a limited-time deal which means you can grab ExpressVPN Pro for $5.24 per month ($146.80 upfront pre-tax). This is incredible value for the amount of product you get.

NordVPN Prime offers a similar set of features for a higher price – $7.39 per month. It also doesn't include AI or dedicated email features beyond scanning for threats. Proton Unlimited works better as a dedicated ecosystem. It has Proton VPN, Drive, Pass, Mail, Calendar, and Wallet, plus its own AI, Lumo. All are end-to-end encrypted and sync effortlessly across your devices. However, at $9.99 per month, it's the most expensive VPN suite on the market.

Two-year ExpressVPN plans are the best value for money. At launch, all two-year plans will come with an additional four months for free, and all have a 30-day money-back guarantee. ExpressVPN Advanced also comes with three days of unlimited holiday.com eSIM data, rising to five days with ExpressVPN Pro.

ExpressVPN Basic: $2.44 per month ($68.40 upfront pre-tax) + 4 months FREE
ExpressVPN Advanced: $3.14 per month ($88.00 upfront pre-tax) + 4 months FREE
ExpressVPN Pro: $5.24 per month ($146.80 upfront pre-tax) + 4 months FREE

As well as the new apps, you'll continue to receive the core ExpressVPN features. These include 188, RAM-only, server locations worldwide, post-quantum encryption support, 1,000+ Mbps speeds with Lightway Turbo, a fully audited no-logs policy, and beginner friendly, easy-to-use apps.

Disclaimer

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.

George is a Staff Writer at Tom's Guide, covering VPN, privacy, and cybersecurity news. He is especially interested in digital rights and censorship, and its interplay with politics. Outside of work, George is passionate about music, Star Wars, and Karate.

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