ExpressVPN vs Speedify 2024

Akash Deep

Cybersecurity Researcher

ExpressVPN is a well-known name in the VPN world, with a reputation for fast speeds and strong security. On the other hand, Speedify is a relative newcomer that's been making waves with its unique channel-bonding technology. But how do these two VPNs really compare when put to the test?

To find out, we spent several weeks rigorously testing both VPNs. My team and I evaluated their speeds, streaming capabilities, security measures, privacy policies, and user experience. We also assessed Speedify's channel bonding feature to see if it truly delivers on its promise of faster, more stable connections.

After extensive comparisons, ExpressVPN emerged as the clear winner. It delivers faster speeds, better streaming performance, and a more comprehensive feature set. While Speedify's channel bonding showed promise in certain situations, it couldn't match ExpressVPN's consistent performance across all categories. Read on to learn more.

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Streaming — ExpressVPN Outperforms Speedify By a Wide Margin

When it comes to streaming, the difference between ExpressVPN and Speedify is night and day. We put both VPNs through their paces, testing them with a variety of popular streaming platforms.

ExpressVPN is hands down one of the best VPNs for streaming that we’ve tested. It worked seamlessly with all major Netflix libraries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Japan. We were also able to securely access content from less common regions, like Argentina and South Africa. On the other hand, we couldn’t get Speedify to work with any Netflix library we tested.

Its virtual Indian server had no problem accessing the Indian library in HD

The trend continued with other streaming platforms. ExpressVPN worked well with Amazon Prime Video US, Disney+, Hulu, and Max. Speedify's performance was more limited — it only managed to securely access Max and ESPN.

All 3 US servers we tried gave us reliable connections for Max

Both VPNs worked with BBC iPlayer, letting you enjoy British content in HD from anywhere. We were able to stream Colin from Accounts in full HD with both options.

I appreciate that ExpressVPN offers MediaStreamer, a smart DNS feature that lets you watch content on devices that don't typically support VPNs. This includes your smart TV and gaming consoles. Speedify lacks a similar offering, which means you can’t set it up on nearly as many devices.

Winner

ExpressVPN outperforms Speedify in every aspect of streaming. Its ability to work with a wide range of platforms, including multiple Netflix libraries, combined with features like MediaStreamer, makes it a better choice overall.

Server Network — ExpressVPN's Global Reach Surpasses Speedify

ExpressVPN significantly outperforms Speedify in terms of server network size and global coverage. With servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN offers a much broader range of connection options compared to Speedify's limited presence in 105 countries.

This larger network gives you more flexibility. You can get IP addresses from diverse locations, including India, Iran, Hong Kong, Philippines, and Kazakhstan. Speedify doesn't provide this level of choice, which means it’s possbile that you may not be able to obtain an IP address for your desired country.

With ExpressVPN, I never encountered overcrowded servers even during peak hours. While Speedify's connections were reliable, the limited server options could potentially lead to slower speeds during busy periods.

ExpressVPN also offers virtual server locations, allowing you to get IP addresses from countries where physical servers are difficult to maintain.

When it comes to city-specific servers, ExpressVPN again has the upper hand. It offers multiple city options in many countries, giving you more precise control over your connection location. Speedify, on the other hand, only provides city-level choices for a few countries like the US and Canada.

Winner

ExpressVPN's larger and more diverse server network gives it a clear edge over Speedify. With more countries covered, a greater number of servers, and more city-specific options, it not only provides better global coverage but also helps ensure consistent performance across different regions.

Speed — ExpressVPN Offers Faster Connections

To compare speed performance, we tested both VPNs with our speed of 240Mbps. We used ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol and Speedify's Speed bonding mode, which is designed to combine multiple internet connections for improved performance.

Speedify's channel bonding technology aims to boost internet speeds by merging various connection types (like WiFi and cellular data). In theory, this should provide faster and more stable connections. However, our tests revealed a different story:

On nearby UK servers, ExpressVPN demonstrated impressive performance with a minimal speed loss of only 3%. Speedify, despite its channel bonding technology, showed a more noticeable speed drop of 14%.

The speeds remained consistent throughout our tests

The gap widened with distant servers. On a distant New York server, ExpressVPN's speed decreased by 14%, which is impressive considering the distance. Speedify's performance was inconsistent, with speed losses ranging from 20% to 70%. On average, we experienced a 48% drop.

You can experience slowdowns during data-heavy tasks with Speedify

For the Japanese server, ExpressVPN maintained solid performance with a 27% speed loss, while Speedify saw a 42% decrease.

With ExpressVPN, you can expect smooth 4K streaming and fast file downloads, even on distant servers. Speedify's performance is more than adequate for streaming and gaming on nearby servers, but it may struggle with more demanding tasks on long-distance connections.

Winner

ExpressVPN clearly outperforms Speedify in terms of speed and consistency. Its lower speed losses across all tested locations make it the superior choice between the two.

Gaming — ExpressVPN Takes the Lead With Lower Latency

A VPN's impact on ping can significantly affect your gaming experience. We put ExpressVPN and Speedify to the test across various server locations to see how they perform. We started with a baseline ping of 9ms without any VPN connected.

On nearby UK servers, both VPNs delivered solid performance. With ExpressVPN's 10ms ping and Speedify's 14ms, we didn't experience any noticeable lag or delays when playing Valorant. Our aim remained precise, and we could react to enemy movements just as quickly as without a VPN.

All its nearby servers delivered consistently low ping

On long-distance US servers, the increased ping was evident but didn't ruin the experience. For instance, we had a ping of 82ms with ExpressVPN and 91ms with Speedify — our Apex Legends matches were still playable. We could engage in firefights and navigate the map smoothly, though with a slight delay in actions.

The Japanese servers presented a challenge for both VPNs. ExpressVPN's 190ms ping and Speedify's 239ms made our Dota 2 matches difficult. We struggled with noticeable lag, making it hard to last-hit creeps or time abilities effectively.

While ExpressVPN's lower ping provided a marginal advantage, neither VPN offered an ideal gaming experience at this distance. Interestingly, Speedify's channel bonding technology didn't seem to provide a significant edge in our gaming tests.

Winner

ExpressVPN comes out ahead in the gaming department. Its consistently lower ping times, especially on distant connections, make it the better choice if you value responsiveness in your online matches.

Torrenting — ExpressVPN is Faster and More Private

When it comes to torrenting, speed is a crucial factor. As we saw in our speed tests, ExpressVPN consistently outperforms Speedify, and this advantage extends to P2P file sharing.

Using ExpressVPN, we were able to download a 5GB public domain movie file on qBittorrent in about 10 minutes. This quick download time ensures you can get your torrents efficiently.

While Speedify also supports P2P traffic, its comparatively slower speeds (especially on distant servers) may lead to longer download times for your files. For instance, the same 5GB file took around 15 minutes to download with Speedify.

Both VPNs offer kill switch features to protect your real IP if the VPN connection drops, which is essential for safe torrenting.

ExpressVPN also provides better privacy and security for your torrenting activities, which we'll discuss in more detail in the security and privacy sections below.

Winner

ExpressVPN is a better choice for torrenting. It offers faster speeds, stronger security features, and is more private compared to Speedify.

Security — ExpressVPN Offers More Advanced Features

Both ExpressVPN and Speedify offer essential security features, but ExpressVPN takes the lead with advanced features.

The two VPNs use AES-256-GCM encryption, which is the industry standard for top-tier security. They also provide kill switches and DNS/IP leak protection to keep your data and real IP address hidden if the VPN connection drops.

ExpressVPN offers two protocol options: Lightway and OpenVPN. Lightway is ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol, which balances speed and security. OpenVPN is known for its strong security and wide compatibility. Speedify uses DTLS 1.2 transport, which is secure but doesn't offer the same flexibility or robustness as ExpressVPN's choices.

A standout feature for ExpressVPN is its Threat Manager. This blocks trackers and malicious websites, adding an extra layer of protection against cyber threats. Speedify doesn't have a similar feature.

You can enable the ad blocker from Advanced Protection

Both VPNs offer split tunneling. This allows you to route only specific apps through the VPN while others use your regular connection. This way, you can enjoy faster connection speeds on apps and sites that don’t need VPN protection.

Unfortunately, Speedify's split-tunneling is limited since you can't exclude specific websites from VPN encryption

Winner

While both VPNs offer solid security basics, ExpressVPN's additional features, like Threat Manager and RAM-only servers make it the stronger choice for security-focused users.

Privacy — ExpressVPN Offers Superior Protection

Both VPNs claim to have strict no-logging policies, but the reality is different.

ExpressVPN's no-log policy has been independently audited multiple times, which provides you with concrete assurance of the company’s privacy practices. This commitment was put to the test during a high-profile incident in Turkey. Authorities couldn't extract any user data from ExpressVPN's servers, which proved their no-log claims.

Speedify's privacy policy, however, raises some concerns. Despite its no-log claims, Speedify’s website states that it stores user IP addresses, browser types, accessed pages, and operating systems. While they claim this data is anonymized, it contradicts the principle of a true no-log policy.

ExpressVPN uses TrustedServer technology, which uses RAM-only servers. This means all data is wiped with every reboot, ensuring no user information is stored long-term. Speedify doesn't offer this.

The VPNs' jurisdictions also play a crucial role in privacy. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly location outside the 14 Eyes intelligence alliance. Speedify, on the other hand, is headquartered in the United States, a core member of the Five Eyes alliance known for its extensive surveillance practices.

Winner

ExpressVPN's audited no-log policy, TrustedServer technology, and privacy-friendly jurisdiction make it the superior choice for privacy protection. Speedify claims to prioritize privacy, but its contradictory policies and less favorable jurisdiction raise concerns for privacy-conscious users.

Works in China — ExpressVPN Is a Better Choice

The Great Firewall of China blocks most VPNs, making it difficult to use the internet securely from within the country. ExpressVPN and Speedify perform differently in this restrictive environment.

ExpressVPN still works in China due to its advanced obfuscation technology. This masks VPN traffic to look like regular internet traffic, helping you stay connected despite the restrictions.

Speedify doesn't work in China. It lacks obfuscation, so its VPN traffic is easily identified and blocked by the Great Firewall.

Keep in mind that VPN performance in China can change as censorship methods evolve. It's always best to check recent reports before your trip.

Winner

For secure internet access in China, ExpressVPN is your best bet. Its obfuscation technology and adaptive protocols give you a much better chance of connecting to the internet while in China.

Installation and Ease of Use — ExpressVPN Offers a Smoother Experience

Both ExpressVPN and Speedify provide user-friendly apps, but ExpressVPN offers a simpler interface and broader device support.

ExpressVPN's app is straightforward. You can easily access the server list by clicking on your current location. This allows for quick changes to your connection. Servers are organized by continent, making it simple to find and connect to your desired location.

It also displays your recently connected servers

Speedify's app requires more steps initially. When you first launch the app, you need to click the hamburger icon and then select Servers to access the server list. However, once connected, you can click on your current location to bring up the full server list. Speedify also offers a useful feature that displays your download speed, upload speed, and latency.

There's also a built-in speed test tool to check performance of your VPN

Both VPNs provide apps for major platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. However, ExpressVPN goes further by offering apps for Amazon Fire TV Stick and Apple TV. It also provides browser extensions, which Speedify lacks.

Winner

ExpressVPN's more intuitive interface and broader device coverage make it the winner. Its simpler server selection process and support for more devices allow you to protect more of your online activity with less effort.

Reliability and Support — Both VPNs Have Responsive Customer Support

ExpressVPN and Speedify both offer good customer support, but ExpressVPN provides more comprehensive and responsive service.

ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat support, email assistance, step-by-step setup guides, and an extensive FAQ section. I tested their live chat and was connected to an agent almost instantly. When I asked about ExpressVPN's renewal pricing, I received a clear and immediate response.

Speedify has decent support options. They provide email support, setup guides, and an FAQ section. However, they lack live chat, which can be crucial for quick problem-solving.

To compare their email support, I sent a technical query to both VPNs. ExpressVPN responded in just 30 minutes with a thorough solution. Speedify's reply was also helpful, but it took 4 hours to arrive. This delay could be frustrating if you're facing an urgent issue.

Both VPNs have comprehensive setup guides and FAQ sections. These resources cover a wide range of topics and are easy to navigate, helping you find solutions to common problems without contacting support.

Winner

ExpressVPN's 24/7 live chat and faster email response times make it the clear winner for customer support. Its immediate assistance options are invaluable if you need quick problem resolution.

Pricing

	ExpressVPN	Speedify
Lowest Starting Price	$4.99/month for the 1-year + 3 months free plan	$2.99/month for the 3-year plan
Price (On Renewal)	$116.95 per year (subject to change)	$89.99 per year (subject to change)
Payment Accepted	Credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, online transfers, cryptocurrencies, and more	Credit cards, debit cards, and Paypal
Money Back Guarantee (Days)	30 days	30 days
Number of Devices Per License	8	5
Router Setup (for Unlimited Devices)	Yes	No

ExpressVPN and Speedify have different pricing structures, with Speedify generally being the more budget-friendly option.

Speedify offers monthly, yearly, and 3-year plans. The 3-year plan provides the best value at $2.99/month. After the initial term, the price increases to $89.99 per year. Speedify also offers a family plan with higher prices but the same subscription terms.

ExpressVPN provides monthly, 6-month, and 1-year plans. The 1-year plan offers the best value, but it's still pricier than Speedify's long-term options. ExpressVPN's renewal price is $116.95 per year, which is higher than Speedify's renewal rate.

Both VPNs offer a money-back guarantee, allowing you to try their services risk-free.

ExpressVPN accepts a wider range of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, online transfers, and cryptocurrencies. Speedify's payment options are more limited, accepting only credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal.

Winner

ExpressVPN offers more payment options, but Speedify’s significantly lower prices make it the winner in this category. If you're looking for a budget-friendly VPN, Speedify is the better option.

Our Methodology for Testing ExpressVPN vs Speedify

We put ExpressVPN and Speedify through rigorous testing to compare their performance across key areas. Our evaluation focused on connection speeds across various server locations, streaming capabilities with popular platforms, gaming performance, and torrenting speeds. We also assessed their security features, including encryption standards, available protocols, and additional tools like kill switches and leak protection.

Beyond performance and security, we examined the user-friendliness of their apps across different devices, the responsiveness of their customer support, and the value provided by their pricing plans. We paid special attention to their privacy policies and jurisdictions to understand how well each VPN protects your data. For a more detailed explanation of our testing process, you can refer to our comprehensive VPN testing methodology page.

ExpressVPN vs Speedify — Reddit Opinions

To get a sense of how these VPNs perform in the real world, I took a deep dive into Reddit threads where users share their honest opinions.

ExpressVPN generally receives positive feedback for its performance and reliability. Users praise its fast speeds, especially for streaming and torrenting. The service is also commended for its user-friendly apps and device compatibility. However, some users criticize ExpressVPN for being expensive compared to other options. There are also occasional reports of connectivity issues or speed drops.

Users also appreciate ExpressVPN's responsive customer support

Speedify, on the other hand, is viewed more as a channel bonding service than a traditional VPN. Users appreciate its ability to combine multiple internet connections for improved speed and reliability. This feature is particularly valued for live streaming and in areas with unstable internet.

However, as a VPN, Speedify receives mixed reviews. Some users report issues with certain websites blocking access or requiring frequent CAPTCHA verifications when using Speedify. The service is also criticized for potentially logging user data.

Overall, ExpressVPN seems to be preferred for general VPN use, especially for streaming and privacy.