VPN FAQ

How to choose a VPN?

Trust is the most important quality to consider when choosing a VPN. A trusted VPN provider:

• Is transparent in its privacy policy
• Has been audited by independent bodies
• Develops its systems to avoid data retention
• Demonstrates an ongoing commitment to respecting online privacy and digital freedoms

Next, choose your VPN based on the features you need, like VPN locations, support for your devices, and unlimited bandwidth.

Is using a VPN legal?

It is perfectly legal to use a VPN. Internet users and businesses around the world regularly use a VPN to protect their private data and online activities, including in countries that impose restrictions. Even in countries where VPNs are discouraged, many governments implicitly endorse their use by government officials, academics, or business leaders as a necessary measure to remain competitive in a hyperconnected world. Indeed, it is not possible for a country to ban all VPNs.

However, illegal online activities remain illegal whether you use a VPN or not.

Can I use a VPN on my smartphone?

With apps for iOS and Android, ExpressVPN is easy to use on mobile devices. With more and more of our digital activity, such as banking, streaming, and messaging, taking place on our phones and tablets, it’s becoming increasingly important to protect our data with a VPN on these devices, especially when using public Wi-Fi.

Can a VPN slow down my internet connection?

All VPNs can potentially slow down your internet connection, but ExpressVPN’s speeds are extremely fast, meaning users rarely notice a difference in speed when using ExpressVPN. Additionally, using a VPN can improve your connection especially if your ISP is throttling your internet speeds.

In any case, if you notice that your connection is slowed down, make sure you have selected the VPN location closest to your geographic location.

Do VPNs drain battery?

Like any other app, a VPN will consume some amount of power on your device. That’s one of the reasons we developed Lightway, our new proprietary, custom-built VPN protocol, which has been designed to significantly reduce battery consumption compared to other protocols. It is also easier and faster to audit and maintain.

Is using a VPN safe for online banking?

In addition to being reliable, using a VPN can add a valuable layer of security to your online banking accounts, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. And since some banks block access to users who appear to be logging in from an unusual location, connecting to a server in your home country before logging into your bank or PayPal account can help prevent any issues logging in or accessing your accounts.