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Which is better ExpressVPN or UltraVPN? [Test Results 2020]
ExpressVPN and UltraVPN are both reputable VPN providers with large customer bases and impressive track records since they first kicked off. UltraVPN joined the market in 2006 while ExpressVPN was founded in 2009. Though they both offer great services with impressive features for VPN lovers, only one VPN can make the cut in this ExpressVPN vs UltraVPN comparison guide.
In this comparison guide, we will take a look at how each VPN performs across several categories, and in the end, we will pick a winner.
In this UltraVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison report, we will cover the following areas:
- Top selling points
- Speed tests
- Prices
- Features
- Streaming
- Security and Encryption
- Privacy
- Simultaneous Connections
- Customer Support
Now let’s dive into the details of our comparison report.
ExpressVPN vs UltraVPN- Full VPN comparison
Speed Prices Features Streaming Security Privacy Support
Top Selling Points – Let’s get to know them
Express VPN
- Best-in-class encryption
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 3,000+ connections worldwide
- Strict no-logs policy
From top-notch security features to maximum support for streaming services, ExpressVPN has got it all. This service is renowned for being able to give you access to restricted content from even the most troublesome services. By troublesome, we mean services that have a habit of blocking VPNs. If you’ve ever tried to connect to Netflix USA from Asia, you will know how difficult it is.
UltraVPN
- 256-bit strong encryption
- Compatible with multiple devices
- No bandwidth caps
- Fast Connection Speeds
UltraVPN throws in 256-bit encryption and fast connection speeds to attract VPN users and these features are sure to get anyone to sign up for their service. No bandwidth caps and multi-device compatibility are also impressive features users get to enjoy while using UltraVPN.
Speed Tests
ExpressVPN has always been the top dog in the VPN industry in terms of speed but we had to put that to the test ourselves. We compared both VPNs using their nearby and long-distance servers and the results weren’t really surprising. There is a reason why ExpressVPN claims the top spot as the fastest option for VPN lovers and our tests prove it.
UltraVPN didn’t perform too poorly and it is still great for surfing the net, downloading content, and streaming online but ExpressVPN is a lot faster.
Prices
This category covers the pricing plans provided by these two VPN services.
UltraVPN Pricing
- Monthly Plan: $7.99/month
- 6-Month Plan: $5.99/month
- 12-Month Plan: $3.75/month
ExpressVPN Pricing
- Monthly Plan: $12.95/month
- 6-Month Plan: $9.99/month
- 12-Month Plan: $6.67/month
UltraVPN cost way less to use than ExpressVPN, with the cheapest subscription plan coming in at $3.75/month for the 12-month plan.
Unlike many top VPN services, UltraVPN allows you to use some of its services for free. It offers a free version that gives you access to more than 10 servers in countries like the USA, France, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Norway, Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom, and Canada. Also, all UltraVPN plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN’s pricing plans are rather reasonable than affordable considering the features it offers. There are multiple coupons and discounts available but they won’t make it the most affordable VPN to go for.
Though UltraVPN is cheaper, ExpressVPN offers more features including over 3,000 different servers. Nonetheless, UltraVPN affordable pricing plans take the win in this category.
Features
This is one of the biggest battlegrounds for VPNs and in the end, there can only be one winner. ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer many outstanding features that outmatch what many other competitors have to offer.
UltraVPN Features
- Zero-logging policy
- Secure firewall
- Unblock streaming sites
- 100+ server locations
- Top-level data encryption
- Unlimited bandwidth
UltraVPN provides top-level security using standard 256-bit encryption which is quite common with VPNs these days. Still, it is pretty much unbreakable so you’re 100% sure of your security at all times. The service also offers a secure firewall that provides you with cover from your internet service provider, the government, and any other party tracking your information.
The most disappointing feature of UltraVPN is its server options. There are just 100+ servers to try out which is a bit low. With other VPNs, you would get thousands of servers in different locations. The few server options mean you’re more likely to get blocked when streaming movies from sites like Netflix.
With so many people using just one server, it shouldn’t take streaming services long enough to note the abnormality and place a stop sign on it. Luckily, very few people have ever had a problem streaming with UltraVPN servers.
ExpressVPN Features
- VPN split tunneling
- Private DNS
- Public Wi-Fi protection
- Network lock kill switch
- IP address masking
- TrustedServer technology
In this category, ExpressVPN outshines UltraVPN. First, it offers more than 3,000+ server locations for you to try out. More options mean fewer chances of being blocked out by streaming services. There are also a bunch of security features like AES-256 encryption and VPN split-tunneling to keep you safe as you surf the net.
Streaming
Both servers are fast but can they access streaming sites and allow you to stream content without buffering? Well, there is good news. According to our tests, both ExpressVPN and UltraVPN give you access to exclusive content. You can also stream in high definition.
ExpressVPN Streaming
With ExpressVPN you can stream on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Roku, and every other streaming service available. The service gives you 24/7 access through its long list of servers. You can also stream region-specific content regardless of your location. All you need to do is to connect to a server in that location.
UltraVPN Streaming
You can stream Netflix with UltraVPN but you won’t able to unblock BBC iPlayer even with its top UK servers. Luckily, that is the only restriction you ever have to worry about. UltraVPN will unblock Hulu and HBO Go.
While both ExpressVPN and UltraVPN allows you to stream and watch region-specific content, ExpressVPN does it better. Unlike UltraVPN with few servers available, ExpressVPN provides a wide selection of VPN servers and more support for streaming services.
Security and Encryption
Spies, hackers, the government, and even your internet service provider need to be restricted from monitoring your activities. This is why we took our time to test the integrity of the security features offered by both VPN services and here are the results we obtained.
Encryption Comparison
ExpressVPN uses standard AES-256 encryption to keep your data safe. It also transforms and encrypts readable information using SHA-512 hash authentication and 4096-bit RSA key exchange.
UltraVPN also uses standard AES-256 encryption which is unbreakable and reliable. It also makes use of Open VPN which is the most secure VPN protocol in the industry.
Considering that they both offer high levels of encryption, there is no winner in this category. Both ExpressVPN and UltraVPN have never been hacked before and that clean track record is why they remain the top options for users.
Security Comparison
ExpressVPN uses high-standard technology to run its servers and ensure that no user data is left behind. It uses TrustedServer technology which means that it doesn’t save data on hard drives rather, it operates in RAM-disk mode. This technology gives you the highest level of security.
UltraVPN doesn’t use the same technology but its servers are 100% secure. This is confirmed by the fact that it has never been hacked before.
Leak Protection
Data leaks are impossible with both VPNs. They both offer
- DNS leak protection
- IP address masking to protect against leads
- Network lock kill switch to block out internet traffic if the VPN connection plummets
In terms of security, ExpressVPN sits comfortably at the top. This is due to its clean track record but still, NordVPN is not lagging far behind.
Want to learn more about security? read our ultimate guide for VPN security
Privacy
While these VPN services will protect you from hackers and even block out your internet service provider, we also had to check if they give you all the privacy you will need. Some VPN services will keep logs of your IP address but not your online activity. Others will not keep any logs at all.
ExpressVPN Logging Policy
ExpressVPN is a trusted VPN provider that adheres to its no-logs policy. The service does not keep logs of any kind and this has been verified.
UltraVPN Logging Policy
UltraVPN, on the other hand, is not so clear about what it does. On the site, you will see a zero-logging policy claim which it uses to attract customers. But we’ve gone beyond the era where we trust these providers by what they say.
We didn’t have to look too far or take any tests before we got to see what we were searching for. While the main page of the site will tell you not to worry about log collection, the privacy policy says something entirely different.
UltraVPN privacy policy states that it will use your personal data when the law allows it to. This raises a red flag concerning the so-called “zero-logging policy”. Basically, UltraVPN will collect information such as your IP address and other unique device identifiers like your location.
UltraVPN claims it will use such information to learn about its user base and service usage patterns but we’re not buying that.
As if that was not enough, the site goes on to admit that it might share your personal information with third parties, competent authorities, and other organizations they deem worthy of your personal data.
Based on these findings, you can’t trust UltraVPN to keep out of your business, therefore, ExpressVPN comfortably wins this category.
Simultaneous Connections
VPNs allow you to use and connect several devices using one account. In this category, we explore the available options from these two VPNs.
ExpressVPN – Up 5 Devices
ExpressVPN allows you to connect up to five devices simultaneously with just one subscription plan. This is regardless of which plan you are on. With an ExpressVPN subscription, you can connect your Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebook devices. The service also provides support for Wi-Fi routers and TV platforms such as Android TV and Amazon Fire TV.
UltraVPN – Up 3 Devices
UltraVPN allows you to connect on 3 three devices at the same using one subscription plan. This is for users that sign up on the monthly plan. You can connect more devices at the same time if you go for the yearly plan.
UltraVPN provides several VPN apps for different platforms. Whether you’re using an iOS device, Android device, Mac laptop, or Windows PC, there is an app available for you to connect to the net securely. There is also an app for you to connect to TV platforms like Amazon Fire TV.
With ExpressVPN, you get more connectivity options regardless of the plans you’re on, however, UltraVPN offers more affordable plans – therefore this round goes to UltraVPN.
Customer Support
Both VPN services are very easy to install and use, but you might need help in one way or the other to get things done. Both services offer multiple customer support options that are reliable and dependable.
ExpressVPN Customer Service
ExpressVPN provides customers with various ways to reach out to the support team. There is a knowledge base area with troubleshooting guides and video tutorials to help you fix common issues like setting up your VPN and so on. You can also reach out to the customer care team via live chat or email. Both options are available 24/7.
UltraVPN Customer Service
Rather than video guides, you will get text tutorials with easy-to-follow guidelines. This is one area where ExpressVPN triumphs over most other VPN services. Video tutorials are usually a better option. However, you won’t have a hard time going through and using the guidelines provided in the articles.
To speak with a customer care representative, you’ve got live chat, email support, and phone call options. All mediums are available 24/7 regardless of your location.
Considering UltraVPN offers phone chat customer support, it wins this category. ExpressVPN’s customer support options are also reliable but with UltraVPN, you get more.
ExpressVPN vs UltraVPN – Which One’s Better?
For better security, 100% privacy, multiple connection options, and the best streaming service, ExpressVPN is the best option to choose from. While UltraVPN does take the trophy in several categories including pricing and customer support, it doesn’t match what ExpressVPN has to offer in many other areas.
One important area is the privacy category. Here, you can trust that ExpressVPN won’t collect logs or store your information while UltraVPN doesn’t give such levels of assurance. Though you would have to pay more to use ExpressVPN, it offers a better value for your money.
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