What is VPN Appliances and How Can They Help You?
Every now and then, an article comes along that completely changes the way you think about an old concept or product. Such was the case when ExpressVPN released its first VPN appliance last year. Now, with the 2.0 update, the company has taken the cake as the “world’s most trusted VPN provider,” beating out some stiff competition in the form of NordVPN, PrivateVPN and VPNArea. The standout feature of ExpressVPN’s appliance is its extremely high level of compatibility across all operating systems (OSes). In other words, if you’ve got a Windows machine, you can literally plug the ExpressVPN 2.0 VPN appliance in and instantly connect, without having to fiddle with complicated settings or downloads. The device even supports native VPN connections (L2TP/IPsec), so you don’t need to mess around with third-party apps. Additionally, the company claims that its VPN appliance is extremely energy efficient, withstanding up to 15 hours of heavy use on a single charge. Finally, the ExpressVPN team stands behind its products, offering a 30-day money-back guarantee, as well as 24/7 support via chat, email or phone calls. Sounds good to us!
If you’re looking for a fast, simple and secure way to connect to the internet, then consider checking out one of the most popular VPN appliances from ExpressVPN. We rated it #3 on our list of top VPNs for beginners, and it deserves a spot on your radar.
Features Of ExpressVPN 2.0
Let’s take a quick look at the key features of ExpressVPN 2.0.
- Highly Compatible: The VPN appliance is designed to be extremely platform-native, supporting the most popular operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android and Linux. In other words, you don’t need to have individual apps for each platform. This makes it much easier to use, as you don’t have to waste time downloading and installing new apps all the time.
- Multiple VPN Protocols: Similar to what we mentioned above, the ExpressVPN 2.0 device supports natively L2TP/IPsec protocol, as well as PPTP protocol (for older versions of Windows). Additionally, you can connect via IPSec, L2TP or PPT protocol, each offering a unique set of features. It’s an extremely flexible and customizable platform, offering you the most options when it comes to connecting to the internet via a VPN.
- Zero Logs Policy: One of the biggest concerns with any VPN service is whether or not the provider keeps personal data secure. The good news is that ExpressVPN is totally open about its privacy policies, promising to never log, sell or give out any user’s private data. While there is no official word on the company’s privacy practices, it would be a bold move to log, sell or give out any user’s data, knowing that they’ve got a dedicated team working to ensure user privacy. Moreover, if you’ve got a beef with any of the major tech companies, then you can be rest assured that ExpressVPN is not in business to be your personal data piggy bank.
- Tough Encryption: Just like most other reputable VPNs, ExpressVPN offers superb encryption standards, including military-grade Level 3 and 256-bit AES encryption. Moreover, the company has also stuck with the tried and tested industry standards, such as SHA-2, AES and RSA, which have been shown to be extremely difficult to break.
- No Demos Or Trials: One of the worst things you can do for yourself as a potential customer is to try out a service without first paying for it. Luckily, ExpressVPN does not do this, and neither does any other reputable VPN. The only way you can try out the service is by paying the regular monthly or yearly subscription price.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Just like the rest of the VPN services on this list, ExpressVPN offers round-the-clock customer support via live chat, email or phone calls. Moreover, the company provides a money-back guarantee if you meet the right conditions. Finally, there is also an option of a free trial, which you can activate by filling out a short form on their website.
It’s essential to keep in mind that while these features are very appealing, they are not unique to ExpressVPN. The company’s main competitor, NordVPN, offers much of the same, with the exception of its native connection support, which is limited to Windows users. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense app that supports multiple platforms and offers great value for money, then ExpressVPN 2.0 is certainly worth a look.