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ExpressVPN has officially launched ExpressKeys, a standalone password manager app designed to help users store, generate, and manage passwords securely across devices. The new app replaces the built-in “Keys” feature that previously existed inside the ExpressVPN app, marking a clear move by the company to expand beyond VPN services and into broader account security.
What Is ExpressKeys?
ExpressKeys is a dedicated password manager developed by ExpressVPN and released as a separate app for mobile devices and browsers. Until now, ExpressVPN users accessed password management through a feature called Keys, which was embedded directly inside the VPN app. By spinning this feature out into its own product, ExpressVPN says it can improve development speed, security updates, and overall usability. For users, this means password management no longer depends on the VPN app itself and can be used independently once set up.
Why ExpressVPN Made ExpressKeys a Standalone App
According to ExpressVPN, password management requires faster iteration than a VPN product typically allows. Security patches, usability improvements, and new features often need to be deployed quickly. Separating ExpressKeys from the VPN app allows ExpressVPN to:
- Update the password manager more frequently
- Improve stability and performance
- Treat password security as a core product rather than a secondary feature
This mirrors a wider industry trend where VPN providers, such as Surfshark with its integrated Alternative ID and antivirus tools, are building broader security ecosystems.
ExpressKeys Features at a Glance
ExpressKeys includes the core features expected from a modern password manager.
- Encrypted Password Vault: User passwords, notes, and sensitive data are stored using strong encryption. ExpressVPN states that ExpressKeys uses a zero-knowledge design, meaning the company cannot access user vault data.
- Password Generator: The app includes a built-in password generator that allows users to create long, complex passwords rather than reusing existing ones.
- Biometric Login: On supported devices, ExpressKeys can be unlocked using biometric authentication such as fingerprint or facial recognition.
- Password Health Monitoring: ExpressKeys highlights weak, reused, or compromised passwords, helping users identify accounts that may be at higher risk.
- Dark Web Alerts: If an email address linked to stored passwords appears in known data breaches, ExpressKeys notifies the user so they can take action.
- Offline Access: Unlike some browser-based password managers, ExpressKeys allows access to stored credentials even when the device is offline.
Availability and Transition for Existing Users
ExpressKeys is available to users on ExpressVPN plans that already included the original Keys feature. Users who previously accessed password management through the ExpressVPN app will need to transition to the ExpressKeys app, as the in-app version is being phased out. ExpressVPN has stated that users will be guided through the transition process to ensure passwords are carried over securely.
How ExpressKeys Fits Into ExpressVPN’s Broader Strategy
The launch of ExpressKeys reflects a broader shift in how VPN providers approach privacy. Rather than offering a single tool, companies are increasingly bundling multiple security services into one ecosystem. This strategy is also visible in competitors like Surfshark, which bundles identity protection and data breach alerts to provide a holistic security solution. From a practical standpoint, a VPN protects data in transit, while a password manager protects the accounts themselves.
The New 5-in-1 Privacy Suite
The launch of ExpressKeys is part of a major evolution for the company, moving from a single VPN product to a comprehensive 5-in-1 digital privacy suite. Under a single subscription, users now gain access to a unified ecosystem designed to protect every aspect of their digital life:
- ExpressVPN: The core high-speed VPN service with post-quantum encryption.
- ExpressKeys: The standalone, zero-knowledge password manager.
- ExpressMailGuard: A new email-alias service that lets you create disposable addresses to mask your real inbox from spam and trackers.
- Identity Defender: A revamped app for U.S. users providing dark web monitoring, credit scanning, and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance.
- ExpressAI: A private-by-design AI platform that uses confidential computing to ensure your prompts and files are never seen by third parties or used for training models.
New Tiered Pricing for 2026
To accommodate these new tools, ExpressVPN has introduced a tiered pricing structure that offers significantly more value than its legacy "one-plan" model. By opting for a two-year commitment, users can access these bundles at their lowest rates ever:
| Plan Tier | 2-Year Monthly Rate | Key Suite Inclusions |
| Basic | $2.44/mo | Core VPN (10 devices), ExpressMailGuard (limited), ExpressAI (1 model). |
| Advanced | $3.14/mo | Core VPN (12 devices), ExpressKeys, Identity Defender, ExpressAI (3 models). |
| Pro | $5.24/mo | Core VPN (14 devices), Dedicated IP, Full Identity Defender, ExpressAI (5 models). |
Note: Current two-year deals often include an additional 4 months free, bringing the total coverage to 28 months for the upfront price.
Early Impressions
At launch, ExpressKeys focuses on simplicity rather than advanced features. It does not attempt to replace enterprise password managers or tools built for teams and businesses. Instead, it is clearly aimed at individual users who want a straightforward, privacy-focused way to manage passwords without relying on browser storage or additional subscriptions.
The Bottom Line
ExpressKeys is a significant step for ExpressVPN as it continues expanding beyond VPN services. While the app does not introduce radically new password management features, it delivers the essentials in a clean, privacy-first package. For users already subscribed to ExpressVPN, ExpressKeys offers a simple way to improve password security without adding another standalone service to manage.
