Follow ZDNET: Add us as a favorite source On Google.
ZDNET Highlights
- ExpressVPN soon launched ExpressKeys and ExpressMailGuard with ExpressAI.
- ExpressVPN is expanding beyond just a VPN into a comprehensive security suite.
- The old ExpressVPN apps will be retired on March 31, 2026, so update soon.
ExpressVPN has announced three new services that are designed to bring the organization in line with its competitors in terms of security suites — or, if the company has its way, to surpass them in the security (and AI) arena.
Also: Best VPN Services 2026: Our Top Picks for Speed and Security
The new ExpressKeys and ExpressMailGuard offerings debuted on February 5, while ExpressAI will launch sometime in the future – each focusing on different areas: confidential computing, password management, and email privacy.
ExpressAI
ExpressAI It is described as a “private-by-design” AI platform that combines confidential computing with artificial intelligence (AI) applications. This is for general AI queries and usage – such as completing everyday tasks, whether they are requests for information or image generation.
At launch, the following models will be available:
- GPSTOS 20B
- DeepSeek R1 Distill
- QUEN2-VL2B
- quen3 32b
- nvidia nemotron
The idea behind this service is to reduce the risk of user profiling or user-issued signals being fed back into large language models (LLM) for AI training. The company is using “enclave architecture”, which includes zero-access end-to-end encryption and loading files into memory to prevent exposure. Additionally, messages will be automatically deleted after a set period of time.
Too: Best VPN Routers of 2026: Expert Tests and Reviews
ExpressVPN says, “As more people use AI to draft emails, summarize documents, and troubleshoot everyday problems, they are also increasingly sharing more sensitive content like work files, financial questions, and personal details.” “Too often, that means choosing between powerful AI features and personal privacy. ExpressAI is built to remove that tradeoff, ensuring user data remains encrypted and unreadable to anyone, including ExpressVPN.”
You also need to set a primary password to enable encrypted chat history, which ExpressVPN says it can’t access.
During beta testing, I found it to be quite an interesting solution with generally quick responses. One highlight is the comparison tool, which lets you select and compare multiple AI model responses simultaneously.
expresskeys
The second new offering is ExpressKeys, a standalone password manager that is now available in both the Android and iOS ecosystems. While the ExpressVPN key already existed, it was an integrated feature with limitations that didn’t match the functionality of some rival services like NordPass.
Too: Best Password Managers of 2026: Expert Tested
ExpressKeys has been separated from the ExpressVPN app and is now available as an independent offering focusing on credential management. It includes features like autofill, password, notes and financial data storage, synchronization across multiple devices, and a password generator. It can also be used as an authenticator, and on mobile, you can use biometric unlock to manage your saved credentials.
If you’re already an ExpressVPN Key user, you’ll be able to log in with your existing ExpressVPN credentials to migrate to the new app. The integrated password manager will continue to function for now to allow users to make changes without losing any of their data.
expressmailguard
ExpressMailGuard, a web-based mail inbox protection service, attempts to differentiate itself from the crowd by providing universal email masking. Now included in ExpressVPN plans, ExpressMailGuard allows users to generate disposable email addresses that work with their real email addresses – whether you’re using Gmail, Outlook, or another provider.
Too: Best Email Hosting Services 2026: Expert Tested and Reviewed
The idea is that you can sign up for an online service without handing over your real email address. For example, if you suspect that you may be flooded with spam after making a purchase from an online retailer, you will be able to trace the source of the junk messages and block them.
“ExpressMailGuard is designed to reduce that risk and give users more control over how their email addresses are shared and used online,” the company says.
After testing this service, I found the dashboard to have a lot of charm, and lots of options for extended control over messaging, including rules that allow or prevent email forwarding. You can opt for shared or dedicated domain alias types, and customize each alias if you want – whether it includes numbers, random words, or specific characters.
ExpressKeys and ExpressMailGuard are available on ExpressVPN’s tiered plans, while the AI service has been delayed “to ensure we provide a quality experience to our users.”
The features available to you will vary depending on whether you are a Basic, Pro or Advanced customer.
The future of ExpressVPN
Over the past year, ExpressVPN has been bringing itself in line with its competitors, such as introducing tiered pricing to rival other companies, lowering subscription costs (at least at the minimum plan level), and increasing the number of simultaneous connections.
Now that ExpressVPN has expanded its US-based identity protection service to include ExpressAI, ExpressKeys, ExpressMailGuard, and Identity Defender, the company’s direction is clear.
Also: ExpressVPN review: One of the fastest VPNs we tested
Like rivals like NordVPN, ExpressVPN is moving from a focus on consumer VPN services to a broader security solution and appears to be trying to cover some of the bases that both consumers and business customers want – credential management, email masking, and ID protection.
Do I think the ExpressAI solution will impact launch? I’m not so sure. It may be that ExpressAI, at the very least, will offer a broader customer base for the brand, and it can’t be denied that the allure of encryption and deep security is attractive. Still, it’s an interesting concept, and I think it has potential.
Existing customers should also note: With this update and overhaul of the firm’s security offerings, older versions of ExpressVPN apps will be removed on March 31, 2026. Now considered end of life, you will need to update by this date to maintain access to the VPN servers.
