Exclusive: ExpressVPN code hints at upcoming Shadowsocks support

Date:
Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:51:24 +0000

Description:
Network traffic analysis points to an unannounced feature that could give power users the ultimate tool to defeat strict censorship

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Tech Radar Get the TechRadar Newsletter Sign up for
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now subscribed Your newsletter sign-up was successful An account already exists for this email address, please log in. Subscribe to our newsletter TechRadar has uncovered evidence that ExpressVPN is secretly preparing to add Shadowsocks support.

During routine analysis of the latest ExpressVPN Windows app (v12.201.0), we discovered a Shadowsocks executable file: ss-local.exe . Shadowsocks is an open-source obfuscation tool used to bypass strict internet censorship. As this file is absent from previous builds, its addition suggests a new
protocol rollout may be imminent. Article continues below You may like ExpressVPN review a private and secure VPN that's especially good on Windows ExpressVPN's road to accessible privacy is it really possible in 2026? ExpressVPN just gave AI agents the power to control your connection Despite the findings, Shay Peretz, ExpressVPN's COO, told TechRadar that the company doesn't "have any specific feature announcements to share regarding Shadowsocks support or a timeline for potential availability." You can read ExpressVPN's full response below. What is Shadowsocks? (and why do VPNs use it?) Shadowsocks is an obfuscation technology used by VPNs such as Mullvad
and PIA to secure access to the internet in regions with tight internet restrictions, such as China and Russia.

The lightweight proxy prioritizes speed and censorship circumvention over comprehensive, system-wide privacy. However, it can be used with other protocols the rules that determine how your traffic is handled to improve its privacy-preserving credentials.

Standard VPN protocols have highly recognizable signatures. By comparison, Shadowsocks is based on standard TCP or UDP connections paired with encryption.

This strips away the recognizable VPN metadata and makes the traffic look indistinguishable from normal HTTPS web browsing, making it significantly
more successful at evading censorship mechanisms like the Great Firewall . Finding Shadowsocks in ExpressVPN TechRadar's routine analysis of the latest ExpressVPN Windows application reveals a newly added Shadowsocks file ( ss-local.exe ). Furthermore, traffic analysis confirms the app now queries backend servers for a " hasShadowsocks " status flag. Although currently set to false for all observed locations, the integration of both the local executable and the server-side parameter strongly suggests ExpressVPN is preparing to launch Shadowsocks support on select servers. What to read next ExpressVPN launches new-look plans with 4 huge new features here's what it means for your VPN subscription Forget OpenVPN, WireGuard: This is the VPN protocol of the future 'It doesnt have to be all or nothing' ExpressVPN launches privacy-first tool to combat CSAM

The network traffic containing this server configuration can be seen below.
It shows the app is receiving data about the Los Angeles server, including whether it has Shadowsocks capabilities. {
"71": {
"autoSafe": false,
"dedicatedIp": "",
"geoLocated": false,
"hasShadowsocks": false,
"id": "71",
"latency": null,
"latitude": 33.916,
"longitude": -118.3,
"minimumEndpointCount": 50,
"name": "USA - Los Angeles - 5",
"offline": false,
"popularity_order": 33115,
"portForward": false,
"priority": 55,
"slug": "usa-los-angeles-5",
"smartLocationData": null
}
} What does this mean for ExpressVPN users? Currently, ExpressVPN applies obfuscation to all internet traffic automatically. This means users have no manual control if a connection fails in heavily censored regions like China.

Introducing Shadowsocks support could fix this issue, providing users with a vital workaround when standard connections are blocked. As with any obfuscation method, there are no guarantees. Still, when you're trying to connect in a highly censored country, the more options you have, the better.

It's unclear exactly how Shadowsocks will be used by the app, or whether it will roll out across other operating systems . Regardless, its addition
likely signals a renewed emphasis on censorship circumvention from the best secure VPN on the market.

This discovery aligns with a broader push from ExpressVPN to modernize its ecosystem. Following the recent rollout of its new password manager, AI
client and private email relay , giving power users manual control over their obfuscation feels like a natural next step.

For anyone thinking of trying out ExpressVPN, it's worth noting that it's currently down to its lowest ever price. Take a look at the deal below. ExpressVPN: lowest-ever prices on plans from only $2.27 per month - up to 83% off ExpressVPN is our best secure VPN. Now, a potential Shadowsocks integration could bolster its position at the top. Right now, two-year plans start from $2.27 per month, but for the best value, we recommend the Advanced plan. It includes: 12 simultaneous connections (more than NordVPN) Lightway Turbo (one of the fastest VPN protocols) Ad and malware blocking ExpressMailGuard email protection ExpressKeys password management Identity Defender 3 days of Holiday.com eSIM data Alternatively, monthly plans start from only $12.99 . No matter the plan you choose, all offer a 30-day money-back guarantee too. View Deal ExpressVPN's response When reached for comment, ExpressVPN's COO Shay Peretz said:

"As part of the ongoing evolution of our Windows app, we regularly evaluate and test different technologies that could help improve connectivity and reliability for users, particularly in challenging network environments, including experimental or inactive components. "At this stage, we dont have any specific feature announcements to share regarding Shadowsocks support or
a timeline for potential availability. As always, if and when we introduce
new capabilities designed to enhance connectivity or circumvention
resilience, well communicate those updates publicly. "In the meantime, our focus remains on continuously improving the performance and reliability of
the ExpressVPN app. The latest versions already include enhanced HTTPS-based connectivity mechanisms that help users maintain stable access across a wide range of network conditions, and were already seeing strong adoption, which shows were heading in the right direction."



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-services/exclusive-expressvpn-code-hints-at- upcoming-shadowsocks-support


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