NordVPN and ExpressVPN are both excellent VPN services popular among users. So, which one should you choose? Here are some of their key features:
- NordVPN has more servers to choose from, with 6000+ servers in 61 countries. ExpressVPN has an undisclosed number of servers (usual estimates put it at 3,000+) in 105 countries.
- Both are great at unblocking streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
- NordVPN offers extra protective features that ExpressVPN does not, such as double VPN and dedicated IPs.
At nearly half the price, NordVPN clearly offers better value. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means you can try it out for free.
Check out the full article below for a detailed comparison of NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
NordVPN and ExpressVPN have both dominated the VPN market for years. Both are excellent providers with advanced security features, but which VPN service is better for you?
Both VPNs excel in security, privacy, streaming performance, and speed. However, NordVPN’s more affordable price tag and additional features — like a dedicated IP address — make it a clear winner over ExpressVPN.
NordVPN is our VPN of choice, and now you can try it for free, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. Click the button below to grab the best deal on NordVPN today.
Features: Functionality and Other Options
Here’s a quick overview of the basic features offered by both providers.
| Feature | ExpressVPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Servers | Thousands of servers in 105 countries | 6000+ servers in 61 countries |
| Simultaneous connections | Up to 8 devices | Up to 6 devices |
| Unblocks Netflix | ✔ | ✔ |
| Torrent/P2P support | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dedicated IP address | ✖ | ✔ |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Price | From $ 6.67 per month | From $ 2.99 per month |
| Link to website |
Streaming Performance: Which VPN Can Unblock Netflix?
Unblocking streaming services like Netflix is one of the best uses of a VPN. By changing your IP address with a VPN, you can access international Netflix catalogs.
The table below summarizes some of the popular streaming services that can be unblocked by NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
| Platform | Can ExpressVPN unblock it? | Can NordVPN unblock it? |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | ✔ | ✔ |
| Disney Plus | ✔ | ✔ |
| Hulu | ✔ | ✔ |
| BBC iPlayer | ✔ | ✔ |
| HBO Max | ✖ | ✔ |
| Amazon Prime Video | ✖ | ✔ |
During our tests, both NordVPN and ExpressVPN excelled at bypassing streaming restrictions. When we wanted to watch the US-exclusive show “30 Rock,” all we had to do was connect to a VPN server in the US. From there, we opened Netflix’s website and found 30 Rock right away.
As shown in the screenshot below, we can access US Netflix with NordVPN.
Similarly, we were able to catch the latest episodes of Love is Blind, thanks to ExpressVPN.
What’s more, streaming was fast while using NordVPN and ExpressVPN, no matter which server location we selected. The only issue was that ExpressVPN failed to unblock HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video.
As such, we can only recommend both if you only plan on using Netflix. But if you also need a VPN for other streaming sites like HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video, then you should choose NordVPN.
Winner: NordVPN
Security: Which VPN is More Secure?
VPN apps should protect you against hackers, spy agencies, and even your internet service provider. A VPN that fails to make you anonymous can hardly be called a VPN. With that in mind, let’s see what our contenders have to offer in terms of essential online security.
| Security feature | ExpressVPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Protocols | Lightway, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, IKEv2 | NordLynx, OpenVPN, WireGuard |
| Encryption | Military-grade AES 256-bit encryption | Military-grade AES 256-bit encryption |
| Kill switch | ✔ | ✔ |
| Double VPN | ✖ | ✔ |
| DNS leak protection | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ad blocker | ✖ | ✔ |
Connection protocols
Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer a solid list of modern VPN protocols. These include the most popular options, such as OpenVPN and IKEv2.
Additionally, each offers its own proprietary protocols:
- ExpressVPN offers Lightway, which rivals the amazing speeds of WireGuard while adding TCP support, obfuscation, and extra privacy. This makes it excellent for anything from bypassing online censorship to streaming and torrenting.
- NordVPN supports NordLynx, which is also based on WireGuard and is extremely fast and secure.
Comparing Lightway and NordLynx is extremely difficult. They’re both extremely fast, efficient, and secure. We can see these protocols replacing OpenVPN in the future since they’re faster and less “bloated.” Fewer lines of code translate to better security since hackers won’t have as many potential attack points.
In other words, both VPN providers offer great VPN protocols and have taken the extra mile by working on proprietary protocols.
Encryption and extra features
Here’s the rundown on these VPNs’ security features:
- Both use 256-bit encryption to secure your internet traffic.
- Both have an automatic kill switch, which prevents data leaks when your VPN connection drops.
- Both providers have split-tunneling, which is the selective use of VPNs for certain applications.
- Both providers offer obfuscated servers. These mask your internet traffic to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN.
However, NordVPN offers a few features that ExpressVPN doesn’t. You get onion over VPN, which lets you access the Tor network while on a VPN, and the double VPN feature, which allows you to route your traffic through multiple servers.
One advantage of ExpressVPN, on the other hand, is that it automatically connects you to obfuscated servers when it detects network restrictions. NordVPN requires you to manually connect to obfuscated servers if you need their additional protection.
We think ExpressVPN and NordVPN are both excellent options for securing your internet activities. Both have all the standard security features you expect from a premium VPN, and both even have advanced proprietary VPN protocols.
However, we give NordVPN the win in this round because of its additional functionality.
Winner: NordVPN
Speed: Which VPN is Faster?
A VPN connection can slow down your internet connection during the process of encryption — but not so much that it impacts your experience. It’s essential to get a VPN that can maintain a consistent, reliable speed.
We tested different server locations for both NordVPN and ExpressVPN, and the results are summarized in the table below.
| Speed metric | No VPN | ExpressVPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Download speed local server (Mbps) | 202.01 | 121.84 | 194.06 |
| Upload speed local server (in Mbps) | 238.93 | 206.42 | 143.04 |
| Ping local server | 5 ms | 6 ms | 8 ms |
| Download speed international server (in Mbps) | — | 121.25 | 188.38 |
| Upload speed international server (in Mbps) | — | 179.77 | 136.53 |
| Ping international server | — | 20 ms | 13 ms |
Both VPNs provide smooth day-to-day operations, so you’ll have no problems with sudden disconnection or intensive speed drops.
NordVPN had better download speeds, which gives it a clear edge for bandwidth-intensive tasks (like HD streaming, online gaming, and torrenting).
Meanwhile, ExpressVPN had better upload speeds, so it’s a good choice for when you’re streaming over Twitch or calling someone on Zoom.
Winner: Tie
Privacy: Which VPN Handles Your Data Better?
A good VPN should have a tight privacy policy to ensure that your data never ends up in the wrong hands. Always be on the lookout for a no-logs policy, as this is usually a sign of a trustworthy service.
Let’s see how ExpressVPN and NordVPN manage your data.
ExpressVPN’s privacy details
- ExpressVPN operates out of the British Virgin Islands, which has extremely privacy-friendly laws. Although the BVI is part of the UK, it has its own legislation and doesn’t take part in any data-sharing agreements. Finally, the BVI doesn’t have mandatory data retention, which allows VPNs to provide their services without logging any data.
- ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy. They’ve implemented TrustedServers technology for OpenVPN and IKEv2. With these RAM-only servers, their servers can’t keep logs even if they want to.
- PwC has audited ExpressVPN, and the results confirmed the providers’ commitment to user privacy.
NordVPN’s privacy details
- NordVPN operates from Panama. This location is considered VPN-friendly, allowing VPN providers to implement zero-logging policies.
- NordVPN has undergone several independent audits, including one by PricewaterhouseCoopers AG (one of the “Big 4” auditing firms). This was one of the first logging audits out there, and it showed that NordVPN doesn’t record any user data.
- NordVPN uses diskless RAM servers. Such servers need to retrieve any required information from the secured central infrastructure. Therefore, the diskless VPN servers only act as a kind of conduit and can’t store information about you.
ExpressVPN and NordVPN are an even match when it comes to logging practices and server technology.
Winner: A Tie
Price: Which is Cheaper?
Price is often a deciding factor when choosing a VPN service.
Overall, NordVPN’s subscriptions are consistently more affordable than those of ExpressVPN. Of course, both providers offer great discounts if you take out longer subscriptions.
Check out ExpressVPN’s pricing plans below:
- ExpressVPN 12 Months $6.67mth Deal View offer
- ExpressVPN 6 Months $9.99mth View offer
- ExpressVPN Monthly $12.95mth View offer
Here are NordVPN’s pricing plans:
- NordVPN 24 months $2.99mth Deal View offer
- NordVPN 12 months $4.49mth View offer
- NordVPN Monthly $12.99mth View offer
In addition to these standard plans, NordVPN also offers a “Complete” plan that includes additional features like encrypted cloud storage. Even this complete package is still cheaper than ExpressVPN!
As such, NordVPN is the clear winner when it comes to affordability and value for money.
Winner: NordVPN
User-Friendliness: Which App is Easier to Work With?
Both the NordVPN app and the ExpressVPN app are extremely easy to install and user-friendly.
After signing up on the VPN provider’s website, you can download the software for your device and follow the on-screen instructions to have it up and running in just a couple of minutes.
With the click of a button, you can connect to a NordVPN or ExpressVPN server in the location of your choice to browse the internet privately.
Both the desktop and mobile apps function well with clear, streamlined interfaces. Both VPNs are available on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. Each also has a browser extension and a router app.
For more in-depth information on their ease of use, check out our exhaustive ExpressVPN and NordVPN reviews.
Winner: A Tie
Customer Service: How Well are Users Supported?
Solid customer support is the first line of defense against potential VPN issues. That’s why it’s essential that you get help in a timely fashion.
Let’s see how ExpressVPN and NordVPN performed in this category:
- Both have knowledge sections on their websites to help you find quick answers to common questions.
- Both provide live chat agents. We were able to speak with an actual human with both providers, not an AI-powered bot.
- Live chat is only available in English for both VPN services.
- Both their customer support agents were highly skilled and adept at answering our questions. We asked them to help us with unblocking Netflix, and they were able to quickly point us to the right servers to connect to.
Keeping these points in mind, you can rest assured about getting excellent customer support, no matter if you choose NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
Winner: A Tie
What Reddit Thinks
Reddit is a great place to get honest opinions from different people, so we decided to check out what users were saying about NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN.
On the whole, we found plenty of praise for NordVPN, as it really offers value for money.
There were even users who switched from the pricier ExpressVPN to NordVPN and vouch for it being a great choice.
It’s fair to say that NordVPN is a pretty popular choice among users across the world. We definitely vouch for this too, as our repeated testing has shown that NordVPN offers some awesome features at an unbeatable price.
Final Verdict: NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN
It’s clear that ExpressVPN and NordVPN both provide top-notch VPN services. Yet one provider was often ahead in each category, which can make an important difference to some users.
Let’s summarize our results and see which provider won in each category:
- Streaming Performance: NordVPN
- Security: NordVPN
- Speed: A Tie
- Privacy: A Tie
- Price: NordVPN
- Ease of use: A Tie
- Customer Service: A Tie
So, with the choice between ExpressVPN or NordVPN, both are pretty strong contenders. However, given the sheer value for money that NordVPN offers, it’s our top choice and the clear winner. You can even try it out risk-free thanks to a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
- Very easy-to-use VPN
- Perfect for anonymous browsing, downloading, and streaming (i.e., Netflix)
- Thousands of servers in 105 countries
Curious about other VPN comparisons? Have a look at the articles below:
- ExpressVPN vs. CyberGhost
- ExpressVPN vs. Surfshark
- NordVPN vs. CyberGhost
- NordVPN vs. Surfshark
- CyberGhost vs. Surfshark
Have more questions about these two providers? Check out the FAQs below for all the information you need on ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and how the two compare.
NordVPN is the better option. It can unblock more streaming services, has more security features, and is half the price of ExpressVPN. That said, both are great VPNs. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are on equal footing when it comes to speed, privacy, ease of use, and customer service.
Based on our speed tests, NordVPN has better download speeds while ExpressVPN has better upload speeds. As such, we recommend NordVPN for activities like watching movies on Netflix, torrenting, and gaming with friends. ExpressVPN is ideal for Zoom and Google Meet calls, as well as streaming over Twitch or Discord.
NordVPN is an excellent VPN, especially if you plan on unblocking Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and other streaming services. It has consistently fast speeds and advanced security features, some of which aren’t available with ExpressVPN, such as dedicated IP addresses. We also recommend NordVPN for its affordability, as it’s only 69% per month (compared to ExpressVPN’s $ 6.67.
Reddit users vary on their opinion of the best VPN. Some swear by NordVPN’s superior download speeds, while others prefer ExpressVPN’s security track record. The best VPN for you depends on your needs, as both are great options with different feature offerings.
Are there serious advantages to having two VPNs — not together but for alternate purposes? I am not a sophisticated computer user. But I do, so to speak, want to have the world at my fingertips and as accessible as possible. Is Express or Nord very different in regard to the number or kind of sites one can unblock after they have subscribed to them?
They have some differences, but if it's just for unblocking purposes, the VPN with the most servers is usually your best choice. Having two separate VPNs won't benefit you that much on a daily basis.
This review is biased towards ExpressVPN. NordVPN Feature Set, Price per Month, and WireGuard blows ExpressVPN out of the water. Very unobjective review.
At the moment we do genuinely prefer ExpressVPN over NordVPN, which is supported by our tests on the various criteria we mentioned in this comparison. However, they don't differ from each other by that much, so we do understand a lot of people would pick NordVPN over ExpressVPN, especially when it comes to the difference in price compared to the other minor differences on the various criteria.
I would’ve chosen ExpressVPN, but these factors were strikes for me
- No cash purchase option
- No support for TOR over VPN
- No Double VPN
- No Adblocker
- No Malicious Website Blocker
- Higher cost ROI for $3 more per month not there (Express $6.67 vs Nord $3.71)
- NordVPN has nearly twice as many server
- NordVPN WireGuard Protocol(Speed) has 16 months worth of independent audits compared the ExpressVPN’s Lightway no independent audits. On US 1Gb fiber. 878Mbps download with No VPN. 706Mbps download with NordVPN.
ExpressVPN costs $3 dollars more at its cheapest. You get less features outside of parity and speed is plenty fast with NordVPN. I’m not seeing the value of paying $3 dollars more a month ($36 dollars more a year) to gain what?