NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: which top VPN should you choose in 2024?

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN – two of the most renowned VPNs trusted by beginners and experts alike. Both deliver impressive speeds, robust security, and versatile features.

NordVPN takes the crown in this comparison, excelling in value, advanced perks like Threat Protection, and extensive device coverage. On the other hand, ExpressVPN shines in terms of unmatched ease of use and competitive performance. And while NordVPN outperforms ExpressVPN in download speeds and affordability, both providers deliver exceptional quality.

In this detailed comparison, I’ll evaluate NordVPN and ExpressVPN in terms of speed, security, features, pricing, and ease of use, helping you decide which VPN best suits your needs. Read on to uncover the full results.

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN overview

NordVPN and ExpressVPN share several fundamental features essential for VPN services. Both offer strong encryption protocols to secure user data, ensuring privacy and protection. They also adhere to strict no-logs policies, meaning no records of online activities are kept. Additionally, their user-friendly apps are compatible with numerous devices and operating systems.

	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
⭐ Rating:	4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
🥇 Overall rank:	#1 out of #41	#4 out of #41
🖥️ Servers:	6,900 + servers in 111 countries	3,000 + servers in 105 countries
📖 No logs policy:	No logs	No logs
💵 Price:	From $2.99/month	From $4.99/month
🔥 Coupons:	NordVPN coupon 74% OFF	ExpressVPN coupon 61% OFF
🔒 VPN protocols:	OpenVPN, WireGuard (NordLynx), IKEv2/IPsec	Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2
🍿 Streaming services:	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more
🖥️ Platforms:	Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
📥 Simultaneous connections:	10	8
💁🏻 Support:	Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat	Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: price comparison

NordVPN is cheaper than ExpressVPN, with a yearly plan priced at $4.49/month compared to ExpressVPN's $4.99/month. However, neither is the cheapest option available – Surfshark, for instance, offers a $2.99 monthly rate with a 1-year Surfshark One plan.

Despite this, both NordVPN and ExpressVPN are well-respected and reliable choices in the VPN market. If you're looking for basic online protection, ExpressVPN is a solid option, but if you need top-notch privacy and security, NordVPN could be your best bet. Let’s take a deeper look at how these providers compare in pricing.

Plan	NordVPN Plus	ExpressVPN
1-month plan	$12.99/month	$12.95/month
1-year plan	$4.49/month + 3 EXTRA months	$4.99/month (renewal rates might be applied after the first year)
2-year plan	$2.99/month + 3 EXTRA months	–
Current deal	Get 74% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free	Now up to 61% OFF ExpressVPN + 4 months FREE

Note: Prices were last checked in December 2024.

ExpressVPN is more expensive than NordVPN. If you look at the monthly plan, it costs pretty much the same – ExpressVPN's monthly subscription price starts at $12.95/month, and NordVPNs at $12.99/month. However, the longer the plan you choose, the more you save every month. And this is where NordVPN gives much better value.

NordVPN offers better monthly prices on longer subscriptions. NordVPN’s year-long plan costs only $4.49/month, but the best deal comes with the most extended two-year plan, which would cost you only $2.99/month. In contrast, ExpressVPN's six-month subscription will cost $9.99/month, and the longest annual subscription comes at $4.99/month.

NordVPN offers more payment options

Both NordVPN vs ExpressVPN offer regular credit card payments, as well as online payment methods such as PayPal, UnionPay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Additionally, providers accept cryptocurrencies for anonymous payments. If you paid with cryptocurrency, a NordVPN customer support representative will handle your request and process the refund within three business days. With ExpressVPN you are also entitled to a full refund so long as you’re still within our 30-day money-back guarantee. Keep in mind that due to fluctuations in the cryptocurrency market, the refunded amount may differ from the original payment.

The only difference between NordVPN and ExpressVPN is that NordVPN accepts AmazonPay, and ExpressVPN doesn't.

NordVPN offers more for the lower price

Not only is NordVPN way cheaper than ExpressVPN, but you can also claim NordVPN’s 7-day free trial on the Google Play Store. Unfortunately, neither provider has a free trial for the desktop apps. Luckily, when you get NordVPN’s free Android trial, you can use the same account on other devices (up to 10), including desktop ones. Besides, you can try each provider risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Further, a NordVPN subscription covers up to 10 simultaneous device connections, while ExpressVPN allows up to 8. While the difference isn’t that major, it’s still a win for NordVPN. On the other hand, there are providers, like IPVanish and Surfshark, that are not just affordable but offer unlimited simultaneous connections if you need to connect multiple devices.

It's worth mentioning that both NordVPN and ExpressVPN have great customer support. My testing showed both providers’ waiting times on 24/7 live chat were short, and questions asked via email were solved in just a few hours.

Security overview: NordVPN vs ExpressVPN

Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer strong security and privacy. They both use AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard for keeping data safe. ExpressVPN uses SHA-512 hashing to verify its servers, while NordVPN doesn’t specify the hashing method it uses, though this detail isn’t a major concern for most users. What really matters are the tunneling protocols NordVPN and ExpressVPN support. Both VPNs include OpenVPN and IKEv2, but their proprietary protocols make a big difference: NordVPN’s NordLynx (based on WireGuard) is built for speed, while ExpressVPN’s Lightway is designed to give you smoother and more reliable connections.

Neither NordVPN nor ExpressVPN is based in a country that is a part of the Fourteen Eyes Alliance. Besides, both providers have had their no-logs policies independently audited. ExpressVPN has had two no-log policy audits, done by KPMG in 2023 and in 2022. Conversely, NordVPN has proven trustworthy regarding its no-logs policy with four external audits under its hood. PwC audited the VPN provider in 2018 and 2020, and Deloitte repeated the auditing process in 2022 and 2023.

When it comes to VPNs, everyone talks about no-logs policies, but the truth is, just about every provider claims they don’t keep logs. The real question is: can we trust them? That’s why I find it so important when a VPN goes the extra mile and backs up these claims with regular, independent audits.

ExpressVPN has been particularly transparent in this area. The provider had third-party audits done by big names like PwC, and the results are available for anyone to read. This isn’t just a one-time deal either; ExpressVPN has done this consistently, which tells me it’s serious about sticking to the no-logs promise. For me, that kind of commitment is reassuring – it’s not just marketing, it’s backed by action.

NordVPN, on the other hand, has a slightly different approach, but it’s just as interesting. It commits to doing a third-party audit every two years. Its most recent one was in 2023. What I like about this is the regular schedule. It shows NordVPN is not just doing it once for show but making sure its privacy practices stay up-to-date. In a world where privacy standards change constantly, this kind of consistency stands out to me. It proves NordVPN is willing to evolve and stay accountable.

What’s really worth talking about here is how both NordVPN and ExpressVPN don’t just make no-logs claims – they prove it. Many VPNs out there will boast about no-logs policies, but if they’ve only had an audit once, or worse, never at all, how can you be sure they’re following through? That’s where these two shine. Their regular audits show they’re keeping themselves in check, and that’s a big deal.

As for infrastructure, NordVPN is strategically designed to handle high traffic volumes and maintain consistent performance even during peak usage periods. Therefore, it's better for activities that require high bandwidth, like streaming or gaming. ExpressVPN emphasizes global reach and flexibility, so its infrastructure is optimized to provide users with multiple worldwide servers to access geo-restricted content.

Moreover, NordLynx (based on WireGuard) uses XChaCha20, which is known for its security and speed. On the other hand, Lightway uses ChaCha20 along with AES-256 to offer a similar balance of security and performance.

During my tests, I didn't find any DNS leaks with NordVPN or ExpressVPN. However, while reviewing both providers in security terms, NordVPN did a little better than ExpressVPN as there was an issue with ExpressVPN's Windows app version 12 in 2024 – its split tunneling feature didn't route DNS requests properly. The provider fixed it fast, though, and now everything works fine again. Plus, ExpressVPN has shown its commitment to transparency by releasing a report on DNS leaks.

Speed comparison: is NordVPN faster than ExpressVPN?

In my recent in-house testing, the NordVPN vs ExpressVPN speed comparison revealed that NordVPN is faster than ExpressVPN. Although both providers showed similar ping and upload speeds, NordVPN outmatched ExpressVPN in download speed retention rates.

NordVPN’s NordLynx and ExpressVPN’s Lightway are two different protocols. They’re both high-speed, next-generation protocols built for advanced privacy and performance. Developed internally by the providers, they both perform significantly better than older OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols.

I compared the speed test results of ExpressVPN and NordVPN using the available high-speed tunneling protocols – NordLynx and Lightway.

The numbers below show average download and upload speeds from the US, the UK, Canada, Germany, France, and Japan. It’s worth mentioning that the distance to the server location has a significant impact on the results.

NordVPN's NordLynx protocol offers superior download speeds, making it the faster and better-performing option. While ExpressVPN is better than NordVPN regarding some server locations for upload speeds, overall, NordVPN emerges as the clear winner in the comparison of download and upload speeds.

Note: Your internet connection may vary, and the results might be different from ours due to differences during testing and daily fluctuations. Consider this data as approximate and subject to change.

I also tested the ping results of NordVPN and ExpressVPN, and these are the results:

	The UK	The US	Japan
NordVPN (NordLynx)	~43ms	~103ms	~290ms
ExpressVPN (Lightway)	~40ms	~123ms	~277ms

NordVPN and ExpressVPN are very similar when comparing ping results. I find it interesting that my previous testing showed much higher ping with both providers (for instance, on the US server, NordVPN’s ping was around 202ms and ExpressVPN’s around 213ms), whereas now the results have greatly improved. This only shows that both providers continuously improve their products.

So, NordVPN and ExpressVPN are almost the same regarding ping and upload speeds, but NordVPN takes the lead with download speeds. Besides, NordVPN is a more efficient VPN than ExpressVPN as its NordLynx performance is better regarding download and upload speeds.

Features overview

NordVPN has more features than ExpressVPN. Both providers have features like RAM-only servers, split tunneling, as well as Smart DNS, and Stealth VPN. However, when comparing ExpressVPN vs NordVPN, ExpressVPN lacks dedicated IP and Meshnet features.

	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Split tunneling	✅ Yes (Android, Android TV, Windows)	✅ Yes (Windows, Android, routers)
RAM-only servers	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (TrustedServer)
Stealth VPN	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Smart DNS	✅ Yes (SmartPlay)	✅ Yes (MediaStreamer)
Dedicated IP	✅ Yes (for additional price)	✅ Yes (for additional price)
Meshnet	✅ Yes	❌ No
Specialty servers	✅ Yes (Double VPN, obfuscated, P2P, Onion over VPN)	✅ Yes (stealth servers)
Web filters	✅ Yes (Threat Protection)	✅ Yes (Threat Manager)
Breach checker	✅ Yes (Dark Web Monitor)	❌ No

For me, features like dedicated IP and Meshnet are too important to overlook. I use a dedicated IP feature when I deal with financial transactions while traveling, so my IP isn’t flagged up every time I log in from a different location. It can also be helpful in disguising your VPN usage from ISPs or authoritative governments.

What’s more, NordVPN's Meshnet helps me securely share files with my colleagues and friends from all around the world. It gives me peace of mind that my most important data stays protected.

On the other hand, both providers offer extra features to improve users’ experience. I appreciate that both NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer a feature to prevent app trackers. ExpressVPN's Threat Manager proactively identifies and blocks potential threats. It safeguards users from accessing malicious websites and protects against cyberattacks. However, I’d like to see a bit more functionalities. For example, NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro is not only an automatic tracker blocker but also works as an ad blocker. There’s also a download scanner (built into Threat Protection) for files under 150MB to check for malware before downloading.

I give ExpressVPN an edge for including a password manager (ExpressVPN Keys) in all of its plans. NordVPN, however, doesn’t include NordPass in its Basic plan – I’d like to see this changed in the future.

Split tunneling testing experience

Split tunneling is a useful feature that lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t, but during my testing on ExpressVPN vs NordVPN, I ran into some issues – especially on Windows.

With ExpressVPN, I expected the apps I excluded from the VPN to use my regular connection. While the IP address appeared correctly as local, the DNS traffic (which is how your system looks up websites) still went through the VPN. This wasn’t obvious at first, but a DNS leak test showed that the requests were still being handled by the VPN, even though the app wasn’t supposed to be using it. This could cause problems if you're trying to access services that rely on local DNS.

NordVPN had a similar issue. I set split tunneling to run only Firefox through the VPN, while everything else was supposed to use my normal internet connection. But when I tested Edge, the DNS traffic was still going through the VPN, even though my local IP was showing correctly. After looking into it, I found that NordVPN is aware of this and explains that it's actually a Windows limitation – Windows can’t always split DNS requests, so even when an app isn’t using the VPN, the DNS queries might still get routed through it.

On Android, however, things worked perfectly for both VPNs. There were no DNS leaks, and the apps I excluded from the VPN used my local connection as expected. Split tunneling functioned without a hitch on mobile, which is great if you mainly use your VPN on Android.

Smart DNS test results

When testing NordVPN’s SmartPlay and ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer, I noticed they serve different purposes, and each has its own advantages depending on what you need.

With NordVPN’s SmartPlay, the experience was really smooth. There’s nothing extra to set up – once I connected to a server, SmartPlay was already working in the background. This made streaming geo-restricted content, like Netflix and Hulu, easy. What I really liked was that I still got all the VPN security benefits, like encryption, while streaming. I didn’t have to worry about privacy, and the process was seamless. Just connect, and it works.

ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer is built for devices that don’t support VPNs, like smart TVs or gaming consoles. I wasn’t able to test it directly because I didn’t have those devices on hand, but I can see why it’s useful for people with those setups. However, MediaStreamer doesn’t provide VPN-level security – there’s no encryption, and you can’t change your virtual location. You also have to register your IP address on ExpressVPN’s website to use it, which adds a small extra step, but it’s fairly simple to do.

In the match of NordVPN vs ExpressVPN, if you want something simple and secure, NordVPN’s SmartPlay is great because it just works without any extra effort. But if you have a device that doesn’t support VPNs, ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer is a solid option, even though you’ll miss out on privacy protections.

Feedback on web filters usage

After testing both NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro and ExpressVPN’s Threat Manager, it became clear that NordVPN provides stronger overall protection, especially when it comes to blocking malicious sites. While ExpressVPN does a decent job at blocking trackers, its performance in detecting dangerous links wasn’t as reliable.

Starting with NordVPN, their Threat Protection Pro feature really stood out. In the CoverYourTracks test, it effectively blocked trackers on both Chrome and Firefox, making it a great tool for improving privacy. However, the most impressive result was its ability to block all 10 phishing and malicious URLs I tested. This shows that Threat Protection Pro isn’t just about privacy – it’s a solid security tool as well. The regular Threat Protection (without Pro) didn’t block any malicious URLs, so it’s clear that the Pro version is worth the upgrade if you want the best protection.

On the other hand, ExpressVPN’s Threat Manager offered mixed results. It’s nice that ExpressVPN is transparent about its blocklist sources, which are updated weekly. In terms of tracking protection, it worked well on Firefox, but on Chrome it only provided partial protection. Unfortunately, when I tested it against 10 malicious links, it didn’t block any of them. This might be due to the weekly blocklist updates, which can mean newer threats slip through. On the bright side, Threat Manager is available on Linux (only with version 3.18.1), making it accessible to an even broader range of users.

In conclusion, NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro outperforms ExpressVPN’s Threat Manager, especially when it comes to blocking harmful sites. ExpressVPN still offers decent tracking protection, particularly on Firefox, but it falls behind in overall security.

Effectiveness of breach checker

When it comes to monitoring for data breaches, NordVPN’s Dark Web Monitor is an interesting feature, but it’s difficult to fully test in a real-world scenario unless your account has actually been compromised. The feature scans the dark web for leaks involving the email linked to your NordVPN account, and it promises to notify you if your email has been exposed.

This gives you the opportunity to quickly update passwords or take other security steps before any real damage is done. However, since the effectiveness relies on your data actually being found in a breach, I couldn’t fully assess its performance during testing. That said, it’s a useful passive layer of protection – you don’t have to actively monitor anything yourself, which adds peace of mind, even if the likelihood of needing it is unpredictable.

On the other hand, ExpressVPN’s Keys is more of a password manager than a breach monitoring tool. It’s available for free with all plans, and while it offers zero-knowledge encryption and has been independently audited by Cure53 for security, I found it somewhat underwhelming. Keys is only available on iOS, Android, and Chrome-based browsers, and lacks standalone desktop apps, which is how I typically prefer to manage my passwords. This limitation, combined with its relatively basic feature set, makes it less appealing to me, especially when there are more fully featured password managers on the market.

In summary, NordVPN’s Dark Web Monitor is a useful safety net, though difficult to test unless you’ve actually been affected by a breach. ExpressVPN’s Keys, while secure, feels limited in terms of functionality and platform support, especially compared to other password managers out there. If desktop compatibility and advanced features are important to you, there are better options available.

User opinions from using NordVPN and ExpressVPN on a daily basis

To understand what users think about these two providers, I explored Reddit threads. One thing that was constantly mentioned is that NordVPN is often faster and more affordable than ExpressVPN. For example, while ExpressVPN excels in unblocking popular services like Netflix, it may struggle with lesser-known sites. But NordVPN is just amazing at streaming, especially with NordLynx for lightning-fast speeds.

On the other hand, there was one user who found ExpressVPN offering more consistent speeds and had fewer issues with streaming services like Netflix and Max compared to NordVPN. However, they experienced broken images on some websites when using ExpressVPN. No other users have reported the same issue with images, though.

Additionally, users appreciate that NordVPN is strong on privacy, with a no-logs policy and jurisdiction in Panama. ExpressVPN is also serious about privacy, though its policy is less transparent. When comparing ExpressVPN and NordVPN, Redditors appreciate NordVPN's extra perks like Threat Protection, which adds an extra layer of security and includes a strong ad-blocker.

For other users, NordVPN is the go-to option for torrenting, too.

In the competition between NordVPN and ExpressVPN, Surfshark is usually mentioned for its unbeatable pricing on both monthly and yearly plans.

I believe your choice between NordVPN and ExpressVPN depends on your specific needs. NordVPN often comes out on top, but both are worth considering. Individual experiences can vary, so trying multiple VPNs might be beneficial.

Server locations

NordVPN is superior to ExpressVPN both in server fleet size and country coverage. To be exact, NordVPN has 6900+ servers across 111 countries, while ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries, but no longer shares the exact server number (some sources claim it has over 3000 servers).

	Servers	Countries (total)	Virtual locations	Specialty servers
NordVPN	6900+	111	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (Double VPN, obfuscated, P2P, Onion over VPN)
ExpressVPN	Undisclosed	105	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (stealth servers)

A large server number ensures fast and stable connections, but wide location coverage is necessary to bypass geo-restrictions. For instance, both ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer virtual servers in India, helping to unblock local content.

Overall, both ExpressVPN and NordVPN provide a large number of servers in globally varied locations. But NordVPN has an edge over ExpressVPN because it simply offers a wider country coverage.

I find it important to also mention that both ExpressVPN and NordVPN have RAM-only servers. RAM-only systems mean nothing is stored locally, and your information is wiped out automatically once you disconnect, keeping it entirely safe.

Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer a feature called Stealth VPN, which serves as an excellent solution for maintaining a connection even when faced with network restrictions or Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) measures, particularly in countries where internet access is heavily censored, like China.

NordVPN's version of Stealth VPN is called obfuscated servers, and you can select these servers from the Specialty servers list. NordVPN automatically establishes a connection that disguises your traffic as a regular HTTPS traffic.

ExpressVPN also provides its Stealth VPN capability, which operates smoothly within the application. If the app detects the need to evade DPI or similar restrictions, it activates the Stealth VPN function without any manual configuration required.

Which is better for streaming – NordVPN or ExpressVPN?

VPN users recognize both NordVPN and ExpressVPN as excellent choices for streaming. While ExpressVPN offers great streaming capabilities and speeds with loads of servers to select from, NordVPN has a better value being even faster and more secure.

One thing I found that makes a significant difference for avid streamers is that ExpressVPN is a bit easier to navigate on Android TV and Fire TV compared to NordVPN. On the other hand, NordVPN’s apps aren’t complicated at all. It’s just that NordVPN doesn’t have a kill switch on these platforms, which is usually considered a downside for those who take security seriously.

NordVPN stands out for securely unblocking different streaming platforms while ensuring stable and consistent connection speeds at all times. It also offers more simultaneous connections – 10, in comparison to ExpressVPN’s 8. This is handy in bigger households – more devices can be connected to different servers. Thus, NordVPN is a better choice for streaming for budget-conscious users.

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN Netflix unblocking capabilities are similar – both services unblock Netflix US and Japan as well as other libraries. When testing, I managed to unblock more than 20 Netflix libraries with NordVPN and about the same number with ExpressVPN. The same can be said about BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Max, Disney+, and other streaming services.

I also liked that ExpressVPN and NordVPN allow streaming on all servers. So when you decide to watch your favorite show, you don't need to switch servers first. Most importantly, the speeds should be enough for HD or even 4K video quality.

Smart DNS support is another excellent option that both providers have. This feature allows streaming platforms to be unblocked on smart TVs, game consoles, and other media devices without the VPN app. ExpressVPN calls it MediaStreamer, and I had it up and running on my PC. However, it didn't work on our office Xbox, so you may want to install it on your router instead.

NordVPN's version is named Smart DNS, and it also supports many media devices. Also, there’s NordVPN’s SmartPlay technology to ensure better-streaming access on all servers.

Torrenting and P2P

Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer incredible speeds and a wide range of servers. ExpressVPN is available in 105 countries, while NordVPN is available in 111. This means both providers will guarantee excellent connectivity no matter where you are worldwide.

One of the differences between NordVPN and ExpressVPN is that NordVPN allows P2P only on specialized servers, whereas ExpressVPN allows torrenting on all of its servers.

However, NordVPN is one of the best SOCKS5 proxy VPNs, while ExpressVPN doesn't offer a free SOCKS5 proxy. But with ExpressVPN you can get the split tunneling feature on most platforms, including Windows and Android, which lets you select the apps that you want to be VPN-secured. NordVPN also has this feature but doesn't support it on Mac.

Platforms, interface, and ease of use

Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN have good-looking interfaces and are easy to use. Additionally, providers let their users efficiently secure every device in their households. For example, NordVPN covers 10 simultaneous connections, while ExpressVPN – 8. You'll find apps for all major platforms, too, including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions. Yet ExpressVPN has one client that NordVPN misses: a router applet.

	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Supported OS	Windows, macOS, Linux (no GUI), Android, iOS, tvOS	Windows, macOS, Linux (no GUI), Android, iOS, tvOS
Router applet	❌ No	✅ Yes
Other software and devices	Android TV, Fire, Roku, Kodi devices, Apple TV, and more	Android TV, Fire devices, routers, Apple TV, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox devices, and more
Browser extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Vivaldi
Simultaneous connections	10	8
Usability level	Easy to set up	Easy to set up

I think that while you can manually configure NordVPN to work with the most popular router brands, it's still not as convenient as downloading and installing the service immediately. Finally, the difference in simultaneous connections is not so important, especially when you can remove the limit by installing the VPN on a router.

While NordVPN and ExpressVPN apps for Windows and Mac are easy to install and use, they offer a totally different approach. I liked the NordVPN apps more, as they're visually pleasant and intuitive. On the other hand, ExpressVPN is much easier to use, as there are no distracting elements and fewer features if you’re a total beginner.

Interestingly, NordVPN has two apps for macOS. The version on the Apple Store is recommended because it supports all tunneling protocols, including NordLynx. In the past, the version from NordVPN’s website only supported OpenVPN, but now both versions offer the same protocols, making the Apple Store version the better option for most users.

Neither provider has a GUI for Linux. You control everything using command lines instead. Moreover, NordVPN's Linux app is open source. In the future, I’d like both providers to develop a GUI for better usability.

Android and iOS clients look pretty much the same on both NordVPN and ExpressVPN and are also quite similar to their desktop counterparts. However, there are some features not available on Windows and Mac. NordVPN's Android app doesn't have a kill switch of its own. Therefore, you'll need to use the native always-on VPN setting. In contrast, you can't turn off the iOS kill switch.

In the case of ExpressVPN, the Android version is superior to the iOS. It has split tunneling and a kill switch, two of the essential features.

Video review: NordVPN vs ExpressVPN

Check the showdown of the two rivals in this video review of NordVPN vs ExpressVPN. It’s a deep dive into their features, performance, and everything that sets them apart.

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN – which one do I recommend?

As per my research, I find NordVPN a better choice when pitted against ExpressVPN. It’s swift, provides numerous security features, has a comprehensive server network, and is significantly cheaper than ExpressVPN.

Category	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Price	✅	❌
Protection	✅	✅
Speed	✅	❌
Features	✅	❌
Server locations	✅	✅
Streaming	✅	✅
Torrenting	✅	✅
Ease of use	❌	✅

I recommend NordVPN if you are looking for an affordable and well-rounded VPN to meet all your security and entertainment needs. It supports slightly more simultaneous connections per account, provides better speeds, and offers more features.

On the other hand, while ExpressVPN is one of the pricier VPNs, the quality you receive makes it worth the cost. I found ExpressVPN to be a better choice for those willing to pay a premium for an ultra-private and reliable VPN that has numerous independent audits under its belt. While it has fewer features than NordVPN, it’s almost on par regarding speed, streaming, and protection.

If you are still wondering which VPN is best for you, both NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer a 30-day money-back guarantee that gives you a chance to try them risk-f

Comparison methodology: NordVPN vs ExpressVPN

There’s a lot to consider when comparing different VPN providers. Our research team performs various tests and research to see different aspects of a VPN service. In this NordVPN and ExpressVPN comparison, to determine which was superior, we thoroughly tested both providers in each category, including price, security, speeds, compatibility, and more. Here’s the process of how we compared NordVPN vs ExpressVPN:

1. Pricing (15%). I examined each provider's subscription plans and pricing, as it’s one of the first things potential VPN users look at.
2. Security features (25%). Together with our research team, we also analyzed and tested both NordVPN’s and ExpressVPN’s security features, comparing their usability and functionality.
3. Performance (25%). We then performed speed testing to see which provider offers better speeds and more stable connections. We looked at download and upload speed retention rates, ping, and other important aspects.
4. Servers (15%). I additionally compared each provider’s server fleets and their global coverage and evaluated specialty servers and their functionalities.
5. Streaming and torrenting (15%). Our team has also tested the streaming and torrenting capabilities that both ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer to see which one gives better experience.
6. Ease of use (5%). We did hands-on testing on each VPN’s apps to evaluate their ease of use and interface, regardless of technical aptitude.

After all the research, I gathered all the cumulative data and compared each provider side by side. This way, I was able to rate each category and rank the providers to find which one was better overall.

FAQ