When it comes to selecting the best VPNs then NordVPN and ExpressVPN stand top of the list. Both VPNs are runaway winners in terms of their services.
Although, when we have to choose between NordVPN and ExpressVPN, the task can be quite sophisticated.
But, don’t worry, this NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison will tell you which among them stands first.
NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: Which is Best?
They’re both great VPNs, but when you compare the two, NordVPN comes out on top. It has excellent speeds, and in our tests, it was faster than ExpressVPN. It also gives users access to many servers, which makes it easy to find the best one for their needs.
ExpressVPN is a strong competitor of NordVPN because it has a great set of features and security.
The problem with ExpressVPN is that it costs more than NordVPN.
However, if you’re looking for ExpressVPN alternatives and need to choose between NordVPN or ExpressVPN, both options can provide a safe and secure VPN experience.
NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: Specifications
NordVPN and Expressvpn have basic features we’d expect from any VPN provider, like a kill switch that cuts off your network connection if you disconnect from the VPN. Besides this, the RAM disk servers also have more advanced features like split tunneling to transport some traffic through your ISP if necessary.
ExpressVPN has endpoints in 94 countries, while NordVPN only has them in 59. Because of this, virtual globetrotters may find ExpressVPN more useful.
| NordVPN | Express VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Panama | British Virgin Islands |
| Servers | 5,500+ | 3,000+ |
| Countries | 60 | 94 |
| Logs | No logs (audited) | No logs (audited) |
| Torrenting | All servers | All servers |
| Support | Knowledge Base; 24/7 live chat | Knowledge Base; 24/7 live chat |
| Apps for | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Price | $3.09 (with coupon) | $6.67 |
ExpresVPN lets you connect up to five devices to its service at once. Clients are available for various platforms, including Windows, the Linux command line, macOS, Android, iOS, FireTV, Kindle Fire, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari. It also gives instructions on how to connect other devices manually, and it works with OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and Lightway.
NordVPN lets you connect up to six devices at once. It offers Linux command line, macOS, Android, Windows, iOS clients, manual connection instructions, and Chrome and Firefox extensions. It works with the protocols OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, SSTP, and WireGuard.
NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: Pricing Plans
Both companies offer three different plans. But, the amount you save, and the length of the most extended contract are distinct. You can try either without risk because NordVPN and ExpressVPN both offer 30-day money-back guarantees.
| Plan | NordVPN | Express VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $11.99 | $12.95 |
| Six Months | – | $9.99/month |
| One Year | $4.99/month | $8.32/month |
| Two Years | $3.09/month | – |
ExpressVPN is the more expensive choice. Starting at $12.95 per month, the subscription price is pretty high. A six-month subscription will cost $9.99 per month, and a subscription for an entire year will cost $8.32 per month.
On the other hand, NordVPN has excellent deals for people who sign up for more extended periods. The monthly plan would be $11.99/month, but the yearly plan would only be $4.99/month. The best deal is the two-year plan, which costs only $3.09 per month for the most extended term.
Also, NordVPN is much cheaper than ExpressVPN, and you can get a 7-day free trial of NordVPN from the app stores.
NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: Security, Logging, and Privacy
Security
Both VPNs provide top-notch security and privacy, and are based in countries that are not part of the 5-Eyes Alliance. They also use the industry-standard tunneling protocols OpenVPN and IKEv2 and use AES-256 to encrypt data. The updated tunneling protocols for NordLynx and Lightway should make each platform safer than the rest.
But there are concerns about the staff and ownership of ExpressVPN. Even though there is no link between Project Raven and ExpressVPN, this was enough proof for the public to think less of ExpressVPN. Since NordVPN doesn’t have a history like this and has more features (like CyberSec, Double VPN, and Onion Over VPN), it wins this round.
Privacy
ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, while NordVPN is based in Panama. Since neither of these countries has laws about keeping data, both VPNs have a no-logging policy that people can trust.
As mentioned, neither of them is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence group. So there’s no need to worry about the government asking the ISP to gather information about what users do online and give it to the government.
Logging
PwC, a global accounting company, has checked the strict no-logs policy of NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Also, ExpressVPN’s policy on privacy is valid in court. In 2017, the Turkish government took over their server in an attempt to find out more about the murder of the Russian ambassador. As you might expect, they didn’t find anything.
NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: Performance
We devised a few ways to measure performance between nordvpn vs expressvpn that our readers will find helpful in setting the stage. For example, we know that some of you have super-fast connections of 1 Gbps while others have slow connection speeds. Because of this, we test on a line with a speed between 160 and 180 Mbps. By the way, that’s the download speed, and the uploading speed lies between 125 and 160 Mbps.
Last, ExpressVPN’s Lightway and NordVPN’s NordLynx protocols may appear speedy on paper, but that doesn’t always mean they perform that way. We relied on the familiar and reliable OpenVPN protocols many VPN users utilize for our speed testing.
NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: Streaming Services
Many people might think about getting a VPN to use streaming services blocked in their country. If you are one of them, this comparison will help you choose.
ExpressVPN tells you exactly which websites it can help you access. This is a bold move since these services try to block VPN access. But ExpressVPN proves that these claims are confirmed by reliably unblocking Disney+, YouTube, BBC, and iPlayer, which are known for being hard to access.
On its main homepages, NordVPN doesn’t say that it will unblock any specific sites, but it does say that it will give you access to “entertainment content.” Still, it was as good as Expressvpn at getting around blocks on most services.
Netflix stepped up its game in 2021 to stop VPNs from using geo-spoofing to access overseas catalogs. ExpressVPN has been one of the best at getting back to people, and it usually lets people in other countries watch US, UK, and Canadian Netflix.
Nord’s performance had been a little less consistent, but it has improved and is now more than a match for Express regarding VPNs for Netflix. So, this is another category where it’s hard to tell the two apart. Checkout does NordVPN work with Netflix in detail!!
NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: Mobile Apps
Staying safe on public Wi-Fi can be a big worry, especially for people who work in cafes or take public transportation often. This is why any VPN that is worthy needs to have great mobile apps. As you’d expect from a VPN with so many features, NordVPN’s mobile apps are powerful, and its NordLynx protocol works excellently on iOS, a natural standout feature.
The ExpressVPN apps are well-designed and have various protocols, including the company’s own Lightway. Generally speaking, Express is almost as easy to use on your phone or tablet as on your computer.
And this is where NordVPN’s apps fall short: when we open the app, we’re met with a map-based location picker that’s a little strange. You can find a list of servers if you look for it, but the layout is weird initially. Not a disaster by any means, but we think a slight change to the design would be a good idea.
NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: Supports
Even experts can have trouble with VPNs because so many things can go wrong. A good support service can make the difference between fixing a problem in minutes and giving up on an app forever.
Both services offer help through email and live chat, which works very well. If we had to choose, we’d say NordVPN’s live chat was probably more thorough. Someone can always help you 24/7 if you’re having trouble.
Last Minute Advice
It’s unlikely that the nordvpn vs expressvpn debate will end soon. But now that the dust has settled, it’s clear why NordVPN beats ExpressVPN in our list of the best VPN services. NordVPN is a vital service with much to offer that other VPNs don’t. We also think that ExpressVPN is excellent with its services.
But, NordVPN is a completely polished package that is worthy in every aspect. It has excellent apps, strong privacy, great unblocking features, and a firm commitment to making everything as easy to use as possible.
