When selecting a VPN service, you might find yourself torn between NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Both are top contenders in the VPN market, renowned for their extensive features, speed, and ease of use. Let’s compare them based on several criteria to determine which one suits you best.
This article will explore the 9 main differences between NordVPN and ExpressVPN, helping you decide which VPN is the best fit for your needs.
Why Choose Between NordVPN and ExpressVPN?
Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN are giants in the VPN industry, each with millions of users worldwide. They both offer military-grade encryption, strict no-logs policies, and user-friendly apps for various devices. However, subtle differences in features, performance, and pricing might make one service more appealing to you.
Overview of Both Services
NordVPN is a VPN service based in Panama, a country known for its strong privacy policies. Since its founding in 2012, NordVPN has quickly become one of the most popular VPNs globally, recognized for its focus on security and speed.
ExpressVPN, on the other hand, is based in the British Virgin Islands and has been operating since 2009. ExpressVPN is renowned for its high speeds and its ability to access geo-restricted content, such as streaming services.
Key Differences Between NordVPN and ExpressVPN You Should Know
1. NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: Country of Origin
NordVPN is owned by Tefincom & Co., a company headquartered in Panama. This location is highly advantageous because Panama does not have strict data retention laws, allowing NordVPN to enforce its no-logs policy more effectively.
ExpressVPN is owned by Kape Technologies, which also manages several other VPN services. Based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN benefits from being outside of strict government surveillance.
2. NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: Which Offers Better Pricing?
ExpressVPN tends to be more expensive than NordVPN, except when you opt for a monthly subscription. The monthly prices are nearly the same—ExpressVPN starts at $12.95/month, while NordVPN starts at $12.99/month. However, the longer the subscription duration you choose, the more you can save each month. This makes NordVPN a better value.
NordVPN offers more affordable monthly rates with longer subscriptions. Its annual plan costs just $4.99/month, but the best deal comes with the two-year plan, which only costs $3.09/month. In comparison, ExpressVPN’s six-month subscription costs $9.99/month, and its longest annual plan is priced at $6.67/month.
3. NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: Does NordVPN Offer More Payment Options?
- Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN accept regular credit card payments as well as online payment methods like PayPal, UnionPay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
- Additionally, both providers accept cryptocurrency payments for anonymous transactions.
- If you pay with cryptocurrency, NordVPN’s customer service will handle your request and process refunds within three business days.
- With ExpressVPN, you are also entitled to a full refund as long as you are within the 30-day money-back guarantee period.
- It’s important to note that due to cryptocurrency market fluctuations, the refund amount may differ from the initial payment.
The key difference between the two is that NordVPN accepts AmazonPay, while ExpressVPN does not.
This comparison gives you a clear overview of the payment options offered by NordVPN and ExpressVPN, helping you decide which service suits your payment preferences.
4. NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: Trial Availability
- NordVPN is not only significantly cheaper than ExpressVPN, but it also offers a 7-day free trial through the Google Play Store. Unfortunately, neither provider offers a free trial for desktop apps. However, when you get the NordVPN free trial for Android, you can use the same account on other devices (up to 10 devices), including desktops.
- Additionally, both providers offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.
- NordVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous device connections, while ExpressVPN permits only up to 8. While this difference might seem small, it’s still an advantage for NordVPN.
It’s also worth noting that both NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer excellent customer support. In my testing, the wait time for both providers’ 24/7 live chat was short, and email inquiries were resolved within a few hours.
5. NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Security Levels
Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer outstanding security and privacy. They both provide AES-256 data encryption, SHA-512 hashing, and industry-standard tunneling protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2.
Neither NordVPN nor ExpressVPN is based in a country that is part of the 14-Eyes Alliance. Additionally, both providers have independently audited no-logs policies. ExpressVPN underwent two no-log policy audits conducted by KPMG in 2023 and 2022. On the other hand, NordVPN has proven its commitment to a no-log policy with four external audits conducted by PwC in 2018 and 2020, as well as Deloitte in 2022 and 2024.
In terms of infrastructure, NordVPN is strategically designed to handle high traffic volumes and maintain consistent performance, even during peak usage periods. This makes NordVPN better suited for activities that require high bandwidth, such as streaming or gaming. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, focuses more on global reach and flexibility, optimizing its infrastructure to provide users with a wide range of servers worldwide to access geo-restricted content.
Both platforms have implemented new tunneling protocols like NordLynx and Lightway, which are expected to be more secure with the implementation of XChaCha20.
During testing, I did not find any DNS leaks with either NordVPN or ExpressVPN. However, it’s worth noting that there was an issue with ExpressVPN’s Windows app version 12 in 2024—its split tunneling feature did not correctly route DNS requests. The provider quickly fixed this, and everything is now functioning properly again. Additionally, ExpressVPN has shown its commitment to transparency by releasing reports on DNS leaks.
6. NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Internet Speeds
Speed is one of the most crucial factors when choosing a VPN, especially if you plan to stream or play online games.
NordVPN
NordVPN is known for its consistently fast server speeds, thanks to its NordLynx technology, which is based on the WireGuard protocol. NordLynx provides high speeds without compromising security.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is also incredibly fast, with its own Lightway protocol designed to deliver fast and stable connections. ExpressVPN is often praised for its consistency in providing high speeds across various global servers.
7. NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Device Availability
When it comes to device compatibility, both NordVPN and ExpressVPN support a wide range of platforms.
NordVPN supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, as well as devices like routers, smart TVs, and more. They also offer browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
ExpressVPN offers similar compatibility, with support for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and various other devices. ExpressVPN even has dedicated apps for routers and gaming consoles, making it more flexible in terms of the devices it supports.
8. NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Available Server Locations
NordVPN excels over ExpressVPN in both server fleet size and country coverage. Specifically, NordVPN has over 6,400 servers in 111 countries, while ExpressVPN operates servers in 105 countries, though they no longer provide an exact server count (some sources claim ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 servers).
| Feature | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Servers | Over 6,400 servers in 111 countries | Over 3,000 servers in 105 countries (note: exact number not disclosed) |
| Server Coverage | Extensive server coverage ensures fast and stable connections | Wide global server coverage, but less extensive than NordVPN |
| Stealth VPN (Obfuscated Servers) | Offers “obfuscated servers” for secure connections, especially in regions with internet censorship (e.g., China) | Provides Stealth VPN capabilities directly within the app, automatically activating when needed to avoid DPI or similar restrictions |
| RAM-Only Servers | Uses RAM-only servers, ensuring no local data storage and complete data erasure upon disconnection | Also uses RAM-only servers, ensuring no local data storage and complete data erasure upon disconnection |
| Specialty Servers | Includes specialty servers like double VPN, P2P-optimized, Onion Over VPN, and obfuscated servers for added security and performance benefits | Offers Stealth VPN capabilities but does not specify additional specialty servers |
A large number of servers ensures fast and stable connections, but broad location coverage is necessary to bypass geographic restrictions. For example, both ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer virtual servers in India to provide access to local content.
Overall, both ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer many servers in diverse global locations. However, NordVPN has an edge over ExpressVPN due to its wider country coverage.
It’s worth noting that both ExpressVPN and NordVPN have servers that use only RAM. The RAM-only system means no data is stored locally, and your information is automatically erased when you disconnect, ensuring complete security.
Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer a feature called Stealth VPN, which effectively maintains connections even under network restrictions or Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), especially in highly censored internet environments like China.
NordVPN’s Stealth VPN feature is known as “obfuscated servers,” which can be selected from the Specialty Servers list. NordVPN automatically masks your traffic as regular HTTPS traffic.
ExpressVPN also provides Stealth VPN capabilities, which operate seamlessly within the app. If the app detects a need to bypass DPI or similar restrictions, the Stealth VPN feature will activate automatically without manual configuration.
9. NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Platform Ratings
Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN have excellent reputations across various review platforms.
NordVPN often receives high ratings for its combination of speed, security, and competitive pricing. Users frequently praise its responsive customer service and user-friendly apps.
ExpressVPN also garners outstanding ratings, with particular commendation for its server speeds, robust security, and extensive device compatibility. Its customer service is well-regarded for being very helpful and available 24/7 via live chat.
When to Choose NordVPN or ExpressVPN?
Choose NordVPN if you:
Need a very extensive network of servers.
Are looking for many additional features.
Have a limited budget.
Choose ExpressVPN if you:
Prioritize speed and performance.
Want to easily unblock streaming services.
Don’t mind paying more for premium features.
Conclusion: Which VPN is Right for You?
When choosing between NordVPN and ExpressVPN, it’s important to consider your specific needs. NordVPN offers a strong combination of speed, security, and competitive pricing, while ExpressVPN excels in providing access to a wide range of global content with super-fast speeds.
However, if you’re looking for a solution that offers the best combination of security, speed, and ease of use at a more affordable price, we recommend Surfshark VPN might be a better choice. With standout features like CleanWeb for protection against ads and malware, MultiHop for double privacy, and Unlimited Device Connections to protect all your devices, Surfshark provides unmatched value. With Surfshark VPN, you get everything you need to keep your online privacy secure without compromising on performance or budget.
NordVPN:
Known for its exceptional speed and robust security features, NordVPN offers over 6,200 servers globally, making it ideal for streaming and privacy protection.
Surfshark:
This budget-friendly option allows unlimited simultaneous connections, providing excellent value for families or users with multiple devices.
Don’t compromise on your digital security—choose one of these top-rated VPNs to enhance your online experience today!
