NordVPN vs ExpressVPN rank as the top VPNs. There are only so many providers that can compare to those giants. However, the question remains: is one of the 2nd better?
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN Comparison In this review, I will compare the distinctions in terms of security, privacy, speed, price, and streaming. As a result, this comparison of NordVPN vs ExpressVPN should help you decide which one is better for your needs.
Table of Contents
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN:
Comparing NordVPN vs ExpressVPN, the variations get removed. NordVPN is considerably cheaper than ExpressVPN and offers six matching connections instead of five. NordVPN has more servers than ExpressVPN, but the latter has country options. Two VPNs offer the same streaming convenience and customer support, but NordVPN wins due to a much better overall price.
| NordVPN | ExpressVPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating: | 4.9★★★★★ | 3.8★★★★☆ |
| Overall rank: | #1 out of #30 | #13 out of #30 |
| Servers: | 5,500+ servers in 59 countries | 3,000+ servers in 91 countries |
| No logs policy: | No Logging | No Logging |
| Pricing: | From $3.29/month | To $12.95/month |
| VPN protocols: | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, WireGuard (NordLynx) | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and more | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and more |
| Platforms: | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Firefox, Chrome, and Edge |
| Simultaneous connections: | 6 | 5 |
| Support: | Knowledge Base, FAQ, Email, 24/7 Live Chat | Knowledge Base, FAQ, Email, 24/7 Live Chat week |
Speed Comparison: NordVPN vs ExpressVPN
I compared ExpressVPN vs NordVPN speed test results leveraging the high-speed tunneling protocols available on the market: NordLynx and Lightway.
The numbers below square the average transfer and transfer speeds of different countries: European countries, the UK, the US, Argentina, India, Japan, and Australia. It is worth mentioning that the space for the server location has a stunning impact on the results.
NordVPN’s WireGuard and ExpressVPN’s Lightway measure two different protocols, but it’s convenient to check them side by side. Each is a high-speed, next-generation protocol designed for advanced privacy and performance. Developed in-house by the providers, they represent the best of each provider to get offers, with considerably higher activity than the older OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols.
As you can see, NordVPN offers higher transfer speeds. However, the transfer numbers are pretty consistent. Once you count the return part, that’s Bastille Day vs. 45 for the move and 54 vs. 57 for the move, making it a win for NordVPN.
Baseline: 1-ms, 300-Mbps transfer, 300-Mbps transfer
| NordLynx vs Lightway | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
| Download average | 259 Mbps | 196 Mbps |
| Upload average | 137 Mbps | 130 Mbps |
Every VPN offers IKEv2, so the diverse technology underlying the protocols does not condense the results. NordVPN offers faster speeds (download and upload), but ExpressVPN falls far behind only when it comes to the latter. In terms of drop, that’s 83 vs 98.
| IKEv2 | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
| Download average | 227 Mbps | 202 Mbps |
| Upload average | 52 Mbps | 5 Mbps |
OpenVPN UDP sometimes shows better results than TCP. This time, the download with NordVPN was a bit faster. However, ExpressVPN showed higher transfer results. The delivery distinction was 78% vs 63%.
| OpenVPN UDP | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
| Download average | 197 Mbps | 165 Mbps |
| Upload average | 65 Mbps | 110 Mbps |
OpenVPN TCP offers a stable association in addition to the value of performance. It also shows up in my test results, but NordVPN took a big hit, slowing down by ninety-six. Meanwhile, ExpressVPN managed to stay afloat with pretty solid numbers.
| OpenVPN TCP | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
| Download average | 13 Mbps | 83 Mbps |
| Upload average | 10 Mbps | 36 Mbps |
NordVPN is eventually a faster VPN, but ExpressVPN comes close, especially with OpenVPN connections. However, NordVPN’s NordLynx technology offers the most effective overall performance across the board, stinging this provider in terms of speed.
Features Overview
Both contestants have quite a few options to offer. However, NordVPN has more of them. Check out the feature comparison below to see if ExpressVPN is missing anything you’d like.
Split Tunneling
Split tunneling can be a nice feature that allows users to set which apps can use VPN and which apps can connect directly. It is very convenient when, for example, you want to watch the North American nation on Netflix and, in constant time, be ready to scan localized news portals. Both services have it, but ExpressVPN offers additional support.
In this case, do be able to opt-in or opt out of the listed applications from VPN exploitation. NordVPN works in a very similar way, but it only supports Windows and humanoids. Meanwhile, ExpressVPN allows waterproof split tunneling (up to macOS 10.15) too well.
Smart DNS
This feature can be a gold rush for anyone trying to use a VPN for video streaming platforms. Firstly, it unblocks Netflix and other principles without scrambling traffic or causing you to connect through a VPN server, which means much better speeds. Second, it works on devices that don’t support VPN connections, like some smart TVs and game consoles.
ExpressVPN calls it MediaStreamer & we had it running on a laptop. It didn’t work on our Xbox, so you’ll want to install it on your router.
NordVPN’s version is known as SmartDNS & is also compatible with nearly all multimedia devices. Also, a SmartPlay technology to confirm higher streaming access on all servers.
Since MediaStreamer gets integrated into the VPN rather than just being a Smart DNS function, it differs from ExpressVPN in that used outside of the VPN. It implies that you can use them in any way to have more options.
RAM-only Servers
ExpressVPN was probably the fast provider to switch to RAM-only servers in 2019, naming the feature TrustedServer. It is better from a security standpoint since when information is saved to consumed. Additionally, the owner is aware of quite what is running anytime new software is installed. Instead, older servers rely on changing the older configuration, which is more vulnerable.
In 2020, NordVPN also affected RAM-only, wholly-owned, and company-controlled servers. So by the time you read this, both ExpressVPN and Since nothing is stored locally and your data is immediately exhausted, NordVPN has switched to RAM-only systems, which keep you entirely secure.
Stealth VPN
Stealth VPN can be a great way to maintain a connection when your school network blocks you because you are using a VPN. Furthermore, it is the most effective tool against deep packet inspection (DPI) used by China.
NordVPN calls them obfuscated servers & they are in the market on all OpenVPN protocol connections. Simply selecting them from the list of special servers (available in NordVPN settings), they will automatically connect and make your traffic look like ordinary HTTPS, bypassing censorship. ExpressVPN also has VPN stealing, but it works automatically if the app determines this is necessary.
Overall, while both providers offer essential security measures, I even have to declare NordVPN the winner of this round. That’s because NordVPN offers exclusive security options, including CyberSec, SOCKS5, and others, protecting you from almost every corner.
Exclusive Features
This whole section is devoted to NordVPN and its extra features.
Threat Protection may not be Associate in Nursing antivirus, but it comes very close. This feature prevents you from accidentally visiting malicious websites that would infect your laptop. And with an inherent ad blocker, many of those pages are mechanically blocked. Also, Associate in Nursing’s automatic hunter-blocker is there to keep your private information safe from data collectors. There is even a transfer scanner, which mechanically checks each downloaded malware file if it is less than twenty MB.
In addition, you can also get a Dark Web Monitor, which verifies whether or not your personal information is in databases used by online criminals, owned by the one acting before it’s too late.
The convenience of Meshnet allows you to create a secure affiliation between many devices, whether they belong to you or your friends. It is usually great for virtual local area network parts, accessing remote files, or operating development sessions. You will join up to 60 devices directly.
Going back to the VPN options, you will also find Double VPN, known as multi-hop. It is a feature that adds extra protection to your online activity by connecting through 2 VPN servers instead of one.
Under specialized servers is where you may find Onion Over VPN (Tor over VPN). Your traffic passes through a NordVPN server when you turn it on, which requires at least 3 Tor nodes.
The SOCKS5 proxy can be a feature favored by many torrents. It will set you up informed to your favorite P2P shopper and make sure your traffic is protected even if you forget to show it on the VPN shopper.
Dedicated scientific servers are servers with a passionate scientific address that you had to buy directly from the official NordVPN website. In this way, your science is constant in the shortest possible time after connecting. It is usually helpful for people who have obtained a VPN, not reason for privacy, except for alternative uses.
To see many NordVPN options, take a look at our NordVP NordVPN Review In (2023) Features, Plans & More!N review.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Which is Very Secure?
Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN provide top-notch security and privacy. They are victimization military grade cryptography and industry standard tunneling protocols in OpenVPN and IKEv2. NordLynx and Lightway, each platform’s updated tunneling agreements should be even more secure than the rest.
However, there are considerations around workers and ownership of ExpressVPN. A report on the company’s chief information officer, Daniel Gericke, revealed that he was a former Project Raven associate in nursing. The project was behind the rise of cyber espionage tools that helped the UAE attack rival governments, human rights activists, and journalists. While there is no affiliation link Project Raven to ExpressVPN itself, this was proof enough to tarnish the publicly-read ExpressVPN name.
Since NordVPN doesn’t have the same story and has the edge thanks to its extra features (CyberSec, Double VPN, Onion Over VPN), it wins this round.
Jurisdiction
NordVPN is registered in Panama, while ExpressVPN is located in Britain and Ireland. None of those countries have data retention laws, which suggests that VPNs will have a reliable policy of not working. Also, none of them belong to the Fourteen Eyes intelligence alliance.
Logging
NordVPN and ExpressVPN have had their strict zero-logging policy audited by PwC, a global accounting firm. Additionally, the privacy policy of ExpressVPN has been supported in court. In 2017, your Turkish server was convicted by local authorities in the hope of seeking information about the murder of the Russian ambassador. As you might expect, they had no luck.
Netflix and Streaming Performance
The choice of any of our contestants for the transmission is an excellent alternative. They unlock additional libraries in addition to Netflix USA. For example, I managed to unblock 21 Netflix libraries with NordVPN and Constant variety with ExpressVPN. Constant talk about BBC iPlayer, YouTube, DAZN, and many more.
However, NordVPN was better at bypassing heavy restraint, owned by the US. Obtain Japanese Netflix splendidly well-protected. The latter is hence our #1 VPN for Netflix.
| Platform | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Amazon Prime Video | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Hulu | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| HBO Max | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Disney + | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| BBC iPlayer | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| DAZN | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Additionally, I loved that all servers for ExpressVPN vs NordVPN support streaming. Therefore, once you conceive of watching your favorite show, you should not change servers first. Most importantly, the speeds should be sufficient for HD or 4K video quality.
Smart-DNS support is another good possibility that all providers have. I mentioned this in the options overview section above, so I’ll repeat that it allows you to unblock streaming platforms on good TVs, game consoles, and other media devices without the VPN app.
In short, NordVPN and ExpressVPN are best for sliding a tie. Although NordVPN will bypass some stricter restrictions, both providers can unblock the most popular streaming services. Both jointly incorporate the good DNS function and allow you to stream content with the best video quality.
Torrenting and P2P
Once again, it’s hard to declare a winner during this class. Both contestants offer good speeds and a wide variety of servers to install. While NordVPN has nearly twice as many of them, P2P is only allowed on specialized servers.
Meanwhile, ExpressVPN allows you to download torrents on all servers. Plus, this VPN is available in 94 countries compared to NordVPN’s 59, so you’ll likely be looking for a nearby server no matter where you are.
Unlike NordVPN, ExpressVPN does not have a free SOCKS5 proxy. In contrast, you’ll get an identical result with Split Tunneling, it commercially available on Windows, Mac, and Automata. NordVPN also has this feature but does not support it in waterproof.
Although NordVPN is our favorite VPN for torrenting, now we have to decide.
Plans and Pricing
Both providers have 3-totally different supply plans. However, the valuation, the number you save, and the longer duration of the agreement differ considerably.
| Plan | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
| Monthly | $12.99 | $12.95 |
| Six months | – | $9.99/month |
| One year | $4.59/month | $8.32/month |
| Two years | $3.29/month | – |
As you will see, the best ExpressVPN deal is that the yearly setup costs $12.95/month, which offers you a 35% discount. Instead, you can opt for a 6-month installation for $9.99/month that doesn’t offer any discounts. Finally, there is the more expensive monthly possibility of $12.95.
Instead, NordVPN’s best deal comes with the biennial setup for just $3.29/month. That’s 68 of the $12.99 monthly value. Their annual offer is $4.59/month, which is a still-solid 39th discount.
It should be plain by now that NordVPN is much cheaper than ExpressVPN. It also offers an idea that is twice as long. Although we tend to compare annual deals, you’ll pay seventy percent for ExpressVPN.
The good thing is that each service has a 30-day money-back guarantee. Therefore, you should have plenty of time to check each one thoroughly before committing for a long time. Neither includes a free version, but auto and iOS users will claim NordVPN’s 7-day free trial in the app stores.
If these costs seem a bit high, check out our articles for NordVPN coupon codes and ExpressVPN coupon codes to find more discounts.
While the costs of the monthly plans are similar, NordVPN offers much better value. ExpressVPN’s most profitable monthly value is $12.95/month. Meanwhile, NordVPN’s 2-year setup costs just $3.29/month, and you get plenty of options with it. Therefore, NordVPN is the winner because you will get a much better price for your cash.
China And Countries With Restricted Network Access
You can use NordVPN and ExpressVPN in China. They are among the plain services for countries where network access is restricted. However, the strategy each uses to handle VPN bans is entirely different.
ExpressVPN does not offer the Nursing Associate option to turn on VPN cloaking. Instead, this feature kicks in mechanically whenever you see that you’ll have to force alter the DPI. Unfortunately, this works as long as you set your tunneling protocol to automatic.
However, NordVPN has special obfuscated servers to choose from. While this is usually very convenient, you will likely have to find an exceptional app to make it work, at least in China. You will find instructions for all major platforms on the NordVPN website.
Finally, NordVPN has the sting due to its practical alternative options. One can be a double VPN that uses 2-servers instead of one for more protection. The opposite is Onion Over VPN which adds Tor relays on top of your encrypted VPN connection. Overall, NordVPN is hierarchical because it is the top VPN for China on our list.
Server Locations
NordVPN has almost twice as many servers. On the other hand, ExpressVPN offers hr additional countries to choose through. Let’s compare their server lists in more detail and see which is the winner.
| NordVPN | ExpressVPN | |
| Servers | 5500+ | 3000+ |
| Countries (total) | 59 | 91 |
| Americas | 7 | 13 |
| Europe | 37 | 47 |
| Asia Pacific | 11 | 26 |
| Middle East & Africa | 4 | 5 |
The table above shows some regions and NordVPN is not that far behind when we say international coverage. An example, the case between the Middle East and the continent is somewhat identical. Also, in Europe, ExpressVPN only has additional half-hour countries.
However, the massive discrepancy is within the Asia Pacific. Here NordVPN has a rather double smaller coverage. On the other hand, NordVPN has upgraded a significant chunk of its network to colocated servers that the company has consistently owned and operated.
To conclude, a donor will have giant server networks, creating a tie. ExpressVPN covers more countries. However, NordVPN has over 5,500 servers, beating the competitor by a few thousand.
Apps, Interface, and Ease of Use
| NordVPN | ExpressVPN | |
| Supported OS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Other software and devices | Android TV, Fire devices | Android TV, Fire devices, routers |
| Browser Extensions | Chrome, Firefox | Chrome, Firefox |
| Simultaneous connections | 6 | 5 |
Both VPNs provide good compatibility. You’ll get apps for all major platforms and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. However, ExpressVPN has a buyer that NordVPN doesn’t see, and that’s a router app.
While you can manually set up the latter to work with most major standard router brands, it’s still not as convenient as downloading and installing the service directly. Ultimately, the difference in matching connections is negligible, Particular after removing the restriction by setting up the VPN on a router.
In this round, I even have to declare ExpressVPN the winner because it outperformed NordVPN in terms of compatibility. The latter does not provide a router app, while ExpressVPN will. It makes it more convenient and allows each user on the same network to use the VPN at the time.
Desktop Apps
While the NordVPN and ExpressVPN apps for Windows and Mackintosh are easy to install and use, they offer a completely different approach. The former features a small mobile-like screen with a massive Connect button, and the latter works best during a maximized window where you can see the map with accessible server locations. Both designs have pros and cons, so it will be up to you to decide which one you like better.
Interestingly, NordVPN has 2-apps for macOS. The one available on the Apple Store is “the right one” because it supports all tunneling protocols, including NordLynx. The provider’s website version is more of a sideload that only supports OpenVPN but has additional features.
ExpressVPN has an inspiring feature called Shortcuts. Once you connect to a VPN, you can add up to 5 links to websites you always visit. This feature is also available in a golem. Learn more about this feature in our ExpressVPN review.
Meanwhile, NordVPN offers an identical feature known as Presets. It allows you to add up to 6 links or applications well configure your most popular server and tunneling protocol. However, this feature only is accessed on macOS.
About Linux, none of the vendors include a user interface. Instead, it handles anything that mistreats the command lines. NordVPN has .deb and .rpm packages, while ExpressVPN supports distributions based on Debian, RedHat, and Arch.
Mobile Apps
Android and iOS buyers look almost identical. In addition, they resemble their desktop equivalents quite a bit. However, some options are not available on Windows and Mackintosh.
NordVPN’s golem app does not have a kill switch of its own. Therefore, you will need to use the native always-on VPN configuration. On the contrary, you cannot turn off the iOS kill switch.
In the case of ExpressVPN, the golem version is superior to the iOS version. It’s a split tunnel and a kill switch, 2 of the essential options. In addition, there is a Protection scheme that informs you when science is hidden & because of this, the Knowledge Breach Alert warns you if a breach has revealed your email.
Customer Support
| NordVPN | ExpressVPN | |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 live chat | ✅ | ✅ |
| ✅ | ✅ | |
| Phone line | ❌ | ❌ |
| Guides or Articles | ✅ | ✅ |
| FAQs | ✅ | ✅ |
Express VPN and NordVPN provide quality customer support. For starters, they each have a 24/7 live chat. Wait times are short at worst, and support representatives are polite and knowledgeable.
In addition, each provider has email support. If the problem is more advanced, it may not be possible to find it through live chat. In any case, I don’t recall waiting a few hours before getting an email response from the Associate in Nursing.
Last but not least comes the domain of knowledge. Here we will find frequently asked questions, configuration guides, and much more. I commend ExpressVPN for adding French, Dutch, Italian, German, Spanish, and Portuguese translations.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN – Which One Wins?
| Category | NordVPN | SurfShark |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | ✅ | ❌ |
| Features | ✅ | ❌ |
| Protection | ✅ | ✅ |
| Streaming | ✅ | ❌ |
| Torrenting | ✅ | ❌ |
| Price | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ease Of use | ❌ | ✅ |
| Customer support | ✅ | ✅ |
In short, NordVPN can be a superior service compared to ExpressVPN. It’s very speedy, provides additional security features, covers different servers, and is cheaper than ExpressVPN. Plus, it’s a much better option for using a VPN in China and great for streaming.
Meanwhile, ExpressVPN offers additional support and includes a router app. The provider jointly beats several competitors in phrase speed and has good security features.
However, NordVPN may be a much better contrast to ExpressVPN, thanks to its range of features, pricing, server network, and matching connections.
FAQs
Is NordVPN better than ExpressVPN?
Yes, NordVPN is better than ExpressVPN. You’ll be able to use twig starting at $3.09/month for six devices compared to ExpressVPN’s value of $8.32/month for five devices. Together, they offer an additional 5,500 servers in 59 locations, while ExpressVPN’s server fleet consists of 3,000 servers in 91 countries.
Is NordVPN or ExpressVPN superior to Netflix?
Is NordVPN or ExpressVPN superior to Netflix?
NordVPN is better for Netflix than ExpressVPN as appropriately of its additional servers, offers matching connections, and is cheaper. You can easily use it to unblock 21 Netflix libraries as well as America, the UK, Canada, and others.
NordVPN or ExpressVPN: which is better for gaming?
NordVPN is better for entertainment than ExpressVPN because it offers some of the best speeds and covers lists of servers. So you should be able to find one that is close to your location and has low ping.
What is the difference between NordVPN and ExpressVPN?
The main variations between NordVPN and ExpressVPN measure their server fleet, price, and matching connections. NordVPN has additional servers and supports added matching connections. Also, your subscription costs a square measure cheaper compared to ExpressVPN. Due to this, we frequently urge our readers to use NordVPN.
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