NordVPN and ExpressVPN are the top-ranked and most popular VPNs. They both provide risk-free and fast service, however, there are areas where they differ from one another. Let’s compare the two and see which on takes the lead in this NordVPN vs ExpressVPN race.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: At a Glance
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
Starting Price | $3.29 | $8.32 |
Encryption | AES with 256-bit | AES with 256-bit |
Money back | 30 days | 30 days |
OS Compatibility | Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android TV | Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Linux, Android TV |
Dedicated IP Add-On | $5.83 (monthly) or $70 (annually) | Not offered |
Max No. of Devices | 6 | 5 |
Server Locations | 63+ | 160 |
24/7 Support | Yes | Yes |
At a glance, you can tell that NordVPN is a cheaper option. ExpressVPN is quite expensive and that is just the starting price. They both have the same military-grade AES 256-bit encryption. The VPNs are compatible with Android, IOS, Windows, Mac, Android TV, and Linux.
ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a dedicated IP add-on whereas NordVPN does. Dedicated IP gives you the ability to access networks that are IP restricted. NordVPN offers users more simultaneous connections as compared to ExpressVPN. Although both are lacking in this factor because some top VPNs offer unlimited simultaneous connections.
Both VPNs offer 24/7 customer support and email help. ExpressVPN servers are scarred around 160 locations whereas NordVPN has servers in 63+ regions.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Features
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
Simultaneous connections | 6 | 5 |
Devices supported | Mac, Android, IOS, Linux, Smart TVs, Windows | Mac, IOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Windows |
Manual install devices | Routers, set-top boxes | Certain routers and set-top boxes |
Free extras | Browser extensions for Edge, Chrome, and Firefox, ad blocker, Dark Web Monitor, malware-scanning, Wi-Fi protection, MeshNet | Smart DNS service. Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Vivaldi, and Brave |
Both VPNs have native apps for Mac, Windows, IOS, Android, and Amazon Fire. Moreover, the VPNs also offer command-line utilities for easy installation of VPN on Linux. ExpressVPN beats NordVPN when it comes to router installation because ExpressVPN has its own custom firmware that is easy to use and makes the setup process simple. Moreover, the Aircove router was launched by ExpressVPN on September 2022 and has a built-in VPN that works when the user subscribes to ExpressVPN.
NordVPN can also be installed on a wide range of routers and if you are having trouble, the VPN has an extensive library of tutorials that explains how to install NordVPN on different firmware.
Both VPNs offer top-notch security and privacy. They both allow anonymous browsing and also have a strict no-logs policy. NordVPN is equipped with a Dark Web Monitor that goes through the internet in search of any user data that might be leaked, if it detects a leak, it quickly notifies the user. The two VPNs also have the kill switch and tunneling feature.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Price Comparison
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
Website | NordVPN.com | ExpressVPN.com |
Subscription periods | One month, annual, 2-year | One month, 6-month, annual |
Special offer | 63% discount on the 2-year plan | Three months free when subscribed to annual plan |
Highest price per month | $12.99 | $12.95 |
Lowest monthly cost | $3.29 | $8.32 |
One year price | $55.08 | $99.84 |
Money back guarantee | Yes | Yes |
Free trial | Yes | Yes |
The table above clearly depicts which VPN is expensive and which one is cheaper. Even though the monthly subscription of NordVPN is more expensive, the price of its annual plan and the 2-year plan is a lot cheaper as compared to ExpressVPN. Both VPNs offer a money-back guarantee and a free trial. So, feel free to subscribe to any one of the VPNs and check them out. If you are not satisfied with the services they offer there is an option to cancel before the 30-day time period and get your money back, no questions asked.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Streaming Comparison
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Unblocks | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
Netflix | Yes | Yes |
Hulu | Yes | Yes |
Disney+ | Yes | Yes |
HBO Max | Yes | Yes |
BBC iPlayer | Yes | Yes |
Apple TV | Yes | Yes |
YouTube TV | Yes | Yes |
Prime Video | Yes | Yes |
CBS | Yes | Yes |
NBC | Yes | Yes |
ITV | Yes | Yes |
Both VPNs can bypass geo-restrictions and censorship easily as they both have an extensive server fleet. Netflix works splendidly with both of them. They are both fast and secure therefore users don’t have to suffer through lags, buffering, or frozen screens.
ExpressVPN and NordVPN both also support torrenting and with the speeds that they offer, users can download content in no time. Plus, they also prevent throttling, so you won’t have to worry about the internet getting slow due to traffic.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Servers and Performance
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
Total number of servers | 5,305 | 3,000 |
Server location | 60 | 160 |
Mobile friendly | Yes | Yes |
Both VPNs offer users an extensive library of servers. Even though ExpressVPN has more server locations, NordVPN’s server fleet is larger. However, a large number of servers don’t ensure better performance. Even though they are fewer in number, ExpressVPN offers some of the most powerful and fast servers.
NordVPN servers possess a feature that ExpressVPN doesn’t have and that is VPN Chaining. This feature routes traffic through two servers, providing double encryption. This however slows connection speed sometimes.
Both VPNs offer fast service with ExpressVPN having an average speed of 246 Mbps and NordVPN having a 249 Mbps average speed. The speed of some of their servers was tested and here are the results.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
Average connection speed-North America (USA) | 268 Mbps | 253 Mbps |
Average connection speed-Europe (UK) | 174 Mbps | 193 Mbps |
Average connection speed-Asia (Hong Kong) | 147 Mbps | 133 Mbps |
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Comparison of Security Protocols
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
VPN protocols | NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | IKEv2, OpenVPN, Lightway |
Encryption type | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit |
OpenVPN control channel encryption | RSA-4096 | RSA-4096 |
Kill switch | Yes | Yes |
Private DNS | Yes | Yes |
Both VPNs offer top-notch security protocols and are known as the top risk-free VPNs. They both have OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols. NordVPN and ExpressVPN also have security protocols of their own. ExpressVPN’s Lightway is a perfect blend of security and speed. It is also lightweight and isn’t heavy on your device’s battery, plus the protocol is mobile optimized.
NordVPN’s protocol, NordLynx is based on WireGuard. It offers security plus fast speed and is considered the next best thing in the digital security world. They both use military-grade AES 256-bit encryption. This provides users security against hackers and trackers. They are both equipped with a kill switch that prevents data leakage in case the VPN connection drops. NordVPN offers users a choice between a regular kill switch and one that affects only selected apps. ExpressVPN however does not offer this advantage. Both VPNs offer Private DNS that prevents hackers, trackers, or snoopers from seeing your internet activity.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Privacy Comparison
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
Jurisdiction | Panama | British Virgin Islands |
Connection log | Strict no-logs policy | Strict no-logs policy |
Activity logs | Strict no-logs policy | Strict no-logs policy |
User details for signup | Email address | Email address |
Anonymous payment options | Bitcoin, Ripple, Ethereum | Bitcoin |
Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN have a strict policy against logs. Which means that they don’t store, collect, or share your information with third parties. They don’t keep logs of your internet activity, traffic, and VPN connections. Both VPNs don’t keep a record of your IP address, which makes it nearly impossible to trace you. Plus, they allow you to pay via cryptocurrency which further makes it impossible to link your account to you.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Customer Support Comparison
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
24/7 live chat | Yes | Yes |
Ticket support | Yes | Yes |
Email support | Yes | Yes |
Average email response time | 45 mins to 3 hours | 45 mins |
Searchable knowledge base | Yes | Yes |
Phone support | No | No |
Video guides | Yes | Yes |
Both of these VPNs offer the best customer service in the industry. They are known for their prompt and helpful replies. Their customer service is available 24/7 to assist you whenever you need help or have a query.