NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Which is Better?

Which VPN is Best for You: NordVPN or ExpressVPN?

Compare NordVPN vs ExpressVPN to find the best VPN service for your online security needs. Analyze features, performance, and pricing in this detailed comparison.

When it comes to choosing a VPN service, two names often come up: NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Both are highly respected and popular VPN providers, but which one is the best for your needs? In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down the differences between NordVPN and ExpressVPN to help you make an informed decision.

Compare NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN

Introduction of NordVPN vs ExpressVPN

NordVPN and ExpressVPN are both well-established players in the VPN industry. They both offer a wide range of features and strong security measures to protect your online privacy.

NordVPN is based in Panama, while ExpressVPN operates out of the British Virgin Islands. Both of these countries have favorable privacy laws and are not members of the 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance.

Features of NordVPN and ExpressVPN

Server Network

NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer extensive global networks of servers, though NordVPN has a larger total number of servers. They operate over 6000 servers across 110+ countries. This provides users with abundant options for selecting a server location.

ExpressVPN’s network is slightly smaller, comprising over 3,000 servers in 100+ countries. Although the sheer number of servers is lower, ExpressVPN covers more countries, providing a more diverse range of locations from which to choose.

Simultaneous Connections

NordVPN and ExpressVPN both support connecting multiple devices simultaneously, though NordVPN enables one additional connection.

NordVPN permits up to 10 simultaneous connections, ideal for those needing to connect more devices at once. This makes NordVPN a superior choice if connecting many gadgets concurrently is a high priority.

ExpressVPN allows up to 8 simultaneous connections, which suffices for most users but provides one fewer connection than NordVPN. Thus, ExpressVPN lags slightly behind NordVPN in terms of how many devices can be connected simultaneously.

Streaming and Torrenting

NordVPN and ExpressVPN are both capable of bypassing geographic restrictions on streaming media services as well as enabling P2P file sharing and torrenting.

NordVPN and ExpressVPN excel in circumventing bans on popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Users can access content from any region with either VPN.

Performance: ExpressVPN vs NordVPN

ExpressVPN tends to have a slight edge over NordVPN in connection speed. However, both VPN services provide fast, reliable connections adequate for streaming media and online gaming.

ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer apps covering all major platforms including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. They also provide browser extensions compatible with Chrome and Firefox.

While ExpressVPN may be marginally faster in some areas, NordVPN maintains connectivity that suffices for most users’ needs. Each VPN service meets the requirements for streaming content and playing games online across devices. At their core, they offer comparable functionality and performance with minimal differences.

Security and Privacy: ExpressVPN and NordVPN

NordVPN and ExpressVPN prioritize security and privacy. They employ strong AES-256 encryption and offer a selection of secure protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WiredGuard (NordVPN’s NordLynx).

These VPN services do not maintain any logs of users’ online activity, upholding a strict no-logs policy. They guarantee that no records exist of users’ browsing history, location, or other digital footprint. Each VPN also includes a kill switch to safeguard users’ data if the VPN connection fails.

With no-logs policies, encryption, and kill switches in place, NordVPN and ExpressVPN effectively conceal users’ privacy and anonymity. They provide essentially the same robust set of security features with no meaningful differences. Users can feel confident choosing either service knowing their online privacy and security are the top priority.

Security & Privacy Features

As a VPN’s primary purpose is to protect your online privacy and security, you want to select a provider with robust security standards and controls. NordVPN and ExpressVPN both deliver excellent security with state-of-the-art encryption and additional features.

Encryption & Protocol Support

NordVPN and ExpressVPN use AES 256-bit encryption combined with a 4096-bit RSA key for maximum protection of your traffic and data.

They support the most secure VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and WireGuard. You can choose different protocols through their apps based on your specific needs for speed or defense against VPN blocking.

No-Logs Policy

Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN have a strict no-logs policy for user privacy. They do not record or retain any activity logs, IP addresses, connection timestamps, bandwidth usage, or other data that could identify users or compromise privacy.

Independent audits in 2018 (ExpressVPN) and 2020 (NordVPN) verified that the companies were in compliance with their no-logging commitments at those times.

Kill Switch

The VPN kill switch automatically blocks your internet access if the VPN connection drops to prevent unintended exposure of your IP address or traffic.

NordVPN and ExpressVPN both provide an always-on kill switch that works at the system-level to cut off the internet entirely if the VPN fails. This assures your IP and data stay protected.

Additional Privacy Features

Beyond the core security and privacy essentials outlined above, NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer extra features that enhance anonymity and protection:

Streaming & Unblocking Capabilities

A significant advantage of using a premium VPN is being able to access streaming content that may be geo-restricted in your location. Below, we compare how NordVPN and ExpressVPN perform when it comes to unblocking popular streaming platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

Unblocking Netflix

Both VPNs can successfully unblock Netflix libraries from other countries, but they differ in performance:

NordVPN supports Netflix’s unblocking of its dedicated streaming specialty servers. With ExpressVPN, only certain servers designated as “Media Streamer” work with Netflix.

Unblocking Other Services

For other popular streaming platforms beyond Netflix, the capabilities are more similar:

Torrenting Allowance

Torrenting is permitted on both ExpressVPN and NordVPN across hundreds of their servers, making them two of the top VPNs for P2P filesharing.

They offer fast servers optimized for torrenting, as indicated in their apps. Key advantages that make them P2P-friendly:

Bypassing Censorship & Geo-Restrictions

VPN services can help you bypass internet censorship and access geo-restricted content by routing your traffic through servers in other countries not impacted by blocks.

NordVPN and ExpressVPN both provide tools to evade censorship, although their approaches differ.

Pricing and Plans: NordVPN vs ExpressVPN

NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer subscription plans at different price points, with longer-term plans providing larger discounts.

NordVPN Pricing:

ExpressVPN Pricing:

Both VPN services provide a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing customers to try the service for a month risk-free. NordVPN’s 2-year plan offers the lowest monthly cost, while ExpressVPN’s 12-month plan cost higher than NordVPN. However, ExpressVPN’s short-term 6-month and month-to-month plans charge higher monthly fees compared to NordVPN’s corresponding plans. In summary, either VPN could be a good choice, depending on your subscription length preference and budget.

Customer Support: ExpressVPN vs NordVPN

NordVPN and ExpressVPN deliver outstanding customer support with 24-hour availability. Users can chat live with support agents anytime through the websites or mobile apps. The chat teams are knowledgeable and aim to resolve issues promptly. If live chat is not needed or desired, customers also have the option to email support for questions and troubleshooting.

In addition to providing various avenues of direct support, NordVPN and ExpressVPN maintain extensive support resources on their sites. Help articles cover setup guides, using streaming services, security and privacy tips, experience sharing, and more. When self-help is sufficient, these knowledge bases empower users to solve problems quickly. They also feature instructional videos on how to configure and operate the VPN for a visual guide.

With a suite of support channels including 24/7 live chat, email, and supportive articles/videos, NordVPN and ExpressVPN ensure that help is always on hand. Users can feel confident in the companies’ dedication to excellent support. Whether needing immediate assistance or browsing useful content, NordVPN and ExpressVPN support delivers.

Which is Better for You?

After comparing ExpressVPN and NordVPN across 11 key categories, NordVPN emerges as the best VPN for most people. It offers an unrivaled mix of great value, strong performance, superior entertainment unblocking, and extensive configurability for advanced users.

But ExpressVPN still delivers ultra-fast speeds and excellent reliability. For users wanting the fastest VPN experience or in need of responsive customer support, ExpressVPN is a superb choice that is well worth the higher price.

Here is a quick summary of their major advantages relative to one another:

Final Thoughts

Though NordVPN and ExpressVPN are premier VPN services renowned for their advanced security, extensive features, and speed, the selection between them comes down primarily to individual preferences, budget constraints, and key requirements. For those prioritizing affordability, a vast network of servers, and additional simultaneous connections, NordVPN’s lower pricing, larger coverage, and extra support may prove most appealing.

Alternatively, for those willing and able to pay a higher fee in exchange for access to a more diverse range of locations, marginally quicker speeds, and premium service, ExpressVPN would likely satisfy needs at the expense of cost. Ultimately, there is no objectively superior service, only a choice between the pros and cons of coverage, performance, pricing, and service for unique user profiles.

FAQs About NordVPN and ExpressVPN

Is NordVPN or ExpressVPN better for Netflix?

NordVPN provides more consistent and faster access to a greater number of Netflix libraries beyond just the US. It’s a better choice for unlocking Netflix content from different regions.

Which is faster: NordVPN or ExpressVPN?

Independent speed tests indicate ExpressVPN delivers slightly faster speeds, with average reductions of 15% from baseline vs. 20-25% drops for NordVPN. Both services still offer excellent speeds that are sufficient for streaming and downloads.

Which VPN has stronger security?

NordVPN and ExpressVPN actually have virtually identical core VPN security based on AES 256-bit encryption and a no-logs policy. Both also provide added features like a kill switch. Overall, their security standards are equally robust.

Can I torrent on ExpressVPN and NordVPN?

Yes, P2P torrenting is allowed on both VPN services. They provide fast specialty servers suitable for high bandwidth torrenting traffic and do not restrict or monitor usage. Both vendors are highly recommended choices for safe torrenting and filesharing.

Does ExpressVPN work in China?

ExpressVPN can successfully bypass internet censorship and restrictions in China through its combination of Stealth servers, Lightway protocol, and other evasion technologies. These allow ExpressVPN to circumvent the Great Firewall and provide reliable access from within China.

Does NordVPN work with Netflix?

Yes, NordVPN excels at unblocking Netflix. It can access not just the US library but also provides consistent connections to Netflix in regions like the UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Europe. NordVPN has specialty streaming servers optimized to provide fast, smooth access to Netflix catalogs worldwide.

Is ExpressVPN better for gaming?

ExpressVPN holds a slight edge for online gaming thanks to its lower latency connections and speeds. Its MediaStreamer Smart DNS also helps route gaming traffic smoothly. But NordVPN still performs very well for gaming with minimal lag across most game genres.

Which VPN is more reliable?

Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer excellent reliability and uptime of 99% or higher. Their large server networks provide many options to quickly connect or switch servers if one isn’t working. Overall, both are extremely dependable for staying protected across all your internet activity.

Does NordVPN keep logs?

No, NordVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy. It does not record or store any browsing data, IP addresses, bandwidth usage, connection timestamps, or other identifiable user activity. Independent audits have confirmed that NordVPN does not log users’ online activity or traffic.

Verified A Professional Content Writer

Riha Mervana is a professional content writer at SearchVPN.org, with extensive experience crafting engaging and informative content. She has established herself as an expert in the VPN industry, creating content that educates readers on the importance of online privacy and security.