Looking for the Best VPN? Are you wondering What is better Nord VPN or Express VPN? If Nord VPN vs ExpressVPN happens who would win? Want to find an authentic comparison between Nord VPN and Express VPN?
The NordVPN vs ExpressVPN matchup is on par with other legendary matchups like Jordan vs Bird, Biggie vs. Tupac, or Balboa vs. Creed. Now what is better Nord VPN or Express VPN? These virtual private networks are situated outside of US law, quick, safe, and packed with features. Whether your priority is privacy, enjoyment, or something in between, Express and Nord provide excellent streaming services unblocking for accessing foreign Netflix libraries and enjoying your US catalog while traveling elsewhere.
When it comes to an annual or two-year membership, NordVPN is less expensive at first, but in the end, both firms charge the same annual fee. For the majority of people, we suggest ExpressVPN due to its unparalleled transparency, great streaming support, and quick internet connections.
We have selected it as the finest VPN overall, by our editors. When it comes to providing additional security features and being the fastest VPN, we tested, NordVPN is a better option for users who require a VPN for activity that requires a lot of bandwidth. Fortunately, neither VPN is lousy. Now that we have compared NordVPN and ExpressVPN side by side, you can choose the best virtual private network for your requirements and price range.
A comparison between Nord VPN and Express VPN
This is a detailed comparison between Nord VPN and Express VPN to determine The Best VPN out of both of them.
A Detailed Overview of the VPNs
1. Express VPN:
Its apps are easy to use, and Express provides live chat support around-the-clock in addition to a wealth of assistance materials. Even its Aircove router, which has a VPN preinstalled, is available for purchase. As a Linux enthusiast, We have to admit that WE would have liked a graphical user interface (GUI) Linux app because it is more user-friendly for beginners.
However, it is a niche market. For unblocking foreign content libraries on your preferred streaming services, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV also offers an app.
Despite having around half as many servers as NordVPN, ExpressVPN and NordVPN provide almost the same number of distinct nations making it a contender for the Best VPN. Although Express’s eight simultaneous connections are sufficient for the majority of users, as a power user, WE would want to see that limitation lifted.
That is two less than what NordVPN provides. You can have an infinite number of simultaneous connections using Surfshark, IPVanish, and Private Internet Access (PIA) if you’re open to exploring alternative possibilities. ExpressVPN is among the most expensive VPNs, but you do get what you pay for.
In this instance, it’s an excellent service that suits all users—from those concerned about their privacy to those who love streaming and gaming and require fast internet speeds.
2. Nord VPN:
Although its Linux application is command-line only, it functions on almost any device you can imagine, including Apple TV. Although it’s a specialized request, WE would prefer a Linux application with a graphical user interface. Using NordVPN to stream Geo blocked content is really effective. With a few more features than Express, it has excellent security capabilities.
Notably, Nord offers both an onion over VPN and a double VPN. With its Double VPN, it is even more difficult to obtain important information, such as your IP address, as it encrypts your network traffic twice. Although Onion Over VPN can delay your speeds even more than Double VPN, it uses Tor (The Onion Router) to provide an additional layer of encryption without requiring you to download the Tor browser making it a contender for the best VPN.
Although WE like both Double VPN and Onion Over VPN, they are definitely too complicated for the common user who only wants to stream Netflix from abroad or hide from their internet service provider. These are useful additions if privacy is a major issue for you.
The abundant feature-packed Meshnet, which enables you to set up a personal VPN server for uses like safe file sharing and distant LAN gatherings, is another product that Nord promotes. In addition, you can get a dedicated IP address to get around blocklists and get around CAPTCHAs when you’re traveling.
The ordinary user gains more from ExpressVPN’s extras, such as its Keys password manager, which is included with your subscription, although these are wonderful features for power users. In contrast, many people won’t experiment with Nord’s superb advanced capabilities, which include a dedicated IP address, OnionVPN, Meshnet, and a Double VPN. Notably, NordVPN’sNordPass password manager, which is offered as part of its Plus and Ultimate tiers or separately, is a fantastic option.
With 111 stable individual countries, Nord boasts a global server count of 6,200. Additionally, you’ll get 10 simultaneous connections—two more than ExpressVPN and the same as Proton—which ought to please everyone but the most ardent power users or families that want an infinite amount of bandwidth.
The one- and two-year plans offered by NordVPN have lower upfront costs than those of ExpressVPN. When Nord’s alluring promotional rate on its one- and two-year plans expires, the annual cost is the same ($100) as Express. All things considered, NordVPN is an excellent option for speed-loving gamers, broadcasters, and serious cybersecurity lovers.
Key characteristics contrasted
1. The fastest VPN:
ExpressVPN and NordVPN are two of the fastest VPNs on the market. While your internet connection will inevitably slow down while using a virtual private network, these two businesses minimize this effect. NordVPN caused an average speed loss of 11.1% in our 2024 tests. Even though ExpressVPN’s average speeds dropped by 24.8%, it was still quite quick for bandwidth-intensive activities like gaming, streaming 4K video, and working from home. ExpressVPN is by no means slow; Nord is just speedier, but you’ll probably notice a difference in everyday use. Whichever VPN service provider you choose, you’ll have dependable internet access.
Winner: Nord VPN
2. Cost:
Express VPN charges a higher price for their service: $13 per month, $60 every six months, or $100 annually. Express is marginally undercut by NordVPN, but only at special pricing. Nord levies monthly fees of $13, much like Express. Its annual plan starts at $60 and goes up to $100 after the first 12 months. For 24 months of service, a two-year bundle costs $96; after that, it increases to $100 a year.
We advise against committing to a longer-term plan than a year because of the volatility of the VPN industry. That premium VPN you sign up for could be slower, be bought out by a dubious organization, experience a data breach, or cease operations after a year.
In the end, the annual subscription fees for ExpressVPN and NordVPN are equal, with Nord being somewhat less expensive upfront. You can maintain a low cost even after your initial price reductions if you take advantage of seasonal promotions. Despite being somewhat less expensive than ExpressVPN, NordVPN nonetheless offers a robust feature set of VPN services.
Winner: Nord VPN
3. Winner in privacy and security:
Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN provide unmatched security features. All companies maintain a strong no-logging policy that increases peace of mind even though it can be difficult to verify. Strong AES 256-bit encryption and jurisdiction in a non-Five Eyes/Fourteen Eyes intelligence-sharing community (British Virgin Islands for Express and Panama with Nord) are two benefits you’ll receive.
For enhanced data protection, both VPN services use RAM-only servers; your data is erased at server restarts, but ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology goes one step further by reinstalling the whole software stack at each reboot. Robust security features, such as a kill switch that disables your internet connection in the event that your VPN abruptly stops working, obfuscation that allows you to conceal your VPN usage, and split tunneling that allows you to use a VPN for specific apps but not others, are features you’ll love with any option.
Winner: Express VPN
4. Complain Handling:
Twelve independent security audits were conducted on ExpressVPN in 2022 in order to bolster its claims and increase openness. Third-party audits were another means by which NordVPN validated its service. In our testing, we saw leakage in an edge scenario with ExpressVPN on its Windows app when split tunneling was enabled, but we didn’t encounter any DNS leaks from NordVPN.
After we reported the issue to business staff, ExpressVPN promptly released an emergency update to its Windows software that completely removed split tunneling and was quite honest about the issue. Compared to Express, Nord has additional features, such as Double VPN and Onion Over VPN. Double VPN encrypts your internet data twice, while Onion Over VPN improves anonymity online via the Tor network.
Either way, you’re getting plenty of confidence. Express is more transparent and has additional independent security assessments, while Nord offers a few specialized capabilities like Onion Over VPN and Double VPN. To further strengthen its already strong transparency, Nord took a positive step by switching from a warrant canary to transparency reports.
Winner: Express VPN
5. Entertainment Gaming and Streaming:
VPNs are extensively used for security and privacy, but they’re also widely utilized for entertainment purposes, such as to unblock content that is geo-blocked. For example, you may stream Prey on Disney Plus (a Hulu exclusive in the US) or watch Star Trek: The Next Generation, which is often only accessible on Paramount Plus in the US, by using a VPN to access international Netflix libraries.
On the other hand, when traveling, you can take advantage of region-restricted content from your own nation. By reducing latency and guarding against DDoS assaults, a VPN for gaming could enhance your online experience. However, it can also cause internet slowdown, so before you buy, be sure you really need one.
For gaming and streaming, WE put both NordVPN and ExpressVPN to the test. Both services were quick enough to play 4K super HD videos and unblocked a number of websites, including Disney Plus, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and a few more. While NordVPN’s apps are simple to use, WE generally found the ExpressVPN app to be a little bit easier to browse on Android TV and Fire TV.
We normally find it unacceptable when a platform like Nord’s Fire TV or Android TV has a kill switch, however, this might not be a big concern for streaming. Nord has a slightly larger server network and more countries (111 as opposed to 105) than Express, however, Express performed marginally better in unblocking geo-blocked content, such as foreign Netflix libraries. Because of its excellent geo-restricted material unblocking, reliable internet connections, and user-friendly apps, We gives Express the advantage.
Winner: Express VPN
Detailed Security Overview NordVPN Vs ExpressVPN
Overview of security: ExpressVPN vs. NordVPN
Excellent security and privacy are provided by both NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Both offer industry-standard tunneling protocols OpenVPN and IKEv2, hash SHA-512, and AES-256 data encryption.
Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN are not headquartered in a nation that is a member of the 14-Eyes Alliance. Additionally, independent audits of both providers’ no-logs policies have been conducted. KPMG conducted two no-log policy audits of ExpressVPN in 2023 and 2022. On the other hand, NordVPN has undergone four external audits, demonstrating its reliability with regard to its no-logs policy. It was audited by PwC in 2020 and 2018 and again by Deloitte in 2022 and 2024.
In terms of infrastructure, NordVPN has been thoughtfully planned to accommodate large amounts of traffic and keep up steady performance even during periods of peak usage. As a result, it works better for demanding tasks like gaming and streaming. ExpressVPN prioritizes flexibility and global reach, thus its infrastructure is designed to give customers access to several global servers for geo-restricted content.
Furthermore, with XChaCha20 in place, it is anticipated that NordLynx and Lightway, the new tunneling protocols on both platforms, will be considerably more secure.
Neither NordVPN nor ExpressVPN appeared to have any DNS leaks during my testing. When comparing the security of the two services, NordVPN performed somewhat better than ExpressVPN because of a problem with the latter’s Windows app version 12 in 2024, which caused its split tunneling feature to improperly redirect DNS requests. That was quickly corrected by the provider, though, and everything is back to normal. In addition, ExpressVPN has published a study on DNS leaks, demonstrating its dedication to openness.
VPN Protocols: NordVPN vs ExpressVPN
Multiple VPN protocols are available from ExpressVPN and NordVPN to safeguard your internet traffic. In addition to supporting IKEv2 and OpenVPN connections, ExpressVPN features a proprietary protocol called Light way that combines security and speed. It has been specifically designed for mobile devices and is lighter, which should ease the strain on your device’s battery.
Additionally, NordVPN has its own protocol. It is built on WireGuard, which many believe to be the next great thing in digital security, and goes by the name NordLynx. Compared to OpenVPN, NordLynx is easier to audit and offers faster speeds—especially if the server of your choice is located far away.
Both businesses employ 256-bit keys for AES encryption. This offers impenetrable online security because the cipher cannot be cracked. When it comes to control channel security, ExpressVPN has a small advantage. The formation of sessions and the security of AES key distribution are handled by this cipher. For this channel, RSA encryption is employed by both NordVPN and ExpressVPN; however, ExpressVPN employs a longer key—4,096 bits as opposed to 2,048 bits—than NordVPN.
Since DNS calls are not encrypted, each website you visit could be recorded by hackers, government spies, or your Internet Service Provider (ISP) if you use a VPN to continue utilizing the default DNS service that your ISP has designated. Thankfully, all DNS references are made to go through ExpressVPN’s and NordVPN’s encrypted tunnels, keeping your online activities hidden from prying eyes.
Kill Switch
There is a kill switch feature in both apps. This stops you from inadvertently using the VPN while browsing. You can use a conventional kill switch or one that only disables certain apps with NordVPN. Although it doesn’t have the per-app feature, ExpressVPN does provide split tunneling for all of its apps. This lets you designate which apps use the VPN and safeguard the others.
Furthermore, you have the option to direct both applications to launch as soon as the operating system boots up, allowing you to leave both running continuously on your computer. In order to stop repetitive data from forming patterns in the encrypted transmission, both businesses also jumble the encrypted content of packets.
Two new tools have recently been added to ExpressVPN. These are a parallel connections feature that connects you to the internet as fast as possible in the background and a threat manager that stops your other programs from interacting with known tracker sites.
In summary
The good thing is that if you’re debating between NordVPN and ExpressVPN, you can’t choose poorly. Express is our Editors’ Pick for the greatest VPN overall, with an 8.8 rating from CNET. With an 8.6, Nord is among the market’s quickest, safest, and most dependable choices. For the majority of users, WE suggest ExpressVPN because of its superior geo-unblocking capabilities, lightning-fast internet connections, outstanding security features, and more liberal simultaneous device limits. For personal use, WE pay for ExpressVPN out of pocket. Even so, Nord is the fastest VPN available and boasts a few more privacy features, but unless you’re a heavy user, you won’t notice the difference.
FAQS
1. What level of security do VPNs offer?
AES 256-bit encryption of the highest caliber is offered by both NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Sensitive information is safeguarded by governments and military forces worldwide using the same protection. A kill switch is a feature of both VPNs that, when your device isn’t connected to the VPN, immediately cuts off your internet connection. Businesses can benefit from internet privacy using NordLayer, a service provided by NordVPN. ExpressVPN is seen as exceptionally secure because its servers are located privately on the British Virgin Islands, a nation exempt from having to exchange its data with other nations.
2. How can I end my NordVPN membership?
Anytime you want, you can end your subscription. This can be completed via the “billing” section of your online account.
3. Exist any VPN services that cost less than ExpressVPN and NordVPN?
Some VPNs are accessible for free, like Hotspot Shield, but we advise selecting a premium option instead because free VPNs are less secure and have a lot of adverts. If cost is a concern, there are plenty of affordable VPNs available.
4. When I use a VPN, can I still be tracked?
Yes, but it also relies on how attentive and active you are. While you’re online, active data transfers are protected by a VPN. Advertisers can monitor your online activities if you have allowed cookies on the websites you frequent. They won’t be able to link your behavior to your IP address, though, if you use a VPN. Another concern is malware, which a VPN cannot stop you from installing.
5. What justifies using a VPN?
There are several justifications for using a VPN at business or at home. You might be sending private information, such as bank account passwords or client details, across the internet in both situations. It’s also possible that you’re using public WiFi, which can be risky if another user has access to your data through technological know-how. In each of these scenarios, a VPN adds an additional degree of protection, shielding your funds and you from fraud.
