Choosing the right VPN can feel like picking between apples and oranges.
They’re both fruit, right? But one might be better for baking a pie, while the other is perfect for a snack.
NordVPN and ExpressVPN are top VPN contenders, but which is best for privacy?
We’ll explain the key features, security measures, and logging policies to help you decide which VPN best suits your needs.
By the end of this post, you will be able to confidently choose the best VPN to keep your online activity safe and secure.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve spent weeks testing both NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
We’ve evaluated their speeds, security features, streaming capabilities, and overall performance to help you make an informed decision.
Ready for a faster, safer internet experience? NordVPN has over 5,700 servers in 60 countries and boasts an average download speed of 360 Mbps!
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $2.99/month
Key Features:
- Military-grade encryption
- Threat Protection
- Dark Web Monitor
Ready to experience Express VPN without limits? Enjoy blazing-fast speeds, top-notch security, and access to your favorite content.
Pricing: 30-day money-back guarantee. Plan Starts at $8.33/month
Key Features:
- Split Tunneling
- Lightway Protocol
- TrustedServer Technology
What is NordVPN?
Ever heard of NordVPN? It’s one of the biggest names out there.
They’ve been around for a while, and they’re known for having a vast network of servers.
We’re talking over 5,700 servers in 60 countries!
That means you have tons of options for getting around those pesky geo-blocks. Plus, they’ve got some pretty solid security features to keep you safe online.
Experience the internet without limits! Join millions of users in 59 countries who trust NordVPN for blazing-fast speeds and bulletproof security. Try it out today!
Key Benefits
- Massive server network: 5,400+ servers in 59 countries, so you can access content from anywhere.
- Double VPN encryption: Military-grade protection for your data. Nobody’s cracking that.
- Threat Protection: Say goodbye to malware, trackers, and annoying ads.
Pricing
- Basic: $4.89/month.
- Plus: $3.89/month.
- Complete: $2.99/month.
Pros
Cons
What is ExpressVPN?
Now, let’s talk about ExpressVPN. This one’s a real speed demon!
They’re known for having super-fast connections, perfect for streaming or downloading large files.
They also have servers in 94 countries, so you have many options for finding a server that meets your needs.
And don’t even get me started on their security features. They’re top-notch!
Experience the internet without limits. ExpressVPN offers a blazing-fast, secure, and private online experience with 94 country locations and a no-logs policy.
Key Benefits
- Blazing-fast speeds: Perfect for streaming and downloading.
- Extensive server network: Connect to servers in 94 countries.
- Best-in-class security: Features include AES-256 encryption and a kill switch.
- User-friendly apps: Easy to set up and use on all your devices.
Pricing
1 month: $12.95/month.
12 months: $8.33/month.
6 months: $9.99/month.
Pros
Cons
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN Feature Comparison
Let’s dive deeper and compare NordVPN and ExpressVPN head-to-head across seven key features.
This detailed breakdown will help you see how these VPN services stack against each other in 2025.
Security
Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN are top contenders when it comes to security.
They offer AES-256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy. However, there are some subtle differences.
ExpressVPN uses its proprietary Lightway protocol, designed for speed and security.
NordVPN offers a broader variety of protocols, including OpenVPN and IKEv2.
NordVPN also offers a unique Double VPN feature, which routes traffic through two VPN servers for extra security.
Speed
In our speed tests, ExpressVPN consistently outperformed NordVPN.
ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for activities requiring high bandwidth, like streaming and gaming.
Although NordVPN isn’t slow, its speeds can be inconsistent, varying depending on the server you connect to.
Streaming
If you want to use a VPN to access streaming services like Netflix, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN, it will do the trick.
ExpressVPN has a slight edge, as it’s more reliable at unblocking Netflix libraries in different countries.
NordVPN also works with Netflix, but you might have to try several different servers to find one that does.
Server Network
NordVPN has a more extensive server network than ExpressVPN, with over 5,700 servers in 60 countries.
ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries, but the total number of servers is lower.
Ultimately, the best VPN provider for you will depend on which service has servers in the locations you need.
VPN App
Both VPN services offer user-friendly apps for a variety of devices.
The ExpressVPN app is known for its sleek design and intuitive interface. NordVPN’s app is also easy to use but has a slightly more complex layout.
Onion Over VPN
For those who need an extra layer of anonymity, both ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer Onion Over VPN.
This feature routes your traffic through the Tor network, making it extremely difficult to trace your online activity.
What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?
- No-logs policy: Ensure the VPN provider doesn’t track your online activity.
- Strong encryption: Look for AES-256 encryption, the industry standard.
- Kill switch: This feature prevents your data from being exposed if the VPN connection drops.
- Server locations: Choose a VPN with servers in the locations you need.
- Device compatibility: Make sure the VPN works on all your devices.
- Customer support: Good customer support can be helpful if you encounter any issues.
- A free trial or money-back guarantee allows you to test the VPN before committing to a long-term subscription.
- Independent security audits: Some VPN providers undergo third-party audits to verify their security claims.
- Speed and performance: Consider your streaming, gaming, or downloading needs.
- Special features: Some VPNs offer extra features like split tunneling, ad blocking, or obfuscated servers.
- Price: Compare pricing and features to find the best value for your needs.
- Reputation and user reviews: See what other users say about the VPN provider.
Final Verdict (Our Pick)
So, which VPN wins the showdown? It was a close call, but we chose ExpressVPN as the best overall VPN.
Why? ExpressVPN offers blazing-fast speeds and rock-solid security.
It’s super easy to use ExpressVPN, even if you’ve never used a VPN.
ExpressVPN offers top-notch security features like a kill switch and a strict no-logs policy.
NordVPN provides a more extensive server network and is cheaper than ExpressVPN, but it can’t match ExpressVPN’s speed or reliability.
Both VPNs offer many VPN protocols, but ExpressVPN has its super-fast Lightway protocol.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs.
If you need the fastest speeds and best security, go with ExpressVPN.
If you’re on a budget or need a huge server network, NordVPN is still a great option. We’ve tested both extensively so that you can trust our recommendation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, ExpressVPN or NordVPN?
Both are excellent VPN services. ExpressVPN is generally faster and has a more polished app, while NordVPN is more affordable and offers a more extensive server network. The best choice for you depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Do NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer a free trial?
ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a free trial but has a 30-day money-back guarantee. NordVPN used to provide a free trial, but it was discontinued. However, it also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
Can I use ExpressVPN or NordVPN to torrent?
Yes, both ExpressVPN and NordVPN allow torrenting on their networks. They also offer features that enhance privacy while torrenting, such as P2P-optimized servers.
Does NordVPN work with Netflix?
Yes, NordVPN works with Netflix. However, you might need to try several servers to find one that works reliably. ExpressVPN also works with Netflix and is generally more consistent at unblocking different Netflix libraries.
What other features do ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer?
Both VPNs offer various advanced features. ExpressVPN offers split tunneling, which allows you to route some of your traffic through the VPN while other traffic goes through your regular internet connection.1 NordVPN provides a feature, Meshnet, which allows you to create your own secure private network.
