vpnAlert.com
Search
Close this search box.

ExpressVPN vs. NordVPN: Tested & Compared

We are reader supported and may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Learn more.

ExpressVPN and NordVPN are elite VPNs that often butt heads for a seat at the head of the table, as they’re both forces to be reckoned with!

I’ve found minor faults in my years using them, as they’re fast and offer military-grade encryption. However, I’d be lying if I said there aren’t peculiarities.

Let’s explore how ExpressVPN and NordVPN compete as I highlight some of the VPNs’ best features and hint at where they could improve.

  ExpressVPN NordVPN
Privacy & Jurisdiction BVI + verified strict no logs policy Panama + strict no-logs policy and Warrant Canary
VPN Protocols Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec
Countries & Servers 3,000+ servers in 94 countries 5300+ servers in 60 countries
Speed & Performance 6.34% speed drop 13.5% speed drop
Gaming 12 ms ping and no lag 14 ms ping and no lag
Torrenting Port forwarding on routers, P2P support P2P support, SOCKS5 proxy
Media Streaming Unblocks Netflix (US, UK, and others), Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, and more Unblocks Netflix (US, UK, and more), Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, and more
Multi-Platform Compatibility Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Nintendo Switch, Chromebook, routers, and more (with 5 simultaneous connections) Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Nintendo Switch, Chromebook, and more (with 6 simultaneous connections)
Customer Support 24/7 live chat, email and ticket support, tutorials, support center, video guides, and more 24/7 live chat, email and ticket support, tutorials, support centers, video guides, and more
Usability User-friendly apps for PC and mobile User-friendly apps for PC and mobile
Best Deal Here Here
Winner
ExpressVPN logo
GET DISCOUNT NOW

ExpressVPN vs. NordVPN: An In-Depth Analysis

I’ll put unique features on both providers to task, raise concerns, and define the ultimate CHAMPION!

Let’s get to it.

Privacy

  NordVPN ExpressVPN
Does It Store Traffic Logs? No No
Does It Store DNS Queries? No No
Does It Store Connection Logs? No No
Does It Store Browsing History? No No
Is It Audited? Yes Yes
Where Is It Located? Panama British Virgin Islands

It’s difficult to draw solid distinctions between ExpressVPN and NordVPN’s privacy features since both offer excellent online anonymity.

I focused on jurisdictions, logging policies, and independent audits to support my claim.

While the fine print may differ, the services remain similar.

Jurisdiction

ExpressVPN is rooted in the British Virgin Islands, and NordVPN’s in Panama.

Both jurisdictions offer privacy-friendly laws, and there’s no concern for Five, Nine, or Fourteen-Eyes surveillance.

Thus, authorities can only access user logs on these providers’ servers if they’re dragged to the High Courts.

But even if the High Courts are involved, both VPNs offer strict no-logs policies to ensure no substantial data to share.

ExpressVPN’s Logging Policy

ExpressVPN’s transparent and audited privacy policy states that it doesn’t log browsing history, IP addresses, traffic destinations, connection timestamps, or session durations.

expressvpn logging policy

However, all VPNs must collect some data to process payments and stay connected. For ExpressVPN, this includes logging your:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Payment details
  • Server locations
  • Connection dates
  • App versions

Still, online activities remain anonymous and untraceable.

NordVPN’s Logging Policy

Like ExpressVPN, NordVPN stores minimal logs.

No VPN traffic or IP addresses are monitored. Still, the VPN’s privacy policy admits to collecting and holding:

  • User names
  • Account email addresses
  • Payment details
  • Customer support communication

A ball in NordVPN’s court is the Warrant Canary, which ExpressVPN lacks.

This means NordVPN regularly publishes statements confirming it hasn’t received a secret warrant for user data (and has been prohibited from reporting it). 

The canary message must be removed if the provider ever receives such a request.

nordvpn security statements
EXPERT SUMMARY

Both VPN services take privacy seriously, and, to date, no user activity has been logged or passed to authorities.

Winner
Draw

Security & Encryption

  NordVPN ExpressVPN
Protocols? NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec
Security Features?  Threat Protection, Dark Web Monitor, Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, Kill Switch TrustedServer Technology, automatic obfuscation, Threat Manager, Kill Switch
Encryption? 256-bit AES 256-bit AES
Leak Protection? Passed IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak tests Passed IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak tests

ExpressVPN and NordVPN don’t cut corners regarding security.

Military-grade encryption, robust security features, and DNS leak protection are standard across the providers.

What distinguishes each entity are the tunneling protocols and unique security features offered.

ExpressVPN Tunneling Protocols

ExpressVPN offers OpenVPN UDP/TCP and IKEv2/IPsec, but its selling point is Lightway, the provider’s exclusive protocol.

expressvpn protocols

Lightway is ExpressVPN’s replacement for WireGuard, a protocol NordVPN repackages as “NordLynx.” This propriety protocol is faster than WireGuard and NordLynx (see my speed tests below) and just as secure.

NordVPN Tunneling Protocols

Like ExpressVPN, NordVPN offers OpenVPN UDP/TCP and IKEv2/IPsec.

Then there’s NordLynx, NordVPN’s propriety protocol built on WireGuard’s open-source code.

vpn protocols on nordvpn

It’s designed to be more lightweight than WireGuard to ensure faster speeds, but it’s not as fast as ExpressVPN’s Lightway, which was built from the ground up.

Security Features

ExpressVPN and NordVPN share quality features like the AES 256-bit military-grade encryption, reliable automatic kill switches, and a form of obfuscation.

While NordVPN lists Obfuscated Servers under its specialty server categories, ExpressVPN obfuscates all VPN connections automatically. Under this protocol, your VPN traffic is hidden to bypass firewalls and work in restrictive regions like China and Russia.

However, ExpressVPN manages faster speeds on this security.

ExpresVPN also has a unique Threat Manager feature to block apps from communicating with trackers and malicious sites. But NordVPN has the upper hand with more extensive security offerings:

  • Threat Protection: A feature similar to (but more robust than) ExpressVPN’s Threat Manager that defends against malware and trackers.
  • Dark Web Monitor: Scans the dark web for credential leaks associated with your registered NordVPN e-mail address. If leaks are detected, you’ll be notified immediately.
  • Double VPN: An advanced security measure that encrypts data twice by routing traffic through two VPN tunnels.
  • Onion Over VPN: This feature routes traffic through a NordVPN server plus three Tor nodes while avoiding the Tor Browser. This means you can use the Tor Network with any app and benefit from safer use of the dark web.

These features are conveniently accessible via NordVPN’s app interface.

ExpressVPN & NordVPN Leak Tests: IP, DNS, & WebRTC

NordVPN and ExpressVPN claim to offer IP, DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6.

According to my test results, the claims hold water.

ExpressVPN’s Leak Test Results

I hopped on IPLeak.net to run my tests. My results showed no leaks, and my actual location was masked by my VPN location and allocated IP address.

expressvpn dns leak test results on uk server

NordVPN’s Leak Test Results

NordVPN’s results were similar – no leaks! My results only showed the IP and location of the UK server I was connected to.

nordvpn dns leak test over uk sever
EXPERT SUMMARY

While both VPNs offer the same military-grade encryption, NordVPN takes the lead because of its categorized security features, allowing you to tailor your security experience.

Winner
NordVPN
GET DISCOUNT NOW

Countries & Servers

  ExpressVPN NordVPN
Servers? 3000+ 5300+
Server Coverage?  94 countries 60 countries
Server Locations? The Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa The Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa

ExpressVPN and NordVPN have large server networks, although NordVPN has more servers.

In context, ExpressVPN has 3000+ servers, whereas NordVPN has 5300+.

nordvpn best servers worldwide

But the tables turn where country coverage’s concerned, where ExpressVPN reaches 94 countries while NordVPN keeps to 60. Still, both providers have servers in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.

Furthermore, NordVPN categorizes its specialty servers into Obfuscated, P2P, Dedicated IP, Double VPN, and Onion over VPN (Tor) server sections.

In the greater scheme, ExpressVPN’s country coverage may override NordVPN’s massive server fleet, specialty servers included. After all, it increases the chances of finding a server in a preferred or sought-after location.

EXPERT SUMMARY

NordVPN has several helpful specialty servers, but ExpressVPN’s exceedingly larger country count and server fleet make it more valuable when trying to find a server in a favored location.

Winner
ExpressVPN logo
GET DISCOUNT NOW

Speed & Performance

  ExpressVPN NordVPN
Fastest Protocol? Lightway UDP NordLynx (WireGuard)
Smallest Drop for SA Server?   6.34% 13.5%
Smallest Drop for US Server? 12.5% 16.6%
Smallest Drop for UK Server? 12.5% 16%

All VPNs slow a connection to a degree, some more than others.

The good news is that NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer fast speeds for lag-free gaming, torrenting, and streaming.

However, there’s an ultimate winner.

ExpressVPN Speed Results

First, I tested my base speed to compare download speed drops.

expressvpn speed test

I continued to test ExpressVPN’s speed over its protocols and across three server locations.

Here are the download speeds I collected:

Servers Lightway UDP Lightway TCP OpenVPN UDP OpenVPN TCP
South Africa 46.06 Mbps 39.09 Mbps 42.22 Mbps 32.06 Mbps
New York 43.03 Mbps 35.10 Mbps 41.98 Mbps 30.01 Mbps
London 43.01 Mbps 33.39 Mbps 37.15 Mbps 28.01 Mbps

As expected, OpenVPN didn’t perform as well as Lightway or NordLynx, for that matter.

NordVPN Speed Results

Compared to Lightway, NordLynx’s speed loss on all servers was more significant.

It dropped by 13.5% on my nearby South African server and by an average of 16.5% on the US and UK servers.

But, NordVPN’s OpenVPN results were overall similar to ExpressVPN’s.

Servers NordLynx OpenVPN UDP OpenVPN TCP
South Africa 42.32 Mbps 41.91 Mbps 28.17 Mbps
New York 41.01 Mbps 40.91 Mbps 30.00 Mbps
London 41.31 Mbps 37.01 Mbps 28.12 Mbps
EXPERT SUMMARY

ExpressVPN’s Lightway is a force to be reckoned with and yields faster speeds than NordVPN. That’s not to say NordVPN isn’t fast. In fact, the speed gap between the VPNS is minuscule!

Winner
ExpressVPN logo
GET DISCOUNT NOW

Gaming: Latency & DDoS Protection

  ExpressVPN NordVPN
Ping? 12ms 14ms
Best Gaming Protocol? Lightway UDP NordLynx
Games Tested?   Fortnite & GTA 5 Fortnite & GTA 5
Any Lag? No lag No lag
DDoS Protection? Yes Yes

Gamers understand the importance of low latency and DDoS protection as much as they love speed!

Let’s see how our two VPNs perform in these departments.

Latency

To get an idea of how ExpressVPN and NordVPN perform for online gaming, I spent some time playing GTA 5 and Fortnite. I connected to South African VPN servers on both VPNs (using Lightway UDP protocol for ExpressVPN and the NordLynx protocol for NordVPN).

playing fortnite with expressvpn on south africa server
nordvpn gta 5 south africa

Neither of the VPNs produced lag. This was to be expected since both offer fast speeds and low latency, as seen in the speed tests.

ExpressVPN (with Lightway UDP) produced a 12ms ping, which matched my usual non-VPN connection!

expressvpn latency

NordVPN’s latency was slightly higher but insignificantly so.

nordvpn latency south africa

Here’s a tabled overview of pings I got on select servers across both providers:

Server/Provider ExpressVPN (Lightway) NordVPN (Nordynx)
South Africa 12ms 14ms
US 178ms 212ms
UK 248ms 299ms

DDoS Protection

I’ve used ExpressVPN and NordVPN several times for gaming and not once have I experienced DDoS attacks on either.

This is no surprise since both VPNs offer top-notch security.

EXPERT SUMMARY

Both VPNs offer DDoS protection, but ExpressVPN takes the cake with its lower ping rate. If you’re looking for an unbuffered gaming experience, ExpressVPN is a safer choice.

Winner
ExpressVPN logo
GET DISCOUNT NOW

Torrenting (P2P Support & Speed)

  ExpressVPN NordVPN
P2P Support? All servers are P2P-friendly A subset of servers are P2P-friendly
Average Download Speed? 1.1 MiB/s (Lightway) 740.5 KB/s (NordLynx)
Max Download Speed? 2.1 MiB/s (Lightway) 1.5 MiB/s (NordLynx)
Download Completion Time? 45s 1m 5s
Port Forwarding? Yes (only on select routers) No
SOCKS5 Proxy? No Yes

You risk DMCA notices from copyright trolls or, even worse, jail time if you don’t have VPN protection while torrenting!

Luckily, both VPN apps mask torrenting activities. ExpressVPN and NordVPN also offer P2P support by default, ensuring smooth and safe torrenting.

The only difference is that ExpressVPN is optimized for P2P file-sharing on all servers, while NordVPN only offers such optimizations on a subset of its server network.

nordvpn p2p feature

Likewise, ExpressVPN’s servers offer port forwarding (only enabled via router setup), while NordVPN’s don’t. Conversely, ExpressVPN lacks NordVPN’s SOCKS5 option, which can speed up torrenting speeds.

ExpressVPN’s Port Forwarding for Torrenting

ExpressVPN’s port forwarding, which NordVPN lacks, increases download speeds and helps with seeding/torrent uploads.

expressvpn port forwarding details

The catch is the VPN service only supports port forwarding on a router setup

Since ExpressVPN doesn’t work on all routers, the functionality’s frustratingly restricted.

NordVPN’s SOCKS5 for Torrenting

NordVPN’s advantage is it offers SOCKS5 support to enhance download speeds like port forwarding.

It does this by eliminating the weighty encryption from a VPN server.

But for safety, SOCKS5 still replaces your original IP address.

This video goes into greater detail and explains how SOCKS5 creates direct tunnels through firewalls for faster, smoother torrenting:

Torrent Test Results: Comparison

I used a South African server for my ExpressVPN and NordVPN torrent tests.

I stuck with Lightway UDP for ExpressVPN and NordLynx for NordVPN since they’ve proven to be the fastest.

For convenience, I chose a copyright-free 44.8 MiB Rust game update to run my tests.

torrenting with expressvpn on south africa server
nordvpn torrenting on south africa server

As you can see, ExpressVPN with Lightway took the lead and completed the download 30% faster than NordVPN with NordLynx.

My tabled results:

  Average Download Speed Max Download Speed Download Completion Time
ExpressVPN 1.1 MiB/s 2.1 MiB/s 45s
NordVPN 740.5 KB/s 1.5 MiB/s 1m 5s
EXPERT SUMMARY

ExpressVPN’s advantage is that it offers port forwarding. This handy torrenting tool can increase download and upload speeds. Faster upload speeds induce smoother seeding, which is missing on NordVPN.

Winner
ExpressVPN logo
GET DISCOUNT NOW

Media Streaming

  NordVPN ExpressVPN
Unblocks Streaming Services? Yes – Netflix (US, UK, etc.), Hulu, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more. Yes – Netflix (US, UK, etc.), Hulu, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more.
Smart DNS Functionality? Yes Yes (MediaStreamer)

If you like to safely unblock and stream your shows or music like I do, a VPN with excellent streaming qualities is a must. Unblocking functionality is essential, too, and opens several streaming opportunities.

Luckily, ExpressVPN and NordVPN are worthy streaming options.

ExpressVPN & Media Streaming

ExpressVPN works with most streaming platforms, including:

I tested it on each streaming service I listed and had no problem bypassing blocks.

I could even access Netflix US, UK, and Australia from South Africa by connecting to a server in these locations.

stream wednesday in us over expressvpn

Moreover, it offers a SmartDNS service called MediaStreamer to help users bypass geo-restrictions on smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other devices that can’t download a VPN app.

While MediaStreamer lacks encryption (like a VPN server), an upside is that you’ll enjoy faster streaming speeds.

expressvpn mediastreamer ip

There’s one catch. MediaStreamer preferably works on US streaming platforms

But this still gives you access to massive content libraries like Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, and Disney Plus!

NordVPN & Media Streaming

NordVPN was equally up to the task, bypassing geo-restrictions on the same streaming platforms as ExpressVPN.

In one of my unblocking tests (pictured below), I connected to a NordVPN US server to unblock and stream “Wednesday” without buffering.

stream wednesday in us over nordvpn

NordVPN also offers SmartPlay on its VPN apps, combining its built-in Smart DNS service with your chosen VPN server for reliable and faster content unblocking. Likewise, you can use its standalone Smart DNS manual setups if there’s no dedicated NordVPN app for your media streaming device (gaming consoles, streaming units, smart TVs, etc.).

EXPERT SUMMARY

ExpressVPN and NordVPN provide manual smart DNS setups and reliable VPN apps to stream content on portable devices. Both also offer relevant servers in choice locations to unblock popular content.

Winner
Draw

Multi-Platform Compatibility

  ExpressVPN NordVPN
Apps? Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Nintendo Switch, Chromebook, routers, etc. Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Nintendo Switch, Chromebook, etc.
Other Devices? Manual configurations for Apple TV, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox, multiple Smart TVs, etc. Manual configurations for Apple TV, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox, multiple Smart TVs, Raspberry Pi, etc.
Browser Extensions? Chrome, Firefox, Edge Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Simultaneous Connections? Five (5) Six (6)

ExpressVPN and NordVPN have dedicated apps for several devices and operating systems.

These include:

  • Windows
  • Mac
  • Linux
  • iOS
  • Android
  • Android TV
  • Amazon Fire TV
  • Nintendo Switch
  • Chromebook
expressvpn compatible devices
ExpressVPN-supported devices and platforms

Each service also offers manual setups for:

  • Apple TV
  • Roku
  • PlayStation
  • Xbox
  • Multiple Smart TVs
compatible devices on nordvpn
Supported NordVPN devices

Likewise, both VPNs offer browser extensions for Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox browsers. However, I recommend their VPN apps over the browser extensions since the latter doesn’t offer robust configuration options.

That said, ExpressVPN takes the lead with its router app/firmware for easier configuration on your Asus, Linksys, and Netgear routers.

expressvpn secure all your devices

In contrast, NordVPN only has a manual setup option for all routers, which can be tedious and mind-numbing for non-tech-savvy users.

To even the playing field, NordVPN offers one more simultaneous connection than ExpressVPN to make six compared to ExpressVPN’s five.

EXPERT SUMMARY

Both VPNs cover a similarly broad range of devices. But while ExpressVPN has dedicated apps for several routers, NordVPN offers more simultaneous connections.

Winner
Draw

Customer Support

  NordVPN ExpressVPN
24/7 Live Chat? Yes – reliable with helpful answers Yes – fast and very reliable with useful answers
Help Center? Yes, with FAQs, set-up tutorials, troubleshooting guides Yes, with FAQs, set-up tutorials, troubleshooting guides
Video Tutorials? Yes Yes

Customer support’s a breeze, thanks to ExpressVPN and NordVPN’s 24/7 Live Chat features.

But when I put the chat boxes to the test, one outperformed the other.

Spoiler alert: NordVPN wins.

To test support teams, I asked the Live Chat agents the same question, “What are the current best servers to unblock Netflix US with?

ExpressVPN Customer Support Query Results

Using the live chat feature was a smooth process. I didn’t have to entertain chatbots before I was issued a “real” agent.

However, the agent wouldn’t provide an answer without me sharing my ExpressVPN account email, which I thought was cheeky.

It also took the agent 5 minutes longer to give me feedback than NordVPN did.

To be fair, the answer was concise and, after testing the servers, accurate!

expressvpn customer support on available server options for netflix

I received no follow-up support, though – not even a goodbye or an “Is there anything else we can help you with?” Hmph.

NordVPN Customer Support Query Results

With NordVPN, I had to jump through hoops to get to a human agent.

The feature’s designed to answer questions via a chatbot before passing you to live support.

But the support process was quick once I connected to Elaine, a live agent.

In fact, I had my answer faster than ExpressVPN’s delivery time despite chatbot challenges. Also, my non-account email wasn’t questioned.

The cherry on top: excellent follow-up support with an email asking if I was happy with the feedback I received!

Oh, and I tried some of these server suggestions. They worked!

Finally, ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer extensive help and additional support in the form of updated video tutorials, help centers with guides, FAQs, tutorials, and diagrams.

So, you can dive into their YouTube channels, read up on common issues on their websites or follow other instructional articles on their blogs before reaching out to a live agent.

EXPERT SUMMARY

NordVPN was faster with its Live chat support, but ExpressVPN didn’t lag either. They offer alternate email support, video tutorials, blog guides, and other instructionals. 

Winner
Draw

User Experience & Usability

  NordVPN ExpressVPN
User-Friendly App?  Yes Yes
Drawbacks?  None You must disconnect from a server before you can adjust settings
Split Tunneling? Yes Yes
Easy Connect Feature? Yes Yes

I found NordVPN and ExpressVPN easy to use. Both VPNs’ apps have Quick Connect buttons to connect to the nearest/fastest server location within seconds.

The layout and functionality may differ between operating systems and devices, but the changes are slight on both VPNs.

ExpressVPN Windows App

To start, each tab opens in a new window, so the quick connect button’s always in view.

I should point out that NordVPN offers a better server selection where you can choose specialty servers from categorized tabs – a layout option I appreciate! Instead, ExpressVPN presents all its servers in one direct list without sectioning them.

expressvpn server locations

The “Options” tab in the ExpressVPN app is where you tweak settings and change protocols. You can also access the split tunneling feature and kill switch (Network Lock) to configure them as you wish.

One gripe with the EpxressVPN app is that you must disconnect from a server before switching protocols or changing other settings. NordVPN allows you to make these changes while you’re connected.

NordVPN Windows App

NordVPN enables you to pick a server type according to your needs, and a preferred location on that server type for an instant VPN connection.

For example, you can choose from the P2P servers to download torrent files.

By extension, you can choose to connect to the fastest P2P location or choose a preferred P2P server.

nordvpn server locations

You can also click the cog icon on the bottom left corner to access NordVPN’s settings. This is where you set app preferences, change protocols, activate the kill switch, and configure the split tunneling.

nordvpn settings
nordvpn split tunneling feature

NordVPN’s Threat Protection can also be activated/deactivated via its mobile and PC apps. Click the shield icon and adjust the toggle according to your needs.

nordvpn threat protection feature

Now, I’d like to draw your attention to NordVPN’s Meshnet feature.

Meshnet works similarly to port forwarding, allowing you to connect multiple devices using encrypted tunnels for secure remote access.

In other words, you can use it to access a device, even if it’s in another country!

nordvpn meshnet feature

The best part about NordVPN is its support for voice assistants (such as Siri on the iOS app). Unlike ExpressVPN, you can configure it to connect to a NordVPN server by speaking to your phone, without picking it up.

EXPERT SUMMARY

ExpressVPN and NordVPN are user-friendly, but NordVPN’s app interface is easy to navigate with its sections. Plus, unlike ExpressVPN, it allows you to configure voice assistants for a seamless user experience.

Winner
NordVPN logo
GET DISCOUNT NOW

Pricing, Plans, & Deals

  NordVPN ExpressVPN
Plans?   1-month, 1-year, 2-year 1-month, 6-month, 1-year
Most Savings?   2-year plan 1-year plan
Payment Methods?  Credit and debit cards, PayPal, Amazon Pay, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more Credit and debit cards, PayPal, online transfers, prepaid cards, Bitcoin, and more
Refund Policy? 30-day money-back guarantee 30-day money-back guarantee
Free Trial? 7-day free trial on Google Play Store (not covered by refund policy) 7-day free trial on Google Play Store and iOS App Store (not covered by refund policy)
Add-Ons? Dedicated IP None
Best Deal? Here Here

Both VPNs share a spot at the higher end of the price scale.

This makes sense since several of the features are a far cut above the rest.

ExpressVPN Plans & Payments

Without beating around the bush – ExpressVPN’s more expensive than NordVPN.

The VPN provider splits its packages into 1-month, 6-month, and 12-month deals, with the latter being the best offer to get EXTRA 3 months free.

ExpressVPN plans
Image for illustration only. Design, deals, and details may differ. Click on the image for current info.

All plans can be purchased using most debit and credit cards, prepaid cards, online transfers, PayPal, Bitcoin, and more.

expressvpn for payment options

NordVPN Plans & Payments

NordVPN is cheaper than ExpressVPN unless you choose a package with add-ons (Plus or Complete). But the standard VPN services mentioned in this comparison are packaged in the Standard deal, which is considerably more affordable – especially over the 2-year plan.

nordvpn monthly plans
NordVPN's 1-month plans
nordvpn annual plans
NordVPN's 1-year plans
nordvpn 2 years plan
NordVPN's 2-year plans

NordVPN’s payment options are also similar to ExpressVPN’s. The major exception is that NordVPN accepts cash and other cryptocurrencies besides Bitcoin and Ethereum, unlike ExpressVPN.

nordvpn payment methods

Free Trials & Money-Back Guarantees

Both VPNs offer 30-day money-back guarantees!

So, you get your money back (no questions asked) if you cancel your subscription before 30 days of buying the VPNs.

ExpressVPN and NordVPN also offer 7-day free trials on Android apps via Google Play Store. ExpressVPN outdoes NordVPN in this regard, though, and extends this offer to iOS devices through App Store.

ExpressVPN & NordVPN Discounts

If ExpressVPN and NordVPN’s prices are too steep for you, perhaps I can sweeten the deals with a discount offer.

EXPERT SUMMARY

While both VPNs are more expensive than most other VPN services, NordVPN is cheaper than ExpressVPN, especially over the 2-year deal.

Winner
NordVPN logo
GET DISCOUNT NOW
More Comparisons:

FAQs

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for China due to its automatic obfuscation on all servers. This feature helps penetrate Chinese firewalls persistently without losing too much speed.

While the VPN doesn’t have servers in China, it does offer servers nearby in Hong Kong, Mongolia, and Laos. So, your nearest server option won’t be too far off.

That’s a Wrap!

Offering features like unlimited bandwidth, kill switches, and high-speed servers for lag-free online experiences, it’s safe to say ExpressVPN and NordVPN are excellent VPNs.

But my research shows ExpressVPN is better for streaming, gaming, and torrenting, while NordVPN dangles security features that are hard to beat.

Use my comparisons to draw your conclusion. Once you’re convinced, remember to use these ExpressVPN or NordVPN discounts.

THE WINNER IS EXPRESSVPN

Protect private web traffic from snooping, interference, and censorship. All plans are covered by a no-hassle 100% money-back guarantee for your first 30 days of service.

Explore More
NordVPN deal
EXCLUSIVE March DEAL!
Our partner, NordVPN, offers an exclusive discount for a limited time! Don't miss out on the chance to save extra money.
OFFER EXPIRES IN:
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
TODAY!
VIEW EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Or Try NordVPN for FREE