NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Which VPN is Better in 2024?

NordVPN and ExpressVPN stand out as prominent contenders in the vast landscape of VPN services. Each of these providers offers unique features and functionalities, making them popular choices among privacy-conscious users.

In our NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison, we will explore their strengths and weaknesses, evaluating factors such as privacy, speed, features, pricing and customer support to help you make an informed decision.

Speed – ExpressVPN Wins

	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Average download speeds	322 Mbps	352 Mbps
Average upload speeds	289 Mbps	315 Mbps

In a test connecting to three countries (the US, UK, and Canada) using WireGuard, the speeds delivered by the two VPN providers were recorded. In terms of download speed, NordVPN showed an average speed of 322 Mbps, whereas ExpressVPN had an average of 352 Mbps.

For upload speed, NordVPN recorded an average of 289 Mbps, ExpressVPN achieved an average of 315 Mbps. It is important to note that speed can vary based on several factors, such as server location, distance, network congestion, and individual internet connections. Thus, individual experiences may differ.

Who tops this category? ExpressVPN offers the fastest speeds, bagging the first spot. NordVPN comes in second.

Server Locations – NordVPN Wins

	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Servers	5,700+	3,000+
Countries	60	94

NordVPN has a considerable number of servers in 60 countries, providing solid coverage across key locations. This makes it a strong contender for users who value a wide range of server options.

ExpressVPN may have fewer servers compared to NordVPN but makes up for it with an impressive presence in 94 countries. If accessing content from a diverse range of countries is a priority, ExpressVPN’s extensive coverage can be advantageous.

Who tops this category? NordVPN because it offers an excellent combination of server quantity and country coverage.

Security – Tie between NordVPN and ExpressVPN

	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Encryption used	AES 256-bit	AES 256-bit
Protocol selection	OpenVPN, IKEv2, NordLynx	OpenVPN, IKEv2, Lightway
Private DNS	Yes	Yes
RAM-based servers	Yes	Yes
Quantum-resistant	No	No

NordVPN ensures strong security with its use of AES 256-bit encryption. Users can select from multiple protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and NordLynx (based on WireGuard), allowing flexibility. With the inclusion of private DNS and RAM-based servers, NordVPN enhances privacy and data protection.

ExpressVPN also prioritizes security by implementing AES 256-bit encryption and offering protocol options like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Lightway. However, it does not offer WireGuard as of yet. Furthermore, ExpressVPN also offers private DNS and RAM-based servers.

Who tops this category? It is a tie between NordVPN and ExpressVPN.

Privacy – Tie between NordVPN and ExpressVPN

	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Base of operation	Panama	British Virgin Islands
Audited no-logs policy	Yes	Yes
Always on-audit	No	No

NordVPN maintains a strong stance on privacy with its headquarters in Panama, a country not affiliated with the 5/9/14 eyes alliances. It boasts a PWC-audited no-logs policy, providing assurance that it does not store user activity logs. 

ExpressVPN is also based in the privacy-friendly jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands, outside the reach of the 5/9/14 eyes alliances. It offers a Well known audit firm-audited no-logs policy, reinforcing its commitment to user privacy.

Who tops this category? Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN are tied for first position.

Unblocking – NordVPN Wins

	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Netflix	Yes	Yes
Hulu	Yes	Yes
Max	No	No
BBC iPlayer	Yes	No
Disney+	Yes	Yes

During our tests, NordVPN proved to be highly effective in unblocking popular streaming services. It successfully bypassed restrictions on Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and Disney Plus. However, it was unable to unblock Max, the streaming platform from HBO.

ExpressVPN demonstrated reliable unblocking capabilities for Netflix, Hulu and Disney Plus, granting users access to a vast array of content. That said, it struggled to unblock BBC iPlayer, limiting the ability to access UK-based shows and content. Similar to NordVPN, ExpressVPN was unable to bypass restrictions on Max. 

Who tops this category? NordVPN as it unblocks most of the popular streaming platforms.

Pricing – NordVPN Wins

	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Monthly	Standard ($12.99), Plus ($13.99), Complete ($14.99)	$12.95
1-year	Standard ($4.99/month), Plus ($5.99/month), Complete ($6.99/month)	$8.32/month
2-year	Standard ($3.49/month), Plus ($4.49/month), Complete ($5.49)	–

NordVPN presents users with a variety of pricing options, including monthly, 1-year, and 2-year plans. Within each plan, NordVPN offers three different tiers that come with varying features: Standard, Plus, and Complete.

ExpressVPN follows a simplified pricing structure. They offer monthly subscriptions at a fixed rate and a 1-year plan at a discounted price. However, ExpressVPN does not provide a dedicated 2-year plan.

NordVPN and ExpressVPN provide 30-day money-back guarantees. Furthermore, both VPNs let you pay using a variety of methods like credit cards, cryptocurrency, PayPal, and more.

Who tops this category? NordVPN takes first place and ExpressVPN is second.

Features – NordVPN Wins

	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Kill Switch	Yes	Yes
Split Tunneling	Yes	Yes
Obfuscation	Yes	Yes
DNS Leak Protection	Yes	Yes
IPv6 Leak Protection	Yes	Yes

NordVPN stands out with its diverse feature set, including SmartDNS for seamless streaming, Double VPN servers for extra encryption layers, Onion over VPN for increased anonymity, and Threat Protection for defense against online threats. NordVPN also provides additional features such as a password manager, data breach scanner, and file encrypter, which can be added for an additional price.

ExpressVPN offers a SmartDNS feature for easy access to geo-restricted content and a Threat Manager that acts as a DNS-based traffic blocker for added security. In addition, ExpressVPN provides a built-in password manager to help users manage their online credentials securely. ExpressVPN also offers high-speed 10 Gbps servers, ensuring fast and reliable connections for users.

Who tops this category? NordVPN comes with an extensive list of features, bagging the first spot.

Compatibility – ExpressVPN Wins

	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Available apps	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, Fire Stick	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, Fire Stick
Browser extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Multi-logins	6	8

ExpressVPN is available on macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Fire Stick, providing compatibility across various platforms. It offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Users can connect up to 8 devices simultaneously with ExpressVPN’s multi-login feature.

NordVPN is compatible with macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Fire Stick, covering a wide range of devices. It offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. With support for up to 6 multi-logins, users can secure multiple devices with a single NordVPN account.

Who tops this category? ExpressVPN since it has more multi-logins than NordVPN.

Customer Support – Tie between NordVPN and ExpressVPN

	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Live chat	Yes	Yes
Email	Yes	Yes
Knowledgebase	Yes	Yes
In-app support	Yes	Yes

NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer a similar range of customer support options, including live chat, email, knowledgebase, and in-app support. These resources ensure that users have multiple avenues to seek assistance and receive timely support when needed.

Who tops this category? It is a tie for first place between NordVPN and ExpressVPN.

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Which is the Best?

	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Speed	2nd	1st
Server Locations	1st	2nd
Security	1st (Tie)	1st (Tie)
Privacy	1st (Tie)	1st (Tie)
Unblocking	1st	2nd
Pricing	1st	2nd
Features	1st	2nd
Compatibility	2nd	1st
Customer Support	1st (Tie)	1st (Tie)

NordVPN takes first place due to its extensive server locations, effective unblocking capabilities, and useful features. ExpressVPN secures second position, excelling in areas like speed and compatibility. 

Is There a Third Better Option?

While NordVPN and ExpressVPN have their merits, there is another player in the VPN game worth considering: PureVPN. 

Let’s take a closer look at why PureVPN stands out:

• Impressive Speeds: PureVPN delivers faster download and upload speeds than NordVPN, averaging 331 Mbps and 347 Mbps respectively.

• Huge Server Network: Boasting 6,000+ servers in 65 countries, PureVPN offers a more extensive server network compared to both NordVPN and ExpressVPN.

• Robust Security: PureVPN matches the security levels of its competitors. While it may not utilize RAM-based servers, it employs quantum-resistant encryption keys to ensure data protection.

• Privacy-Friendly Jurisdiction: Based in a privacy-focused jurisdiction, PureVPN’s commitment to transparency is evident through its industry-first always-on audit structure.

• Unblocking Capabilities: PureVPN excels in unblocking major platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+, enhancing your streaming experience.

• Affordable Pricing: With tier-based pricing, PureVPN provides a budget-friendly alternative without compromising value for money.

• Feature-Rich Offerings: PureVPN outshines ExpressVPN in terms of features, giving you more for your VPN investment.

• Multi-Platform Support: PureVPN supports all major platforms and allows up to 10 multi-logins, ensuring compatibility across devices.

• Comprehensive Customer Support: PureVPN includes essential customer support options, providing a smooth user experience.

Get PureVPN