ExpressVPN and NordVPN are two of the market’s most popular virtual private network (VPN) service providers. Both companies offer a range of features and subscription plans to protect your online privacy and security. In this comparison, we will take a closer look at the features and performance of both VPNs to help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN Quick Comparison Chart
| Feature | ExpressVPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Price per month (1-year plan) | $6.67 | $4.92 |
| Number of servers | 3,000+ | 5,500+ |
| Locations of servers | 94 countries | 59 countries |
| Number of simultaneous connections | 5 | 6 |
| No-log policy | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, NordLynx |
| Ad blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | No | Yes |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Dedicated IP | Yes | Yes |
| P2P support | Yes | Yes |
| Streaming support | Yes | Yes |
| Visit ExpressVPN | Visit NordVPN |
Security and Privacy
One of the main reasons to use a VPN is to protect your online privacy and security. Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN use strong encryption to secure your data and offer a range of security features to keep you safe while online.
ExpressVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, the same level of encryption used by banks and governments to protect sensitive data. The company also offers a range of protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec, to help you choose the best security option. In addition, ExpressVPN has a kill switch feature that prevents your data from being exposed if the VPN connection is lost.
NordVPN also uses 256-bit AES encryption and offers a range of protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and NordLynx (a proprietary protocol based on WireGuard). The company has a feature called CyberSec, which blocks ads and prevents your device from connecting to known malware-infected sites. NordVPN also has a kill switch feature to protect your data if the VPN connection is lost.
Both companies have a no-logs policy, which means they do not keep track of your online activity. This is important for protecting your privacy, as it means that even if someone were to request information about your online activity, the company would not have any data to share.
Winner: DRAW
Server Network & Accessibility
Another essential factor to consider when choosing a VPN is the size and location of the server network. A more extensive server network means you have more options for connecting to servers in different locations, which can help access content that may be blocked in your region.
ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, which is one of the largest server networks of any VPN provider. The company has servers in major cities worldwide, including London, New York, Hong Kong, and Sydney.
NordVPN has a more extensive server network, with over 5,500 servers in 59 countries. The company has servers in many locations, including major US, Europe, and Asia cities.
Both companies offer server locations specifically optimized for streaming, which can be helpful if you want to unblock content on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
Winner: Draw
Speed and Performance
ExpressVPN and NordVPN are both known for offering fast speeds and good performance. However, there are some differences between the two in terms of the specific speed and performance features they offer.
NordVPN may be slightly faster, with some users reporting faster download and upload speeds when using the VPN. However, both companies offer servers optimized for streaming, which can help to reduce buffering and improve the overall streaming experience.
ExpressVPN has a feature called MediaStreamer, designed to improve the streaming experience by optimizing the connection for video content. The feature is included with all subscription plans and can be used on devices that do not support VPN connections, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles.
NordVPN has a similar feature called SmartPlay, designed to improve the streaming experience by automatically connecting you to the best server for the platform you are trying to access.
Both VPNs offer a range of protocols to choose from, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec. NordVPN also has a proprietary protocol called NordLynx, which is based on WireGuard and is designed to offer faster speeds and better security.
Winner: NordVPN
User Interface and Ease of Use
ExpressVPN and NordVPN are both known for having user-friendly apps with clear interfaces. However, the two have some differences in terms of the overall user experience.
ExpressVPN’s app has a straightforward interface, with the main screen that displays your current connection status and allows you to connect to a server with a single tap easily. The app also has a map view that shows the locations of the available servers, which can be helpful in selecting a specific location.
Regarding features and customization options, ExpressVPN’s app is relatively basic. It includes a split tunneling feature that allows you to choose which apps use the VPN connection and a kill switch feature that prevents your data from being exposed if the VPN connection is lost. However, it does not have as many advanced options as NordVPN’s app.
NordVPN’s app has a similar layout to ExpressVPN’s, with the main screen that displays your current connection status and a map view for selecting server locations. However, it includes a wider range of customization options, including selecting specific servers or server groups based on your preferred activities (such as streaming or P2P file sharing).
Overall, both ExpressVPN and NordVPN have user-friendly apps with clear interfaces. ExpressVPN’s app may be slightly more straightforward to navigate, while NordVPN’s app has more features and customization options for advanced users.
Winner: Draw
Pricing
ExpressVPN and NordVPN have similar pricing plans, offering monthly, annual, and biennial subscription options. NordVPN may be slightly cheaper, with its monthly plan starting at $11.95 per month, compared to ExpressVPN’s monthly plan, which starts at $12.95 per month.
Both companies offer discounts for more extended subscription periods, with the annual plan being the most cost-effective option for most users. NordVPN’s annual plan costs $59 per year, while ExpressVPN’s annual plan costs $99.95 per year. Both companies also offer biennial plans, which offer a further discount but require a longer commitment.
Winner: NordVPN
Conclusion – NordVPN is a Slightly Better Choice
NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer strong security and privacy features, large server networks, and the ability to unblock a range of streaming platforms. However, NordVPN edges ahead thanks to its much cheaper extended-length subscription.
Ultimately, the best VPN for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities. If you are looking for a VPN that is affordable and has a wide range of advanced features and customization options, NordVPN may be a good choice.