NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: which VPN comes out on Top in 2024?

Choosing between NordVPN vs ExpressVPN is a common challenge when selecting top-tier VPN services outside of US jurisdiction. Both are known for their fast download speeds, robust security practices, and wide range of features.

NordVPN stands out with its privacy-focused perks like Threat Protection and a Dedicated IP add-on, making it ideal for security-conscious VPN users. It also offers broader device coverage, which is beneficial for those with multiple gadgets.

On the other hand, ExpressVPN is praised for its ease of use, making it perfect for both beginners and experts. Its user-friendly interface and straightforward setup process are hard to beat in terms of value, though NordVPN’s lower pricing is often decisive.

Both VPNs excel at accessing international Netflix libraries and the US catalog, which is crucial for entertainment enthusiasts who engage in bandwidth-heavy activities. Having tested them both thoroughly, I’ll explore NordVPN and ExpressVPN in key aspects like streaming service access to help you choose the best fit.

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison overview

NordVPN and ExpressVPN pricing comparison

NordVPN offers more budget-friendly plans than ExpressVPN. For a monthly subscription, NordVPN charges $12.99, while ExpressVPN is slightly higher at $12.95. If you’re looking at annual plans, NordVPN provides discounts of up to 74%, with monthly costs starting at $4.59/month (Basic plan). ExpressVPN’s annual plan is priced at $4.99/month, making it a pricier option. Moreover, NordVPN currently gives a hefty discount of 74% with its two-year plan, effectively lowering its cost to just $2.99/month, offering an excellent deal for long-term users. ExpressVPN does not offer a similar two-year plan, which could be a drawback for those seeking extended coverage at a lower price.

Both VPNs frequently offer promotional prices and seasonal deals. For instance, NordVPN often offers discounts during significant holidays and sales events, reducing the cost of the product even further. ExpressVPN also offers promotions, but its discounts are generally not as steep as NordVPN’s. Keeping an eye on these deals can net you significant savings, especially for new subscribers.

Simultaneous device connections included with a subscription plan are often a decisive factor for households. NordVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections with all plans, while ExpressVPN caps simultaneous connections at 8. This can be a game-changer for users with several gadgets needing protection simultaneously.

In short, NordVPN generally provides better value for money, a broader range of payment methods, and a slightly higher number of simultaneous connections. These factors make it a more attractive option for budget-conscious users and those with multiple devices. The more expensive ExpressVPN offers a user-friendly experience and unique trial options, making it appealing to those who prioritize ease of use and initial testing without financial commitment. Here are my main take-outs for you:

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN Payment Methods and Customer Service Comparison

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: which VPN is more secure?

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN go the extra mile to ensure the security and anonymity of their users. Both services utilize AES 256-bit encryption, the gold standard for data protection. NordVPN supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and its proprietary NordLynx protocol, which employs the XChaCha20 cipher for added security. ExpressVPN offers OpenVPN, IKEv2, and the Lightway protocol, designed for speed and security. Each protocol is complemented by robust hashing algorithms like SHA-512, ensuring secure data transmission.

For added protection, NordVPN features Double VPN, which routes your connection through two servers for enhanced privacy, and Onion Over which integrates Tor network routing for additional anonymity. ExpressVPN employs TrustedServer technology, which uses RAM-only servers that erase data with every reboot, reducing the risk of data storage and leaks. TrustedServer also undergoes regular audits by Deloitte, verifying its no-logs policy and boosting user trust.

Both VPNs operate from privacy-friendly jurisdictions: NordVPN from Panama and ExpressVPN from the British Virgin Islands, both outside the Five Eyes and Fourteen Eyes intelligence-sharing alliances. Their no-logging policies have been validated through numerous independent audits by PwC and Deloitte for NordVPN (4 times) and KPMG, PwC, and Cure53 for ExpressVPN.

Ultimately, NordVPN may have the edge for users seeking multiple layers of encryption and advanced privacy features. At the same time, ExpressVPN’s robust TrustedServer technology and transparent security practices make it a close competitor. For the highest security, especially if advanced privacy features like Double VPN are crucial, NordVPN is the more secure choice.

Which VPN is faster: NordVPN or ExpressVPN?

When it comes to speed, NordVPN generally takes the lead over ExpressVPN. In my testing, NordVPN consistently delivers faster download speeds, thanks mainly to its NordLynx protocol, which combines WireGuard with additional privacy features. NordLynx’s efficient design helps minimize latency and speed loss, resulting in a more robust performance across various locations. For instance, NordVPN showed an average speed loss of only 6% compared to my baseline speed during the 2024 tests, even when connecting to distant servers like those in Japan or Australia.

Here’s my detailed comparison of the download and upload speeds of both providers for you:

*Tested in December 2024

*Tested in December 2024

ExpressVPN, using its Lightway protocol, also performs impressively but slightly falls behind NordVPN.

Lightway is designed for fast connections and stable performance, yet the average speed loss during my tests was around 25%, which is higher than NordVPN’s. Despite this, ExpressVPN still provides strong performance with minimal speed dips, particularly for locations closer to the server. Both VPNs offer reliable speeds for bandwidth-heavy tasks like 4K video streaming and online gaming. For example, I experienced minimal buffering and high-quality streams with both services, though NordVPN had a slight edge in maintaining faster speeds.

In conclusion, while both ExpressVPN or NordVPN offer reliable and fast connections suitable for streaming and gaming, NordVPN typically provides a performance boost thanks to its NordLynx protocol.

It makes NordVPN a better choice for users who prioritize speed, especially if you frequently connect to servers far from your location. However, ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol still delivers robust performance, making it a strong contender for those seeking consistent speed with a slightly different approach. The fight is tight!

Server locations and coverage of NordVPN and ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN vs NordVPN both offer extensive server networks, but they cater to users’ needs with different strengths. NordVPN leads with an impressive fleet of over 7000+ servers across 118+ countries. This extensive network includes specialized options (the Double VPN and Onion Over VPN servers), providing enhanced privacy and security. In contrast, ExpressVPN operates a smaller but still substantial network of 3000+ servers in 105+ countries. It features virtual locations and obfuscated servers to help bypass geo-restrictions and ensure stable access even in restrictive regions.

The size and distribution of a VPN’s server network are crucial for connection speed and bypassing geo-restrictions. NordVPN’s more extensive server fleet typically results in better performance and reduced congestion, which is particularly beneficial for accessing global content. However, ExpressVPN’s strategic server placements and virtual locations offer strong performance and reliability, especially in regions with high censorship.

Plus, in terms of security features, both NordVPN or ExpressVPN use RAM-only servers, which erase data with every reboot, enhancing privacy. To overcome restrictive networks, NordVPN’s stealth servers and ExpressVPN’s Stealth VPN technology both effectively disguise VPN traffic to bypass Deep Packet Inspection (DPI). While both providers offer strong security and connectivity, NordVPN’s broader server coverage gives it an edge for users seeking extensive global access and optimal performance.

Which wins in streaming and gaming: NordVPN vs ExpressVPN

VPNs serve a dual purpose for streaming and gaming: protecting privacy and bypassing geographic content restrictions. Both ExpressVPN vs NordVPN excel in these areas, offering robust features tailored to enhance your entertainment experience. Regardless of which one you choose – NordVPN or ExpressVPN – both provide excellent streaming capabilities, unblocking significant platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer with impressive ease. My testing proved that NordVPN’s extensive server network (including specialty servers optimized for streaming) often results in faster and more reliable access to international Netflix libraries and other geo-restricted content. In the meantime, ExpressVPN’s user-friendly apps and Smart DNS support (MediaStreamer) simplify the process of accessing content on various devices (including smart TVs and game consoles).

Additionally, for gaming, both VPNs deliver strong performance with minimal impact on speed. NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol ensures low latency and stable connections, which is crucial for online gaming and avoiding DDoS attacks. Similarly, ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol provides smooth gaming experiences with low ping and high speeds.

Both VPNs support torrenting and offer good speed retention, making them suitable for gaming and file sharing. NordVPN’s additional features, like SmartPlay technology and a larger server network, can be particularly advantageous for accessing a wide range of content and achieving better speeds. In the meantime, ExpressVPN stands out with its ease of use, user-friendly apps, and consistent performance across different devices.

In summary, NordVPN is often preferred for its better value, extensive features, and superior server coverage. ExpressVPN excels in user-friendliness and reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize simplicity and consistency. Both VPNs are top-tier choices for streaming and gaming, however, NordVPN’s extensive features and server network give it a slight edge in terms of overall value and performance for more demanding users.

Privacy and logging policies: ExpressVPN vs NordVPN

NordVPN and ExpressVPN both provide robust privacy and security features using AES-256 encryption. NordVPN enhances this with Hash SHA-512, and both have strict no-logs policies verified by independent audits—NordVPN by PwC (2018, 2020) and Deloitte (2022-2024) and ExpressVPN by Deloitte. They operate outside the 14-Eyes Alliance, with NordVPN based in Panama and ExpressVPN in the British Virgin Islands. Both offer kill switches, split tunneling, and RAM-only servers to safeguard user privacy. NordVPN also offers advanced privacy features like Double VPN and Onion Over VPN, while ExpressVPN uses TrustedServer technology and Smart DNS for optimized streaming. In 2024 testing, NordVPN is noted for better speeds and advanced privacy features, while ExpressVPN is equally trustworthy with a focus on infrastructure and transparency.

Which Is Better: NordVPN vs ExpressVPN?

To sum it up, both NordVPN and ExpressVPN are top-tier VPN providers, each with distinct advantages. However, my research proved that NordVPN offers a better balance of features, price, and performance, making it the preferred option for most users.

NordVPN stands out for its advanced security features, super fast performance, extensive server network, and competitive pricing, making it an excellent choice for users seeking versatility and value.

While slightly more expensive, ExpressVPN also offers decent speed, robust security, and extensive server coverage, making it suitable for those who prioritize ease of use over performance and additional features.

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FAQ

Which VPN is better, NordVPN or ExpressVPN?

NordVPN is better than ExpressVPN. It stands out for its superior value and advanced features, like Double VPN, which enhances security by routing through two servers. While ExpressVPN is praised for ease of use and high performance, NordVPN's value and advanced features make it the better choice, depending on your specific needs.

Is there a better VPN than ExpressVPN?

Yes, NordVPN is better VPN provider than ExpressVPN. NordVPN offers advanced security features, faster connection speeds, and a more extensive server network. Additionally, NordVPN is often more competitively priced. Alternatives like SurfShark and CyberGhost also provide strong features and value, but for those prioritizing top-notch security, speed, and affordability, NordVPN is the better choice.

Does NordVPN own ExpressVPN?

No, NordVPN and ExpressVPN are independent services owned by different entities. NordVPN is owned by Nord Security, which is based in Panama. This company is known for its range of cybersecurity products, including NordLayer, NordPass, and NordLocker.​ ExpressVPN, on the other hand, is owned by Kape Technologies, a cybersecurity company.

What VPNs are better than NordVPN?

The best VPN for you depends on what you'll be using it for. NordVPN excels in providing strong security, fast speeds, and a large server network. However, if you need a more affordable option for gaming, Surfshark is a great choice. For avid streaming, gaming, and torrenting fans, ProtonVPN stands out with its solid WireGuard & OpenVPN encryption protocols and great device compatibility.

What is the downside of ExpressVPN?

The main downside of ExpressVPN is its higher price compared to other VPNs. Some users may also find that its limited simultaneous connections (7) are restrictive. However, it remains among the top VPN choices in 2024 for its reliability and performance.