NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: which is better in 2025?

NordVPN and ExpressVPN are two of the most reliable VPN providers, encrypting your internet traffic, hiding your IP address, and offering secure access to online content. Both excel at bypassing geo-restrictions, making them popular for streaming in our 2025 tests.

However, NordVPN generally provides better value and speed, while ExpressVPN stands out with excellent user-friendliness and constant streaming speeds.

To compare their real-world performance, I conducted in-house testing in June 2025, using a Windows PC (Dell XPS 15), MacBook Air (M2, 2023), iPhone 14 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison overview

Note: NordVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, which makes it a better choice for families or users with multiple devices. ExpressVPN is limited to 8 connections, which may be restrictive for some.

While the monthly pricing is nearly identical, NordVPN’s long-term plans are significantly cheaper, making it the better option for users looking for affordability and value over time. ExpressVPN, however, remains a strong choice for those who prioritize ease of use in our testing.

ExpressVPN vs NordVPN pricing

NordVPN offers more affordable long-term pricing, with plans as low as $3.39/month for a two-year commitment, compared to ExpressVPN’s $4.99/month. Both providers have expensive 1-month plans, which is why I don’t recommend choosing this option for short-term VPN usage. Instead, you can opt for the 2-year plan and pay a third of the price before getting a full refund with NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee entirely risk free.

While both providers are roughly matched on the cost of their 1-month plans, ExpressVPN charges $100 for the initial 1-year subscription but NordVPN only charges around $60 for the same, making it a much better deal. However, renewal pricing for both services is painful – at $155 for ExpressVPN and $140 for NordVPN once the deal pricing ends.

Key takeaway: NordVPN is cheaper than ExpressVPN in all aspects besides the 1-month plan. NordVPN charges $3.39/month for its best-value plan as opposed to ExpressVPN’s $4.99/month subscription for the same plan. Even on 1-year plans, NordVPN charges just $4.99/month compared to ExpressVPN's $6.67/month cost, making NordVPN the most cost-effective choice.

Which is more secure: NordVPN or ExpressVPN?

I tested both ExpressVPN and NordVPN for security, and here is what I found out: NordVPN and ExpressVPN are both highly secure VPNs, offering AES-256 encryption, secure tunneling protocols, and strict no-log policies. However, NordVPN provides a broader suite of security tools, which makes it the better choice for users who prioritize advanced protection.

Encryption and security features

NordVPN supports NordLynx (based on WireGuard), OpenVPN, and IKEv2, while ExpressVPN offers Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. While testing both VPNs, I compared these protocols in real-life scenarios and found that NordLynx performed better in speed without compromising security. ExpressVPN's Lightway also provided efficiency and stability, yet I found NordVPN goes beyond standard security by offering:

On the other hand, I liked that ExpressVPN implements TrustedServer technology, thus ensuring RAM-only servers wipe data on every reboot. This is a crucial security measure that enhances privacy. However, it lacks some of NordVPN’s extra features that I often use as a technology expert in my work and daily life.

DNS and IP leak protection

In tests with both NordVPN and ExpressVPN, I saw no IP or DNS leaks – instances in which your DNS requests slip through your VPN and get sent to your ISP's DNS servers. Domain Name System requests help your computer translate web addresses into the pages you visit, and DNS leaks can expose your location even when you're using a VPN. That said, NordVPN performed better than ExpressVPN due to a temporary discrepancy with an older version of ExpressVPN's (version 12) on Windows, in 2024. For a short period, its split tunneling feature routed DNS requests incorrectly. However, ExpressVPN has since reaffirmed its stance on privacy by publishing a report on DNS leaks.

Independent security audits

Both VPNs have undergone multiple independent audits to verify their no-log policies and security claims. I only recommend my readers choose industry-leading VPN providers that claim no user logs and can prove that with numerous independent audits.

• Deloitte and PwC have audited NordVPN five times, the latest in December 2024, hereby confirming its no-logs policy and security practices. Additionally, Cure53 audited NordVPN’s infrastructure security.
• PwC, KPMG, and Cure53 have audited ExpressVPN, the latest audit being earlier in 2024, focusing on its TrustedServer technology and privacy protections.

During my tests, NordVPN stood out for its extensive security toolkit, offering multiple layers of protection beyond basic encryption. While ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology is a substantial security measure, it lacks some of NordVPN’s advanced privacy tools. If extra security features like Double VPN and ad-blocking matter, I found that NordVPN is the more secure choice.

ExpressVPN vs NordVPN speed comparison

In our in-house June 2025 speed tests, NordVPN retained an average of 90% of the original speed, making it the fastest option available on the VPNs market. ExpressVPN, though slightly slower with an average retention of 84%, still performed well for 4K streaming, gaming, and remote work.

With NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol (built on WireGuard), I was able to minimize latency and speed loss, while ExpressVPN’s Lightway also worked well for speed stability. Here’s my detailed comparison of the download and upload speeds of both ExpressVPN vs NordVPN while using US servers for you:

Note: Local servers are the average of the US servers (both providers), while the international average is calculated for Australian, Canadian, German, French, Japanese, Dutch (the Netherlands), Swedish, Singaporean, and British servers. My testing baseline is always 1 ms ping/ 500Mbps Download / 500Mbps upload.

While both VPNs offer reliable performance, NordVPN consistently delivers faster connection speeds than ExpressVPN, outperforming it in both download and upload speed tests. This speed advantage is especially clear when connecting to distant servers in regions like Japan and Australia. In my experience, NordVPN provided smoother 4K streaming and more responsive online gaming, while ExpressVPN, though stable, lagged slightly behind in overall speed performance.

Therefore, if speed is your top priority, NordVPN is the better choice - especially for long-distance connections. However, ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol still delivers reliable performance, making it a great option for those seeking consistent speeds with strong stability.

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN server list

NordVPN has a more extensive server network and covers more countries than ExpressVPN. It boasts 7400+ servers in 118 countries, while ExpressVPN operates in 105 countries and has a fleet comprising 3000 + VPN servers.

NordVPN’s more extensive server fleet allows for less congestion and better speeds, especially for accessing global content. Additionally, it offers specialized servers like Double VPN and Onion Over VPN for enhanced privacy. ExpressVPN, while having fewer servers, uses virtual locations and obfuscation to maintain reliable access in restricted regions.

Both VPN providers operate RAM-only and some virtual servers, thus ensuring all data is wiped with each reboot. Additionally, NordVPN’s stealth servers and ExpressVPN’s Stealth VPN effectively bypass Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), which makes them excellent for users in high-censorship regions.

Wrapped up, NordVPN is the better option if you prioritize a vast global network and more specialized servers. However, ExpressVPN’s strategic server locations and obfuscation technology make it a strong contender for accessing restricted content with stable performance.

Which is better for streaming and gaming, NordVPN or ExpressVPN?

Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN successfully bypass geo-restrictions on major platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. However, based on my tests:

NordVPN performs better for unblocking international Netflix libraries due to its more extensive server network and SmartPlay technology, which helps bypass VPN blocks.

While still great, ExpressVPN occasionally struggles with specific regional Netflix libraries but shines in device compatibility thanks to its MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature. This feature allows easier streaming on devices that don’t support VPN apps, such as smart TVs and game consoles.

Gaming: speed, stability, and performance. For gaming, both NordVPN vs ExpressVPN deliver low-latency connections, yet with some key differences:

• NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) ensures faster speeds and lower ping, which is crucial for online gaming.
• ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol also provides smooth performance, but in my experience, it occasionally had slightly higher latency on distant servers.
• Both VPNs offer DDoS protection and P2P support, making them suitable for torrenting and file sharing.

In conclusion, NordVPN is better for streaming variety and speed and unblocking more Netflix libraries. It also offers lower latency for gaming, making it the best choice for power users.

Meanwhile, ExpressVPN stands out for its ease of use and Smart DNS support, making it ideal for users who want a simple and reliable streaming experience across multiple devices. While both are top-tier VPNs, NordVPN’s broader server coverage, better unblocking ability, and faster gaming performance give it an overall edge.

NordVPN’s extensive features and server network give it an edge regarding overall value and performance for more demanding users.

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN torrenting comparison

Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN support torrenting, but NordVPN has a clear edge thanks to its P2P-optimized servers and extra features.

With dedicated P2P servers in 45+ countries, NordVPN ensures faster and more stable downloads, making it a better choice for frequent torrenting. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, allows torrenting on all servers but lacks specialized P2P servers, leading to slower speeds on congested networks.

Regarding performance, NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol delivers lower latency and faster speeds, which is ideal for large file downloads. ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol also performs well, but in my tests, it was slightly slower for torrenting.

NordVPN also includes a SOCKS5 proxy, which provides an extra speed boost and enhanced anonymity for torrenting apps, a feature ExpressVPN lacks. However, both VPNs offer RAM-only plus virtual servers and strict no-logs policies, thereby ensuring complete user privacy.

Wrapped up, while ExpressVPN is also a solid choice, NordVPN is the better option for torrenting thanks to its P2P-optimized servers, faster speeds, and SOCKS5 proxy.

Which Is Better: NordVPN vs ExpressVPN?

After thoroughly analyzing both VPN providers, it's clear that NordVPN generally offers a better overall package, balancing security, speed, and price more effectively than ExpressVPN. While ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for ease of use, NordVPN stands out in key areas like performance and features, making it the more versatile and cost-effective option for most users.

NordVPN edges out ExpressVPN in several key categories. NordVPN offers more niche privacy features, the ability to connect more simultaneous devices, and a much more affordable entry-level VPN subscription. In fact, ExpressVPN lacks a basic VPN tier, while NordVPN charges just $3.39/month for its Basic plan, which even includes a 1GB Saily eSIM. Here’s how they compare across the board:

• NordVPN offers more affordable pricing than ExpressVPN, with its best-value 2-year plan costing $3.39/month while ExpressVPN costs $4.99/month for the same package. Even on shorter-term 1-year plans, NordVPN charges $4.99/month while ExpressVPN charges $6.67/month.
• NordVPN leads in security as it includes advanced features like Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and Threat Protection Pro, while ExpressVPN lacks some of these extra layers of security.
• NordVPN excelled in our 2025 speed tests, with an average 11.1% average download speed loss. On the other hand, ExpressVPN was slower, with an average download speed dip of 24.8%.
• ExpressVPN and NordVPN both include a kill switch that protects your connection, as well as solid leak protection that passed our in-house tests. While ExpressVPN had an issue with DNS protection in 2024, it recovered swiftly and published a full report on the matter.
• With 7400+ servers in 118+ countries, NordVPN offers a broader network, allowing more options for bypassing geo-restrictions. ExpressVPN has a smaller network of 3000+ servers in 105countries
• Both, NordVPN and ExpressVPN, excel at unblocking major streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer with minimal buffering. It’s a draw.
• Both VPNs provide strong performance for online gaming, maintaining low ping and stable connections.
• NordVPN wins in torrenting category, as it offers P2P-optimized servers and additional features like SOCKS5 proxy, providing better speeds and security for torrenting. ExpressVPN is solid but lacks specialized P2P servers.

Final Verdict: For those prioritizing speed, security, and server coverage, NordVPN is the clear winner, offering a better price-per-value. ExpressVPN, however, remains a strong choice, especially for those seeking ease of use and consistent performance with a user-friendly interface. Ultimately, NordVPN is a more versatile option, while ExpressVPN shines in simplicity.

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ExpressVPN vs NordVPN FAQ

Which VPN is better, NordVPN or ExpressVPN?

NordVPN and ExpressVPN are similar in a number of ways, such as offering proprietary protocols and an extensive server fleet, but our tests showed NordVPN to be an overall faster and more reliable option than ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN excels in ease of use and consistent performance, yet NordVPN's broader features, advanced security options, and competitive pricing make it a much better option for most users.

Does NordVPN own ExpressVPN?

No, NordVPN and ExpressVPN are independent services owned by different entities. ExpressVPN is owned and operated by Kape Technologies, a cybersecurity company within the UK that also owns VPN services CyberGhost and Private Internet Access (PIA). NordVPN on the other hand is owned by Nord Security, an independent company based in Panama that has no affiliations with Kape Technologies and also operates Surfshark VPN and Atlas VPN.

Is NordVPN faster than ExpressVPN?

Yes, NordVPN is generally faster than ExpressVPN due to its NordLynx protocol, which optimizes performance and reduces latency. While ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol is still quick and reliable, NordVPN consistently outperforms it, especially for activities like torrenting and accessing international content.

Is NordVPN better than ExpressVPN for Netflix?

NordVPN is the better choice for Netflix, as it offers a more extensive selection of servers optimized for streaming, which can result in faster and more stable access to various Netflix libraries. ExpressVPN is also good enough for streaming Netflix, yet NordVPN has a clear edge in global Netflix library coverage and performance.