NordVPN and ExpressVPN are the two giants of the VPN industry, and choosing between them is one of the most common dilemmas for privacy-conscious users. We put both through extensive testing to determine which deserves your subscription in 2026.
The Quick Verdict
- Choose NordVPN for best value, more features, and excellent performance
- Choose ExpressVPN for maximum speed, best streaming, and simplest experience
Both are excellent—you can’t go wrong with either.
Speed Comparison
We tested both VPNs on a 500 Mbps connection across multiple server locations:
| Location | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| US (NYC) | 412 Mbps | 458 Mbps |
| UK (London) | 398 Mbps | 441 Mbps |
| Germany | 385 Mbps | 420 Mbps |
| Japan | 356 Mbps | 392 Mbps |
| Australia | 341 Mbps | 378 Mbps |
Winner: ExpressVPN - Consistently 10-15% faster across all locations.
Security & Privacy
NordVPN Security
- AES-256 encryption
- NordLynx protocol (WireGuard-based)
- Double VPN (route through 2 servers)
- Onion over VPN (Tor integration)
- No-logs policy (audited by PwC)
- RAM-only servers
- Kill switch
ExpressVPN Security
- AES-256 encryption
- Lightway protocol (proprietary)
- TrustedServer (RAM-only)
- No-logs policy (audited by PwC & Cure53)
- Kill switch
- Private DNS on every server
Winner: Tie - Both offer excellent, audited security. NordVPN has more specialty features (Double VPN, Onion over VPN), while ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer is equally impressive.
Streaming Performance
| Service | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix US | ✅ | ✅ |
| Netflix UK | ✅ | ✅ |
| Disney+ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Hulu | ✅ | ✅ |
| BBC iPlayer | ✅ | ✅ |
| Amazon Prime | ✅ | ✅ |
| HBO Max | ⚠️ | ✅ |
Winner: ExpressVPN - Slightly more reliable for streaming, especially HBO Max.
Server Network
| Metric | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Servers | 6,200+ | 3,000+ |
| Countries | 111 | 105 |
| Specialty servers | ✅ | ❌ |
NordVPN offers more servers and specialty options (P2P, Double VPN, Obfuscated), while ExpressVPN keeps it simple with all servers supporting all features.
Winner: NordVPN - More servers and specialty options.
Device Support & Connections
| Feature | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous devices | 10 | 8 |
| Router support | ✅ | ✅ |
| Browser extensions | ✅ | ✅ |
| Smart TV apps | ✅ | ✅ |
| Gaming console support | Via router | MediaStreamer |
Winner: NordVPN - 10 devices vs 8.
Pricing
| Plan | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $12.99 | $12.95 |
| 1 Year | $4.99/mo | $6.67/mo |
| 2 Years | $3.39/mo | N/A |
Winner: NordVPN - Significantly cheaper, especially on longer plans.
User Experience
NordVPN Apps
- Clean, map-based interface
- Quick connect feature
- Specialty server selection
- Threat Protection (ad/malware blocking)
- Dark web monitor
- Meshnet (private network between devices)
ExpressVPN Apps
- Minimalist, one-click design
- Speed test built-in
- Split tunneling
- MediaStreamer for unsupported devices
- Shortcut feature for quick app access
Winner: Tie - NordVPN has more features; ExpressVPN is simpler to use.
Customer Support
Both offer:
- 24/7 live chat
- Email support
- Extensive knowledge bases
- Video tutorials
In our testing, both responded within minutes with helpful, knowledgeable agents.
Winner: Tie
Extra Features Comparison
| Feature | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Ad blocker | ✅ | ❌ |
| Malware protection | ✅ | ❌ |
| Dark web monitoring | ✅ | ❌ |
| Meshnet | ✅ | ❌ |
| Split tunneling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Dedicated IP | ✅ ($) | ❌ |
Winner: NordVPN - More value-added features included.
Final Scores
| Category | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Security | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Streaming | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Features | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Value | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Ease of Use | 4.5/5 | 5/5 |
| Overall | 4.75/5 | 4.67/5 |
Our Recommendation
For most users: NordVPN offers the best combination of price, features, and performance. The 2-year plan at $3.39/month is exceptional value, and extras like Threat Protection and Meshnet add genuine utility.
For streamers and speed-chasers: ExpressVPN remains the gold standard for raw performance. If you prioritize streaming reliability and maximum speeds, the premium is justified.
Budget tip: Both offer 30-day money-back guarantees. Try your top choice risk-free, and switch if it doesn’t meet your needs.
Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN are excellent choices. The VPN market is competitive, and we all benefit from these two pushing each other to improve.