NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: Which VPN Is Finest?

NordVPN and ExpressVPN each sit on the prime of the meals chain on the subject of trendy VPN suppliers. Each VPNs are recognized for quick speeds, massive server suites, and a robust repute for high quality. Nonetheless, there are key variations between the 2.

NordVPN comes with spectacular safety and privacy-focused options, reminiscent of its Meshnet encrypted file-sharing system and Risk Safety towards malware and adverts. In the meantime, ExpressVPN has a clear and easy-to-use interface and a powerful portfolio of third-party safety audits.

On this article, we determine which VPN is greatest for you and what you are promoting.

• NordVPN: Finest for many customers that need a big server community and quite a lot of further safety features.
• ExpressVPN: Finest for customers that prioritize having a user-friendly interface and quick VPN obtain and add speeds.

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Comparability Desk

NordVPN and ExpressVPN: Pricing

NordVPN pricing

NordVPN’s paid plans have three subscription tiers, particularly NordVPN Primary, Plus, and Final. Take observe, I seen that in some areas, NordVPN Final will typically be referred to as NordVPN Full or Extremely. This implies the highest plan could also be completely different relying in your location.

Under is an outline of pricing and have variations with every tier:

Out of NordVPN’s plans, I really feel its Plus subscription for one 12 months brings one of the best worth. It gives steadiness between an inexpensive month-to-month price whereas having a wholesome quantity of NordVPN’s extra safety features. Amongst these are its Risk Safety function that protects towards malware and adverts, in addition to its knowledge breach scanner.

SEE: The High 7 NordVPN Alternate options for 2024 (TechRepublic)

In the meantime, I commend NordVPN for together with Nord Safety’s devoted password supervisor, NordPass, to its Plus subscription tier. That is basically a second service on prime of the principle VPN — all in a single subscription. To me, it is a significant value-add, particularly for customers which might be additionally out there for a password supervisor.

Whereas NordVPN doesn’t at present have a free model, it has a seven-day free trial by way of Android. When you join the trial, you’ll be capable of strive NordVPN on desktop as nicely. Whereas I laud Nord for providing a trial, I hope it opens this up for iOS customers as nicely. This could enable extra customers to attempt to check NordVPN out.

Thankfully, NordVPN has a 30-day money-back assure for all its paid subscriptions. With this, you possibly can pay for an preliminary plan and request a refund in the event you discover it isn’t the fitting match. Simply be certain that to request the refund throughout the allotted time interval.

If you wish to study extra, learn our full NordVPN overview.

ExpressVPN pricing

In comparison with NordVPN, ExpressVPN has extra simple pricing that’s solely divided relying on contract size.

• 1 month: $12.95 per thirty days.
• 6 months: $9.99 per thirty days.
• 1 12 months: $6.67 per thirty days.

As a shopper, I like this strategy because it simplifies the entire shopping for course of. Nonetheless, this does imply that ExpressVPN carries much less function packages in comparison with NordVPN — a subject we’ll focus on extra in-depth later.

SEE: CyberGhost vs ExpressVPN (2024): Which VPN Is Higher? (TechRepublic)

Coincidentally, ExpressVPN additionally consists of its personal password supervisor, ExpressVPN Keys, to its paid subscriptions. Whereas I discover NordPass to be the extra highly effective password supervisor, I’m nonetheless comfortable that ExpressVPN bundles it with all of the paid plans.

Like NordVPN, ExpressVPN affords a 30-day money-back assure on all paid plan choices. Whereas ExpressVPN additionally has a seven-day free trial, that is solely out there for its cellular apps on Android and iOS.

If you wish to study extra, learn our full ExpressVPN overview.

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Characteristic comparability

Safety protocols and encryption

Winner: Tie

Each NordVPN and ExpressVPN present top-tier encryption and high quality VPN protocols. In each providers, we get the trade customary AES-256 encryption algorithm — nicely acknowledged as one of the vital safe algorithms out there.

SEE: NordVPN vs Proton VPN (2024): Which VPN Ought to You Select? (TechRepublic)

For VPN protocols, NordVPN carries OpenVPN and its proprietary NordLynx protocol primarily based on the speed-oriented WireGuard. On the flipside, ExpressVPN additionally affords the OpenVPN protocol and its personal Lightway protocol, equally constructed for pace.

I admire how, for each NordVPN and ExpressVPN, customers have the choice to select from a security-focused protocol or one that gives extra pace. For context, OpenVPN is understood for its safety as an open supply protocol, whereas WireGuard is quicker and extra trendy.

On this method, you get one of the best of each worlds and aren’t confined to only prioritizing safety or pace. With this, each NordVPN and ExpressVPN hit the mark for his or her safety protocols and encryption.

VPN server community and places

Winner: NordVPN

When having a look at their respective VPN server networks, I’ve to provide NordVPN the win. As of September 2024, NordVPN at present has 6,200+ servers throughout 111 nations. Then again, ExperssVPN has servers unfold throughout 105 nations. Whereas ExpressVPN doesn’t explicitly present a server quantity, experiences have pegged its server fleet at round 3,000+ servers.

The extra essential quantity to think about right here is the server nations or places. At 111 nations, NordVPN has six extra places over ExpressVPN’s server fleet. This implies you get barely extra selection when it comes to IP places with NordVPN — one thing I do know will profit those who plan to primarily use VPNs to unblock region-locked on-line content material.

To be honest, ExpressVPN’s 105-country server suite additionally affords an in depth vary of nation choices. It simply so occurs that NordVPN will get the slight benefit over ExpressVPN, with its extra strong server fleet and nation choice.

SEE: Does a VPN Gradual Down Your Web Pace? (TechRepublic)

As a facet observe, I extremely suggest checking each NordVPN and ExperssVPN’s official server pages to see whether or not the placement you want for unblocking is on the market. Fortunately, each suppliers commonly replace which VPN server places they’ve on supply.

Third-party audits and monitor document

Winner: ExpressVPN

Should you’re on the lookout for a VPN with a robust portfolio of third-party audits, I like to recommend going for ExpressVPN. Since 2018, ExpressVPN has accomplished a complete of 18 unbiased safety audits. That’s very spectacular, particularly contemplating how different VPNs outright don’t have their providers examined independently. These audits have regarded into numerous elements of ExpressVPN, from its no-logs coverage to its desktop functions. Its most up-to-date audit was revealed simply final June 2024 for the ExpressVPN browser extension.

As VPNs take care of delicate information like our looking knowledge and on-line exercise, I discover third-party audits to be important concerns. They supply customers with greater than only a firm’s guarantees or claims. On this respect, ExpressVPN will get excessive marks from me with its constant and powerful dedication to third-party testing.

SEE: It’s secure to make use of SSLVPN providers like NordVPN? (TechRepublic Boards)

On the flipside, NordVPN has had 4 unbiased audits of its no-logs coverage since 2018. Its newest audit was carried out by Deloitte Audit Lithuania in late 2023, additionally on its no-logs coverage.

Curiously, the most recent audit outcomes are solely out there for energetic NordVPN customers and to not the general public. Nord says this “ensures the audit results are not taken out of context or misunderstood.” Whereas I can see the place NordVPN is coming from, I believe the extra consumer-friendly strategy is to make audit outcomes publicly out there — whatever the findings.

Nonetheless, I believe each VPNs do job of getting their functions independently examined. It simply so occurs that ExpressVPN is the clear winner on this regard, particularly with its hefty portfolio of audits thus far.

Standout options

Winner: NordVPN

For customers that need a suite of additional options, I recommend going for NordVPN. It has a ton of security-focused capabilities that add significant worth alongside the principle VPN.

My favourite amongst them was NordVPN’s Meshnet personal community system. It lets customers share recordsdata or entry units remotely by way of an encrypted connection — a function I envision to be helpful when sharing delicate recordsdata or paperwork.

It additionally has its Risk Safety Professional net and file safety function that blocks towards intrusive adverts, malware, and trackers. This retains an energetic rely of all threats blocked by NordVPN. Other than these, NordVPN features a darkish net monitor, double VPN servers, Onion Over VPN capabilities, and obfuscated servers, amongst different options.

That isn’t to say ExpressVPN doesn’t have its personal set of standout options. It has what it calls Superior Safety that protects towards trackers, adverts, and malicious web sites. There’s additionally Parental controls, the place ExpressVPN mechanically blocks grownup web sites whereas linked to their servers.

Each NordVPN and ExpressVPN supply password managers with their subscriptions — NordPass and ExpressVPN Keys. Remember, nonetheless, that NordPass is simply bundled with NordVPN Plus and above, whereas Keys is included in all ExpressVPN plans.

SEE: Finest VPNs for streaming, gaming, torrenting (TechRepublic Boards)

All in all, NordVPN will get my vote for having a bit extra in the way in which of additional options in comparison with ExpressVPN. Personally, I admire how most of Nord’s extra options are all centered on safety and privateness. This makes their service much more compelling as a handy safety resolution and never simply an atypical VPN.

Efficiency and pace

Winner: ExpressVPN

For efficiency, I give ExpressVPN the spherical by a slim margin. Each NordVPN and ExpressVPN gave me quick, and dependable VPN speeds throughout my interval of testing. Web sites loaded shortly, and I had zero noticeable drops in connection whereas linked to servers from every.

Throughout testing, I linked my work laptop computer to considered one of their VPN servers and did my normal work as a author. This concerned having a number of tabs open for analysis, downloading, and importing recordsdata, attending on-line video conferences, and streaming music within the background.

The place ExpressVPN gained a bonus is pace check outcomes. With NordVPN, it truly had a 0.78% enhance in downloads in comparison with my web service supplier — which is great. Nonetheless, its add pace efficiency was much less spectacular, recording a 44% lower compared to my ISP.

SEE: Why Your Enterprise Wants Cybersecurity Consciousness Coaching (TechRepublic Premium)

Then again, ExpressVPN recorded constantly sooner speeds in each outcomes. For downloads, it solely had a 25.65% lower in comparison with my residence community. For uploads, it recorded 0.37% sooner speeds towards my ISP connection. With these outcomes, ExpressVPN exhibits it may possibly supply quick efficiency in each downloads and uploads.

For my part, most customers will likely be completely happy with both NordVPN or ExpressVPN. I acquired nice speeds with each in day-to-day use. However in the event you’re particularly after which VPN brings higher efficiency, my testing confirmed ExpressVPN is the higher decide.

Ease of use and design

Winner: ExpressVPN

In the case of general person expertise, my vote goes to ExpressVPN. It has, maybe, among the best VPN functions I’ve used to date.

It comes with a easy and trendy design that helps make the interface user-friendly and simple to make use of. I notably like how every thing is clearly laid out — it has an enormous energy button as an On/Off swap; a well-organized server listing categorized by areas; and an equally intuitive browser extension that works as a VPN distant management.

On the flipside, NordVPN implements a strong interface as nicely. It makes use of a glossy design and does job of organizing all of its options right into a single hub.

Whereas I additionally like NordVPN’s VPN app, I really feel it’s a tad overwhelming at the beginning. There’s a ton of options you’re inspired to activate, and the server listing is much less accessible upon setup in comparison with ExpressVPN. This could make it a bit intimidating for much less tech savvy customers that aren’t used to tinkering with software program.

Thankfully, when you give every part of NordVPN a strive, you truly understand that it does an excellent job of protecting its abundance of options organized and tidy. That being mentioned, if having an easy-to-use and modern-looking VPN app is a precedence, I like to recommend going for ExpressVPN.

Worth

Winner: NordVPN

For worth, NordVPN will get the win for me. That is due largely to NordVPN having extra subscription choices and a extra inexpensive beginning value.

If we’re to check every VPN’s base one-year subscriptions, NordVPN Primary at $4.99 per thirty days is round $2 cheaper than ExpressVPN’s one-year plan at $6.67 per thirty days.

Transferring up a tier, NordVPN’s Plus one-year plan with further safety features remains to be extra inexpensive — priced at $5.99 per thirty days in comparison with the identical $6.67 ExpressVPN plan.

I additionally admire the truth that NordVPN gives longer, two-year subscriptions, which carry the month-to-month price all the way down to $3 to $6 per thirty days. Whereas I like ExpressVPN’s simple subscription plans, I hope they provide longer contract choices like this for longtime clients that need to get some financial savings.

Simultaneous gadget connections

Winner: NordVPN

When it comes to gadget connections, I give it to NordVPN. Proper now, NordVPN permits for as much as 10 units to be concurrently linked to its VPN servers. As compared, ExpressVPN covers as much as eight simultaneous gadget connections.

To be honest, the distinction between eight and 10 is small, and I really feel each gadget limits are sufficient for many customers. Nonetheless, it’s essential to remember NordVPN’s extra inexpensive pricing and bigger server suite.

Having extra gadget connections provides one other layer of worth with NordVPN’s service in comparison with ExpressVPN. The bigger gadget restrict may show essential for small groups or startups that plan on sharing a subscription amongst one another.

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN on Reddit

When taking a look at Reddit discussions speaking about which VPN is healthier, it’s clear that NordVPN and ExpressVPN are pretty evenly matched.

In accordance with a Reddit person within the VPNAdvice group, “Nord’s been hella reliable so far. Been using it for a year now and the dedicated IP has made things so much better since its way faster than using a shared IP.” Within the identical group, one other Reddit person mentioned this about ExpressVPN: “Despite the higher price, I wouldn’t switch from ExpressVPN to another service.”

Nonetheless, if we check out threads asking about one of the best VPNs, evidently NordVPN is talked about extra instances than ExpressVPN.

One Reddit person within the VPNOverview group mentioned, “I’ve used a bunch of VPNs like Surfshark, CyberGhost, and NordVPN. NordVPN is my favorite. It blocks lots of overseas stuff I stream, and several family members use it too. It’s super trustworthy and costs only $3.50 a month. Just my two cents.”

Two suppliers continuously additionally talked about alongside NordVPN and ExpressVPN are Surfshark and Proton VPN. These are worthy options as nicely, and I encourage you to take a look at our Surfshark overview and Proton VPN overview.

NordVPN professionals and cons

Execs

• Gives round 6,200+ servers in 111 nations.
• Meshnet encrypted file-sharing system.
• Risk Safety Professional towards malware, adverts, and trackers.
• Independently audited no-logs coverage.
• Quick VPN speeds.
• 7-day trial by way of the Android app.
• Double VPN and obfuscated servers.

Cons

• No free model.
• May be intimidating at first.

ExpressVPN professionals and cons

Execs

• Servers unfold throughout 105 nations.
• 18 unbiased audits for its providers and apps.
• Simple-to-use, well-designed app interface.
• Quick speeds and efficiency.
• Superior Safety towards adverts and trackers.
• Parental controls towards grownup websites.

Cons

• Dearer.
• Free trial is cellular solely.
• Lacks extra inexpensive, 2-year subscription.

Ought to your group use NordVPN or ExpressVPN?

After a troublesome matchup, NordVPN comes out on prime over ExpressVPN. Its huge server community, top-tier safety capabilities, and quick VPN speeds make it among the best VPN providers out there.

When in comparison with ExpressVPN, NordVPN additionally beneficial properties a bonus with its extra inexpensive pricing, number of subscription choices, and barely extra beneficiant simultaneous gadget connections.

I personally like NordVPN’s robust concentrate on privateness and safety, making it a very good safety resolution alongside its major VPN performance. I really feel NordVPN is greatest for many customers, particularly those who need an all-around VPN with quick efficiency and numerous extra options.

Then again, ExpressVPN is a good selection in the event you worth having a well-designed VPN app and reliably quick speeds. ExpressVPN can also be my prime advice if constant, third-party audits are essential to you.

Methodology

My head-to-head comparability of NordVPN and ExpressVPN concerned an in-depth evaluation of each VPNs’ options, real-world efficiency, and worth.

To evaluate every VPN, each providers have been scored on every thing from their server networks to their pricing. Specifically, I took under consideration 5 major pillars, every having corresponding weights:

• Pricing (20%).
• Core VPN options (30%).
• Ease of use (15%).
• Buyer help (30%).
• Professional evaluation (5%).

I additionally regarded into actual person testimonials and respected evaluations to spherical out my ultimate suggestions for each NordVPN and ExpressVPN.

For pace and efficiency, I examined each VPNs on my private Home windows pc and ran them by means of Ookla’s public Speedtest. Lastly, I thought of which kinds of companies or particular person customers would greatest profit from both NordVPN or ExpressVPN.