NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Which One is More Worth Buying?
We’ve tested ExpressVPN alongside other top VPNs like NordVPN, and here’s how they compare…
ExpressVPN is known for its fast connection speeds and user-friendly interface. However, its high subscription cost may not be ideal for budget-conscious users, and concerns around privacy and security could be a drawback for some.
While ExpressVPN excels in many areas, it’s not the only option. In this comparison, we’ll break down the strengths and weaknesses of ExpressVPN and its top competitor, NordVPN, to help you find the VPN that best suits your needs.
From the table below, it’s clear that while the two services share similar features, NordVPN offers more value —leaving many to wonder why ExpressVPN is so much more expensive?
ExpressVPN Invests More in Server Quality
In our tests, ExpressVPN offered more consistent speeds, particularly when streaming 4K movies. We experienced zero buffering interruptions over the course of an entire movie. This aligns with their claims of upgrading servers to 10Gbps with 20-32 cores, significantly reducing server overload and improving reliability.
In contrast, NordVPN experienced two brief interruptions (2–3 seconds each) during the same test. For other use cases, both VPNs perform smoothly.
If you prioritize extreme stability, ExpressVPN is a top choice.
On the other hand, NordVPN delivered faster speeds in most scenarios. In tests using both providers’ smart-recommended servers, NordVPN consistently outpaced ExpressVPN.
Upload speed difference vs. normal speed
Down 4.11%
Down 12.9%
Download speed difference vs. normal speed
Down 5.78%
Down 7.57%
Latency (lower is better)
125.8 ms
78.3 ms
This matches the findings of independent reviewers like PCMag and CNET, who rank NordVPN as the fastest VPN available today.
We’ve been testing VPNs for more than 10 years, and part of that process includes speed tests. In our latest round, NordVPN comes out on top of download speed results, trailed closely by ExpressVPN.
NordVPN is currently the fastest VPN, based on our latest speed tests. Out of the VPNs we speed tested, NordVPN’s speeds were the most consistently fast across the board. NordVPN averaged just an 11% speed loss overall, Mullvad came in second place with a 13% average speed loss and Surfshark followed with a 17% overall speed loss. Proton VPN and ExpressVPN rounded out the list with a 21% speed loss and a 25% speed loss, respectively.
Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN claim “zero-logging” policies to protect your online activity. However, ExpressVPN has faced criticism following its acquisition by Kape Technologies in 2021—a company previously associated with distributing adware. This acquisition raised concerns, prompting many users on platforms like Reddit to abandon ExpressVPN.
Adding to the uncertainty, Kape has reportedly experienced operational challenges. Recent layoffs impacted key teams, including engineering and quality assurance, and even ExpressVPN’s Chief Technology Officer for Privacy, Dan Gericke, announced his departure. These developments have sparked speculation about potential declines in quality across Kape-owned VPNs like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and PIA. (Source: PCMAG)
In contrast, NordVPN continues to excel in privacy and security with innovative features like Meshnet, Dark Web Monitor, and Threat Protection Pro. These tools go beyond basic VPN functionality, offering comprehensive protection to keep your online activity secure and private.
For those prioritizing long-term security and reliability, NordVPN is the clear choice.
Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN excel at unblocking major platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. However, there are notable differences:
Library Access: NordVPN supports a larger number of Netflix libraries (up to 14 regions), while ExpressVPN primarily focuses on the U.S., Japan, and the U.K.
Buffering: Both are fast enough for 4K streaming. However, on rare occasions, NordVPN servers showed brief buffering (2-3 seconds) due to server load, though the issue was minor.。
Pricing: NordVPN Saves You More
Tips: Most VPNs are pretty similar, so unless your looking for something very specific, find the cheaper deal on a good rated VPN.
Save More
1 Month Plan
12.95$/Mo
12.99$/Mo
1 Year Plans
155$ 99.95$ / 12 Mo
139.08$ 59.88$ / 12 Mo
2 Year Plans
311$ 139.72$ / 24 Mo
270$ 81$ / 24 Mo
1 Month Plan
12.95$/Mo
2.99$/Mo
1 Year Plans
155$ 99.95$ / 12 Mo
139.08$ 59.88$ / 12 Mo
2 Year Plans
311$ 139.72$ / 24 Mo
270$ 81$ / 24 Mo
Both providers currently offer discounts, but NordVPN’s pricing is significantly lower—making it a better long-term choice for users seeking premium features at a reasonable cost.
Get the current maximum discount on two VPNs through my link.
Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN are excellent VPNs, and you can’t go wrong with either.
If ultimate speed stability is your priority, ExpressVPN’s premium servers and higher price point deliver reliable performance without server overload. Visit ExpressVPN to Learn More >>
However, for most users, NordVPN offers more advantages:
Faster peak speeds
Superior privacy and security features
More functionality (Meshnet、Dark Web Monitor and Threat Protection Pro: Learn More)
Better pricing
For long-term users, NordVPN provides the best value for money while still delivering top-tier performance.
Trusted by top tech sites like Tom’s Guide, TechRadar, and Security.org, NordVPN has been named the Best VPN of 2024 and 2025.
TechRadar
The best VPN overall
Our latest testing proves that NordVPN continues to lead the pack in terms of providing the best VPN experience possible. Offering a superbly quick and secure VPN, alongside security tools to improve your overall online and on-computer security, NordVPN offers an impressive security package for a surprisingly low cost.
NordVPN offers the best overall VPN package, with great privacy at a reasonable price. It’s able to unblock just about every streaming service worldwide, and excellent speeds mean it won’t be slowing you down. If you want very simple apps, something like ExpressVPN might be better, but overall, Nord leads the pack.
NordVPN is a popular choice, because it strikes a nice balance between remaining user-friendly and full-featured, all without sacrificing speed on most platforms. Our CNET Labs tests clocked a class-leading 11.1% average internet download speed loss. The service’s focus on privacy means you’ll get niche but useful features like a Double VPN and Tor over VPN for enhanced encryption. In addition, regular no-logs audits foster transparency.
What makes NordVPN stand out is that it has continued to grow and respond to an extremely competitive market. After adding just about every VPN feature available, NordVPN diversified its product, adding a password manager, an antivirus, and an encrypted file locker. Its unique set of features helps it stand out from other VPN services by providing cross-platform file-sharing and traffic routing between your devices or rented servers. All these additions help NordVPN justify its high price. So, while it is more expensive than much of the competition, NordVPN is an excellent, innovative product that is well deserving of our Editors’ Choice award.
With its feature-set, we recommend NordVPN to users who are looking to improve their overall digital security posture. It’s not just a VPN, especially if you sign up for the mid-tier or top-tier plans. That said, even if you’re looking for just a VPN, the Basic plan is an excellent option that can give you a rich selection of security and privacy features for daily use.
In today’s digital age, online security is more important than ever. Without a VPN, your activity is vulnerable to hackers, trackers, and surveillance—putting your personal data at constant risk.
Choose a VPN that meets your needs and protects what matters most.
If you are really still on the fence, keep in mind that ExpressVPN and NordVPN both offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. It’s a no-questions-asked policy, which essentially becomes a VPN free trial.Therefore you could purchase both VPNs, test each service for a few weeks, and then cancel the one you don’t want for a full refund.
Protect yourself today—click below to get started!
Mavis has over 6 years of experience testing VPNs, particularly their streaming and unblocking capabilities. She specializes in researching how well VPNs work in different countries around the world.
