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…
Choosing the right VPN is essential for protecting your online privacy. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are two of the top contenders, but which one truly stands out? Below, we’ve broken down their features, pricing, and performance so you can quickly find the best solution for secure and reliable browsing.
From the table above, it’s clear that while the two services share similar features, NordVPN offers more value. How do they actually perform in real-world usage?
ExpressVPN offered more consistent speeds
In our tests streaming a 4K movie on Netflix, ExpressVPN delivered uninterrupted playback from start to finish. This aligns with their claims of upgrading servers to 10Gbps with 20-32 cores, significantly reducing server overload and boosting reliability.
By comparison, NordVPN experienced two brief interruptions (2-3 seconds each) during the same test. However, for other use cases like browsing or gaming, both VPNs performed smoothly.
On the other hand, NordVPN achieved faster speeds overall in our 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
Our test results align with top tech sites like PCMag and CNET, which rate 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.
Privacy & Security: ExpressVPN raises concerns for many users.
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 among users, with many on forums like Reddit expressing doubts and switching to alternatives.
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)
By contrast, NordVPN has consistently prioritized innovation and security, offering tools like:
Meshnet: Securely connect devices worldwide.
Dark Web Monitor: Alerts you if your credentials are leaked online.
Threat Protection Pro: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware for safer browsing.
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 VPNs offer discounted plans, but NordVPN’s pricing is significantly more affordable, making it a better option for users seeking premium features at a lower cost.
Get the current maximum discount on two VPNs through my link.
Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN excel at unblocking major platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. However, there are notable differences:
Netflix Libraries: NordVPN supports 14+ Netflix regions, while ExpressVPN primarily focuses on the U.S., U.K., and Japan.
Buffering: Both VPNs deliver smooth 4K streaming. However, NordVPN servers occasionally experienced brief buffering (2-3 seconds) due to server load. These issues were rare and had minimal impact.
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN – How to Decide?
When it comes to top-tier VPNs, both ExpressVPN and NordVPN stand out as excellent choices.
If speed stability is your top priority, ExpressVPN’s premium servers deliver consistent performance, though at a higher price point. It’s a solid option for those who value reliability above all else. Learn more about ExpressVPN.
However, for most users, NordVPN offers the best overall value. Here’s why:
Faster speeds: NordVPN delivers consistently fast speeds, even at peak times.
Enhanced security: With features like Meshnet, Dark Web Monitor, and Threat Protection Pro, NordVPN offers superior privacy and protection (Learn More). In contrast, ExpressVPN raises concerns for some users due to its parent company’s background.
Affordability: While ExpressVPN offers excellent performance, NordVPN provides a more budget-friendly option without compromising on quality.
NordVPN is the smarter long-term choice, combining premium features with better pricing for ongoing value.
Top tech websites like Tom’s Guide, TechRadar, and Security.org have named NordVPN the Best VPN of 2024 and 2025, solidifying its reputation as the industry leader.
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.
Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test both risk-free. Purchase, try them out, and if you’re not satisfied, you can get a full refund, no questions asked. It’s the perfect way to find the VPN that’s right for you.
Choose a VPN for comprehensive protection and peace of mind online today.
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.
