ExpressVPN is one of the most well-known VPNs on the market. Given its high cost, how does it perform in terms of performance and security? Is it worth buying?
We conducted an in-depth review and comparison of ExpressVPN and its biggest competitor – NordVPN, along with real user discussions from Reddit to help you make the right choice.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Testing and Comparison
1, Speed: ExpressVPN is the faster VPN on nearby servers, but NordVPN is faster on far-away servers
ExpressVPN is Faster than NordVPN on Nearby Servers
To test NordVPN and ExpressVPN local speeds, we used the app’s automatic server selection feature. In NordVPN, this is called ‘Quick Connect’. In ExpressVPN, it’s named ‘Smart Location’.
The table below shows a comparison of NordVPN and ExpressVPN’s speed performance.
| NordVPN | ExpressVPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Local Download Speed | 95Mbps | 97Mbps |
| Average International Download Speed | 86Mbps | 85Mbps |
| Local Upload Speed | 94Mbps | 91Mbps |
| Ping | 8ms | 8ms |
| Time to Connect | 3.6 seconds | 1.5 seconds |
| Fastest VPN Protocol | WireGuard (NordLynx) | Lightway |
We found that ExpressVPN’s speeds are slightly faster on local connections. When using it, our download speeds dropped by just 3% to 97Mbps. NordVPN caused our speeds to slow to 95Mbps, an 5% drop. The speed difference is minimal, and both are sufficient for almost all web activities.
NordVPN is Faster for Long-Distance Connections
To stream geo-blocked video content in HD and 4K, a VPN needs to have fast download speeds on international connections.
We recorded ExpressVPN and NordVPN’s download speeds while connected to servers in four different continents from our test location in the US. Here’s a table showing our results:
| Server Location | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| UK | 90Mbps | 93Mbps |
| Germany | 92Mbps | 87Mbps |
| Japan | 89Mbps | 83Mbps |
| Australia | 84Mbps | 83Mbps |
Our findings show that NordVPN generally outperforms ExpressVPN on international servers. Although the speed differences are not that stark, NordVPN consistently delivered faster content loading times, and we encountered no buffering issues.
Identical Ping Speed for Gaming
ExpressVPN and NordVPN are two of the best gaming VPNs we’ve tested. Both services increased our ping time to just 8ms, which was unnoticeable in use.
We played a variety of fast-paced PC games, including CS:GO and PUBG. In every case, the added latency wasn’t noticeable. We didn’t experience any input lag and all games loaded quickly.
Network speed can vary depending on your broadband provider and location. If you check reviews on various websites or read user discussions on Reddit, you’ll find mixed opinions. Some users say NordVPN is faster, while others claim ExpressVPN offers better speeds.
The best way to decide is to test it yourself using the 30-day money-back guarantees both ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer.
2, Privacy & Security – NordVPN is better, while ExpressVPN Raises Concerns for Some Users
When it comes to privacy and logging, both NordVPN and ExpressVPN are solid choices. Both VPNs claim not to log any identifiable data, and their privacy policies have been independently audited for verification.
However, ExpressVPN received criticism after being acquired by known malware distributor Kape Technologies in 2021. Kape previously made money through ad platforms. You can see a lot of criticism on Reddit with many people giving up using ExpressVPN because of this!
Even more concerning issue is that Kape, the parent company of ExpressVPN, seems to be facing operational challenges. Just a few months ago, the company laid off a significant portion of its global workforce. Even Dan Gericke, ExpressVPN’s Chief Privacy Officer, announced his departure on LinkedIn.
This raises concerns that ExpressVPN (or other Kape-owned VPNs like CyberGhost and PIA) could suffer a noticeable drop in quality, especially with heavy hits to the engineering and QA teams. That said, all we can do now is wait and see.
With all of this in mind, if privacy is a major concern for you or you’re considering a long-term plan, it’s important to carefully evaluate ExpressVPN and other Kape-owned VPNs (CyberGhost and PIA).
Find Out How NordVPN’s No-Logs Policy Protect You >>
Find Out How ExpressVPN’s No-Logs Policy Protect You >>
3, NordVPN Has More Satisfied Customers
Although priced at about half of ExpressVPN, NordVPN has higher overall customer satisfaction.
On Trustpilot, NordVPN has received 33,386 reviews with an overall rating of 4.6, the highest in the VPN industry. In contrast, ExpressVPN has received 24,031 reviews with an overall rating of 4.2.
Clearly, NordVPN has many more satisfied users.
NordVPN is the Better Choice Compared to ExpressVPN
NordVPN and ExpressVPN are both top-tier VPNs, but as mentioned, everyone’s experience with a VPN can vary. The best way to find the right one for you is to try it yourself.
Based on my tests and user feedback from Reddit and Trustpilot, I believe NordVPN is the better option. It offers similar performance to ExpressVPN, boasts higher customer satisfaction, and is a more trustworthy company—all at nearly half the price. If NordVPN meets your needs, there’s no reason to pay twice as much for ExpressVPN.
Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer a 30-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked, essentially giving you a free trial. Be sure to take advantage of this to find the VPN that works best for you.
Right now, NordVPN’s Fall Sale is live—purchase today and you can Save Up to 73% and get 3 extra months for free. This is a great opportunity to try NordVPN!
Try risk-free: 30-day Money-Back Guarantee!
Or, if you prefer, take your time exploring the features of both NordVPN and ExpressVPN before making your decision.
Discover all Features of NordVPN >>
Discover all Features of ExpressVPN>>
