NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: Which VPN Is Greatest?

NordVPN and ExpressVPN each sit on the high of the meals chain in terms of trendy VPN suppliers. Each VPNs are recognized for quick speeds, giant server suites, and a powerful repute for high quality. Nevertheless, there are key variations between the 2.

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

On this article, we work out which VPN is greatest for you and your enterprise.

• NordVPN: Greatest for many customers that need a big server community and quite a lot of additional safety features.
• ExpressVPN: Greatest 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 notice, 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 totally 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 yr brings the most effective worth. It offers an excellent stability between an affordable month-to-month payment whereas having a wholesome quantity of NordVPN’s extra safety features. Amongst these are its Menace Safety function that protects in opposition to malware and adverts, in addition to its knowledge breach scanner.

SEE: The Prime 7 NordVPN 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 primarily a second service on high of the principle VPN — all in a single subscription. To me, this can be a significant value-add, particularly for customers which are additionally out there for a password supervisor.

Whereas NordVPN doesn’t at present have a free model, it has a seven-day free trial through Android. When you join the trial, you’ll be capable to strive NordVPN on desktop as effectively. Whereas I laud Nord for providing a trial, I hope it opens this up for iOS customers as effectively. This is able to permit extra customers to try to take a look at NordVPN out.

Happily, 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 case you discover it isn’t the proper match. Simply be certain to request the refund throughout the allotted time interval.

If you wish to be taught 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 30 days.
• 6 months: $9.99 per 30 days.
• 1 yr: $6.67 per 30 days.

As a client, I like this method because it simplifies the entire shopping for course of. Nevertheless, 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 contains 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 be taught extra, learn our full ExpressVPN overview.

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Function 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 commonplace AES-256 encryption algorithm — effectively 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 recognize 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 manner, you get the most effective 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 looking at their respective VPN server networks, I’ve to offer NordVPN the win. As of September 2024, NordVPN at present has 6,200+ servers throughout 111 nations. However, ExperssVPN has servers unfold throughout 105 nations. Whereas ExpressVPN doesn’t explicitly present a server quantity, reviews have pegged its server fleet at round 3,000+ servers.

The extra essential quantity to contemplate 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 alternative when it comes to IP places with NordVPN — one thing I do know will profit people 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 intensive vary of nation choices. It simply so occurs that NordVPN will get the slight benefit over ExpressVPN, with its extra sturdy server fleet and nation choice.

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

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

Third-party audits and observe file

Winner: ExpressVPN

In the event you’re in search of a VPN with a powerful 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 appeared into numerous features 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 cope with delicate information like our looking knowledge and on-line exercise, I discover third-party audits to be important issues. 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 robust dedication to third-party testing.

SEE: It’s protected 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 lively NordVPN customers and to not the general public. Nord says this “ensures the audit outcomes aren’t taken out of context or misunderstood.” Whereas I can see the place NordVPN is coming from, I feel the extra consumer-friendly method is to make audit outcomes publicly out there — whatever the findings.

Nonetheless, I feel each VPNs do an excellent 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 up to now.

Standout options

Winner: NordVPN

For customers that desire 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 non-public community system. It lets customers share recordsdata or entry gadgets remotely through an encrypted connection — a function I envision to be helpful when sharing delicate recordsdata or paperwork.

It additionally has its Menace Safety Professional net and file safety function that blocks in opposition to intrusive adverts, malware, and trackers. This retains an lively depend of all threats blocked by NordVPN. Except for 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 in opposition to trackers, adverts, and malicious web sites. There’s additionally Parental controls, the place ExpressVPN robotically blocks grownup web sites whereas linked to their servers.

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

SEE: Greatest 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 recognize how most of Nord’s extra options are all targeted on safety and privateness. This makes their service much more compelling as a handy safety answer and never simply an extraordinary 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 certainly one of their VPN servers and did my typical 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 take a look at outcomes. With NordVPN, it really had a 0.78% improve in downloads in comparison with my web service supplier — which is superb. Nevertheless, 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)

However, ExpressVPN recorded constantly quicker 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% quicker speeds in opposition to my ISP connection. With these outcomes, ExpressVPN exhibits it might supply quick efficiency in each downloads and uploads.

In my view, most customers shall be completely happy with both NordVPN or ExpressVPN. I received nice speeds with each in day-to-day use. However in case 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 relation to general consumer expertise, my vote goes to ExpressVPN. It has, maybe, top-of-the-line VPN functions I’ve used to this point.

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

On the flipside, NordVPN implements a stable interface as effectively. It makes use of a modern design and does an excellent 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 firstly. There’s a ton of options you’re inspired to activate, and the server record is much less accessible upon setup in comparison with ExpressVPN. This will make it a bit intimidating for much less tech savvy customers that aren’t used to tinkering with software program.

Happily, when you give every part of NordVPN a strive, you really notice that it does an awesome job of retaining 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 match every VPN’s base one-year subscriptions, NordVPN Primary at $4.99 per 30 days is round $2 cheaper than ExpressVPN’s one-year plan at $6.67 per 30 days.

Transferring up a tier, NordVPN’s Plus one-year plan with additional safety features continues to be extra inexpensive — priced at $5.99 per 30 days in comparison with the identical $6.67 ExpressVPN plan.

I additionally recognize the truth that NordVPN offers longer, two-year subscriptions, which carry the month-to-month payment all the way down to $3 to $6 per 30 days. Whereas I like ExpressVPN’s simple subscription plans, I hope they provide longer contract choices like this for longtime prospects that wish to get some financial savings.

Simultaneous system connections

Winner: NordVPN

By way of system connections, I give it to NordVPN. Proper now, NordVPN permits for as much as 10 gadgets to be concurrently linked to its VPN servers. As compared, ExpressVPN covers as much as eight simultaneous system connections.

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

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

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN on Reddit

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

Based on a Reddit consumer within the VPNAdvice neighborhood, “Nord’s been hella dependable to this point. Been utilizing it for a yr now and the devoted IP has made issues so significantly better since its manner quicker than utilizing a shared IP.” Within the similar neighborhood, one other Reddit consumer mentioned this about ExpressVPN: “Regardless of the upper value, I wouldn’t change from ExpressVPN to a different service.”

Nevertheless, if we check out threads asking about the most effective VPNs, plainly NordVPN is talked about extra occasions than ExpressVPN.

One Reddit consumer within the VPNOverview neighborhood mentioned, “I’ve used a bunch of VPNs like Surfshark, CyberGhost, and NordVPN. NordVPN is my favourite. It blocks numerous abroad stuff I stream, and a number of other relations use it too. It’s tremendous reliable and prices solely $3.50 a month. Simply my two cents.”

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

NordVPN execs and cons

Professionals

• Affords round 6,200+ servers in 111 nations.
• Meshnet encrypted file-sharing system.
• Menace Safety Professional in opposition to malware, adverts, and trackers.
• Independently audited no-logs coverage.
• Quick VPN speeds.
• 7-day trial through the Android app.
• Double VPN and obfuscated servers.

Cons

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

ExpressVPN execs and cons

Professionals

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

Cons

• Costlier.
• 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 high over ExpressVPN. Its vast server community, top-tier safety capabilities, and quick VPN speeds make it top-of-the-line VPN providers out there.

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

I personally like NordVPN’s sturdy give attention to privateness and safety, making it a extremely good safety answer alongside its fundamental VPN performance. I really feel NordVPN is greatest for many customers, particularly people who need an all-around VPN with quick efficiency and quite a lot of extra options.

However, ExpressVPN is a good alternative in case you worth having a well-designed VPN app and reliably quick speeds. ExpressVPN can be my high 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 had been scored on all the pieces from their server networks to their pricing. Specifically, I took into consideration 5 fundamental pillars, every having corresponding weights:

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

I additionally appeared into actual consumer 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 laptop and ran them by way of Ookla’s public Speedtest. Lastly, I thought-about which sorts of companies or particular person customers would greatest profit from both NordVPN or ExpressVPN.