NordVPN vs ExpressVPN
Last updated: 2026-07-11
NordVPN and ExpressVPN are the two most popular VPN services. NordVPN is known for fast speeds, a large server network (5,000+ servers), and aggressive pricing ($3.09/mo on 2-year plans). ExpressVPN is known for reliability, excellent streaming unblocking, and ease of use — but at a higher price ($6.67/mo on 1-year plans).
Feature Comparison
| Feature | popular NordVPN | best ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $3.09/mo | $6.67/mo |
| Free trial | 30-day money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Best for | Overall best VPN — speed, security, and streaming | Streaming and ease of use |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✗ |
| Starting price | $3.09/mo (2-year plan), $11.99/mo (monthly) | $6.67/mo (1-year), $12.95/mo (monthly) |
| Servers | 5,000+ in 60+ countries | 3,000+ in 94 countries |
| Protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP |
| Devices | 10 simultaneous | 8 simultaneous |
| No-logs policy | Audited (independently verified) | Audited (Cure53) |
| Streaming | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime | Best in class — all major services |
| Kill switch | ✓ | ✓ |
| Threat protection | Built-in (malware, ads, trackers) | — |
| Support | 24/7 chat + email | 24/7 chat + email |
| Split tunneling | — | ✓ |
NordVPN Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fast speeds — NordLynx protocol (WireGuard-based) is excellent
- 5,000+ servers in 60+ countries
- Audited no-logs policy (independently verified)
- Streaming-friendly — reliably unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu
- Threat protection (malware, ads, trackers) built in
- Up to 10 devices on one account
Cons
- No free plan (30-day money-back guarantee only)
- Map-based interface can be slow to load
- Some servers are slower during peak hours
- Double VPN is slower than regular connections
- Monthly plan is expensive ($11.99/mo) — best value is 2-year plan
ExpressVPN Pros & Cons
Pros
- Most reliable streaming unblocking — Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+
- Servers in 94 countries (more countries than NordVPN)
- Lightway protocol — fast, lightweight, and secure
- Easy-to-use apps on every platform
- Split tunneling and kill switch included
- Up to 8 devices on one account
Cons
- More expensive than NordVPN ($6.67/mo vs $3.09/mo on 2-year plans)
- Fewer servers than NordVPN (3,000+ vs 5,000+)
- No dedicated IP on standard plans (extra cost)
- Monthly plan is expensive ($12.95/mo)
- No built-in ad blocker (uses third-party)
Final Verdict
For most users, NordVPN offers the best value — faster speeds, more servers, and significantly cheaper on long-term plans. If streaming unblocking is your top priority or you want the easiest-to-use VPN app, ExpressVPN is slightly more reliable for unblocking geo-restricted content. Both have audited no-logs policies. Value: NordVPN. Simplicity: ExpressVPN.
Our pick: NordVPN (value) / ExpressVPN (simplicity)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NordVPN or ExpressVPN faster?
NordVPN is generally faster, thanks to its NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard). ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol is also fast, but independent tests typically show NordVPN with a slight edge in download speeds. Both are fast enough for streaming in 4K.
Which is cheaper: NordVPN or ExpressVPN?
NordVPN is significantly cheaper — $3.09/mo on a 2-year plan vs ExpressVPN at $6.67/mo on a 1-year plan. NordVPN's 2-year plan is roughly half the price of ExpressVPN's equivalent.
Which is better for streaming: NordVPN or ExpressVPN?
Both unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+. ExpressVPN is slightly more reliable for unblocking niche streaming services and has servers in more countries (94 vs 60+). For most streaming needs, both work well.
Ready to try?
Start with a free trial and see which tool fits your workflow.