🎯 ExpressVPN vs NordVPN 2026 – Quick Summary: During testing, NordVPN outperformed ExpressVPN, due to affordable long-term plans, faster speeds, more security features, better streaming prowess, and more server locations. Ultimately, both are some of the best VPN services, and the differences are minor. Whichever VPN you choose, NordVPN or ExpressVPN, the experience will inevitably be solid. Read our full ExpressVPN vs NordVPN comparison to learn more.
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN 2026: Quick Comparison
| ExpressVPN | NordVPN 🏆 | |
| 📋 Our Current Ranking | #2 | #1 |
| 🔖 Starting Prices | $2.79-$3.49 monthly | $2.99-$3.39 monthly |
| 💸 Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days for all plans | 30 days for all plans |
| 🆓 Free Version/Free Trial | No/3 days (Android/iOS) | No/3 days (Android) |
| 📓 Logging/Jurisdiction | No logging/British Virgin Islands | No logging/Panama |
| 🔐 Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, Lightway, WireGuard | NordLynx, NordWhisper, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| 🌐 Servers | 3,000+ in 105+ countries | 9,200+ in 135+ countries |
| ⚡ Average Speed Retention | 76% (3 tested locations) | 82% (3 tested locations) |
| 🔝 Specialty Servers | Dedicated IP | Dedicated IP, Double VPN, Obfuscated, Onion Over VPN |
| ⛔ Ad Blocking | Yes | Yes |
| 💾 RAM-Only Servers | Yes | Yes |
| 📺 Working With Netflix | Yes (15+ catalogs) | Yes (25+ catalogs) |
| 🔽 P2P Allowance | Yes | Yes |
| 📱 Concurrent Connections | 10 to 14 | 10 |
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Apps and Compatibility
Premium options like these are impressive in terms of compatibility. Both work on an array of platforms and devices. You can install ExpressVPN and NordVPN on:
- Windows, macOS, and Linux computers and laptops
- iOS and Android smartphones and tablets
- Streaming devices (Fire TV Stick, Smart TVs, Android TVs, etc.)
- Web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge, etc.)
- Routers (DD-WRT, Asus, Tomato, etc.)
We found their device support amazing because of native apps for less common platforms. For instance, Apple TV is fully supported with a special tvOS app. Based on our experience, they offer two of the best VPN apps for Apple TV at the moment. Ease of use is a bit more on ExpressVPN’s side; look at its beautiful app.
It’s easy to get around it, thanks to a large connection button for one-click connections. The server list is made intuitively, with countries separated into their continents. ExpressVPN’s apps look the same on all devices, something to commend.
NordVPN looks good, too. Its app window is more dominant and packs many unique features. We love how snappy it is, with one-click connections through a server list through the search bar. However, it’s not as intuitive as ExpressVPN.
Later in the NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison, you’ll learn that the former offers more features, explaining its higher degree of complexity. For now, let’s address their simultaneous connection. NordVPN supports 10, while ExpressVPN supports up to 14 devices protected at a time.
Winner: ExpressVPN 🏆
NordVPN and ExpressVPN support all platforms. However, ExpressVPN is easier to use and offers more simultaneous connections in the most expensive plan. In the first ExpressVPN vs NordVPN comparison, we’d give an edge to ExpressVPN.
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN Price: Which VPN is Better Value for Money?
Which VPN is cheaper, NordVPN or ExpressVPN? This price comparison should help you learn more. We’ll warn you that both VPNs change their prices occasionally and offer time-limited deals. The NordVPN vs ExpressVPN pricing comparison is based on the current pricing, which we update regularly.
💰 NordVPN Prices
NordVPN is the value king, offering its 2-year plans for as little as $3.09 per month. Its prices are prone to change, and many times, the Basic plan goes for $2.99 per month. NordVPN has tiered plans, so the Plus plan, at less than $2.70, has NordPass and Threat Protection Pro, two extras we’ll discuss soon.
The Complete plan, slightly pricier, offers NordLocker, one of the best cloud storage services. Finally, there’s the Prime plan, with the highest price tag, with NordProtect. The VPN has 1-year plans. Monthly prices are higher, but the commitment is shorter. Typically, you’ll spend $4.49 for the Basic plan.
Shorter commitment means higher monthly prices and generally lower discounts. Despite the price increase, these NordVPN prices aren’t too high considering all the features and tools, including non-VPN tools like NordLocker and NordProtect, unavailable in other VPNs, including its rival, ExpressVPN.
💰 ExpressVPN Prices
ExpressVPN’s longest plans are the 2-year plans with 4 free months, thanks to a 78% discount. The price of $2.79 monthly puts it in the category of the most affordable VPNs. Even the Advanced plan at $3.59 monthly and 74% off isn’t too shabby. The Pro plan with 14 simultaneous connections is $5.99 monthly.
It costs between NordVPN’s Complete and Prime plans, but without all the security extras. Though it adds 14 simultaneous connections and has a fantastic eSIM addition by Holiday.com. ExpressVPN also throws in ExpressKeys, a password manager, ExpressAI, and Identity Defender to shield you from ID theft.
Annual plans start at $4.99, so they cost more than NordVPN. They, however, add 3 free months and renew at lower prices, as is the case with its other 2-year plans. While NordVPN’s Basic plan renews at $139 a year, ExpressVPN’s equivalent renews at barely $100, so it’s over 30% cheaper in the long run.
Whether you pick NordVPN or ExpressVPN, you’ll get a 30-day money-back guarantee for all of their plans. Plus, you can sign up for a free trial for 2 days on Android and iOS if you choose ExpressVPN, or Android for NordVPN.
Winner: ExpressVPN 🏆
ExpressVPN’s introductory and renewal prices are lower than NordVPN’s, even for higher-tier plans. Since both VPNs offer extra features like password managers and ID theft protection, ExpressVPN is a bit more budget-friendly, though still not as feature-rich as NordVPN. If budget is the main limit, pick ExpressVPN over NordVPN in 2026.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Security and IP/DNS Leak Tests
You can expect a load of different security features on both sides. But which VPN to choose if you want the best possible security – NordVPN or ExpressVPN? Let’s find out by analyzing their security features and see what they have in store for you.
🟢 Shared Features
We’ll start with the features they share because there are plenty.
- Post-Quantum 256-bit Encryption. Both use the strongest encryption. We won’t elaborate because it’s a standard feature. With Perfect Forward Secrecy and IP and DNS leak protection, this level of encryption is impenetrable.
- Kill Switch. We found both kill switches to be reliable. However, NordVPN takes the edge because it can disable internet access unless you connect to a VPN. Moreover, there’s the App Kill switch that affects only selected apps. We explained how both types of kill switches work here.
- RAM-Only Servers. Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN rely on RAM servers. They’re paramount for privacy because they lose all data with each restart. This prevents data from lingering around for long and ensures more stable performance.
- Private DNS. Instead of third-party options, NordVPN and ExpressVPN use proprietary DNS servers to handle your requests. As a result, you can enjoy a higher level of privacy and security.
- Obfuscation. They use obfuscation to mask VPN traffic and defeat censorship. ExpressVPN has it on by default, but NordVPN has obfuscated servers. We’ll see how they work later in this ExpressVPN vs NordVPN duel.
- Split Tunneling. Both options offer App Split Tunneling that prevents only certain apps from using a VPN tunnel, or allows only specified apps to use it.
- Password managers. Both have password managers, and during testing, they performed well for basic tasks, although they weren’t the best ones we tested.
🔴 Unique (Advanced) Features
In terms of unique features, NordVPN takes the lead. ExpressVPN’s specialty is Lightway Turbo. It’s a modern, robust, and fast protocol that isn’t only performance-oriented but also safe and secure. NordVPN strikes back with NordLynx, a WireGuard-based protocol with post-quantum encryption support.
This provider offers NordWhisper, another in-house protocol for avoiding network filtering. Then, we have Threat Protection Pro, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware. On iOS and Android, it’s called Threat Protection, but it functions the same and even blocks adult sites, scams, and spam calls.
Depending on the plan, you’ll get access to NordPass, a password manager, or even its cloud storage, NordLocker, with 1 TB of space. ExpressVPN has Advanced Protection for blocking ads, trackers, and malicious sites. It lacks malware protection, but there’s parental control to block access to porn sites.
NordVPN punches back by offering a Dark Web Monitor, which alerts you about leaked credentials on the dark web so you can protect your accounts in time. NordVPN includes a Double VPN – something ExpressVPN lacks. It doubles encryption by routing traffic through two servers in different countries.
We especially like its Tapjacking Protection on Android, which protects against malicious apps on your phone. Important to mention is NordVPN’s file protection, which prevents malicious files from downloading to your device. Meanwhile, ExpressVPN offers Identity Defender, which protects you against cyber criminals.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Advanced Features Summary
- NordVPN: Threat Protection Pro (real-time ad, malware, tracker, scam, and tapjacking protection), Adult Site Blocker, Double VPN connections, NordLynx/NordWhisper protocols, NordLocker 1 TB
- ExpressVPN: Advanced Protection (ad, tracker, and malware blocker and parental control), Identity Defender, Lightway protocol
However, NordVPN offers the same function in its NordProtect app in the Prime plan. If you get this plan, you also get NordLocker and NordPass, both contributing to your safety and anonymity.
🚨 NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: IP and DNS Leak Test
During our assessment, we also wanted to see if these VPNs are prone to IP and DNS leaks. We were in Eastern Europe (Belgrade), and from there, we ran a few tests on the ipleak.net website. For the sake of simplicity, we tested their US servers, starting with NordVPN, whose results are displayed below:
And then, we did the same with ExpressVPN; the results are below:
As you can see, neither leaked our credentials to the public eye. Our latter tests using other locations revealed that neither VPN will leak IP or DNS addresses, no matter what. With or without the kill switch, with or without their in-house protocol, everything was airtight, no matter how many times we repeated testing.
Winner: NordVPN 🏆
While both are highly secure, NordVPN took this one due to the many advanced features that ExpressVPN misses. These include a double VPN, Meshnet for file sharing, NordWhisper for overcoming network filtering, malware/tapjacking protection, and extras like NordProtect and NordLocker.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Privacy Policy Analysis
Privacy is another thing we’ll inspect in this ExpressVPN vs NordVPN battle. Which provider to pick if privacy is your main concern? We’d say both. In our detailed test of ExpressVPN, we explained that this provider is stationed in the British Virgin Islands. On the other hand, its rival is based in Panama.
Both countries are famous for stringent privacy laws and no participation in the notorious spying alliances, such as the Five, Nine, or Fourteen Eyes. Both providers have no-logs policies and won’t keep any sensitive information.
By sensitive information, we refer to your originating IP address, DNS requests (queries), web browsing history, location-associated data, etc. Both providers store minimal logs to keep them going. They include email addresses, passwords, and a few pieces of troubleshooting-related information. Again, nothing sensitive.
NordVPN and ExpressVPN include extra tools that might require a bit more logging, which sounds troublesome. However, after inspecting their privacy policies, we found that all information is in an anonymized form and is wiped clean pretty quickly. Besides, both services use RAM servers for better privacy.
Let’s finally mention their audits. NordVPN has been audited by PwC and Deloitte a few times. ExpressVPN has audits from a few firms, like these two, but also KPMG and Cure53. In total, the latter has around 20 third-party audits. NordVPN’s now distant security breach in 2018 might worry some of its users. However, the provider was unfazed, as only a server in Finland was affected.
Winner: Tie ⚖️
Privacy will be the least of your concerns when using NordVPN or ExpressVPN. That said, this round is a strong tie due to their verified no-logging policies, RAM-only servers, and countless 3rd party audits.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN Speed Tests 2026
Which VPN is faster in 2026, NordVPN or ExpressVPN? Our speed tests should clarify everything. For maximum accuracy, we tested them in May 2026 again. At the time of testing, we were in Serbia, with these native network speeds:
From this location, we tested them 3 times a day, 3 days in a row, using 3 server locations: the UK, the USA, and Japan. We tested these VPNs using the default options for protocols, as well. Refer to the table below to see the average speed reduction based on the tests described above:
| 📥 Download Speed Loss | 📤 Upload Speed Loss | |
| 🔴 ExpressVPN | 24% | 9% |
| 🔵 NordVPN | 18% | 7% |
As you can see, NordVPN is faster than ExpressVPN. The download speed reduction of just 18% is impressive on NordVPN’s side. While ExpressVPN’s 24% is to be taken seriously, our tests have shown that NordVPN is snappier and less laggy. The upload speed reduction is nearly identical, but still smaller in NordVPN.
If you’re interested in our complete speed test results for all tested locations, look at the table below for a more accurate presentation of performance.
| UK (DL/UL) | US (DL/UL) | Japan (DL/UL) | |
| 🔴 ExpressVPN | 298.82/18.50 Mbps | 274.61/18.35 Mbps | 206.33/16.73 Mbps |
| 🔵 NordVPN | 324.25/18.68 Mbps | 292.75/18.31 Mbps | 223.54/17.85 Mbps |
Winner: NordVPN 🏆
Both VPNs are fast, and whichever you pick, you’ll find it satisfying. However, our tests imply that NordVPN was faster, with a lower latency overall. If you aim for the best possible performance, NordVPN is the top choice.
Streaming and P2P: NordVPN vs ExpressVPN
Fast speeds and stable performance are a great base for a quality streaming and torrenting experience. Now, in this NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison, we had quality time with both. Do they work with Netflix? Are they P2P-friendly? Let us explain everything and determine the winner of this round.
🎬 Streaming Tests (NordVPN Wins)
After testing them, we found they’re perfect for watching geo-blocked content. NordVPN is a bit better Netflix-wise because it unblocks 25+, while ExpressVPN works with around 15 libraries. NordVPN and ExpressVPN also work with Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and various foreign TV channels.
Both options come with SmartDNS. ExpressVPN titles it MediaStreamer. It’s great for streaming on non-VPN-supported platforms. By setting up a streaming-friendly DNS address, you can unblock a few services. However, both offer only US-based DNS addresses for streaming, making your options limited.
After testing them, we noticed they work but only for American platforms. SmartDNS works on all devices – even on your Windows PC. However, you can also use it on gaming consoles, older generations of Firestick, Roku, Chromecast, or anything else. So far, we give NordVPN a slight edge for streaming.
| Tested Sites | 🔵 NordVPN | 🔴 ExpressVPN |
| Netflix | Works (US, UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, Italy, Turkey, Singapore, Germany, Brazil, Hungary, France, Mexico, and more) | Works (US, UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, Brazil, France, Greece, Germany, Hong Kong, and more) |
| BBC iPlayer | ✅ Works | ✅ Works |
| Prime Video US | ✅ Works | ✅ Works |
| HBO Max | ✅ Works | ✅ Works |
| Pluto TV | ✅ Works | ✅ Works |
| Disney+ US | ✅ Works | ✅ Works |
| JioHotstar | ✅ Works | ✅ Works |
| Peacock TV | ✅ Works | ✅ Works |
| Sky Sports | ✅ Works | ✅ Works (occasionally detected) |
🧲 Torrenting Tests (Equally Fast and Secure)
Torrenting is allowed on all servers, whether you pick NordVPN or ExpressVPN. NordVPN used to offer dedicated P2P servers, and while it’s no longer the case, it’s still equally capable. You can use any server to initiate P2P transfers, and that’s more practical than searching for specific P2P locations.
Speed-wise, NordVPN was faster for P2P. It also includes the SOCKS5 proxy that can be integrated into the torrent client for better performance. Frankly, we haven’t noticed special speed boosts with this option.
When you want to download torrents, use the server closest to you. You’ll avoid potential degradations (they’re minor either way) and get smoother downloads. Thanks to their strong security and privacy, both excel in P2P, but NordVPN takes the lead in streaming because it unblocks more Netflix content.
Winner: NordVPN 🏆
These VPNs were almost equal in our sixth round. However, NordVPN was a bit more reliable on Netflix and just a tad quicker for downloading torrents. It’s a minor victory, but a victory nonetheless.
Which VPN Has More Server Locations?
NordVPN used to be the underdog when compared to ExpressVPN. Its server coverage was subpar, with only 60 or so countries. In 2026, this VPN increased its server fleet to 9,200+ servers in 135 countries and over 210 locations, easily surpassing ExpressVPN. It has an excellent server variety.
You’ll get specialty servers, such as Onion over VPN, Double VPN, and obfuscated servers. On top of that, it includes many Indian servers, great for unblocking Indian Hotstar and other TV channels. NordVPN’s dedicated IPs are available if you want to avoid CAPTCHA and other hurdles.
| 🔴 ExpressVPN | 🔵 NordVPN | |
| 🌍 Servers | 3,000+ | 9,200+ |
| 🗺️ Countries | 105 | 135+ |
| 📍 Locations | 170+ | 211+ |
| 💽 RAM Infrastructure | Yes | Yes |
| ⚙️ Dedicated IPs | Yes (22 countries) | Yes (30 countries) |
| 🖥️ Virtual Servers | Yes | Yes |
This addition is paid on top of the subscription but costs only a few monthly dollars. Now, to ExpressVPN. It offers 3,000+ servers in 105 countries and has a noticeably smaller fleet. What about dedicated IP addresses? They’re available, but in fewer locations. Both VPNs take advantage of RAM-only servers.
Also, all of their server locations support their in-house protocols for the best performance. The server distribution is nearly identical as well, but NordVPN covers the US better. It has over 3,300 servers in this country alone, so it’s better as a VPN for the USA. Besides, its USA servers make for an entire ExpressVPN network.
Winner: NordVPN 🏆
Given its more impressive numbers and better server variety, NordVPN wins this round. However, don’t disregard ExpressVPN as a ‘small’ VPN because it’s far from that. Besides, it offers over 160 VPN locations, similar to NordVPN.
Bypassing Censorship: Is NordVPN Better than ExpressVPN?
Using a VPN in China is a challenge. If you pick the wrong one, you’re looking at a futile struggle against the overbearing Great Firewall of China. Should you pick NordVPN or ExpressVPN to combat censorship? Our tests imply that both are great. NordVPN functions properly with obfuscated servers.
These servers are reasonably fast, with a slight speed reduction due to obfuscation and VPN masking. ExpressVPN is also a good performer in China. When obfuscation kicks in, you can expect a moderate speed drop. ExpressVPN and NordVPN work equally well, so it’s hard to tell which is more reliable.
Apart from China, they work in other censored regions. We tested them in Turkey, Russia, Dubai, and a few other countries. All tests were successful, as they blasted through whatever censorship measures these countries had.
Winner: Tie ⚖️
The last round goes to both VPNs. Having tested them in censored regions, we can confirm their admirable performance, with a few occasional issues in China. These VPNs have reliable obfuscation for worldwide use.
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN 2026: Conclusion
Our NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison concludes with NordVPN emerging as the winner. NordVPN surpassed ExpressVPN in security, speed, streaming capabilities, and server locations. ExpressVPN excelled in affordable prices, more simultaneous connections, and more beginner-friendly apps.
| Rounds | Winner |
| Apps and Compatibility | 🏆 ExpressVPN |
| Price | 🏆 ExpressVPN |
| Security | 🏆 NordVPN |
| Privacy | 🟰Tie |
| Speed | 🏆 NordVPN |
| Streaming/P2P | 🏆 NordVPN |
| Servers | 🏆 NordVPN |
| Bypassing Censorship | 🟰 Tie |
It was a close battle, but we can’t say one is bad while the other is good. The determining factor in choosing between the two will be the price. Interestingly, NordVPN is better for a similar price, often costing less than its rival. The 2-year plan at around $3.09 is one of the best options around.
That said, we would choose NordVPN. Being our favorite VPN at the moment, our decision is unanimous – pick NordVPN over ExpressVPN in 2026.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN FAQ
🆓 Are NordVPN and ExpressVPN free?
No. They're premium providers that you can temporarily use for free with a free trial. Sign up on Android to use NordVPN for free for 3 days, or do so on Android or iOS for ExpressVPN. If not, use their 30-day money-back guarantee.
🪙 Can I pay for NordVPN and ExpressVPN with crypto?
Yes, both VPNs offer crypto payments for more anonymity. Simultaneously, they're excellent for trading crypto and additional security during crypto transfers.
🥇 Are ExpressVPN and NordVPN the best VPN services?
Yes, they are. They offer the fastest speeds, the most security features, and some of the largest server networks. Plus, they're inexpensive and have more than decent value for money.