Head-to-head comparison

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN

Comparing NordVPN and ExpressVPN to help you pick the right VPN for your needs.

Premium high-speed VPN trusted by millions across 160+ countries with 24/7 support.

#VPN Paid WebMacWinLinux ★★★★☆ 4.3
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Feature NordVPN ExpressVPN
Pricing Paid Paid
Platforms Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
Editorial rating ★ 4.6 / 5 ★ 4.3 / 5
Launched 2012 2009
Starting price $12.99/month $12.95/month
Community votes 870 740

NordVPN Pros & Cons

  • NordLynx protocol retains 90%+ of base internet speed
  • No-logs policy independently audited by PwC and Deloitte
  • Specialty servers — Double VPN, Onion over VPN, Obfuscated
  • Threat Protection blocks ads, trackers, and malware at DNS level
  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections on one subscription
  • Requires email address at signup (unlike Mullvad)
  • No port forwarding support
  • Browser extensions are proxy-only, not full tunnel
  • Slightly higher price than budget competitors

ExpressVPN Pros & Cons

  • Consistently fast speeds on the proprietary Lightway protocol
  • Best-in-class router application and setup documentation
  • Reliable unblocking for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and streaming platforms
  • 24/7 live chat customer support with knowledgeable agents
  • Threat Manager blocks trackers and malicious domains
  • Most expensive mainstream VPN at $12.95/month (monthly) or $99.95/year
  • Owned by Kape Technologies, which has a controversial history
  • Only 8 simultaneous connections (NordVPN allows 10)
  • No multihop (double VPN) servers
  • Fewer specialty servers than NordVPN

Verdict: NordVPN vs ExpressVPN

NordVPN and ExpressVPN both serve the VPN category well, but suit different priorities. NordVPN carries the stronger editorial rating (4.6 / 5), Based on community engagement, NordVPN is currently the more widely adopted choice (870 votes), but the better fit ultimately depends on your specific pricing, platform, and feature requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, NordVPN or ExpressVPN?
NordVPN and ExpressVPN use a similar pricing model (both paid), so the cheaper choice depends on which specific plan tier and feature set you need rather than the base pricing model.
Is NordVPN or ExpressVPN rated higher?
NordVPN has the higher editorial rating at 4.6 out of 5, compared to ExpressVPN's 4.3 out of 5. This is Kreemhunt's own staff rating, not a public user aggregate — review the pros and cons below for specifics that matter to your use case.
Which platforms do NordVPN and ExpressVPN support?
NordVPN is available on Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android. ExpressVPN is available on Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android. Both tools cover a similar range of platforms.
Can I switch from NordVPN to ExpressVPN (or vice versa)?
Most vpn tools, including NordVPN and ExpressVPN, support data export in standard formats, making migration possible though rarely fully automatic. Expect to manually verify that custom configurations, integrations, and historical data transfer correctly, and budget time for the team to adjust to workflow differences between the two products.
Should I choose NordVPN or ExpressVPN?
NordVPN and ExpressVPN both serve the VPN category well, but suit different priorities. NordVPN carries the stronger editorial rating (4.6 / 5), Based on community engagement, NordVPN is currently the more widely adopted choice (870 votes), but the better fit ultimately depends on your specific pricing, platform, and feature requirements.