ExpressVPN vs NordVPN Comparison in October 2023

🏆 Winner: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN or NordVPN? Which VPN provider suits you better? NordVPN and ExpressVPN both hold prestigious positions in the VPN industry, recognized as two of the best VPNs in 2023. In this comprehensive comparison of ExpressVPN vs NordVPN, we aim to assist you in selecting the finest VPN provider in 2023.

In order to provide a definitive answer, we will conduct a thorough comparison, ensuring a fair assessment of each VPN’s merits after subjecting two of the most renowned VPNs on the market to rigorous testing across 12 performance criteria.

Although both ExpressVPN and NordVPN receive commendable ratings, it’s important to examine their unique qualities that can possibly align better with your personal requirements.

While initially appearing similar in their strengths, a deeper evaluation reveals that one VPN surpasses the other in multiple aspects. This blog will shed light on the distinctive features of each VPN and ultimately determine the clear winner.

All things considered, our recommendation leans towards ExpressVPN as the clear winner, because it offers exceptional security features, impressively high speeds, servers in more countries, a smooth streaming experience, and a professionally audited no-logs policy, promising true safety against the storage and sharing of your data.

Let’s embark on this journey of comparison.

ExpressVPN vs NordVPN Comparison – Key Facts

The following table summarizes the essential details outlining each VPN service in order to help you make an informed decision in an ExpressVPN vs NordVPN comparison:

VPNs
Jurisdiction	British Virgin Islands	Panama
Security	AES 256 Bit	AES 256 Bit
Leaks	No IP, DNS & WebRTC	No IP, DNS & WebRTC
VPN Servers	3000+ in 105 Countries	5500+ in 60 Countries
Speed	27.17 Mbps average	24.95 Mbps average
Streaming	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and More	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and More
Torrenting	✔	✔
Compatibility	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers	Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers
Pricing	$6.67/month	$3.71/month
Trustpilot	4.6 ★★★★ – Reviews 7,432	4.0 ★★★★ – Reviews 6,127
Best For	Overall Best VPN	Best for Geo-Unblocking
More Info	ExpressVPN Review	NordVPN Review
	Visit Site	Visit Site

Quick Overview: ExpressVPN vs NordVPN in 2023

In order to provide you with a comprehensive comparison between NordVPN and ExpressVPN, we have thoroughly tested both VPN services across various criteria. To conduct a proper comparison, we have carried out an extensive investigation of ExpressVPN vs NordVPN, evaluating them across 12 distinct categories.

ExpressVPN vs NordVPN – Detailed Analysis [Updated 2023]

In order to offer you a comprehensive comparison between these two VPN services, we have conducted thorough testing across various criteria. To accomplish this, we carried out an extensive investigation of ExpressVPN vs NordVPN, evaluating them across 12 distinct categories. So, without further ado, let’s dive into each test and examine the results in detail.

1. Unblocking Capability of NordVPN and ExpressVPN:

Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN are among the best VPNs for streaming that we have tested so far. But, one VPN is a clear winner here. The following table compares how many streaming services each provider can unblock

Streaming Platform
Netflix	Yes, easily unblocks most Netflix regions	Easily unblocks many Netflix regions
Hulu	Yes	Yes
Disney+	Yes	Yes
Sky Go	Yes	Yes
Amazon Prime Video	Yes	Yes
BBC iPlayer	Yes	Yes
HBO Max	Yes	Yes
CBS	Yes	Yes
ESPN	Yes	Yes
ABC	Yes	Yes

Unblocking streaming Performance platforms is a difficult task for any VPN today. This is because of the strict blocking technologies that services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and others use.

Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN work with Netflix and are excellent choices for accessing geo-blocked streaming sites from anywhere in the world.

Express VPN and NordVPN are undeniably effective at unblocking multiple popular platforms, from only from the US but from other countries as well including BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and other streaming services, and allow streaming on every server in their respective networks.

ExpressVPN is better for Streaming Netflix Compared to NordVPN

Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN unblock Netflix but NordVPN had issues with Netflix libraries. That being said, ExpressVPN with Netflix work exceptionally well together and unblocking more Netflix media centers and regional libraries as compared to NordVPN. While NordVPN works great for the US library and others, it doesn’t work for many other regions that ExpressVPN is good for.

ExpressVPN has a larger server network with 30+ more server locations than NordVPN. Meaning, you can stream local content from any country, including various Netflix reference centers from anywhere in the world.

ExpressVPN also offers faster servers as compared to NordVPN, which is great for streaming services without any lag or buffering. Therefore, it is one of the best VPNs for Netflix.

Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN unblocked Netflix without any issues. You can use NordVPN’s dedicated IP addresses feature to access blocked content from anywhere in the world.

We also tested servers in multiple countries to access different Netflix libraries using NordVPN and ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN unblocked all Netflix libraries within seconds, NordVPN, on the other hand, took some time. Here are the results:

Netflix US	✔	✔
Netflix Spain	✔	✔
Netflix Canada	✔	✔
Netflix UK	✔	✔
Netflix France	✔	✔
Netflix Japan	✔	✔
Netflix South Korea	✔	✔
Netflix Germany	✔	✔
Netflix Sweden	✔	❌

2. Plans and Pricing Comparison of ExpressVPN and NordVPN

Express VPN costs $12.95/Month on a month-to-month plan, compared to $12.99/Month for NordVPN. If you opt for a one-year plan, you’ll pay the equivalent of $6.67/mo for ExpressVPN and $4.59/Month for NordVPN. Choosing a two-year plan drops NordVPN to $3.99/Month, while ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a two-year plan. Here are the details of the pricing plans of both VPNs, along with special offers:

Regular Plans	1-month: $12.99/mo 12-month: $4.59/mo – 44% off 24- month: $3.99/mo – 69% off	1-month: $12.95/mo 6-month: $9.99/mo 12 + 3 months extra: $6.67/mo – 49% off
Cheapest Plan	51% off on a 24-month subscription	49% off on 12 + 3 months subscription
Special Offers	3 months free on a 2-year plan	3 months free on a 12-monthly plan
Money-back Guarantee	30-days	30-days
Payment methods	Credit cards, PayPal & Bitcoin	Credit cards, PayPal, Alipay, Bitcoin

Most of the big fish in the VPN industry follow a similar pricing structure: expensive monthly prices and subscriptions and discounted annual plans. ExpressVPN cost and NordVPN costs are both a bit on the higher end.

ExpressVPN is slightly cheaper than NordVPN when only monthly plans are considered. The most expensive plan from NordVPN is the 1-month subscription which costs $12.99/month. ExpressVPN’s most expensive plan is also the 1-month subscription costing $12.95/month.

With both VPNs, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, if you are skeptical about either of them, you can sign up for a subscription and cancel ExpressVPN or cancel NordVPN to get your refund. Both ExpressVPN and NordVPNs refund policies are user-centric and excellent.

Related Reading: Cheapest VPN Service Guide for 2023

3. Security and Encryption

The privacy features and security features are exceptionally strong in NordVPN as well as ExpressVPN. From encryption to tunneling protocols and logging policies, these VPNs can be considered in the list of best VPNs with strict privacy policy.

Encryption	AES-256 encryption with SHA 382 HMAC authentication	AES-256 encryption with SHA 512 HMAC authentication
Protocols Supported	PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, SSTP and OpenVPN UDP / TCP	OpenVPN, IKEv2, IPSec/L2TP
RSA Keys	RSA-4096	RSA-2048
Kill Switch	Available on Windows, Android, macOS, Linux, and router. Not available on iOS	Available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux. Not available on router
Ad Blocker	❌	✔
DNS Leak Protection	✔	✔
No Logs Policy	Yes (external audits)	Yes (external audits)

Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer the best VPN server security in the industry, Both offer multiple VPN protocols to secure your internet traffic. Here are some of the noteworthy features of both VPNs server networks, ExpressVPN also have a best trusted server technology, through which you can easily and trustfully connect to any server around the world.

• All servers run on RAM-disk mode which offers high security as no server physically stores any data.
• Rents servers from third parties and does not have colocated servers (self-owned servers)
• Uses some virtual locations.
• Just like ExpressVPN, all NordVPN servers are running on RAM disk mode.
• All servers in the network are colocated servers (self-owned), meaning there are no third-party rented servers like ExpressVPN.
• All of its servers are running on physical hardware (no virtual servers).

ExpressVPN also recently launched a protective layer for the Log4Shell vulnerability – a critical zero-day vulnerability that has been wreaking havoc. The protection from Log4j vulnerability is automatically implemented on all its servers.

Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN prioritize online security by offering multiple VPN protocols to secure your internet traffic. ExpressVPN utilizes OpenVPN, IKEv2, and its proprietary Lightway protocol for enhanced speed and security. NordVPN, on the other hand, provides NordLynx based on WireGuard.

Both VPNs employ AES 256-bit encryption and include a Kill Switch feature to ensure your data remains protected. Additionally, ExpressVPN stands out with its additional security features such as Threat Manager and Parallel connections.

Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN deliver IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection. Both the VPNs performed excellently and passed all the leak tests. Therefore, you can expect foolproof privacy with both ExpressVPN and NordVPN. Here are the test results of both the VPNs:

ExpressVPN Test Results
We conducted the test by connecting to ExpressVPN’s Albania server, and there was no IPv6 leak. For DNS leak testing, we ran tests on dnsleaktest.com, and the results were amazing.
After connecting to ExpressVPN’s Albania server, our DNS address was changed to a DNS address from Albania, proving that there was no DNS leak.

ExpressVPN’s servers effectively concealed our real IP address, preventing prying eyes from monitoring our online activities.

Similarly, ExpressVPN also passed the WebRTC leak test. After connecting to ExpressVPNs US server, results showed a US IP address instead of our real dedicated IP address, thus leaking no WebRTC.

NordVPN Test Results Just like ExpressVPN, NordVPN doesn’t leak IP, DNS, or WebRTC. NordVPN passed all the tests without any issues. After connecting to its US server, the IP leak test showed no data leaks.

NordVPN demonstrated its effectiveness by passing our IP and DNS leaks test with flying colors.

NordVPN also passed DNS leak tests without any issues. It showed no signs of DNS leaks after connecting to its UK server, as you can also see in NordVPN vs Surfshark comparison.

It also passed our WebRTC leak tests with flying colors. Our default dedicated IP address was nowhere to be seen, proving NordVPN’s capability.

Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN are based in private jurisdictions

The jurisdiction that a VPN is based in often determines its logging policies and whether the VPN companies are under any legal obligation to share customer information with agencies or governments.

The good news is that NordVPN is based in one of the most privacy-friendly countries: Panama. There are no mandatory data retention laws in the country, which is why they don’t log any information other than what is needed to deliver services to each user.

ExpressVPN is based in a similarly privacy-friendly nation, the British Virgin Islands (BVI), well known for having little to no regulations surrounding data retention, no data sharing, and a history free of government intrusion into the affairs of private residents and corporations based inside its borders.

ExpressVPN and NordVPN are both based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions – the British Virgin Islands and Panama.

The country is far from the reach of Five Eyes, a network of intelligence-sharing countries. The laws are protective of individual privacy and place no data retention requirements on VPN service providers.

Both Panama and the British Virgin Islands are not members of the 14 Eyes countries and are safe from the influence of the US and European Union when it comes to data sharing and retention.

4. Privacy and Logging Policy: Express vs. NordVPN

Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN are excellent choices in terms of privacy and user logs, as they both VPNs with no-logs policies which they adhere to strictly.

Headquarter	British Virgin Islands (safe)	Panama (safe)
Activity Logs	None	None
Connection Logs	None	None
Anonymous Payment	✔	✔

NordVPN’s logging policy

NordVPN has a user-friendly privacy policy since the provider does not record IP addresses, time stamps, bandwidth, or traffic logs of any kind. As such, you don’t have to worry about your personal identity or details leaking to the world because NordVPN makes no records of your personal information.

NordVPN’s privacy statement is highly reassuring as they take the step of minimizing the data logging of users and don’t log data like time stamps, session information, and more.

Audits: NordVPN has undergone two separate audits by PWC AG in Switzerland. You can get the details in our NordVPN logging policy blog.

ExpressVPN’s logging policy

ExpressVPN has always been known as one of the best in the industry in terms of its logging policy. Visiting the privacy policy page of the provider, it is immediately clear that no type of data that could lead to exposure of user identity or activities is being logged by this VPN:

Coupled with the fact that ExpressVPN is located in the BVI, these are good reasons to trust the provider to keep your privacy intact.

Audits: Like NordVPN, ExpressVPN has also undergone third-party audits by PWC and Cure53. You can get the details about their logging policy in our blog, ExpressVPN logging policy.

5. Speed Test: ExpressVPN vs NordVPN

Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN are known for their fast speeds, but through our tests, we found ExpressVPN to consistently prove itself as the fastest VPN of the lot. Here are the speed test results we obtained while testing ExpressVPN vs NordVPN using servers in several specific countries, all conducted on a 30 Mbps connection:

United States	26.62 Mbps	25.4 Mbps
United Kingdom	26.43 Mbps	25.9 Mbps
Germany	28.97 Mbps	24.29 Mbps
Australia	26.40 Mbps	24.81 Mbps
Avg Download Speed	27.17 Mbps	24.91 Mbps

Download speed and Connection speed are important factors to consider when evaluating the performance of a VPN. No matter how good a VPN is, it won’t do you any good if it’s too slow to even load a page properly.

NordVPN is extremely consistent. From the US to Australia, it delivers fast speed that almost reaches the level of the base internet connection. However, ExpressVPN is even faster, but only slightly. It reached as high as 28.97 Mbps at its fastest. The average download speed of ExpressVPN speeds is 27.17 Mbps, while that for NordVPN was 24.91 Mbps. but take these numbers with a grain of salt, as internet speed relies on many factors like server locations.

To test the speeds of both providers, a base internet connection of 30 Mbps and the tool speedtest.net were used.

Server Speeds in the United States

ExpressVPN US server speed test results:

ExpressVPN came through with amazing speeds during our speed test

ExpressVPN gave a reasonable connection speed of 26.62 Mbps on its US server, considering my internet speed of 30 Mbps.

Let’s check NordVPN’s speed now.

NordVPN US server speed Test Results:

NordVPN came through with its own impressive results.

NordVPN gave a speed of 25.4 Mbps on its US server, with very high pings (226 ms).

Long-Distance Speed Tests in the UK

We also ran long-distance speed tests with UK VPN servers of both ExpressVPN and NordVPN. Here are the results:

ExpressVPN UK server speed:

ExpressVPN did not disappoint in our UK server speed tests!

ExpressVPN gave 26.43 Mbps speed on its UK server, with surprisingly lower pings as compared to the US server.

NordVPN UK server speed:

NordVPN also gave a great result in our UK server speed test!

NordVPN gave a decent speed of 25.9Mbps on its UK server with considerably fewer pings than its US server, but they were higher as compared to ExpressVPN.

Therefore, you can see that ExpressVPN offers not only high-speed servers but also lesser pings which makes it the best VPN for gaming with its marginally better performance.

ExpressVPN’s slow OpenVPN speeds

When using the OpenVPN protocol, you should expect slower speeds. ExpressVPN gave significantly slower speeds on OpenVPN protocol as compared to speeds on other protocols. Pings were also very high.

ExpressVPN was rather slow with OpenVPN

NordVPN’s slow OpenVPN speeds

NordVPN is a great choice for users who want to use OpenVPN protocol as it offers faster speed as compared to ExpressVPN’s OpenVPN speeds, even with double VPN encryption. NordVPN gives a great performance on both OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols as can be seen in the NordVPN vs TorGuard.

NordVPN performed better with OpenVPN

6. Servers: ExpressVPN vs NordVPN

ExpressVPN outperforms NordVPN in terms of server locations, offering IP addresses from 35 additional countries despite having a smaller total server count of 3000+ compared to NordVPN’s 5500+.

The table below provides a comprehensive comparison of NordVPN and ExpressVPN’s server network performance, highlighting the differences in server count between the two providers.

Countries	105	60
Locations	190	160
Servers	3000+	5500+
Virtual Locations	✔	❌

To evaluate the server network performance of NordVPN and ExpressVPN, we considered several key factors:

1. Total server count: A larger network helps alleviate congestion and improves speeds.
2. Number of countries available: This determines the likelihood of finding a nearby server and obtaining an IP address from your desired region. ExpressVPN leads in this aspect, offering IP addresses from 35 more countries than NordVPN.
3. City-level options: The availability of city-level servers allows for more precise geo-spoofing.
4. Percentage of virtual server locations: We assessed the usage of virtual server locations and the transparency of the VPN provider regarding the true location of their servers.

ExpressVPN offers a wider range of server locations compared to NordVPN

NordVPN boasts a server count of over 5500 across 60 countries, while ExpressVPN operates 3000+ servers in various countries. Despite having server locations in more countries, ExpressVPN lacks the special-purpose obfuscated servers and built-in malware blockers offered by NordVPN.

That being said, it’s important to note that NordVPN’s special-purpose servers are not available in all server locations.

While NordVPN is available in 60 countries and offers a greater overall number of server locations compared to ExpressVPN, ExpressVPN still impressively covers 105 countries which are at least 30 more than NordVPN.

Continent
Asia	13	28
Africa	1	1
Europe	37	47
North America	4	5
Oceania	2	2
South America	3	11
Total	60	94

ExpressVPN uses virtual server locations

ExpressVPN stands out as the sole VPN among the two options that enable users to acquire an IP address from many highly sought-after regions, such as India and Egypt.

ExpressVPN offers many virtual and physical servers in sought-after countries like India and Egypt.

ExpressVPN surpasses NordVPN in terms of server coverage across regions due to its utilization of virtual server locations, which is a method where a server provides an IP address from a specific country despite being physically located elsewhere.

We favor ExpressVPN’s approach as it offers users greater flexibility and expands the accessibility of geo-blocked websites through the VPN. Unlike certain other VPNs, ExpressVPN does not differentiate or label virtual server locations differently within its application.

7. Features comparison: ExpressVPN vs NordVPN

ExpressVPN and NordVPN give more features for different users. You’ll also get a functional kill switch, split tunneling, and tons more additional options:

Kill switch	✔	✔
Split Tunneling	✔	✔
Simultaneous Connections	6	5
Ad/website blocker	✔	❌
Obfuscation	✔	✔
Double Hop	✔	❌

Features of NordVPN

NordVPN’s features are among the best in the business and play a significant role in distinguishing NordVPN from ExpressVPN.

First, let’s explore NordVPN’s specialty servers, which cater to specific use cases. ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer a variety of specialty features. Here are the features provided by NordVPN:

Double-VPN servers:

These servers encrypt traffic over two separate hops, adding an extra layer of encryption and security without compromising speed. DoubleVPN encrypts your traffic over two servers for an additional layer of protection. When comparing NordVPN and ExpressVPN in terms of features, NordVPN offers a wider range of double-VPN servers.

Our testing found that the double-VPN servers performed well in various scenarios.

Tor-over-VPN servers:

Traffic is encrypted using both the Tor Network and the VPN server, although this may result in a slight performance tradeoff due to the Tor network.

P2P servers:

These servers are optimized for torrenting traffic, ensuring excellent speeds.

Obfuscated servers:

Designed to disguise VPN traffic as regular HTTPS encryption, these servers are particularly useful in restrictive network environments like China and Russia, where VPNs may be blocked.

Other special purpose features:

It is also equipped with CyberSec (ad/website blocker) and Onion Over VPN. These features can boost your online privacy significantly when browsing the web. NordVPN’s CyberSec feature blocks harmful content online including ads.

NordVPN’s CyberSec feature blocks harmful content online including ads.

The NordVPN kill switch works in two different modes. You can either enable it to cut off the internet at the system level, or you can select specific apps that should be cut off from the connection in case your VPN service drops temporarily.

Features of ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN also provides an extensive range of features. However, in addition to the essential toolkit, ExpressVPN subscribers can also benefit from the following features that enhance its overall functionality and privacy protection:

Split tunneling:

ExpressVPN is a vpn with split tunneling features, which allows you to select apps that should use the VPN connection and apps that should connect to the internet directly. Similar to NordVPN, this feature allows users to direct VPN traffic exclusively through specified applications, while other applications access the internet as usual. NordVPN also offers this feature, but it is limited to Windows and Android apps only.

ExpressVPN offers a capable split-tunneling feature.

Stealth mode:

ExpressVPN automatically activates Stealth mode when it detects Deep Packet Inspection (DPI). This capability enables users to bypass restrictive firewalls and access blocked content.

Threat Manager:

ExpressVPN incorporates a blocklist that prevents user tracking by blocking certain app and website trackers. This blocklist is regularly updated with each new client version release.

Kill Switch:

ExpressVPN offers a kill switch that cuts off your internet access entirely if the VPN connection goes down.

8. Torrenting: ExpressVPN vs NordVPN

While both ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer IP and DNS protection, as well as a kill switch for secure torrenting, ExpressVPN outperforms in terms of speed. Directly performing P2P activities without taking any privacy measures is a risky business. This is why it is important to mask your identity with a VPN for safe and secure torrenting.

When looking for the best VPN for torrenting, you have to consider two important things:

1. Speed: The VPN should be fast enough to download large files.
2. Leak protection: The VPN should offer both DNS and IP protection for secure torrenting. It should also offer a kill switch in case your VPN connection drops.

While, both ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer IP and DNS protection, along with a kill switch for safe torrenting, but in terms of speed, ExpressVPN is faster.

ExpressVPN’s Torrenting Support:

ExpressVPN torrenting supports P2P on all of its servers. Connect to any VPN server, and you will get access to blocked torrenting websites with full privacy.

NordVPN Torrenting Support:

NordVPN supports torrenting on a limited number of servers. There is a limited number of dedicated P2P servers. NordVPN also offers good download speeds for torrenting as we observed in our comparison between NordVPN and PureVPN.

Moreover, since both providers are equipped with robust security, they can both be relied on for torrenting purposes. Also, they are both among the best VPNs for torrenting in the VPN industry at the moment.

9. Gaming: ExpressVPN vs NordVPN

Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN are excellent options for gamers seeking to overcome geo-restrictions, speed throttling, and DDoS attacks. However, ExpressVPN takes the lead in this category with its superior speed. One of the major advantages of using a VPN for gaming is lower pings, a lag-free experience, and security.

After connecting to ExpressVPN’s New Jersey server, our pings significantly reduced from 203 to 66ms while playing Dota 2. Thus, the gaming experience was lag-free and it was more responsive.

We had the best time playing Dota 2 using ExpressVPN server as receive the lowest of pings.

After connecting to NordVPN’s Germany server, our network pings reduced from 104 ms to 78 ms while playing Counter-Strike. NordVPN also offers Double VPN encryption for gamers, but you might experience slower speeds with this feature.

Upon searching for the best VPN for gaming on the world’s most popular question and answer site, Nordvpn vs Expressvpn Reddit opinions are almost evenly divided between the two, with many arguing for or against the VPNs on the many merits or disadvantages that we have tried to incorporate into this blog. ExpressVPN vs NordVPN Reddit proved to be a gold mine of information that can only be obtained from many hours of dedicated daily gameplay via a VPN.

10. Apps and Device Compatibility: ExpressVPN vs NordVPN

A VPN needs to offer good compatibility in order to serve users across all devices and platforms. ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer dedicated apps for a wide range of devices from their Firestick VPNs to Android VPNs, even for gaming and operating systems. ExpressVPN supports more devices and even has a router app.

You can find dedicated apps for both providers for mobile devices as well as desktops. Now let’s see how the two VPNs compare for specific OSs and devices:

While ExpressVPN supports 5 simultaneous connections and NordVPN supports 6 simultaneous connections.

ExpressVPN works with many different types of devices due to its high compatibility.

Windows

NordVPN’s dedicated app supports Windows as far back as XP and Vista and obviously the newer versions up to Windows 10. ExpressVPN’s dedicated VPN app supports Windows 7, 8, and 10. If you want to use the VPN on Windows XP, you will have to rely on manual setup through OpenVPN GUI.

Mac

For Mac, ExpressVPN and NordVPN both offer extensive support. The dedicated Mac apps of these VPNs are compatible with Mac OS as far as Yosemite 10.10 up to Mac Catalina 10.15. So even if you have an old Mac machine, you should have no difficulty running the apps of either of these powerful VPNs.

Android

ExpressVPN is compatible with Android 5 all the way up to the current Android 11. It also supports Android TV and Android-based tablets with its well-designed app. NordVPN also supports a wide range of Android OS versions, including Android TVs.

iOS

When it comes to Nordvpn vs ExpressVPN iOS, NordVPN has a slight edge over ExpressVPN as its apps work for iOS versions as far back as iOS 9.0. With ExpressVPN, however, you will need a device with iOS 10 at least. You can use the iOS apps of both VPNs for iPhone as well as iPad devices. Apple users get the IKEv2 protocol and can register their emails to get notified if the Dark Web Monitor feature finds them leaked.

Linux

NordVPN has a common-line-based app for Linux users that works with the Debian distro. For other distros, you will need to manually install the VPN. ExpressVPN provides wider support for Linux users offering its command-line app that is compatible with Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, Fedora, Arch, and Raspbian (32-bit only).

Routers

Router support is available for both VPNs. You can get a router with a pre-configured ExpressVPN or NordVPN set up, or you can also perform the manual setup yourself (but it is pretty tricky). Yet ExpressVPN has one client that NordVPN misses, and that’s a router app

Detailed Router Setup Guides:

• How to set up ExpressVPN on routers?
• How to set up NordVPN on routers?

Additional Platforms

ExpressVPN also supports the following:

• Kodi
• Video game consoles (Xbox, PS4/5, etc) and Smart TVs
• Browser extension (Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari)
• Amazon FireStick

NordVPN can also be used with:

• Kodi
• Browser extension (Chrome, Firefox)
• Smart TVs and video game consoles (Xbox, PS4/5, etc)
• Amazon FireStick

App Usability and Interface: ExpressVPN vs NordVPN

One-click installation setup	Android, iOS, Windows, macOS	Android, iOS, Windows, macOS
Supports customization	✔	✔
Overall usability	Easy	Easy
Browser Extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari

Both apps allow you to select your server instantly from the main screen, but the settings and other advanced features are tucked into separate tabs for better usability. It is a respectable design decision and makes the apps have a highly well-organized appearance.

The Options tab of ExpressVPN can be used to change the VPN protocol, change kill switch settings, configure the split tunneling feature, and tinker around with other preferences.

NordVPN also offers options for changing the VPN protocol and you can also control its advanced features from settings.

This includes CyberSec and a kill switch. The Double VPN and Onion Over VPN features are basically “Specialty servers” that you can use from the server selection screen. Only a few servers are designed with the functionality of Onion Over VPN, but it can really make your online experience much more secure when enabled.

Both apps are highly user-friendly, and users of all levels – beginner to expert – will enjoy using these apps. The balance of usability and configuration level is nicely maintained in both apps.

While both ExpressVPN and NordVPN are functional in China, ExpressVPN exhibits more consistent performance in unblocking sites such as Facebook, Google, and YouTube, all of which are blocked there.

ExpressVPN goes the extra mile by offering an alternative website for users in China, considering that the main ExpressVPN website is blocked in the country. It is strongly recommended to download and install your VPN before arriving in China to ensure a secure connection.

On the other hand, one drawback of NordVPN is that it requires manual configuration to work in China. This process involves reaching out to customer service for instructions, including disabling the CyberSec feature and location services. This configuration procedure can be frustrating and time-consuming.

12. Customer Support: ExpressVPN vs NordVPN

Efficient service is an important component that determines the quality of service for any company. The fact that NordVPN and ExpressVPN are widely considered to be the best in the VPN industry, we would expect nothing less than top-notch customer service.

Both ExpressVPNs and NordVPN’s customer services are excellent.

Live Chat	✔	✔
Email Support	✔	✔
Tutorials/Setup Guides	✔	✔

Both providers are also extremely efficient in responding to your queries if you reach out through their live chat or email support. You can also check ExpressVPN vs NordVPN Reddit threads and see that both providers offer amazing customer support. If you need you can easily contact customer support.

We found ExpressVPN a little bit faster in responding to our queries through email as compared to NordVPN, though both providers are equally quick when answering through live chat support.

To test both VPN services, we decided to test them by asking a few questions. NordVPN offers human responses instead of automated responses through its Live Chat feature. The response time was also pretty good, coming at around 3 minutes 25 seconds.

Similarly, we tested ExpressVPN too, and we got our reply in a short time of just 2 minutes and 17 seconds which is pretty good. The response was not automated and personal as can be seen in the screenshot below:

🏆 Winner: ExpressVPN

It is hard to choose a winner as both VPNs have excellent customer support teams. However, the depth and quality of ExpressVPN’s support articles trump that of NordVPN even though both are equal in other aspects of support. Therefore, ExpressVPN has a slight edge over NordVPN here.

🏆Enjoy a hassle-free experience with ExpressVPN30 Days Money Back Guarantee

Choosing Between ExpressVPN and NordVPN: Our Methodology

ExpressVPN vs NordVPN, choosing between these two behemoths is a challenge in itself. They are both top-tier VPN services that offer a wide range of features. To assist you in making an informed decision, we conducted a thorough comparison of these two providers across multiple aspects. Below, we outline the methodology we employed in deciding the winner of our friendly competition:

1. Server network: One of the primary factors we take into consideration is the size and composition of the VPN’s server network. ExpressVPN and NordVPN both boast extensive networks with thousands of servers in numerous countries. A larger server network enhances your ability to access content and increases the likelihood of finding a server close to your physical location.
2. Speed: Recognizing the importance of streaming and torrenting capabilities to most users, we conducted speed tests on VPN servers across various locations. This enabled us to objectively assess the VPNs’ speed performance. In our evaluations, ExpressVPN and NordVPN are among the fastest VPNs we ever tested.
3. Unblocking Ability: Not all VPNs are good at or even capable of properly bypassing restrictions. To evaluate the unblocking capabilities of ExpressVPN and NordVPN, we tested them against a wide range of websites and services, including popular streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
4. Security: We believe that testing a VPN firsthand is crucial to understanding its security measures, including robust encryption. By conducting our own tests and checking for IP and DNS leaks, we only recommend VPNs that provide us a satisfying experience and can truly ensure your online safety.
5. Privacy: Reputable VPN providers maintain strict no-logs policies to safeguard your privacy. ExpressVPN and NordVPN adhere to this standard well. We thoroughly examined their logging policies and compared them and took into consideration other privacy features (such as the availability of anonymous payment methods like Bitcoin) while making our assessment.
6. Ease of use: We reviewed numerous VPNs and tested their applications ourselves. ExpressVPN and NordVPN stood out for providing user-friendly apps across a wide range of operating systems. Among our tests, we also contacted live chat and email support to measure response times and the quality of their assistance.
7. Value for money: When assessing a VPN’s subscription plans and pricing, it is essential to consider all the aforementioned factors. We ensure that a VPN offers a minimum 30-day money-back guarantee, which we personally test to ensure a truly risk-free experience.

---

FAQs – ExpressVPN vs NordVPN

Is ExpressVPN better than NordVPN?

Yes, ExpressVPN is better than NordVPN as it offers a wide server network, fast speeds, and more control over security compared to NordVPN. It is a solid choice for both streaming and torrenting as well owing to its excellent unblocking ability, P2P optimized servers, and fast speed of 27.1 Mbps on a 30 Mbps base connection.

Which is faster: ExpressVPN or NordVPN?

ExpressVPN is faster, but NordVPN comes pretty close too. ExpressVPN delivered a fast speed of 27.1 Mbps and NordVPN managed an average speed of 24.9 Mbps on a 30 Mbps base connection. ExpressVPN is overall the best choice for gaming and streaming services.

Is ExpressVPN really the best?

ExpressVPN is arguably the best VPN. It offers a perfect balance of speed, security, and performance. It also offers a wide server network of 3000+ servers across 94 countries (160 locations), so you can unblock any geo-restricted site you want with ExpressVPN.

How well do NordVPN and ExpressVPN handle your data?

Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN handle your data with a strong focus on security and prioritize user privacy by keeping minimal logs. NordVPN undergoes regular third-party audits, while ExpressVPN logs limited data for troubleshooting. Both providers accept Bitcoin and use RAM-only servers, ensuring anonymity and data deletion. With either VPN, you can browse online securely, knowing your activities are protected.

Which VPN is more secure, ExpressVPN or NordVPN?

Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer strong security features, including 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against leaks. Both services have a strict no-logs policy and work in China. NordVPN has an advantage with its special obfuscated servers, designed for enhanced privacy. However, ExpressVPN remains a highly reliable and secure option for users.

Which is better for streaming and torrenting – NordVPN or ExpressVPN?

Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN are excellent options for streaming and torrenting, thanks to their fast server speeds. ExpressVPN has a slight edge when it comes to unblocking challenging streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer, making it a preferred choice for streaming. However, NordVPN is also highly capable in this regard and performs exceptionally well.

What is the difference between NordVPN and ExpressVPN?

The key distinctions between NordVPN and ExpressVPN lie in their server fleet, pricing, and simultaneous connections. NordVPN boasts a larger server network, allows more simultaneous connections, and comes at a lower cost. On the other hand, ExpressVPN offers a broader range of server locations, including countries like India and Bolivia, but comes at a higher price point. Based on these factors, we strongly recommend ExpressVPN to our readers.

---

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN Comparison – Overall Winner

This was arguably one of the toughest battles between VPNs. It was almost impossible to choose a winner, considering how powerful NordVPN and ExpressVPN are. However, since ExpressVPN performed better than NordVPN in most of our testing categories, the winner of this ExpressVPN vs NordVPN battle is ExpressVPN.

Category
Netflix and streaming	✔	❌
Security and Encryption	✔	✔
Privacy	✔	✔
Speed	✔	❌
Server Network	✔	❌
Features	✔	❌
Usage in China	✔	❌
Torrenting	✔	❌
Gaming	✔	❌
Apps and Device compatibility	✔	❌
Customer Support Test	✔	❌

🏆 Winner: ExpressVPN

It is fast, with excellent unblocking ability and it works with all major streaming platforms. Similarly, it is easier to use with a clean app interface as compared to NordVPN. ExpressVPN is a solid choice for streaming and torrenting as well as with P2P-optimized servers. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another VPN Company that can do what ExpressVPN does at all.

Fortunately, both ExpressVPN and NordVPN give a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try this VPN service out yourself risk-free. Whichever VPN you choose, both are safe to use. Both VPNs come with all the standard features like a kill switch, split tunneling.

🏆Get ExpressVPN Today!Avail the best deal with 49% Discount

———————————–Related VPN Comparisons———————————–

• ExpressVPN vs NordVPN
• ExpressVPN vs CyberGhost
• ExpressVPN vs VyprVPN
• ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access
• ExpressVPN vs IPVanish
• NordVPN vs IPVanish
• NordVPN vs PIA
• Surfshark vs NordVPN
• NordVPN vs CyberGhost
• NordVPN vs TorGuard