NordVPN vs ExpressVPN
Verdict: NordVPN wins on price and performance. ExpressVPN wins on router integration and has a stronger track record in high-censorship environments.
How we scored it
Spec verificationOwner sentimentLive pricing (4h refresh)Editorial review
Our methodology
Winner: NordVPN
NordVPN: 7.2/10
ExpressVPN: 7.1/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
| NordVPN | ExpressVPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Best plan price | ~$3.69/mo (2-year) | ~$8.32/mo (annual) |
| Monthly price | $12.99/mo | $12.95/mo |
| Simultaneous devices | 6 | 8 |
| Speed (WireGuard) | Excellent (NordLynx) | Excellent (Lightway) |
| Audited no-logs | Yes (Deloitte, PwC) | Yes (Cure53, KPMG) |
| Router support | Limited | Excellent (own firmware) |
NordVPN
What works
- Fastest speeds in most independent tests (NordLynx)
- Much cheaper on multi-year plans (~$3.69/mo)
- Double VPN and Onion over VPN options
What doesn't
- 2018 server breach (no data lost, but trust damage)
- Multi-year pricing creates long commitment
- Kape-owned competitor products in same portfolio
ExpressVPN
What works
- Excellent router firmware (ExpressVPN for routers)
- Strong track record in high-censorship countries
- MediaStreamer Smart DNS for streaming without speed loss
What doesn't
- Significantly more expensive (~$8.32/mo annual vs $3.69/mo)
- Kape Technologies acquisition drew privacy community scrutiny
- Slightly slower than NordVPN in recent independent tests
Bottom line
Our pick: NordVPN. It edges out the alternative on fastest speeds in most independent tests (nordlynx). That said, ExpressVPN still wins on excellent router firmware (expressvpn for routers) — consider it if that single trade matters most for your use.
View full comparison on GoodPickr
Related Comparisons
- Surfshark vs NordVPN
- NordVPN vs Proton VPN
- Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09 vs Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max
- Secretlab Titan Evo 2022 vs Herman Miller Embody Gaming Chair
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer vs CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
- Cox Communications Cable Internet vs Quantum Fiber by CenturyLink
- Spark Mail vs Superhuman
- Freshpet Select Fresh From The Kitchen vs The Farmer's Dog Fresh Dog Food
- Costco Gold Star Membership vs Sam's Club Plus Membership
- Sony A7V vs Canon EOS R6 Mark III
- Airbnb Entire Home Listing vs Marriott Bonvoy Hotel Midscale Tier
- Southwest Airlines vs Delta Air Lines
People also compared
GoodPickr · Data-backed product comparisons