ExpressVPN vs NordVPN vs VyprVPN 2025

Akash Deep Cybersecurity Researcher

Updated on May 10, 2025

Despite having fewer users — 4+ million¹ (ExpressVPN, 2023) vs. NordVPN’s 14+ million (Money, 2023)² — ExpressVPN is the better choice. It’s consistently fast, and its security features are top-notch. NordVPN came close but didn’t match its overall reliability. VyprVPN, over 15 years old like ExpressVPN (VyprVPN, 2025)³, is a decent option but still trails behind.

Each of these VPNs suits a different kind of user. ExpressVPN is ideal if you want a simple, fast, and dependable VPN that works well out of the box. NordVPN is better suited to users who want more control over their settings and features. VyprVPN is mainly designed for use in restrictive regions, but it lacks the polish and depth offered by its competitors.

We tested all three VPNs across 10 core categories. This included streaming, gaming performance, server coverage, speed, security, and privacy. We also looked at pricing, setup experience, and how each provider handles support. Here’s how they compare.

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Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings

Lowest Price

Coupon (highest discount)

Money Back Guarantee

Number of devices per license

Countries with servers

Keep logs

Available on Platforms

Access to streaming services

Best Choice

Visit Website

$4.99/month

61%

30 days

8

3000

No

Netflix, APV, Disney+ and more

Visit Website

$3.39/month

76%

30 days

10

7638

No

Netflix, APV, Disney+ and more

Visit Website

$3.00/month

50%

30 days

5

700

No

Netflix, APV, Disney+ and more

Streaming — ExpressVPN Wins By a Slim Margin

ExpressVPN and NordVPN stood out for their consistency across every major platform we tried. Both delivered smooth playback and fast load times, so it’s possible to stream from anywhere without buffering in HD or 4K. VyprVPN also performed well, but its results were less consistent.

We started with Netflix, and the results showed a clear gap in reliability. ExpressVPN and NordVPN worked seamlessly with most libraries we tested. This includes popular ones like the US, UK, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and some less common ones like Argentina and the Philippines. VyprVPN worked with the US, UK, and Japan but struggled with Australia and South Korea.

We were able to securely access 15+ Netflix libraries

Outside of Netflix, ExpressVPN and NordVPN continued to perform almost flawlessly. They worked on the first attempt with Disney+, Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. Both also supported smooth streaming on JioHotstar.

We tested 3 different servers with Hulu, and they all worked well

VyprVPN also supported streaming on most of these platforms, but not without effort. With Prime Video and Hulu, we had to switch servers or protocols before playback would start. That’s fine if you don’t mind tweaking settings, but it’s not ideal for quick, no-hassle streaming.

We were able to watch Disney+ on the very first server we connected to

VyprVPN can safely access most platforms from anywhere — it just lacks the same level of polish. If you’re willing to experiment a little, you can usually get things working. But if you want instant, secure access, ExpressVPN and NordVPN are more reliable overall.

Winner

Is ExpressVPN better for streaming than NordVPN and VyprVPN? Yes — while NordVPN came close, ExpressVPN was the most reliable with every platform we tested. It securely accessed both popular and lesser-known Netflix libraries without any extra steps. VyprVPN worked with most major platforms but struggled with some regional content. 

Server Network — NordVPN Edges Ahead With a Larger, More Specialized Fleet

All three VPNs offer strong global server coverage, but NordVPN holds a clear lead overall. It not only has one of the largest networks in the industry but also includes a wide range of specialized servers. These include Double VPN for multi-layer encryption, P2P servers for faster downloads, and Onion Over VPN servers for added privacy when browsing the dark web.

ExpressVPN’s network isn’t far behind. While it offers fewer total servers, each one of them supports all major features, including streaming, torrenting, and obfuscation. This “one-server-does-it-all” setup makes it more beginner-friendly since you don’t have to manually choose based on the activity. The VPN also uses RAM-only servers across its network, which wipe all your data with every reboot for improved security.

VyprVPN trails both when it comes to size and flexibility. It has fewer servers, and city-level selection is limited as well. This can make it harder to find low-latency connections outside major regions. That said, all VyprVPN servers are fully owned and managed in-house, which reduces third-party risks.

Winner

Which VPN has the largest server network: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or VyprVPN? NordVPN edges ahead with more servers, broader country coverage, and unique specialty server types. ExpressVPN follows closely with versatile all-in-one servers. However, VyprVPN’s smaller network and limited city options make it less suitable if you need maximum reach or customization.

Speed — ExpressVPN Delivers the Fastest and Most Consistent Performance

According to Statista, VPN usage is more common than ever, with over 23% of internet users globally relying on one⁴. But as handy as they are for streaming, gaming, or working remotely, slow VPN speeds can make the experience frustrating fast. After weeks of testing, we noticed performance varied quite a bit across servers, with some far-off ones significantly reducing our tester’s base speed.

On nearby servers like Miami, ExpressVPN had the smallest drop at just 3%, with NordVPN close at 9%. VyprVPN dropped by 47%, which was still usable considering our high base speed, but it was significantly behind the other two. Local servers are where VPNs usually perform best, and ExpressVPN leads here.

ExpressVPN’s New York server dropped our US tester’s speed by just 17%

In Europe (London server), ExpressVPN and NordVPN were nearly tied, dropping by 20% and 24%, respectively. VyprVPN had a much bigger loss at 87%; such a drop can make even basic browsing feel sluggish, especially on slower connections. While NordVPN stayed close to ExpressVPN on the London server, VyprVPN’s performance was too inconsistent to recommend for mid-range connections.

Both support automatic connection to the fastest server with just a tap

ExpressVPN also gave us some of the best speeds on the distant Tokyo server. It led with a 29% drop, and VyprVPN followed with a 49% decrease. NordVPN slowed down the most, with a 61% dip, higher than what we typically see on similar long-distance connections.

Winner

Is ExpressVPN faster than NordVPN and VyprVPN? Yes, it maintained consistently fast speeds on both nearby and long-distance servers, making it the best choice if you want fast, stable connections for streaming, gaming, or downloads. While NordVPN was competitive on some servers, it experienced a few noticeable drops. VyprVPN lagged behind both, especially on faraway connections.

Gaming — ExpressVPN and NordVPN Are Reliable Options

If you game online, ping matters more than raw speed for smooth gameplay. A few extra milliseconds can make the difference between landing a shot and missing it entirely. You’ll want it under 100ms to avoid delays between your keyboard inputs and the in-game responses.

On nearby US servers, all three VPNs kept latency low enough for competitive gaming. Matches in Fortnite and Rocket League felt responsive with each one, though ExpressVPN had the edge in terms of overall smoothness.

NordVPN held steady at 110ms on mid-range servers like London, just edging out ExpressVPN at 111ms. While both connections added a bit of delay, gameplay was still manageable for casual matches in LoL. VyprVPN struggled more here — its 153ms ping made the experience noticeably choppier, especially during fast movements or gunfights.

We could even play on long-distance UK servers with minimal lag

The Tokyo server showed the biggest gap. ExpressVPN maintained a reasonable 146ms, which was still within the acceptable range for non-competitive play. VyprVPN also came in at 153ms, but felt significantly less stable in games like Warzone and Overwatch 2, with rubber banding and input delay. NordVPN dropped further behind with 185ms, which led to a sluggish, frustrating experience.

Winner

Is ExpressVPN better for gaming than NordVPN or VyprVPN? Yes — it had the lowest ping on all tested servers and offered the smoothest gameplay. NordVPN held up well nearby but fell behind on long-distance connections. VyprVPN, despite decent ping numbers, felt less stable overall.

Torrenting — All Three VPNs Support P2P Activities

To compare performance, we downloaded a 5GB Linux Mint ISO file using qBittorrent (one of the few secure and easy-to-use BitTorrent clients) while connected to servers in the US. ExpressVPN maintained high speeds throughout the session, and we didn’t have to switch servers or settings. The download finished in just 3 minutes, without any interruptions or slowdowns.

NordVPN was close behind, finishing in just under 3.5 minutes. It held steady throughout and offers plenty of P2P-friendly servers, including ones specifically optimized for file sharing.

VyprVPN fell short in this category. The same file took over 5 minutes to download, with speeds fluctuating depending on the server. It does allow torrenting, but the lack of server variety and lower overall speeds make it less suitable for frequent file sharing.

Each VPN includes the security essentials for safe torrenting, but when it comes to speed and simplicity, ExpressVPN stands out.

Winner

Which VPN is best for torrenting: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or VyprVPN? ExpressVPN is the best choice for torrenting. It supports P2P traffic on all its servers, delivered the fastest download times in our tests, and doesn’t require any setup adjustments. NordVPN performed well too, but ExpressVPN’s speed gave it the edge. VyprVPN is a solid choice but struggled to keep up in both speed and consistency.

Security — ExpressVPN Offers a Complete Package, but NordVPN Isn’t Far Behind

Security is more than just encryption — it’s about real-world protection. That’s why 93% of organizations now rely on VPNs to safeguard their data and prevent breaches (Exploding Topics, 2024)⁵.

All three VPNs offer the core protections you’d expect: AES 256-bit encryption, WebRTC/DNS/IP leak protection, a kill switch, and modern tunneling protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN. In our tests, none of them leaked data, even during forced connection drops. However, when it comes to advanced security tools and implementation across platforms, the differences are clearer.

ExpressVPN’s strength lies in consistency. Its kill switch is enabled by default on every platform, and its proprietary Lightway protocol is lightweight, secure, and easy on battery life. Lightway Turbo further enhances performance by splitting your traffic across multiple tunnels. You also get reliable malware and tracker blocking. Does ExpressVPN block ads? Yes, it does block ads too. While testing it, no ads showed on sites like speedtest.net/ and US News.

NordVPN goes further with its feature set. It adds features like Dark Web Monitoring, Meshnet for private peer-to-peer connections, and Onion Over VPN servers for more privacy. Ad and malware blocking comes built-in via Threat Protection, which worked well in our tests.

You even have the option to block adult sites with ExpressVPN

VyprVPN is more about reliable internet usage on restrictive networks. Its Chameleon protocol scrambles metadata to avoid deep packet inspection — helpful in places like schools or countries with heavy censorship. It also runs its own DNS servers, adding another layer of control. That said, it lacks extras like tracker blocking, and some features like the kill switch and split tunneling are limited to certain devices.

ExpressVPN and NordVPN both use RAM-only servers, which wipe all data on reboot and reduce the risk of logs being stored. VyprVPN doesn’t disclose whether it uses RAM or traditional servers, but it claims to use a mix of tech to make sure no sensitive information sticks around.

Winner

Which VPN is more secure: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or VyprVPN? ExpressVPN is the most secure VPN of the three. Its private DNS, proprietary Lightway protocol, and additional privacy features like Threat Manager and Identity Defender make it a top choice for anyone serious about security. NordVPN isn’t far behind — it packs plenty of muscle too.

Privacy — ExpressVPN Is Still the Most Trustworthy Option

ExpressVPN takes the lead on privacy thanks to its strong policies and proven track record. It doesn’t log your IP address, browsing history, or DNS requests. While it does collect minimal diagnostic data, nothing is tied to your identity. Its RAM-only servers wipe all data on reboot. Plus, the company is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is outside of the 14-Eyes jurisdiction.

These claims aren’t just marketing. ExpressVPN has passed multiple independent audits to confirm its privacy claims. Even when its servers were seized in 2017 by Turkish authorities, no user data was recovered. The company is now owned by Kape Technologies, which had a controversial ad-tech past, but we haven’t seen any drop in standards. If anything, audits and transparency have increased.

NordVPN is a solid option for privacy, too. It’s headquartered in Panama, a country with no mandatory data retention laws. Like ExpressVPN, it’s been independently audited multiple times. The company doesn’t store IP addresses, browsing activity, or traffic logs. However, it does keep a temporary connection timestamp for 15 minutes after disconnection.

While this data isn’t enough to identify or track users, NordVPN has stated it may log more if compelled during criminal investigations. Is NordVPN safe? Yes, its transparency reports show no evidence of compliance with such requests.

VyprVPN, unfortunately, has taken a step backward. It used to have a strong privacy stance under its original owner, Golden Frog. But since being acquired by Certida and moving operations to the US, things have changed.

It no longer has a specific privacy policy for its VPN service (only a generic site policy). Plus, it hasn’t released a transparency report or audit since the acquisition. That’s not good enough. Does VyprVPN have a no-logs policy? Yes, but a no-logs claim without supporting details or audits doesn’t inspire much confidence.

Adding to these concerns, InsecureWeb reported that VyprVPN suffered a security breach in 2023⁶. This contradicts its prior no-logs claims. Even more worrying, VyprVPN stayed silent and never put out a public statement.

Winner

Which VPN is most private — ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or VyprVPN? ExpressVPN is the most privacy-focused of the three. It collects the least data, runs on RAM-only servers, and has been independently audited multiple times. NordVPN also takes privacy seriously, but timestamp logging can be a minor concern. VyprVPN is the least trustworthy option of the bunch.

Works in China — ExpressVPN Might Work

China’s internet restrictions make it one of the toughest environments for any VPN. Most services either fail to connect or deliver unreliable performance due to aggressive VPN-blocking systems.

ExpressVPN has a long-standing reputation for working with the Great Firewall. It uses obfuscation to disguise VPN traffic and provides specific server recommendations for use in China. You may still face downtime occasionally, but it’s one of the more reliable providers.

NordVPN technically offers obfuscated servers and manual IKEv2 configurations, but its performance in China is hit or miss. The support team shared setup guides and a list of servers that might work, but they were clear about the lack of reliability. If you're heading to China, NordVPN simply isn't the most dependable choice right now.

Does VyprVPN work in China? Well, it used to be known for working in China with its Chameleon protocol. But lately, VyprVPN's performance in regions with strict internet regulations has become inconsistent. Support confirmed ongoing issues and didn’t guarantee reliability. If looking for more dependable options, our top VPNs for China are worth a look.

Winner

Which VPN works best in China? ExpressVPN is known to be the most reliable for use in China. It offers automatic obfuscation, recommended servers for use within the country, and responsive live support. NordVPN and VyprVPN have tools that might help, but their performance is known to be far less consistent.

Installation & Ease of Use — All Three Are Easy to Install and Offer Modern Apps

ExpressVPN delivers the smoothest experience, with a layout that’s intuitive from the start. Its apps are nearly identical across platforms, which makes switching between devices feel natural. Plus, advanced settings and features like Threat Manager are easy to access and conveniently placed where you'd expect them.

It also gives you a list of recommended servers by region

NordVPN’s apps are also well-designed but slightly more cluttered. The map-based interface looks good, but scrolling around to find your desired server can be tedious. On mobile, the layout feels tighter, and some advanced settings are buried deeper in the menus. Still, it’s a solid experience once you get used to the design.

You can click your favorite country to get connected

VyprVPN is the simplest of the three. Its apps focus on core features and make it easy to connect but lack some of the polish and flexibility. You can choose a protocol, enable the kill switch, and activate the Chameleon protocol, but there are no advanced options. It’s fine for casual use, but it doesn’t offer the same control or consistency as ExpressVPN or NordVPN.

You can set up your VPN to automatically secure your connection on untrusted networks

Winner

Which VPN is easier to use: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or VyprVPN? ExpressVPN offers the cleanest, most user-friendly experience across all devices. Its apps are fast, consistent, and easy to navigate. NordVPN is feature-rich but requires a bit more time to get comfortable with. VyprVPN is simple but lacks the depth and flexibility of the other two.

Reliability & Support — ExpressVPN and NordVPN Offer the Best Experience

When issues arise, a responsive and knowledgeable support team can make all the difference. All three VPNs offer live chat and email assistance, but ExpressVPN and NordVPN stand out with consistently reliable help. VyprVPN’s support is helpful too, but not quite at the same level.

ExpressVPN provides the fastest and most consistent support. I reached out over 10 times, even on weekends, and connected with an agent in under a minute every single time. Its AI assistant is also handy if you’re not in the mood to chat live. The team totally gets it — whether it’s tackling tricky questions or following up by email, they’re on point. Plus, the website is packed with easy-to-follow guides and videos for just about everything.

NordVPN is equally good. Its live chat connects you to a human in about 30 seconds, and while its chatbot tries to help first, it’s easy to skip past. Agents are knowledgeable about technical topics, and the Help Center offers detailed guides, like step-by-step router setup. Email replies took less than a day in most cases.

VyprVPN’s live chat is responsive, and the staff is friendly, but the overall experience feels a bit more basic. The team answered all our questions clearly, and I liked that support content is available in several languages. However, chat is only in English, and some of the guidance linked to less in-depth resources than those offered by the other two providers.

Winner - draw

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Which VPN has the best customer support: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or VyprVPN? It’s a tie. Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer fast, knowledgeable, and highly responsive customer support. You’ll get quick access to real agents, reliable help with complex issues, and well-organized support centers. VyprVPN is helpful too, but its support system isn’t quite as advanced.

Pricing

	ExpressVPN	NordVPN	VyprVPN
Lowest Price	$4.99/month	$3.39/month	$3.00/month
Money Back Guarantee	30 days	30 days	30 days
Number of devices per license	8	10	5

Please note that ExpressVPN's generous money-back guarantee applies to first-time customers only.

All three VPNs follow a similar pricing structure, with monthly, yearly, and multi-year offers. ExpressVPN is the most expensive, while NordVPN and VyprVPN offer lower starting prices with long-term purchases.

ExpressVPN’s 2-year purchase offers the best price. The short-term options (1-month and 12-month) are noticeably higher. It accepts crypto payments and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

NordVPN gives you more options with three tiers — Basic, Plus, and Complete. The Basic 2-year offer and even its short plans are cheaper than ExpressVPN’s. All purchases include core features, and you can unlock extras like password managers or cloud storage by upgrading tiers. But its renewal price is higher than that of ExpressVPN.

VyprVPN is reasonably priced, too. It doesn’t offer tiers like NordVPN, but all essential features are included. It’s also backed by a money-back guarantee, similar to ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

Winner - draw

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Which VPN offers the best value for money: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or VyprVPN? If price is your only concern, VyprVPN is the cheapest option. But ExpressVPN strikes the best balance of performance, features, and overall value. NordVPN offers better introductory prices, but once the renewal rates kick in, ExpressVPN becomes the better long-term investment.

Our Methodology for Testing ExpressVPN vs NordVPN vs VyprVPN

Our focus was on what sets each VPN apart or holds it back. We evaluated streaming quality across popular platforms and measured speeds (on both nearby and distant servers), latency, and connection stability to determine how well each VPN handles high-quality streams, large downloads, and competitive gaming. Security tests included DNS/IP leak checks, kill switch reliability, and the ability to provide a dual-layered defense against various threats.

We also reviewed each VPN’s logging policies, jurisdiction, and past audits. Each app was tested on desktop and mobile to evaluate usability, server navigation, and platform-specific features. Check out our methodology page to learn how we evaluate VPNs. We run ongoing tests to keep our performance updates up to date. You can also apply these evaluation methods in your own research.

ExpressVPN vs NordVPN vs VyprVPN — Reddit Opinions

Reddit users frequently recommend both ExpressVPN and NordVPN, but ExpressVPN tends to get slightly more praise. Many appreciate its simple interface and fast speeds. That said, some users do express concern about its parent company, Kape Technologies. These concerns are usually mentioned alongside other Kape-owned VPNs, but ExpressVPN’s long-standing reputation and track record of audits help offset much of that criticism.

NordVPN also receives much support, particularly from users who value its advanced features like Meshnet, Threat Protection, and multi-hop servers. Redditors often point out that it strikes a good balance between price and functionality, especially when on sale. The only consistent negative feedback concerns occasional issues with certain streaming services and server connectivity problems — though many note these are quickly resolved.

VyprVPN, on the other hand, sees far fewer mentions. It was more popular a few years ago, largely due to its self-owned servers and Chameleon protocol. However, more recent posts raise concerns about the removal of its no-logs policy page and vague language in its privacy documentation. Some users mention that VyprVPN still works well in restrictive countries, but overall, it’s less commonly recommended today.