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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

ExpressVPN vs NordVPN 2024

Table of Contents
    Editor's Note: Transparency and impartiality are important to us when bringing you our best selection of VPNs. Some of the industry-leading products on our list, including Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company. The VPNs we choose are derived from a thorough testing process.

    Which VPN Is Better?

    Author Image James Everard
    James Everard

    Senior Writer

    When it comes to brand recognition, NordVPN is possibly the only more familiar name than ExpressVPN, particularly if you regularly watch content creators online. But, the real question is, how do these two VPN big shots compare? In short, pretty well — they’re both fast with robust security and privacy practices. However, there are a few key differences.

    We subjected both services to a rigorous program of testing to find the better option across a broad range of metrics. We looked at speeds, streaming capabilities, torrenting, and a whole lot more. And, while it doesn’t win every category, we found an overall winner.

    Both VPNs are reliable, but if you want the fastest VPN with a user-friendly app, I recommend ExpressVPN. Its proprietary Lightway protocol puts it ahead of all its rivals, including NordVPN. However, that’s not to say that NordVPN is a bad choice. It’s certainly earned its reputation, and some users may prefer its more technical apps.

    Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings

    ExpressVPN NordVPN
    Overall Rating Rated 9.87/10

    www.expressvpn.com

    Rated 9.37/10

    www.nordvpn.com

    💲 Lowest Monthly Price $4.99/month for a 1-year plan + 3 months free $2.99/month for a 2-year plan
    🗓️ Price on Renewal $116.95 per year
    (subject to change)
    $99.48 per year
    (subject to change)
    🤑 Coupons ExpressVPN 61% Off 1-year + 3 months free NordVPN 74% Off 2-year plan
    💸 Money-Back Guarantee 30 days 30 days
    📺 Streaming Works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more Works with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more, but struggles with some regional platforms
    🌍 VPN Servers 105 countries with 3,000 servers 113 countries with 6,800 servers
    Speed 1% drop on nearby servers, 23% on faraway 3% drop on nearby servers, 23% on faraway
    🎮 Gaming Performance Optimal speed and ping Optimal speed and ping
    🧑‍🤝‍🧑 P2P Support Yes, on all servers Specialty P2P servers
    🔐 Security Protocols Lightway (UDP & TCP), OpenVPN (UDP & TCP), and IKEv2 NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN (UDP & TCP), IPSec/IKEv2 (via manual configuration)
    🔌 Kill Switch Yes, Network Lock Yes
    IP/DNS Leak Protection Yes Yes
    🏢 Based in Country British Virgin Islands Panama
    ⚠️ Does VPN Keep Logs No No
    Works in China Yes Maybe
    #️⃣ Number of Device Connections 8 10
    💻 Device Compatibility Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge

    Plus, a native app for routers

    Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge

    Plus, manual router setup

    🔧 Customer Support 24/7 live chat, knowledge base, FAQs, and email 24/7 live chat, knowledge base, FAQs, and email

    Streaming — ExpressVPN Works With More Regional Platforms

    Both VPNs are renowned for their streaming capabilities. They’re both fast, reliable, and work with most major streaming platforms. However, the key difference between them is how well they can access regional platforms in HD from anywhere.

    Streaming Platform ExpressVPN NordVPN
    Netflix ✅ Yes, including popular Netflix
    libraries like the US, UK, Canada,
    Japan, South Korea, and Switzerland
    ✅ Yes, including popular Netflix
    libraries like the US, UK, Canada,
    Japan, South Korea, and Switzerland
    Disney+ ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    ESPN ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    (HBO) Max ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    Hulu ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    Sky ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    Amazon Prime Video ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    BBC iPlayer ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
    DAZN ✅ Yes ☑️ Yes, but unreliable with the US library
    Hotstar ✅ Yes ❌ No

    Neither has specialty streaming servers, but that can be an advantage when a service’s entire fleet is streaming-friendly. It means you don’t have to hunt for specific servers or worry about high server load.

    ExpressVPN worked with every platform we tried. We could access BBC iPlayer in lag-free HD (the best available quality), and episodes loaded almost instantly. We also had no issues with Netflix US, DAZN, Hulu, and Max.

    Screenshot showing the ExpressVPN app over a browser streaming BBC iPlayerExpressVPN's Lightway protocol is ideal for streaming across any network

    NordVPN can similarly access all of the large global platforms in great quality from anywhere. We watched Sam and Cat on Netflix US with no buffering or interruptions. But, while it worked with BBC iPlayer, it couldn't safely access Hotstar and struggled with DAZN US. That may prove decisive if either platform is a favorite.

    Screenshot showing the NordVPN app connected to a UK server over a browser streaming NetflixNordVPN streamed Netflix with all of its UK locations

    Both offer stable connections and consistently fast speeds for streaming in HD or UHD. With both VPNs, we were all able to watch our favorite shows without our connections dropping out or slowing down at peak times.

    Editor’s note: The VPNs we recommend follow strict no-logs policies. That means they won’t monitor or log your online activities. Therefore, it’s down to you to use your VPN responsibly and follow the necessary rules and guidelines. My team and I oppose copyright infringement.
    Winner
    Both VPNs are great for streaming, with global server networks that allow safe access to popular platforms from anywhere. But ExpressVPN is more reliable with regional platforms, which earns it the win in this section.

    Server Network — ExpressVPN’s Versatility Proves a Virtue

    ExpressVPN NordVPN
    Total Countries With Servers 105 113
    Number of Servers 3,000 6,800

    This is another section where it took time to determine a winner. NordVPN’s server fleet is a little larger than that of ExpressVPN, and it offers a range of specialty servers. It offers Double VPN servers for double encryption (something ExpressVPN can’t match), P2P servers, and even Tor Over VPN  connections that let you browse the dark web in your regular browser.

    There are also some points worth mentioning in terms of privacy. NordVPN has been actively rolling out colocated (self-owned) servers to ensure their security and cut the middleman. Like most VPNs, ExpressVPN rents its servers from third parties. However, both VPNs offer virtual servers that provide private IPs in locations with strict VPN laws, like India.

    However, ExpressVPN’s versatile servers are worth mentioning. Each one supports streaming, P2P, and even obfuscation, which reduces the complexity of navigating servers and reconnecting for different activities.

    This is where the verdict got tricky for me because I can appreciate the benefits of both all-purpose and activity-optimized servers. That said, in the end, the versatility of ExpressVPN’s connections won me over as more convenient.

    Winner
    With a more diverse coverage of servers that make for easier navigation, ExpressVPN gets the nod.

    Speed — ExpressVPN’s Lightway Outshines NordLynx

    Our UK-based speed tester had base speeds of 250 Mbps. They used the fastest protocol available for each VPN, which was Lightway for ExpressVPN and NordLynx for NordVPN.

    Lightway and NordLynx are both proprietary protocols, and both were developed for speed without sacrificing security.

    The former was built from the ground up by ExpressVPN and has a tiny code base compared to most modern VPN protocols, which allows for faster data transmission. The latter was built on top of WireGuard to address the protocol’s underlying security concerns. It’s more robust than its predecessor, but it hasn’t lost any of the speed benefits.

    Screenshot showing the ExpressVPN app alongside online speed testsExpressVPN's upload speeds were remarkably consistent

    Both VPNs are renowned for their speeds, but ExpressVPN is a worthy winner, beating NordVPN in almost every test. It was at least a few megabits per second faster in each of our download tests, and while upload speeds were closer, ExpressVPN still won almost every time. If you’ve got a slower baseline connection, you’ll see a greater benefit to picking a VPN with the fastest possible speeds.

    Screenshot showing the NordVPN app alongside online speed testsNordVPN's US latency (ping) was notably quick

    Here’s a brief rundown of some of the speed tests we performed:

    Speed Tests ExpressVPN Average Download Speed NordVPN Average Download Speed ExpressVPN Average Upload Speed NordVPN Average Upload Speed
    Connected to a US server 219.31 Mbps 217.11 Mbps 24.85 Mbps 24.08 Mbps
    Connected to a UK server 244.77 Mbps 237.07 Mbps 24.88 Mbps 25.01 Mbps
    Connected to a Brazil server 173.93 Mbps 167.01 Mbps 23.61 Mbps 23.25 Mbps
    Winner
    A faster protocol ensures quicker speeds across all distances for ExpressVPN.

    Gaming — ExpressVPN Offers Easier Gaming Console Connections

    Ping is the crucial stat for gaming since it measures the latency between your commands and the on-screen response. Under 100 ms is ideal for smooth gameplay, and both VPNs manage that comfortably. The difference of a few ms between the services is negligible and makes no discernible impact on your gaming experience.

    Our UK-based speed tester also measured the ping of each service, starting with a baseline of 28 ms.

    ExpressVPN Lightway NordVPN NordLynx
    Quick Connect 31 ms 33 ms
    Connected to a US server 117 ms 111 ms
    Connected to a UK server 31 ms 33 ms
    Connected to a Brazil server 223 ms 220 ms

    Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN are fantastic for gaming on nearby servers. I was able to play Risk of Rain 2 on my friend’s dedicated server for hours with no ping spikes, even during peak hours.

    Screenshot showing the ExpressVPN app over the author playing Risk of Rain 2Nearby servers offer the fastest speeds and lowest ping for gaming

    However, I only recommend using local VPN servers because, like every VPN I’ve tested, the further away you connect, the laggier your game will be. Since both VPNs showed similarly good results, this category is a draw.

    Winner - draw
    /
    With excellent speeds and low ping, both services are great for gaming.

    Torrenting — Both are Fantastic for P2P

    All ExpressVPN’s servers support torrenting, but so do most of NordVPN’s. Once you connect, you can scroll down the server list to see a green light next to "P2P." In fact, only NordVPN’s Albania, Bolivia, North Macedonia, and Moldova locations don’t offer P2P support. Download speeds were too close to differentiate between the two.

    ExpressVPN’s obfuscation means that you can torrent on restrictive networks without adjusting your settings. Meanwhile, NordVPN offers a SOCKS5 proxy that provides faster downloads, but it doesn’t encrypt your data. So both services have a major selling point for torrenting, and your preference may depend on your circumstances.

    Editor’s note: While torrenting is legal almost everywhere, downloading copyrighted content isn’t. My team and I do not condone copyright infringement. Ensure you only torrent content within the public domain.
    Winner - draw
    /
    If server choice is an issue, go for ExpressVPN. If you just want fast downloads with a SOCKS5 proxy, NordVPN may be the choice.

    Security — NordVPN Has More Features

    Both services are highly secure, but NordVPN has a few enhanced features. Firstly, its Tor Over VPN servers allow you to access the Tor network and darknet websites on a regular browser, bypassing the notorious slowdowns of the Tor Browser.

    Security Feature ExpressVPN NordVPN
    Encryption level AES-256-GCM with 4096-bit DH key, SHA-512 HMAC authentication AES-256-GCM with 4096-bit DH key, SHA2-384 HMAC authentication
    Kill switch All operating systems. Use Lightway protocol when activating it on iOS All operating systems
    DNS/IP leak protection Yes Yes
    Protocols Lightway (UDP & TCP), OpenVPN (UDP & TCP), and IKEv2 NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN (UDP & TCP), IPSec/IKEv2 (via manual configuration)
    Split tunneling Yes Yes
    Private DNS servers Yes Yes
    Tor Over VPN servers No Yes
    RAM-only servers wipes data Yes Yes
    Ad & malware blocker Yes, Advanced Protection Yes, Threat Protection Pro
    Double hop servers No Yes
    Dedicated IP addresses No Yes
    Obfuscation technology Yes Yes

    Screenshot showing the NordVPN app over an online malicious content blocker testerNordVPN's Threat Protection Pro can even detect and protect agianst scam websites

    Secondly, NordVPN’s content blocker stopped 34% more dangerous annoyances in my tests. Threat Protection Pro is very effective and highly customizable; you can block any combination of ads, trackers, and malware, and it can scan every file you download for viruses. It can even scan your hard drive for dangerous files already on your device.

    Screenshot showing the ExpressVPN app over an online malicious content blocker testerExpressVPN also lets you block adult content, which is great for family PC and children's devices

    That’s not to say that ExpressVPN’s Advanced Protection was bad; in my experience, 60% is still pretty high for a VPN’s built-in ad blocker. However, the competing Threat Protection Pro knocked it out of the water.

    I appreciate that both VPNs give you options for how the kill switch operates. For instance, with ExpressVPN, you can allow devices on your local network to bypass the kill switch and maintain connections (like printers). NordVPN allows you to customize the kill switch function for specific apps. You can also have it cut your internet connection entirely when the VPN is disconnected either manually or unexpectedly.

    NordVPN also has some unusual advanced options. Meshnet lets you remotely connect to your other devices to create your own private network. You can even connect to friends and colleagues, provided they have NordVPN. It can help you bypass network restrictions at work, college, or on public WiFi.

    Finally, NordVPN boasts double-hop servers for extra encryption and dedicated (private) IP addresses to further evade VPN blocks. True, ExpressVPN’s obfuscation is fully integrated into every server, so it may still be a better choice if you prefer minimal configuration.

    Winner
    With a choice of security-focused servers and a highly effective malicious content blocker, NordVPN takes a slight lead over ExpressVPN here.

    Privacy — ExpressVPN Takes Your Privacy Seriously

    Both VPNs claim strict no-logs policies, ensuring your online activities remain private. ExpressVPN, based in the British Virgin Islands, and NordVPN in Panama, operate in jurisdictions outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances.

    NordVPN is owned by the same umbrella company as Surfshark, whereas ExpressVPN’s parent company also owns CyberGhost. All of these services are developed and managed as separate entities, and so have very different functionality.

    ExpressVPN has demonstrated its commitment to transparency by making its Lightway protocol open-source, allowing the tech community to inspect its security. In contrast, NordVPN's applications are not open-source, potentially raising concerns if you value transparency. Both VPNs accept Bitcoin, allowing you to make payments anonymously.

    On a similar note, ExpressVPN and NordVPN have both passed third-party audits of their no-logs policies. The former passed its audit in 2022, while the latter passed its fourth audit in 2024.

    However, it’s also worth noting that so far, ExpressVPN has a total of 18 passed audits that also cover its privacy policy, VPN routers, apps, browser extensions, and more. All of which are posted publicly on its site for anyone to read through. It even commissioned an audit in 2024 after it discovered a bug in how Windows handles DNS requests with split tunneling and published a paper detailing the issue.

    Regarding data breach history, NordVPN has faced security challenges, notably a server breach in 2018. Although it has taken significant steps to bolster its security since then, ExpressVPN has not suffered similar breaches, giving peace of mind regarding historical data security.

    Winner
    ExpressVPN emerges as a stronger choice for privacy due to its proactive transparency measures, clean security record, and favorable jurisdiction.

    Works in China — ExpressVPN Works More Consistently

    No safe VPN is 100% reliable for China. The Great Firewall (GFW) is constantly updated, which makes it hard for even the best-equipped VPNs to keep up.

    Saying that, ExpressVPN generally maintains more consistent performance in China. It offers obfuscation on every server, meaning you can bypass tough network blocks with minimal effort. Plus, it offers a mirror site that changes regularly so you can download it within the country.

    It also recommends servers for use in China, including Los Angeles 5, UK—Wembley, Singapore—Marina Bay, and France—Alsace.

    Meanwhile, NordVPN makes no guarantee of working in China, and suggests trying many different servers. You can contact its customer support for an updated list.

    Editor’s note: Only VPNs endorsed by the Chinese government are permitted in the country, but these are not secure. While non-government-approved VPNs aren’t permitted, there have been no publicly disclosed cases of tourists being persecuted for using them. All the same, please stay up to date with the law in China; the vpnMentor team does not condone flouting the law.
    Winner
    ExpressVPN is the only one that works more consistently in China. While NordVPN has a series of features that should let it work in the country, it can’t guarantee this.

    Installation & Ease of Use — ExpressVPN Wins With Ease

    Both services are straightforward to install across a number of devices and OSs. Once you open the apps, you may find that ExpressVPN is more user-friendly, with a stylish, intuitive app. I compared notes with the rest of the testing team and we all agreed that the app works the same across every device.

    Screenshot showing the 3 main views of the ExpressVPN appEspressVPN's settings are spread across 3 intuitive app views

    Unfortunately, I find NordVPN’s app quite cluttered. There are a lot of icons next to your main view, and it takes clicking through them to figure out what they do. In addition, the Windows app has a separate homepage that you can use to connect if you don’t like the world map, which isn’t available on macOS. Interestingly, the App Store and NordVPN’s official site offer 2 different macOS apps. It’s best to get the official site since you get access to more features, like Meshnet and Threat Protection’s full range of capabilities.

    Screenshot showing the NordVPN appNordVPN's layout is less intuitive, but includes some advanced options

    ExpressVPN also now has a travel-size router called Aircove Go, which is ideal for tech fans on the move. It’s small, lightweight, and ideal for use in hotels, coffee shops, and other public spaces. Alternatively, it has custom router firmware that provides easy installation on a wide range of routers. It also integrates the Lightway protocol and a kill switch for your router connections.

    Both VPNs have a feature that lets you preconfigure your settings for various online activities. With ExpressVPN, this is called Shortcuts, while NordVPN’s version is called Presets.

    Each VPN offers native apps for Apple TV, Fire TV, and Android TV, however, we found ExpressVPN’s smart TV apps a bit easier to navigate. I also appreciate that ExpressVPN’s Apple TV app comes with a kill switch to ensure your location data isn’t accidentally exposed in case of a sudden connection drop.

    Winner
    Advanced users may prefer NordVPN’s quirky features, but there’s no denying that ExpressVPN is easier and more intuitive to use.

    Reliability & Support — ExpressVPN Is the Best Around

    Customer Support Features ExpressVPN NordVPN
    24/7 Live chat Yes, responds immediately Yes, responds within a minute
    Email support Yes Yes
    Phone support No No
    Step-by-step setup guides Yes Yes
    Searchable knowledge base Yes Yes
    Exhaustive FAQ section Yes Yes

    I’ve never had to reinstall ExpressVPN, and I don’t remember it ever crashing. However, I’ve had the odd technical issue with NordVPN. Should you run into issues, both services offer a reliable 24/7 live chat feature, but I’ve found that ExpressVPN tends to be a little quicker to respond. Plus, its agents are among the most knowledgeable and efficient I’ve dealt with.

    Winner
    With a bug-free app and the best live chat in the business, you can rely on ExpressVPN.

    Pricing

    ExpressVPN NordVPN
    Starting Price $4.99/month $2.99/month
    Price (On Renewal) $116.95 per year
    (subject to change)
    $99.48 per year
    (subject to change)
    Money-Back Guarantee (Days) 30 days 30 days
    Number of devices per license 8 10
    Router Setup (for Unlimited Devices) Easy setup with a dedicated app Manual setup

    Both VPNs offer a range of plan durations — ExpressVPN has monthly, 6-month, and 1-year subscriptions, while NordVPN has monthly, 1-year, and 2-year options. It’s also worth noting that NordVPN has Plus and Complete subscriptions that include a few more security features. You can often find special discounts and coupons for each VPN, especially around Black Friday and other holidays.

    You get a couple of bonus security tools thrown in when you sign up for either VPN. For instance, ExpressVPN gives you access to Keys, which is a password manager that also scans for data breaches tied to your email. With NordVPN’s Plus and Complete plans, you get a similar tool called Data Breach Scanner. Every NordVPN subscription includes a Dark Web Monitor feature that scans the deep web for data leaks.

    However, NordVPN is considerably more affordable in the long run. Its renewal price is a bit better, too, though not by much.

    In my opinion, ExpressVPN is by far the better service, and with VPNs, you always get what you pay for. However, both of these services are quite evenly matched in a lot of areas. So, if you’re working on a budget, NordVPN is the service to go for.

    Both VPNs accept multiple payment methods, including credit and debit cards, PayPal, Sofort (Klarna), and cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more). NordVPN also accepts Amazon Pay and cash if you buy it from a retail store. And while ExpressVPN offers a 7-day free trial for both Android and iOS, NordVPN only offers this for Android.

    Winner
    It may not quite match ExpressVPN’s service, but NordVPN’s long-term plans offer undeniable value.

    Our Methodology for Testing ExpressVPN and NordVPN

    We thoroughly evaluated the two VPNs, concentrating on essential aspects such as streaming capabilities, P2P file sharing, and online gaming performance. Our analysis also includes a detailed review of overall speeds, security features, and privacy protections. We examined these factors alongside each service's pricing structure to identify which one provides the best value.

    For more details on our testing process and criteria, feel free to visit our methodology page. That way, you can make an informed decision while shopping for the best VPN for your particular needs.

    ExpressVPN vs. NordVPN — Reddit Opinions

    Both VPNs get praise for their speeds, streaming capabilities, and security credentials. ExpressvPN specifically gets props for its long-term reliability, and both services receive favorable support when compared to other VPNs.

    Screenshot showing positive feedback on Reddit for ExpressVPN and NordVPNMany Redditers have used either VPN for 5 years or more

    Our Score

    Features 9.9/10
    Pricing 9.4/10
    Ease of Use 10.0/10
    Reliability & Support 10.0/10
    Features 9.4/10
    Pricing 7.5/10
    Ease of Use 10.0/10
    Reliability & Support 9.5/10

    Reviews

    Review by our expert
    Author Image James Everard
    James Everard

    Senior Writer

    Our Score: 9.9/10

    ExpressVPN is one of the most popular and trusted names in the industry. It’s known for being one of the safest, fastest VPNs around, so I wanted to see if it can live up to these claims. It’s not the cheapest VPN, but it often offers discounts that make it a better value for the money. Other decent VPNs offer similar features for less in the long term. So, do you really need to pay that much...

    Read all
    Latest positive user review
    D
    Dijana
    10.0/10
    Amazing quality

    ExpressVPN is fantastic! It offers blazing fast speeds, strong security features, and a user-friendly ... interface. Perfect for streaming, browsing, and protecting your online privacy. Highly recommended!More

    Latest negative user review
    C
    Charli
    6.0/10
    Ok, but expensive

    Seems ok, but I wouldn't say it's worth $20AUD a month. That's steep if you live in a backwater like A... ustralia, where the currency is not valuable. Easy enough to set up - you don't need to be Einstein - but unless you're a tech nerd who can take a look under the bonnet, you'll just have to trust what they say about their product. It frequently drops out without the slightest warning, often when it's the only thing online at the time - despite fast and flawless fiber internet, rendering expression entirely useless UNLESS you have it sitting on your desktop where you can keep an eagle eye on it to actually see it when it drops out so you can kick it back into service again (it doesn't do it by itself), which seems to defeat its purpose, so I'm taking away 2 stars for that. Support is good and they do get back to you as fast as they can.More

    Review by our expert
    Author Image Keira Waddell
    Keira Waddell

    Former Senior Writer

    Our Score: 9.4/10

    On the surface, NordVPN looks like a really impressive service. It claims to have a huge global server network, a speedy and reliable connection, and iron-clad security and privacy features. Plus, you can get it all for just $2.99/month. That all sounds great, but is there a catch? To find out, we did an in-depth analysis of NordVPN. The team and I tested its speeds and how well it performs whe...

    Read all
    Latest positive user review
    2
    210493Lu
    10.0/10
    The Best of The Best

    I simply tested all VPNs looking for cutting-edge online security, I tested the most expensive and the...  most talked about virtual anonymity, none made me as happy as NordVPN, it stands out for several reasons that the much more expensive ones it doesn't have, its double encryption, dedicated IPs, onion VPN, makes NordVPN unique, with almost 6,000 servers around the world and 12 million customers like me, you can see that NordVPN is not playing games with its customers and their online security , it always innovates to keep you more secure day after day, for a fair price in the long term and without sacrificing the speed of your connection, recently Nord is developing a new VPN protocol, Nordlynx a version still under construction derived from the Wireguard protocol, if you want to have a VPN of last security that think how it will make you more secure in the next month NordVPN is the right choice, I am completely thankful for being a customer and for finding what to me is the perfect VPN.More

    Latest negative user review
    S
    SAM
    2.0/10
    BUYER BEWARE!

    BUYER BEWARE! If you purchase NordVPN, it will throttle your interned speed/connectivity by 50%, like ... it did to mine. I pay $100/month to get speeds of nearly 600mbs. With NordVPN turned on, my speeds decrease to 250mbs. Nord’s “customer support” is useless and unprofessional, and, after nearly 3 weeks of endless “try this, try that”, they were unable to resolve the issue and blamed it on everything under the sun except their product, when it is OBVIOUS that, since I have zero speed issues with Nord turned off, and ONLY experience the issues with Nord turned on, it is NordVPN that is causing the issue. When I asked them for a refund of my one year subscription paid in advance and in good faith, they refused, and have now decided to ignore me. So, YOU’VE BEEN WARNED. Their VPN will devastate your internet speeds, their “support” is ridiculous, they are in denial, and they will not refund your money, even if their product is a failure…More

    Best VPN by Category

    Best VPN Overall

    ExpressVPN is the better service overall since it provides a strong balance of speed, reliability, and security. It supports multiple devices and is consistently ranked highly for its user interface and customer support.

    Best VPN for Torrents

    ExpressVPN allows torrenting on all its servers and maintains high-speed connections, which is essential for downloading large files. However, NordVPN is the one to go for if you want a SOCKS5 proxy.

    Best VPN for Windows

    ExpressVPN offers a dedicated app for Windows that is easy to use and optimizes your connection automatically. It integrates seamlessly with Windows settings to maintain a secure connection.

    Best VPN for Android

    ExpressVPN on Android is robust and versatile, with features that protect your mobile activities. The app is light and runs smoothly on a range of Android devices. However, I do appreciate NordVPN’s tapjacking protection feature, which warns you if a malicious app attempts to intercept your Android’s connection.

    Best VPN for Mac

    ExpressVPN for Mac delivers a tailored experience that leverages the macOS platform for optimal performance. It offers intuitive usability and strong security protocols.

    Best VPN for iOS

    As with most categories, this is a close fight, but we'll give the win to NordVPN. ExpressVPN's iOS app is designed for simplicity while NordVPN provides more customizability, so it depends on what you're looking for.

    Best VPN for USA

    ExpressVPN offers numerous servers across the United States, facilitating reliable and fast connections. It also can safely access many US streaming platforms in UHD from anywhere.

    The Bottom Line

    ExpressVPN is the standout winner with its server versatility and proprietary Lightway protocol. That said, NordVPN’s long-term deal offers excellent value, and some tech fans may prefer its more feature-rich app.

    Nevertheless, I recommend trying ExpressVPN without risk since it’s backed by a money-back guarantee. If you’re not totally satisfied, you have 30 days to claim a full refund.

    FAQ

    Is ExpressVPN better than NordVPN?

    Yes, ExpressVPN is generally better and offers slightly faster speeds compared to NordVPN. It’s also a lot easier to use, with an intuitive and stylish app. However, NordVPN is not far behind; it provides robust security features and is generally more budget-friendly in the long term.​

    Is ExpressVPN faster than NordVPN?

    Yes, ExpressVPN generally shows better performance in terms of speed across its servers worldwide. This includes consistently higher speeds for browsing, streaming, and downloading large files. However, NordVPN also provides fast speeds, particularly on nearby servers, making it a competitive alternative.

    Which is better for China, ExpressVPN or NordVPN?

    ExpressVPN is the preferred option for use in China due to its automatic obfuscation. NordVPN may work in China, but this isn’t guaranteed. ExpressVPN's broader server support gives it an edge in reliability under restrictive network conditions. ​

    Do ExpressVPN or NordVPN offer any deals?

    Yes, both services offer a variety of deals. They frequently offer seasonal and promotional discounts, with NordVPN’s long-term deal offering particularly good value at 74% less than a regular subscription.

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    vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

    About the Author

    James conducts rigorous hands-on research and testing to evaluate dozens of VPNs for his articles. He's an advocate for digital freedom.