Choose NordVPN If...
You want the fastest speeds, best value for money, and the most features. NordVPN offers ~6% speed loss, 6,400+ servers in 111 countries, built-in ad blocking with Threat Protection Pro, and prices starting at just $3.39/mo on the 2-year plan.
Choose ExpressVPN If...
You want the smoothest user experience and the most reliable streaming performance. ExpressVPN is the easiest VPN to use, offers the fastest live chat support (under 30 seconds), and consistently unblocks every major streaming platform without hassle.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Price | $3.39/mo (2yr) | $6.67/mo (1yr) | NordVPN |
| Speed Loss | ~6% | ~15% | NordVPN |
| Servers | 6,400+ in 111 countries | 3,000+ in 108 | NordVPN |
| Devices | 10 | 10 | Tie |
| Protocol | NordLynx | Lightway | Tie |
| Post-Quantum | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Kill Switch | App + internet | Network lock | NordVPN |
| Ad Blocker | Threat Protection Pro | No | NordVPN |
| Streaming | Excellent | Most consistent | ExpressVPN |
| No-Logs Audits | Deloitte (multiple) | KPMG, PwC, Cure53 | Tie |
| Ease of Use | Very Good | Best in Class | ExpressVPN |
| Live Chat | 1-3 min | Under 30 sec | ExpressVPN |
Speed Comparison
Speed is where NordVPN has pulled ahead decisively. Thanks to its proprietary NordLynx protocol (built on WireGuard), NordVPN delivers an average speed loss of just ~6% on nearby servers. That means if your base connection is 500 Mbps, you can expect around 470 Mbps while connected -- virtually imperceptible for streaming, gaming, and large downloads.
ExpressVPN uses its own Lightway protocol, which is also fast but averages closer to ~15% speed loss. On a 500 Mbps connection, you would see around 425 Mbps. Still excellent for everyday use, but the gap is noticeable in speed-sensitive scenarios like 4K streaming on multiple devices or competitive online gaming.
For long-distance connections (US to Europe, for example), NordVPN maintains better speeds thanks to its larger server network of 6,400+ servers across 111 countries compared to ExpressVPN's 3,000+ in 108 countries.
Pricing & Value
NordVPN offers dramatically better value. Its 2-year plan comes in at $3.39/mo, roughly half the cost of ExpressVPN. Even NordVPN's monthly plan ($12.99) is cheaper than ExpressVPN's monthly rate ($12.95 -- nearly identical, but Nord includes more features at that price).
ExpressVPN is the more premium option at $6.67/mo on its best annual plan. You are paying more for a polished experience, but the core VPN functionality is comparable. ExpressVPN does not offer a 2-year plan, which limits long-term savings.
The value gap widens when you consider that NordVPN includes Threat Protection Pro (ad blocking, malware scanning, tracker blocking) at no extra cost, while ExpressVPN offers no equivalent feature. Over a 2-year period, NordVPN saves you approximately $80 compared to ExpressVPN.
Security & Privacy
Both VPNs take security seriously, and both have been independently audited multiple times. NordVPN has undergone multiple audits by Deloitte confirming its no-logs policy, and it operates RAM-only servers that wipe all data on reboot. It also offers advanced features like Double VPN (routing traffic through two servers), Onion over VPN, and a dedicated IP option.
ExpressVPN has been audited by KPMG, PwC, and Cure53, and its TrustedServer technology (RAM-only) is considered an industry benchmark. Both providers support post-quantum encryption, future-proofing your connection against quantum computing threats.
NordVPN's kill switch is slightly more flexible, offering both an app-level kill switch (cuts internet only for specific apps) and a full internet kill switch. ExpressVPN's Network Lock works reliably but only at the system level. For most users, both are equally secure.
Streaming Performance
This is ExpressVPN's strongest category. It consistently unblocks Netflix (all major libraries), Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more with virtually zero configuration. It just works -- connect to a server in the right country and start watching. ExpressVPN also offers a MediaStreamer DNS feature for devices that do not support VPN apps natively (smart TVs, gaming consoles).
NordVPN is also excellent at unblocking streaming services and succeeds with all major platforms. However, occasional server switching may be needed -- if one server does not unblock a specific library, another in the same country usually will. NordVPN's SmartPlay feature handles most of this automatically, but ExpressVPN's consistency gives it the edge for dedicated streamers.
Our Verdict
NordVPN Wins for Most Users
Faster, cheaper, and more feature-rich -- NordVPN is the better overall value.
NordVPN wins this comparison for the majority of users. It is faster, significantly cheaper, and includes more features (Threat Protection Pro, Double VPN, dedicated IPs) than ExpressVPN. For anyone who values speed and savings, NordVPN is the clear choice.
ExpressVPN earns its premium with the smoothest user experience in the industry. If you want a VPN that requires zero technical knowledge, offers instant live chat support, and delivers the most consistently reliable streaming experience, ExpressVPN justifies the higher price. It is the VPN we recommend to anyone who values simplicity above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NordVPN really faster than ExpressVPN?
Yes. In our 2026 testing, NordVPN averaged ~6% speed loss compared to ExpressVPN's ~15%. NordLynx (NordVPN's protocol) consistently outperforms Lightway (ExpressVPN's protocol) on both nearby and long-distance server connections. The difference is most noticeable on high-speed connections above 300 Mbps.
Can both VPNs unblock Netflix?
Yes, both NordVPN and ExpressVPN reliably unblock Netflix in the US, UK, Canada, Japan, and other major libraries. ExpressVPN tends to be slightly more consistent (fewer server switches needed), but both work well for streaming across all major platforms including Disney+, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
Are both VPNs safe to use?
Absolutely. Both have been independently audited by major firms (Deloitte for NordVPN; KPMG, PwC, and Cure53 for ExpressVPN), both operate RAM-only server infrastructure, and both support post-quantum encryption. Either VPN will protect your privacy and security at the highest level.