Whether you’re an individual or a business, a VPN can broaden and secure your internet access so you can forget your privacy and security concerns.
A VPN is essential to safeguard sensitive data, access geo-restricted content, optimize internet speed, and enhance cybersecurity. Thankfully, with experienced VPN players like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, you’re in good hands.
Both have developed their own protocols and include them alongside the usual ones like OpenVPN and IKEv2. Plus, they include features like malware protection and ad blockers, which are offered either as add-ons or as part of a plan.
While they may share many features, there are significant ways to distinguish between the two services. While ExpressVPN only serves up one plan, NordVPN provides three subscriptions increasingly packed with features. Both impressive services offer ways to try the software before committing.
Main Features |
NordVPN |
ExpressVPN |
Logo | ||
Rating | ||
Reviews | Reviews | Reviews |
Visit | Visit Site | Visit Site |
Coupons | Coupons | Coupons |
Countries | US, DE, FR, ES, IT, NL, PT... | US, UK, CA, DE, RU, FR, NL, ES... |
# Countries | 61 | 87 |
Bandwidth | Unlimited | Unlimited |
# Servers | 6089 | 136 |
# IPs | ||
# Connected Devices | 6 | 3 |
Headquarters | Lithuania | British Virgin Islands |
Founded | 2008 | 2009 |
Languages | EN, DE, FR, ES, IT, NL | EN, DE, ES, FR, NL, IT, TR |
Extra Services | Onion Over VPN, DNS Leak Test, Obfuscated Servers… | Built-in speed test |
Protocols |
NordVPN |
ExpressVPN |
OpenVPN | ||
PPTP | ||
L2TP | ||
SSTP | ExpressVPN | |
IPSec |
Encryption |
NordVPN |
ExpressVPN |
SSL | ||
Kill Switch |
OS/Device Support |
NordVPN |
ExpressVPN |
Windows 8 | ||
Windows 7 | ||
Windows Vista | ||
Windows XP | ||
Mac | ||
iOS | ||
Android | ||
Linux Ubuntu | ||
Linux Fedora | ||
Xbox One | ||
PlayStation | ||
Apple TV | ||
Chromebook | ||
DD-WRT | ||
Tomato |
Pricing |
NordVPN |
ExpressVPN |
Lowest Price | $3.39/mo | $8.32/mo |
1 Month Plan | $12.99/mo | $12.95/mo |
3 Months Plan | n/a | |
6 Months Plan | $9.99/mo ($59.95) | |
1 Year Plan | $4.49/mo ($67.35) | $8.32/mo ($99.95) |
Free Trial | ||
Free Plan | ||
Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
Payment Methods |
NordVPN |
ExpressVPN |
Visa | ||
PayPal | ||
Mastercard | ||
American Express | ||
Wire Transfer | ||
Discover | ||
Payza | ||
Amazon Payments | ||
Google Checkout | ||
Liberty Reserve | ||
Bitcoins |
Customer Support |
NordVPN |
ExpressVPN |
24/7 | ||
Live Chat | ||
Community | ||
On Call | ||
Remote Desktop |
NordVPN
With numerous awards, NordVPN has earned a reputation as one of the most popular VPN services. Combining over 6,000 speedy servers in 61 countries with its attractive price, it consistently secures the top spot on the podium of VPNs.
It uses OpenVPN and IKEv2 and its own protocol, WireGuard-based NordLynx, to provide users with outstanding fast and stable connections and minimal data logging.
As well as simple and intuitive apps for most operating systems and browsers, it’s possible to set NordVPN up on Android TVs and gaming consoles. NordVPN doesn’t fall short on security with its killswitch, multihop, and split tunneling. On top of that, it provides uncommon features like the Onion Over VPN – a tool that allows you to use the Tor browser with extra security.
NordVPN also includes an ad and tracker blocker, malware protection, and SmartPlay, which helps you stream restricted content. Unfortunately, NordVPN is limited to six devices and charges extra for essential features like dedicated IP addresses.
With three options for subscriptions and billing cycles, its one-year subscription for the Ultimate plan is the cheapest option, representing 64% off the monthly price. There’s also a 7-day free trial for Android, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and plenty of resources to help you get better acquainted with the software.
ExpressVPN
With over 20 years of experience, ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries. It includes extras like a password manager and an ad blocker, blurring the line between a VPN and internet security suite.
Its protocols include OpenVPN, IKEv2, and its own high-performing Lightway. Users get a kill switch, unlimited bandwidth, and multi-device support. All its apps are well-designed with a simple interface and are compatible with the most popular browsers and operating systems, such as Chrome, Firefox, Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS.
ExpressVPN is compatible with selected routers, but it upped its game when it developed Aircove, which was designed to make it easier to use the software. The VPN comes pre-installed on this router, and after activating your subscription, you can enjoy download speeds of up to 1,200 Mbps.
As well as bypassing ISP bandwidth throttling, ExpressVPN lets you access game or TV show releases from countries with early launch dates and only limits simultaneous use to eight devices.
You can try ExpressVPN through its 30-day money-back guarantee or 7-day free trial for iOS and Android. Users get all its features no matter the billing cycle, plus 24/7 live support and helpful resources like instructions, FAQs, and troubleshooting.
Conclusion
Despite minor differences, one thing we can attest to is that both NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer top-notch features. NordVPN covers almost half the countries offered by ExpressVPN but provides more servers, with over 6,000.
Interestingly, both solutions have their own protocols that perform similarly well and outperform IKEv2 and OpenVPN.
While NordVPN allows for six simultaneously connected devices, ExpressVPN provides for eight. It’s not a big difference, but it still might be enough to win over some users. In addition to providing intuitive apps for all the prominent operating systems, they’re compatible with certain routers, with ExpressVPN even offering its own.
NordVPN offers more subscription options, but it also limits features across plans. This is not the case with ExpressVPN, which provides the full service with one plan. Ultimately, both offer a well-rounded VPN solution with attractive features, prices, free trials, and refunds.
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jonathan avildsen says
express vpn is a bit slow in china. so i cant really watch videos most of the time. sometimes i am unable to connect altogether.