How to Choose Between NordVPN and ExpressVPN
Check almost every best VPN list (including ours) and you’ll likely see NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or both mentioned. These two packages have been providing top-tier VPN services for years now, so I wanted to take a closer look at what each has to offer.
Choosing the right VPN is something you need to spend a lot of time on because the best VPN for one person won’t necessarily be the best VPN for someone else – it depends on the features you need and the amount you’re willing to spend.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: The Basics
I’ve provided a brief overview of these two services below – note that the selection of Panama and the British Virgin Islands is intended to keep users outside of various data monitoring legislations and beyond the reach of certain organizations to protect your web browsing from governments and law enforcement agencies.
I’ve outlined the prices based on the numbers displayed at the time of writing this guide, but both services regularly adjust their prices, especially in terms of discounts and special offers – and you can save a lot if you pay annually. or two in advance. The NordVPN and ExpressVPN websites will provide the latest prices.
NordVPN
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Operates from: Panama
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Price: from $11.95 per month.
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Server coverage: 61 countries
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Maximum number of connections: 6
ExpressVPN
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Operates from: British Virgin Islands.
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Price: from $12.95 per month.
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Server coverage: 105 countries.
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Maximum number of connections: 8
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Setup and Software
It’s good to note that both NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not completely satisfied with the service they offer, and the apps provided by both of these VPN providers are easy to set up, keeping you covered on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS and even some smart TVs, including Apple TV and Fire TV devices.
As for NordVPN’s desktop client, you can get started in just a few clicks, and I appreciate the fast connection (and quick pause option). This is the type of software that you can leave running in the background, although there are plenty of more advanced options like split tunneling (to exclude certain apps from the VPN) if you dig a little deeper.
Setting up ExpressVPN on your desktop is even faster and easier, and you’re simply given a VPN on/off button. As with NordVPN, you can find more advanced options (like split tunneling) if you open the full interface—the software isn’t as polished in terms of visuals as NordVPN, but it gets the job done.
I found ExpressVPN to be a little faster to connect and switch between servers, but it doesn’t really have that much to offer. If you really value simplicity and speed, then ExpressVPN practically beats it, but NordVPN isn’t far behind and offers software that’s a little easier on the eyes.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Performance and Features
You can rely on NordVPN and ExpressVPN to quickly access the Internet from dozens of countries: ExpressVPN offers more countries, although NordVPN offers more connection options within each country. Both services have a third-party verified no-logs policy, so they don’t keep track of what you do online.
In my testing, both services delivered similar speeds: the differences were small and country-specific, but I didn’t notice much of a slowdown in broadband speeds without a VPN. It’s worth noting that I was unable to connect to Netflix “from abroad” through either NordVPN or ExpressVPN – these apps constantly play cat and mouse with streaming platforms.
Reliability is also good across the board, and I didn’t notice any issues with dropped connections or slow speeds with either NordVPN or ExpressVPN. Of course, performance in your part of the world may vary, and you may want to consider trying both of these options for yourself before using the 30-day money back offer on the one you like least.
I mentioned split tunneling, and you’ll also find built-in ad blocking, a choice of VPN protocols, private DNS options, and a kill switch (to kill your connection if your VPN access breaks) in both NordVPN and ExpressVPN. At a more advanced level, NordVPN offers some features that ExpressVPN doesn’t, such as connections through the Onion network. You can also get a dedicated IP address from NordVPN, but it will cost extra.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Verdict
When you compare the two best, most established and well-reviewed VPNs in the business, it’s clear that the margins will be small. Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN give you affordable, fast, reliable, and secure internet access, and you can rest assured that your online activity will be securely encrypted and not logged.
After testing both products, I’m very happy to recommend both. Venture into the wilds of the Internet and you’ll find a plethora of speed tests, most of which have NordVPN leading the way, but in my time with VPN clients I’ve found them to be more or less equal. It’s important to note that the impact on speed wasn’t too great compared to not using a VPN.
ExpressVPN is a little easier to use, and NordVPN offers one or two more advanced features – so perhaps this is one way to choose between them. With dedicated IP networks and Onion/Tor, NordVPN certainly does more for those who really want to delve into what an online privacy package has to offer.
In the end, your choice may come down to pricing: take a look at what ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer in their monthly and annual plans, and what you include in them. It’s a good idea to sign up for a month first to see how you get on with NordVPN or ExpressVPN before making a long-term commitment.