ExpressVPN vs NordVPN: 2023

Kate Richards

Managing Editor

Most reviewers will tell you it’s hard to pick a winner between ExpressVPN and NordVPN. And for the most part, I agree — you can’t really go wrong with either of these industry-leading VPNs. But make no mistake, there are important differences between them.

I tested both VPNs for speed, streaming, torrenting, gaming, customer support, and more. I carefully compared their plans and pricing, including hidden costs. I also considered each VPN’s privacy policy and looked into the way they’ve handled user data in the past.

My honest recommendation? Both VPNs are fast, easy to use, and able to access most streaming platforms. But if you care about your online privacy, ExpressVPN is your best option.

NordVPN isn’t a bad alternative by any means. Still, it has servers in fewer countries around the world, it’s less reliable for streaming, and it recently made some questionable changes to its privacy policy. Find out more below.

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Streaming and Netflix Access — ExpressVPN Wins by a Narrow Margin

ExpressVPN and NordVPN are both reliable options for streaming shows and unblocking platforms. However, NordVPN used to have issues unblocking Netflix US in the past, and there were also a few occasions when some servers wouldn’t unblock specific sites, such as Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max.

That said, after asking customer service for a list of working servers, I managed to get around these issues. Whenever I used a recommended server, I had no problem with access.

While both VPNs can access most streaming platforms and are fast enough to allow HD (and even 4k) streaming, ExpressVPN gave me the best speed. I could access over 20 Netflix regions without annoying interruptions or buffering.

I had no problem watching the latest Netflix US releases while traveling — shows loaded immediately

NordVPN’s streaming speeds were more inconsistent as I encountered some buffering on long-distance servers. This never happened with ExpressVPN. Plus, there were a few more instances where I couldn’t bypass geoblocks with NordVPN.

With NordVPN, I could continue watching NCIS on Netflix US without buffering

Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN also offer smart DNS solutions that allow you to stream global content on devices incompatible with VPNs. Smart DNS services bypass geoblocks by hiding your real location but differ from a VPN in that your traffic won’t be encrypted.

ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer feature works across various devices that aren’t compatible with VPNs. What I find immensely helpful are the step-by-step instructions that walk you through the smart DNS setup for numerous devices like LG TVs, Apple TV, Playstation, routers, Windows, Amazon Fire TV, Nintendo Switch, and more.

NordVPN offers the same smart DNS functionality as ExpressVPN’s Mediastreamer. However, there seem to only be setup guides for LG and Apple TVs. There are just 2 DNS server addresses for all other devices (so I had to figure out how to set it up myself).

NordVPN does have another feature called SmartPlay, which gives you smart DNS functionality plus VPN encryption. But this feature only works through the NordVPN app, so if your device isn’t compatible with VPNs in the first place, you’d still have to go through the regular smart DNS setup.

Winner

Both VPNs are excellent for streaming 4K quality content buffer-free. However, ExpressVPN is my top choice, with slightly faster speeds for watching your favorite TV shows, movies, and live sports in UHD without delays. Plus, its MediaStreamer feature lets you stream US and UK content on all your devices, including Xbox and Amazon Fire TV.
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Server Network — ExpressVPN Is Available in 50% More Countries

While it’s true that NordVPN has more servers, these are mostly restricted to Europe and North America. On the other hand, ExpressVPN has better global coverage, with servers in Europe and North America in addition to South America, mainland Asia, and Africa.

If you’re in one of the regions covered by NordVPN and you only want access to a few popular streaming libraries like Netflix US and UK, then this won’t make a difference for you. But if you live in one of the 34 countries only covered by ExpressVPN, or if you want access to a broader range of local content and services, ExpressVPN is the only reliable option.

Some reviewers will tell you that a more significant number of servers means less overcrowding and faster speeds, but this is a sweeping statement not reflected in most speed tests. As you’ll see below, ExpressVPN was actually slightly faster in our tests compared to NordVPN.

Winner

ExpressVPN's servers are distributed worldwide in 94 countries, so you won't have a problem finding one to access the content you need. NordVPN's network is mainly limited to Europe and North America.
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Speed — ExpressVPN Is Slightly Faster than NordVPN

ExpressVPN and NordVPN are two of the fastest VPNs on the market, but I was determined to pick a winner. I tested servers in various locations around the world, including the US, UK, and Hong Kong.

My average download speed without a VPN was 55.06 Mbps, and my average upload speed without a VPN was 71.73 Mbps. I got the best results using each VPN’s proprietary protocol — ExpressVPN’s Lightway and NordVPN’s NordLynx.

I experienced only a 1.4% speed drop when using ExpressVPN’s best server option and Lightway protocol

NordVPN’s best server option with NordLynx did not disappoint — my speed was reduced by only 14.43%

Both VPNs are super fast — with speed drops so low you won’t even notice them. Generally, you can expect a VPN to slow you down by about 20%, so these results are excellent. However, ExpressVPN was a little faster, making it my go-to for streaming and torrenting.

Winner - draw

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Both VPNs' download speeds exceeded the 25 Mbps needed for UHD streaming. Keep in mind, however, that ExpressVPN consistently provides faster download and upload speeds. The difference was too small to pick a definitive winner, but it was there.

Gaming — ExpressVPN Is Excellent for Lag-Free Gaming

Unlike average download and upload speed, with gaming, you want a low ping, ideally below 100 ms. I conducted tests on a few fast-paced online shooter games and didn’t experience any lag with ExpressVPN.

However, with both VPNs, the ping rate on long-distance servers (like Hong Kong) is too high for online games.

While its best server option gave the lowest ping at 12 ms, NordVPN didn’t fare well on UK servers, creating delays while trying to play Counter-Strike. With ExpressVPN, I got the best performance with smoother frames.

Enjoy first-person shooter games with a lower ping when using ExpressVPN

Winner

With low ping rates on local servers and US and UK locations, ExpressVPN is great for fast-paced shooter games. Even though NordVPN’s Quick Connect option recorded the fastest gaming speed, it didn’t do very well when choosing a server in another country.
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Security — NordVPN Comes Out On Top With More Features

NordVPN takes the lead here with its specialized security servers, an ad and malware blocker, and dedicated IP addresses, which ExpressVPN lacks. However, ExpressVPN is still a robust service that will protect your data from snoops and hackers.

In addition to standard protocols like OpenVPN, IP/Sec, L2TP, and IKEv2, ExpressVPN and NordVPN have a modern protocol unique to them. NordVPN's NordLynx protocol is based on WireGuard, whereas ExpressVPN's Lightway uses a similarly efficient encryption library.

Both protocols are a significant upgrade to OpenVPN, and both gave me similar results in terms of speed. That said, Lightway has a slight advantage in that its lightweight code is designed to consume less battery on mobile devices.

ExpressVPN and NordVPN use AES-256-bit encryption, the highest encryption standard used by leading security agencies. However, ExpressVPN's encryption key is longer (4,096 bits vs. 2,048 bits), making it even harder to crack. Another feature I liked is that ExpressVPN has a brief description of each protocol in the security settings, whereas NordVPN doesn't. This is most helpful when choosing a protocol.

With ExpressVPN, you can easily choose your level of protection — each security protocol provides a quick definition

Regarding server security, NordVPN offers Double Hop, redirecting your internet traffic through 2 servers instead of 1 to increase your encryption. However, both VPNs offer Onion Over VPN — using the Tor network to provide multiple layers of encryption. Either of these server options is excellent for protecting sensitive data but will significantly slow your speeds.

On top of that, both VPNs have obfuscated servers that make your VPN traffic appear as regular traffic, preventing Deep Packet Inspection (DPI). Not only is this great for efficiently bypassing tough geo-restrictions, but it provides increased online anonymity.

You can switch on NordVPN’s obfuscated servers under settings by clicking ‘Auto-connect’ and choosing ‘Obfuscated servers’ from the ‘Custom’ drop-down list. Just make sure the OpenVPN protocol is selected. ExpressVPN will automatically turn on obfuscation when detecting DPIs — you don’t need to do anything.

ExpressVPN and NordVPN run their entire networks with RAM-based servers, which wipe all server data after every reboot. This feature is known as TrustedServer technology on ExpressVPN, while NordVPN doesn’t give it a name. The security benefit is that it won’t store your data for long periods, making it more challenging for third parties to get hold of it.

Your data won’t be exposed accidentally, either, as ExpressVPN and NordVPN have a kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. The kill switch cuts your internet connection if your VPN drops, while the DNS/IP leak protection prevents third parties from obtaining your DNS requests and real location (IP address). However, NordVPN gives you a choice of 2 kill switches, one for specific apps or one for your entire device.

A key feature of NordVPN that ExpressVPN lacks is its ad and malware blocker called CyberSec. It blocks annoying ads and warns you if you try to access a malware-ridden site. ExpressVPN recently released a new feature called Threat Manager that stops you from communicating with malicious tracking sites, but it won’t block ads or malware.

Additionally, NordVPN has a download scanner that automatically checks downloaded files for malware and a Dark Web Monitor that continuously scans sites on the dark web for your personal information, so it doesn't get exploited.

NordVPN offers you a variety of security settings to help keep you safe online wherever you travel

You can also set both ExpressVPN and NordVPN to automatically start up and connect to a server when you turn on your device, meaning it stays protected the whole time. They also stop repeated data from creating patterns by regularly scrambling encryption packets during the encryption process.

Winner

Both VPNs will keep you safe online and are excellent for protecting your privacy. However, NordVPN offers more security features, such as an ad blocker and Double VPN. Plus, NordVPN has dedicated IP addresses for secure access to your remote business network.
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Privacy — ExpressVPN Protects Users’ Privacy, NordVPN Isn’t Sure

Until recently, I'd have said both ExpressVPN and NordVPN are reliable services that maintain your online privacy at all costs. After all, both are based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions and have strict no-logs policies audited by independent PwC.

However, NordVPN has recently made some troubling changes to its privacy policy. Before, it claimed never to store or share user data with authorities. Now it's changed its tune to say it will both log and share data with foreign governments, so long as the requests abide by international laws and regulations. This is despite the fact that NordVPN is based in Panama, outside the intelligence-sharing pact of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance.

On the other hand, ExpressVPN has never given its users cause for concern. Based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN continues to maintain a clear no-logs policy that states it will never collect or store private user information.

Even when its servers were seized by the Turkish government a few years back, officials found no data whatsoever, further proving that ExpressVPN stays true to its no-logs policy.

You’ll need to provide your name, email address, and payment method when signing up for either service. If you’re concerned about providing your email address, you can use a throwaway email for additional privacy. Anonymous payment methods are available on both services, too, as they accept cryptocurrency payments. NordVPN accepts payments in 8 cryptocurrencies, whereas ExpressVPN only accepts payments in 2.

Winner

ExpressVPN is the better option for privacy, since NordVPN now has a fairly ambiguous approach to logging and sharing user data.
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Works in China — ExpressVPN Is The More Reliable Choice

Both VPNs work in China, but ExpressVPN is more consistent when unblocking sites like Facebook, Google, and YouTube. It even provides an alternative website for users in China since the main ExpressVPN website is blocked over there. That said, I strongly recommend downloading and installing your VPN before arriving in China to stay safe.

Another drawback of NordVPN is that it requires you to manually configure it to work in China. I had to contact customer service for configuration instructions, which involved turning off the CyberSec feature and disabling location services. All of this was rather frustrating and time-consuming.

Winner

ExpressVPN is the preferred VPN for China as it leaves less room for error and doesn’t require manual configuration.
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Installation & Ease of Use — The Winner Depends on Personal Preference

ExpressVPN's mobile and desktop applications are user-friendly and streamlined. The primary interface features a prominent on/off button, allowing for swift connection to a server to instantly activate protection.

Clicking on the Selected Location button opens a separate window with a list of recommended servers and the option to see all the countries ExpressVPN is located in. There's also a Smart Location tab that shows the best server available and a Recent Location tab that displays your most recently used server.

ExpressVPN makes it easy to locate and connect to the best server for streaming or safe browsing

The hamburger icon on the top gives you access to settings — click the gear icon for more advanced features, like enabling/disabling the kill switch, changing security protocols, enabling Threat Manager, and managing account settings. You’ll also notice the ExpressVPN app is available in 16 languages.

NordVPN’s app conveniently displays a world map with markers for each server location. If you click on the marker, it will connect you to a server in that area. On the left of the desktop app, you will see the full server list and 3 preference tabs, which take you to different settings.

In the mobile app, you will find the server list and preference tabs positioned at the bottom, while the map is located at the top. The app versions, regardless of platform, include a convenient quick connect button that instantly establishes a connection to the most optimal server available.

NordVPN’s visually appealing world map allows you to click on a marker to connect to a server in that location

Settings-wise, NordVPN lets you combine custom VPN settings with different shortcuts. For example, you can set a shortcut for speeds and settings for your preferred protocol, server location, and server type. You can also turn on the Dark Web Monitor that scans for leaked data on the dark web and see statistics for your VPN use.

Both VPNs are compatible with all major operating systems, which include Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. Installing the apps on my MacBook Pro took around 30 seconds and a little under 20 on my smartphone, meaning there wasn't a clear winner for installation. You can manually install them on routers, although ExpressVPN has a custom router app that makes protecting all your WiFi-connected devices much easier.

Winner - draw

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Both VPNs are quick to set up and beginner-friendly. However, I did find it a bit more complicated to change settings and activate certain features with NordVPN. Also, ExpressVPN was much easier to install and use on routers.

Reliability & Support — Great Customer Service Provided by Both VPNs

ExpressVPN and NordVPN have plenty of customer support agents who are knowledgeable and easy to get hold of. You can go to either site and use the 24/7 live chat to get immediate assistance. It’s also possible to ask questions by sending an email or support ticket, and the replies are generally prompt. Another option is to check out the very detailed FAQ sections, blogs, video guides, or how-to pages on both sites.

I received prompt and friendly responses from the agents on live chat when I contacted both ExpressVPN and NordVPN. However, when I sent an email to ExpressVPN asking for assistance with installing MediaStreamer, it took them 1 hour and 53 minutes to reply. On the other hand, it took NordVPN 3 hours and 37 minutes to respond to my email about customizing servers for China.

Winner - draw

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Both VPNs have 24/7 live chat support, an extensive searchable knowledge base with step-by-step video installation guides, and took less than 4 hours to respond via email, so this section is a tie.

Tips on Choosing Between ExpressVPN and NordVPN

With many factors to compare, choosing between ExpressVPN and NordVPN isn't straightforward. Much of it is based on personal preference and what you want to use the VPN for. However, below are the criteria I used when comparing these 2 services. Feel free to use it to aid your decision-making:

• Bypassing geoblocks — This is especially important when traveling abroad and needing to access your subscriptions. I tested both VPNs with several popular streaming sites and services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.
• Fast speeds — All VPNs will reduce your speeds because of the extra encryption and longer distances between you and the VPN server. But with a good VPN, you shouldn't notice any delays.
• Server networks — VPNs with extensive server networks worldwide are preferable because they give you more ways to get around geo-restrictions. Plus, servers are less likely to become overcrowded, resulting in faster speeds.
• Robust security features — Besides AES 256-bit encryption, a world-class VPN should have a kill switch, advanced security protocols, and DNS/IP leak protection to keep you safe online.
• Respectable privacy practices — A trustworthy VPN should adhere to a strict no-logs policy so you have peace of mind that your personal information won't be collected or shared.
• Easy to use — Make sure the VPN you choose has apps for your favorite devices that are straightforward to install and use. Also, have a look at how accessible the security settings are.
• Trustworthy money-back guarantee — On top of affordable pricing plans, a reputable VPN should have a money-back guarantee that lets you get your money back if you change your mind.