ExpressVPN vs. NordVPN: Which VPN is Better in 2025?

Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN are well-known names in the VPN industry, offering reliable services for users’ online privacy. Although ExpressVPN was launched way earlier, NordVPN became one of the top VPN providers rather quickly. Since internet users often choose both providers, it’s necessary to compare them to find out which one is better in 2025.

In this NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison, I extensively tested both services, working closely with the VPNOverview researchers, to help you make a well-informed decision when choosing between them. To find which is better, I looked into their security measures, speed, and streaming capabilities. I also reviewed their server network, no-logs policy, and app interface. After a thorough examination, NordVPN proved to win over ExpressVPN in 2025. Continue reading and find out why NordVPN is better than ExpressVPN.

	Editor’s Pick
VPN
Servers	9000+	Unspecified
Connections	10	14
Netflix
Torrent options
Operating systems	Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux	Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux
Money-back guarantee	Money-back guarantee, 30 Days	Money-back guarantee, 30 Days
Price	$ 3.49	$ 2.49
	Visit NordVPN	Visit ExpressVPN

What are the main differences between ExpressVPN and NordVPN?

After extensive testing, my results revealed that NordVPN is better than ExpressVPN for several reasons. Compared to ExpressVPN, NordVPN has more advanced features, which will enhance your online privacy. Even though it offers more features, NordVPN is also more affordable than ExpressVPN. You will also get access to more servers worldwide with NordVPN, ensuring a smooth and safe browsing experience.

Below, you can find the main differences between NordVPN and ExpressVPN:

• NordVPN offers better pricing. The starting price for a 2-year ExpressVPN subscription is $ 2.49/month, while you can get NordVPN’s 2-year plan for only $ 3.49/month.
• NordVPN provides more security features. Both providers offer premium services with additional features, but NordVPN offers more for a better price. With NordVPN, you can also use Double VPN, Onion over VPN, Meshnet, and Obfuscated servers, which you will not get with ExpressVPN.
• NordVPN allows more simultaneous connections. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are compatible with all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. However, NordVPN is better than ExpressVPN as it allows 10 simultaneous connections, while ExpressVPN allows only 8.
• NordVPN is faster. Both providers guarantee stable speeds for a smooth browsing experience, but after my tests, NordVPN proved to be faster than ExpressVPN. The average download speed of NordVPN while connected to local servers was 190 Mbps and 175 Mbps for ExpressVPN.
• NordVPN is better for streaming. NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer a wide selection of servers, provide fast speeds, and successfully bypass geo-restrictions, so you should not experience any issues while streaming. However, NordVPN excels in streaming, as during my testing, it unblocked more geo-restricted streaming services than ExpressVPN.

NordVPN

Deal

Get 75% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free

Visit NordVPN

Which has more servers: NordVPN or ExpressVPN?

While both providers provide many servers for a flawless VPN experience, you will get more servers with NordVPN. NordVPN allows access to more servers worldwide, with 9300 servers in 137 countries, whereas ExpressVPN has 3000+ servers in 105 countries.

Feature	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Total Servers	9300	3000+
Countries Covered	137	105
Server Types	RAM-only, P2P, Obfuscated servers	RAM-only servers
Specialized Servers	Double VPN, Onion over VPN servers	None
Server Ownership	Fully owned	Mostly owned

Even though ExpressVPN’s server list is quite broad, NordVPN has way more servers, which is a huge advantage. Having more servers in different countries guarantees that you can access various geo-restricted services from anywhere. Additionally, it can even help to ensure a more stable connection, as having more servers means a more balanced load. Besides, NordVPN also has specialized Double VPN and P2P servers, while ExpressVPN does not offer any additional servers. Having such servers might not be necessary for everyday browsing, but it’s especially useful if you want to add an extra layer of protection on your digital footprint.

🏆Servers winner: NordVPN has more servers than ExpressVPN

My verdict:

Both providers offer quite a few servers worldwide, but NordVPN wins with 9300 servers compared to ExpressVPN’s 3000+ servers. Additionally, ExpressVPN lacks specialized servers, and NordVPN also grants access to Double VPN or Onion over VPN servers for extra security.

Which VPN is better for streaming Netflix in 2025?

Unblocking streaming services like Netflix is one of the best uses of a VPN. By changing your IP address with a VPN, you can access international Netflix catalogs.

The table below summarizes some of the popular streaming services that can be unblocked by NordVPN and ExpressVPN.

Platform	Can ExpressVPN unblock it?	Can NordVPN unblock it?
Netflix	✔Yes	✔Yes
Disney Plus	✔Yes	✔Yes
Hulu	✔Yes	✔Yes
BBC iPlayer	✔Yes	✔Yes
HBO Max	✖No	✔Yes
Amazon Prime Video	✖No	✔Yes

During my tests, both NordVPN and ExpressVPN excelled at bypassing streaming restrictions on different Netflix libraries. The providers successfully unblocked Netflix US, UK, Canada, Thailand, and India. You will have no issues accessing your preferred Netflix library with ExpressVPN or NordVPN, as both providers’ servers are suitable for streaming. Additionally, NordVPN has a SmartPlay and ExpressVPN has a MediaPlayer feature. With these features, you can stream content even if your device doesn’t support VPNs. It is also an easy way to watch your favorite movies and shows on your smart TV. When I wanted to watch the US-exclusive show “30 Rock,” all I had to do was connect to a VPN server in the US. From there, I opened Netflix’s website and found 30 Rock right away.

As shown in the screenshot below, I could access US Netflix with NordVPN.

Similarly, I was able to catch the latest episodes of Love is Blind, thanks to ExpressVPN.

What’s more, streaming was fast while using NordVPN and ExpressVPN, no matter which server location I selected. The only issue was that ExpressVPN failed to unblock HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video.

As such, I can only recommend both if you only plan on using Netflix. But if you also need a VPN for other streaming sites like HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video, then you should choose NordVPN.

🏆Streaming winner: NordVPN is the best VPN for streaming geo-restricted content

My verdict:

Both providers proved to work excellently with unblocking different Netflix libraries, so you will have no issues watching your favorite content from anywhere. However, it’s important to note that ExpressVPN did not unblock HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video, while NordVPN bypassed geo-restrictions on all popular streaming platforms.

ExpressVPN vs NordVPN speed comparison

A VPN connection can slow down your internet connection during the process of encryption — but not so much that it impacts your experience. It’s essential to get a VPN that can maintain a consistent, reliable speed.

I tested different server locations for both NordVPN and ExpressVPN, and the results are summarized in the table below.

Speed metric	No VPN	ExpressVPN	NordVPN
Download speed local server	200 Mbps	175 Mbps	190 Mbps
Upload speed local server	214 Mbps	120 Mbps	145 Mbps
Ping local server	19 ms	24 ms	6 ms
Download speed international server	—	183 Mbps	186 Mbps
Upload speed international server	—	193 Mbps	144 Mbps
Ping international server	—	88 ms	103 ms

Both VPNs provide smooth day-to-day operations, so you’ll have no problems with sudden disconnection or intensive speed drops.

NordVPN was faster when connected to a local server, which gives it a clear edge for bandwidth-intensive tasks (like HD streaming, online gaming, and torrenting). When connected to a local VPN server, my download speed stayed at 190Mbps, and the download speed was 145Mbps. While ExpressVPN was a bit slower with a download speed of 175 Mbps and an upload speed of 120 Mbps, it still provided fast speeds for a smooth experience.

Meanwhile, ExpressVPN had better upload speeds while connected to an international server, so it’s a good choice for when you’re streaming over Twitch or calling someone on Zoom. During my tests, I connected to a server in the UK, and ExpressVPN’s upload speed was 193 Mbps, which was way more than NordVPN’s (144 Mbps).

🏆Speed winner: NordVPN outperformed ExpressVPN in our latest speed tests

My verdict:

During in-house tests, both VPNs offered fast speeds, but NordVPN proved to be faster. While ExpressVPN did provide faster upload speeds when connected to an international server, NordVPN provided faster download speeds and overall faster connections while connected to a local server.

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN torrenting comparison

Both providers offer a wide selection of servers, fast speeds, and reliable security measures, which are essential when torrenting. However, NordVPN is better than ExpressVPN if you’re looking for a torrent VPN, as it has additional torrenting benefits.

Unlike ExpressVPN, NordVPN has special P2P-optimized servers that will enhance your torrenting experience. The provider also has other specialized servers like Double VPN or Onion over VPN, guaranteeing total security and privacy while torrenting. Additionally, NordVPN also has a SOCKS5 proxy, which will help to keep your downloads anonymous and bypass geo-restrictions. Unfortunately, while ExpressVPN is a fast and secure VPN that you can use for torrenting, it doesn’t offer advanced benefits for torrenting like NordVPN.

🏆Torrenting winner: NordVPN is the better torrenting VPN

My verdict:

ExpressVPN and NordVPN are secure and fast VPNs that are suitable for torrenting, but NordVPN proved to be better. NordVPN additionally offers specialized servers (P2P, Onion over VPN, Double VPN) and has a SOCKS5 proxy, which will guarantee a private and secure torrenting experience.

Security features comparison: Which VPN keeps you safer?

NordVPN and ExpressVPN are safe providers that use all the necessary security measures to ensure online privacy. Both providers guarantee total privacy with the military-grade AES-245 encryption. Robust encryption is a must as it secures your data from third parties that might eavesdrop on your online activity. Additionally, both providers have a variety of popular and secure VPN protocols, like OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec. Apart from that, NordVPN offers NordLynx, and ExpressVPN has the Lightweight protocols. While these protocols are different and hard to compare, both of them are the most modern and fastest VPN protocols available.

Apart from the necessary measures, both providers have additional features for extra protection, but NordVPN offers more. ExpressVPN and NordVPN have reliable kill switches that will disconnect the internet in case of VPN connection interruptions, and split tunneling features that allow you to choose which traffic to route through the VPN tunnel. Additionally, they both offer ad-blockers, which will improve your browsing experience as they will block harmful ads, trackers, and websites.

NordVPN additionally has several advanced features that will greatly improve your VPN experience, such as Dark Web Monitoring. By enabling this feature, your email will be monitored, meaning your data will be protected from breaches. With Onion over VPN, you’ll be able to access Tor with the extra security of a VPN. I found the Double VPN feature especially useful if you want to add an extra layer of security, as it routes your traffic through two VPN servers.

🏆Security winner: NordVPN is more secure than ExpressVPN

My verdict:

ExpressVPN and NordVPN use the necessary security measures, but NordVPN has more advanced features, such as Dark Web Monitoring, Double VPN, and Onion over VPN. While both providers guarantee security, you will be able to add an extra layer of protection with NordVPN.

Privacy policies: Which VPN handles your data better?

A good VPN should have a tight privacy policy to ensure that your data never ends up in the wrong hands. Always be on the lookout for a no-logs policy, as this is usually a sign of a trustworthy service. I reviewed NordVPN’s privacy policy and ExpressVPN’s privacy policy to see if the providers are trustworthy when it comes to users’ data.

Let’s see how ExpressVPN and NordVPN manage your data.

• Jurisdiction: Both providers operate in countries without mandatory data retention laws, meaning that they are not required to collect user data. NordVPN is based in Panama, while ExpressVPN operates in the British Virgin Islands, so your personal information will stay protected.
• No-logs policy: Since neither provider is required to monitor or collect user data, both guarantee a strict no-logs policy. NordVPN and ExpressVPN do not monitor or collect any data about your online activity.
• Audits: Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN have been audited by PwC. During the audits, it was confirmed that the providers comply with their no-logs policy.
• RAM-only servers: Both providers use RAM–only servers, which is necessary for security. This ensures that your data is not stored locally.

🏆Privacy winner: NordVPN and ExpressVPN are both reliable and private VPN providers

My verdict:

ExpressVPN and NordVPN both guarantee users’ privacy. Both providers offer a strict no-logs policy, which was audited and confirmed. Additionally, NordVPN and ExpressVPN use RAM-only servers for a secure and private VPN connection.

ExpressVPN vs NordVPN pricing: Which VPN offers better value?

Even though it is more advanced, NordVPN is cheaper than ExpressVPN. The starting price for a 2-year plan is only $ 3.49/month, while a 2-year ExpressVPN plan costs $2.44/month. If you’re interested in a 1-year plan, you can get NordVPN for $4.99/month, while ExpressVPN’s yearly plan costs $6.67/month. On the other hand, ExpressVPN’s monthly plan is slightly cheaper than NordVPN’s, as you can get it for $12.95/month compared to NordVPN’s price of $12.99/month.

Check out ExpressVPN’s pricing plans below:

Pricing plans

• ExpressVPN 2 Years $ 2.49mth Deal View offer
• ExpressVPN 1 Year $ 3.99mth View offer
• ExpressVPN Monthly $ 12.99mth View offer

Here are NordVPN’s pricing plans:

Pricing plans

• NordVPN 24 months $ 3.49mth Deal View offer
• NordVPN 12 months $ 4.99mth View offer
• NordVPN Monthly $ 12.99mth View offer

If you want to test the providers before choosing one, you can do that by taking advantage of their money-back guarantee and free trials. The VPNs don’t have free versions, but NordVPN offers a 3-day free trial, and ExpressVPN has a 7-day free trial. While ExpressVPN’s free trial is longer, you can only use it on your mobile phone, and NordVPN’s free trial is available on multiple devices. If you want to test them for a longer time, both providers have a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can use all advanced features without any risk.

🏆Price winner: NordVPN is cheaper than ExpressVPN

My verdict:

Comparing their best deals, NordVPN offers better prices for long-term plans. NordVPN is way cheaper with the starting price of $ 3.49/month compared to ExpressVPN’s /month.

Which app is easier to use: NordVPN or ExpressVPN

You will have no issues protecting your personal devices with both NordVPN and ExpressVPN as they’re compatible with all popular operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. You will be able to set them up on your mobile phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, routers, and consoles. You will be able to use both providers on multiple devices, but NordVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections while ExpressVPN allows up to 8 devices.

Both the NordVPN app and the ExpressVPN app are extremely easy to install and user-friendly.

After signing up on the VPN provider’s website, you can download the software for your device and follow the on-screen instructions to have it up and running in just a couple of minutes.

With the click of a button, you can connect to a NordVPN or ExpressVPN server in the location of your choice to browse the internet privately.

Both the desktop and mobile apps function well with clear, streamlined interfaces. Both VPNs are available on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. Each also has a browser extension and a router app.

For more in-depth information on their ease of use, check out our exhaustive ExpressVPN and NordVPN reviews.

🏆Compatibility winner: NordVPN allows more simultaneous connections

My verdict:

Both providers support all major operating systems, and you should not have issues setting them up on various devices. While both VPNs are easy to use, NordVPN allows more simultaneous connections compared to ExpressVPN.

What do users say? NordVPN vs ExpressVPN Reddit reviews

Reddit is a great place to get honest opinions from different people, so I decided to check out what users were saying about NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN.

On the whole, I found plenty of praise for NordVPN, as it really offers value for money. Redditors often mentioned that NordVPN provided fast speeds, which is necessary for a smooth browsing experience. Additionally, a lot of users enjoyed watching geo-restricted content without any issues with NordVPN. There were even users who switched from the pricier ExpressVPN to NordVPN and vouch for it being a great choice.

While many users also enjoyed using ExpressVPN, some indicated that they did not continue using it due to its expensive price. Additionally, while it’s a secure and reliable VPN, it offers a limited number of additional features, especially for the cost.

It’s fair to say that NordVPN is a pretty popular choice among users across the world. I definitely vouch for this too, as my repeated testing has shown that NordVPN offers some awesome features at an unbeatable price.

Final verdict: Which is better – NordVPN or ExpressVPN?

ExpressVPN and NordVPN are both popular and reliable VPN providers that are used by many users online. Since both providers offer robust VPN services, it might be hard to choose the best one for your personal needs. I extensively tested both providers to find out which one is better in 2025. Below, you can find my findings of this NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison:

When to choose NordVPN	When to choose ExpressVPN
✅When you want fast download speeds while connected to local and international servers.	✅When you want fast upload speeds while connected to international speeds for torrenting.
✅When you want a long-term plan (NordVPN’s starting price is $ 3.49/month, while ExpressVPN costs $ 2.49/month)	✅When you’re looking for a short-term plan (ExpressVPN’s monthly plan costs $12.95/month, while NordVPN’s plan costs $12.99/month)
✅When you want to bypass geo-restrictions on all popular streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video)	✅When you want an easy-to-use VPN that provides basic security measures (robust encryption, kill switch, split tunneling)
✅When you want more advanced security features and specialty servers (Onion over VPN, Double VPN, Dark Web Monitoring)	❌When you’re looking for a torrenting VPN with dedicated P2P servers

• Pricing: NordVPN’s long-term plans are cheaper ($ 3.49/month/month for a 2-year plan and $4.99/month for a 1-year plan) compared to ExpressVPN ($ 2.49/month for a 2-year plan and $6.67/month for a 1-year plan). However, ExpressVPN’s monthly plan costs $12.95, while NordVPN’s plan costs $12.99/month.
• Security: Both providers use all the necessary security measures, including robust encryption and a strict no-logs policy, but NordVPN offers advanced security features. With NordVPN, you’ll also get features like Double VPN, Meshnet, Dark Web Monitoring, and Onion over VPN.
• Speed: NordVPN has faster download speeds, connecting to local (190 Mbps) and international (186 Mbps) servers. On the other hand, ExpressVPN’s international servers’ upload speed results (193 Mbps) were better than NordVPN’s (144 Mbps).
• Device compatibility: Both providers are compatible with all major operating systems and different types of devices, so you’ll have no issues using them. However, it is important to note that NordVPN allows 10 simultaneous connections compared to ExpressVPN’s eight device limit.
• Streaming: While ExpressVPN proved to work great with Netflix, NordVPN is the better option if you want to stream content on different platforms. NordVPN successfully unlocked various streaming services (Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video), while ExpressVPN did not work with all of them.

After thorough examination, it is safe to say that NordVPN is better than ExpressVPN in 2025. With its fast speeds and successful geo-restrictions bypassing capabilities, you’ll be able to browse the internet freely and enjoy your favorite content from anywhere. Additionally, it offers affordable pricing for premium services that also include advanced security features for an extra layer of protection.

Curious about other VPN comparisons? Have a look at the articles below:

• ExpressVPN vs. CyberGhost
• ExpressVPN vs. Surfshark
• ExpressVPN vs IPVanish
• NordVPN vs. CyberGhost
• NordVPN vs. Surfshark
• CyberGhost vs. Surfshark
• NordVPN vs. Proton VPN
• PIA VPN vs NordVPN
• Private Internet Access vs ExpressVPN
• Key differences between NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN
• Key differences between IPVanish and Surfshark
• Differences between Mullvad VPN and NordVPN
• Is IPVanish better than NordVPN
• NordVPN vs Norton VPN comparison
• NordVPN vs Bitdefender VPN comparison
• NordVPN vs Windscribe comparison
• NordVPN or Mozilla VPN
• Compare NordVPN vs McAfee VPN

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about NordVPN and ExpressVPN

Have more questions about these two providers? Check out the FAQs below for all the information you need on ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and how the two compare.

Which is better, NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN?

NordVPN is the better option. It can unblock more streaming services, has more security features, and is half the price of ExpressVPN. That said, both are great VPNs. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are on equal footing when it comes to speed, privacy, ease of use, and customer service.

Does NordVPN or ExpressVPN work in China?

Yes, both NordVPN and ExpressVPN work in China. However, it is important to note that China has strict internet restrictions and even blocks VPN connections, which might make it more difficult to use a VPN. Due to these restrictions, NordVPN offers manual connection methods and special configuration files that should work in China without issues.

Is NordVPN faster than ExpressVPN?

Yes, NordVPN is faster than ExpressVPN. While both providers offer fast and stable speeds, NordVPN proved to be one of the fastest VPNs on the market. The provider guarantees excellent speeds as it has a wide selection of servers worldwide, which balances the load on the servers, and the fast in-house NordLynx protocol.

Is ExpressVPN owned by NordVPN?

No, ExpressVPN is not owned by NordVPN. Both providers are owned by different parent companies, and they operate in different jurisdictions. ExpressVPN belongs to Kape Technologies and operates in the British Virgin Islands. NordVPN is owned by Nord Security and is legally based in Panama.

Which VPN is better for gaming: ExpressVPN or NordVPN?

NordVPN is better for gaming compared to ExpressVPN. NordVPN offers faster download speeds and a wider selection of servers, which guarantees access to various games from anywhere. Additionally, it has more security features that will protect your privacy while gaming online.

Is ExpressVPN worth the higher price compared to NordVPN?

No, ExpressVPN is not worth the higher price compared to NordVPN. While ExpressVPN is a solid VPN that offers robust services, NordVPN is a more advanced VPN provider for a cheaper price. Even though NordVPN is cheaper than ExpressVPN, it has way more servers and additional security features.

Does NordVPN unblock more streaming sites than ExpressVPN?

Yes, NordVPN unblocks more streaming sites than ExpressVPN. While ExpressVPN works excellently with various Netflix libraries and some other streaming services, NordVPN works with all major streaming services. With NordVPN, you’ll also be able to access Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and HBO Max from anywhere.

Can NordVPN match ExpressVPN’s performance in restricted countries?

Yes, NordVPN can match ExpressVPN’s performance in restricted countries. While VPNs are usually blocked in restricted countries, NordVPN offers an alternative connection method with special configuration files made specifically for the restricted country. Additionally, if you’re able to download and use NordVPN in a restricted country, NordVPN has obfuscated servers, which will hide the fact that you’re using a VPN in the first place.

David Janssen Author

Cybersecurity Analyst

David is a cybersecurity analyst and one of the founders of VPNOverview. Since 2014 he has been gaining international experience working with governments, NGOs, and the private sector as a cybersecurity and VPN expert and advisor.

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