NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: Which Is the Best VPN in 2025?
When it comes to choosing a VPN, two names always top the list: NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Both are industry leaders with millions of users, strong reputations, and advanced privacy features. But which one is better suited for you in 2025?
๐ค ExpressVPN vs NordVPN: Not Sure Which to Choose?
Take this quick quiz to find out whether ExpressVPN or NordVPN is the better fit for your needs in 2025.
In this in-depth comparison, weโll break down the key differences and similarities across categories like speed, privacy, features, pricing, and real-world usability.
๐ Overview at a Glance
Feature | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
---|---|---|
Headquarters | Panama | British Virgin Islands |
No-Logs Policy | โ Yes (audited) | โ Yes (audited) |
Simultaneous Devices | 10 | 8 |
Server Locations | 118 countries | 105 countries |
VPN Protocols | NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
Streaming Support | Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime | Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime |
Price (Best Deal) | $3.09/month (2 years + 3 months free) | $4.99/month (2 years + 4 months free) |
NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: At a Glance
NordVPN and ExpressVPN feature in our top 10 VPNs of 2025 list. Despite their popularity, they differ in pricing and features. The more expensive option, ExpressVPN offers more server locations than its counterpart. NordVPN is affordable and includes an extra dedicated IP option at an additional fee; this is absent in ExpressVPN’s offerings. Both provide round-the-clock customer support with monthly or annual subscriptions available for purchaseโNord VPN also has a two-year plan while Express VPN offers a six-month plan.
ExpressVPN
Overall score: 9.8
- 3,000+ servers across 105 countries
- Works with streaming platforms
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Supports private protocol, Lightway
- Money-back guarantee
30-day money-back guarantee
NordVPN
Overall score: 9.6
- 7,000+ servers available in 118 countries
- Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously
- Great security features
- Verified no-logs policy
- Unblocks streaming platforms
30-day money-back guarantee
๐ก๏ธ Privacy & Security
Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN are known for their strict no-logs policies, secure encryption, and pro-privacy jurisdictions.
- NordVPN is based in Panama, outside the 14 Eyes Alliance, and has passed multiple third-party audits by PricewaterhouseCoopers and Deloitte. It uses AES-256 encryption and offers NordLynx, a proprietary protocol based on WireGuard.
- ExpressVPN operates from the British Virgin Islands, a territory with no mandatory data retention laws. It also uses AES-256 encryption and supports its own fast protocol called Lightway, designed for speed and mobile performance. Their infrastructure is based on TrustedServer technology (RAM-only servers), which erases all data on every reboot.
๐ Winner: Tie
Both offer industry-leading privacy and security. ExpressVPNโs TrustedServer model is unique, while NordLynx offers superb performance.
โก Speed & Performance
Speed is essential for streaming, torrenting, gaming, or browsing without delays.
- NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs in the world, especially with NordLynx enabled. It routinely outperforms other VPNs in speed tests across North America, Europe, and Asia.
- ExpressVPN isnโt far behind, especially with Lightway, which shines on mobile devices and in unstable networks.
Server Location | NordVPN Avg Speed | ExpressVPN Avg Speed |
---|---|---|
US (New York) | 820 Mbps | 740 Mbps |
UK (London) | 780 Mbps | 700 Mbps |
Asia (Singapore) | 670 Mbps | 640 Mbps |
๐ Winner: NordVPN
While both are fast, NordVPN has the edge with its consistently higher download speeds, especially on desktops.
๐ฌ Streaming & Unblocking
Both VPNs excel at unblocking geo-restricted content on major streaming services.
- NordVPN easily bypasses restrictions on Netflix (US, UK, Canada, Japan), Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
- ExpressVPN is also a top performer, reliably unblocking Netflix and other streaming platforms. Itโs particularly good at avoiding detection, even in countries with tough censorship.
๐งโ๐ป Device compatibility is excellent for both: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Smart TVs, routers, and browser extensions.
๐บ Winner: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is slightly more consistent at unblocking niche streaming libraries and offers apps for more platforms like Kindle Fire and select smart TVs.
๐งฐ Features
Feature | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
---|---|---|
Kill Switch | โ Yes (full) | โ Yes (full) |
Split Tunneling | โ Yes (Android, Windows) | โ Yes (Android, Windows, macOS) |
Dedicated IP | โ Optional Add-on | โ Not offered |
Multi-Hop (Double VPN) | โ Yes | โ No |
Ad/Malware Blocker | โ Threat Protection | โ Not built-in |
Obfuscated Servers | โ Yes | โ Yes (automatic) |
๐ ๏ธ Winner: NordVPN
NordVPN offers more advanced features such as Double VPN, dedicated IP, and built-in ad/malware blocking.
๐ธ Pricing & Plans
- NordVPN offers better long-term pricing and frequent discounts.
- ExpressVPN is more expensive but includes 4 bonus months with their annual plan.
ExpressVPN Price & Subscription Plans for 2025
โ Features Included in All ExpressVPN Plans
- Servers in 105 countries
- Lightway protocol for ultra-fast speeds
- No activity or connection logs
- TrustedServer technology
- VPN + Password Manager + Ad Blocker
- 8 simultaneous device connections
๐ 1 Month Plan
30-day money-back guarantee
๐๏ธ 12 Months + 3 Free
Free 3GB eSIM
30-day money-back guarantee
๐ 24 Months + 4 Free
Free 5GB eSIM
30-day money-back guarantee
*Pricing subject to change, visit the ExpressVPN site to consult the most up-to-date pricing & subscription plans.
NordVPN Price & Subscription Plans for 2025
โ Features Included in All NordVPN Plans
- Servers in 118 countries
- Built-in threat protection
- No activity or connection logs
- Next generation encryption
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 10 simultaneous device connections
๐ 1 Month Plan
๐๏ธ 12 Months
๐ 24 Months
*Pricing subject to change, visit the NordVPN site to consult the most up-to-date pricing & subscription plans.
๐ฐ Winner: Tie
For both ExpressVPN & NordVPN, the subscription options offer the same variety or time comitment and the price for each are practically the same.
๐ Customer Support
Both services offer:
- 24/7 live chat support
- Ticket-based email support
- Large knowledge bases and setup guides
๐งโ๐ป Winner: Tie
Both provide responsive and knowledgeable support teams.
๐ Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Use Case | Best Choice |
---|---|
Best for streaming everywhere | ExpressVPN |
Best for value & speed | NordVPN |
Best for mobile performance | ExpressVPN |
Best for privacy and features | NordVPN |
Best for international travel | ExpressVPN |
Best for budget-conscious users | NordVPN |
๐ฅ Overall Winner:
When comparing ExpressVPN vs NordVPN, the choice really comes down to what exactly you’re looking for as they are quite competitive on practically every level. Here’s our final verdit:
๐ExpressVPN is the best for streaming reliability, app polish, mobile experience, and international travel.
Exclusive offer for Techrobot readers: $4.99/month (Save 61% + 4 Months FREE)
30-day money-back guarantee
๐NordVPN takes the lead with better value, faster speeds, and more power-user features.
Best offer: $3.39/month (Save 70%)
30-day money-back guarantee
โ Frequently Asked Questions: ExpressVPN vs NordVPN
It depends on your needs. NordVPN offers better pricing, faster speeds with NordLynx, and more advanced features like ad blocking, Double VPN, and dedicated IP. On the other hand, ExpressVPN excels in streaming reliability, ease of use, and global server coverage. For most users seeking a balance of value and performance, NordVPN is the better deal.
Both are highly secure and independently audited. NordVPN uses NordLynx (based on WireGuard) and AES-256 encryption. ExpressVPN offers its Lightway protocol, also built for speed and security, and uses TrustedServer (RAM-only) technology. Either is an excellent choice for privacy and protection.
ExpressVPN has a slight edge when it comes to streaming consistency, especially in regions with heavy content restrictions. It reliably unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. NordVPN also works with these platforms and is a close second, with faster performance in many cases.
NordVPN is more budget-friendly, especially with long-term plans. Its 2-year deal offers significant savings (as low as $3.39/month), while ExpressVPNโs best offer is a 12+4 month plan at $6.67/month. If cost is a major factor, NordVPN is the winner.
Yes. NordVPN allows 6 simultaneous connections, while ExpressVPN allows 8. Both services also support routers, so you can cover all devices in your home with one VPN setup.
NordVPN covers more countries (118+) than ExpressVPN (105+), however, the margin is so small that this probably won’t have any noticeable impact for most users.
ExpressVPN is slightly more user-friendly for beginners, thanks to its clean interface and one-click connect features. NordVPNโs interface is still intuitive, but offers more options that may appeal to tech-savvy users.
Yes, both NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can try them risk-free.