NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: Which Is the Best VPN in 2025?

Øyvind Bringedal

Last Updated: 01/07/25

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?

In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down the key differences and similarities across categories like speed, privacy, features, pricing, and real-world usability.

🌐 Overview at a Glance

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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 purchase—Nord VPN also has a two-year plan while Express VPN offers a six-month plan.

Overall Best in Our Tests

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

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Best for Online Security

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

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🛡️ 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.

🔐 Winner: Tie
Both offer industry-leading privacy and security. ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer model is unique, while NordLynx offers superb performance.

⚡ 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 isn’t far behind, especially with Lightway, which shines on mobile devices and in unstable networks.

🚀 Winner: NordVPN
While both are fast, NordVPN has the edge with its consistently higher download speeds, especially on desktops.

🎬 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. It’s particularly good at avoiding detection, even in countries with tough censorship.

🧑‍💻 Device compatibility is excellent for both: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Smart TVs, routers, and browser extensions.

📺 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.

🧰 Features

🛠️ Winner: NordVPN
NordVPN offers more advanced features such as Double VPN, dedicated IP, and built-in ad/malware blocking.

💸 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

✅ 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

*Pricing subject to change, visit the ExpressVPN site to consult the most up-to-date pricing & subscription plans.

NordVPN Price & Subscription Plans for 2025

✅ 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

*Pricing subject to change, visit the NordVPN site to consult the most up-to-date pricing & subscription plans.

💰 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.

📞 Customer Support

Both services offer:

• 24/7 live chat support
• Ticket-based email support
• Large knowledge bases and setup guides

🧑‍💻 Winner: Tie
Both provide responsive and knowledgeable support teams.

🏁 Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

🥇 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:

🏆ExpressVPN is the best for streaming reliability, app polish, mobile experience, and international travel.

🏆NordVPN takes the lead with better value, faster speeds, and more power-user features.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions: ExpressVPN vs NordVPN