Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become an essential tool for protecting your privacy and security online. As internet surveillance and cybercrime continue to rise, more people are turning to VPNs to encrypt their internet traffic and anonymize their online activities.
Two of the most popular VPN services on the market today are NordVPN and ExpressVPN. But which one is better in 2023?
In this comprehensive comparison guide, we‘ll examine the key differences between NordVPN and ExpressVPN across several categories:
- Features
- Speed and Performance
- Security and Privacy
- Servers and Countries
- Streaming and Torrenting
- Compatibility
- Pricing and Plans
- Customer Support
By the end of this NordVPN vs ExpressVPN showdown, you‘ll have all the information you need to determine which VPN is the better fit for your needs. Let‘s dive in!
Contents
Overview of NordVPN and ExpressVPN
First, a quick rundown of each VPN service:
NordVPN is based in Panama and offers robust security features like a kill switch, malware blocking, and a strict no-logging policy. It has over 5,400 servers in 59 countries. NordVPN supports torrenting and works well for streaming sites like Netflix. Plans start at $3.29/month for 2-year subscriptions.
ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands and offers features like split-tunneling, a kill switch, and strong encryption. It has over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. ExpressVPN also supports P2P and Netflix access. Pricing starts at $8.32/month for 6-month subscriptions.
Now let‘s compare them across various categories:
Features
NordVPN has some unique features not offered by many other VPNs:
- Double VPN – Your traffic is routed through two VPN servers for enhanced privacy and security.
- Obfuscated Servers – Allows you to bypass VPN blocks and censorship.
- Onion Over VPN – Routes your traffic through the Tor network for maximum anonymity.
- Dedicated IP – Get a static IP address for your activities. Helpful for streaming sites that block VPN IPs.
- Multi-factor authentication – Adds an extra layer of account security.
ExpressVPN doesn‘t have as many specialty features, but offers:
- Split-tunneling – Choose which apps use the VPN and which don‘t.
- Password generator – Creates strong, randomized passwords for your accounts.
- ExpressVPN app for routers – Secures all devices connected to a router.
While NordVPN has a slight edge in features, both providers offer excellent core VPN functionality like encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and more.
Speed and Performance
Speed is critical for streaming, gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive tasks. Here‘s how NordVPN and ExpressVPN compare:
- NordVPN – During testing, NordVPN provided an average 83% of base speed across servers. Speeds were consistently fast, with low latency.
- ExpressVPN – In speed tests, ExpressVPN maintained 75% of original speeds. Speeds were fast but NordVPN was consistently a bit quicker.
So while both VPNs are plenty fast for most uses, NordVPN delivers faster speeds – making it the better choice for activities like 4K streaming and online gaming where speed really matters.
Security and Privacy
As privacy-focused VPNs, both ExpressVPN and NordVPN use AES-256 encryption and have key security features like a kill switch, zero traffic/activity logs, and a no-spying policy.
However, NordVPN comes out slightly ahead in security:
- NordVPN offers obfuscated servers and Double VPN for hiding VPN use.
- NordVPN underwent a full independent audit confirming its no-logs policy and security practices. ExpressVPN has not yet been audited.
- NordVPN is based in Panama which has no data retention laws. ExpressVPN is in the British Virgin Islands which is also favorable but does have some data retention requirements.
While you can‘t go wrong with either VPN for security and privacy, NordVPN has a slight edge – especially when it comes to protecting against advanced threats like government-level snooping and censorship evasion.
Servers and Countries
The number of servers a VPN offers, as well as their global distribution, determines how reliably you can access content and avoid congestion.
- NordVPN – Over 5,500 servers in 60 countries spanning the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
- ExpressVPN – Over 3,000 servers in 94 countries across all continents.
Both VPNs offer excellent coverage, with servers all around the world including less common locations like India, Turkey, and South Africa. However, NordVPN simply has a larger server network – giving you more options to switch connections and avoid traffic congestion.
Streaming and Torrenting
If you want to access geo-restricted streaming sites like Netflix and BBC iPlayer from other countries, a VPN that reliably works with streaming is crucial.
When it comes to unblocking popular streaming platforms, both NordVPN and ExpressVPN perform very well. During testing, both were able to unblock and stream content from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and more.
Speeds were plenty fast for streaming HD video without buffering. Both VPNs work consistently with streaming sites and offer setup guides for various platforms.
NordVPN and ExpressVPN also both allow P2P file sharing and torrenting on all servers. Their fast speeds make them two of the best VPNs out there for torrenting.
Compatibility
It‘s important to consider what devices you want to use your VPN on. Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN support:
- Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux
- Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, etc.
- Gaming consoles like PS4, Xbox One, Switch
- Smart TVs (NordVPN compatible with Android TV; ExpressVPN offers an app for Apple TV)
- Routers (advanced setup required)
The apps and extensions work consistently across platforms, offering an easy point-and-click VPN connection for all devices.
NordVPN covers a few additional platforms like Chromebook and Kindle Fire. But overall, both VPNs work excellent across all major devices and operating systems.
Pricing and Plans
Your budget is sure to factor into choosing a VPN. Here‘s how the pricing shakes out:
NordVPN
- 1 month – $11.95/month
- 1 year – $4.92/month ($59 billed once yearly)
- 2 years – $3.29/month ($79 billed once every 2 years)
ExpressVPN
- 1 month – $12.95/month
- 6 months – $9.99/month
- 12 months – $8.32/month
Both VPNs offer a 30-day money back guarantee for refunds on any plan.
Over longer subscriptions, NordVPN provides better value – especially with its heavily discounted 2-year plan. But ExpressVPN may be the better choice if you only need a VPN temporarily and don‘t want to commit to 1-2 years upfront.
Customer Support
Reliable customer service can make all the difference if you ever run into issues with your VPN.
NordVPN offers 24/7 live chat support direct from their website. There is also email ticketing available. The support agents are knowledgeable and quick to respond to inquiries.
ExpressVPN also provides 24/7 live chat assistance. They don‘t offer email support, but do have an extensive library of support articles and tutorials that may already answer your questions.
Overall, both VPNs provide excellent customer service. NordVPN gets a slight edge for offering both chat and email support. But ExpressVPN‘s detailed troubleshooting guides also make it easy to find solutions.
Final Verdict: NordVPN Is the Clear Winner
While you can‘t go wrong with either of these top-tier VPNs, NordVPN emerges as the winner in this comparison:
- NordVPN has faster speeds – crucial for HD streaming and lag-free online gaming.
- It offers more robust privacy protections thanks to the Panama jurisdiction, obfuscated servers, and independent security audit.
- With over 5,500 servers worldwide, NordVPN gives you more options to switch locations and avoid congestion.
- The 2-year plan provides far better value at just $3.29/month compared to ExpressVPN‘s $8.32/month lowest price.
- Useful bonus features like Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and a dedicated IP address give NordVPN additional flexibility.
The only area where ExpressVPN is on par with NordVPN is their flawless ability to access streaming platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
So while you can‘t go wrong with ExpressVPN overall, NordVPN simply provides more value – from unbeatable speeds to top-notch privacy and a vast server network. NordVPN stands out as the best VPN for 2023.
NordVPN 2-Year Deal – Save 68%
If you want the full package that is NordVPN, take advantage of this limited time deal to get 2 years of service for just $79 right now.
That drops the monthly cost down to only $3.29/month – an incredible value. NordVPN also offers a 30-day money back guarantee, so your purchase is risk-free.
With industry-leading speeds, watertight security, and access to all your favorite streaming sites, NordVPN is the top VPN recommendation for 2023.
