ExpressVPN vs NordVPN Comparison 2023: Which VPN is better?

It is not easy to compare top-notch services like ExpressVPN and NordVPN. Both the service providers have redefined the online experience by ensuring strong safety and protection. Besides, they have the reputation of offering the best speed, gaming experience, and accessibility. Here, we will make a comparison of NordVPN vs ExpressVPN and find the better one between these best services. From ExpressVPN vs NordVPN Netflix to the number of servers, features, and pricing, our assessment is done following a 360-degree approach.

Last updated on 27 November 2023

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: The Comparison Table

If you are in a jiffy and want to know the clear winner in the NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison, this table is for you. We think ExpressVPN is the clear winner thanks to its number of servers, advanced protocols, encryptions, ease of use, transparent policies, and friendly customer service. Even if we judge ExpressVPN vs NordVPN Netflix, it has no match in accessing Netflix content or unblocking other leading sites thanks to its obfuscated servers.

ExpressVPN Presentation in Brief

ExpressVPN, based in the British Islands, has always been our go-to service whenever we think of a VPN. It exudes its sheer power of unlimited internet accessibility thanks to its servers present in ninety-four countries. These servers are optimized for high-speed, and they do not allow any streaming site to detect and block the traffic coming through the VPN tunnel.

Further, this VPN comes with an anonymous browsing facility. It has a strict no-log policy and masks your IP address so that no one can track or throttle your online activities. Also, its military-grade encryption keeps hackers and spammers at bay.

In our Express VPN Nord VPN comparison, we place it as a clear winner also because of how it routes our online traffic through a safe tunnel. It works as a powerful ad unblocker. Speed is another thing that helps ExpressVPN to earn the laurel in the NordVPN ExpressVPN comparison. Most VPNs use standard protocols, and even they are quite powerful. However, there is a term called “beyond comparison,” and ExpressVPN surely falls into that category when we talk about speed. It has a unique and in-built Lightway protocol to make online streaming lighting fast.

ExpressVPN’s Network Lock kill switch feature protects your online traffic even if there is a drop in the VPN connection. Besides, its TrustedServer technology and DNS leak protection make it stand out among the rest.

You know that we are comparing Nord VPN Express VPN here. So, like ExpressVPN, we will discuss NordVPN in the upcoming section.

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NordVPN Presentation in Brief

Before we get into the details of NordVPN vs ExpressVPN, we will further present NordVPN to you. Similar to ExpressVPN, it is also packed with features. It has next-generation encryption, and hence there is no scope for data leakage or theft. Besides, it blocks malware and follows a strict no-log policy.

Like ExpressVPN, NordVPN also has obfuscated servers for an optimized streaming experience. Further, its more than 5500 servers in sixty countries make it one of the most sought-after VPN services. It has more striking features like private DNS, dark web monitor, onion over VPN, double IP protection, and split tunneling. Further, it has the provision for protecting up to 6 devices with a single connection.

Also, its kill switch feature ensures that there is not even a single moment of data vulnerability. The VPN connection may drop for a little while. However, NordVPN will ensure that no data leakage happens even within that brief span. The ExpressVPN vs NordVPN torrenting facilities is also at par because NordVPN is quite good for torrenting and supports P2P file sharing.

Moreover, to secure the NordVPN account, you can use a multi-factor authentication process. Even if you are a mobile user, you can safeguard your online activities just with a click. Finally, NordVPN is easy to connect and use as well, as it is compatible with a wide range of devices, OS, and browser extensions.

Considering the gamut of features in ExpressVPN and NordVPN, the NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison is going to be an interesting one. So, let’s get started.

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Nord Express VPN Comparison from Various Angles: Knowing ExpressVPN NordVPN

Here we furnish our ExpressVPN NordVPN comparisons. We have examined each service on the basis of server locations, speed, security, privacy, unblocking capacity, and torrenting. Besides, we have considered the pricing, money-back offers, features, compatibility, simultaneous connection, and customer service to reach to decide the winner in NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison.

Server and Covered Countries

The first criterion in our NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison is the number of servers and countries covered. ExpressVPN and NordVPN are both winners in this parameter of the NordVPN vs ExpressVPN test.

ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries, and NordVPN has a server presence in 60 countries. Here ExpressVPN takes the lead. However, in terms of the number of servers, NordVPN excels. NordVPN has around 5500 servers, while ExpressVPN has more than 3000 servers.

Further, NordVPN has a multi-hop or double-hop facility. This facility makes the encryption stronger by channelizing the online traffic of users through two servers. However, it may make the connection slower. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, has a smart location feature, connecting users to the best server location automatically. Therefore, when it comes to the server base, we cannot call one better than the other in this NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison.

Speed

When we assess on the basis of speed, ExpressVPN is a clear winner in the NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison. ExpressVPN has a built-in Lightway protocol that is in no comparison with anyone in terms of performance and speed. NordVPN also has NordLynx, its own adaptation of WireGuard. However, to determine which one is the fastest in the NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison, we conducted local and remote speed tests.

In our local speed test of NordVPN vs ExpressVPN comparison, both our VPNs were connected to a server in Norway. Besides, they were tested on a 1Gbps line. With the Lightway protocol, ExpressVPN delivered an unbelievable 760 Mbps speed NordVPN was close enough with a speed of 680 Mbps offered by its NordLynx protocol.

We did the same testing using the OpenVPN protocol. There also, ExpressVPN emerged as the winner in the NordVPN vs ExpressVPN test. ExpressVPN and NordVPN offered 375 and 341 Mbps speed, respectively.

Then we conducted a long-distance speed test result by connecting to a server in the USA. ExpressVPN speed was 472 Mbps, while NordVPN was just a little short with a 460 Mbps speed.

Which One Offers the Better Security

ExpressVPN is the winner in terms of online security in this contest. ExpressVPN NordVPN both have powerful encryption standards, protocols, etc. Let’s discuss this in detail.

ExpressVPN NordVPN both have AES-256 bit military-grade encryptions. Besides, the OpenVPN control channel encryption of ExpressVPN is RSA-4096. NordVPN comes with RSA-2048 control channel encryption. Further, the cloaking technology of ExpressVPN is cipher block chaining, and the same for NordVPN is Obfsproxy.

Talking about encryption protocols, ExpressVPN has a larger number of protocols like OpenVPN, Lightway, L2TP, and IKEv2. NordVPN has only two protocols called OpenVPN, and NordLynx.

ExpressVPN comes with a DNS ad-blocking feature. It is true that it does not block all ads, but then again, it believes that users must have the right to decide which ad to see and which one to block. NordVPN has prominent ad-blocking and malware scanning facilities.

ExpressVPN NordVPN both are at per even in terms of leak protection. They offer DNS protection and come with private DNS. Further, thanks to the kill switch feature, both of them prevent data leakage even when the connection has dropped briefly. However, only NordVPN among the two has specialty servers like standard servers, double VPN, onion over VPN, dedicated IP, and obfuscated servers.

Now, let’s discuss server security. ExpressVPN comes with TrustedServer technology. So, VPN servers only run on RAM, and data is deleted at the time of rebooting. Besides, it minimizes data risk and enables the VPN service provider to know online activities on each server without any irregularity. The NordVPN servers also work on RAM, and it offers a bolstered server safety thanks to the specialty servers, as mentioned before.

Finally, ExpressVPN NordVPN both are independently audited by third parties and found to be aligned to their no-logging policies.

Privacy and Anonymity

We declare ExpressVPN NordVPN both as winners when we consider privacy and anonymity. ExpressVPN NordVPN, both of them have headquarters in countries that are not part of the 5, 9, or 14 eyes alliances. ExpressVPN has its headquarter in the British Virgin Islands, and NordVPN is based in Panama. Both these countries have independent data laws. Therefore, your online data will remain protected from prying eyes.

ExpressVPN NordVPN both have minimal requirements of information while signing up. You have to just provide your email address that will not be shared with anyone. Besides, you can choose a payment option according to your convenience and make the payment using a secure and encrypted gateway.

ExpressVPN NordVPN both follow a strict no-log policy for data retention, and they run on RAM. They will never keep track of the websites visited, files downloaded or software used. Further, asExpressVPN NordVPN both services have encrypted private DNS on every server, they will never store any user data.

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Unblocking Streaming Sites

ExpressVPN is a clear winner in unblocking streaming sites in the ExpressVPN NordVPN comparison. Remember, ExpressVPN has servers in more countries compared to NordVPN. So, you can practically unlock any streaming site from any part of the world, superseding Geo-blocking. It can unblock any streaming site, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC, Amazon Prime, Hotstar, etc.

NordVPN is also quite reliable and powerful in unblocking leading streaming sites as ExpressVPN NordVPN both have obfuscated servers. However, we found ExpressVPN to be more stable and consistent across all its apps and devices.

Torrenting

ExpressVPN NordVPN both are great for torrenting, but ExpressVPN is slightly better. It allows anonymous torrenting on all its servers. However, for NordVPN, anonymous torrenting is available only for selected servers. Besides, in terms of torrenting speed also, ExpressVPN is the winner. Our test report recorded a 9.4 Mbps download speed of ExpressVPN against the 6.5 Mbps speed of NordVPN. Further, ExpressVPN is equipped with a port forwarding feature that NordVPN does not have.

Price and Plan

In ExpressVPN vs NordVPN Netflix, ExpressVPN is a winner. However, ExpressVPN is a little more expensive than NordVPN.

You can subscribe to a monthly, yearly, or 2-year plan of NordVPN. The one-month plan costs INR 909 per month, and the 1-year plan comes with a 39% discount. The charge for the same is INR 379 per month or INR 4548 for the first year. The most lucrative plan is, however ,the 2-year subscription plan. You will get a whopping 52% discount and need to pay just INR 299 per month. That means the charges for the first two years of your subscription will be only INR 7176. The existing promotional coupons or discount codes will be automatically applied at the checkout. Please note GST will be added along with the charges.

However, remember that the discounts are only applicable when you are signing up for the first time, and deals do not work on existing subscriptions. NordVPN also offers a 30-day free trial and money-back guarantee for its users across all platforms. Additionally, it has come up with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers who use Android devices. So, for Android users, it is a whopping 37-day free trial. Also, we want to mention that you will get to enjoy all features during the free trial period of NordVPN.

You can make the payments through credit cards, debit cards, Google Pay, Paypal, and cryptocurrencies. All the payment gateways are safe and encrypted for optimum protection.

Now, let’s have a look at the charges and plans of ExpressVPN in our ExpressVPN vs NordVPN comparison. The 1-month package of ExpressVPN is available for $12.95 per month. The six-month plan comes at $9.99 per month, and the bill for six months will be $59.95. The best deal offered by ExpressVPN is a 49% discount and a free subscription of 3 months on its 12-months plan. The charge will be $6.67 per month or $99.95 for the first 15 months. There is a provision for automatic application of the discount coupon at the time of checking out if you choose the yearly plan.

Every plan of ExpressVPN is covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Additionally, there is a 7-day free trial for its Android and iOS mobile users.

So, here are the pricing details you need to know in the ExpressVPN vs NordVPN assessment.

Money-Back Guarantee

ExpressVPN is again a winner in terms of the money-back guarantee. If you are subscribing to ExpressVPN, you will be automatically under the umbrella of a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you are not happy with the ExpressVPN service, you can contact customer service to get a refund within 30 days. No question will be asked of you for processing the refunds.

NordVPN also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. However, the refund is not applicable for “purchases made through Apple’s App Store.”

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Features

Now let us compare the features of ExpressVPN vs NordVPN. We think here also ExpressVPN beats NordVPN by a steep margin. ExpressVPN has a kill switch, split-tunneling, TrustedServer technology, private DNS on every server, and military-grade encryption. Besides, it has a presence across many countries.

NordVPN also has similar features but what it lacks is consistency. Some remote servers are not up to the mark in terms of speed and DNS protection. This left us a little dissatisfied when we did the ExpressVPN vs NordVPN test.

Simultaneous Connections and Operating Systems

NordVPN is the winner in the comparison on the basis of simultaneous connections and operating systems. NordVPN protects up to six devices simultaneously, whereas ExpressVPN offers simultaneous coverage for 5 devices.

ExpressVPN and NordVPN both work with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux operating systems. ExpressVPN browser extensions are available for Firefox, Chrome, and Edge. NordVPN only works with Firefox and Chrome.

Customer Service

The ExpressVPN vs NordVPN result will be a tie if we consider the customer service. Both have a free and sound knowledge base for customer knowledge. Besides, both of them come with a 24/7 live chat facility, email support, and FAQs. So, it will be difficult to pick a particular winner for better customer service in the ExpressVPN vs NordVPN comparison. Further, we reached out to the customer service facilities of both these VPNs couple of times. The average response time from the customer service of both these VPNs via email was one to three hours. The live chat is real-time!

Conclusion

We declare ExpressVPN as the winner at the end of our ExpressVPN vs NordVPN assessments. Both are close enough in terms of features, safety, privacy, and accessibility. However, ExpressVPN wins the ExpressVPN vs NordVPN race in terms of speed, security, torrenting, unblocking streaming sites, etc. So, choose ExpressVPN to enjoy complete peace of mind. Happy streaming!

ExpressVPN

We declare ExpressVPN as a better service in the ExpressVPN vs NordVPN test. It has great privacy and safety features, along with a wide server base and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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