NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: Which is Better?

How do these compare?

NordVPN and ExpressVPN are top of the line providers in the business. Both are easy to use, have essential features, great security & privacy policies, amazing speed, and worldwide server infrastructure. 

In short, both come head to head at almost every aspect. The primary element that made NordVPN the winner for us is its pricing. We will discuss it at the end; let’s have a look at other aspects before that.

NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: Features

Features-wise, NordVPN has the edge over ExpressVPN.

Let’s talk about commonalities first. Both Nord and Express have top-notch encryption, a no-logs policy, a kill switch, DNS & IP leak protection, unlimited bandwidth, ability to unblock geographically-confined content of almost every platform (including Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, etc.), and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

On top of all that, NordVPN has a few extra features, including:

• More P2P servers;

• Cybersec: a malware/ad blocker;

• Double VPN- for extra, layered protection;

• Dedicated IP

• Onion over VPN

Compared to all these features, ExpressVPN has only one extra feature: Split tunneling, which NordVPN is rolling out for all its devices. It’s a great feature to have, especially for those intending to use a VPN when at the office. 

However, the sheer quantity & quality of extra features NordVPN provides makes it the clear winner.

Winner: NordVPN

NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: Ease of use

NordVPN and ExpressVPN are the two giants in the commercial VPN market, and that stature cannot be achieved without considering the end-consumer’s experience. So, this goes without saying: Both are very easy to use, intuitive, and visually stimulating.

Both have apps for all the devices, including Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. However, their implementation of UI is quite different, unlike the visually similar ProtonVPN and NordVPN

ExperssVPN’s desktop version also has a mobile feel. Nevertheless, it’s easy to navigate through. You can select the country by choosing from a (searchable) list of their servers. Plus, it has a “quick connect” option as well.

As for settings, ExpressVPN has done that quite well. You have General, Account, Protocol, and Advanced settings categorized. Everything flows naturally ⁠— you’ll know which setting is where without thinking much.

NordVPN’s implementation is a bit different ⁠— it’s more visually active. You have a map marked with all the servers on the right and a searchable list on the left. Choose from wherever you want. And, of course, there’s a “quick connect” option.

The settings tab is intuitive too. You can access all the features we mentioned in the previous section from there.

Overall, NordVPN and ExpressVPN have their own style of implementing UI/UX. However, any laymen can use either, which makes both the winner.

Winner: Both

NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: Pricing

Every aspect we discussed until now resulted in pretty much a tie. NordVPN is overall slightly better, but just “slightly”. This section will make NordVPN the undefeated champion!

If you purchase NordVPN for two years, the cost per month is $3.49. Or, approx. $89 for the whole of two years. This plan allows six simultaneous connections.

For the one year plan, which is their maximum, ExpressVPN charges $8.32/month or roughly $100 for the year. This plan includes simultaneous connections for five devices.

Simple math says: Not only does ExpressVPN cost more than twice the cost of NordVPN, but it also allows one device less.

So, the clear Winner: NordVPN

NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: Conclusion