NordVPN and ExpressVPN are two popular VPN options. If you use public Wi-Fi, are looking to make your online accounts more secure or seeking better online security measures for your business, NordVPN or ExpressVPN are both good options. Both offer high-speed encrypted internet access through a virtual private network (VPN) with thousands of servers around the world.
In this comparison, Forbes Advisor look at the difference between these two companies from the perspective of price, servers, device compatibility and customer service. Find out which one is best for your home or business.
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NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: At a Glance
Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN are rated one of our top VPNs. Although both are popular choices, the companies vary in terms of price and features. ExpressVPN is more expensive, but it also offers more server locations. NordVPN is more affordable and comes with the option for a dedicated IP at an additional cost while ExpressVPN does not. Both companies offer 24/7 customer service and the ability to sign up for a monthly plan or annual plan. NordVPN has an additional option of a two-year plan, and ExpressVPN has an additional option for a six-month plan.
NordVPN
Annual cost
$59.88 for the first 12 months
(renews at $139.98)
Compatibility
Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android TV
Maximum number of devices
6
$59.88 for the first 12 months
(renews at $139.98)
Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android TV
6
NordVPN is one of the most popular VPNs on the market. It ranked on our list of the top 10 VPNs of 2021. NordVPN can work as an everyday VPN for personal use, but their business offering makes it suitable for teams as well (for an additional cost). NordLayer makes it easy to protect the accounts of everyone on your team. Additionally, while many VPNs do not offer the option of a dedicated IP (DIP), NordVPN does.
- A high number of servers (5,000+)
- Dedicated IP (DIP) add-on available
- 24/7 support
- More expensive than other VPNs
- Fewer server connections than competitors
- Cost for dedicated IP is higher than some competitors
ExpressVPN
Annual cost
$99.95 for your first year
(renews at $155.40 per year)
Compatibility
Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Linux
Maximum number of devices
5
$99.95 for your first year
(renews at $155.40 per year)
Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Linux
5
ExpressVPN is a popular choice for a high-speed VPN and ranked one of our top 10 VPNs of 2021. Its servers are privately held on the British Virgin Islands, a country that is not required to share its data with other countries and is therefore considered privacy-friendly. ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers in over 160 locations, which ensures you will be able to connect to a location with fast internet speed.
- Positive user reviews
- A high number of server locations
- Includes router app that protects all connected devices
- More expensive than other VPNs
- Limited business usage
- No dedicated IP option
How NordVPN and ExpressVPN Stack Up
When it comes to price, NordVPN is considerably cheaper than ExpressVPN, at $59.88 per year compared to $80.04 per year. Both VPNs are compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, Mac and Linux, while NordVPN will also connect to Android TV. Both companies also offer a trial period of 30 days.
The encryption and free trial length are the same for both of these VPNs. NordVPN offers a slightly higher number of devices, at six compared with five. (Other VPNs allow you to use their service on an unlimited number of devices, so it’s worth researching these options if you plan on using the VPN on more than six devices.)
NordVPN has a higher number of servers, at 5,000-plus, compared to ExpressVPN’s 3,000-plus servers. However, ExpressVPN has a considerably higher number of server locations, at 160 compared to NordVPN’s 60, which could be beneficial depending on which countries you plan to connect to with your VPN. NordVPN makes it easy to figure out if their server locations will match yours on its website. Similarly, ExpressVPN makes it simple to find out where its 160 servers are located online.
NordVPN offers the option of a dedicated internet protocol (IP) address add-on for $5.83 per month (or $70 per year). This will give you the ability to access IP-restricted networks while still maintaining your anonymity. NordVPN is also compatible with businesses and companies through NordLayer, their business-tier subscription option.
Additional Features
Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer split tunneling, which is the ability to choose which content goes through the VPN and which content goes through the internet. This makes it easy to access otherwise blocked websites, such as online banking, without disconnecting your VPN each time. Not all VPNs offer this feature.
Additionally, ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer the option to configure your VPN directly onto your router. This is an extra safety measure as it means you will be automatically connected to your VPN when you are using the router. Both VPNs also come with a kill switch, which immediately disconnects your internet connection when your device is not connected to the internet to ensure your privacy is not compromised if the VPN connection drops.
Bottom Line
ExpressVPN is considerably more expensive than NordVPN, at $80.04 per year compared with $59.88 per year. If price is your main concern, choose NordVPN.
However, ExpressVPN offers faster speeds than NordVPN and about 100 more server locations. Depending on what country and location you want to connect to through your VPN, ExpressVPN may be a better choice.
Lastly, if you need a dedicated IP or you are looking for a VPN to use for a business or company, choose NordVPN, as ExpressVPN does not offer a dedicated IP or a business or team option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How secure are VPNs?
Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN provide military-grade AES 256-bit encryption. This is the same security that governments and armed forces around the world use to protect sensitive information. Both VPNs include a kill switch, which automatically disconnects your internet connection when your device isn’t connected to the VPN. NordVPN offers NordLayer, which provides internet privacy for companies and businesses. With servers held privately on the British Virgin Islands, which is a country not required to share its data with other countries, so ExpressVPN is considered to be extra secure.
How do I cancel my NordVPN subscription?
You can cancel your subscription at any time. You can do this through your online account under “billing.”
Are there any VPNs that are less expensive than NordVPN and ExpressVPN?
There are some free VPNs available, such as Hotspot Shield, though we recommend choosing a paid solution as free VPNs are less secure and come with many advertisements. If budget is an issue, you can find many cheap VPNs from which to choose.
Can I be tracked while using a VPN?
Yes, but it depends on your activity and your awareness. A VPN protects active data transfers while you’re online. If you’ve enabled cookies on websites you visit, advertisers can track your activity. However, with a VPN they won’t be able to connect your activity to your IP. Malware is another risk, but a VPN can’t protect you from installing malware.
Why should I use a VPN?
There are plenty of reasons to use a VPN, both at home and at work. In both settings, you may be transmitting sensitive data across the internet, such as financial credentials or client information. You also may be connecting to public Wi-Fi, which can be dangerous if someone else on the network is tech-savvy enough to access your data. A VPN offers an extra layer of security in all of these cases, protecting you and your assets from fraudulent activity.
