VPN comparison · 2026
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN (2026 Comparison)
Side-by-side: pricing, features, pros, cons, and our editorial winner for vpn.
Winner summary
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN: how they differ
We have not scored ExpressVPN against our rubric yet, so we are not naming an overall winner here. The dimensions below are still directly comparable.
Cheaper
Tie
Higher rated
Not compared
Better free tier
Tie
NordVPN
Fastest mainstream VPN with Threat Protection
Not yet scored
$3.49/mo
Feature comparison
| Dimension | ExpressVPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $3.49/mo | $3.49/mo |
| Free trial | 30-day money-back | 30-day money-back |
| Best for | Streaming & ease of use | Most users |
| Badge | Premium | Editor's Choice |
ExpressVPN key features
- Lightway, WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols
- Servers in 113 countries
- TrustedServer in-house server technology
- 10 to 14 simultaneous devices depending on plan
- 24/7 live chat
NordVPN key features
- Thousands of servers across 225 locations
- NordLynx (WireGuard) protocol
- Scam and phishing protection on every plan; antivirus, ad blocker and password manager from the Complete plan
- Dedicated IP as a checkout add-on
- 10 simultaneous devices
ExpressVPN — pros & cons
Pros
- Easiest VPN apps in the market
- Excellent for streaming
- Independently audited by KPMG, PwC and Cure53 (company-stated)
- Registered in the British Virgin Islands
Cons
- The entry price needs a multi-year term and the Basic plan renews at $99.95 a year (about $8.33/mo)
- WireGuard is not available in every app (iOS, Android and Windows only)
NordVPN — pros & cons
Pros
- 10 devices on every plan
- Independent no-logs assurance report (Deloitte, fifth since 2018; company-stated)
- Strong streaming unblocking
Cons
- The Basic plan renews at $139.08 a year (about $11.59/mo) after the 2-year intro price
- macOS app slightly behind Windows
When to pick which
Choose ExpressVPN if…
- Streaming Netflix/BBC
- Privacy
- Travel
Choose NordVPN if…
- Streaming
- Privacy
- Travel