Head-to-head

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN

The two premium names in the VPN world. Both fast, both audited, but with a clear difference in price.

We may earn a small commission through links on this site, at no extra cost to you.

Our pick
Our picks
NordVPN logoNordVPN
Nord Security

NordVPN

The complete package. Fast, secure, and good at everything.

Our picks
ExpressVPN logoExpressVPN
ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Premium and dependable, with its own fast protocol.

Prices last checked on

NordVPN compared with ExpressVPN, side by side
FeatureNordVPNExpressVPN
Our score4.7 / 54.4 / 5
PriceFrom $3.09/moFrom $3.49/mo
Free planNoNo
Best for10 devices at once8 devices at once
CategoryTop picksTop picks
ProviderNord SecurityExpressVPN
Visit NordVPN Visit ExpressVPN

Our verdict

ExpressVPN has the most user-friendly apps of the two and is a fine choice if ease of use matters most to you. But NordVPN offers comparable speed and privacy, more simultaneous devices, and a substantially lower price on a two-year plan. For most people, NordVPN is the obvious winner here.

We ran NordVPN for four weeks and it lived up to its reputation. Speeds were high, streaming worked everywhere, and the no-logs policy has been independently verified multiple times. On a two-year plan, the best all-round choice right now.Editorial team, on NordVPN
ExpressVPN has the most user-friendly apps in this line-up and the Lightway protocol is rock solid. You do pay noticeably more than the competition for fewer simultaneous devices.Editorial team, on ExpressVPN

Frequently asked questions

Is ExpressVPN worth the extra money over NordVPN?

For most people, no. NordVPN matches ExpressVPN on speed and privacy, allows ten simultaneous devices against eight, and costs less on a two-year plan. ExpressVPN's advantage is its apps, which are the most user-friendly we have tested. If you want the simplest possible experience and the price gap does not bother you, ExpressVPN earns its keep.

What does NordVPN cost compared to ExpressVPN?

NordVPN is cheaper on the long plan: $3.09 a month against $3.49 for ExpressVPN, so $37.08 versus $41.88 for a year (US dollars, prices last checked August 2026). Both are two-year commitment rates, not what a single month costs. Month to month the two are almost level at $12.99 and $12.95, so the saving only appears when you commit long.

How many devices can I connect on each?

NordVPN covers ten devices at once, ExpressVPN eight. Neither is unlimited, so a household with several phones, laptops, a tablet and a smart TV can bump into the ExpressVPN ceiling. Both refund within 30 days if the fit turns out wrong, which is the cheapest way to find out whether eight is enough for you.

Have both no-logs policies been independently audited?

Yes, both have had their no-logs claims independently verified more than once. NordVPN also runs its servers entirely in RAM, so nothing survives a reboot. On privacy grounds there is very little to separate them, which is exactly why this duel comes down to price, app polish and device count rather than to trust.