software
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN 2026: Speed & Price Showdown
ExpressVPN offers faster speeds (20-30% faster on average) and stronger privacy guarantees with its RAM-only infrastructure, while NordVPN is significantly cheaper at $3.99/month vs $6.67/month and includes advanced features like Meshnet and threat protection.
NordVPN
Budget-friendly VPN with 5,800+ servers and advanced security features including threat protection and Meshnet.
Budget-conscious users, those managing 8+ devices, users seeking advanced security features beyond VPN basics, and those prioritizing access to diverse server locations.
Score71%
VS
E
ExpressVPN
High-speed premium VPN with 100% RAM-only servers, 3,000+ servers across 94 countries, and industry-leading encryption.
Users prioritizing speed and performance, travelers needing global access to 94+ countries, privacy-first users demanding zero-knowledge infrastructure, and those willing to pay premium pricing for reliability.
Score71%
Quick Answer
AI SummaryExpressVPN offers faster speeds (20-30% faster on average) and stronger privacy guarantees with its RAM-only infrastructure, while NordVPN is significantly cheaper at $3.99/month vs $6.67/month and includes advanced features like Meshnet and threat protection.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose NordVPN if you prioritize budget savings, need more simultaneous connections, want a larger server network, and value features like Meshnet and built-in threat protection. Choose ExpressVPN if speed is critical, you need access to more country locations, you require the strongest privacy assurances with full RAM-only infrastructure, and you're willing to pay a premium for consistently reliable performance.
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NordVPN
8.4/10
ExpressVPN
6.6/10
E
Choose NordVPN if
Best pickBudget-conscious users, those managing 8+ devices, users seeking advanced security features beyond VPN basics, and those prioritizing access to diverse server locations.
E
Choose ExpressVPN if
Users prioritizing speed and performance, travelers needing global access to 94+ countries, privacy-first users demanding zero-knowledge infrastructure, and those willing to pay premium pricing for reliability.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Monthly Subscription Cost:✓ NordVPN wins($3.99/month (2-year plan) vs $6.67/month (1-year plan))
- Average Download Speed:✓ ExpressVPN wins(510 Mbps vs 420 Mbps)
- Server Count:✓ NordVPN wins(5,800+ servers vs 3,000+ servers)
Key Facts & Figures
98 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Download Speed(Mbps) | 950+ Mbps | 898 Mbps | |
| Server Locations(countries) | 111 countries | 94 countries | |
| Speed Retention Rate(%) | 92% | 89% | |
| Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms) | 10+ | 13+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Paramount+) | |
| Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month) | $3.99 | — | — |
| Download Speed Performance Impact(% decrease from baseline) | 5.20% decrease | — | — |
| Download Speed(Mbps) | 950 Mbps | 898 Mbps | |
| Internet Speed Retention Rate(%) | 92% | 91% | |
| Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries) | 30+ | 10+ | |
| Total Streaming Services Supported(services) | 10+ | 100+ | |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 6,500+ | — | — |
| Countries Covered(count) | 110+ countries | 94 countries | |
| Annual Plan Price(USD) | From $69/year | — | — |
| Basic Plan Monthly Cost(USD) | $3.09 | — | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 7,200+ | 3,000+ | |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 110+ | — | — |
| Annual Cost (Best Plan)(USD) | $36+ | — | — |
| Base Monthly Price (USD)(USD/month) | $3.09 | — | — |
| Annual Price (First Year)(USD/year) | $83.43 | — | — |
| Number of Servers(servers) | 7200+ | — | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 10+ | 8 connections | |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | Fast (20-50 Mbps typical) | 50+ Mbps | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost (Best Plan)(USD) | $69.99/year (2-year plan) | — | — |
| Devices Supported on Free Tier(devices) | 0 (Premium only) | — | — |
| Devices Supported on Premium(devices) | 6 simultaneous connections | — | — |
| Browser Extensions Available(count) | 7 major browser extensions | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Price(USD) | $3.99/month | — | — |
| Total VPN Servers(servers) | 6,000+ | — | — |
| Independent Security Audit(year) | 2024 (PwC) | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost(USD) | $47.88/year | $6.67/month | |
| Maximum Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 6 devices | 8 devices | |
| Countries with Presence(countries) | 111 | — | — |
| Latest Security Audit Year | 2022 (PwC) | — | — |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 6,000+ | 3,000+ | |
| Monthly Cost (Best Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | — | — |
| Independent Security Audits | 2 (PwC & Deloitte 2024) | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (1-Year Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | — | — |
| Average Download Speed (US Servers)(Mbps) | 580 Mbps | — | — |
| Total VPN Server Count(servers) | 5,400+ | — | — |
| Monthly Price (Best Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | $6.67/month | |
| Annual Cost(USD) | $47.88 | $99.95 | |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 111 countries | 105 | |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Monthly Price (Annual Plan)(USD) | $3.99 | — | — |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 5,800+ | 3,000+ | |
| Annual Plan Price(USD/month) | $3.99/month | — | — |
| Global Server Network(servers) | 6,500+ servers | — | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD) | $3.99/month | $6.67 | |
| Server Count(servers) | 6,500+ | 3,000+ | |
| Server Countries(countries) | 111 | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | $6.67/month | |
| Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers) | 6,500+ | — | — |
| Countries with Server Presence(countries) | 111 countries | — | — |
| No-Logs Audit Frequency(audits per year) | Annual (PwC) | — | — |
| Average Download Speed Loss(%) | 8% slower (NordLynx/WireGuard) | — | — |
| Netflix Streaming Reliability(%) | 89% success rate (tested 13 regions) | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Best Rate)(USD) | $3.99 | — | — |
| Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) | 6 devices | 8 devices | |
| Customer Rating (Trustpilot)(out of 5.0) | 4.4 | — | — |
| Annual Plan Cost (Per Month)(USD) | $3.99/month | — | — |
| Number of Servers(servers) | 5,900+ | — | — |
| Countries Covered(countries) | 60 countries | 105 | |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 420 Mbps | 510 Mbps | |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 10 devices | 8 devices | |
| Monthly Plan Price(USD) | $12.99 | — | — |
| Average Connection Speed(Mbps) | 320 Mbps | — | — |
| Monthly Price (2-Year Plan)(USD) | $3.49/month | — | — |
| Total Global Servers(servers) | 6,500+ | — | — |
| Annual Price (1-Year Plan)(USD) | $6.99/month | — | — |
| VPN Server Locations(countries) | 111 countries | — | — |
| Devices Supported Simultaneously(devices) | 6 simultaneous connections | — | — |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 7 days | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) | $11.99 | $12.95/month (billed monthly) | |
| Number of VPN Servers(servers) | 6,500+ | 3,000+ | |
| Countries with Server Coverage(countries) | 111 | — | — |
| Average Download Speed (500Mbps connection)(Mbps) | 350 | — | — |
| Kill Switch Response Time(milliseconds) | 200-500ms | <100ms | |
| Speed Performance Rating(out of 10) | 9.8/10 | 9.8/10 | |
| Security Rating(out of 10) | 10.0/10 | 10.0/10 | |
| Streaming Capability Rating(out of 10) | 9.4/10 | 9.4/10 | |
| Gaming Performance Rating(out of 10) | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
| Standard Monthly Price(USD) | $12.99 | $12.99 | |
| Server Locations Coverage(countries) | 94+ | 94+ | |
| Value for Money Rating(out of 10) | 9.6 | 9.6 | |
| 2-Year Plan Average Cost(USD/month) | $3.49 | $3.49 | |
| Starting Monthly Price(USD) | $2.79/month (2-year) | $2.79/month (2-year) | |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Annual Subscription Cost (Per Month)(USD) | $6.67/month | $6.67/month | |
| Countries with Servers(countries) | 105 countries | 105 countries | |
| Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(%) | 94% | 94% | |
| Netflix Unblocking Success(%) | 94% | 94% | |
| Average Speed Retention(%) | 92% | 92% | |
| Netflix Unblocking Reliability(%) | 99% | 99% | |
| Supported VPN Protocols(count) | 2 (Lightway, IKEv2) | 2 (Lightway, IKEv2) | |
| Total Server Locations(number) | 3000+ | 3000+ | |
| Netflix Streaming Compatibility(regions) | 15+ regions | 15+ regions | |
| Annual Cost (3-Year Commitment)(USD) | $240.12 | $240.12 |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
Evenly matched1 tie
E
3ExpressVPNNordVPN
Attribute
ExpressVPN
- $3.99/month (2-year plan)(winner)Monthly Subscription Cost$6.67/month (1-year plan)
- 420 MbpsAverage Download Speed510 Mbps(winner)
- 5,800+ servers(winner)Server Count3,000+ servers
- 60+ countriesServer Locations94 countries(winner)
- Mix of disk-based and RAM serversInfrastructure Type100% RAM-only infrastructure(winner)
- 10 devices(winner)Simultaneous Connections8 devices
- 30 daysMoney-Back Guarantee30 days
- Monthly Subscription Cost
NordVPN
$3.99/month (2-year plan)(winner)
ExpressVPN
$6.67/month (1-year plan)
- Average Download Speed
NordVPN
420 Mbps
ExpressVPN
510 Mbps(winner)
- Server Count
NordVPN
5,800+ servers(winner)
ExpressVPN
3,000+ servers
- Server Locations
NordVPN
60+ countries
ExpressVPN
94 countries(winner)
- Infrastructure Type
NordVPN
Mix of disk-based and RAM servers
ExpressVPN
100% RAM-only infrastructure(winner)
- Simultaneous Connections
NordVPN
10 devices(winner)
ExpressVPN
8 devices
- Money-Back Guarantee
NordVPN
30 days
ExpressVPN
30 days
Full Comparison
| Attribute | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Download Speed(Mbps) | 950+ Mbps(winner) | 898 Mbps |
| Speed Retention Rate(%) | 92%(winner) | 89% |
| Connection Speed Rating | Fastest | — |
| Download Speed Performance Impact(% decrease from baseline) | 5.20% decrease | — |
| Download Speed(Mbps) | 950 Mbps(winner) | 898 Mbps |
Show 13 more attributesInternet Speed Retention Rate(%) 92% 91% Connection Speed Performance Faster globally — Average Download Speed(Mbps) Fast (20-50 Mbps typical) 50+ Mbps Average Download Speed (US Servers)(Mbps) 580 Mbps — Average Download Speed Loss(%) 8% slower (NordLynx/WireGuard) — Countries Covered(countries) 60 countries 105 Average Download Speed(Mbps) 420 Mbps 510 Mbps Average Connection Speed(Mbps) 320 Mbps — Average Download Speed (500Mbps connection)(Mbps) 350 — Speed Performance Rating(out of 10) 9.8/10 — Streaming Capability Rating(out of 10) 9.4/10 — Gaming Performance Rating(out of 10) 8.5/10 — Average Speed Retention(%) 92% — | ||
| Server Locations(countries) | 111 countries(winner) | 94 countries |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 6,500+ | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 7,200+(winner) | 3,000+ |
| Total VPN Servers(servers) | 6,000+ | — |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 6,000+(winner) | 3,000+ |
Show 8 more attributesCountry Coverage(countries) 111 countries 105 Global Server Network(servers) 6,500+ servers — Server Countries(countries) 111 — Number of Servers(servers) 5,900+ — Total Global Servers(servers) 6,500+ — Number of VPN Servers(servers) 6,500+ 3,000+ Countries with Server Coverage(countries) 111 — Countries with Servers(countries) 105 countries — | ||
| Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms) | 10+ | 13+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Paramount+)(winner) |
| Native Streaming Box Apps | Limited | Full support |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 10+(winner) | 8 connections |
| Maximum Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 6 devices | 8 devices(winner) |
| Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) | 6 devices | 8 devices(winner) |
Show 4 more attributesSimultaneous Connections(devices) 10 devices 8 devices Server Locations Coverage(countries) 94+ — Router VPN Support Native support — Supported VPN Protocols(count) 2 (Lightway, IKEv2) — | ||
| VPN Protocols Offered | NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Encryption Standards Offered(algorithms) | AES-256 (NordLynx) | — |
| Primary VPN Protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard-based) | Lightway (Proprietary) |
| Kill Switch Feature | Yes, All Platforms | Yes, All Platforms |
| Encryption Standard | AES-256 | 256-bit AES Military-Grade |
Show 23 more attributesIndependent Security Audits Yes, regular audits — Kill Switch Feature Yes, on all platforms — Advanced Threat Protection Yes - Threat Protection Pro — Independent Security Audit(year) 2024 (PwC) — Kill Switch Implementation Yes, all platforms — Independent Security Audits 2 (PwC & Deloitte 2024) — Encryption Standard(bits) AES-256 256-bit AES (Lightway protocol) Primary Encryption Standard WireGuard with ChaCha20 — No-Logs Audit Frequency(audits per year) Annual (PwC) — Supported Encryption Protocols(protocols) OpenVPN, WireGuard, ChaCha20, NordLynx — Kill Switch / Leak Protection Yes (Threat Protection included) — Recent Independent Security Audit PwC (2024) — Kill Switch Enabled by Default Yes — Encryption Type AES-256 Double VPN (dual layer) — No-Logs Certification Yes (multiple 2022-2024) — Password Encryption Standard IKEv2/IPSec or WireGuard — Code Openness Proprietary (audited) — Independent Security Audit (Latest) Deloitte (2024) — Kill Switch Response Time(milliseconds) 200-500ms <100ms Security Rating(out of 10) 10.0/10 — Multi-Hop Encryption Available (slower) — Code Transparency Third-party audited only — Code Transparency (Open Source) Proprietary/Closed — | ||
| Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month) | $3.99 | — |
| Free Plan Data Limit(GB/month) | None available | — |
| Annual Plan Price(USD) | From $69/year | — |
| Basic Plan Monthly Cost(USD) | $3.09 | — |
| Annual Cost (Best Plan)(USD) | $36+ | — |
Show 26 more attributesBase Monthly Price (USD)(USD/month) $3.09 — Annual Price (First Year)(USD/year) $83.43 — Annual Subscription Cost (Best Plan)(USD) $69.99/year (2-year plan) — Annual Subscription Price(USD) $3.99/month — Monthly Cost (Best Plan)(USD) $3.99/month — Monthly Subscription Cost (1-Year Plan)(USD) $3.99/month — Monthly Price (Best Plan)(USD) $3.99/month $6.67/month Annual Cost(USD) $47.88 $99.95 Monthly Price (Annual Plan)(USD) $3.99 — Annual Plan Price(USD/month) $3.99/month — Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD) $3.99/month $6.67 Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) $3.99/month $6.67/month Monthly Subscription Cost (Best Rate)(USD) $3.99 — Annual Plan Cost (Per Month)(USD) $3.99/month — Monthly Plan Price(USD) $12.99 — Monthly Price (2-Year Plan)(USD) $3.49/month — Annual Price (1-Year Plan)(USD) $6.99/month — Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) $11.99 $12.95/month (billed monthly) Standard Monthly Price(USD) $12.99 — 2-Year Plan Average Cost(USD/month) $3.49 — Starting Monthly Price(USD) $2.79/month (2-year) — Free Version Not available — Annual Subscription Cost (Per Month)(USD) $6.67/month — Free Tier Data Allowance(GB/month) None — Monthly Cost(USD) $12.95 — Annual Cost (3-Year Commitment)(USD) $240.12 — | ||
| Logging Policy | Strict no-logs | — |
| Jurisdiction Privacy Rating | Excellent - Panama | — |
| No-Logs Policy | Verified no-logs | — |
| Payment Anonymity Options | Crypto, card, PayPal | — |
| No-Logging Audit Verification | Yes (PwC audit 2024) | — |
Show 4 more attributesNo-Logs Policy Jurisdiction Panama (outside 5/9/14-Eyes) — Log Retention Policy Strict no-logs policy — Privacy Jurisdiction British Virgin Islands — Login Requirement for Access Mandatory (email-based) — | ||
| Dark Web Monitor | Included | — |
| App Kill Switch Feature | Yes (app-level) | — |
| Dark Web Breach Monitoring | No | — |
| Kill Switch Availability | All platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android) | — |
| Kill Switch Protection | Yes (automatic) | — |
Show 1 more attributeBreach Monitoring Included No — | ||
| US Streaming Platforms Supported(platforms) | 4+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max verified) | — |
| Free Trial or Free Plan(monthly data) | None - 30-day money back only | — |
| Devices Supported on Free Tier(devices) | 0 (Premium only) | — |
| Devices Supported on Premium(devices) | 6 simultaneous connections | — |
| Privacy Jurisdiction | Panama (5/9/14 Eyes) | — |
| Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries) | 30+(winner) | 10+ |
| Total Streaming Services Supported(services) | 10+ | 100+(winner) |
| Netflix Streaming Reliability(%) | 89% success rate (tested 13 regions) | — |
| Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(%) | 94% | — |
| Netflix Unblocking Success(%) | 94% | — |
Show 2 more attributesNetflix Unblocking Reliability(%) 99% — Netflix Streaming Compatibility(regions) 15+ regions — | ||
| Countries Covered(count) | 110+ countries(winner) | 94 countries |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 110+ | — |
| Total VPN Server Count(servers) | 5,400+ | — |
| Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers) | 6,500+ | — |
| VPN Server Locations(countries) | 111 countries | — |
| Number of Servers(servers) | 7200+ | — |
| Server Storage Type(text) | Mix of disk and RAM | 100% RAM-only |
| Streaming Compatibility | Full support for major platforms | — |
| Maximum Password Character Support(characters) | Not applicable | — |
| Browser Extensions Available(count) | 7 major browser extensions | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost(USD) | $47.88/year | $6.67/month(winner) |
| Open-Source Code Availability | Partial (selected components) | — |
| Source Code Availability | Proprietary/Closed-source | — |
| Open-Source Client | No (proprietary) | — |
| Countries with Presence(countries) | 111 | — |
| Latest Security Audit Year | 2022 (PwC) | — |
| Open Source Code(yes/no) | Partial (proprietary components) | — |
| Free Tier Monthly Data(GB) | No free tier | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 5,800+(winner) | 3,000+ |
| Geographic Coverage(countries) | 60+ countries | 94 countries(winner) |
| Supported Platforms | 12+ (major platforms only) | — |
| Devices Supported Simultaneously(devices) | 6 simultaneous connections | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 30 days |
| Server Count(servers) | 6,500+(winner) | 3,000+ |
| Countries with Server Presence(countries) | 111 countries | — |
| Total Server Locations(number) | 3000+ | — |
| Customer Rating (Trustpilot)(out of 5.0) | 4.4 | — |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 7 days | — |
| Customer Support Hours(hours/week) | 24/7 live chat and email | — |
| Customer Support Type | 24/7 live chat | — |
| Value for Money Rating(out of 10) | 9.6 | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | — |
| Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands | — |
NordVPNEExpressVPN
Peak Download Speed(Mbps)
950+ Mbps
898 Mbps
Speed Retention Rate(%)
92%
89%
Connection Speed Rating
Fastest
—
Download Speed Performance Impact(% decrease from baseline)
5.20% decrease
—
Download Speed(Mbps)
950 Mbps
898 Mbps
Show 13 more attributes
Internet Speed Retention Rate(%)
92%
91%
Connection Speed Performance
Faster globally
—
Average Download Speed(Mbps)
Fast (20-50 Mbps typical)
50+ Mbps
Average Download Speed (US Servers)(Mbps)
580 Mbps
—
Average Download Speed Loss(%)
8% slower (NordLynx/WireGuard)
—
Countries Covered(countries)
60 countries
105
Average Download Speed(Mbps)
420 Mbps
510 Mbps
Average Connection Speed(Mbps)
320 Mbps
—
Average Download Speed (500Mbps connection)(Mbps)
350
—
Speed Performance Rating(out of 10)
9.8/10
—
Streaming Capability Rating(out of 10)
9.4/10
—
Gaming Performance Rating(out of 10)
8.5/10
—
Average Speed Retention(%)
92%
—
Server Locations(countries)
111 countries
94 countries
Global Server Count(servers)
6,500+
—
Server Count(servers)
7,200+
3,000+
Total VPN Servers(servers)
6,000+
—
Global Server Count(servers)
6,000+
3,000+
Show 8 more attributes
Country Coverage(countries)
111 countries
105
Global Server Network(servers)
6,500+ servers
—
Server Countries(countries)
111
—
Number of Servers(servers)
5,900+
—
Total Global Servers(servers)
6,500+
—
Number of VPN Servers(servers)
6,500+
3,000+
Countries with Server Coverage(countries)
111
—
Countries with Servers(countries)
105 countries
—
Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms)
10+
13+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Paramount+)
Native Streaming Box Apps
Limited
Full support
Simultaneous Connections(devices)
10+
8 connections
Maximum Simultaneous Connections(devices)
6 devices
8 devices
Simultaneous Device Connections(devices)
6 devices
8 devices
Show 4 more attributes
Simultaneous Connections(devices)
10 devices
8 devices
Server Locations Coverage(countries)
94+
—
Router VPN Support
Native support
—
Supported VPN Protocols(count)
2 (Lightway, IKEv2)
—
VPN Protocols Offered
NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2
Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2
Encryption Standards Offered(algorithms)
AES-256 (NordLynx)
—
Primary VPN Protocol
NordLynx (WireGuard-based)
Lightway (Proprietary)
Kill Switch Feature
Yes, All Platforms
Yes, All Platforms
Encryption Standard
AES-256
256-bit AES Military-Grade
Show 23 more attributes
Independent Security Audits
Yes, regular audits
—
Kill Switch Feature
Yes, on all platforms
—
Advanced Threat Protection
Yes - Threat Protection Pro
—
Independent Security Audit(year)
2024 (PwC)
—
Kill Switch Implementation
Yes, all platforms
—
Independent Security Audits
2 (PwC & Deloitte 2024)
—
Encryption Standard(bits)
AES-256
256-bit AES (Lightway protocol)
Primary Encryption Standard
WireGuard with ChaCha20
—
No-Logs Audit Frequency(audits per year)
Annual (PwC)
—
Supported Encryption Protocols(protocols)
OpenVPN, WireGuard, ChaCha20, NordLynx
—
Kill Switch / Leak Protection
Yes (Threat Protection included)
—
Recent Independent Security Audit
PwC (2024)
—
Kill Switch Enabled by Default
Yes
—
Encryption Type
AES-256 Double VPN (dual layer)
—
No-Logs Certification
Yes (multiple 2022-2024)
—
Password Encryption Standard
IKEv2/IPSec or WireGuard
—
Code Openness
Proprietary (audited)
—
Independent Security Audit (Latest)
Deloitte (2024)
—
Kill Switch Response Time(milliseconds)
200-500ms
<100ms
Security Rating(out of 10)
10.0/10
—
Multi-Hop Encryption
Available (slower)
—
Code Transparency
Third-party audited only
—
Code Transparency (Open Source)
Proprietary/Closed
—
Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month)
$3.99
—
Free Plan Data Limit(GB/month)
None available
—
Annual Plan Price(USD)
From $69/year
—
Basic Plan Monthly Cost(USD)
$3.09
—
Annual Cost (Best Plan)(USD)
$36+
—
Show 26 more attributes
Base Monthly Price (USD)(USD/month)
$3.09
—
Annual Price (First Year)(USD/year)
$83.43
—
Annual Subscription Cost (Best Plan)(USD)
$69.99/year (2-year plan)
—
Annual Subscription Price(USD)
$3.99/month
—
Monthly Cost (Best Plan)(USD)
$3.99/month
—
Monthly Subscription Cost (1-Year Plan)(USD)
$3.99/month
—
Monthly Price (Best Plan)(USD)
$3.99/month
$6.67/month
Annual Cost(USD)
$47.88
$99.95
Monthly Price (Annual Plan)(USD)
$3.99
—
Annual Plan Price(USD/month)
$3.99/month
—
Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD)
$3.99/month
$6.67
Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD)
$3.99/month
$6.67/month
Monthly Subscription Cost (Best Rate)(USD)
$3.99
—
Annual Plan Cost (Per Month)(USD)
$3.99/month
—
Monthly Plan Price(USD)
$12.99
—
Monthly Price (2-Year Plan)(USD)
$3.49/month
—
Annual Price (1-Year Plan)(USD)
$6.99/month
—
Monthly Subscription Cost(USD)
$11.99
$12.95/month (billed monthly)
Standard Monthly Price(USD)
$12.99
—
2-Year Plan Average Cost(USD/month)
$3.49
—
Starting Monthly Price(USD)
$2.79/month (2-year)
—
Free Version
Not available
—
Annual Subscription Cost (Per Month)(USD)
$6.67/month
—
Free Tier Data Allowance(GB/month)
None
—
Monthly Cost(USD)
$12.95
—
Annual Cost (3-Year Commitment)(USD)
$240.12
—
Logging Policy
Strict no-logs
—
Jurisdiction Privacy Rating
Excellent - Panama
—
No-Logs Policy
Verified no-logs
—
Payment Anonymity Options
Crypto, card, PayPal
—
No-Logging Audit Verification
Yes (PwC audit 2024)
—
Show 4 more attributes
No-Logs Policy Jurisdiction
Panama (outside 5/9/14-Eyes)
—
Log Retention Policy
Strict no-logs policy
—
Privacy Jurisdiction
British Virgin Islands
—
Login Requirement for Access
Mandatory (email-based)
—
Dark Web Monitor
Included
—
App Kill Switch Feature
Yes (app-level)
—
Dark Web Breach Monitoring
No
—
Kill Switch Availability
All platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android)
—
Kill Switch Protection
Yes (automatic)
—
Show 1 more attribute
Breach Monitoring Included
No
—
US Streaming Platforms Supported(platforms)
4+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max verified)
—
Free Trial or Free Plan(monthly data)
None - 30-day money back only
—
Devices Supported on Free Tier(devices)
0 (Premium only)
—
Devices Supported on Premium(devices)
6 simultaneous connections
—
Privacy Jurisdiction
Panama (5/9/14 Eyes)
—
Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries)
30+
10+
Total Streaming Services Supported(services)
10+
100+
Netflix Streaming Reliability(%)
89% success rate (tested 13 regions)
—
Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(%)
94%
—
Netflix Unblocking Success(%)
94%
—
Show 2 more attributes
Netflix Unblocking Reliability(%)
99%
—
Netflix Streaming Compatibility(regions)
15+ regions
—
Countries Covered(count)
110+ countries
94 countries
Country Coverage(countries)
110+
—
Total VPN Server Count(servers)
5,400+
—
Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers)
6,500+
—
VPN Server Locations(countries)
111 countries
—
Number of Servers(servers)
7200+
—
Server Storage Type(text)
Mix of disk and RAM
100% RAM-only
Streaming Compatibility
Full support for major platforms
—
Maximum Password Character Support(characters)
Not applicable
—
Browser Extensions Available(count)
7 major browser extensions
—
Annual Subscription Cost(USD)
$47.88/year
$6.67/month
Open-Source Code Availability
Partial (selected components)
—
Source Code Availability
Proprietary/Closed-source
—
Open-Source Client
No (proprietary)
—
Countries with Presence(countries)
111
—
Latest Security Audit Year
2022 (PwC)
—
Open Source Code(yes/no)
Partial (proprietary components)
—
Free Tier Monthly Data(GB)
No free tier
—
Money-Back Guarantee(days)
30 days
30 days
Total Server Count(servers)
5,800+
3,000+
Geographic Coverage(countries)
60+ countries
94 countries
Supported Platforms
12+ (major platforms only)
—
Devices Supported Simultaneously(devices)
6 simultaneous connections
—
Money-Back Guarantee Period(days)
30 days
30 days
Server Count(servers)
6,500+
3,000+
Countries with Server Presence(countries)
111 countries
—
Total Server Locations(number)
3000+
—
Customer Rating (Trustpilot)(out of 5.0)
4.4
—
Free Trial Duration(days)
7 days
—
Customer Support Hours(hours/week)
24/7 live chat and email
—
Customer Support Type
24/7 live chat
—
Value for Money Rating(out of 10)
9.6
—
Money-Back Guarantee(days)
30 days
—
Jurisdiction
British Virgin Islands
—
Pros & Cons
10 pros·4 cons across both
E
NordVPN
+5-2
Pros
- Most affordable long-term pricing at $3.99/month on 2-year plans
- 5,800+ servers across 60+ countries for excellent access and redundancy
- Supports 10 simultaneous device connections, best-in-class
- Includes Meshnet for secure peer-to-peer connections between devices
- Built-in threat protection blocks malware, ad tracking, and intrusive ads
Cons
- Average download speeds 20% slower than ExpressVPN at 420 Mbps
- Slower kill switch implementation (200-500ms vs competitor's <100ms)
E
ExpressVPN
+5-2
Pros
- Fastest average speeds at 510 Mbps, consistently 20-30% faster than competitors
- 100% RAM-only server infrastructure ensures zero data persistence across reboots
- Access to 94 countries with servers in more regions than any competitor
- TrustedServer technology with proprietary OS for maximum security isolation
- Fastest kill switch response time under 100ms for immediate disconnection
Cons
- Significantly higher cost at $6.67/month minimum, 67% more expensive than NordVPN
- Only 8 simultaneous device connections versus NordVPN's 10
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
ExpressVPN delivers 510 Mbps average speeds compared to NordVPN's 420 Mbps, making it approximately 20-30% faster. ExpressVPN's proprietary TrustedServer technology and optimized network infrastructure prioritize speed, while NordVPN offers adequate speeds for most uses but sacrifices raw performance for lower pricing.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Learn more about our affiliate disclosure
Wikipedia
- W
NordVPN on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
Budget-friendly VPN with 5,800+ servers and advanced security features including threat protection and Meshnet.
- W
ExpressVPN on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
High-speed premium VPN with 100% RAM-only servers, 3,000+ servers across 94 countries, and industry-leading encryption.
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