Comparisons VPN Comparison 2026
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: which VPN is better?
Two VPN providers side by side. They differ in 14 of 26 criteria. Here you can see where, and which one suits whom.
- Updated October 2026
- Compare all 9 providers
At a glance
NordVPN
Best for: Anyone looking for a fast, versatile VPN for streaming, travel and many countries.
- Servers in over 170 countries
- Fast NordLynx protocol
- No-logs policy audited multiple times
Better than ExpressVPN at: Multi-hop (via two servers)
Price: from €3.49 (2 years)
Visit NordVPNExpressVPN
Best for: Anyone looking for a simple VPN with excellent coverage for travel and streaming.
- Servers in 113 countries
- Own open-source Lightway protocol
- RAM-only servers (TrustedServer)
Better than NordVPN at: Open-source apps, Ad and tracker blocker
Price: from €2.49 (2 years)
Visit ExpressVPNAll criteria compared
Highlighted rows show where the two differ.
| Criterion | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ||
| Free plan | No | No |
| Lowest monthly price | from €3.49 (2 years) | from €2.49 (2 years) |
| Price with monthly billing | n/a | €12.99 |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Provider & privacy | ||
| Headquarters | Panama | British Virgin Islands |
| Owned by | Nord Security (also Surfshark) | Kape (also CyberGhost, PIA) |
| No-logs policy independently audited | Yes, multiple times (incl. Deloitte) | Yes, multiple times (incl. KPMG) |
| Open-source apps | No | Only the Lightway protocol |
| Known incidents | 2018: one server at a data centre provider compromised | None known |
| Account without email address | No | No |
| Anonymous payment (cash, crypto) | Crypto | Crypto |
| Technology | ||
| Protocols | NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2, NordWhisper | Lightway, OpenVPN |
| RAM-only servers | Yes | Yes |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes |
| Split tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-hop (via two servers) | Yes (Double VPN) | No |
| Ad and tracker blocker | From the Complete plan | Yes |
| Obfuscation for restricted networks | Yes (NordWhisper, obfuscated servers) | Yes, automatic |
| Features | ||
| Simultaneous devices | 10 | 10 to 14 depending on plan |
| Server countries | over 170 | 113 |
| File sharing (P2P) allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Streaming officially supported | Yes | Yes |
| Extras | Meshnet, antivirus and password manager in bigger plans | Password manager and identity protection in bigger plans |
| Platforms | ||
| Windows, macOS, Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Android, iPhone | Yes | Yes |
| TVs and routers | Yes | Yes |
Strengths and weaknesses
NordVPN
One of the largest VPN providers, with a huge number of locations, a fast in-house protocol and add-on bundles up to antivirus.
- + Servers in over 170 countries
- + Fast NordLynx protocol
- + No-logs policy audited multiple times
- + RAM-only servers
- – Ad blocker only from the pricier Complete plan
- – Much more expensive renewal after the first term
- – In 2018, one server at a data centre provider was compromised
ExpressVPN
Well-known premium VPN with its own open-source Lightway protocol and servers in more than 100 countries.
- + Servers in 113 countries
- + Own open-source Lightway protocol
- + RAM-only servers (TrustedServer)
- + Up to 14 devices on the biggest plan
- – No multi-hop
- – Owned by Kape, a group with several VPN brands
- – Higher prices after the first term
Our verdict
Both are a good choice, but for different needs. NordVPN is best for: anyone looking for a fast, versatile VPN for streaming, travel and many countries. ExpressVPN is best for: anyone looking for a simple VPN with excellent coverage for travel and streaming.
All information comes from the providers’ websites and the sources listed in the full comparison, as of October 2026. Links marked “Ad” are affiliate links.