NordVPN vs ExpressVPN
A detailed head-to-head comparison of NordVPN and ExpressVPN based on our 100-point scoring system.
Winner
NordVPN
NordVPN Premium VPN Service
93/100
Excellent4.6
84,213 reviews
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN Premium VPN Service
91/100
Excellent4.7
16,842 reviews
Side-by-Side Comparison
Metric
NordVPN
ExpressVPN
Overall Score
93/100
91/100
Price
$48.00
$100.00
Customer Rating
4.6/5
4.7/5
Review Count
84,213
16,842
Best For
Best for Security & Value
Best for Speed & Streaming
About Page
Yes
Yes
Contact Info
Yes
Yes
NordVPN — Score Breakdown
Privacy & Security25/25
Speed & Performance18/20
Server Network14/15
Price & Value14/15
Ease of Use9/10
Customer Support5/5
Streaming & Unblocking8/10
ExpressVPN — Score Breakdown
Privacy & Security23/25
Speed & Performance19/20
Server Network13/15
Price & Value11/15
Ease of Use10/10
Customer Support5/5
Streaming & Unblocking10/10
Pros & Cons
NordVPN
Highest overall score in TrustBrand's VPN category (93/100), reflecting genuine leadership across privacy, server network, and value.
NordLynx protocol delivers WireGuard-level speeds with an added IP obfuscation layer — consistently among the fastest commercial VPN options tested.
At $3.99/month on a two-year plan, NordVPN offers near-premium security depth at a price point well below ExpressVPN.
The two-year commitment required to reach the $3.99/month price is a significant upfront payment — monthly billing costs considerably more.
The 2018 server breach (a single server in Finland was accessed without authorization) remains a historical incident that privacy-focused users should be aware of, even though no user data was exposed.
The app interface, while improved, can feel more complex than ExpressVPN for new users unfamiliar with features like Double VPN and Onion over VPN.
ExpressVPN
Consistently fastest speeds in independent third-party testing — ideal for 4K streaming and gaming.
TrustedServer RAM-disk architecture provides a uniquely strong no-logs guarantee that has been independently audited.
Polished, beginner-friendly apps across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, and browser extensions.
At $8.32/month on an annual plan, ExpressVPN is one of the most expensive mainstream VPN options — competitors like Surfshark offer unlimited devices at a fraction of the cost.
The 8-device simultaneous connection limit, while adequate for individuals, is tighter than the unlimited plans offered by Surfshark and some other rivals.
No free tier makes it harder to test the service before committing financially, even with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Our Verdict
NordVPN comes out ahead with a score of 93/100 compared to 91/100. NordVPN is best for best for security & value. However, ExpressVPN may be a better fit if you prioritize best for speed & streaming.
VPN services do not guarantee complete anonymity. Effectiveness depends on the provider's infrastructure and policies. Always review the provider's privacy policy and applicable laws in your jurisdiction.