NordVPN vs ExpressVPN (2026)
Prices and features refreshed September 2026. Speed figures are from our April 2026 lab tests. Privacy, streaming, price, and who each VPN is actually suited for.
9.2
NordVPN
8.6
ExpressVPN
Quick verdict
NordVPN wins overall (9.2/10 vs 8.6/10)
NordVPN still leads on server coverage and audited no-logs. On the 2-year base plan, ExpressVPN Basic is now $2.99/month and NordVPN Basic is $3.49/month, so ExpressVPN is no longer the expensive option it was earlier in 2026. ExpressVPN keeps a small speed edge (755 vs 730 Mbps) in our April lab tests.
Score breakdown
Full feature comparison
| Feature | NordVPN9.2/10 | ExpressVPN8.6/10 |
|---|---|---|
| Our Score | 9.2 | 8.6 |
| Monthly Price | $3.49/mo | $2.99/mo |
| Servers | 7,600+ | 3,000+ |
| Countries | 150 | 113 |
| Simultaneous Devices | 10 | 10 |
| Speed (tested) | 730 Mbps (96%) | 755 Mbps (98%) |
| No-Logs Policy | ||
| Independently Audited | ||
| Kill Switch | ||
| Ad Blocker | ||
| Streaming | ||
| Torrenting / P2P | ||
| Port Forwarding | ||
| Obfuscation | ||
| Double VPN | ||
| RAM-Only Servers | ||
| Jurisdiction | Panama (outside 5/9/14 Eyes) | British Virgin Islands |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
Who should choose which
Choose NordVPN if:
You prioritise raw speed and streaming reliability above price, travel to restrictive countries, or need router-level installation with a purpose-built app.
Full NordVPN review →Choose ExpressVPN if:
You want the best all-round VPN at a sensible price — NordVPN's audited no-logs policy, 7,600+ servers, and 10-device limit makes it the right choice for most households.
Full ExpressVPN review →