ExpressVPN vs NordVPN Comparison - Which is the Best VPN Service 2023? As our digital lives continue to expand, safeguarding our online privacy and security has become increasingly vital. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have emerged as a go-to solution for protecting sensitive information and online identities from cyber threats.
Among so many VPN services in the market including free and reputable ones, NordVPN and ExpressVPN the two most strong and well-known VPNs which have been in the VPN industry for years, both of these VPNs are each other rivals, offering comparable features and functionalities with notable differences that distinguish them from each other.
Despite the good ratings of both VPNs, there are some significant differences that could make one of them more suitable for your needs in 2023 than the other. So, which one offers the solution that best meets your needs? Which is the best VPN service 2023? Well, don't worry! We did the legwork to help you discover which is the superior pick for your needs.
In this comprehensive comparison, we'll delve deeper into NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN, exploring similarities, differences, and unique selling points to help you make an informed choice when selecting a VPN service. So let get going!
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN - The Ultimate Face-off
NordVPN and ExpressVPN are two of the most highly-rated VPN services available. They offer similar features such as strong encryption, multiple server locations, and support for various devices. However, NordVPN provides more server options and has better speed performance, while ExpressVPN offers a user-friendly interface and better customer support.
NordVPN also offers unique features like Double VPN and CyberSec, while ExpressVPN has split tunneling and a TrustedServer technology. In terms of pricing, NordVPN is way more affordable for long-term plans, while ExpressVPN is slightly more expensive but offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Ultimately, both VPNs are excellent options, and the choice depends on your personal preferences and needs.
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN Netflix and Other Streaming Channels
When it comes to streaming performances, both NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer reliable and fast speeds, making them popular choices for streaming and gaming enthusiasts. However, NordVPN has several selling points that make it stand out from ExpressVPN.
Firstly, NordVPN provides access to more streaming platforms than ExpressVPN, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. NordVPN also offers dedicated servers optimized for streaming, providing faster speeds and better performance. These servers are labeled by the streaming platform they are optimized for, making it easy for users to find the best server for their needs.
NordVPN also offers SmartPlay technology, which allows for seamless access to streaming content from any location. This feature automatically connects users to the best server for their desired streaming platform, bypassing any geo-restrictions and ensuring uninterrupted streaming. Additionally, NordVPN offers excellent security features that ensure user privacy while streaming. With NordVPN, users can enjoy secure and encrypted connections, protecting them from online threats like hackers, phishing, and malware.
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN Setup and Interface
Here's a detailed comparison of NordVPN vs ExpressVPN in terms of setup and interface:
Setup:
Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer easy setup processes for all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. They also offer browser extensions for popular browsers like Chrome and Firefox. Both VPN services provide detailed setup guides and tutorials on their websites to help users get started.
Interface:
NordVPN and ExpressVPN have intuitive interfaces that are easy to navigate, even for first-time VPN users. Both VPN services offer a map view that displays server locations, making it easy to select a server in the desired location. They also provide a quick connect button that automatically connects users to the best available server.
Comparatively, NordVPN's interface is more user-friendly, with a simpler and more organized layout. The NordVPN app has a sleek and modern design, with a clear and easy-to-use interface. Users can easily access advanced features like specialty servers and double VPN with just a few clicks. NordVPN also offers a kill switch feature that blocks internet traffic in case the VPN connection drops, ensuring users' online privacy and security at all times.
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN Plans and Pricings
NordVPN and ExpressVPN have different offerings and pricing structures. NordVPN offers three pricing plans: a 1-month plan for $11.95 per month, a 1-year plan for $4.92 per month, and a 2-year plan for $3.71 per month. The longer-term plans offer the best value, with savings of up to 68% off the monthly price. Additionally, NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try the service risk-free. Here the official website link to access NordVPN pricing plans and discount promos.
ExpressVPN, on the other hand, offers a 1-month plan for $12.95 per month, a 6-month plan for $9.99 per month, and a 1-year plan for $8.32 per month. While ExpressVPN offers a slightly lower monthly price for the 1-year plan, the savings are not as significant as NordVPN's 1-year and 2-year plans.
NordVPN also provides more payment options than ExpressVPN, including credit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies. This makes it more accessible to users who prefer alternative payment methods. NordVPN also offers a generous multi-device policy, allowing users to connect up to six devices simultaneously with a single subscription. This makes it an ideal choice for households with multiple devices and users.
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN Security and Privacy Policy:
NordVPN and ExpressVPN are both highly-rated VPN services that offer excellent security and privacy features. Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN use AES-256 encryption to protect user data, which is the industry standard for secure encryption. They also both offer multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and IKEv2, for users to choose from.
However, NordVPN offers additional security features, such as Double VPN, which routes user traffic through two servers instead of one, providing an extra layer of encryption. NordVPN also offers CyberSec, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware, protecting users from potential online threats.
When it comes to privacy policy, NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning they do not collect or store any user data, including browsing history or connection timestamps. In contrast, ExpressVPN collects minimal connection logs, including timestamps and the server location used, but does not collect any user activity logs. NordVPN is headquartered in Panama, which does not have any kind of mandatory data retention laws and is not a member of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, or Fourteen Eyes alliances. This means that NordVPN is not legally required to store or share user data with any government agencies.
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN Logging Policy
When it comes to logging, NordVPN and ExpressVPN have different policies. NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy, which means they do not collect or store any user data, including browsing history, connection timestamps, and IP addresses. This policy has been independently audited by PwC, a third-party auditing firm, to ensure compliance.
In contrast, ExpressVPN collects minimal connection logs, including timestamps and the server location used, but does not collect any user activity logs. However, ExpressVPN's privacy policy states that they may collect personal information, such as email addresses and payment information, for account registration and payment processing purposes. NordVPN's strict no-logs policy and independent audit provide users with greater assurance that their data and online activities are not being tracked or stored. This is particularly important for users who prioritize privacy and anonymity.
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN Smart DNS:
Here what each VPN offers:
NordVPN's Smart DNS:
NordVPN's Smart DNS feature is called "SmartPlay". It allows users to access geo-restricted content without the need for a VPN connection. SmartPlay is available on all NordVPN apps and can be enabled in the settings menu. SmartPlay is very easy to use and automatically detects when a user is trying to access geo-restricted content. It then routes the user's traffic through a NordVPN server in the appropriate country, allowing them to access the content they want.
NordVPN's SmartPlay feature is also very fast, as it does not encrypt user traffic like a VPN connection does. This means that users can stream content in high quality without experiencing buffering or lag. NordVPN's SmartPlay feature is also very secure, as it uses advanced encryption and DNS leak protection to protect user data.
ExpressVPN's Smart DNS
ExpressVPN's Smart DNS feature is called "MediaStreamer". It allows users to access geo-restricted content without the need for a VPN connection. MediaStreamer is available on all ExpressVPN apps and can be enabled in the settings menu. MediaStreamer is very easy to use and automatically detects when a user is trying to access geo-restricted content. It then routes the user's traffic through an ExpressVPN server in the appropriate country, allowing them to access the content they want.
ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer feature is also very fast, as it does not encrypt user traffic like a VPN connection does. This means that users can stream content in high quality without experiencing buffering or lag. ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer feature is also very secure, as it uses advanced encryption and DNS leak protection to protect user data.
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN Devices Compatibility and Connectivity
Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN are compatible with a wide range of devices and platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. They also offer browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, making it easy to protect users' online activities on their favorite browsers.
However, NordVPN goes a step further by offering dedicated apps for Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick, as well as routers that support VPN integration. This allows users to protect their entire home network, including devices that do not support VPN natively. NordVPN also offers support for up to 6 simultaneous connections on a single account, which means users can protect multiple devices at once without having to purchase multiple subscriptions. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, allows for up to 5 simultaneous connections.
Additionally, NordVPN's apps are user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for even novice users to set up and use the service on their devices. NordVPN also offers detailed setup guides and tutorials on its website to help users install and configure the VPN on different devices.
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN Split Tunneling
NordVPN's Split Tunneling:
NordVPN's split tunneling feature is "Split Tunneling 2.0". It allows users to select which apps and websites they want to route through the VPN and which they want to bypass. This feature is available on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. NordVPN's split tunneling feature is very customizable, allowing users to create custom rules for each app or website. This means that users can choose which traffic should be routed through the VPN based on specific criteria, such as the website's domain name or the app's executable file name.
NordVPN's split tunneling feature is easy to use, and it offers a lot of flexibility. Users can select which apps and websites they want to bypass the VPN, so they can still access local content or services that require a local IP address. NordVPN's split tunneling feature is also very secure, as it uses advanced encryption and tunneling protocols to protect user data.
ExpressVPN's Split Tunneling
Whereas, ExpressVPN's split tunneling feature is "Selective Routing". It allows users to route some of their internet traffic through the VPN while leaving the rest to go through their ISP. This feature is available on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices. ExpressVPN's split tunneling feature is very easy to use, as users can simply select which apps they want to route through the VPN from a list of installed apps.
ExpressVPN's split tunneling feature is also very secure, as it uses advanced encryption and tunneling protocols to protect user data. However, ExpressVPN's split tunneling feature is not as customizable as NordVPN, as users cannot create custom rules based on specific criteria.
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN Customer Support and Refund Policy:
Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer 24/7 customer support through live chat and email. This means that users can reach out to customer support at any time of the day or night to get help with any issues they may be experiencing.
However, NordVPN offers a more comprehensive knowledge base and troubleshooting guides, as well as video tutorials, which can help users troubleshoot issues on their own without having to contact customer support. This can be especially helpful for users who prefer to solve problems on their own, or for those who are experiencing common issues that can be resolved quickly.
NordVPN also offers a dedicated support section on its website, which includes articles on various topics related to online privacy and security, as well as a FAQ section that answers many common questions about the service. This can help users better understand the service and its features, as well as troubleshoot any issues they may be experiencing. Additionally, NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means that users can try out the service risk-free for a month and get a full refund if they are not satisfied with the service. ExpressVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN Servers
NordVPN and ExpressVPN have a large number of servers in various locations around the world, which allows users to connect to the server of their choice and enjoy fast, secure, and reliable VPN connections. NordVPN currently has over 5,500 servers in 59 countries, while ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers in 94 countries.
While both VPN services have an impressive number of servers, NordVPN's server network is more extensive, with servers in more countries. This means that users have more options when it comes to choosing a server location, and can connect to a server closer to their physical location for faster and more reliable VPN connections.
Furthermore, NordVPN offers specialty servers for specific use cases, such as P2P servers for file sharing, Double VPN servers for added security, and obfuscated servers for bypassing internet censorship in restrictive countries. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, does not offer any specialty servers.
NordVPN also offers dedicated IP addresses for users who want a unique IP address that is not shared with other users. This can be beneficial for users who require a static IP address for certain activities, such as accessing a work network or hosting a website. ExpressVPN does not offer dedicated IP addresses.
Do NordVPN and ExpressVPN Work in China?
Both claim to be able to bypass the Great Firewall of China and provide users with a reliable and secure way to access the internet while in China. However, there are some differences between the two services that are worth considering.
NordVPN Working in China:
NordVPN does work in China. The company has dedicated servers in Hong Kong, which users can connect to in order to bypass the Great Firewall. In addition, NordVPN also offers obfuscated servers, which are designed to disguise VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, making it more difficult for the Chinese authorities to detect and block it.
Which is the best VPN for gaming and streaming? Click here to find out!
ExpressVPN Working in China:
ExpressVPN also offers dedicated servers in Hong Kong, which users can connect to in order to bypass the Great Firewall. In addition, ExpressVPN provides obfuscated servers, which are designed to disguise VPN traffic as regular internet
Methodology to Compare Between ExpressVPN and NordVPN
While both of these services provide users with high levels of security and privacy, there are several key differences that set them apart. Here's a methodology to compare ExpressVPN and NordVPN:
Security:
Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer top-notch security features, including strong encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch to protect users' privacy. However, NordVPN offers more advanced security features, such as double VPN and Onion over VPN, which provide an extra layer of protection.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN Speed:
VPNs can slow down internet speeds, but both ExpressVPN and NordVPN are known for their fast connection speeds. However, some tests have shown that NordVPN is slightly faster than ExpressVPN in some regions.
Server Network:
Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN have an extensive network of servers in multiple locations around the world. NordVPN currently has a larger number of servers in total (5500+), but ExpressVPN has servers in more countries (94+).
User-Friendliness:
Both VPN services are easy to use, with intuitive apps for various devices. However, ExpressVPN has a simpler and more streamlined interface, making it easier for beginners to navigate. A VPN service should be easy to use and navigate. Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN have user-friendly apps that are easy to install and use. However, NordVPN may have a slight edge in this category, as it has a more intuitive interface.
Customer Support:
Both services offer 24/7 customer support, with live chat and email support. However, NordVPN's customer support is known to be more responsive and helpful.
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN Price:
Price is always a consideration when choosing a VPN service. ExpressVPN is generally more expensive than NordVPN, but it does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, while NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee plus a free trial period.
ExpressVPN vs NordVPN Overall Features Overview - Who the Winner?
Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer similar features, such as AES-256 encryption, multiple VPN protocols, and support for various devices and platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. However, NordVPN offers some unique features that set it apart from ExpressVPN, such as Double VPN, which routes user traffic through two servers instead of one, providing an extra layer of encryption. NordVPN also offers CyberSec, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware, protecting users from potential online threats.
NordVPN also has a larger server network than ExpressVPN, with over 5,500 servers in 59 countries, allowing users to easily access geo-restricted content and websites from around the world. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, has a smaller server network, with over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. Whereas, both of them offer split tunneling, smart DNS, RAM, and stealth VPN as well.
In terms of pricing, NordVPN offers more affordable pricing plans, especially for longer-term subscriptions. NordVPN's 2-year plan, for example, is significantly cheaper than ExpressVPN's 1-year plan. When it comes to customer support, both NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer excellent 24/7 customer support through live chat and email. NordVPN also offers a helpful knowledge base and video tutorials for users to learn more about the service and troubleshoot any issues.
ExpressVPN and NordVPN are excellent VPN services that offer strong security, fast speeds, and user-friendly apps. However, if privacy is your main concern, you may want to consider ExpressVPN. If you're looking for a more affordable option or additional security features like Double VPN, NordVPN may be a better fit.
Disclaimer: The above is a contributor post, the views expressed are those of the contributor and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.
