Get ready for the ultimate showdown: Express VPN vs NordVPN, two leading VPN services in 2024! This comprehensive comparison will cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision about which VPN service is the best choice for your needs. Let’s dive into the battle for the best VPN service in 2024!
Key Takeaways
- Compare ExpressVPN and NordVPN in 2024 to find the best VPN for your needs with considerations of speed, security, server networks, user interface & customer support.
- Unlock streaming services without restriction and experience worry-free downloading with powerful encryption & secure protocols from both providers.
- Enjoy unbeatable savings on cost analysis, get ready for maximum protection at a budget price!
ExpressVPN and NordVPN Head-to-Head: A 2024 Comparison
| Feature | ExpressVPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Server Network | Over 3,000 servers in 94 countries | Over 5,200 servers in 60 countries |
| Speed | Known for high-speed servers | High speeds, slightly varies by location |
| Security | Strong encryption with 256-bit AES | Strong encryption with 256-bit AES |
| Privacy Policy | No-logs policy, independently audited | No-logs policy, independently audited |
| Simultaneous Connections | Up to 5 devices simultaneously | Up to 6 devices simultaneously |
| Streaming Services Supported | Supports major services like Netflix, Hulu | Supports major services, sometimes slower with Netflix |
| Torrenting Support | P2P support on all servers | P2P specialized servers available |
| Protocol Options | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec | NordLynx (based on WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Device Compatibility | Wide range including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Wide range including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Additional Features | Split tunneling, Network Lock kill switch | CyberSec feature, Double VPN, Onion over VPN |
| Pricing | Generally higher pricing | Competitive pricing, often cheaper |
| User Interface | Simple and user-friendly | User-friendly but more complex settings |
| Customer Support | 24/7 live chat support, email support | 24/7 live chat support, email support |
ExpressVPN and NordVPN are titans in the VPN service industry, frequently competing for the top spot. Each offers a broad spectrum of features, but who emerges as the winner? This comparison will encompass aspects from:
- Speed
- Security
- Server networks
- User interface
- Customer support
This will aid you in determining the most suitable VPN for your needs.
ExpressVPN boasts an impressive 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including sought-after regions like India, Bolivia, and Japan. With an ExpressVPN server, you can enjoy incredibly fast speeds and a great selection of monthly and longer-term plans. NordVPN, on the other hand, has 5,900 servers in 60 countries, including a NordVPN server in India. Both providers offer an impressive range of VPN features, such as VPN server locations in many countries, security options with kill switch features, split tunneling, no-logging policies, and 24-hour support via chat and email.
Speaking of innovative protocols, ExpressVPN has created its proprietary protocol called Lightway, accessible through the ExpressVPN app. Conversely, NordVPN provides a captivating ‘double VPN’ feature, which routes your internet traffic via two VPN servers instead of just one, encrypting the data twice to enhance security.
Speed Showdown: Which VPN Leads the Race?
In the realm of VPNs, speed reigns supreme. Users crave a swift and dependable connection for streaming their preferred shows or downloading bulky files. Thus, let’s examine the speed performances of ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
Undeniably, NordVPN outshines ExpressVPN in speed performance, offering faster speeds across all server locations. In reality, NordVPN can provide a rapid connection for long-distance links, even without a dedicated IP address. Conversely, ExpressVPN yields faster speeds on proximate servers, while NordVPN delivers slightly superior performance on servers located at a greater distance. NordVPN’s impressive speeds make it an ideal pick for Android TV users who want to stream geo-blocked content.
Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN have high-speed protocols on their side, making the “NordVPN vs ExpressVPN” debate a tough one. NordVPN uses the NordLynx protocol, while ExpressVPN utilizes Lightway, providing you with faster speeds for your online activities. So, while NordVPN edges out ExpressVPN when it comes to speed, both providers offer a strong performance in this category.
Security Standoff: Comparing Protective Measures
A good VPN should not only be fast but also secure. Let’s compare the security features offered by ExpressVPN and NordVPN to see which one provides the best protection for your data and privacy.
Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN employ potent encryption methods to safeguard your data. They apply AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption, guaranteeing the security of your data. Regarding protocols, both providers supply the OpenVPN (TCP and UDP) protocol, along with their proprietary protocols, to maintain your privacy and security.
When it comes to kill switches, both ExpressVPN and NordVPN have got you covered. ExpressVPN’s kill switch, called Network Lock, works on all of its apps, including Windows, Mac, Linux, and routers. NordVPN’s kill switch has been designed to work for different operating systems such as Windows, Linux, iOS and macOS. It ensures protection for all applications in operation. NordVPN allows you to select which apps on Windows and MacOS should be affected by the kill switch. This provides an extra layer of safety..
Both providers also offer obfuscation features to help you bypass VPN blocks in places like Russia.
Global Reach: Server Network Diversity
The magnitude and diversity of a VPN’s server network are pivotal in gauging its performance and dependability. Here, we’ll scrutinize the server networks of ExpressVPN and NordVPN, comparing them in terms of server count, locations, and global coverage.
ExpressVPN offers an impressive 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including India, Bolivia, Japan, and more. NordVPN has 5,900 servers in 60 countries, though only around India. Although NordVPN has more servers overall, ExpressVPN’s wider location coverage may be an advantage for users who need access to specific regions.
Both VPNs also have unique features that could be advantageous to users, such as NordVPN’s “obfuscated” servers and IPVanish’s self-owned and operated servers. So, while ExpressVPN provides access to more countries and NordVPN offers more servers, both VPNs have impressive server networks that cater to a wide range of user needs.
Streaming and Torrenting Face-off
Now let’s take a look at how ExpressVPN and NordVPN fare in terms of streaming and torrenting capabilities. Streaming fans and torrent enthusiasts alike demand a VPN that can unblock popular streaming services and provide fast, secure P2P transfers.
So, who comes out on top in this face-off?
Unblocking Power: Streaming Services Accessibility
When it comes to unblocking popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, both ExpressVPN and NordVPN excel. NordVPN is a great choice for streaming Netflix, while ExpressVPN is the top performer for streaming overall.
Both providers can help you access popular content platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+, so you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies without any restrictions.
Peer-to-Peer Edge: Torrenting Performance
Torrenting performance is another important aspect to consider when choosing a VPN. In terms of speed, ExpressVPN has an average torrent download speed of around 475 Mbps, while NordVPN impressively averages around 440 Mbps. NordVPN offers dedicated P2P servers, while ExpressVPN does not provide information on their P2P servers.
When it comes to security, both providers have you covered. ExpressVPN offers a comprehensive suite of security features for torrenting activities, including OpenVPN and AES-256 encryption, built-in IP leak protection, and a reliable kill switch, to ensure a secure and worry-free torrenting experience. NordVPN also has robust security features, including encryption and P2P-optimized servers, tailored to protect your online activity while torrenting.
Usability and Support: The User Experience
An exceptional VPN should be not only swift and secure but also user-friendly and easy to navigate. Here, we’ll contrast the usability and customer support of ExpressVPN and NordVPN, with an emphasis on app design, navigation, and responsiveness.
App Design and Navigation
ExpressVPN’s apps are clean and organized, making them an excellent choice for beginners and experienced users alike. On the other hand, NordVPN’s apps could benefit from improved organization.
The ExpressVPN and NordVPN Android vpn apps are highly compatible with various Android versions and platforms, ensuring secure browsing. The ExpressVPN app supports Android 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, Pie (9), Oreo (8.x), Nougat (7.x), Marshmallow (6.x), and Lollipop (5.x). NordVPN’s app is available on a variety of platforms, such as Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
Customer Care: Responsiveness and Resources
When it comes to customer support, both ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer helpful live chat, email support, and knowledge base resources to ensure you get the best experience. ExpressVPN’s chat instantly connects you to a live agent, and the responses are quick, friendly, and helpful.
NordVPN’s email support has an average response time of within a day, so you can get the help you need quickly and efficiently. ExpressVPN’s online tutorials and videos provide a more helpful and user-friendly experience than NordVPN’s.
Privacy Policies and Jurisdictions Scrutinized
Privacy is a paramount concern for VPN users, so we’ll scrutinize the privacy policies and jurisdictions of ExpressVPN and NordVPN. We’ll assess how their no-logs claims and company locations influence user privacy and protection.
No-Logs Verification: External Audits and Claims
Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN have strict no-log policies, meaning they don’t store any sensitive information about users that could be traced back to them. NordVPN has an impressive no-log policy that has been independently verified multiple times, while ExpressVPN still collects some usage information such as successful VPN connections and transferred data.
ExpressVPN has achieved an incredible success by passing 13 audits since 2018, and NordVPN recently completed its third independent security audit from Deloitte in early 2023.
Legal Landscape: Benefits of VPN Company Locations
The location of a VPN company can greatly impact user privacy. ExpressVPN’s headquarters are located in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). NordVPN, on the other hand, is based in Panama. Both of these jurisdictions are located outside of the international intelligence-sharing alliances known as the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes, providing a legal advantage in not being compelled by law to store any user information.
This means that users of both ExpressVPN and NordVPN can enjoy a higher level of privacy and protection than they might with VPN companies based in countries that are part of these intelligence-sharing alliances.
Advanced Features and Technologies
Let’s investigate some of the advanced features and technologies provided by ExpressVPN and NordVPN. These state-of-the-art tools can enrich your VPN experience and offer additional security and performance advantages.
Innovative Protocols: Lightway vs NordLynx
ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol is designed with a lightweight codebase and the WolfSSL cryptographic library with ChaCha20 encryption for fast speeds. On the other hand, NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol is built on the WireGuard protocol, known for its speed and security. Both protocols provide top-notch security with 256-bit encryption keys, but NordLynx uses ChaCha20 for encryption, offering more security than Lightway’s AES-256 encryption.
Overall, NordLynx delivers faster download speeds than Lightway, giving NordVPN users an edge in terms of performance.
The Extra Mile: Unique Offerings from Each VPN
Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer some unique features that set them apart from other VPN services. For example, ExpressVPN’s split tunneling feature allows you to customize your network traffic, deciding which apps or services use the VPN connection and which ones connect directly.
NordVPN’s double VPN feature routes your traffic through two servers, creating two VPN tunnels and encrypting your data twice for an extra layer of protection. These unique offerings from each VPN can provide added benefits and customization options for users, ensuring a more tailored and secure experience.
Pricing and Value Proposition
Now, let’s delve into the cost and value of ExpressVPN and NordVPN. We’ll dissect their pricing plans, discounts, and extra benefits to assist you in determining which VPN provides the best deal and value for your requirements.
| Plan Duration | ExpressVPN Pricing (Approx.) | NordVPN Pricing (Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | $12.95 per month | $12.99 per month* |
| 6 Months | $9.99 per month (billed $59.95 every 6 months) | Not available |
| 1 Year | $8.32 per month (billed $99.95 annually) | $4.49 per month (billed $67.35 annually) |
| 2 Years | Not available | $2.99 per month (billed $80.73 every 2 years) |
| 3 Years | Not available | Special offers occasionally available |
| URL | GET Express VPN | GET Nord VPN |
Cost Analysis: Finding the Best Deal
ExpressVPN offers a range of subscription plans, with the monthly plan costing $12.95, the six-month plan at $9.99 per month, and the one-year plan (including three free months) at $8.32 monthly.
NordVPN, on the other hand, has three amazing plans: Standard, Plus, and Complete, which you can subscribe to monthly, yearly, or every two years. You can save big with NordVPN, with its two-year subscription plan costing less than half of ExpressVPN’s, at just $2.99.
Added Perks: Beyond the VPN Connection
In addition to the basic VPN connection, both ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer some extra perks and benefits for a more secure internet connection. For example, ExpressVPN’s additional tools for secure file sharing include OnionShare, which creates a web server on your computer and allows you to share files anonymously through an .onion site. With Nord VPN, ExpressVPN, users can enjoy a seamless and secure browsing experience.
NordVPN’s CyberSec feature enhances your VPN experience by providing an extra layer of protection against malware and blocking unwanted and malicious websites that could breach your privacy and obtain data. These added perks can further enhance your VPN experience and provide greater value for your investment.
Bypassing Censorship: Which VPN Stands Stronger?
One primary use of VPNs is to circumvent censorship in countries with limited internet access, such as China, Russia, and Turkey. Let’s juxtapose the abilities of ExpressVPN and NordVPN to bypass censorship in these countries and determine which VPN stands more potent.
ExpressVPN, also known as Express VPN, has a 14% success rate over the past three months in accessing blocked websites in countries with restricted internet access, while NordVPN’s success rate is yet to be determined. NordVPN offers the added benefit of specialty Obfuscated servers that can help you bypass DPI and other censorship measures, while ExpressVPN doesn’t provide an option to turn on Stealth VPN. However, some users have reported occasional VPN connection drops, which may affect the overall experience.
In conclusion, both ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer unique features and advantages when it comes to bypassing censorship. While ExpressVPN has a slightly higher success rate, NordVPN’s Obfuscated servers can provide an extra layer of protection in countries with restricted internet access.
Summary
In conclusion, both ExpressVPN and NordVPN are strong contenders in the VPN market, offering a wide range of features and benefits. NordVPN stands out in terms of speed and security, while ExpressVPN offers a more user-friendly experience and wider server location coverage. Ultimately, the choice between ExpressVPN and NordVPN will depend on your specific needs and preferences. So, why not give both a try and see which one works best for you?
