ExpressVPN vs NordVPN

Updated October 2026 · AppBreakup editorial

ExpressVPN

A premium consumer VPN known for simple apps, wide server coverage and its own Lightway protocol.

Paid

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NordVPN

One of the largest commercial VPN services, with apps for nearly every device and extra security add-ons.

Paid

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The short answer

Both are mainstream paid VPNs that handle streaming, travel and everyday privacy well. NordVPN suits people who want extras such as Meshnet, specialty servers and bundled security tools. ExpressVPN suits people who want the simplest apps and broad country coverage. The biggest difference is approach: NordVPN packs in features and add-ons, ExpressVPN keeps things minimal.

ExpressVPN or NordVPN: our take

NordVPN and ExpressVPN are the two names most people shortlist, and in basic use they behave similarly: kill switch, split tunnelling, apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, browsers and TV devices, and a 30-day money-back window for new customers. Neither has a free tier.

The difference is in design. NordVPN, from Nord Security, uses its WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol and adds specialty servers for P2P and double VPN, plus Meshnet for linking your own devices without extra software. Higher tiers bundle threat protection and a password manager, which is convenient for one bill but means the apps push add-ons. ExpressVPN keeps its apps among the simplest to use, with servers in 113 countries, its own Lightway protocol whose core is open source under AGPL-3.0, and RAM-only servers so nothing is written to disk. It also supports routers, including its own Aircove models. Power users may find fewer advanced settings than they want.

On openness, NordVPN publishes the source of its Linux client under GPL-3.0, but its desktop and mobile apps are closed source; both publish audits of their no-logs claims. On price, ExpressVPN's Basic plan starts at $2.99/month on a 2-year plan and covers 10 devices. NordVPN also discounts multi-year plans heavily, and both are noticeably more expensive at renewal than in the first term, so check the renewal price before committing.

Choose NordVPN if you want device-to-device Meshnet, specialty servers or a security bundle in one subscription. Choose ExpressVPN if you want the least fuss, wide country coverage and router support, and you don't need extras.

Choose ExpressVPN if…

Non-technical users who want reliable streaming and travel access with minimal setup
Very simple apps on every platform
Servers in over a hundred countries

Choose NordVPN if…

People who want a mainstream VPN that works for streaming, travel and everyday privacy
Large server network with consistently good speeds
Apps for desktop, mobile, browsers and TV devices

What is ExpressVPN?

ExpressVPN is a long-running commercial VPN aimed at people who want something that just works. The apps are among the simplest to use, servers cover over a hundred countries, and the service has a strong record for unblocking streaming catalogues while travelling. It developed Lightway, its own VPN protocol, and published the core as open source; its servers run from RAM so nothing is written to disk. Features include a kill switch, split tunnelling, private DNS and router support, including its own Aircove routers. Plans come in Basic, Advanced and Pro tiers, with the higher ones adding things like a password manager and identity tools. It has historically been one of the pricier VPNs, though multi-year deals bring the monthly cost down, and new customers get a 30-day money-back guarantee. Apps cover Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, browsers, TV devices and routers. It suits people who value ease of use over tinkering.

What is NordVPN?

NordVPN is a subscription VPN from Nord Security, the company that also makes NordPass and NordLayer. It is one of the most widely used consumer VPNs, with a large server network, its own WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol, a kill switch, split tunnelling, specialty servers for P2P and double VPN, and Meshnet for linking your own devices. Higher tiers bundle threat protection, a password manager and other services, which is useful if you want one bill but noisy if you only want a VPN. It works well for streaming and travel, and independent audits of its no-logs policy are published on its site. Pricing is subscription only, with heavily discounted multi-year plans, steep renewal prices and a 30-day refund window; there is no free tier. Apps cover Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, browsers and TV devices, and the Linux client's source code is public. It suits people who want a well-known provider that handles most use cases out of the box.

Side by side

Attribute	ExpressVPN	NordVPN
Pricing	Paid	Paid
Open source	No	No
Self-hostable	No	No
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension
Best for	Non-technical users who want reliable streaming and travel access with minimal setup	People who want a mainstream VPN that works for streaming, travel and everyday privacy
Status	Active	Active