ExpressVPN vs NordVPN: The Ultimate VPN Showdown in 2024
In the ever-evolving world of virtual private networks, two titans have consistently stood out: ExpressVPN and NordVPN. Both services have earned reputations as industry leaders, but which one truly reigns supreme in 2024? Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison of these VPN giants, examining every aspect to determine which service deserves your hard-earned money.
Speed and Performance
When it comes to speed, NordVPN emerges as the clear winner. In recent tests, NordVPN demonstrated blazing fast speeds with an average speed loss of only 11.1%[2]. This impressive performance is largely due to its implementation of the WireGuard protocol, dubbed NordLynx. ExpressVPN, while still offering good speeds, lags behind with its proprietary Lightway protocol, showing an average speed loss of 24.8%[2].
NordVPN’s speed advantage is further evidenced by direct comparisons:
| Location | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | 755 Mbps | 329 Mbps |
| Los Angeles | 636 Mbps | 296 Mbps |
| New York | 613 Mbps | 270 Mbps |
| United Kingdom | 592 Mbps | 246 Mbps |
| OpenVPN | 214 Mbps | 41 Mbps |
These numbers speak volumes. NordVPN consistently outperforms ExpressVPN across various server locations, making it the go-to choice for users who prioritize speed[3].
Server Network
NordVPN boasts a significantly larger server network, with over 6,800 servers across 111 countries[5]. In contrast, ExpressVPN offers around 3,000 servers in 105 countries[1]. While both provide excellent global coverage, NordVPN’s larger network translates to less server congestion and potentially better performance.
Moreover, NordVPN offers specialty servers, including Double VPN and P2P-optimized options, which ExpressVPN lacks[3]. This gives NordVPN an edge in versatility and specialized use cases.
Security and Privacy
Both VPNs excel in security, employing AES-256 encryption and offering features like a kill switch and split tunneling. However, NordVPN goes the extra mile with its Double VPN feature, which routes your traffic through two servers for added security[5].
ExpressVPN counters with its TrustedServer technology, which ensures all servers run on RAM only, wiping data with every reboot[9]. While impressive, NordVPN also uses RAM-only servers, effectively nullifying this advantage.
In terms of privacy, both companies are based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions – Panama for NordVPN and the British Virgin Islands for ExpressVPN[1][5]. Both have undergone independent audits to verify their no-logs policies, with NordVPN having been audited four times as of 2024[8].
Streaming and Unblocking Capabilities
Both VPNs excel at unblocking streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. However, ExpressVPN seems to have a slight edge in accessing geo-restricted content, particularly foreign Netflix libraries[9]. That said, NordVPN’s superior speeds make it an excellent choice for streaming, especially for 4K content.
User-Friendliness and Apps
ExpressVPN is often praised for its user-friendly interface across all platforms[7]. Its simple, one-click connect feature and straightforward server selection make it ideal for VPN newcomers. NordVPN, while still user-friendly, offers a more feature-rich interface that might be slightly more intimidating to absolute beginners.
Pricing and Value
Here’s where things get interesting. NordVPN is significantly cheaper than ExpressVPN, especially for long-term plans. As of 2024, NordVPN’s yearly plan starts at $4.49/month, while ExpressVPN’s cheapest plan comes in at $6.67/month[6]. This price difference becomes even more pronounced when considering the features and performance you get with NordVPN.
ExpressVPN’s recent pricing overhaul, which bundles identity protection features with some plans, has made its pricing structure more complex and potentially less appealing to users who don’t need these additional services[7].
Additional Features
NordVPN offers a suite of additional features that ExpressVPN lacks. These include Threat Protection, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware, and a data breach monitoring service[5]. ExpressVPN has recently introduced its Identity Defender suite, but it’s only included in certain plans and comes at a higher cost[7].
The Verdict
After thoroughly comparing ExpressVPN and NordVPN, it’s clear that NordVPN is the superior choice in 2024. Here’s why:
- Speed: NordVPN’s blazing fast speeds blow ExpressVPN out of the water. In a world where every millisecond counts, NordVPN’s performance is unmatched[2][3].
- Server Network: With more than double the servers of ExpressVPN, NordVPN offers better global coverage and less congestion[3][5].
- Features: NordVPN’s specialty servers, Threat Protection, and additional security features provide more value than ExpressVPN’s offerings[5].
- Price: NordVPN delivers superior performance at a significantly lower price point, making it a no-brainer for budget-conscious users[6].
- Innovation: While ExpressVPN has been resting on its laurels, NordVPN has consistently pushed the envelope with new features and improvements[5][8].
ExpressVPN, once the undisputed king of VPNs, has fallen behind. Its recent pricing changes and lack of innovation have made it less competitive in the current market. While it still offers a solid service, it’s hard to justify its premium price tag when NordVPN offers more for less.
NordVPN, on the other hand, has shown a commitment to constant improvement. Its adoption of WireGuard technology, expansion of its server network, and introduction of valuable additional features demonstrate a forward-thinking approach that keeps it at the forefront of the VPN industry.
In conclusion, while ExpressVPN remains a competent VPN service, NordVPN has surpassed it in almost every aspect. For users seeking the best balance of speed, security, features, and value, NordVPN is the clear choice in 2024. It’s time for ExpressVPN to step up its game, or risk being left behind in the rapidly evolving VPN landscape.
Sources
[1] ExpressVPN Review 2024: Tested and Approved by Experts https://cybernews.com/best-vpn/expressvpn-review/
[2] NordVPN Review 2024: A Fast, Feature-Packed VPN – CNET https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/nordvpn-review/
[3] ExpressVPN vs NordVPN: 1 Clear Winner (December 2024) https://cyberinsider.com/vpn/comparison/expressvpn-vs-nordvpn/
[4] ExpressVPN review – an unrivaled, but costly, security suite https://www.techradar.com/reviews/expressvpn
[5] NordVPN Review and 2024 Test Results (Pros and Cons) https://cyberinsider.com/vpn/reviews/nordvpn/
[6] NordVPN vs ExpressVPN December 2024: Expert VPN Comparison https://cybernews.com/best-vpn/nordvpn-vs-expressvpn/
[7] ExpressVPN Review 2024: A Premium VPN That Continues … – CNET https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/expressvpn-review/
[8] NordVPN Review: An In-Depth Analysis From a Long-Time User https://www.reddit.com/r/vpnreviews/comments/1ffuxyh/nordvpn_review_an_indepth_analysis_from_a/
[9] NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: How Two of the Best VPNs Stack Up in … https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/nordvpn-vs-expressvpn/
[10] NordVPN Top Features, Pricing & Honest Review In 2024 https://www.vpn.com/provider/nordvpn/
