NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: price and which to choose
Quick verdict
Both are outside the 14 Eyes, audited in 2025, add tax at checkout and have no port forwarding. NordVPN publishes 2,435 US servers in 55 cities and keeps the intro price for 27 months; ExpressVPN lists 62 US locations (38 marked virtual), keeps the intro price for 28 months and scales devices with the plan (10, 12 or 14).
Option A
Option B
We compare plans with a similar purpose, whose features may differ; prices before sales tax; prices for other plans and periods are in the reviews.
Feature comparison
| Criterion | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| US servers | 2,435 in 55 cities | 62 locations |
| Marked virtual (US) | 170 servers | 38 locations |
| Devices | 10 | 10 / 12 / 14 |
| Jurisdiction | Panama | British Virgin Islands |
| Intro term | 27 months | 28 months |
| Money-back | 30 days | 30 days, first-time users |
NordVPN and ExpressVPN are the two long-standing premium VPNs. Both now sell three tiers that add security and identity tools on top of the same VPN.
If you don’t want to read further
The most published US servers and Panama’s jurisdiction — NordVPN. More US locations to pick from, a password manager and identity insurance on Advanced, or a dedicated IP included on Pro — ExpressVPN.
What really sets them apart
In each row, the last sentence matters most — what the difference means for you.
US coverage?
NordVPN
2,435 servers in 55 cities; 170 marked virtual.
ExpressVPN
62 locations; 38 marked virtual; no server count published.
Express lists more places; Nord publishes the server count and has fewer virtual locations.
How many devices?
NordVPN
10 on every plan.
ExpressVPN
10 on Basic, 12 on Advanced, 14 on Express Pro.
More devices with Express means a higher tier.
Identity protection?
NordVPN
On Prime, with additional terms.
ExpressVPN
Identity Defender on Advanced and Pro, with identity theft insurance from an insurer.
Both bundle it only on the upper tiers.
Dedicated IP?
NordVPN
An add-on.
ExpressVPN
An add-on on Basic and Advanced; included on Express Pro.
If you need a fixed IP anyway, Express Pro includes it.
Money-back conditions?
NordVPN
30 days.
ExpressVPN
30 days for first-time users; not for App Store or Google Play purchases.
Buy Express on its website if you want the guarantee.
Linux?
NordVPN
Command-line app; Kill Switch by command.
ExpressVPN
App with or without a graphical interface, with kill switch and split tunneling.
Prefer a Linux app with buttons? ExpressVPN.
TV apps?
NordVPN
Fire TV Stick app – without Kill Switch there.
ExpressVPN
Apple TV, Android TV and Fire TV apps.
No app for your TV? A VPN router covers it.
Where they don’t differ, even though it seems they should
This part is often more useful than the list of differences — it saves money for anyone who was about to pay for an imaginary advantage.
Outside the 14 Eyes
Panama and the British Virgin Islands.
2025 audits
Both had an independent no-logs audit in 2025.
Tax at checkout
Both add sales tax where applicable.
No port forwarding
Neither offers it.
Which one fits whom
| Your situation | What to choose | On what condition |
|---|---|---|
| You want the largest published US network | NordVPN | 2,435 servers in 55 cities. |
| You want a password manager in the same plan | ExpressVPN Advanced | ExpressKeys included; NordVPN Complete also includes one. |
| You need a fixed IP | ExpressVPN Pro | Dedicated IP included. |
| You buy through an app store | NordVPN | ExpressVPN’s guarantee doesn’t cover app store purchases. |
- Both 2-year intro prices end: NordVPN after 27 months, ExpressVPN after 28.
- Both add sales tax at checkout where applicable.
- ExpressVPN’s guarantee is for first-time users buying on its website.
- Neither offers port forwarding.
Where the facts come from
Sources: NordVPN’s and ExpressVPN’s US price lists, server lists and ExpressVPN’s refund policy. Prices are in the price blocks on each service’s page.
Facts in the text checked: .
FAQ: NordVPN or ExpressVPN
Other comparisons
The same products against other competitors, and other comparisons in the “VPN services” category.
Where their scores differ
Only criteria we’ve checked for both services and where the scores differ. Equal criteria and criteria without data aren’t shown here, because they add nothing to the decision.
If what matters most is — network coverage: NordVPN Basic
NordVPN Basic: 150 countries (5,0/5) · ExpressVPN Basic: 113 countries (4,0/5)
If what matters most is — price now: ExpressVPN Basic
NordVPN Basic: 3,49 USD/mo before tax (4,0/5) · ExpressVPN Basic: 2,99 USD/mo before tax (4,3/5)
The scores and their weights are the same as in the reviews of both services. How we calculate
Comparison text updated: