ExpressVPN vs NordVPN 2026 - Which Should You Choose?

Updated: February 17, 2026 · 3 min read

ExpressVPN and NordVPN are the two biggest names in VPN. Both are excellent — but they’re excellent in different ways. This comparison breaks down where each one wins so you can choose the right one for your needs.

Quick Verdict

Speed Comparison

We tested both VPNs from the same 1Gbps connection, same locations, same time of day:

Winner: NordVPN — but barely. Both VPNs are blazingly fast with their respective WireGuard implementations (NordLynx vs Lightway). In daily use, you won’t notice the difference.

Security

Both VPNs offer top-tier security:

Winner: Tie with NordVPN edge. NordVPN offers more security features (Double VPN, Threat Protection), but ExpressVPN’s core security is equally robust. Both have been independently audited.

Streaming

This is where the competition gets interesting:

Winner: ExpressVPN. Both unblock the major platforms, but ExpressVPN does it with slightly higher reliability. When Netflix rolls out new blocking measures, ExpressVPN tends to adapt faster.

Price

Winner: NordVPN — by a significant margin. NordVPN’s 2-year plan is roughly half the price of ExpressVPN’s equivalent. Over two years, that’s a $79 difference.

Ease of Use

ExpressVPN’s apps are cleaner and more intuitive. The interface is less cluttered because there are fewer features to navigate. NordVPN has more features but can feel overwhelming to new users.

Winner: ExpressVPN. If you want a VPN that “just works” without thinking about settings, ExpressVPN is the more polished experience.

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose NordVPN if:

• You want the best value for money
• You need advanced security features (Double VPN, Threat Protection)
• You have many devices (10 connections vs ExpressVPN’s 8)
• You’re comfortable with a feature-rich interface

Choose ExpressVPN if:

• Streaming reliability is your top priority
• You want the simplest, most polished app experience
• You don’t mind paying a premium for quality
• You need reliable access from censored countries

Our Recommendation

For most people, NordVPN is the better choice in 2026. It matches or beats ExpressVPN in nearly every category while costing significantly less. The extra security features and larger server network are bonuses.

ExpressVPN earns its premium if streaming is your primary use case or if you value the most polished user experience above all else.

Get NordVPN — Best Overall Value →

Get ExpressVPN — Best for Streaming →

Comparison updated: February 2026.