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ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN wins this head-to-head thanks to faster long-distance speeds, more reliable streaming and quicker torrenting. It is also the easiest VPN to use that I have tested.
- Lightway protocol
- 10 devices
- 3000+ servers in 113 countries
- Servers in all 50 US states
- RAM-only TrustedServer
- Faster than NordVPN on distant servers
- Unblocked 17+ Netflix libraries
- P2P on every server
- Cheapest plan in this comparison
- Clean one-button apps
- Owned by Kape Technologies
- Pricier than Surfshark One
- Fewer servers than NordVPN
- No Double VPN or Meshnet
I’m a full-time cybersecurity expert, and over the past 4+ years I’ve published 600+ VPN videos across my YouTube channels, All Things VPN and VPNR. NordVPN and ExpressVPN come up in my comments more than almost any other matchup. Both are premium, proven services with independent audits and polished apps, but they’re built for different kinds of users.
For this update I retested both on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS across 12 categories, from pricing and streaming to privacy and support. This time ExpressVPN came out ahead, winning 4 categories, losing 3 and tying 5. I’ll show you where each one wins, where each one falls short, and which plan is worth buying during the early Black Friday 2026 sales.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN vs Surfshark One: Quick Ranking
Here’s how the three VPNs in this comparison stack up after my testing. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are the two contenders, but I’ve included Surfshark One because it beat both of them on speed and price. NordVPN Complete has the bigger security bundle, but head to head for everyday VPN use, ExpressVPN is the stronger pick and the better deal at $2.99/mo.
- #1 Surfshark One: best overall, fastest in my tests with 96% speed retention, unlimited devices, $2.49/mo
- #2 ExpressVPN Basic: winner of this head-to-head, best for streaming, torrenting and ease of use, $2.99/mo
- #3 NordVPN Complete: best security toolkit with antivirus, Meshnet and Double VPN, $4.49/mo
Surfshark One
Fastest VPN I tested with unlimited devices and a full security bundle for $2.49/mo plus 3 months free.
- Unlimited devices
- 96% speed retention
- Antivirus and Alert
- RAM-only servers
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN Basic wins on streaming, long-distance speed and torrenting for $2.99/mo plus 4 months free, billed $83.72.
- Lightway protocol
- 10 devices
- 17+ Netflix libraries
- All 50 US states
NordVPN
NordVPN Complete adds antivirus, a password manager, cloud storage and identity monitoring for $4.49/mo plus 3 months free.
- NordLynx protocol
- Next-gen antivirus
- Meshnet and Double VPN
- 10 devices
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN at a Glance
| Feature | NordVPN Complete | ExpressVPN Basic |
|---|---|---|
| Head-to-head result | Runner-up (3 category wins) | Winner (4 category wins) |
| Early Black Friday price | $4.49/mo, 75% off + 3 months free | $2.99/mo, 80% off + 4 months free |
| First payment | $121.23 for 27 months | $83.72 for 28 months |
| Servers | 9,500+ in 225+ locations | 3,000+ in 113 countries |
| Speed retention (my tests) | 91% | 91%, better on distant servers |
| Netflix libraries | 10+ | 17+ |
| Simultaneous connections | 10 | 10 (12 on Advanced, 14 on Pro) |
| Main protocol | NordLynx | Lightway (post-quantum) |
| Jurisdiction | Panama | British Virgin Islands |
| Parent company | Nord Security | Kape Technologies |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Get the deal | Get NordVPN Complete | Get ExpressVPN Basic |
How I Tested NordVPN and ExpressVPN
I ran both VPNs side by side on the same connection, using each provider’s fastest protocol: NordLynx for NordVPN and Lightway for ExpressVPN. I tested speeds on nearby and long-distance servers, unblocking on 10+ streaming platforms, P2P downloads in qBittorrent and ping in online games. I also ran IPv4, IPv6, DNS and WebRTC leak tests and contacted both support teams with the same questions.
Speed test results
Both VPNs averaged 91% speed retention in my tests, so on paper this one is close. The difference shows up with distance: NordVPN was a touch faster on nearby servers, while ExpressVPN’s Lightway held up better on routes to the US, Japan and Australia. Surfshark One beat both with 96% retention, which is why it stays at the top of my rankings.
| Test | NordVPN (NordLynx) | ExpressVPN (Lightway) |
|---|---|---|
| Average speed retention | 91% | 91% |
| Nearby server | Slightly faster, under 10% loss | Slightly slower, under 10% loss |
| United States | Bigger drop-off | Faster |
| Japan | Close, slightly slower | Close, slightly faster |
| Australia | Bigger drop-off | Faster |
| Speed winner | Local connections | Long-distance connections |
In practice, both are fast enough for 4K streaming even on servers 9,000+ miles away. If most of your browsing stays close to home, you won’t notice a difference between them. If you regularly connect to the US or Asia from Europe, ExpressVPN keeps more of your speed, and that’s why it wins this category.
1. Surfshark One
Surfshark One isn’t part of the head-to-head, but leaving it out would be a disservice to you. It beat both NordVPN and ExpressVPN in my speed tests with 96% retention, it allows unlimited devices, and it costs $2.49/mo on the 2-year plan with 3 extra months. That’s $67.23 for 27 months, less upfront than ExpressVPN Basic and about half the price of NordVPN Complete.
The One bundle adds Antivirus, Alert for data breaches, Alternative ID, scam protection and CleanWeb on top of the VPN. Privacy tools include Dynamic MultiHop, Nexus IP rotation, Everlink, NoBorders and GPS override, all on RAM-only servers with a Deloitte-audited no-logs policy. With 4500+ servers in 100+ countries, it has more than enough coverage for streaming and travel.
What I liked
- Fastest VPN in my tests with 96% speed retention
- Unlimited simultaneous devices
- Antivirus, Alert and Alternative ID included
- Dynamic MultiHop, Nexus IP rotation and Everlink
- Deloitte-audited no-logs policy on RAM-only servers
- Cheapest of the three at $2.49/mo
What I didn’t like
- Based in the Netherlands, a Nine Eyes country
- Owned by Nord Security, like NordVPN
- Higher renewal price after the first term
- Some tools aren’t available on every platform
You can read my full Surfshark One review for my complete results, or grab the current deal on my Surfshark coupon page. If you’re weighing Surfshark against NordVPN specifically, my Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison goes deeper. My standard Surfshark review covers the VPN-only plan too.
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the winner of this comparison and the VPN I recommend to anyone who wants things to just work. The best deal right now is ExpressVPN Basic at 80% off: $2.99/mo on the 24-month plan plus 4 extra months free, billed $83.72. In my testing it unblocked more Netflix libraries, kept more speed over long distances and downloaded torrents faster than NordVPN.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN wins this head-to-head thanks to faster long-distance speeds, more reliable streaming and quicker torrenting. It is also the easiest VPN to use that I have tested.
- Lightway protocol
- 10 devices
- 3000+ servers in 113 countries
- Servers in all 50 US states
- RAM-only TrustedServer
- Faster than NordVPN on distant servers
- Unblocked 17+ Netflix libraries
- P2P on every server
- Cheapest plan in this comparison
- Clean one-button apps
- Owned by Kape Technologies
- Pricier than Surfshark One
- Fewer servers than NordVPN
- No Double VPN or Meshnet
Basic covers 10 devices with the full VPN, Lightway with post-quantum protection and RAM-only TrustedServer technology. If you want ad, tracker, malware and adult site blocking, Advanced adds Advanced Protection and 12 devices for $4.49/mo ($125.72 for 28 months). After the July 2026 expansion, ExpressVPN has 3000+ servers in 113 countries, including all 50 US states, which is great for regional US content.
It isn’t perfect, though. ExpressVPN is owned by Kape Technologies, it has no Double VPN, Meshnet or malware scanner, and it’s pricier than Surfshark One while covering fewer devices. In 2024 its Windows app also had a split tunneling bug that exposed some DNS requests, which ExpressVPN fixed quickly and disclosed publicly.
What I liked
- Faster than NordVPN on long-distance servers
- Unblocked 17+ Netflix libraries on the first try
- P2P allowed on every server
- 12 devices on Advanced, 14 on Pro
- Clean one-button apps on every platform
- Router firmware with a built-in kill switch
- 10+ independent audits
What I didn’t like
- Owned by Kape Technologies
- No Double VPN, Meshnet or malware scanner
- Far fewer servers than NordVPN
- Pricier than Surfshark One
- Identity Defender is US-only
For my full test results, read my ExpressVPN review. The latest early Black Friday offer is on my ExpressVPN coupon page. Every plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Want the fastest VPN I tested?
Neither NordVPN nor ExpressVPN tops my list. Surfshark One is my #1 for speed, price and unlimited devices, see how all 10 VPNs rank.
See the best VPNs →3. NordVPN Complete
NordVPN Complete finished second in this head-to-head, but it’s still one of the most complete security packages I’ve tested. It costs $4.49/mo on the 2-year plan with 3 extra months, which works out to $121.23 for 27 months at 75% off. That’s $37.51 more upfront than ExpressVPN Basic, and it’s still pricier and slower than Surfshark One.
NordVPN
NordVPN Complete is the better security toolkit with antivirus, Double VPN and Meshnet. It lost this head-to-head on streaming, long-distance speed and torrenting.
- NordLynx protocol
- 10 Gbps servers
- 225+ locations
- Scam and spam protection
- RAM-only servers
- Next-gen antivirus
- Double VPN and Onion Over VPN
- Meshnet
- Password manager and 1 TB cloud storage
- Multiple no-logs audits
- Steep renewal price
- Only 10 devices
- Some monitoring features not in every country
- Pricier and slower than Surfshark One
Complete stacks a lot on top of the VPN: next-gen antivirus, scam and spam protection, call and message protection, a password manager, 1 TB of cloud storage, plus identity, SSN and bank transaction monitoring. Privacy tools include Double VPN, Onion Over VPN and Meshnet, on 10 Gbps RAM-only servers in 225+ locations. NordVPN has also passed multiple independent no-logs audits.
Where it lost was everyday use. It needed more server switching to unblock regional Netflix libraries, it dropped more speed on long-distance routes, and it took almost 10 minutes to download a file ExpressVPN finished in about 6. The renewal price is also steep, and some monitoring features aren’t available in every country.
What I liked
- Next-gen antivirus that scans downloads
- Double VPN, Onion Over VPN and Meshnet
- 9,500+ servers in 225+ locations
- Password manager, 1 TB cloud storage and identity monitoring
- Cash payment option at retail stores
- Multiple independent no-logs audits
What I didn’t like
- Steep renewal price
- Only 10 devices on every plan
- Regional Netflix libraries needed server switching
- Slower than ExpressVPN on distant servers
- Some monitoring features aren’t in every country
- Chatbot before you reach a human agent
My full NordVPN review covers every plan in detail. You’ll find the current early Black Friday price on my NordVPN coupon page. Like ExpressVPN, it includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pricing: Early Black Friday Plans Compared
Both providers now sell three tiers, and the bonus months differ: NordVPN plans run 27 months and ExpressVPN plans run 28 months. ExpressVPN Basic is the cheapest way into either service at $2.99/mo, while NordVPN Complete is slightly cheaper upfront than ExpressVPN Advanced. Both renew at higher prices after the first term, so check the renewal rate at checkout.
| Plan | Discount | Monthly price | First payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN Basic | 69% off | $3.49/mo | $94.23 for 27 months |
| NordVPN Complete | 75% off | $4.49/mo | $121.23 for 27 months |
| NordVPN Prime | 71% off | $6.99/mo | $188.73 for 27 months |
| ExpressVPN Basic (best deal) | 80% off | $2.99/mo | $83.72 for 28 months |
| ExpressVPN Advanced | 73% off | $4.49/mo | $125.72 for 28 months |
| ExpressVPN Pro | 67% off | $7.49/mo | $209.72 for 28 months |
| Surfshark One | 88% off | $2.49/mo | $67.23 for 27 months |
On features per dollar, the two mid tiers trade blows. NordVPN Complete packs in antivirus, cloud storage and identity monitoring, while ExpressVPN Advanced gives you 12 devices, Advanced Protection and the ExpressVPN Keys password manager. ExpressVPN Pro adds a dedicated IP and 14 devices, and NordVPN Prime sits above Complete with extra identity protection.
You’ll find the latest codes on my NordVPN coupon and ExpressVPN coupon pages, plus every current offer on my VPN deals page. Both come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test either one risk free. If price matters most, my best cheap VPN guide covers options from $1.11/mo.
Streaming: ExpressVPN Unblocks More Libraries
Streaming is where ExpressVPN pulled ahead most clearly. It unblocked 17+ Netflix libraries on the first try, while NordVPN managed 10+ and needed manual server switching for some regional catalogs. Both handled Netflix US and UK, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV and DAZN without trouble.
| Platform or library | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix US | Works | Works |
| Netflix UK | Works | Works |
| Netflix Germany | Proxy error at first | Works |
| Netflix India | Proxy error at first | Works |
| Netflix Malaysia | Proxy error at first | Works |
| BBC iPlayer | Works | Works |
| Disney+, Hulu and Max | Works | Works |
| Amazon Prime Video | Works | Works |
| Sling TV and DAZN | Works | Works |
| Netflix libraries unblocked | 10+ | 17+ |
For devices without VPN apps, ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer Smart DNS was easier to set up and reliably unlocked US and UK platforms, though it doesn’t encrypt traffic. NordVPN’s SmartPlay works well inside its apps, but its standalone Smart DNS needs more manual setup and occasionally failed outside the US. If you watch on a Fire TV Stick, see my best VPN for Firestick guide, and for Prime Video check my best VPN for Amazon Prime Video picks.
Server Network: NordVPN Is Bigger and More Flexible
NordVPN has the bigger network, with 9,500+ servers in 225+ locations and dedicated Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, P2P and obfuscated servers. ExpressVPN runs 3,000+ servers in 113 countries and builds obfuscation into every server instead of making you pick special ones. After its July 2026 expansion, it also covers all 50 US states.
| Feature | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Total servers | 9,500+ | 3,000+ |
| Coverage | 225+ locations | 113 countries |
| Server speed | 10 Gbps servers | RAM-only TrustedServer |
| Obfuscation | Dedicated obfuscated servers | Built into every server |
| P2P | Designated P2P servers | Every server |
| Specialty servers | Double VPN, Onion Over VPN | None |
| Server selection | Individual servers within a city | City or country level |
| US coverage | Many US cities | All 50 states |
Power users will like that NordVPN lets you pick individual servers within a city to avoid congested ones. ExpressVPN chooses the server for you at city level, and that automated approach never left me with slow speeds. Still, if you want granular control and multi-hop servers, NordVPN has the stronger network.
Security: NordVPN Complete Has More Tools
Both use AES-256 encryption, run RAM-only servers, include a kill switch and passed every IPv4, IPv6, DNS and WebRTC leak test I ran. NordVPN supports NordLynx, NordWhisper, OpenVPN and IKEv2, while ExpressVPN offers Lightway with post-quantum protection, OpenVPN, IKEv2 and L2TP. The real difference is in the extras.
| Feature | NordVPN Complete | ExpressVPN Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| Ad and tracker blocking | Yes | Yes (Advanced Protection) |
| Malware file scanning | Yes, next-gen antivirus | No |
| Adult site blocking | No | Yes |
| Double VPN | Yes | No |
| Onion Over VPN | Yes | No, Tor works on regular servers |
| Meshnet | Yes | No |
| Password manager | Yes | Yes (ExpressVPN Keys) |
| Identity monitoring | Identity, SSN and bank transactions | Identity Defender (US only) |
| Dedicated IP | Paid add-on | Paid add-on, included on Pro |
| Split tunneling | Windows, Android | Windows, Android, routers |
NordVPN Complete’s antivirus scans downloaded files for malware, and Meshnet lets you link devices over an encrypted network for file sharing and LAN gaming. ExpressVPN’s adult site blocker is a useful parental control NordVPN doesn’t offer, but it can’t match the depth of NordVPN’s toolkit. For privacy-heavy users, this is NordVPN’s strongest category.
Torrenting: ExpressVPN Downloads Faster
Both VPNs allow P2P with unlimited bandwidth and worked fine with qBittorrent, Transmission and Deluge. ExpressVPN allows torrenting on every server, while NordVPN limits P2P to designated servers and reroutes you if you try it elsewhere. In my test with a 1.41 GB public domain file, ExpressVPN finished in about 6 minutes and NordVPN took close to 10.
| Metric | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| 1.41 GB download time | About 10 minutes | About 6 minutes |
| P2P servers | Designated servers only | All servers |
| Port forwarding | No | Yes, on routers |
| SOCKS5 proxy | Yes, 11 locations | No |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes |
| Leaks detected | None | None |
NordVPN’s SOCKS5 proxies can speed up transfers, but they don’t encrypt your traffic, so I wouldn’t rely on them for privacy. ExpressVPN supports port forwarding when you run it on a router, which helps you connect to more peers. If you need port forwarding on desktop, Private Internet Access and PrivateVPN are better picks.
Gaming: Both Are Great on Nearby Servers
I tested both in Call of Duty: Warzone, Rocket League and Apex Legends from a connection with a 12 ms baseline ping. On a nearby server both stayed smooth with no rubberbanding or packet loss, and on distant servers ping climbed above 100 ms on both, which is normal. NordVPN’s Meshnet is great for virtual LAN parties, while ExpressVPN’s router firmware makes it easier to protect a PlayStation or Xbox.
| Server | NordVPN ping | ExpressVPN ping |
|---|---|---|
| Nearby server | 41 ms | 45 ms |
| Los Angeles, US | 111 ms | 113 ms |
| Tokyo, Japan | 144 ms | 144 ms |
Apps, Devices and Ease of Use: ExpressVPN Is Simpler
Both have native apps for Windows, macOS, Linux with a full interface, Android, iOS, Android TV, Fire TV Stick and Apple TV. ExpressVPN’s one-button design looks the same on every platform, and someone new to VPNs can connect in seconds. NordVPN’s map-based interface is great on a big monitor but feels cluttered on a phone, and finding Meshnet or specialty servers takes some digging.
- Devices: NordVPN allows 10 on every plan, while ExpressVPN allows 10 on Basic, 12 on Advanced and 14 on Pro.
- Routers: ExpressVPN offers custom router firmware with a kill switch and split tunneling, plus its Aircove routers. NordVPN needs a manual OpenVPN setup with no router kill switch.
- Browser extensions: ExpressVPN’s extension controls the desktop app with full encryption, while NordVPN’s is a lightweight proxy.
Jurisdiction and Ownership
NordVPN is based in Panama and ExpressVPN in the British Virgin Islands. Neither is part of the 5, 9 or 14 Eyes alliances, and neither country has mandatory data retention laws for VPN providers. Both publish transparency reports, and neither has handed over browsing data because there is none to hand over.
Ownership is where I’d look a little closer. ExpressVPN has belonged to Kape Technologies since 2021, a group that also owns CyberGhost, PIA, vpnMentor and Wizcase, while NordVPN’s parent Nord Security also owns Surfshark. Both groups have kept independent audits going, so I treat this as context rather than a dealbreaker.
Privacy Policy and Audits
Neither VPN logs browsing history, traffic destinations, DNS queries or your original IP address, and both only need an email address and payment details to sign up. NordVPN has passed multiple no-logs and infrastructure audits from firms including Deloitte, PwC and Cure53. ExpressVPN has completed 10+ audits from PwC, KPMG, Cure53 and F-Secure covering its policy, TrustedServer and Lightway code.
ExpressVPN also has real-world proof: in 2017, Turkish authorities seized one of its servers and found no user logs. NordVPN’s RAM-only network and repeated audits give me the same level of confidence. This one is a genuine draw.
Payments and Refunds: NordVPN Offers Cash
Both accept cards, PayPal, Google Pay, regional options like iDEAL, Klarna and SEPA, and several cryptocurrencies. NordVPN goes further with boxed retail subscriptions you can pay for in cash in stores across the US, UK, Canada, Germany and parts of Europe. Paired with a burner email, that’s about as anonymous as a VPN purchase gets.
I requested refunds from both within 30 days through live chat, and both were approved in minutes. ExpressVPN processed mine with no friction, while NordVPN’s agent offered a subscription extension before confirming the refund. That small hurdle doesn’t outweigh the cash option, so NordVPN takes this one.
Customer Support
Both offer 24/7 live chat, email support and detailed setup guides, but neither has phone support. ExpressVPN connected me to a human agent in under 30 seconds and answered my question accurately within two minutes. NordVPN routes you through an AI chatbot first, and it took about two minutes to reach a person, who was polite and knowledgeable.
Email tickets came back in 4 to 5 hours from both, with useful troubleshooting steps. Both knowledge bases cover manual setups, streaming fixes and protocol settings well. Faster first contact is nice, but it isn’t enough to separate them.
Other VPNs Worth Considering
NordVPN and ExpressVPN aren’t the only good options, and depending on your budget one of these may suit you better. All prices below are early Black Friday 2026 deals on 2-year plans. Each one comes with a money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark One: my #1 overall, fastest in my tests with 96% speed retention, unlimited devices, $2.49/mo.
- IPVanish: unlimited devices, 93% speed retention and live 24/7 chat for $2.19/mo, a great budget pick for families.
- Proton VPN: best for privacy, open source and Swiss-headquartered, with a free plan that has no data cap, $2.99/mo.
- PrivadoVPN: the cheapest option at $1.11/mo, Iceland-based, with a free plan offering 10GB a month.
- CyberGhost: a 45-day money-back guarantee on qualifying plans and streaming servers for $2.19/mo, also owned by Kape Technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ExpressVPN better than NordVPN in 2026?
Yes, for most people. In my testing ExpressVPN won 4 categories (streaming, speed, torrenting and device compatibility), NordVPN Complete won 3 (servers, security and payments), and 5 were ties. NordVPN is still the better pick if you want antivirus, Double VPN and Meshnet.
Which is cheaper for Black Friday 2026, NordVPN or ExpressVPN?
It depends on the tier. ExpressVPN Basic is the cheapest entry at $2.99/mo ($83.72 for 28 months), while NordVPN Complete costs $121.23 for 27 months compared with $125.72 for ExpressVPN Advanced. Surfshark One beats both at $2.49/mo, or $67.23 for 27 months.
Is NordVPN faster than ExpressVPN?
Both averaged 91% speed retention in my tests. NordVPN was slightly faster on nearby servers, while ExpressVPN kept more speed on long-distance routes to the US, Japan and Australia. Surfshark One was faster than both at 96%.
Which VPN is better for Netflix?
ExpressVPN. It unblocked 17+ Netflix libraries on the first try, compared with 10+ for NordVPN, which needed manual server switching for libraries like Germany, India and Malaysia. Both work with Netflix US and UK, Disney+, Hulu, Max and BBC iPlayer.
Does NordVPN own ExpressVPN?
No. NordVPN is owned by Nord Security, which also owns Surfshark, while ExpressVPN has been owned by Kape Technologies since 2021. Kape also owns CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, vpnMentor and Wizcase.
Is ExpressVPN safe even though Kape Technologies owns it?
Based on its track record, yes. ExpressVPN has completed 10+ independent audits, runs RAM-only TrustedServer technology, and its no-logs claims held up when Turkish authorities seized a server in 2017. If ownership still worries you, Proton VPN is open source and Swiss-headquartered.
Which VPN is better for torrenting?
ExpressVPN. It allows P2P on every server, supports port forwarding on routers, and downloaded my 1.41 GB test file in about 6 minutes compared with nearly 10 for NordVPN. NordVPN does offer SOCKS5 proxies in 11 locations, but they don’t encrypt your traffic.
How many devices can I use with NordVPN and ExpressVPN?
NordVPN allows 10 simultaneous connections on every plan. ExpressVPN allows 10 on Basic, 12 on Advanced and 14 on Pro. If you need more, Surfshark One and IPVanish both allow unlimited devices.
When is Black Friday 2026 for VPN deals?
Black Friday 2026 is Friday, November 27, and Cyber Monday is November 30. Both VPNs are already running early Black Friday deals, and I verified the prices on this page on November 1, 2026. I’ll update them if anything changes before the big day.
Do NordVPN and ExpressVPN have free trials?
Neither offers a traditional free trial on desktop. Both include a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans, which works as a risk-free trial on any device. If you want a genuinely free option, Proton VPN and PrivadoVPN both have free plans.
Final Verdict: ExpressVPN Wins NordVPN vs ExpressVPN
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Tie | ExpressVPN Basic is cheapest, NordVPN Complete is cheaper upfront than ExpressVPN Advanced |
| Streaming | ExpressVPN | 17+ Netflix libraries vs 10+ |
| Servers | NordVPN | 9,500+ servers and specialty servers |
| Speed | ExpressVPN | Same 91% average, better on distant servers |
| Security | NordVPN | Antivirus, Double VPN and Meshnet |
| Torrenting | ExpressVPN | About 6 minutes vs 10 on the same file |
| Gaming | Tie | Near-identical ping on every server |
| Device compatibility | ExpressVPN | Simpler apps, router firmware, up to 14 devices |
| Jurisdiction | Tie | Panama vs British Virgin Islands |
| Privacy policy | Tie | Both audited and proven |
| Payments and refunds | NordVPN | Cash payments at retail stores |
| Customer support | Tie | Both fast and knowledgeable 24/7 |
| Overall winner | ExpressVPN | 4 wins, 3 losses, 5 ties |
That said, my #1 overall is still Surfshark One. It was faster than both in my tests, covers unlimited devices, and costs $67.23 for 27 months compared with $121.23 for NordVPN Complete and $83.72 for ExpressVPN Basic. It’s worth a look before you commit, but if you’ve narrowed it down to these two, ExpressVPN is my pick.
Choose ExpressVPN if you want a fast, simple VPN for international streaming, torrenting and protecting your whole home through a router. Choose NordVPN Complete if you care most about security extras like antivirus, Double VPN, Meshnet and identity monitoring, or you want to pay in cash. Both come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and ExpressVPN Basic at $83.72 is the deal I’d grab this Black Friday.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN Basic is 80% off at $2.99/mo on the 24-month plan plus 4 extra months free, billed $83.72, and covers 10 devices.
- Lightway protocol
- 10 devices
- 3000+ servers in 113 countries
- Servers in all 50 US states
- RAM-only TrustedServer
