It’s 2021 and it’s time to take a fresh look at two of the world’s favorite VPNs. Which of these services should you commit to it?
Today I’m gonna help you figure that out. You can also check out the best deals available right now on the services I’ll be reviewing today in the linked post below. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are industry leaders right now in 2021. Either one has probably been recommended to you multiple times. So NordVPN versus ExpressVPN, which has better value, performance, and features?
Which is the better investment in the long run?
Guys today, I’m gonna compare NordVPN versus ExpressVPN in action. And guys, I won’t just discuss features, I’ll try out their apps and test the most crucial factor you’re all aching to know about, NordVPN versus ExpressVPN speed.
Performance
So let’s start with just that, ExpressVPN versus NordVPN speed test.
First, I’m going to run an initial speed test without a VPN to determine my baseline speed. Next, I’m gonna use ExpressVPN to connect to a server here in the UK, using the OpenVPN protocol, and run another speed test. Now I’m going to do the same with NordVPN.
NordVPN is significantly faster.
However, you may have heard that OpenVPN is not the fastest protocol available on these services in 2021. So I’m going to run the speed test again. First using the Lightway protocol for ExpressVPN, then using NordLynx on NordVPN.
NordVPN is still running significantly faster. On the other hand, ExpressVPN offers more locations, which means more connection options. Still, NordVPN wins this round of ExpressVPN versus NordVPN.Faster speed is a massive deal for any VPN service. Now, if you were just waiting around to hear which service performs better,
Privacy
Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN are famous for their excellent privacy policies. NordVPN is based in Panama, which is a privacy-friendly location. And so is the British Virgin Islands where ExpressVPN is located.
If you’ve been wondering does NordVPN keeps logs, you should know that both services have authentic no logs policies.
In fact, their privacy policies have been independently audited and proven. They also offer anonymous payment methods with cryptocurrencies. This round of NordVPN versus ExpressVPN is a draw.
Security
Security is also pretty top notch for both of our contenders.Both services are among the first to move to diskless servers.There’s one major difference in favor of NordVPN though, it has Kill Switch on all platforms,while ExpressVPN has no Kill Switch for iOS.
These services also differ when it comes to features. NordVPN also offers some cool security extras including obfuscated servers Onion Over VPN, split tunneling, double VPN, and CyberSec.
ExpressVPN on the other hand is quite basic when it comes to features. Now, if you’ve heard about the NordVPN server hack that happened back in 2018, you might still be wondering, is NordVPN safe? That’s a fair question.
You need to know that most large companies are targets for cybercrime at some point. What’s important is how These attacks are handled. In NordVPN’s case, a Finnish server was hacked, but no one’s traffic was decrypted.
No deets were exposed, and the situation was handled very effectively. And after the hack, Nord made some significant improvements to their own security.
This round is close but NordVPN wins thanks to its extra security features.
Streaming
Unblocking Netflix is a major challenge for any VPN right now. So ExpressVPN or NordVPN, which is better for Netflix? According to the users from Reddit, ExpressVPN struggles with Netflix at times, and I find that mind-boggling. Because during our test ExpressVPN has shown to unblock Netflix libraries almost effortlessly.
I guess that Reddit users just came over some of the blacklisted servers, which happens but it’s easily fixable. But I guess there’s some merit in Reddit’s experience. After all the more servers there are, the fewer chances to run into one that is blacklisted. NordVPN has 1,800 servers in the US alone, which is more than half of ExpressVPN, worldwide server count. So NordVPN has an upper hand right there.
I’ve also experienced issues with server blacklisting, but the solution is actually simpler than you might think. You just switch servers and keep doing this, until you find a server that actually works. Both services unblock other streaming platforms you might be fancy of.
They are compatible with KODI, plus you can find ExpressVPN on Firestick and there’s a dedicated NordVPN Firestick app as well. NordVPN wins this round because ExpressVPN for Netflix has slower speeds, and it takes longer to find a working server. They both are capable of unblocking those services though.
Torrenting
Torrenting VPNs need great privacy and security. Our contenders tick those boxes,but what else do they offer?
ExpressVPN allows torrenting on all servers and has a split tunneling protocol. NordVPN doesn’t allow torrenting on all servers. Instead, it offers optimized torrenting servers in countries with relaxed P2P laws.In addition, there’s split tunneling and a free SOCKS5 proxy.
Both services are great for torrenting, so I’m calling this round a draw.
Apps & Ease Of Use
It’s important to know which of these services is easier to use and more compatible with your devices. NordVPN and ExpressVPN both have lots of dedicated apps and there are all the major plus handy FireTV apps. From this point though, the services start to differ.
ExpressVPN has an extra browser extension, a rare Chromebook app, there’s even a dedicated ExpressVPN Browder app, rather than the router configuration that NordVPN and most other VPNs offer.
Another great feature both VPNs offer is Smart DNS. Smart DNS lets you unblock content on devices that don’t have a dedicated VPN app. With NordVPN the Smart DNS feature known as SmartPlay allows users to use it on devices that have no dedicated apps or instead you can install the NordVPN on your router, which is less convenient but quite possible. With ExpressVPN the situation is similar. Smart DNS known as MediaStreamer can be used to unblock content on gaming consoles and a wide variety of smart TVs. Apps from both services are streamlined and clean-looking.
NordVPN has a unique map-based interface, while express VPN is simpler. This round of ExpressVPN versus NordVPN goes to ExpressVPN. The level of both providers’ software is similar but ExpressVPN just has more apps.
CAN IT COMBAT CENSORSHIP
Many VPNs can bypass government restrictions and censorship in 2021. It’s especially tough to do this in China. So what’s it like to use our contenders in China?
Well right now, both VPNs bypass firewalls and access restricted content in China and most other restricted states. Express VPNs has a built-in stealth server feature, but no Onion Over VPN feature. NordVPN offers both these features to users who are looking to remain anonymous in China.
ExpressVPN does have a .onion site though, so you can anonymously download the ExpressVPN app. For an anonymous NordVPN download you can use these alternate domains.
NordVPN wins this round with more security features but as long as major features are concerned, this could very well be a draw.
Customer Support
The most important thing to look for in a VPN customer support is informed 24/7 live chat. And I’m happy to report that both our contenders have it chat is fast and helpful. You can send email tickets and their online guides and knowledge bases. ExpressVPN even has support articles in mobile apps. This route is also a draw.
Pricing Plans
Pricing is a major factor for most of us so it’s getting serious in this realm. Which of these services offers a better deal?
Unfortunately, there’s no NordVPN free trial or free version but on the other hand, ExpressVPN has no free options either. However, both services do have a fully refundable 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN starts off cheaper than ExpressVPN and ends off much cheaper at nearly half the price for a year. NordVPN goes on to offer an even cheaper two-year plan. NordVPN costs less from start to finish, we have a clear winner in this round.
It’s obvious that both VPNs are of great quality, but I’ve listed a few drawbacks to these services too. Are any of these signs?
NordVPN has fewer apps than ExpressVPN. However, it is still possible for all your devices to access the VPN via your router or the SmartPlay feature. ExpressVPN is slower, has fewer features and it’s more expensive.
The features aspect will only affect users who want more variety or complexity out of their service. The price and performance definitely affect all users. These are the most significant drawbacks to picking ExpressVPN or NordVPN. So is there a clear winner between ExpressVPN and NordVPN? NordVPN won five rounds while ExpressVPN won one. The winner is apparent right there.
At this point, I know some of you are still wondering if ExpressVPN is worth it?
Well, it definitely could be. If you want a simple, solid-quality VPN, that’s easy to set up on routers or Chromebooks that have a Smart DNS option for all sorts of devices then ExpressVPN will suit you. If you’re a regular streamer, or you enjoy gaming or you live in China, you may enjoy NordVPN more, especially if you opt for that budget-friendly long-term subscription.
Guys now that you know which of these world-class favorites you pick, go ahead and check out the discounts on the Link below. The coupon code will be applied automatically when you check out.