Introduction

It seems like these days you can’t watch anything online without an Ad pitching their VPN. It makes sense too, VPNs have become an integral part of how we interact in cyberspace. From online privacy concerns to corporations geo-restricting content and the government restricting internet access, VPNs have become the savior of regular internet users. There is simply no getting around these barriers without a VPN. This is why getting a VPN has become an essential part of using the internet.   

But with so many options in the market, a new problem has emerged. The conundrum of choice, there are so many VPNs out there, that choosing one that fits YOU has become a chore. What if you lock yourself in a plan for a VPN that doesn’t meet your needs? 

Well, worry not. We at koonka.ai have your back! Today we will be comparing two of the more well-known VPNs on the market, Nord VPN and Express VPN. We’ll take a holistic approach and compare these two VPNs across a wide variety of metrics. So you can make a well-informed decision and choose a VPN that works best for your needs. 

Key Features 

Features	Nord VPN	Express VPN
Key Features	Meshnet, Split Tunneling, Onion support, P2P, Private DNS, and obfuscated connections	Split tunneling, VPN for gaming, browser extension, password manager
Performance	One of the fastest in the market	Fast but with more speed loss
Security and Privacy	Very secure with tons of open-source options	Very secure technology
Streaming and Torrenting	Supports streaming and Torrents	Supports Streaming and Torrents
Ease of Use	Easy-to-use UI	Simple UI
Countries with servers	118	105
Number of servers	7,000	3000
Simultaneous connections	10	8
Platform Availability	Windows, macOS, Linux, Andriod, iOS, AndriodTV, and tvOS and manual setup for routers etc	Windows, macOS, Linux, Andriod, iOS, AndriodTV, and tvOS and manual setup for routers etc
Pricing and Plans	$ 3.39 per month for 2-year plan	$ 4.99 per month for 2-year plan

Nord VPN

Nord VPN is one of the older players in the market. It has been around since 2012. Since then it has been consistently ranked as one of the best options on the market. Nord VPN is known for its variety of features that enhance your experience as well as security while browsing the internet. Functionality like Double VPN is unique to Nord VPN which encrypts your data twice for an extra layer of security and privacy. Or the split tunneling feature that allows you to run specific applications through a VPN and keep other apps’ internet access unhindered by Nord. 

Additionally, Nord VPN has support for the Onion network, if you want to use that to encrypt your traffic that way. The Onion network is basically an open-source network that uses peer-to-peer encryption to send data from one place to another and is one of the most hard-to-crack encryption methods out there. This is the same network that is used for accessing the “dark net”, so you better believe how secure it is. 

Speaking about the Dark Net, Nord VPN also has a dark net monitor that scans the dark net to see if any of your accounts have been compromised and are being sold on the dark net. A handy feature to get alerted on time and change your passwords before you are yet another case of identity theft. 

Nord Offers support for six simultaneous connections, so you can connect multiple devices to your account and use them together. Overall, Nord VPN has garnered a reputation for being secure, and fast and offers a ton of features that you don’t usually see in public VPNs. 

With 7,000 ultra-fast servers in 118 countries, you won’t feel lost with Nord VPN. 

Express VPN

Express VPN is also an old player on the block and has been running since 2009! While they offer services that go beyond a VPN like a password manager, we will stick to the features and performance of their VPN for the purposes of this article. 

Express VPN is known for its TrustedServer technology, which uses RAM-only servers to ensure there is no retention of your data on their servers. Its proprietary Lightway protocol is optimized for speed and reliability. Like NordVPN, ExpressVPN also supports split tunneling, providing selective app routing. The Network Lock (kill switch) is highly reliable, ensuring data protection during connection drops. While it limits simultaneous connections to eight (unlike ten for Nord VPN), it offers the flexibility of unlimited device switching. Its secure browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge further enhance online safety.

With servers in 105 countries, Express VPN doesn’t hold back with its global coverage and gives options to its customers. 

Performance

By performance, we mean how fast the connection is, how reliable it is, and does it causes any hindrance to your day-to-day internet usage. 

Nord VPN

When it comes to performance, NordVPN leverages the NordLynx protocol,  to deliver high-speed connections suitable for streaming, gaming, and large file transfers. NordLynx is based on WireGuard-based protocol and this is one of the best protocols to choose if you plan on using Nord VPN. 

It boasts over 7,000 servers in 118 countries, ensuring robust coverage. While it maintains low latency on nearby servers, performance can dip slightly on distant ones.
But overall Nord VPN is well-renowned for its fast speeds and is one of the best VPNs to get if speed is really important to you. Especially for gamers, since even a little increase in latency can make or break their experience. 

In multiple tests on average, we have seen a speed loss of about 11.1 % which is not bad considering all of your data is being encrypted and decrypted to ensure your connection is secure. And this is one of the lowest speed losses in the market as other speed losses for other VPNs can go as high as 30%. 

At 11.1% speed loss you won’t be losing out on anything, doesn’t matter if you are streaming a 4K video on Netflix or playing Valorant with your friends. 

Express VPN

ExpressVPN, meanwhile, excels in speed consistency, even with distant servers, thanks to the Lightway protocol. Its server network comprises 3,000+ servers spread across 105 countries, offering broader geographical coverage. Latency is minimal, with superior optimization for long-distance connections. 

While ExpressVPN offers slightly better speeds on distant servers, they do have a higher speed loss at 24%. Which compared to Nord VPN is almost double. This means you can expect higher speed losses with Express VPN. 

Security and Privacy

Nord VPN

NordVPN employs AES-256-bit encryption with perfect forward secrecy, supporting protocols such as NordLynx (WireGuard-based), OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPSec. This is what stands out for me with Nord VPN, they have a ton of options for a variety of users. You don’t want to connect using their regular encryption? Sure you can use the meshnet to connect via other devices on the network. Do you want to use Onion’s protocol for your secure connection? BAM, Nord VPN has you covered with built-in support. 

Nord VPN has a no-logs policy, that has been audited independently, which affirms its commitment to user privacy. NordVPN’s kill switch is available on all platforms, further ensuring data protection.

If you are looking to secure your traffic, this is the time to sign up for Nord VPN right now! 

Express VPN

ExpressVPN also utilizes AES-256-bit encryption with perfect forward secrecy and supports Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPSec protocols. Its no-logs policy is verified through audits, bolstered by its RAM-only TrustedServer technology. 

Its Network Lock (kill switch) is exceptionally reliable, providing additional peace of mind. While both VPNs offer top-notch security, ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology and clean record give it a slight edge.

Streaming and Torrenting 

Nord VPN

NordVPN is highly capable of bypassing geo-restrictions, allowing access to platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. This makes sure you can watch that obscure Swedish TV show you wanted to watch but your streaming service at geo-restricted in your country. 

Its SmartPlay DNS ensures compatibility with a wide range of streaming services. For torrenting, NordVPN offers P2P-friendly servers optimized for secure and fast downloads, complemented by the CyberSec feature that blocks malware commonly associated with torrenting.

Express VPN

ExpressVPN similarly excels at unblocking streaming services, including Netflix libraries in multiple regions, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max. Its MediaStreamer DNS enables compatibility with devices that don’t natively support VPNs. Torrenting is supported on all ExpressVPN servers, offering speed and security. Both VPNs are excellent for streaming and torrenting, but NordVPN’s specialty P2P servers and CyberSec feature cater specifically to torrenting enthusiasts.

Ease of Use

Nord VPN

NordVPN offers intuitive interfaces across all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. Its quick installation process and user-friendly onboarding make it accessible, while customizable settings cater to advanced users.

Since it has a lot of features, it can be a little intimidating when using their phone application. But Nord VPN has compatralized its features well. And if you are not so tech tech-savvy user, you can use their VPN pretty easily if you don’t want to tinker around with their more advanced features. But they are just a click away! 

Express VPN

ExpressVPN provides sleek and minimalist apps for various platforms, ensuring a seamless setup process, even for beginners. Its simplified design prioritizes ease of use, making it an excellent choice for those new to VPNs. While ExpressVPN’s straightforward design is ideal for novices, NordVPN’s customization options appeal to advanced users.

Pricing and Plans

Nord VPN

NordVPN’s pricing plans are pretty affordable, considering the ton of extra features you get with the VPN. It starts at a basic plan for $ 3.39 /  month for a 2-year contract  The Plus and complete plan start at $ 4.39 / month and $ 5.39 / month. They offer a ton of features like anti-malware protection, ad trackers ad blockers, etc. With the complete plan, you also get the data breach scanner and 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage. Nord VPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and frequent discounts, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.

Express VPN

ExpressVPN’s monthly plan will set you back $12.95 / month, while its 1-year plan is priced at $99.95 with 3 months of free access (equivalent to $6.67/month for 15 months), and its 2-year plan costs $139.72 (equivalent to $4.99/month for a total of 28 months) with  4 months free with this plan. 

Express VPN also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee and often provides free months with annual plans. 

NordVPN’s long-term plans are significantly cheaper, making it a better option for those seeking cost-effective solutions.

Concluding Remarks 

The choice between NordVPN and ExpressVPN depends on your priorities. If you value advanced features, specialized servers for torrenting, and budget-friendly pricing, NordVPN is the better choice. While Express VPN is known for its secure Trusted server technology and RAM server, you can get equal levels of security and privacy with Nord VPN for a little cheaper. Nord VPN offers more countries and a wider range of servers with less average speed loss. 

Ultimately, both VPNs are excellent options, offering high performance, robust security, and user-friendly interfaces. And you wouldn’t go wrong with choosing any of these two.