NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: which should you buy?

Choosing between NordVPN and ExpressVPN can feel like comparing two very long lists of reasons to subscribe. The more useful question is what would make a difference to you once the VPN is on your phone or laptop.

For a few everyday devices, we'd start with price and app compatibility. Both cover ten simultaneous connections on their entry-level offering. ExpressVPN gives you room for more on its higher plans, and its Aircove routers may appeal if you want a VPN for the household. Linux users have a different decision to make: which app supports the system they already use?

We've worked through the providers' documentation, checked on September 15, 2026, to help narrow that choice. We haven't tested their speeds, streaming access, or protection against traffic leaks, so those aren't the basis for our recommendations.

The differences that matter day to day

Picture your phone, laptop, and television connected at the same time. That's three connections, even if you own several other devices. NordVPN allows up to ten, which leaves plenty of room in that example. ExpressVPN allows ten on Basic, twelve on Advanced, and fourteen on Express Pro. The extra capacity becomes worth paying attention to when you actually need it.

Start with the bill, then look at the extras

It's easy to get drawn into a bigger plan when the upgrade looks like only a little more each month. Before doing that, open the lowest-priced plan that covers your needs and look at what you'll pay today.

ExpressVPN's Basic, Advanced, and Express Pro plans bundle different benefits, some of which also depend on your location or subscription length. NordVPN has its own plans and additional products. A familiar plan name won't tell you whether you're comparing the same things.

Put the two checkout totals side by side, in the same currency and with taxes included. Check how many months each payment buys, then look at what happens at renewal. Those details can change which offer feels like good value.

For example, $60 for 27 months works out to about $2.22 a month. You still need to be comfortable paying the $60 today. That's an illustration rather than a live offer; our VPN pricing guide walks through the calculation.

You can check the current NordVPN offer and ExpressVPN's official plans when you're ready to compare. Our ExpressVPN link doesn't earn us a commission. Promotions change, so the better deal is the one that fits your needs at the price you're actually offered.

On Linux, your existing setup may decide it

You don't have to choose between a graphical app and a life in the terminal: both providers offer a Linux GUI. Their supported versions differ, though.

NordVPN lists Ubuntu 22.04+, Debian 12+, Mint 21+, and Fedora 43+, with GNOME or KDE. ExpressVPN lists Ubuntu 24.04+, Debian 12+, Mint 22+, Fedora 39+, and current Arch Linux among its supported systems.

If you're staying on Ubuntu 22.04, NordVPN is a documented option. If you use Arch, ExpressVPN explicitly includes it. That's a more useful starting point than choosing a subscription and finding out later that the app doesn't suit your machine. Check your processor and desktop too, and keep your system on a maintained release. Our NordVPN Ubuntu walkthrough gives you a feel for the installation before you commit.

Thinking about the whole household?

A VPN on the router is worth considering if you want connected devices to share that connection. ExpressVPN offers its own Aircove hardware, although you'll also need an ExpressVPN subscription for the VPN features. The router and subscription belong in the same budget.

If you already have a router you'd like to keep, start there. NordVPN's setup guide calls for an OpenVPN client. A mention of VPN passthrough or an OpenVPN server on the box doesn't establish that it will work; check the model and firmware before buying.

Aircove is an option to explore if dedicated hardware appeals to you. An existing compatible router may save you another purchase. Either way, remember that your phone leaves the router's VPN connection behind when it leaves your home network.

Leave yourself time to try it properly

The first few days are a chance to see whether the VPN fits your routine. Try the video call, game, or streaming service you normally use. Check reconnecting after sleep, too. Those small experiences tell you something a feature table can't, although we can't promise a particular streaming catalogue or latency result.

Read the refund conditions before relying on that time to evaluate the service. NordVPN offers 30 days on the initial subscription purchase; its policy excludes renewals unless local law requires otherwise. ExpressVPN's 30-day guarantee is for eligible first-time subscribers and excludes Apple App Store and Google Play in-app billing. Your purchase method and promotion matter, so check the terms shown at checkout.

You'll pay first and need to request a refund if eligible. Save the terms, put a reminder in your calendar, and deal with automatic renewal separately if you decide not to stay.

So, which would we buy?

For a phone, laptop, and a few other supported devices, we'd choose on total cost and how comfortably the app fits everyday use. There's little reason to pay for a higher connection limit you won't use.

ExpressVPN becomes more interesting when you need eleven to fourteen simultaneous connections or want to explore Aircove. NordVPN deserves a closer look if its Linux support matches your existing machine. In either case, start with the plan that solves your actual need and add extras only when you have a use for them.

If you're still getting a feel for whether you need a VPN at all, the length of the commitment may matter more than the brand. Our monthly versus long-term guide can help you decide how much time to buy.