This story was written in collaboration with Forbes Finds. Forbes Finds covers products we think you’ll love. Featured products are independently selected and linked to for your convenience. If you buy something using a link on this page, Forbes may receive a small share of that sale.
In the world of virtual private networks (VPN), ExpressVPN and NordVPN are two of the biggest competitors slugging it out to keep your internet activity safe.
You cannot lose with either one, but here’s how to decide which VPN is ideal for you. Start by looking at the two most important criteria—speed and price. Then explore other vital features such as a No-Logs policy and supported platforms.
VPN Speed
Almost more than price, anyone who has considered a VPN asks if their internet speed will be slowed down by using a VPN. The answer depends on a variety of factors, but in general, for most of those I have evaluated your internet speed is rarely an issue. In my speed test review, both NordVPN and ExpressVPN are in the list of “top five fastest VPN providers,” with NordVPN often coming out ahead, but only slightly.
The number of servers that a VPN provider has, as well as the number of countries in which those servers reside, will impact speed. NordVPN has almost 6,000 servers in more than 60 countries. ExpressVPN has 3,000-plus VPN servers in 94 countries. When you look at the full list of servers and countries for each of these providers, you will see that some VPN protocols are in one country but not another, so that could impact your decision as well (for both speed and security).
VPN Price
Both services offer a 30-day guarantee, so you are safe to try either NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
At press time, the most popular NordVPN package is available when you subscribe for three years—$2.99 per month, billed annually at $107.55. That price rivals most one-year subscriptions at other VPN services.
Express VPN drops its standard $12.95 per month to $8.32 per month when paid annually for $99.95. Again, while higher, your location and access to its servers may make them the best for your needs.
No-Log Policy and Privacy
As I pointed out in the Benefits Of A VPN post, a No-Log Policy is critical to your internet safety. It is tough to figure out who actually does what they say—as in keeping no record of your internet traffic. A VPN is not a perfect solution: No service can truly protect your every move online. However, unless you are intentionally breaking the law, you are going to be safer with a VPN than without.
Again, both of these providers maintain no-log policies for traffic. NordVPN edges slightly ahead of ExpressVPN because it keeps no connection logs (date you connect, plus server used) whereas ExpressVPN does. This is a super-fine point for only the most privacy-minded. For most users, it is a wash in my opinion. You are still pretty hard to track at either VPN.
Supported Platforms
Both providers have a robust list of operating systems/platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS (iPhone and iPad apps), Android, Linux and Router.
Bottom Line
Overall, NordVPN wins on lowest price, but ExpressVPN may have a server or VPN protocol that serves your privacy needs. Each app offers a simple, elegant interface. I like that ExpressVPN just connects to the closest, best location automatically. NordVPN connected slightly faster to what its calls a “smart location.” Both offered the ability to tweak the settings and manually change VPN protocols, and turn a “kill switch” on or off, which is vital.
