Is NordVPN or ExpressVPN cheaper in 2026?

ExpressVPN Basic ($2.49/month) is now cheaper than NordVPN Basic ($3.49/month) on a 2-year plan. This reversed in 2026 when ExpressVPN introduced tiered pricing.

Is NordVPN faster than ExpressVPN?

Both are among the fastest VPNs. NordLynx (NordVPN) and Lightway (ExpressVPN) deliver comparable speeds. The difference in real-world use is marginal.

Does ExpressVPN own CyberGhost and PIA?

ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and PIA are all owned by Kape Technologies. They operate as separate products with separate infrastructure.

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Pricing & Value Compared

Last updated: July 02, 2026 · Prices verified July 2026

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The NordVPN vs ExpressVPN debate changed dramatically in 2026. ExpressVPN's new tiered pricing brought its entry cost below NordVPN for the first time ever, fundamentally altering the value calculation.

Price Comparison at a Glance

	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Monthly	$12.99/mo	$12.99/mo
1-Year	$4.99/mo	$3.49/mo
2-Year	$3.49/mo	$2.49/mo
Devices	10	10–14 (by tier)
Servers	7,200+	3,000+
Countries	129+	105
MBG	30 days	30 days
Free Trial	Android only (3 days)	7-day (iOS/Android app stores)
Renewal	~$7-8/mo	~$8-10/mo

Pricing: ExpressVPN's 2026 Overhaul Changed Everything

ExpressVPN used to cost 2x more than NordVPN. The new Basic tier at $2.49/mo on a 2-year plan is actually $1/mo cheaper than NordVPN Basic ($3.49/mo). This is a massive shift — ExpressVPN went from the most expensive mainstream VPN to one of the cheapest overnight.

At the feature-bundled level, ExpressVPN Advanced ($2.99/mo) vs NordVPN Plus ($3.59/mo) gives ExpressVPN a $0.60/mo advantage. However, NordVPN's renewal pricing is more moderate.

Speed: Dead Heat

NordVPN's NordLynx and ExpressVPN's Lightway are both built on WireGuard-like architectures and deliver comparable top speeds. In real-world use, the difference is marginal — both are among the fastest VPNs available. Server selection and proximity to physical infrastructure matter more than protocol differences at this level.

Streaming: Both Excellent

NordVPN and ExpressVPN are the two most reliable streaming VPNs. Both unblock Netflix in multiple regions, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and every other major platform. ExpressVPN's Aircove router ($189, discounted on higher tiers) is a unique advantage for whole-home streaming — every device on your network routes through the VPN automatically.

Privacy: Different Approaches

NordVPN has six audits from Deloitte (Panama jurisdiction). ExpressVPN has multiple audits from KPMG and Cure53 (BVI jurisdiction). Both have strong credentials — the difference is that NordVPN is independently owned (Nord Security), while ExpressVPN is owned by Kape Technologies, which also owns CyberGhost and PIA. Kape's history (formerly known as Crossrider, an ad-tech company) makes some privacy advocates uncomfortable, though ExpressVPN's operations have not shown any issues post-acquisition.

Device Limits

NordVPN: 10 devices across all tiers. ExpressVPN: 10 (Basic), 12 (Advanced), 14 (Pro). Neither offers unlimited connections — for that, you'd need Surfshark or PIA.

Which Should You Choose?

ExpressVPN Basic ($2.49/mo) is now the better value on pure price — $1/mo less than NordVPN for comparable core VPN features. NordVPN ($3.49/mo) wins on audit depth and slightly more reliable streaming. The practical difference for most users is minimal — pick the lower price unless NordVPN's specific features (NordLynx, SmartPlay) matter to you.

Get the Best Deal

NordVPN

$3.49/mo

2-year plan · 10 devices · 30-day money-back guarantee

Best overall — speed, security, streaming

Get NordVPN

ExpressVPN

$2.49/mo

2-year plan · 10–14 (by tier) devices · 30-day money-back guarantee

Fastest, most polished apps, Aircove router

Get ExpressVPN