ExpressVPN vs NordVPN
Choose ExpressVPN if public audit reports and lower renewal costs on longer Basic plans matter most. Choose NordVPN if you need multi-hop, WireGuard configuration export or custom DNS, and can justify its higher renewal price.
| Criterion | ExpressVPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 6.3 | 6.7 |
| Latest VPN audit | KPMG, 28 Feb 2025 (public report) | Deloitte, 12 Dec 2025 (gated or summary only) |
| Owner group | Kape Technologies | Nord Security |
| Cheapest 3-year cost (USD) | $138 | $260 |
| Port forwarding | No | No |
| Open-source apps | Unknown | Unknown |
| RAM-only servers | Yes | Yes |
| Refund window | 30 days | 30 days |
| Servers (provider-reported) | Not stated | 7121 |
Providers change prices often, and we regularly verify prices against their own pricing pages, though small differences from current prices are possible. Prices checked 11 Oct 2026. Three-year costs in US dollars at a fixed exchange rate.
Choose ExpressVPN if
- Public access to its latest KPMG no-logs assurance report.
- Lower renewal rates on the listed longer Basic plans.
- Public security assessments covering clients, Lightway and TrustedServer.
Choose NordVPN if
- Multi-hop for routing your connection through additional VPN servers.
- WireGuard configuration export and custom DNS for more control over your setup.
- Cash and Bitcoin payment options.
Our take
ExpressVPN has the clearer route to inspecting its latest logging evidence yourself. Its public KPMG no-logs assurance report, dated 28 Feb 2025, covers TrustedServer and privacy-policy controls against activity and connection logging at a point in time. NordVPN's Deloitte engagement, dated 12 Dec 2025, provides reasonable assurance covering infrastructure, configurations and deployment across several server types, but access is gated or limited to a summary. That access difference favors ExpressVPN for independent scrutiny; it does not establish stronger protection by itself. Client and protocol security audits address separate questions and should not be counted as additional logging assurance.
Ownership adds a different consideration. ExpressVPN belongs to Kape Technologies, which also owns CyberGhost VPN, Private Internet Access and the review sites vpnMentor and Wizcase. Owning VPN services and sites that review them creates a potential editorial conflict to consider when weighing recommendations. It does not establish misconduct by ExpressVPN. NordVPN belongs to Nord Security, which also owns Surfshark, so those brands share a parent. We would give the audit scope, report access and incident response more weight than treating any brand as an independent trust signal.
For price, compare the plan you would actually keep. ExpressVPN's Basic - 2 years + 4 months starts at €2.49 per month and renews at €6.66 per month. NordVPN's Basic, 2 years starts at €3.89 per month and renews at €11.59 per month. ExpressVPN is the better fit here if you mainly want a commercial VPN with inspectable assurance evidence and lower ongoing cost. NordVPN earns consideration when its configuration export, multi-hop and custom DNS solve a specific need. Those controls should justify the renewal bill.
FAQ
Is ExpressVPN or NordVPN better for Linux?
Both offer a Linux GUI and CLI. NordVPN is the more useful choice if your setup needs WireGuard configuration export or custom DNS, while ExpressVPN suits readers who put public assurance reports and lower longer-plan Basic renewal rates first.
Have ExpressVPN or NordVPN had security incidents?
ExpressVPN's Windows split-tunneling DNS issue in 2024 led to a fix and a public Nettitude remediation assessment dated Apr 2024. NordVPN's rented-server incident in 2018 involved access through an insecure remote-management account left by the data center, with disclosure after 19 months; NordVPN says other servers were unaffected. ExpressVPN's published retest offers evidence about the fix, while NordVPN's disclosure delay remains relevant when judging its handling of the incident.
Can I use either VPN to reach my own machines?
Neither offers port forwarding, so neither fits a setup that requires incoming connections through the commercial VPN endpoint. For private access to your own machines, start with the private access comparison and choose around who needs access to which services.
Can I pay for ExpressVPN or NordVPN with Bitcoin?
NordVPN accepts Bitcoin and cash, while ExpressVPN does not accept Bitcoin or Monero. NordVPN still requires an email address at signup, so payment choice alone does not make the account anonymous.