ExpressVPN vs NordVPN vs PureVPN 2025

Agnieszka Stec Cybersecurity Researcher

Updated on April 10, 2025

After extensive testing of all three services, ExpressVPN edges out NordVPN in a close comparison, while PureVPN lags behind both.

We tested all three VPNs across multiple metrics, including connection speeds in various locations, streaming platform compatibility, torrenting efficiency, gaming latency, customer support quality, and privacy policy implementations.

It’s not difficult to see why ExpressVPN boasts over 4 million users¹. Although both leading VPNs provide user-friendly interfaces and can access most streaming platforms in HD or UHD, NordVPN showed slower speeds in specific regions during testing. For reliability and overall performance, ExpressVPN delivers the best experience.

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*ExpressVPN is known to be reliable, but connections in China can be unstable.

Streaming — ExpressVPN Works With More Regional Platforms

In our tests, ExpressVPN consistently provided secure access to a huge range of streaming platforms from anywhere. NordVPN performed similarly well with most services but was inconsistent with DAZN and Hotstar. PureVPN also delivered decent results. However, it was unreliable with Max and didn’t work with DAZN.

ExpressVPN and NordVPN also offer smart DNS features. These allow for high-quality streaming on devices that don’t typically support VPNs, such as gaming consoles and some smart TVs. While NordVPN’s smart DNS is limited to US-based platforms, ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer supports select services in both the US and the UK.

Unlike ExpressVPN and NordVPN, PureVPN offers dedicated streaming servers called Shortcuts. These servers are optimized and regularly updated to work with popular platforms. However, ExpressVPN and NordVPN’s high-speed servers are also reliable for streaming, allowing you to safely stream your favorite shows in HD.

Winner

Which VPN is better for Netflix: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or PureVPN? ExpressVPN delivers more consistent streaming performance across a broader range of Netflix libraries. It can also reliably work with more regional platforms than its competitors, including DAZN and Hotstar.

Server Network — NordVPN Has the Biggest Server Network

NordVPN stands out with the largest server network and offers a variety of specialty servers. It includes Double VPN servers for enhanced encryption, P2P-optimized servers, and Onion Over VPN connections, allowing you to access the dark web securely through a regular browser.

All VPNs use a mix of physical and virtual servers. Virtual servers are deployed where physical infrastructure is unavailable due to VPN restrictions or logistical challenges. Because of that, their speeds can be unpredictable. In the past, PureVPN relied heavily on virtual servers, but following user feedback, it has begun replacing them with physical servers for improved performance and reliability.

Unlike ExpressVPN and NordVPN, PureVPN does not use RAM-only servers, which are crucial for privacy and security since they automatically erase data with each reboot. NordVPN has been actively transitioning to self-owned (colocated) servers to strengthen its security measures. PureVPN does not publicly disclose its exact server ownership model.

All three VPNs offer dedicated IPs for an additional fee. NordVPN leads with 26 available locations, followed by ExpressVPN with 22, while PureVPN offers dedicated IPs in just 10 locations. However, PureVPN additionally provides residential IPs through its Residential Network add-on, which can be beneficial for hosting websites or setting up remote access to personal devices.

Winner

Which VPN has the biggest server network? NordVPN has more servers and covers more locations than ExpressVPN and PureVPN. It offers servers in countries like Algeria, Bangladesh, and Belarus, which its competitors lack.

Speed — ExpressVPN Is the Fastest VPN We’ve Tested

In our speed tests, ExpressVPN was consistently faster than NordVPN and PureVPN across multiple server locations. The tests were conducted in the US, and we used the fastest protocols for each vendor. This was Lightway for ExpressVPN, NordLynx for NordVPN, and WireGuard for PureVPN.

ExpressVPN delivered the best overall balance of speed and stability. NordVPN, while reliable, lagged behind in both download and upload speeds, making it the slowest option among the three. PureVPN showed a slightly higher download speed on the US server, but its speeds were a little inconsistent at times.

The performance gap becomes more apparent when connected to a UK server, where ExpressVPN nearly doubled NordVPN's and PureVPN's speeds. NordVPN and PureVPN both struggled to keep up.

ExpressVPN also dominates on distant servers in Japan. NordVPN performed the worst in this region, particularly in upload speeds, while PureVPN remained a step behind ExpressVPN. Here is a short summary of our tests.

Winner

Which VPN is faster: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or PureVPN? ExpressVPN delivered the fastest and most consistent speeds overall, particularly on distant servers.

Gaming — All Three VPNs Are Good for Gaming

Ping is the most important factor for gaming, as it measures the delay between your input and the on-screen response. A ping below 100 ms is ideal for smooth gameplay, and all three VPNs achieve good results on nearby servers.

All three VPNs experienced ping higher than 100 ms when connected to distant servers. However, this isn't surprising, as higher latency is common when connecting to far-off locations. That’s why we always recommend connecting to a nearby server for gaming, as this helps minimize lag and ensures a more responsive gaming experience.

We didn't notice any difference from our regular connection unless we used distant servers

Winner - draw

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Which VPN works better for gaming: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or PureVPN? All three VPNs are good for gaming on nearby servers but have similar issues on long-distance ones.

Torrenting — ExpressVPN Wins With Faster Download Speeds

While all three VPNs are good choices for torrenting, ExpressVPN takes the lead with the fastest download speeds. We downloaded a 3 GB file in just 20 seconds with ExpressVPN and around 40 seconds with NordVPN and PureVPN.

ExpressVPN supports P2P traffic on all its servers, too. NordVPN supports P2P on most connections, but not all, while PureVPN only supports P2P on its optimized servers. While these worked well in our tests, they couldn’t match the speed of ExpressVPN’s servers.

PureVPN stands out by offering port forwarding, which enhances torrent client connectivity and boosts download speeds. However, this option is only available as a paid add-on. ExpressVPN also supports port forwarding, but only through a router setup.

All three VPNs have well-established privacy policies and provide protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. During our tests, we didn’t detect any leaks. However, ExpressVPN offers an additional layer of security with automatic obfuscation on all its servers. Combined with its clean privacy record, this makes it the safest choice for torrenting. We’ll explore these aspects in more detail below.

Winner

Is ExpressVPN the best VPN for torrenting? Yes, ExpressVPN skips the need for specialized servers while still delivering consistent download speeds and extensive leak protection. It requires less setup while ensuring effective torrenting capabilities.

Security — ExpressVPN and NordVPN Are Evenly Matched With Advanced Features

All three VPNs provide top-tier security, featuring kill switches, advanced protection, Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS), and obfuscation. However, ExpressVPN and NordVPN stand out with additional features. ExpressVPN excels with its proprietary Lightway protocol, offering speed and security, while NordVPN provides Onion Over VPN servers and Meshnet. Unlike PureVPN, both also include advanced ad and tracker blockers.

Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer robust ad, malware, and tracker blockers. ExpressVPN’s Advanced Protection also includes parental controls to block adult content, while NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro provides extensive customization. It lets you block ads, trackers, and malware while scanning downloaded and existing files on your device for threats.

PureVPN’s Tracker Blocker also contains content filtering, but it’s still in beta. Enabling it caused the app to crash, which was really disappointing. However, that’s what beta tests are for, and I expect it will improve by the time it’s released.

All three services offer reliable obfuscation. ExpressVPN and PureVPN automatically disguise VPN traffic as regular internet traffic on all servers, making them effective on restrictive networks. NordVPN, by contrast, offers dedicated obfuscated servers (with the OpenVPN protocol).

ExpressVPN and NordVPN also have security-focused features for US users. ExpressVPN’s Identity Defender includes ID alerts, identity theft insurance, data removal, and a credit scanner. NordProtect offers identity recovery, cyber extortion protection, dark web monitoring, and credit monitoring. Both services cover up to $1 million in identity theft insurance.

Winner - draw

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Does ExpressVPN or NordVPN offer better security features? Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN have a set of advanced security features, which makes it difficult to choose a winner. Although PureVPN is also a secure VPN, it lacks features like RAM-only servers and a fully functional ad blocker.

Privacy — ExpressVPN Wins With a Clean Security Record

ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and PureVPN all enforce strict no-logs policies backed by independent audits. ExpressVPN has undergone more audits overall than most VPNs, with three focused explicitly on its privacy policy. NordVPN and PureVPN have each undergone four such audits. Additionally, PureVPN operates under an "always-on" audit policy, meaning it can be audited anytime.

However, both NordVPN and PureVPN have faced security incidents in the past. PureVPN provided user data in an online stalking case in 2017, and NordVPN suffered a server breach in 2018. While they have since strengthened their security measures, these past issues may still be a concern for some.

ExpressVPN has never suffered a server breach, but its team discovered a Windows-specific bug that leaked DNS requests when using split tunneling. In response, it published a detailed report on the issue and conducted a security audit in 2024 to ensure the bug was completely fixed.

Each provider is headquartered in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, ensuring protection from government surveillance. ExpressVPN and PureVPN are based in the British Virgin Islands, while NordVPN operates from Panama. Both locations are outside the 14 Eyes Alliance and are known for their strong data privacy laws.

Winner

Which one has the best privacy features, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or PureVPN? All three VPNs have independently audited privacy policies, which make them safe. However, ExpressVPN's clean and proactive security record makes it a winner in this category.

Works in China — All Might Work, but ExpressVPN Is More Reliable

China’s Great Firewall (GFW) is constantly updated, making it challenging even for the best VPNs to keep up with the changes.

ExpressVPN is generally known as one of the most reliable options for China. It offers obfuscation on all its servers as long as you set your protocol option to Automatic. It also provides a regularly updated mirror site, allowing you to download the app from within the country.

Similarly, PureVPN features automatic obfuscation on all servers using the OpenVPN protocol, and it even offers a virtual server location in Beijing.

NordVPN does not guarantee functionality in China but suggests trying different obfuscated servers. Contact its customer support for an updated list of working servers and solutions.

If you're experiencing connectivity issues or want alternative options, check out our curated list of the best VPNs for China.

Winner

Does ExpressVPN offer the best connection reliability in China? Yes, ExpressVPN’s automatic obfuscation on every server and mirror link availability means it’s one of the few VPNs that can still work in China more reliably.

Installation & Ease of Use — ExpressVPN Is the Most User-Friendly

All three VPNs have straightforward installation processes, though PureVPN was slightly more complex than ExpressVPN and NordVPN. On my Mac, I had to manually configure it to support WireGuard and OpenVPN. While a guide is available, the process might feel overwhelming for some.

Among the apps, I found ExpressVPN the best — it's intuitive, well-designed, and easy to navigate. In contrast, NordVPN’s app feels cluttered, with too many icons crowding the main screen. PureVPN also lost points for prompting me for feedback within a minute of installation. The frequent notifications were frustrating and only disappeared after restarting the service.

Each VPN offers browser extensions, but they’re not the same. ExpressVPN’s extension functions as a controller for the full desktop app. Meanwhile, NordVPN’s and PureVPN’s extensions operate as less secure proxies. That said, I appreciate that NordVPN’s extension includes extra features like Threat Protection Lite, which blocks ads and malware.

All three VPNs provide native apps for macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, and Fire devices. They also support routers, but ExpressVPN’s custom firmware simplifies the installation process, making it quicker and more user-friendly. To learn more, check out our guide on how to install a VPN on your router.

Winner

Is ExpressVPN the most user-friendly? ExpressVPN won this section with its intuitive app, which I found simple and frustration-free. However, both NordVPN and PureVPN also have good apps, so the choice here depends on your personal preference.

Reliability & Support — All Three VPNs Offer Great Customer Support

All VPNs offer strong customer support options, including live chat, email assistance, and extensive knowledge bases. I found the support agents to be helpful and thorough in their responses.

These VPNs also provide well-organized help centers with in-depth guides and FAQs, making troubleshooting easy for both beginners and advanced users.

Winner - draw

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Which VPN offers high-quality customer support? All three VPNs provide premium customer support with live chats and step-by-step guides.

Pricing

	ExpressVPN	NordVPN	PureVPN
Starting Price	$4.99/month	$3.09/month	$1.99/month
Price (On Renewal)	$116.95 per year (subject to change)	$139.08 per year (subject to change)	$54.95 per year (subject to change)
Money-Back Guarantee (Days)	30 days	30 days	31 days
Number of Devices per License	8	10	10
Router Setup (for Unlimited Devices)	Easy setup with a dedicated firmware	Manual setup	Manual setup with guides

ExpressVPN has monthly, 6-month, and 2-year options, while NordVPN provides monthly, 1-year, and 2-year plans. PureVPN offers the most variety, with monthly, 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year subscriptions. In all cases, long-term purchases provide the best value.

All ExpressVPN purchase lengths include the same features, except for some Identity Defender options. NordVPN has Plus, Complete, and Ultra plans with extra security tools. PureVPN offers four tiers (Standard, Plus, Max, and Teams) that also provide extra features like dark web monitoring and personal data removal.

ExpressVPN provides a 7-day trial on mobile devices, while NordVPN’s is limited to new Android users. PureVPN offers a trial only for Windows.

Each VPN offers payment via credit/debit card, PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay, while ExpressVPN and PureVPN also offer cryptocurrency payments for extra privacy.

Winner

Which VPN wins the price comparison: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or PureVPN? PureVPN’s 2-year plan is undoubtedly the most affordable, but ExpressVPN offers the best value for money, even on renewal. You’ll get a huge suite of premium features, including a password manager — you’d have to pay extra to get this from PureVPN.

Our Methodology for Testing ExpressVPN vs NordVPN vs PureVPN

We used a comprehensive set of criteria when comparing ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and PureVPN. Our review began with verifying their security and privacy features, including military-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and kill switches. We also analyzed their speed performance, ease of use, customer support, and refund policies.

For a detailed explanation of our testing process, visit our methodology page. Our expert team outlines the necessary steps we take to ensure accurate and up-to-date VPN reviews.

ExpressVPN vs NordVPN vs PureVPN — Reddit Opinions

Overall, ExpressVPN is the most frequently recommended on Reddit thanks to its fast speeds, ease of use, and helpful customer support. However, some users complain about the service's higher cost.

NordVPN is also regarded as a fast and easy-to-use VPN. Still, some Reddit users note its limited city-level server options in smaller countries and the lack of a graphical user interface (GUI) for Linux. Despite these drawbacks, it remains a competitive option.

PureVPN, however, is met with more skepticism. Some Redditors distrust it due to a past logging incident, and others report inconsistent speeds, making it a less popular choice than ExpressVPN and NordVPN.