NordVPN vs ExpressVPN vs PureVPN: Why is PureVPN Better?

NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and PureVPN stand out as prominent contenders in the vast landscape of VPN services. Each of these providers offers unique features and functionalities, making them popular choices among privacy-conscious users.

In our NordVPN vs ExpressVPN vs PureVPN comparison, we will explore their strengths and weaknesses, evaluating factors such as privacy, speed, features, pricing and customer support to help you make an informed decision.

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN vs PureVPN – Speed

Baseline speed: 2 Gbps

	PureVPN	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Average download speeds	331 Mbps	322 Mbps	352 Mbps
Average upload speeds	347 Mbps	289 Mbps	315 Mbps

In a test connecting to three countries (the US, UK, and Canada) using WireGuard, the speeds delivered by the three VPN providers were recorded. In terms of download speed, NordVPN showed an average speed of 322 Mbps, ExpressVPN had an average of 352 Mbps, and PureVPN achieved an average speed of 331 Mbps.

For upload speed, NordVPN recorded an average of 289 Mbps, ExpressVPN achieved an average of 315 Mbps, and PureVPN delivered an average of 347 Mbps. It is important to note that speed can vary based on several factors, such as server location, distance, network congestion, and individual internet connections. Thus, individual experiences may differ.

Who tops this category? ExpressVPN offers the fastest speeds, bagging the first spot. PureVPN comes in second, and NordVPN third.

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN vs PureVPN – Server Locations

	PureVPN	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Servers	6,500+	5,700+	3,000+
Countries	70	60	94

NordVPN has a considerable number of servers in 60 countries, providing solid coverage across key locations. This makes it a strong contender for users who value a wide range of server options.

ExpressVPN may have fewer servers compared to NordVPN but makes up for it with an impressive presence in 94 countries. If accessing content from a diverse range of countries is a priority, ExpressVPN’s extensive coverage can be advantageous.

PureVPN excels in terms of sheer numbers, offering over more servers than NordVPN and ExpressVPN across 70 countries. This wide server network ensures high availability and gives users a comprehensive selection of server locations to choose from.

Who tops this category? PureVPN because it offers an excellent combination of server quantity and country coverage.

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN vs PureVPN – Security 

	PureVPN	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Encryption used	AES 256-bit	AES 256-bit	AES 256-bit
Protocol selection	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, IPSec	OpenVPN, IKEv2, NordLynx	OpenVPN, IKEv2, Lightway
Private DNS	Yes	Yes	Yes
RAM-based servers	No	Yes	Yes
Quantum-resistant	Yes	No	No

NordVPN ensures strong security with its use of AES 256-bit encryption. Users can select from multiple protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and NordLynx (based on WireGuard), allowing flexibility. With the inclusion of private DNS and RAM-based servers, NordVPN enhances privacy and data protection.

ExpressVPN also prioritizes security by implementing AES 256-bit encryption and offering protocol options like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Lightway. However, it does not offer WireGuard as of yet. Furthermore, ExpressVPN also offers private DNS and RAM-based servers. 

PureVPN boasts robust security measures, employing AES 256-bit encryption. It lets you choose from a diverse range of protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and IPSec. While PureVPN uses its own network of DNS servers, it does not provide RAM-based servers. Unlike NordVPN and ExpressVPN, PureVPN is quantum-safe.

Who tops this category? It is a three-way tie! While NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer RAM-based servers for data protection, PureVPN distinguishes itself with quantum-resistant encryption keys.

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN vs PureVPN – Privacy

	PureVPN	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Base of operation	British Virgin Islands	Panama	British Virgin Islands
Audited no-logs policy	Yes	Yes	Yes
Always on-audit	Yes	No	No

NordVPN maintains a strong stance on privacy with its headquarters in Panama, a country not affiliated with the 5/9/14 eyes alliances. It boasts a PWC-audited no-logs policy, providing assurance that it does not store user activity logs. 

ExpressVPN is also based in the privacy-friendly jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands, outside the reach of the 5/9/14 eyes alliances. It offers a Well known audit firm-audited no-logs policy, reinforcing its commitment to user privacy.

PureVPN, like ExpressVPN, is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, ensuring a favorable privacy environment. It also provides a Well known audit firm-audited no-logs policy, affirming that it does not retain user activity logs. What sets PureVPN apart is its implementation of an always-on audit mechanism, providing an additional layer of transparency and accountability.

Who tops this category? PureVPN given that it can be audited by Well known audit firm any day, any time without prior notice. Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN are tied for second position. 

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN vs PureVPN – Unblocking

	PureVPN	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Netflix	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hulu	Yes	Yes	Yes
Max	Yes	No	No
BBC iPlayer	Yes	Yes	No
Disney+	Yes	Yes	Yes

During our tests, NordVPN proved to be highly effective in unblocking popular streaming services. It successfully bypassed restrictions on Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and Disney Plus. However, it was unable to unblock Max, the streaming platform from HBO.

ExpressVPN demonstrated reliable unblocking capabilities for Netflix, Hulu and Disney Plus, granting users access to a vast array of content. That said, it struggled to unblock BBC iPlayer, limiting the ability to access UK-based shows and content. Similar to NordVPN, ExpressVPN was unable to bypass restrictions on Max. 

PureVPN effortlessly bypassed restrictions on Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney Plus,. Unlike NordVPN and ExpressVPN, PureVPN successfully unblocked Max, ensuring that users can enjoy the vast selection of content available on the HBO streaming platform.

Who tops this category? PureVPN as it unblocks all major streaming platforms.

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN vs PureVPN – Pricing

	PureVPN	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Monthly	Standard ($10.95), Plus ($15.95), Max ($19.95)	Standard ($12.99), Plus ($13.99), Complete ($14.99)	$12.95
1-year	Standard ($3.75/month), Plus ($5.82/month), Max ($7.49/month)	Standard ($4.99/month), Plus ($5.99/month), Complete ($6.99/month)	$8.32/month
2-year	Standard ($2.29/month), Plus ($3.33), Max ($4.99/month)	Standard ($3.49/month), Plus ($4.49/month), Complete ($5.49)	–

NordVPN presents users with a variety of pricing options, including monthly, 1-year, and 2-year plans. Within each plan, NordVPN offers three different tiers that come with varying features: Standard, Plus, and Complete.

ExpressVPN follows a simplified pricing structure. They offer monthly subscriptions at a fixed rate and a 1-year plan at a discounted price. However, ExpressVPN does not provide a dedicated 2-year plan.

PureVPN caters to diverse user needs through its range of pricing tiers. Users can opt for monthly, 1-year, or 2-year plans, with three different tiers available that offer unique benefits : Standard, Plus, and Max. 

Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN provide 30-day money-back guarantees, with PureVPN taking it one step further to 31 days. Furthermore, all three VPNs let you pay using a variety of methods like credit cards, cryptocurrency, PayPal, and more.

Who tops this category? PureVPN due to its affordable pricing and value for money.

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NordVPN vs ExpressVPN vs PureVPN – Features

	PureVPN	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Kill Switch	Yes	Yes	Yes
Split Tunneling	Yes	Yes	Yes
Obfuscation	Yes	Yes	Yes
DNS Leak Protection	Yes	Yes	Yes
IPv6 Leak Protection	Yes	Yes	Yes

NordVPN stands out with its diverse feature set, including SmartDNS for seamless streaming, Double VPN servers for extra encryption layers, Onion over VPN for increased anonymity, and Threat Protection for defense against online threats. NordVPN also provides additional features such as a password manager, data breach scanner, and file encrypter, which can be added for an additional price.

ExpressVPN offers a SmartDNS feature for easy access to geo-restricted content and a Threat Manager that acts as a DNS-based traffic blocker for added security. In addition, ExpressVPN provides a built-in password manager to help users manage their online credentials securely. ExpressVPN also offers high-speed 10 Gbps servers, ensuring fast and reliable connections for users.

PureVPN offers impressive features with its 20 Gbps servers, providing fast and reliable connections. Users can also opt for paid add-ons like dedicated IP and port forwarding for enhanced customization. Additionally, PureVPN offers a range of bundled products like a password manager (PureKeep), file encrypter (PureEncrypt), and privacy auditor (PurePrivacy), which can be purchased alongside the VPN service.

Who tops this category? NordVPN takes first position, PureVPN second, and ExpressVPN third.

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN vs PureVPN – Compatibility

	PureVPN	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Available apps	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Huawei, Android TV, Fire Stick	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, Fire Stick	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, Fire Stick
Browser extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Multi-logins	10	6	8

ExpressVPN is available on macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Fire Stick, providing compatibility across various platforms. It offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Users can connect up to 8 devices simultaneously with ExpressVPN’s multi-login feature.

NordVPN is compatible with macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Fire Stick, covering a wide range of devices. It offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. With support for up to 6 multi-logins, users can secure multiple devices with a single NordVPN account.

PureVPN offers broad compatibility with apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Huawei, Android TV, and Fire Stick. It also provides browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. With support for up to 10 simultaneous multi-logins, PureVPN allows users to connect multiple devices simultaneously.

Who tops this category? PureVPN since it offers an app for Huawei and has more multi-logins than NordVPN and ExpressVPN.

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN vs PureVPN – Customer Support

	PureVPN	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Live chat	Yes	Yes	Yes
Email	Yes	Yes	Yes
Knowledgebase	Yes	Yes	Yes
In-app support	Yes	Yes	Yes

NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and PureVPN offer a similar range of customer support options, including live chat, email, knowledgebase, and in-app support. These resources ensure that users have multiple avenues to seek assistance and receive timely support when needed.

Who tops this category? It is a three-way tie! All three VPN providers come with all the essential customer support options.

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN vs PureVPN – Which is the Best?

	PureVPN	NordVPN	ExpressVPN
Pricing	1st	2nd	3rd
Speed	2nd	3rd	1st
Server locations	1st	2nd	3rd
Security	Tie	Tie	Tie
Privacy	1st	2nd (Tie)	2nd (Tie)
Unblocking	1st	2nd	3rd
Features	2nd	1st	3rd
Compatibility	1st	3rd	2nd
Customer support	Tie	Tie	Tie

PureVPN takes the first-place position with its competitive pricing, extensive server locations, strong focus on privacy, effective unblocking capabilities, feature-rich offerings, broad compatibility, and reliable customer support. 

NordVPN secures the second-place position, excelling in features, security, unblocking, and customer support. ExpressVPN ranks third, offering impressive speed and compatibility, though falling behind in pricing, server locations, and features.

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Frequently asked questions

Who should I choose between ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and PureVPN?

Ultimately, the choice among PureVPN, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN depends on individual priorities and requirements. Each VPN provider brings its own strengths and weaknesses to the table. However, PureVPN outperformed ExpressVPN and NordVPN in our tests.