NordVPN review: Why I switched from ExpressVPN (2026)

As a full-time traveller who relies heavily on a VPN, whether I’m travelling, working remotely in a coffee shop, or just binge-watching geo-blocked shows from my apartment, having a fast, reliable, and secure service is an absolute necessity.

Over the years, I’ve tested multiple VPNs, from free options to premium plans. For a long time, ExpressVPN was my go-to. But after my subscription ran out, I went looking for something a little cheaper. So, I made the switch to NordVPN, and haven’t looked back since.

In this NordVPN review, I’ll break down what NordVPN is, how it’s performed in my real-world use, and why I ultimately chose it over ExpressVPN. I’ll cover speed, features like threat protection and ad blocking, how it handles streaming, and whether the price is worth it.

If you’re looking for a VPN that works smoothly across all devices, maintains high internet speeds, unlocks content reliably, and keeps your data safe, this review is for you.

Get NordVPN here

What is NordVPN?

NordVPN is a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service that protects your online privacy by encrypting your internet connection and hiding your IP address. This process adds a layer of security when browsing, especially on public Wi-Fi, and can also help you access content that may be restricted in your region.

Based in Panama, NordVPN offers a large network of global servers and is available on all major devices and platforms. NordVPN also has a sister brand, Saily, which offers eSIMs so you can stay connected to the internet whilst travelling.

My experience

As a full-time traveller, I rely heavily on public WiFi networks (which can leave me vulnerable to cybercrime). So, I started using ExpressVPN’s VPN around 5 years ago. However, last year I switched over to NordVPN after reading many positive reviews. Mostly because I was looking for a cheaper alternative, but I found a lot more to love about their service.

Now that I have been using their service for a sizeable chunk of time, across multiple continents, I want to share my experience in this thorough NordVPN review. I will go into detail about speed, server locations, security, streaming, device use, and pricing.

Some of the fastest speeds

Out of all the VPN services, NordVPN is undoubtedly one of the fastest. This is based on both personal experience and various speed tests online.

When connecting to the closest possible servers (location-based), I find my internet speeds are barely hindered. Particularly when selecting a server within the country or neighbouring countries.

Moreover, when selecting another country further afield (so I can stream TV programmes), I still manage to get decent speeds. It may take a few seconds more to load a programme initially, but then it runs pretty smoothly. Unless my WiFi network is being slow, of course!

I also used to get pretty decent speeds with ExpressVPN. The difference wouldn’t necessarily be something I’d notice, but I have seen a few external tests which show that overall NordVPN has some of the fastest servers.

Largest selection of countries

If, like me, you travel to a lot of countries and/or watch lots of programmes from different countries, then you’ll benefit from having access to a variety of server locations across the world.

At the time of writing, NordVPN offers over 7000 servers in 126 countries. Most of their competitors have around 3000 servers. Making NordVPN one of the best for server quantity and variety.

This is particularly useful if you want to find servers closer to you for faster speeds, but also servers in other countries!

Built-in ad blocker & threat protection

One of my favourite things about NordVPN’s service is that, in addition to the VPN, you also get access to their built-in ad blocker and online threat protection. I have the ad blocker turned on within both my laptop and mobile app, which helps to reduce the ads I see when browsing the internet on both devices.

The threat protection software also scans files I download and monitors websites that I visit on my browser. It also includes a dark web monitoring tool that will alert me if my personal data is leaked.

These are typically extras that you have to pay for, so it is nice that they are bundled into the VPN service!

Great for streaming series

Other than for keeping my devices and data safe when using the internet, the main reason I have a VPN is for accessing TV shows abroad. This could mean accessing my UK-based Netflix account whilst travelling, or watching TV series that can only be accessed in other countries.

For example, I used NordVPN to be able to watch The Handmaid’s Tale as soon as it was released in the US (even though I wasn’t in the US). It got released on other streaming platforms across different countries, but most of them were about a month behind in showing it.

I regularly use NordVPN for watching programmes on Netflix, Hulu, HBO (Max), and other country-specific streaming services (like iPlayer and Channel 4 in the UK). I have never had any problems accessing these when I have NordVPN set up to place me virtually in the relevant location!

Works with all devices

As with most VPN services, NordVPN can be used with all your devices. This means you can download their app on your laptop/desktop PC (Apple and Windows), your phone (Apple and Android), and your tablet. You can also add it as a Chrome Extension if you only use it when browsing on Chrome.

The best bit, you can connect up to 10 devices to one account (no matter which plan you pick). So, you can cover all of your devices, and even share access with family members.

Affordable pricing

Considering you get access to the highest speeds, the largest quantity of servers, plus extra threat protection services, their pricing is reasonable. And then when you compare their pricing against ExpressVPN, a main competitor, it seems like a steal!

Their basic plan, without threat protection, starts at $3.39 (£2.69) per month. Their Plus plan, with threat protection, starts at $4.39 (£3.49) per month.

Although, do keep in mind that their cheapest plans often require upfront payment for long periods (1 and 2 years). You can pay for a monthly ongoing plan, but this will cost you more money.

I don’t mind paying for a 2-year plan, though. Overall, it doesn’t cost too much, and it gives you peace of mind for a few years!

Offering	Basic	Plus	Complete
VPN, threat protection, and 10 devices	Yes	Yes	Yes
Anti-malware, ad-blocker	x	Yes	Yes
Password manager, data breach scanner	x	Yes	Yes
Encrypted cloud storage	x	x	Yes
Free eSIM (Saily)	1GB	5GB	10GB
	$3.39	$4.39	$5.39

In some countries, they offer a fourth tier of membership called Prime, which includes NordProtect (with dark web monitoring, identity fraud monitoring, and more).

Why I switched from ExpressVPN

Initially, I switched to NordVPN from ExpressVPN because of the price. ExpressVPN’s cheapest offering starts at $4.99 per month, whilst NordVPN’s cheapest is $3.39.

NordVPN’s cheapest plan doesn’t offer as many features as ExpressVPN’s, but it is nice to have the option for a cheaper, slimmed-down plan. Moreover, the plan that matches ExpressVPN’s cheapest offering (NordVPN’s Plus Plan), feature-wise, is $0.60 cheaper per month.

But when I started using NordVPN, I found it easier to connect to VPNs that would allow me to use streaming services, and I love the extensive online security features that they include. That being said, the service provided by ExpressVPN is still pretty solid. But when considering that NordVPN is cheaper and just that bit better, it makes sense to use NordVPN!

NordVPN review verdict

Overall, I’ve been really impressed by the VPN service offered by NordVPN. The speeds are solid, even when going for servers in far-flung locations, and the vast selection of server locations is great for a traveller like me.

The price is cheaper than one of their main competitors, ExpressVPN, which is the reason I initially switched. Although, like all VPN providers, you will need to sign up for 1 year+ to get the cheapest deals.

I have been able to access all my favourite streaming services, as if I were located in the necessary country, and I feel safe knowing that my data is being actively protected by the VPN and the additional Threat Protection services.

I’d recommend NordVPN to fellow travellers, people who like to stream TV shows from other countries, families with multiple devices (you can connect up to 10), and anyone looking for security when browsing online.