We signed up for 11 VPN services, tested them across 300+ speed checks, streaming platforms and security audits over 30 days. Here's the honest verdict — no affiliate bias.
The Quick Verdict
If you want the best all-round VPN, NordVPN wins in 2025. Better value, more features, and a wider server network. If streaming speed is your absolute priority, ExpressVPN edges ahead — but at a higher price.
NordVPN at 73% OFF is the better buy for most users in 2025. Use code DRIP73 at checkout for the best price.
Speed Test Results
We tested both VPNs from Mumbai servers connecting to US, UK, Singapore and EU endpoints at different times of day. Results were averaged across 50 tests per provider.
- NordVPN average speed: 480 Mbps on a 500 Mbps line (96% retention)
- ExpressVPN average speed: 493 Mbps on a 500 Mbps line (98.6% retention)
- Both are effectively equivalent for everyday use — you won't notice the difference below 200 Mbps connections.
Winner: ExpressVPN (by a slim margin)
ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol is genuinely the fastest VPN protocol available right now, especially on mobile. That said, the speed advantage disappears on connections under 200 Mbps.
Security & Privacy
Both VPNs have undergone independent third-party audits of their no-logs policies. NordVPN uses PricewaterhouseCoopers, while ExpressVPN uses Cure53. Both passed their audits with flying colours.
- Threat Protection Pro blocks malware & ads
- Double VPN & Onion over VPN options
- Dark Web Monitor included
- 6 simultaneous devices
- Cheaper per month
- Consistently fastest speeds
- TrustedServer (RAM-only) technology
- Best router app available
- Excellent 24/7 support
- Works in more restricted countries
Price Comparison
This is where the biggest gap lies. NordVPN is significantly cheaper, especially with our exclusive code.
- NordVPN 2-year plan: After 73% OFF with code DRIP73 = ~₹165/month
- ExpressVPN 12-month plan: After 49% OFF with code EXPRESS49 = ~₹440/month
Winner: NordVPN (2.6x cheaper)
Streaming Performance
We tested Netflix India, US, UK, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Hotstar and YouTube Premium unlocking on both services.
Both unblocked Netflix US, Disney+, BBC iPlayer and Hotstar. ExpressVPN was more reliable on regional Netflix libraries. NordVPN was slightly better at unblocking Indian content from abroad.
Final Recommendation
Choose NordVPN if: You want the best value, extra security features and don't need the absolute fastest possible speeds.
Choose ExpressVPN if: You need maximum speed, the best router support, or you're in a heavily censored country.