ExpressVPN vs NordLayer
A detailed comparison to help you choose between ExpressVPN and NordLayer.
ExpressVPN High-speed, ultra-secure VPN | NordLayer Business VPN / ZTNA from Nord | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6 (22000 reviews) | 4.0 (81 reviews) |
| Pricing Model | paid | paid |
| Starting Price | From $6.67/mo | From $0/mo |
| Best For | Best for speed and reliability | Best for users seeking reliable VPN protection for online privacy |
| Free Tier | ||
| API Access | ||
| Team Features | ||
| Open Source | ||
| Tags | — | — |
ExpressVPN
Pros
- + Lightway protocol is open-source on GitHub
- + TrustedServer RAM-only architecture reduces persistence risk
- + Excellent streaming reliability in 2026 third-party tests
- + 14 simultaneous connections per subscription
- + Broad country coverage: 113 countries
- + Documented third-party audits and Trust Center
Cons
- - No free tier; positioned as premium paid VPN
- - Refund guarantee excludes App Store/Google Play purchases
- - Windows split-tunneling DNS bug lasted until Feb 2024
- - Protocol availability varies by platform
- - Owned by Kape Technologies since 2021
NordLayer
Pros
- + Centralized admin control via NordLayer Control Panel
- + Supports NordLynx plus OpenVPN TCP/UDP
- + Always On VPN can block internet on disconnect
- + Split tunneling with include/exclude modes
- + Trust Center offers ISO 27001 and SOC 2 docs
- + Tiered plans for SMB to 200+ seat enterprises
Cons
- - DPA describes processing connection metadata and logs
- - Core/Premium require $40/month dedicated IP server
- - Comparitech reports IPv6 traffic leakage on Windows
- - 14-day refund window; exclusions apply
- - 5-user minimum for Lite/Core/Premium plans
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