NordVPN

You’re deciding between the two biggest names in VPNs. Every comparison article you’ve read says the same thing: “both are great, pick your priority.” But after spending a full week testing both on the same hardware, the same server locations, and the same streaming platforms — I can tell you the honest answer is more complicated. Still, NordVPN is faster on nearby servers. ExpressVPN has more independent audits. Neither is open-source. And with ExpressVPN’s new tiered pricing launched in June 2026, the value equation just shifted. ...

NordVPN is one of the most recognized names in consumer VPNs. But does the marketing match reality? So we spent a full afternoon in early June 2026 running speed tests across four server regions, checking streaming platform access, and verifying privacy claims. Here’s what the data shows. TL;DR: NordVPN is genuinely fast — NordLynx delivers the best throughput we’ve seen on a WireGuard-based protocol. Streaming unblocking is consistent across major platforms. And the Panama jurisdiction plus PwC’s independent audit gives the no-logs claim real weight. But the service is closed-source, and the renewal price jump is steep. If source transparency and a fully auditable stack matter more to you than raw speed, check out our ProtonVPN review — it’s the closest open-source alternative with comparable privacy credentials. ...