Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN

NordVPN 4.7★ · Free + IAP 70
Winner NordVPN
ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN 4.7★ · Free + IAP 50

NordVPN has a slight edge due to its perceived value and strong security, despite some user complaints about speed and connectivity, while ExpressVPN is not directly comparable due to a lack of user reviews for this head-to-head.

Full reviews: NordVPN · ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN

NordVPN is generally praised for its ease of setup, security, and value, though some users report issues with connection stability, speed, and geo-unblocking. ExpressVPN cannot be directly compared in this head-to-head due to the absence of user reviews.

Head to head

Features and Geo-unblocking edge: NordVPNR1R13R15R18
NordVPN NordVPN users report mixed experiences with geo-unblocking, with some unable to access services like Paramount+ in the Philippines, YouTube TV overseas, or AppleTV R1R13. Others successfully use it for YouTube TV internationally and to bypass geolocation R18. Some users also report issues accessing usual websites or connecting Apple Play R15. A user expressed a desire for a feature to automatically switch locations to prevent fingerprinting .
ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN There are no user reviews provided for ExpressVPN to assess its features or geo-unblocking capabilities.
Ease of Use edge: NordVPNR5R9R14R24
NordVPN NordVPN is described as simple to set up by some users R14. However, others complain about the user experience, particularly the difficulty in turning off the VPN, with default settings only allowing a 15-minute pause and the app sometimes locking up R5. There were also complaints about auto-connect turning off in the background R9 and the removal of a one-click disconnect button, though this was later addressed R24.
ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN There are no user reviews provided for ExpressVPN to assess its ease of use.
Reliability and Performance edge: NordVPNR3R5R9R17
NordVPN NordVPN receives significant criticism for slowing down internet speeds, with some users reporting drastic drops from 200 to 15-20 Mbps R3R17R38R35. Many users frequently have to pause or disconnect the VPN to use their WiFi or access websites R3R5R17R35. Connection issues are also common, with users unable to connect to servers, experiencing constant disconnections, or the VPN turning off in the background R9R21. Some note a degradation in performance over time .
ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN There are no user reviews provided for ExpressVPN to assess its reliability and performance.
Price and Value edge: NordVPNR7R14R20R21
NordVPN NordVPN is seen as a good value by some users, who feel they are getting desired protection for "short money" R14. However, others express frustration about being charged for a year of service when they only wanted to try it, or feeling it was a complete waste of money due to non-functionality R7R21R36. There are also complaints about difficulty getting refunds, especially when purchased through the App Store R7R42R50. One user noted that to use the VPN, it has to be paid, which they felt wasn't ideal R20.
ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN There are no user reviews provided for ExpressVPN to assess its price and value.
Security and Privacy edge: NordVPNR8R12R14R16
NordVPN NordVPN users generally feel safer and protected, appreciating the security it provides R8R14R16. Some specifically mention it hides their IP R16. However, one user felt they weren't getting all available protection and another discovered they weren't secure despite paying for the app R12.
ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN There are no user reviews provided for ExpressVPN to assess its security and privacy.
Customer Support edge: NordVPNR7R36R48
NordVPN NordVPN users report difficulty with refunds and lack of response from support after filing complaints R7R36. One user mentioned having to go through Apple subscriptions to cancel due to hidden cancellation options within the app or site R48.
ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN There are no user reviews provided for ExpressVPN to assess its customer support.
Pick NordVPN if

You are looking for a VPN with a strong reputation for security and privacy, are comfortable with potential minor speed reductions, and prioritize a simple setup process R8R14R16.

Pick ExpressVPN · Secure & Fast VPN if

There are no reviews for ExpressVPN in this dataset, so it's not possible to recommend it based on user feedback.

Evidence note: The comparison is heavily skewed as no user reviews were provided for ExpressVPN, making it impossible to assess its performance or user satisfaction. All insights are derived solely from NordVPN's reviews.

Frequently asked

Does NordVPN slow down internet speed?
Yes, many NordVPN users report significant slowdowns in internet speed, with some experiencing drops from nearly 200 Mbps down to 15-20 Mbps, often requiring them to disconnect the VPN to use their WiFi or access websites R3R17R35R38.
Can NordVPN be used for streaming and geo-unblocking?
NordVPN has mixed results for streaming and geo-unblocking; some users successfully use it for YouTube TV internationally and to bypass geolocation R18, while others report it does not work for Paramount+ in the Philippines, YouTube TV overseas, or AppleTV, as it gets detected R1R13R25.
Is it easy to get a refund from NordVPN?
Users report difficulty getting refunds from NordVPN, especially if purchased through the App Store, with some stating Apple will not refund the money despite a 30-day satisfaction guarantee R7R36R42R50.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 50 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R1] NordVPN 1/5 · US Did not work in the Philippines.: I pay for Paramount+. I tried to use NordVPN to watch the UFC on Paramount. Did not work in the Philippines.
  2. [R13] NordVPN 2/5 · US Doesn’t work with AppleTV: Doesn’t work with AppleTV, AppleTV detects it and doesn’t allow to play live programming. Might good as VPN.
  3. [R15] NordVPN 1/5 · US Too restrictive: Can’t get into a lot of my usual websites or connect Apple Play to my car without turning it off!
  4. [R18] NordVPN 5/5 · US Great: I signed up for one month and it works great. I’m a news junkie and need my YouTube TV internationally. I made an error complaining about the bill because of the bundling of charges Apple does for app purchases. Everything is great now.
  5. [R5] NordVPN 1/5 · US Keeps blocking internet when paused: I’m unable to access the Internet when my connection is paused
  6. [R9] NordVPN 1/5 · US Auto Connect Turning OFF In Background: 7/10/26 Auto connect is turning off in the background. This is crazy. Has been happening for about two weeks. What is the point if the connection turns off in the background and you have no idea? So bad!
  7. [R14] NordVPN 5/5 · US I’m no IT guy….: I’m not sure if I can explain this but bc it was so simple to set this VPN up, and like everyone I did so bc I had concerns about my exposure online, I feel safer. I prefer to err on the side of caution and for short money, along with the value based on their reputation, I feel as though I am getting my desired protection on multiple devices.
  8. [R24] NordVPN 5/5 · US It’s good: Edit: they changed the UI, so I feel obligated to update this review. I’m also taking full credit for this change regardless if it played any part in it or not. Overall it’s genuinely a solid vpn service and I have no complaints about how it works., Why would you remove a button to disconnect from the vpn in one click? Now you have to click on pause and the last option lets you to di
  9. [R3] NordVPN 1/5 · US Slows down my WiFi connection: Nord VPN slows down my WiFi so bad at times I can’t even use it. I’ve had to disconnect it many times so I could use WiFi on my phone. I’ve switched to different locations, but it doesn’t really make much of a difference! My speeds go from almost 200 down to 15-20! Really considering just removing it from my tv and everything else, because it may be helpful at pr
  10. [R17] NordVPN 1/5 · US Slows my computers down: I frequently have to pause my connection in order to get my devices to connect. Not good at all
  11. [R7] NordVPN 1/5 · US Complete waste of money: I am disabled and get $900 a month. I was expecting this to secure my devices and things kept escalating. I’m so sorry to leave. Love you, but I’ve tried every setting and even paid for the dedicated IP and no matter what it didn’t help. I just would like a refund and I would happily instantly change his review. I’ve given the opportunity. Thank you so much and God bless y
  12. [R20] NordVPN 4/5 · US Good but has a tiny issue: To use a VPN, it has to be paid which to be honest isn’t really a great idea especially when money is more common with the mind of companies. I feel like it would be good if it was free but it is what it is.
  13. [R21] NordVPN 1/5 · US Takes payment and doesn’t work): I can’t connect to any of the servers over half an hour waste of time and money)
  14. [R8] NordVPN 5/5 · US Beautiful Nord: How can I thank you enough for all the protection that you provided me throughout the past few years. It’s 2026 and you can’t trust anybody anymore but with you at least I know they can’t find me. Love you! Quantum who?
  15. [R12] NordVPN 4/5 · US Service: I like the product but I’m not sure I’m getting all of the protection that’s available - any suggestions?
  16. [R16] NordVPN 5/5 · US This is great: I love nordVPN, it works really well and quickly and it hides my IP. It works really well
  17. [R36] NordVPN 1/5 · US Refund: I only wanted to try your app out before I was charged a whole year of service when I wasn’t sure if I’d be using it in the next month. I filed my complaint with support. I haven’t heard/read from them.
  18. [R48] NordVPN 2/5 · US Worked in China, but uses shady tactics to make cancelling difficult: NordVPN is an excellent VPN that worked for me in China. However, they hide the ability to cancel your subscription in the app, on their site, and I had to go through Apple subscriptions in the browser to cancel. It was frustrating and difficult and they 100% know what they’re doing and they hope it gets you to keep paying for i
  19. [R35] NordVPN 1/5 · US Non Functional: Amazing I can’t even sign into Nord VPN website without pausing the connection. Most other websites I must pause the connection. Those sites I do connect are slow. I wish I could get a refund. This was a BIG mistake
  20. [R38] NordVPN 2/5 · US Slows internet: NordVPN slows internet speed to 50%.
  21. [R25] NordVPN 1/5 · US Disappointed: I’m overseas and tried using nord to bypass geolocation and does not work. Wasted my money.
  22. [R42] NordVPN 1/5 · US Apple will not refund you: Despite having a 30 day satisfaction guarantee, if you buy nordvpn thru appstore, apple will not give back your money under any circumstance. Just buy the vpn from the actual site and they probably will honor the refund. Apple will just steal your money.
  23. [R50] NordVPN 1/5 · US Reclamo: No me funcionó para ver la serie que quiero , será posible el retorno del dinero ??

Synthesized from 50 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store