iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
There is no universal winner. In its September 10, 2026 comparison, PCWorld named NordVPN its overall pick and measured a narrow speed advantage. It also highlighted ExpressVPN for ease of use and privacy transparency. Which one suits you depends on your plan, renewal cost, device needs and priorities—not just the review verdict.
How do NordVPN and ExpressVPN compare?
The prices below are PCWorld’s U.S. Basic-plan snapshot from September 10, 2026, in U.S. dollars. They are dated figures, not live checkout quotes. The two-year amounts are totals for the first 24 months; renewal is shown separately.
| Comparison | NordVPN Basic | ExpressVPN Basic |
|---|---|---|
| Month-to-month price | $14.99 | $14.99 |
| First 12 months | $65.88 | $74.85 |
| First 24 months | $94.23 | $83.72 |
| Reported annual renewal | $139.08 per year | $99.95 per year |
| Simultaneous device connections | 10 | 10 on Basic; up to 14 on higher tiers |
| PCWorld speed test: download retained | 75% of baseline | 70% of baseline |
| PCWorld speed test: upload retained | 81% of baseline | 80% of baseline |
| Audits reported by PCWorld | Six independent no-logs audits | More than 20 security and privacy audits covering different areas |
The pricing comparison favors NordVPN for the first year but ExpressVPN over the first two years and at the reported annual renewal rate. Those figures do not establish what either provider will charge at your checkout: offers, taxes, currency, billing terms and renewals can vary by market and change over time. Before subscribing, check the total due today, the length of the introductory term, the renewal amount and date, and whether the price shown includes tax.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Which one is faster?
In PCWorld’s test, NordVPN retained five percentage points more baseline download speed and one point more upload speed than ExpressVPN. PCWorld characterized the difference as slight. These are results from that publication’s test setup, not speeds either provider can guarantee on your connection.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
VPN performance depends on factors such as your location, route to the VPN server, chosen protocol, server load and internet connection. TechRadar’s 2026 review reported different measurements under its own test protocol, another reason not to combine results from separate reviewers into a single ranking. If speed is decisive for you, use a trial or money-back period to test the service from your usual location and on the devices and activities that matter to you.
Which is better for streaming?
PCWorld reported that both VPNs worked with the streaming services it tested. Its comparison does not establish that either service will work with every platform or catalog, or continue to do so: streaming providers can change their access controls, and availability varies. A VPN does not include a streaming subscription or guarantee access to a particular show or region.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
If streaming is your main reason for subscribing, check the provider’s current terms and test the services you actually use during the applicable refund period. Also consider whether you need a VPN app on a TV, router-level coverage, or simply an app on a phone or computer; those setups have different compatibility requirements.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteHow do their plans and features differ?
NordVPN
PCWorld lists Meshnet, Double VPN and Onion Over VPN among NordVPN’s features, with additional security features on higher tiers. The comparison reports 10 simultaneous connections. Confirm which tier includes a feature you want and whether it is available in the app for your operating system; a provider-wide feature list does not mean every feature is included in Basic or supported on every platform.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN’s plan structure in the reviewed official pricing information includes Basic, Advanced and Pro, with 10, 12 and 14 simultaneous connections respectively. Higher tiers add features such as password management and a dedicated IP. Check the current plan description for the exact inclusions and eligibility, rather than assuming they come with Basic.
Choosing an equivalent bundle
Compare the tier that includes the features and connection limit you need, not only each provider’s entry price. A higher-tier price may reflect extras you would not otherwise buy, while a lower introductory price can be less attractive once renewal is factored in. The official pricing pages described plan structures and money-back guarantees, but the available figures do not establish a single current offer for every country, customer or payment method.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Which is better for privacy?
PCWorld reports that both providers use RAM-only servers. It describes ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer system as reloading the software stack when a server reboots. The same comparison reports six independent no-logs audits for NordVPN and more than 20 security and privacy audits for ExpressVPN, but those ExpressVPN audits cover different areas. Audit counts are not a like-for-like score: scope, date, systems examined and the auditor’s findings matter more than the number alone.
Recommended Free Tools
An audit is evidence about the systems and scope examined at a particular time; it is not proof that a provider can never collect data or that every part of its service has been assessed. PCWorld’s comparison is a product review, not an independent security audit of either company. For a privacy decision, read the providers’ current privacy policies and the published scope and findings of relevant audits, and consider what information you are trying to protect and from whom.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Does ExpressVPN’s Aircove router change the choice?
ExpressVPN’s Aircove is a Wi-Fi router with built-in VPN functions; Aircove Go is a pocket-sized travel-router option. A router can be useful when you want VPN coverage for multiple devices on a network, including devices that do not readily support a VPN app. The VPN functions require an active ExpressVPN subscription, and the router does not provide streaming-service subscriptions. It is an optional hardware accessory, not a substitute for the VPN service.
Quick Recap
Which should you choose?
- Choose NordVPN if the first-year Basic price in PCWorld’s dated U.S. snapshot, its feature set, or its small lead in that reviewer’s speed test best fits your priorities—and you are comfortable checking the renewal cost before purchase.
- Choose ExpressVPN if ease of use, its reported audit history, higher-tier connection limits, or the optional Aircove router better matches how you plan to use a VPN.
- Choose neither based on one review score alone. Confirm current local pricing and plan inclusions, then test compatibility and performance on your own connection.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
