Overview: Two Premium Gaming VPNs
NordVPN and ExpressVPN consistently rank as the top two VPN services for gaming, but they take different approaches to performance optimization. NordVPN uses its proprietary NordLynx protocol built on WireGuard, while ExpressVPN relies on its custom Lightway protocol. We tested both extensively across 50 game servers to determine which delivers the best gaming experience.
Speed Test Results
In our standardized speed tests on a 1Gbps fiber connection, NordVPN edged out ExpressVPN in raw throughput. NordVPN consistently hit 950 Mbps on NordLynx, while ExpressVPN reached 880 Mbps on Lightway. Both are more than sufficient for any gaming scenario, but NordVPN has a measurable advantage for large game downloads.
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For ping, the difference is more pronounced. NordVPN added an average of 7-12ms on nearby servers, while ExpressVPN added 10-18ms. In competitive games like Valorant or CS2 where every millisecond matters, this 5-6ms difference can be noticeable.
Gaming Features Compared
NordVPN offers several gaming-specific features that ExpressVPN lacks. The Meshnet feature creates a private LAN-like network for gaming with friends, and dedicated DDoS-protected servers provide an extra layer of security for competitive players.
ExpressVPN counters with superior console support through its Aircove router, which provides a purpose-built VPN router with an intuitive interface. For gamers who primarily play on PS5 or Xbox, ExpressVPN may be the more practical choice.
Pricing Breakdown
NordVPN costs $3.09/month on its 2-year plan, while ExpressVPN comes in at $2.44/month on its 2-year plan with 4 months free. NordVPN allows 10 simultaneous connections versus 8 for ExpressVPN.
Our Verdict
For pure gaming performance, NordVPN wins with faster speeds, lower ping, and gaming-specific features like Meshnet and DDoS protection. For console gamers who want the easiest setup, ExpressVPN is the better choice.
Check out our full Best Gaming VPNs ranking for more options.
