ExpressVPN MediaStreamer vs NordVPN SmartDNS: which Smart DNS wins in 2026?
Head-to-head on the facts that decide the subscription: real prices, trial terms, which services unblock, which devices are covered - every number sourced in the linked reviews.
Short answer: ExpressVPN MediaStreamer wins overall (7.3/10 vs 6.9/10 in our weighted scores). NordVPN SmartDNS is still the better pick if you care most about value. Facts checked 2026-09-23.
| ExpressVPN MediaStreamer | NordVPN SmartDNS | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score (0-10) | 7.3 | 6.9 |
| Type | VPN with Smart DNS | VPN with Smart DNS |
| Effective monthly price | unknown | unknown |
| Pricing terms | see provider site | see provider site |
| Free trial | none - 30-day money-back instead | none - 30-day money-back instead |
| Claimed services | not specified | not specified |
| Netflix | yes | partial |
| BBC iPlayer | partial | – |
| ITVX | – | – |
| Hulu | yes | – |
| Disney+ | yes | yes |
| Amazon Prime Video | yes | yes |
| Max (HBO) | yes | yes |
| Sports | partial | partial |
| Devices documented | Smart TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, consoles, routers, mobile, desktop | Smart TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, consoles, routers |
| Multiple locations | one registered IP | one registered IP |
| DoH/DoT | not documented | not documented |
| Logging | no logs | no logs |
| Facts checked | 2026-09-23 | 2026-09-23 |
// Score breakdown
ExpressVPN MediaStreamer leads on coverage (+1), devices (+1.5).
why 7.3/10?
why 6.9/10?
// ExpressVPN MediaStreamer at a glance
If you already pay for ExpressVPN, MediaStreamer is a solid free extra - as a standalone Smart DNS buy it makes little sense.
++ What works
- Included with every ExpressVPN plan
- Excellent setup guides (Samsung/LG, Apple TV, consoles)
- 24/7 live chat
- Dynamic DNS registration
-- What to watch
- No standalone purchase
- US-centric coverage
- ExpressVPN subscription is priced like a premium VPN
// NordVPN SmartDNS at a glance
A narrowly documented Smart DNS inside a great VPN - fine as a free extra, not a reason to subscribe.
++ What works
- Included with NordVPN
- Actively maintained (docs updated 2026-09)
- 24/7 live chat
- Simple allowlist activation in NordAccount
-- What to watch
- Netflix Originals only - a key limitation most competitors avoid
- Small documented service set
- No UK services documented
// FAQ
Which is cheaper, ExpressVPN MediaStreamer or NordVPN SmartDNS?
Neither publishes pricing we could verify - check the linked reviews for the provider pages.
Which unblocks more, ExpressVPN MediaStreamer or NordVPN SmartDNS?
ExpressVPN MediaStreamer documents more working services (6 of 8 versus 4).
Which is better for a Smart TV, ExpressVPN MediaStreamer or NordVPN SmartDNS?
NordVPN SmartDNS documents more TV-side setups (6 of 6 device classes versus 5). TVs cannot run VPN apps, so documented TV setup is the deciding factor here.
Which has the better trial, ExpressVPN MediaStreamer or NordVPN SmartDNS?
Tie - ExpressVPN MediaStreamer offers none - 30-day money-back instead, NordVPN SmartDNS offers none - 30-day money-back instead.
Which is more private, ExpressVPN MediaStreamer or NordVPN SmartDNS?
Tie - logging policy is no logs on both. Both bundle a VPN, so encryption is available when you want it.
Scores and facts: meta-reviews with dated sources - ExpressVPN MediaStreamer · NordVPN SmartDNS. Method: how we verify. More: all Smart DNS providers compared.