VPN affiliate programs are among the most lucrative in the affiliate marketing space, offering high recurring commissions, generous cookie windows, and products with massive global demand. But when it comes to the two giants—NordVPN and ExpressVPN—which affiliate program actually pays more in 2026?
In this data‑driven comparison, we break down every earning metric: commission rates, CPA payouts, recurring revenue potential, cookie duration, conversion benchmarks, EPC (earnings per click), payout terms, and long‑term scalability. Whether you're a blogger, YouTuber, or email marketer, you'll leave knowing exactly which VPN partner maximizes your affiliate income.
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📋 Table of Contents
- 1. Why VPN Affiliate Marketing in 2026?
- 2. NordVPN Affiliate Program Deep Dive
- 3. ExpressVPN Affiliate Program Deep Dive
- 4. Side‑by‑Side Comparison: NordVPN vs ExpressVPN
- 5. Real Earnings Potential (Traffic Scenarios)
- 6. Which Program Pays More? It Depends.
- 7. 5 Strategies to Maximize VPN Affiliate Commissions
- 8. Common VPN Affiliate Mistakes
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions
Why VPN Affiliate Marketing in 2026?
VPN services have become essential tools for privacy, security, and bypassing geo‑restrictions. The global VPN market is projected to exceed $75 billion by 2026, with millions of new users signing up every year. For affiliates, this translates into:
💎 Why VPNs Are Top‑Tier Affiliate Products
- Recurring commissions: Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN pay you every time a referred customer renews.
- High average order value: One‑year plans are $60–$100, two‑year plans even higher.
- Global demand: No geographic restrictions – promote worldwide.
- Cookie windows: 30–60 days give you credit for delayed purchases.
- Trusted brands: High conversion rates due to strong reputations.
But not all VPN affiliate programs are created equal. Below we dissect the two market leaders.
NordVPN Affiliate Program: 40% Recurring Commissions
NordVPN Partner Program
40% RecurringNordVPN operates one of the most generous affiliate programs in the VPN space. Affiliates earn 40% recurring commission on every sale for the lifetime of the customer – as long as the customer stays subscribed, you keep earning.
📈 NordVPN Conversion Benchmarks (2026)
Conversion rate: 5%–8% (top affiliates)
Average sale value: $79 (one‑year plan) / $99 (two‑year)
Recurring value: A single $79 sale generates $31.60 upfront + $31.60 each year thereafter.
ExpressVPN Affiliate Program: 35% Recurring + Bonuses
ExpressVPN Affiliate Program
35% RecurringExpressVPN offers a 35% recurring commission for each referred customer who remains active. They also provide performance bonuses, custom landing pages, and dedicated affiliate managers for high‑volume partners.
📈 ExpressVPN Conversion Benchmarks (2026)
Conversion rate: 4%–7%
Average sale value: $99 (one‑year) / $129 (two‑year)
Recurring value: $99 sale = $34.65 upfront + $34.65/year.
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Side‑by‑Side Affiliate Comparison
| Metric | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commission Rate (Recurring) | 40% | 35% | 🥇 NordVPN |
| CPA / One‑Time Bonus | $10.60 (select regions) | $7.35 – $12 (tiered) | ⚖️ Tie |
| Cookie Duration | 30 days | 30 days | ⚖️ Tie |
| Average Conversion Rate | 5% – 8% | 4% – 7% | 🥇 NordVPN |
| EPC (Earnings per 100 clicks) | $80 – $120 | $65 – $100 | 🥇 NordVPN |
| Minimum Payout | $50 | $50 | ⚖️ Tie |
| Payout Frequency | Net 30 | Net 30 (monthly) | ⚖️ Tie |
| Recurring Commission Model | Lifetime of customer | Lifetime of customer | ⚖️ Tie |
| Brand Strength & Trust | Excellent | Excellent | ⚖️ Tie |
| Affiliate Support / Managers | Good (for high volume) | Excellent (dedicated managers) | 🥇 ExpressVPN |
Data compiled from affiliate dashboards, 2026 rate cards, and surveys of 50+ VPN affiliates.
Real Earnings Potential: Traffic Scenarios
Monthly Earnings by Traffic Volume (NordVPN vs ExpressVPN)
$1,600
$1,225
Assumes 10,000 visitors/month, 6% conversion (Nord) / 5% conversion (Express), $79 AOV, 40% vs 35% recurring.
Scenario 1: Blog with 20,000 Monthly Readers
- NordVPN: 1,200 conversions @ $79 = $94,800 gross sales → $37,920 first‑year commissions + recurring ~$15K annually.
- ExpressVPN: 1,000 conversions @ $99 = $99,000 gross sales → $34,650 first‑year + recurring ~$12K.
Scenario 2: YouTube Channel (50K views/month)
- NordVPN: 0.5% conversion = 250 sales → $7,900 upfront + $3,160/year recurring.
- ExpressVPN: 0.4% conversion = 200 sales → $6,930 upfront + $2,425/year recurring.
📊 Key Takeaway
NordVPN’s higher commission rate and slightly better conversion benchmarks give it a clear edge in most traffic scenarios. However, ExpressVPN may close the gap for affiliates who qualify for top‑tier CPA bonuses ($12+).
Which Program Pays More? It Depends on Your Traffic.
Decision Framework: NordVPN vs ExpressVPN
Choose NordVPN if:
- You drive large volumes of general VPN‑interested traffic (higher conversion rates favor Nord).
- You want maximum recurring revenue per sale (40% > 35%).
- You monetize primarily through reviews and comparison posts.
Choose ExpressVPN if:
- You’re a top‑tier affiliate who can negotiate CPA bonuses up to $12+ per sale.
- You value premium affiliate support, custom landing pages, and co‑branded tools.
- Your audience strongly prefers ExpressVPN (brand perception varies by niche).
Best strategy: Promote both! Many affiliates use comparison tables and let the reader choose – you earn commissions regardless.
5 Strategies to Maximize VPN Affiliate Commissions
Write “Best VPN” Comparison Posts
High‑intent keywords like “NordVPN vs ExpressVPN” convert at 8–12%. Include a clear winner but also a second option – you earn either way.
Use Exclusive Discounts / Coupons
Both programs allow custom affiliate coupons. Offer “EarnifyHub readers get 68% off” – this increases urgency and conversion rates.
Leverage YouTube and TikTok
Short‑form video reviews of VPNs generate massive affiliate revenue. Use link‑in‑bio tools and track clicks with custom parameters.
Email Marketing Sequences
Build an email list around privacy and security topics. Send a 3‑email series comparing VPNs, ending with your affiliate link.
Retargeting Ads (Ethically)
Use pixel tracking to retarget visitors who clicked your VPN links but didn’t buy. Facebook and Google retargeting often yield 2x conversions.
Common VPN Affiliate Mistakes That Kill Earnings
⚠️ Avoid These Pitfalls
- Not disclosing affiliate links – violates FTC rules and erodes trust.
- Promoting only one VPN – you leave money on the table when readers prefer the other.
- Using outdated commission rates – always check your affiliate dashboard; rates can change.
- Ignoring mobile optimization – over 60% of VPN purchases happen on mobile.
- No comparison tables – text‑only reviews convert worse than side‑by‑side tables.
Frequently Asked Questions
NordVPN pays 40% recurring; ExpressVPN pays 35% recurring. NordVPN wins on commission rate.
Both programs offer a 30‑day cookie window. If a customer purchases within 30 days of clicking your link, you get credit.
Yes, absolutely. Many successful affiliates promote both and let the audience decide. Just ensure you use proper disclosure for each link.
According to affiliate dashboard data, NordVPN’s EPC (earnings per 100 clicks) ranges from $80 to $120, depending on traffic quality and season. ExpressVPN EPC is $65–$100.
Both programs review applications manually. Approval usually takes 1–3 business days. Having a site with original content about VPNs or tech increases approval odds.
Final Verdict: NordVPN Edges Out ExpressVPN for Most Affiliates
After analyzing commission structures, conversion data, and real affiliate earnings, NordVPN’s affiliate program is the clear winner for the majority of marketers. The 40% recurring rate, higher EPC, and strong conversion benchmarks give it a distinct advantage.
That said, ExpressVPN remains a premium program with excellent support and the potential for high CPA bonuses. Affiliates with established audiences and negotiating power can still earn handsomely with ExpressVPN.
Our recommendation: Join both. Create comparison content, offer exclusive deals, and let your readers decide. The VPN affiliate space is massive – there’s room to profit from both industry leaders.
🚀 Ready to start?
Check out our Affiliate Marketing for Beginners guide if you're new, or dive into SaaS affiliate strategies to scale recurring income.