NordVPN vs Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: comparison

When comparing leading VPN providers – NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN – several key points stand out. All three VPNs are top choices known for their robust security features, reliable performance, and ability to unblock popular streaming services. But which one is better? It depends on whether you prioritize streaming, gaming, or overall security.

• NordVPN offers the strongest performance and security overall, with features like NordLynx and a lightweight integrated antivirus called Threat Protection Pro.
• Surfshark is the most affordable option, supporting unlimited simultaneous connections and advanced tools like MultiHop.
• ExpressVPN is the easiest to set up on a router, and delivers fast speeds thanks to the Lightway protocol and TrustedServer technology.

Therefore, to find out which is the best VPN for your particular needs, let’s break down the essential features of NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN to see what makes them so appealing. I’ve thoroughly tested all three, so I’ll pit them in many aspects, such as connection speed, geo-restriction unblocking, security features, and much more.

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NordVPN vs Surfshark vs ExpressVPN overview

NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN each excel in different areas, making them suitable for various needs. If you’re looking for the best overall performance, NordVPN is your top choice. It offers the most servers, robust protocols including NordLynx, OpenVPN, and NordWhisper, and excellent streaming support for services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. However, if you have multiple devices to protect, Surfshark is perfect for you. It shines with unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for families or users with many devices. Lastly, if you’re seeking broad device support and flexibility, ExpressVPN offers broad device support and is the only one of the three to support four VPN protocols, including L2TP. All three VPNs offer a 30-day money-back guarantee and excellent streaming support.

Price comparison

Subscription costs are where the three VPNs diverge. Surfshark is the cheapest option overall, with prices starting at just $1.99/month on a long-term plan. In the meantime, NordVPN starts at $3.39/month, while ExpressVPN is the priciest with plans starting at $4.99/month. Below is a comparison table for clarity:

All three VPNs offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re looking for a week-long free trial, Surfshark is your best option, available on all devices. ExpressVPN provides a free trial for iOS and Android, while NordVPN only offers a free trial for Android users. Despite this, each VPN excels in different areas, making them suitable for various needs:

• NordVPN is ideal for the best overall performance, with the most servers, robust security features, and excellent streaming support for services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
• Surfshark VPN is perfect for those with multiple devices, offering unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for families or users with many devices.
• ExpressVPN is a good choice for those looking for flexibility, with diverse device support and a no-logs policy that has held up in real-world legal cases.

Payment methods

When it comes to payment options, all three – NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN – cater to security and crypto enthusiasts by embracing the latest payment methods, including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple. However, only NordVPN offers the option to buy a physical copy of its service with cash in select retail stores. This can be crucial for users who value privacy and prefer not to disclose their banking information.

Here’s a summary table of the available payment methods:

NordVPN vs Surfshark vs ExpressVPN speed results

Let’s kick things off with a NordVPN vs Surfshark vs ExpressVPN connectivity comparison. And the results of my speed tests are pretty impressive. Each provider is using a different method to achieve top speeds:

• NordVPN uses the proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol, which is based on the open-source WireGuard.
• ExpressVPN has also developed its own protocol called Lightway.
• Surfshark is utilizing WireGuard alongside Software Defined Networking for better connection stability and speed.

To determine which proprietary protocols perform the fastest, I conducted speed tests of these VPNs in different locations. Here are the results:

Based on our speed tests, NordVPN is the fastest VPN out of the three. It retained around 94% of the original internet speed, with Surfshark close behind at 92%, and Express VPN slightly behind at 90%. That said, ExpressVPN isn’t slow by any means – NordVPN is simply faster, but the difference is unlikely to be noticeable in everyday use. So no matter which provider you choose, you’ll get stable and reliable connectivity.

Security & privacy features

All three – NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN – use AES-256 encryption and follow strict no-logs policies, but their security features vary. For instance, NordVPN offers two different proprietary protocols: NordLynx (speed-focused) and NordWhisper (for restrictive networks), along with Threat Protection Pro and Meshnet. ExpressVPN has its own Lightway protocol, while also offering older ones like L2TP/IPsec. Plus, it runs all servers on RAM with TrustedServer tech. On the other hand, Surfshark supports WireGuard and includes extra tools like GPS spoofing and Alternative ID. So while all are secure, NordVPN packs the most advanced protection, Surfshark brings unique privacy extras, and ExpressVPN keeps things simple and consistent.

Here’s the breakdown of their core features:

Infrastructure and Encryption

AES-256 Encryption: NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN use AES-256, the strongest encryption standard available. To further protect your data, all three providers also include advanced features like obfuscated servers and kill switches. This ensures that your information remains hidden and secure from prying eyes.

SHA-512 Hash: Employing SHA-512 hash functions, these VPNs offer an additional layer of protection against cyber threats. This robust hashing algorithm can effectively shield user data from a wide array of potential attacks, bolstering overall security.

Kill Switch: In the event of a VPN service disruption, the kill switch feature acts as a failsafe mechanism, promptly severing internet connections to prevent data leakage. NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN all integrate this vital feature, providing users with added peace of mind.

Cloaking Technology

No-Logs Policy: NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN uphold stringent no-logs policies, ensuring that user browsing history, bandwidth usage, and network traffic remain undisclosed. This commitment to privacy safeguards user anonymity and mitigates the risk of data exposure, reaffirming the integrity of these VPN services.

Traffic Obfuscation: Each provider offers tools to mask VPN usage to help users bypass VPN blocks and deep packet inspection (DPI). NordVPN includes a Double VPN feature, which routes your traffic through two different servers, and NordWhisper, which mimics regular web traffic. Surfshark offers Camouflage Mode, hiding the fact that you’re using a VPN in the first place. Lastly, ExpressVPN uses a Stealth VPN feature to help users get around strict censorship.

Jurisdiction

Two out of three VPNs on this list operate under privacy-friendly jurisdictions, with NordVPN based in Panama and ExpressVPN in the British Virgin Islands. These locations are renowned for strong privacy protections, enhancing the trustworthiness of these services. Both providers have undergone independent audits to confirm their commitment to transparency and user trust.

Surfshark, headquartered in the Netherlands, navigates the complexities of being within the Fourteen Eyes alliance through rigorous third-party audits. Despite its location, Surfshark adheres to a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that no data about your online activities is collected, thus maintaining a high level of user privacy.

Despite differing jurisdictions – Panama for NordVPN, Netherlands for Surfshark, and British Virgin Islands (BVI) for ExpressVPN – all undergo independent audits to ensure transparency. These measures, coupled with their commitment to user privacy, establish them as trusted guardians of online security, empowering users to navigate the digital realm with confidence.

NordVPN vs Surfshark vs ExpressVPN servers

If you’re after a VPN provider with a large, diverse, and constantly expanding server network, NordVPN is the best choice over ExpressVPN and Surfshark. Each provider offers solid global coverage, but several key distinctions emerge.

NordVPN’s server network is the largest among the three, with over 7400 servers across 118+ countries – more than Surfshark or ExpressVPN. This extensive network is particularly strong in North America and Europe, providing robust performance and high speeds, especially with the WireGuard protocol, which clocks impressive speeds in various locations.

Surfshark has a slightly smaller network with 3200+ servers in 100+ countries, but it compensates with unique features like unlimited simultaneous connections and double VPN servers.

ExpressVPN offers around 3000 servers in 105+ countries, focusing on a broad geographic spread rather than sheer numbers. While its speeds are generally high, especially with its proprietary Lightway protocol, it lags behind Surfshark and NordVPN in some speed tests. It also lacks double VPN servers and offers fewer simultaneous connections compared to Surfshark.

In summary, NordVPN stands out as the most robust VPN, with a massive and diverse server network. Surfshark takes second place, and ExpressVPN follows in third. NordVPN has an especially strong presence in North America and Europe, with over 4868 servers in those regions alone. Surfshark offers a more evenly distributed global presence, making it a solid option for users who need servers in South America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. ExpressVPN provides global coverage similar to Surfshark, but with fewer servers.

Using in China and other restricted countries

Not all countries provide open internet access. For example, China and Russia are known for online surveillance and aggressive censorship, often blocking VPN traffic using DPI. To bypass the restrictions, VPNs need specialized tools to mask usage and avoid detection.

NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN offer features to work in these and other heavily regulated regions. Utilizing advanced technologies, they ensure anonymity and security for users, even under heavy censorship.

• NordVPN provides two tools: Obfuscated Servers and Onion over VPN. Obfuscated Servers mask your VPN usage, while Onion over VPN routes your traffic through the Tor network. Both features provide stealth and anonymity using different technologies.
• ExpressVPN uses Stealth Servers, which activate automatically if VPN blocking measures are detected. However, details on this feature are limited.
• Surfshark offers Camouflage Mode and NoBorders Mode. Camouflage mode is enabled automatically with the OpenVPN protocol. Meanwhile, you can manually turn on the NoBorders mode to access content in censorship-heavy locations.

Since testing in China is difficult due to constantly shifting restrictions, ranking these VPNs for China comes down to the variety and type of features offered.

That said, NordVPN takes first place with two distinct technologies. Second place goes to Surfshark, which offers two similar circumvention methods. Naturally, ExpressVPN ranks third with one auto-enabled feature.

Other features overview

In addition to their core functionalities, each VPN subscription package comes with many additional features to enhance user experience and security. Below is a comprehensive overview of these features, along with information on which VPN offers them.

• Ad blocker. NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN all offer ad blocker features that enhance the browsing experience by eliminating intrusive ads. These advanced ad blockers not only prevent ads from disrupting your browsing but also improve page loading times, contributing to a more efficient online experience.
• Obfuscated servers. Whether you choose NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN, they all provide obfuscated servers designed to enhance privacy by masking VPN traffic as regular internet traffic. This is especially useful in countries with strict internet censorship.
• Split tunneling. All three VPNs, NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN, offer split tunneling – a feature that allows users to control which internet traffic goes through the VPN. Users can choose specific apps or websites to route through the VPN, customizing their online experience for efficiency.
• Dedicated IP. Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN each offer dedicated IP addresses for enhanced security and access to geo-restricted content. Additionally, they provide a unique and stable internet connection, so users don’t share IP addresses with others.
• Smart DNS. Additionally, Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN offer Smart DNS features that allow you to access geo-blocked content and websites on devices that do not support native VPN applications.
• Web filters. NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN offer web filtering features that protect users from harmful internet threats and enhance browsing security. This ensures safer browsing, protection against malicious websites, and phishing attempts.

Extra features of each VPN provide

• NordVPN distinguishes itself with NordPass for secure password management and NordLocker for encrypted file storage and sharing.
• Surfshark offers Surfshark Antivirus as part of its Surfshark One bundle, providing real-time protection against malware and viruses and ensuring device and data security.
• ExpressVPN includes ExpressVPN Keys, a built-in password manager with features like autofill, password health checks, and breach monitoring.

Streaming performance

Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN all excel when it comes to streaming. All three are top-tier options, effortlessly maintaining the necessary connection speeds for seamless online content consumption while seamlessly working with major streaming platforms.

I put each provider through its paces across a range of streaming services including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, YouTube TV, and more. The results were impressive across the board. Not only did they grant access to different Netflix libraries from around the globe, including Australian, Japanese, and US versions, but they also showcased exceptional unblocking capabilities.

However, it’s important to note that not all of them could stream unblocked sites without buffering. During tests, NordVPN came out as the fastest of the three, leading in both download and upload speeds. Surfshark followed closely, delivering smooth UHD and 4K streaming experiences. Meanwhile, ExpressVPN, while reliable, was the slowest of the three, which may cause occasional buffering or slower loading times during peak hours.

Torrenting and P2P

All three providers are equipped for smooth torrenting, each in their own way:

• Surfshark supports torrenting on all its servers without throttling speeds, allowing users to enjoy fast and secure P2P connections. Although it lacks specialized torrenting, its reliable performance and security still make it a solid choice for P2P activities.
• NordVPN goes a step further by offering dedicated P2P servers optimized for torrenting, along with a SOCKS5 proxy to secure your torrent client even without a VPN connection.
• ExpressVPN caters to hardcore torrenters with its port forwarding feature. However, this feature only works on routers running version 1, version 2, or newer of ExpressVPN’s custom firmware. Therefore, you’ll need to either flash a compatible router or get one that supports VPN setups out of the box.

To sum it up all the three providers offer smooth playback, global access to Netflix libraries, and options for dedicated IPs. Surfshark supports torrenting on all servers, NordVPN has specialized P2P servers and a SOCKS5 proxy, while ExpressVPN offers port forwarding on supported routers.

Device compatibility

Device compatibility and simultaneous connections are among the key features when comparing VPN providers. On the other hand, connection limitations matter less if you’re manually configuring VPNs on routers.

The three services support popular platforms like Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and streaming devices such as Android TV and Amazon Fire Stick. Additionally, they offer browser extensions for Firefox and Chromium-based browsers.

• Express VPN is the only one of the compared providers to offer a dedicated router app. It also comes with a broader device app selection and allows up to 8 simultaneous connections.
• NordVPN permits 10 simultaneous connections at a reasonable price.
• Surfshark allows unlimited connections and offers Smart DNS for bypassing geo-blocks. Overall, Surfshark’s affordability and unlimited connections make it my top choice.

Surfshark stands out with its unlimited simultaneous connections compared to 10 with NordVPN and 8 with ExpressVPN. So if you’re sharing a VPN with family members or need to cover many devices, Surfshark is the most flexible option. Still, NordVPN is great if you want advanced features and strong performance on fewer devices. Meanwhile, ExpressVPN is a good alternative if you’ve got a smaller setup or want easy router integration.

Desktop app experience

NordVPN‘s desktop app provides a user-friendly interface across both Mac and Windows platforms, allowing users to easily navigate through server options and settings. On the other hand, Surfshark‘s desktop app also offers intuitive navigation but may lack some advanced features compared to NordVPN. ExpressVPN‘s desktop app, while robust, may be perceived as expensive by some users.

Mobile app experience

When it comes to mobile apps, NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN each offer applications for both iOS and Android devices.

• NordVPN‘s mobile app is well-designed and provides seamless server switching on both platforms.
• Surfshark‘s iOS app, however, may lack certain features like a configurable kill switch and split tunneling, which are available on its Android counterpart.
• ExpressVPN‘s iOS version also lacks split tunneling and shortcut features available on Android, but it still provides a smooth and reliable experience overall.

In summary, while Surfshark may excel in affordability and unlimited connections, NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer robust desktop and mobile applications with varying degrees of feature richness across different platforms. Ultimately, the choice between these VPN services depends on individual preferences and specific needs.

Customer support

No matter how good your service is, some customers may encounter issues while using it. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have high-quality customer service available.

Unsurprisingly, these three VPNs have all the necessary pillars to support the needs of their customers. Users can get help via 24/7 live chat, email, or by perusing the online self-help sections. Plus, the apps of each provider are easy to use and shouldn’t cause much trouble for customers of any tech-savviness level.

All three VPN providers, NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN, offer comprehensive customer support options, including 24/7 live chat, email support, guides/articles, and FAQs.

In terms of response times, ExpressVPN stands out with its lightning-fast live chat response time, typically answering inquiries within 30 seconds. NordVPN and Surfshark also offer quick live chat support, with responses within 1 minute and 2 minutes, respectively. Email responses are generally prompt across all providers, with NordVPN and ExpressVPN replying within 24 hours and Surfshark within 12 hours.

When it comes to handling technical, complex questions, all three providers demonstrate competence, particularly through their live chat support channels. However, none of these three providers offer phone support.

The presence of comprehensive guides/articles and FAQs indicates a commitment to helping users self-serve. These resources are essential for providing users with accessible information and troubleshooting tips. All three providers seem to excel in this aspect, ensuring that important information is both available and understandable for users of varying tech-savviness levels.

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN vs Surfshark: video review

So, which is better out of these top 3 VPNs – NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN? Find out by watching our video:

NordVPN vs Shurfshark vs ExpressVPN: Reddit ratings

Reddit is a hub of opinions and insights, making it a valuable resource for understanding how users perceive different VPN providers like NordVPN, Surfshark VPN, and ExpressVPN. Here, we delve into the Reddit community’s discussions to uncover how each VPN is described, what makes them stand out, and which users they are best suited for.

Each VPN provider has its strengths and unique features, as described by Reddit users. By analyzing these discussions, prospective users can gain valuable insights into which VPN aligns best with their needs and preferences.

Best VPN by category

Here are the final results of our three-way comparison. To clarify, more trophies mean a better score. And we can see that NordVPN accumulated the biggest stash of prizes.

NordVPN vs Surfshark vs ExpressVPN 2025 results

In this NordVPN vs Surfshark vs ExpressVPN comparison, NordVPN stands out as the clear winner, keeping its title as the best overall VPN. While not the cheapest, it delivers excellent performance, strong security features, and strict privacy policies. Its versatility makes it a reliable pick for users who want consistent, high-quality performance and protection.

Surfshark comes in as a strong second, offering impressive speeds and streaming performance – all at a budget-friendly price. While it may lack some advanced privacy features compared to NordVPN, its unlimited connections and great value make it an excellent choice for daily online activities and larger households.

ExpressVPN lands in third place – while it offers solid privacy and strong device compatibility, it also comes with a higher price tag and fewer extra features. It’s still a secure option, but harder to recommend when NordVPN and Surfshark offer more for less.

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FAQ

Which VPN is the best: NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN?

Our research indicates that NordVPN is the best overall VPN. Here's why: It offers a winning combination of affordability, blazing-fast speeds, and exceptional performance across various scenarios. It stands out for its robust security measures, ensuring excellent privacy for users. With NordVPN, you can expect reliable protection without compromising on speed or usability.

Which VPN is the cheapest: NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN?

Surfshark is the cheapest VPN, followed by NordVPN, with ExpressVPN being the most expensive. Surfshark starts at just $1.99/month for long-term plans, NordVPN at $3.39/month, and ExpressVPN at $4.99/month. If you’re after unlimited connections and solid performance for less, Surfshark is your best bet.

Which VPN is better for streaming: NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN?

NordVPN and Surfshark are the top choices for seamless streaming experiences. NordVPN retained 94% of my original speed during tests, while Surfshark came close at over 92%, and ExpressVPN followed at 90%. NordVPN reliably unblocks major streaming platforms, while Surfshark’s unlimited device connections add extra flexibility. ExpressVPN also performs well, but its higher price may deter some users.