Surfshark vs NordVPN vs ExpressVPN — Our Pick: Surfshark
Updated for 2025 VPNs • Privacy • Streaming Beginner & power-user friendly

Surfshark vs NordVPN vs ExpressVPN

We compared speed, privacy, streaming reliability, features, and value. Our pick: Surfshark for the best overall mix of price, unlimited devices, and strong performance.

At a glance

NordVPN

Speed & extras

Excellent performance with NordLynx and advanced tools like Meshnet and Threat Protection.

  • WireGuard-based NordLynx for fast connections
  • Audited no-logs + RAM-only servers
  • Meshnet, Threat Protection, split tunneling
Get NordVPN

ExpressVPN

Best app experience

Premium VPN with a super-clean interface and consistently reliable streaming; great for users who want “it just works.”

  • Lightway protocol for quick, stable connections
  • Audited no-logs; RAM-only servers
  • Higher price; limited device count vs Surfshark
Explore ExpressVPN
What to compare NordVPN ExpressVPN Surfshark
Primary strength Speed + advanced extras (Meshnet, Threat Protection) Polished apps & reliable streaming Best overall: value + unlimited devices + strong speeds
Protocols NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2 Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
Privacy posture Audited no-logs, RAM-only servers Audited no-logs, RAM-only servers Audited no-logs, RAM-only servers
Security features Kill switch, Threat Protection, Meshnet, split tunneling Kill switch, Threat Manager, split tunneling Kill switch, CleanWeb, split tunneling, MultiHop, rotating IP
Streaming Consistently unlocks major platforms Excellent reliability for streaming Consistently unlocks major platforms
Simultaneous connections Generous device limit Moderate device limit Unlimited devices
Speed Excellent with NordLynx Very good with Lightway Excellent with WireGuard
Support & apps 24/7 chat • Apps for all major OS 24/7 chat • Apps for all major OS 24/7 chat • Apps for all major OS
Refund policy 30-day money-back guarantee 30-day money-back guarantee 30-day money-back guarantee
Best for Power users who want speed & extras Those who value simplicity & polish Households & many devices on a budget
Editorial stance: Want the most flexible, best-value option? Choose Surfshark. Prefer the simplest, most polished app? Start with ExpressVPN. Need advanced extras and specialty tools? Pick NordVPN.

Pick by use-case

Best overall value & flexibility

Unlimited devices, strong privacy, and excellent WireGuard performance.

Get Surfshark

Cleanest app experience

ExpressVPN is perfect if you want a “set it and forget it” UI with reliable streaming.

See ExpressVPN

Powerful extras

NordVPN’s Meshnet, Threat Protection, and rich feature set suit power users.

See NordVPN

FAQ

What does a VPN do?
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a secure server, helping hide your IP address, protect your data on public Wi-Fi, and access content while traveling.
Will a VPN slow down my internet?
Any VPN adds a little overhead, but modern protocols like WireGuard, NordLynx, and Lightway keep speeds high for everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls.
Is using a VPN legal?
VPNs are legal in most countries. However, what you do online is still subject to local laws and the terms of the services you access. Always follow applicable regulations.
Which one should I choose?
Pick Surfshark for the best overall value and unlimited devices, NordVPN if you want advanced extras and top performance, and ExpressVPN if you value the most polished, simple experience.

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