VPN Titans: NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN vs. Surfshark
An in-depth look at the three biggest names in the VPN industry.
When it comes to choosing a VPN, three names consistently dominate the conversation: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark. All three offer robust security, large server networks, and a commitment to privacy, but they each have unique strengths that cater to different user needs. We break down the titans of the VPN world to help you decide.
NordVPN: The Speed & Security Powerhouse
NordVPN is renowned for its exceptional performance, consistently ranking as one of the fastest VPNs on the market. It packs a punch with advanced security features like Double VPN and Onion Over VPN, and its proprietary NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) ensures top-tier speeds without compromising security. With a massive server fleet, it's a reliable choice for bypassing geo-restrictions.
- Strengths: Industry-leading speeds, strong security feature set, large server network, and audited no-logs policy.
- Best for: Users who prioritize speed for activities like streaming 4K content, online gaming, and torrenting, while demanding a high level of security.
ExpressVPN: The Premium All-Rounder
ExpressVPN has built its reputation on reliability, ease of use, and exceptional customer support. It "just works." Its custom-built Lightway protocol delivers excellent speeds and stability, and its TrustedServer technology ensures that all servers run on RAM, wiping all data on every reboot. It's a premium service with a price tag to match, but its consistency and performance are hard to beat.
- Strengths: Blazing-fast and reliable connections, extremely user-friendly apps, excellent for unblocking streaming services, and top-notch 24/7 customer support.
- Best for: Users who want a hassle-free, premium VPN experience and are willing to pay for top-tier reliability and ease of use, especially for streaming.
Surfshark: The Unlimited Value King
Surfshark's standout feature is its unlimited simultaneous connections, making it an incredible value for families or individuals with many devices. But it's not just a budget option; Surfshark offers a full suite of features, including MultiHop (Double VPN), a CleanWeb ad-blocker, and solid performance, making it a powerful contender that punches well above its price class.
- Strengths: Unlimited device connections, very affordable long-term plans, strong feature set, and good unblocking capabilities.
- Best for: Users with a large number of devices, families, or anyone looking for the best value and features without breaking the bank.
An in-depth look at NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark.
User Ratings
35%
of user votes
34%
of user votes
31%
of user votes
Feature Comparison
| Feature | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $12.99/mo Standard | $8.32/mo 12 Months | $15.45/mo Starter |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES-256 | AES-256-GCM |
| No-Logs Policy | |||
| Kill Switch | Network Lock | ||
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 | 8 | Unlimited |
| Server Network | 6000+ servers in 60 countries | Servers in 105 countries | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Specialty Servers | Double VPN, P2P, Onion Over VPN | Lightway Protocol | MultiHop, Static IP |