Choosing between NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark is one of the most common questions we get. All three are excellent, but they excel in different areas. We ran 15 head-to-head tests covering speed, security, streaming, torrenting, and ease of use to help you decide.
Quick Comparison: At a Glance
Here is how the three VPNs compare across key categories:
- Speed: NordVPN wins with NordLynx protocol.
- Streaming: ExpressVPN is the most reliable unblocker.
- Price: Surfshark offers the best value.
- Privacy: All three have audited no-logs policies.
Speed Test Results
We tested all three VPNs from a 100 Mbps connection to servers in the US, UK, and Germany. NordVPN averaged 85 Mbps, ExpressVPN 78 Mbps, and Surfshark 72 Mbps. NordVPN NordLynx protocol clearly outperforms the competition in raw speed.
Security and Privacy Features
All three VPNs offer AES-256 encryption, kill switches, and DNS leak protection. NordVPN adds Double VPN and Onion over VPN for extra security. ExpressVPN offers Lightway, a proprietary protocol optimized for speed and security. Surfshark provides CleanWeb ad blocking and MultiHop connections.
Streaming and Unblocking
ExpressVPN unblocked every streaming platform we tested: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime. NordVPN worked with all major platforms but required SmartPlay for some. Surfshark successfully unblocked Netflix and Disney+ but struggled with BBC iPlayer during peak hours.
Torrenting Support
NordVPN offers dedicated P2P servers and a SOCKS5 proxy, making it the best for torrenting. ExpressVPN allows torrenting on all servers but lacks port forwarding. Surfshark supports P2P on all servers and includes a kill switch, which is essential for safe torrenting.
Pricing and Value
Surfshark is the cheapest at $2.19/month for a 2-year plan. NordVPN costs $3.49/month for 2 years. ExpressVPN is the most expensive at $6.67/month for 15 months. However, ExpressVPN justifies the price with superior streaming reliability and faster customer support.
Which VPN Should You Choose?
Choose NordVPN if speed and security are your top priorities. Choose ExpressVPN if you want the best streaming experience and do not mind paying more. Choose Surfshark if you need unlimited device connections and the lowest price. All three offer 30-day money-back guarantees.
