NordVPN wins on server scale and security audits, Surfshark on price and unlimited connections, and ExpressVPN on router hardware and transparency. All three use AES-256 encryption, RAM-only servers, and have passed independent no-logs audits — the real differences are in pricing, unique features, and platform support.
NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are the three VPNs that show up in every comparison. But most articles rank them with vague criteria like "user-friendliness" or "value for money" without technical substance.
This article compares the three on pricing, speed, security, streaming support, and unique features — with data, not opinions. By the end, you will know which one fits your use case.
Overview
A high-level look at the three services.
| NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent company | Nord Security (Panama) | Kape Technologies (BVI) | Nord Security (Netherlands) |
| Servers | 9,000+ | 3,000+ | 4,500+ |
| Countries | 130 | 105+ | 100 |
| Simultaneous connections | 10 | 10–14 (varies by plan) | Unlimited |
| Proprietary protocol | NordLynx | Lightway | None (uses WireGuard) |
| RAM-only servers | All servers | All servers (TrustedServer) | All servers (Nexus) |
All three use RAM-only servers — pull the power and data is gone. The technical foundation is solid across the board.
The differences show up in server scale (NordVPN leads), simultaneous connections (Surfshark is unlimited), and proprietary protocols (NordVPN and ExpressVPN each have their own).
Pricing Compared
All three offer tiered plans. Here is the 2-year plan comparison (lowest price point).
2-Year Plan Monthly Rates (USD)
| Tier | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|---|
| VPN only | $3.39 (Basic) | $3.49 (Basic) | $1.99 (Starter) |
| VPN + security | $3.89 (Plus) | $4.49 (Advanced) | $2.69 (One) |
| Full package | $5.39 (Complete) | $7.49 (Pro) | $4.29 (One+) |
Surfshark is cheapest at $1.99/month. But plan inclusions differ. Prices are as of March 2026 — check each provider's site for current rates.
What Each Plan Includes
NordVPN:
- Basic — VPN + Threat Protection (DNS-level blocking)
- Plus — Basic + Threat Protection Pro + NordPass (password manager)
- Complete — Plus + NordLocker 1TB (cloud storage)
ExpressVPN:
- Basic — VPN + Lite Protection (ad and malicious site blocking). 10 simultaneous connections
- Advanced — Basic + password manager + Identity Defender. 12 simultaneous connections
- Pro — Advanced + dedicated IP address. 14 simultaneous connections
Surfshark:
- Starter — VPN + CleanWeb + email aliases
- One — Starter + Antivirus + Alert + Search
- One+ — One + Incogni (data broker removal service)
Payment Methods
All three accept:
- Credit / debit cards
- PayPal
- Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, etc.)
NordVPN and Surfshark also accept Amazon Pay.
Money-Back Guarantee
All three offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can effectively trial each service risk-free for a month.
Speed and Performance
VPN speed depends on server distance, time of day, and your base connection. Specific numbers are not reproducible across different setups, so we focus on trends.
Protocol Differences
| NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recommended protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard-based) | Lightway (wolfSSL-based) | WireGuard |
| Key feature | Double NAT for privacy | Rust implementation, lightweight | Standard WireGuard |
| Obfuscation | NordWhisper (new protocol) | Lightway (obfuscation built-in) | Camouflage Mode |
NordLynx and Lightway both deliver speeds equal to or faster than standard WireGuard. Surfshark does not have a proprietary protocol, but WireGuard itself is fast enough.
Speed Trends
Based on multiple independent tests (2025–2026):
- NordVPN — 3–5% speed reduction on nearby servers. With 9,000+ servers, it is easy to find one with low load
- ExpressVPN — Lightway Turbo (Windows only) reaches up to 1,479 Mbps. Standard Lightway is still fast
- Surfshark — Slightly slower than the other two, but more than adequate for everyday use (4K streaming requires 25 Mbps, which all three exceed easily)
The 4K Streaming Threshold
Netflix recommends a minimum of 25 Mbps for 4K streaming. All three services exceed this by a wide margin. Speed should only be a deciding factor if you are on a sub-100 Mbps connection and want maximum throughput.
Security and Privacy
Encryption and Protocols
All three use AES-256 encryption and offer WireGuard-based protocols. There is no practical difference in encryption strength.
As of 2026, all three support post-quantum encryption. NordVPN integrates ML-KEM into NordLynx, ExpressVPN added ML-KEM to Lightway, and Surfshark supports post-quantum encryption on WireGuard (currently macOS, Linux, and Android — iOS and Windows support is planned). All three are preparing for the risk of quantum computers breaking current encryption in the future.
No-Logs Audits
| NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auditors | PwC → Deloitte | KPMG + Cure53 | Deloitte + Cure53 + SecuRing |
| Audit count | 6 | 23 (including app audits) | Multiple |
| Latest audit | 2025 (Deloitte / ISAE 3000) | 2025 (KPMG) | 2026 (SecuRing infra audit, Jan 2026) |
| RAM-only | All servers (since 2022) | All servers (TrustedServer) | All servers (Nexus) |
ExpressVPN's "23" includes not just no-logs audits but also app security audits and penetration tests. Their dedicated no-logs audits by KPMG number three.
NordVPN's six are all focused specifically on the no-logs policy. Conducted by Big 4 firms (PwC, then Deloitte) under the ISAE 3000 standard.
All three have credible no-logs verification.
Jurisdiction
| NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal jurisdiction | Panama | British Virgin Islands | Netherlands |
| Five Eyes | Not a member | Not a member | Nine Eyes member |
Surfshark is incorporated in the Netherlands, which is a member of the Nine Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. This means intelligence agencies could potentially compel data requests through legal channels. However, with RAM-only servers and no logs to store, there is no data to hand over.
NordVPN and ExpressVPN are incorporated outside the Five/Nine/Fourteen Eyes jurisdictions.
Kill Switch and DNS Leak Protection
All three provide Kill Switch on all platforms and DNS leak protection by default. No meaningful difference here.
Streaming Support
| Service | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Multiple regions | Multiple regions | 30+ regions |
| Amazon Prime Video | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| Disney+ | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| Hulu (US) | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| BBC iPlayer | Supported | Supported | Supported |
All three work with major streaming services.
How They Handle Streaming
- NordVPN — SmartPlay (automatic VPN + Smart DNS integration). No configuration needed
- ExpressVPN — MediaStreamer (Smart DNS). Works on devices that cannot run VPN apps
- Surfshark — Smart DNS available. Claims 30+ Netflix region support, the highest among the three
Streaming works reliably on all three. When a specific server gets blocked, switching to a different one resolves the issue.
Unique Features Compared
Features that set each service apart.
NordVPN
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| SmartPlay | DNS + VPN integration optimized for streaming |
| Meshnet | Connect devices in a private encrypted network for LAN gaming, file sharing |
| Threat Protection Pro | Standalone malware and ad blocker (works without VPN connection, Plus plan and above) |
| Double VPN | Route traffic through two servers with double encryption |
| Onion over VPN | VPN + Tor integration for maximum anonymity |
| NordWhisper | New obfuscation protocol for restrictive networks |
Meshnet was briefly announced for discontinuation in 2025, but NordVPN reversed the decision after user backlash and committed to open-sourcing it. The underlying libtelio library is now available on GitHub.
ExpressVPN
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Lightway | Proprietary protocol using wolfSSL, rewritten in Rust. Lightweight and fast |
| Lightway Turbo | Windows-only high-speed mode. Multi-lane tunneling reaching up to 1,479 Mbps |
| TrustedServer | Brand name for their RAM-only server technology |
| Aircove | A Wi-Fi router with ExpressVPN built in. Protects all connected devices |
| Advanced Protection | Ad blocking + parental controls (Advanced/Pro plans) |
Aircove is unique — ExpressVPN sells dedicated hardware that provides router-level VPN protection for devices that cannot run VPN apps (game consoles, smart TVs, etc.).
Surfshark
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Unlimited connections | No device limit on any plan. Ideal for families and multi-device users |
| Nexus | SDN (software-defined networking) that routes traffic across the entire server network |
| IP Rotator | Periodically changes your IP address without disconnecting |
| Dynamic MultiHop | Choose any two servers for double VPN routing |
| CleanWeb | Ad, tracker, and malware blocker included in all plans |
| Bypasser | Split Tunneling with macOS and iOS support (NordVPN and ExpressVPN do not support iOS) |
Surfshark's standout features are unlimited simultaneous connections and Split Tunneling on macOS/iOS. Surfshark is the only one of the three that supports Split Tunneling on iOS.
Split Tunneling Support
| Platform | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| macOS | Not supported | Supported | Supported |
| Android | Supported | Supported | Supported |
| iOS | Not supported | Not supported | Supported |
| Linux | Port/subnet only | Supported | — |
If you need Split Tunneling on macOS, NordVPN is not an option. On iOS, only Surfshark's Bypasser supports Split Tunneling.
Which One Should You Pick
"The best VPN" depends on your use case. Here is a decision framework.
Best all-rounder → NordVPN
- 9,000+ servers provide a good balance of streaming, speed, and stability
- SmartPlay handles streaming optimization automatically
- Meshnet, Double VPN, and Onion over VPN offer versatile functionality
- Six dedicated no-logs audits and RAM-only servers for strong security
Recommended plan: NordVPN Plus ($3.89/month, 2-year) — adds Threat Protection Pro and NordPass, extending security beyond the VPN tunnel. 10 simultaneous connections.
Best value / family use → Surfshark
- Cheapest at $1.99/month (2-year plan)
- Unlimited simultaneous connections — one subscription covers every device in the household
- Split Tunneling works on macOS and iOS
- IP Rotator and Dynamic MultiHop provide strong privacy features
Best for routers / Apple ecosystem → ExpressVPN
- Aircove router protects devices that cannot run VPN apps
- Split Tunneling on macOS
- Lightway Turbo delivers the fastest speeds on Windows
- 23 third-party audits for high transparency
The world's leading VPN — fast, secure, and easy to use
- 6,400+ servers across 111 countries
- NordLynx protocol (WireGuard-based)
- Threat Protection Pro (ads & malware blocking)
FAQ
Are NordVPN and Surfshark owned by the same company?
Yes. Nord Security acquired Surfshark in February 2022. Both brands operate under the same parent company but maintain separate apps, server networks, and development teams. ExpressVPN is owned by Kape Technologies, a separate company.
Which is the fastest VPN among the three?
All three deliver speeds sufficient for 4K streaming (25+ Mbps). NordVPN's NordLynx consistently shows 3–5% speed loss on nearby servers. ExpressVPN's Lightway Turbo (Windows only) claims up to 1,479 Mbps. In practice, the speed difference between the three is negligible for most use cases.
Do any of these VPNs work in China?
NordVPN offers obfuscated servers and NordWhisper for bypassing DPI-based blocking. ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol includes built-in obfuscation. Surfshark has Camouflage Mode. All three can potentially work in China, but no VPN guarantees reliable access due to the Great Firewall's constantly evolving detection methods.
Is there a free trial?
None of the three offer a traditional free trial. However, all three provide a 30-day money-back guarantee, which functions as a risk-free trial. You pay upfront and request a refund within 30 days if unsatisfied.
Do renewal prices stay the same?
No. All three charge higher prices upon renewal. The advertised rates (e.g., Surfshark's $1.99/month) are introductory prices for the first billing cycle only. Check each provider's renewal pricing before subscribing and consider disabling auto-renewal.
Which one supports VPN on routers?
All three can be configured on routers manually (OpenVPN or WireGuard). ExpressVPN stands out with Aircove, a dedicated Wi-Fi router with ExpressVPN built in — no manual configuration required. NordVPN and Surfshark provide setup guides for compatible routers (ASUS, Netgear, TP-Link, etc.).
Do all three support post-quantum encryption?
Yes. NordVPN and ExpressVPN support ML-KEM (NIST-standardized post-quantum algorithm) across all platforms. Surfshark's post-quantum support is currently available on macOS, Linux, and Android, with iOS and Windows support planned.
Wrapping Up
A final comparison of the three services:
| NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (2-year, cheapest) | $3.39/mo | $3.49/mo | $1.99/mo |
| Servers | 9,000+ | 3,000+ | 4,500+ |
| Connections | 10 | 10–14 | Unlimited |
| Proprietary protocol | NordLynx | Lightway | None |
| No-logs audits | 6 (Deloitte) | 23 (KPMG, etc.) | Multiple (Deloitte, etc.) |
| macOS Split Tunneling | Not supported | Supported | Supported |
| Best for | Balance and scale | Routers and transparency | Price and family use |
All three are technically strong VPNs. Encryption, no-logs audits, and RAM-only servers are standard across all three.
The differences come down to server scale, pricing, simultaneous connections, and unique features. Pick the one that matches your use case.
Related articles:
- NordVPN Review: Pricing, Security, and Performance Tested
- How to Use NordVPN: Setup, Settings, and Troubleshooting
- Is NordVPN Safe? A Technical Security Analysis
- NordVPN and Netflix: Setup Guide and Troubleshooting
- VPN Protocols Compared: WireGuard vs OpenVPN vs IKEv2 Under the Hood
- Are Free VPNs Safe? Real Incidents and How to Choose
Sources and official websites:
- NordVPN — servers / pricing / no-logs audit
- ExpressVPN — servers / pricing / KPMG audit
- Surfshark — servers / pricing / Deloitte audit
- WireGuard protocol — the foundation for NordLynx and Surfshark's VPN protocol
- NIST FIPS 203 (ML-KEM) — post-quantum encryption standard used by all three