Tech Comparisons
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN vs Surfshark
VPNs protect your traffic on public networks and bypass geo-restrictions. We compare the three most-recommended VPNs across speed, privacy, and value.
| Feature | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | From $3.39/mo (2-year plan) · ~$13/mo monthly. | From $6.67/mo (1-year plan) · ~$13/mo monthly. | From $2.29/mo (2-year plan) · ~$15/mo monthly. |
| Server Count | 6,400+ servers in 111 countries. | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries. | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. |
| Speed | Fastest on average — NordLynx protocol (WireGuard-based). | Consistently fast — Lightway protocol (proprietary). | Fast — WireGuard support. Slightly behind NordVPN. |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 devices per account. | 8 devices per account. | Unlimited devices per account. |
| No-Log Policy | Audited no-logs policy. Panama jurisdiction. | Audited no-logs policy. British Virgin Islands jurisdiction. | Audited no-logs policy. Netherlands jurisdiction. |
| Extra Features | Threat Protection, Meshnet, Dark Web Monitor. | Split tunneling, Network Lock kill switch. | CleanWeb ad blocker, MultiHop, unlimited devices. |
| Best For | Best overall — speed, features, and price balance. | Best for reliability and consistent global performance. | Best for households — unlimited devices at lowest price. |
NordVPN Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fastest VPN in independent speed tests
- Threat Protection blocks ads and malware without VPN active
- Meshnet for secure device networking
- Best value at 2-year pricing
Cons
- Past data breach (2018) — though no user data was exposed
- Only 10 simultaneous connections
- Desktop app can feel complex
ExpressVPN Pros & Cons
Pros
- Most reliable and consistent global performance
- Trusted by journalists and activists worldwide
- Lightway protocol is fast and battery-efficient
- Strong track record — no major incidents
Cons
- Most expensive of the three
- Fewer servers than NordVPN
- Only 8 simultaneous connections
Verdict
NordVPN is the best overall choice for most developers and remote workers — it's the fastest, most feature-rich, and best value at 2-year pricing. ExpressVPN is worth the premium if you need rock-solid reliability across many countries. Surfshark is the best choice for families or anyone needing unlimited simultaneous connections at the lowest price.