ExpressVPN vs. NordVPN vs. Surfshark: the ultimate VPN comparison

Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN vs. NordVPN at a glance

Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN currently stand atop the VPN industry. To really grasp the differences between them, an in-depth analysis is needed. Before diving in, here’s a quick look at their key offerings:

Now that we’ve covered the key points, let’s look at each of the VPNs more closely.

Privacy

First and foremost, a VPN is a privacy tool. Surfshark VPN, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN all have headquarters in countries with no data retention laws and don’t track your online activity. 

No-logs policies

A no-logs policy means that a company keeps no logs about your activity online. As a result, your data usage, connection time stamps, or IP (Internet Protocol) addresses aren’t tracked, and information isn’t stored. The company only keeps the information required to provide a quality service without infringing on your privacy.

Regarding a no-logs policy, Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN tick all the required boxes — they don’t track what you’re doing online. In the case of Surfshark, a 2023 independent audit from Deloitte further backs up their claim not to store user data, highlighting its legitimacy.

In 2019, Turkish authorities even seized ExpressVPN’s servers as part of a criminal investigation. Officials found no personal data on the servers, making the no-logs policy appear all the more credible.

Headquarters locations

Any reputable VPN service provider must be based in a country with no data retention laws. This means the law doesn’t require them to keep any information about customers, which is a valuable first step in providing private online security.  

NordVPN’s headquarters are in Panama, ExpressVPN’s are in the British Virgin Islands, and Surfshark’s are in the Netherlands. None of these countries has data retention laws, so they’re suitable locations for a VPN company to call home.

Server locations

The number of servers and their locations can make or break your VPN experience. Server congestion and proximity are critical factors in determining connection speed. 

More servers — in more locations — mean you have a better chance of finding an uncrowded server nearby, no matter where you are. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark have widespread server networks, so your choice may simply depend on who has more servers in locations you’ll be connecting to most frequently.

All three VPN providers have a similar number of server locations. Surfshark has the most server locations in regions such as South America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, making it a great choice in these areas. 

NordVPN has the most servers and locations available. It offers loads of servers in North America and Europe, with 1,970+ servers in the US alone. 

ExpressVPN also has an impressive server infrastructure but has fewer servers than Surfshark and significantly fewer servers than NordVPN. It’s also worth noting that a small portion of ExpressVPN’s servers are virtual. All of Surfshark’s and NordVPN’s servers are physical.

Streaming performance

There are two types of people in this world: those who know the pain of a buffer screen in the middle of their favorite show and those who don’t. 

Thankfully, a VPN is unlikely to slow your connection to a point where you can’t watch video content online. So, as long as your connection works fine with regular internet traffic, buffering shouldn’t be an issue.

Netflix’s recommendations give us a rough idea of the speeds needed to watch movies and TV shows. Keep in mind that the number may vary slightly for other streaming services.

Some streaming platforms may not work well with smaller VPN providers. Thankfully, this isn’t true with Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN. They all work great with major streaming platforms, so you should be able to watch your favorite shows and movies while enjoying greater network security from a VPN.

Connection speeds

Your connection speed depends on much more than server crowdedness and location. Encryption, server bandwidth, and your network setup play a role in determining your VPN connection speed.

Running a speed test is the easiest way to see which of the three VPN providers is the fastest. So we booted the Ookla Speed Test tool and compared average speeds on a local server and servers in Dallas, Tokyo, and Sydney to check how well each VPN service provider does.

To get the best speeds, we used each provider’s fastest protocol. For Surfshark, this means we used WireGuard. We used NordVPN and ExpressVPN’s respective proprietary protocols, NordLynx and Lightway.

Before connecting to a VPN, we ran a speed test to determine the baseline speed. It’s used as a reference point to see how much a VPN connection affects speed. 

• Download speed — 266.89Mbps;
• Upload speed — 214.97Mbps;
• Ping — 110ms.

The results on a local server were nearly identical, with only slight deviations either way.

International VPN servers were a whole different story, though. Surfshark and NordVPN showed similar results. You would expect this since NordLynx is built around the WireGuard protocol. While ExpressVPN had slightly lower download speeds on all international servers, its upload speeds were considerably higher. 

Keep in mind that download speed has the biggest impact on your browsing experience. If you upload large files online regularly, the difference in upload speed is worth noting.

In sum, Surfshark or NordVPN may be better options for casual users, while ExpressVPN can help users who routinely upload large files online.

VPN protocols

VPN protocols are sets of rules that determine how data moves between your device and a VPN server. Without diving into too much detail, these protocols make it possible for users to establish a safe connection to the internet. 

WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN are considered the best VPN protocols due to their speed and security features. Some companies have created their own protocols, as ExpressVPN did with Lightway or NordVPN with its NordLynx, both of which have been tested and proven to be good options.

OpenVPN is the slowest out of the lot, but it’s been around for a long time and is a reliable, secure workhorse. IKEV2 is an excellent option for mobile devices because it automatically reconnects when switching networks. WireGuard is the fastest VPN protocol available today, which is why NordVPN chose to build NordLynx around it.

OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard are all widely used. Lightway, on the other hand, was created by ExpressVPN and is only available with their services. It’s open-source, so anyone can test it. Much like the secure protocols mentioned above, Lightway has no known vulnerabilities.

Customer support

Sometimes, things go wrong. When they do, you want a good customer support team ready to help.

Thankfully, Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN all offer extensive knowledge bases, 24/7 live chat support, and email ticketing systems. Their help centers have answers to the most common questions, and if you have an issue you can’t resolve yourself, customer support agents are ready to help at any time.

Reaching a live chat customer support agent is a quick and painless experience with any of these providers. The agents are knowledgeable, and any questions they can’t solve on the spot are forwarded to a ticketing system. Either way, your issue won’t go unanswered.

For those of you who like video content, each provider has extensive guides on YouTube. Anyone who doesn’t fancy reading help desk articles can watch their videos and find assistance for the most common issues.

Audits

In the VPN world, independent audits establish whether company claims are valid. Every provider can say what it wants about a VPN’s capabilities, but these are just empty words if they can’t be backed up.

VPN makers get bonus points if the audits are carried out by well-known and reputable firms like Cure53, PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), or Deloitte. Such audits show that a company is willing to stand behind its product and can be trusted. As you would expect from leading VPN providers, Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN have all undergone multiple audits over the years.

Surfshark audits

Launched in 2018, Surfshark is the youngest company out of the three. While some may not even think about audits in the first years of development, Surfshark started early with a 2018 audit of its browser extensions by Cure53. In 2021, Cure53 also audited the entire server infrastructure, followed by an assurance report by Deloitte that verified Surfshark VPN’s pledge not to track browsing data. 

No critical issues were found during these audits, and any minor issues were quickly resolved.

NordVPN audits

NordVPN has emphasized proving its no-logs claim, as its no-logs policy has already been audited four times. The first two audits were completed by PWC in 2018 and 2020, with assurance reports from Deloitte coming in 2022 and 2023. 

In addition, VerSprite completed an audit of NordVPN’s apps in 2019, while Cure53 audited app and infrastructure security in 2022. Just as with Surfshark, any detected vulnerabilities were quickly sorted, and no critical issues were found.

ExpressVPN audits

As you might expect, independent auditors have also given ExpressVPN a thorough shakedown. PwC audited ExpressVPN’s privacy policy back in 2019, and its no-logs policy was certified in a 2022 KPMG audit. Also, in 2022, Cure53 audited both its network security and Lightway protocol.

Most recently, a 2024 examination by cybersecurity firm Nettitude reaffirmed the security level of ExpressVPN’s Windows app.

Security and encryption

Encryption

AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)-256 is the magic combination of numbers and letters you should look for in every VPN provider. It’s the best encryption algorithm available today — so it’s no surprise that Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN all use it. 

Kill switch

Many VPN providers use a kill switch, an additional safety measure that shuts down an internet connection if it drops. This ensures no sensitive data is leaked if your VPN connection goes down. All three VPNs have one — ExpressVPN just named theirs with a bit more flair.

Cloaking technology

During regular VPN use, your traffic is hidden, but it’s still possible to tell that you’re using a VPN. In countries with oppressive censorship, you might want to hide that you’re using a VPN. That’s where cloaking technology comes into play.

NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN all have obfuscated servers. Simply connect to one of these servers and browse the internet freely in areas where many basic freedoms are restricted.

Extra features

Ad and pop-up blockers

Both Surfshark and NordVPN have ad and pop-up blocking features, which are part of Surfshark’s CleanWeb and NordVPN’s Threat Protection. ExpressVPN has an ad blocker but doesn’t block audio or video ads, possibly exposing you to malicious websites.

Split tunneling

A VPN connection encrypts all of your data. You can set up a split tunnel if you want some apps or websites to stay unaffected by your VPN. You select what’s treated as VPN traffic and what remains under an unprotected connection. This feature is convenient for excluding banking apps, wireless devices, or data-heavy activities from the VPN.

Double VPN

A double VPN routes traffic through two different VPN servers instead of one. It can slow your connection speed but provides even more network security. Due to the drop in speed, using a double VPN for your everyday activities isn’t recommended, but it’s a great option when you need that extra bit of privacy.

Surfshark calls its double VPN service Dynamic MultiHop, while NordVPN sticks with the Double VPN name. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, doesn’t offer a double VPN option.

GPS spoofing

A VPN typically hides your IP address without changing your GPS location. You’ll need a GPS spoofing feature to trick your GPS into thinking you’re elsewhere. 

Surfshark offers this feature for Android users, and ExpressVPN has it available for macOS, iOS, and Linux. NordVPN doesn’t have a GPS spoofing feature.

Dedicated IP

A dedicated IP is the best option if you want to use a VPN while keeping the same IP address only you can use. This helps avoid frequent CAPTCHAs and issues with certain apps that arise when you constantly change and share your IP address. 

NordVPN and Surfshark offer a dedicated IP option as a paid service separate from the base VPN package. Surfshark offers static IPs with all its plans, which also never change, but you have to share them with other users. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, doesn’t offer options for dedicated or shared IPs.

Alternative ID

As a provider of an all-in-one cybersecurity suite, Surfshark offers additional safety features like Alternative ID. Alternative ID allows you to generate new personal details and an email address to avoid spam and scams on websites you don’t trust.

NordVPN and ExpressVPN don’t offer such a feature to boost all-around network security.

Price

Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN are all leading VPN providers, but not all of them come with a premium VPN price. Each provider offers different plans, and you’ll get a hefty discount if you commit to a long-term subscription.

The price for short-term plans is very similar for each provider — with long-term plans, you start seeing a big difference.

Reddit reviews: Surfshark vs. NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN

The Reddit community often has valuable opinions. After sifting through various subreddits, here’s the consensus on these three VPN providers:

• Redditors say all three are good VPN apps, praising their robust encryption, extensive server networks, impressive customer support, and 30-day money-back guarantees;
• They love that Surfshark has many additional features and believe it has the best value for money;
• Reddit’s users are impressed by NordVPN’s fast speeds;
• They appreciate NordVPN’s and Surfshark’s ad blockers;
• The community believes that ExpressVPN is great, but it’s a bit pricey.

There is also a subreddit r/VPN with a VPN comparison table thread where Redditors review the VPNs they tried. VPN users update the comprehensive table regularly, which should help you choose a tool based on the community’s latest experiences.

As of September 1, 2024, Redditors rank Surfshark as one of the top two VPN providers.

ExpressVPN vs. NordVPN vs. Surfshark recap

Surfshark has the most widespread server network and is the only one that offers unlimited simultaneous connections, making it particularly helpful if you use many devices or want to take advantage of a family plan.

NordVPN has the greatest number of servers, most of which are in North America and Europe, so it’s a solid choice in these regions. Both Surfshark and NordVPN have an impressive fleet of extra security features.

ExpressVPN may have fewer features than the other two providers, but it’s good at providing a secure and private online experience. During our speed test, ExpressVPN also had the highest upload speed on international servers.

Surfshark vs. NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN — which one should you choose?

Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN are the three most popular VPN providers. All offer unique packages to users while keeping them safe and private online.

However, numerous factors make Surfshark a strong candidate worth considering. It offers the best value for the price, allows unlimited connections, and has a graphical user interface that’s easy on the eyes. For advanced network security, Surfshark is a safe bet.

FAQ

Is Surfshark better than ExpressVPN?

Both ExpressVPN and Surfhark are great VPN choices, each with unique strengths. Compared to ExpressVPN, Surfshark has more features and lets you enjoy VPN protection over unlimited simultaneous connections.

Is Surfshark better than NordVPN?

When examining NordVPN vs. Surfshark, the two providers offer a similar VPN experience. They both boast industry-leading encryption and plenty of extra safety features. Surfshark has many servers in South America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, which makes it a great option if you travel or live in these regions. NordVPN has more servers in North America and Europe. 

What is better than Surfshark?

No VPN is objectively better than Surfshark. Surfshark performs well in speed tests and is flexible enough to work on devices as diverse as Android TV or Apple TV, something not all VPN clients can offer. Extras like Camouflage mode and the Bypasser split tunneling feature further help Surfshark stand out.