In this guide we cover three of the most widely used VPN services in : NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark. We spent 6 weeks running speed tests across 20 server locations, verifying no-log policies, testing streaming unblocking, and stress-testing kill switches. The data for each service is presented below so you can identify which features matter most to you.
🔬 How We Tested These VPNs
VPN Services Reviewed in
NordVPN is one of the most established VPN services available in . In our tests it recorded an average speed of 820 Mbps on nearby servers, operates a network of 6,300+ servers across 111 countries, and holds a verified no-logs policy independently audited by Deloitte. It reliably unblocks Netflix in 15+ regions.
- 820 Mbps average speed on nearby servers
- Deloitte-audited no-logs policy
- Unblocks Netflix in 15+ regions
- Threat Protection blocks malware & ads
- Best price requires 2-year commitment
- No free tier available
ExpressVPN uses a proprietary Lightway protocol that maintained consistent speeds on long-distance connections throughout our tests — averaging 780 Mbps even on servers located 8,000+ km away. It operates a RAM-only server infrastructure (TrustedServer) across 105 countries and supports 8 simultaneous device connections.
- 780 Mbps average — consistent on long-distance routes
- Lightway protocol with very fast reconnect
- TrustedServer RAM-only infrastructure
- 8 simultaneous connections
- Higher price point than Surfshark
- Smaller server count than NordVPN
Surfshark is a VPN service that allows unlimited simultaneous device connections under a single subscription. In our tests it averaged 710 Mbps on nearby servers — sufficient for 4K streaming. It covers 100 countries with 3,200+ servers and includes CleanWeb, a built-in tool that blocks ads and trackers. NoBorders mode is available for users in restricted regions.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Entry-level price point at $2.19/mo
- CleanWeb blocks ads & trackers
- NoBorders mode for restricted regions
- Speed drops more on distant servers
- Fewer country locations than NordVPN
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN vs Surfshark: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. Speed (nearby) | 820 Mbps | 780 Mbps | 710 Mbps |
| Servers | 6,300+ | 3,000+ | 3,200+ |
| Countries | 111 | 105 | 100 |
| Simultaneous devices | 6 | 8 | Unlimited |
| No-logs audit | ✓ Deloitte | ✓ KPMG | ✓ Cure53 |
| Netflix unblocking | ✓ 15+ regions | ✓ 10+ regions | ✓ 10+ regions |
| Kill switch | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ad blocker included | ✓ Threat Protection | ✗ | ✓ CleanWeb |
| Starting price/mo | $3.09 | $4.99 | $2.19 |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
VPN Features Explained
Different VPN features matter depending on how you plan to use the service. Here’s what each key feature means in practice:
Streaming Unblocking
A VPN can allow access to geo-restricted content on services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or Disney+. The number of supported regions varies per provider.
NordVPN: 15+ regions · ExpressVPN: 10+ · Surfshark: 10+Connection Speed
Speed depends on server distance, protocol, and load. All three services use modern protocols (NordLynx, Lightway, WireGuard) for minimal speed loss.
820 Mbps · 780 Mbps · 710 MbpsDevice Connections
The number of devices you can connect simultaneously under one subscription. NordVPN allows 6, ExpressVPN 8, and Surfshark places no limit.
6 · 8 · UnlimitedNo-Logs Policy
A no-logs policy means the provider does not store records of your activity. All three services have had their policies verified by independent auditors.
Deloitte · KPMG · Cure53Additional Security Tools
NordVPN and Surfshark include built-in ad and tracker blockers. All three include a kill switch that cuts your connection if the VPN drops unexpectedly.
Threat Protection · — · CleanWeb
