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Quick answer: For most people, NordVPN is the better buy than ExpressVPN. Both have audited no-logs policies and strong apps, but NordVPN usually costs less and has had its no-logs claims verified six times. ExpressVPN’s app is the simplest to use. If you want unlimited devices for the lowest price, Surfshark is the value pick. Check the current NordVPN deal
We compared NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark using their own published specs, their independent audit reports and their ownership history. We didn’t run our own speed tests, so we don’t make speed claims we can’t back up.
Table of Contents
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN vs Surfshark at a Glance
| NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network | Thousands of servers, 225+ locations | 113 countries | 4,500+ servers, 100 countries |
| Devices | 10 | 10, 12 or 14 by plan | Unlimited |
| Latest no-logs audit | Deloitte, Dec 2025 (6th check) | KPMG, Feb 2025 | Deloitte, 2025 (2nd check) |
| Main protocol | NordLynx (built on WireGuard) | Lightway (open source) | WireGuard |
| Based in | Panama | British Virgin Islands | Netherlands |
| Owner | Nord Security | Kape Technologies (since 2021) | Merged with Nord Security in 2022 |
| Best for | Most people | Beginners who want the simplest app | Families, lots of devices, tight budget |
Plans and prices change often, so check the current price and the renewal price before you buy.
Price: Which VPN Costs Less?
ExpressVPN has long been the most expensive of the three, and NordVPN and Surfshark usually undercut it on long plans. All three heavily discount the first term and charge more when the plan renews, so compare the renewal price, not just the headline deal. ExpressVPN now sells three tiers (Basic, Advanced and Pro), and the cheapest tier is the fairest comparison with NordVPN’s standard plan.
Privacy and Audits: Can You Trust Their No-Logs Claims?
This is the most important part of any VPN, and all three have done more than most. NordVPN had its no-logs policy checked by Deloitte in late 2025, its sixth independent verification. ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer system and no-logs claims were assessed by KPMG as of February 2025. Surfshark received its second Deloitte no-logs assurance in 2025.
An audit is a snapshot of how systems were set up at one time, not a lifetime guarantee. But a VPN with repeated audits from big firms is a much safer bet than one that just says “no logs” on its homepage.
Ownership: Who Is Behind Each VPN?
Ownership matters because you’re trusting the company with all your traffic. ExpressVPN was bought by Kape Technologies in 2021 in a deal worth about $936 million. Kape also owns other VPN brands, and its earlier history in adware made some privacy advocates cautious.
In September 2021, the US Department of Justice also announced that ExpressVPN’s then chief information officer, Daniel Gericke, was one of three former US intelligence operatives who agreed to pay penalties over hacking work for the UAE government between 2016 and 2019. ExpressVPN said it knew about his background when it hired him. There’s no evidence this affected the VPN itself, but it’s worth knowing.
Surfshark merged with Nord Security in 2022, so NordVPN and Surfshark now share a parent company, though they run as separate services.
Speed and Protocols
All three use modern, fast protocols: NordVPN’s NordLynx is built on WireGuard, Surfshark uses WireGuard, and ExpressVPN uses its own Lightway protocol, which it has open-sourced. Independent reviewers often rank NordVPN among the fastest, but results change a lot depending on your location, your internet plan and which server you pick. All three are fast enough for HD streaming and video calls on a normal home connection.
Features and Ease of Use
- NordVPN: extra privacy servers like Double VPN and Onion over VPN, plus a built-in threat protection feature. The app has a lot of options, which some beginners find busy.
- ExpressVPN: widely seen as the simplest, cleanest app. Higher tiers add ad and tracker blocking, a dedicated IP and a password manager.
- Surfshark: unlimited devices on one plan, plus higher tiers that bundle extras such as Incogni data removal. Read our review on whether Incogni is worth it.
For streaming, all three advertise support for major services like Netflix, Disney+ and BBC iPlayer, but streaming services block VPNs from time to time, so use the money-back guarantee period to check the services you care about.
NordVPN vs Surfshark: Which Should You Pick?
These two are now siblings under Nord Security, and both have recent Deloitte no-logs checks. Choose NordVPN if you want the bigger network and extra privacy servers. Choose Surfshark if you have a lot of devices or a family to cover, since it has no device limit, or if price is your top concern.
The PrimeDigger Verdict
- Best overall: NordVPN. Strong audit record, big network, and usually cheaper than ExpressVPN. Check the current NordVPN deal
- Best value: Surfshark. Unlimited devices and recent Deloitte audits at a lower price. Check the current Surfshark deal
- Simplest app: ExpressVPN. Audited and easy to use, but it usually costs more, and its ownership history is worth weighing. Visit ExpressVPN
Whatever you choose, avoid free VPNs for anything sensitive. Here’s why free VPNs can be risky. And a VPN doesn’t stop data brokers from selling your details; our free data broker removal guide covers that.
Want the deeper investigation? Our ebook The Online Predator Bible covers AI scams, data brokers and dating app privacy, and how to protect yourself. Get the ebook ($19) → See all our ebooks →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NordVPN better than ExpressVPN?
For most people, yes. NordVPN usually costs less, has a larger network and has passed six independent no-logs checks. ExpressVPN has the simplest app and is also audited, but it is usually more expensive.
Is Surfshark as good as NordVPN?
Surfshark has a smaller network but allows unlimited devices and usually costs less. Both had Deloitte no-logs assurance in 2025, and both are now part of Nord Security.
Who owns ExpressVPN?
Kape Technologies bought ExpressVPN in 2021 in a deal worth about $936 million.
Have NordVPN and ExpressVPN been audited?
Yes. Deloitte checked NordVPN in late 2025, its sixth no-logs verification. KPMG assessed ExpressVPN as of February 2025. Surfshark had a Deloitte check in 2025.
How many devices can I use?
NordVPN allows 10 devices, ExpressVPN allows 10, 12 or 14 depending on the plan, and Surfshark allows unlimited devices.
Sources
- NordVPN: Server locations
- NordVPN Help Center: How many devices can I use?
- NordVPN: No-logs assurance engagement 2025 (Deloitte)
- ExpressVPN: VPN server locations
- ExpressVPN: Available subscriptions
- ExpressVPN: KPMG 2025 no-logs policy audit
- Surfshark: Server locations
- Surfshark: Deloitte no-logs audit 2025
- TechRadar (2021): ExpressVPN to join Kape
- The Record (2021): US fines former NSA employees who provided hacker-for-hire services to UAE
