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Surfshark One
Surfshark One is the fastest VPN I tested in this matchup and the only one of the three with unlimited devices. It also bundles antivirus and breach alerts for less than either rival charges for a plain VPN.
- 4500+ servers in 100+ countries
- Unlimited devices
- Antivirus
- CleanWeb
- NoBorders
- Everlink
- 96% speed retention in my tests
- Unlimited devices
- Antivirus plus Alert and Alternative ID included
- Dynamic MultiHop and Nexus IP rotation
- RAM-only servers with Deloitte-audited no-logs
- Netherlands base in Nine Eyes
- Owned by Nord Security
- Higher renewal price
- Some tools not on every platform
Surfshark, ExpressVPN and NordVPN are the three names I get asked about most in my YouTube comments, and those questions spike every November. All three are polished, independently audited and fast enough for 4K streaming and torrenting. They are not interchangeable, though, and the wrong pick can cost you speed, device slots or a lot of money at renewal.
I’ve tested VPNs full time for more than four years and published 600+ VPN videos on my two YouTube channels, All Things VPN and VPNR. For this early Black Friday 2026 update, I re-ran my speed tests and rechecked the deals on Surfshark One, ExpressVPN Basic and NordVPN Complete. Below, I compare them on speed, privacy, features, streaming and price, and explain why Surfshark One stays my top pick.
Surfshark vs ExpressVPN vs NordVPN: my ranking
Here’s the short version before the details. All three are good VPNs, so the ranking comes down to speed, value and how much you get for each dollar.
- 1. Surfshark One: best overall, fastest in my tests (96%), unlimited devices and a full security bundle for $2.49/mo.
- 2. ExpressVPN Basic: easiest to use and the best of the three for streaming, at $2.99/mo with 4 extra months.
- 3. NordVPN Complete: the biggest premium security bundle, but pricier and slower than Surfshark One at $4.49/mo.
Surfshark One
Fastest in my tests, with unlimited devices and antivirus for $2.49/mo on the 2-year plan.
- 96% speed retention
- Unlimited devices
- Antivirus and Alert
- + 3 months free
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN Basic is the simplest VPN here and excellent for streaming, at $2.99/mo.
- 91% speed retention
- 10 devices
- Lightway with post-quantum protection
- + 4 months free
NordVPN
NordVPN Complete adds antivirus, a password manager and 1 TB of cloud storage for $4.49/mo.
- 91% speed retention
- 10 devices
- Meshnet and Double VPN
- + 3 months free
Quick comparison table
| VPN | Best for | Speed retention | Devices | Network | Early Black Friday price | First payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Surfshark One | Best overall, fastest, best bundle | 96% | Unlimited | 4500+ servers, 100+ countries | $2.49/mo (88% off + 3 months) | $67.23 for 27 months |
| 2. ExpressVPN Basic | Easiest to use, streaming | 91% | 10 | 3000+ servers, 113 countries | $2.99/mo (80% off + 4 months) | $83.72 for 28 months |
| 3. NordVPN Complete | Premium security bundle | 91% | 10 | 225+ locations, 10 Gbps servers | $4.49/mo (75% off + 3 months) | $121.23 for 27 months |
How I tested Surfshark, ExpressVPN and NordVPN
I run every VPN through the same routine, so the numbers below are comparable. Nothing here comes from a press kit: these are results from my own connection and my own devices.
Measure a clean baseline
I test my unprotected connection several times first, so each VPN result is measured against a fresh baseline from the same session.
Use each VPN’s fastest protocol
Surfshark runs on WireGuard, ExpressVPN on Lightway and NordVPN on NordLynx. Comparing each provider at its best is the fairest way to see the real gap.
Test near and far servers at different times
I connect to nearby and long-distance locations in the morning, afternoon and evening peak, then average the results into a single retention figure.
Check leaks and streaming
Every app goes through IP, DNS and WebRTC leak tests, plus real playback on the big streaming platforms. None of the three leaked in my tests.
Speed results: which VPN is fastest?
Surfshark One came out on top again, keeping 96% of my base speed. ExpressVPN and NordVPN tied at 91%, which is still excellent and far ahead of most VPNs I test. In daily use, you won’t notice lag with any of them on a decent connection.
| VPN | Protocol | Speed retention (my tests) |
|---|---|---|
| Surfshark One | WireGuard | 96% |
| ExpressVPN | Lightway | 91% |
| NordVPN | NordLynx (WireGuard-based) | 91% |
The 5-point gap matters most on long-distance servers and on fast fiber plans, where every percent of overhead shows up in downloads. On a typical home connection, all three handle 4K streaming, gaming and large torrents without trouble. If raw speed is your priority, though, Surfshark One is the one I’d pick.
1. Surfshark One
Surfshark One is my #1 VPN overall, and it wins this three-way comparison on speed, devices and price. It’s the fastest VPN I tested, it has no device limit, and the One plan adds antivirus and breach alerts on top of the VPN. At $2.49/mo, it also undercuts both rivals.
Surfshark One
Surfshark One is the fastest VPN I tested in this matchup and the only one of the three with unlimited devices. It also bundles antivirus and breach alerts for less than either rival charges for a plain VPN.
- 4500+ servers in 100+ countries
- Unlimited devices
- Antivirus
- CleanWeb
- NoBorders
- Everlink
- 96% speed retention in my tests
- Unlimited devices
- Antivirus plus Alert and Alternative ID included
- Dynamic MultiHop and Nexus IP rotation
- RAM-only servers with Deloitte-audited no-logs
- Netherlands base in Nine Eyes
- Owned by Nord Security
- Higher renewal price
- Some tools not on every platform
What you get with Surfshark One
The One plan turns Surfshark into a full privacy and security suite. Here’s what stood out in my testing:
- Antivirus and Alert: real-time malware protection plus data breach monitoring for your emails and personal details.
- Alternative ID: a separate online identity and email address for sign-ups you don’t trust.
- Scam protection and CleanWeb: blocks ads, trackers and malicious sites before they load.
- Dynamic MultiHop and Nexus IP rotation: custom double-hop routes and an IP address that changes during your session.
- NoBorders and Everlink: keeps the VPN working on restricted networks and reconnects you if a server drops.
- GPS override: matches your phone’s location to your VPN server.
On privacy, Surfshark uses RAM-only servers, and Deloitte has audited its no-logs policy. The Netherlands is a Nine Eyes country, which is the main jurisdiction knock against it. In my view, an audited no-logs policy on RAM-only servers matters more than the flag on the headquarters, because there’s nothing stored to hand over.
One thing worth knowing in this comparison: Surfshark is owned by Nord Security, the same group behind NordVPN. The two still run separate apps, networks and pricing, and Surfshark beats NordVPN on speed, devices and price in my tests. For the full breakdown, see my Surfshark One review and Surfshark Antivirus review.
What I liked
- Fastest VPN in this comparison at 96% speed retention
- Unlimited devices on one subscription
- Antivirus, Alert and Alternative ID included in the One plan
- Cheapest first payment of the three at $67.23 for 27 months
- RAM-only servers and a Deloitte-audited no-logs policy
What I didn’t like
- Based in the Netherlands, a Nine Eyes country
- Owned by Nord Security
- Renewal price is higher than the first term
- Some tools aren’t available on every platform
Read my full Surfshark review or grab the latest code on my Surfshark coupon page.
Want to see the full ranking?
Surfshark One leads my list of the best VPNs I have tested, ahead of IPVanish, ExpressVPN, Proton VPN and six more providers.
See the best VPNs →2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN Basic is the easiest VPN of the three and my favorite for streaming. The apps are clean enough for complete beginners, and Lightway connects almost instantly. It finished second because it costs more than Surfshark One, caps you at 10 devices and leaves out the security extras on the Basic plan.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN Basic is the easiest VPN here to set up and the most dependable for streaming. It costs more than Surfshark One and skips the extras, but the apps are excellent.
- 10 devices
- All 50 US states
- P2P on every server
- Lightway protocol
- Simplest apps of the three
- Lightway with post-quantum protection
- 3000+ servers in 113 countries
- RAM-only TrustedServer and 10+ independent audits
- Router firmware with kill switch
- Owned by Kape Technologies
- Pricier than Surfshark One
- No Double VPN or Meshnet
- No ad blocking on Basic
ExpressVPN now runs 3000+ servers in 113 countries, and its July 2026 expansion added servers in all 50 US states. Every server is RAM-only under its TrustedServer setup, and the company has gone through 10+ independent audits. P2P works on every server, and its router firmware includes a kill switch for whole-home protection.
The catch is that Basic is a pure VPN. Ad and tracker blocking, the ExpressVPN Keys password manager and extra device slots sit on the higher tiers, which cost noticeably more:
| ExpressVPN plan | Price | First payment | Devices | What it adds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (the deal) | $2.99/mo (80% off) | $83.72 for 28 months | 10 | Lightway, TrustedServer, P2P on every server |
| Advanced | $4.49/mo (73% off) | $125.72 for 28 months | 12 | Advanced Protection, ExpressVPN Keys |
| Pro | $7.49/mo (67% off) | $209.72 for 28 months | 14 | Dedicated IP |
What I liked
- The cleanest, simplest apps in this comparison
- Excellent streaming performance
- Lightway with post-quantum protection
- Servers in all 50 US states and 113 countries
- RAM-only TrustedServer and 10+ independent audits
What I didn’t like
- Owned by Kape Technologies
- Pricier than Surfshark One for fewer features
- No Double VPN or Meshnet
- No ad blocking on the Basic plan
Read my full ExpressVPN review or check today’s price on my ExpressVPN coupon page.
3. NordVPN
NordVPN Complete is the most feature-packed bundle in this comparison. You get NordLynx, 10 Gbps servers, antivirus, a password manager, 1 TB of cloud storage and identity monitoring in one subscription. It ties ExpressVPN on speed, but it’s slower than Surfshark One and costs almost twice as much.
NordVPN
NordVPN Complete packs the biggest security bundle in this comparison, from antivirus to cloud storage and identity monitoring. It ties ExpressVPN on speed but costs nearly twice as much as Surfshark One.
- 225+ locations
- RAM-only servers
- Multiple no-logs audits
- Scam and spam protection
- NordLynx and 10 Gbps servers
- Antivirus plus password manager
- 1 TB cloud storage
- Identity and bank transaction monitoring
- Meshnet and Double VPN and Onion Over VPN
- Steep renewal price
- 10 device limit
- Some monitoring features not in every country
- Slower and pricier than Surfshark One
NordVPN Complete goes beyond the VPN with a long list of extras:
- Next-gen antivirus plus scam and spam protection
- Call and message protection
- A built-in password manager
- 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage
- Identity, SSN and bank transaction monitoring
- Meshnet, Double VPN and Onion Over VPN
Privacy is solid. NordVPN runs RAM-only servers, has passed multiple no-logs audits and is based in Panama, outside the Five, Nine and Fourteen Eyes alliances. The weak spots are price and limits: the renewal is steep, you’re capped at 10 devices, and some monitoring tools aren’t available in every country.
What I liked
- The richest security bundle of the three
- Fast NordLynx protocol and 10 Gbps servers
- Meshnet, Double VPN and Onion Over VPN
- Panama jurisdiction and multiple no-logs audits
What I didn’t like
- Most expensive deal here at $121.23 up front
- Steep renewal price
- Limited to 10 devices
- Slower than Surfshark One in my tests
Read my full NordVPN review or see the current code on my NordVPN coupon page. If you’re only weighing two of these, my Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison goes deeper.
Price comparison: early Black Friday 2026 deals
Price is where Surfshark One pulls clearly ahead. It costs less per month than ExpressVPN Basic while including antivirus and breach alerts that Basic doesn’t have. NordVPN Complete matches Surfshark One on extras but charges $54 more for the first term.
| Plan | Monthly price | Discount | Bonus | First payment | Devices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surfshark One (2-year) | $2.49/mo | 88% off | + 3 months free | $67.23 for 27 months | Unlimited |
| ExpressVPN Basic (24-month) | $2.99/mo | 80% off | + 4 months free | $83.72 for 28 months | 10 |
| NordVPN Complete (2-year) | $4.49/mo | 75% off | + 3 months free | $121.23 for 27 months | 10 |
Look at what each dollar buys. ExpressVPN Advanced, the tier that adds ad blocking and a password manager, costs $4.49/mo, the same as NordVPN Complete and $2 more than Surfshark One. For a household with lots of devices, Surfshark’s unlimited connections widen the value gap even further.
Should you wait until November 27?
Black Friday 2026 is Friday, November 27, and Cyber Monday follows on November 30. These early Black Friday prices are already at or near the lowest I’ve tracked for all three providers. If you need a VPN now, I wouldn’t wait, since the money-back guarantee covers you either way.
Privacy and security compared
All three use AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption, RAM-only servers, kill switches and independently audited no-logs policies. None of them leaked my IP or DNS in testing. The real differences are jurisdiction, ownership and advanced routing options.
| Feature | Surfshark One | ExpressVPN Basic | NordVPN Complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | Netherlands (Nine Eyes) | British Virgin Islands | Panama |
| Owner | Nord Security | Kape Technologies | Nord Security |
| No-logs audits | Deloitte-audited | 10+ independent audits | Multiple no-logs audits |
| RAM-only servers | Yes | Yes (TrustedServer) | Yes |
| Multi-hop routing | Dynamic MultiHop | No | Double VPN |
| Onion Over VPN | No | No | Yes |
| IP rotation | Nexus IP rotation | No | No |
| Post-quantum protocol | Not highlighted | Lightway | Not highlighted |
NordVPN has the cleanest jurisdiction on paper, and ExpressVPN’s BVI base is also outside the main surveillance alliances. Surfshark’s Dutch base is its weakest point, but the Deloitte audit and RAM-only setup mean there’s no stored activity data to request. For most people, that verified no-logs policy matters more than the country.
For multi-hop fans, Surfshark’s Dynamic MultiHop lets you pick both servers yourself, while NordVPN offers fixed Double VPN pairs plus Onion Over VPN. ExpressVPN has neither. If advanced routing matters to you, ExpressVPN is the weakest of the three here.
Features: what each plan actually includes
| Feature | Surfshark One | ExpressVPN Basic | NordVPN Complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antivirus | Yes | No | Yes |
| Ad and tracker blocker | CleanWeb | No (Advanced tier only) | Yes |
| Scam protection | Yes | No | Yes, plus call and message protection |
| Password manager | No | No (Keys on Advanced tier) | Yes |
| Breach or identity monitoring | Alert | No | Identity, SSN and bank monitoring |
| Alternative ID | Yes | No | No |
| GPS override | Yes | No | No |
| Cloud storage | No | No | 1 TB |
| Meshnet | No | No | Yes |
| Dedicated IP | Paid add-on | Pro tier | Paid add-on |
NordVPN Complete has the longest feature list, especially if you want cloud storage, a password manager and financial monitoring in one place. Surfshark One covers the essentials (antivirus, breach alerts, scam protection) and adds privacy tools NordVPN doesn’t have, like Alternative ID and IP rotation. ExpressVPN Basic is the most stripped down, so you’re paying for the VPN experience alone.
If you also want cloud backup and a password manager from Surfshark, take a look at my Surfshark One+ review. For most people, though, the standard One plan hits the sweet spot between price and protection.
Streaming: Netflix, Disney+ and more
All three unblocked every major platform I tested. ExpressVPN connected to the right library most smoothly, which is why I call it the best of the three for streaming. Surfshark and NordVPN were close behind and never failed a test.
| Platform | Surfshark One | ExpressVPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix (US, UK, Japan, Canada, Australia) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Disney+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Amazon Prime Video | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hulu | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Max | Yes | Yes | Yes |
For streaming households, Surfshark’s unlimited devices are a big practical advantage. You can protect your router, Fire Stick, TVs, laptops and phones without counting slots. For platform-specific picks, see my guides to the best VPN for Amazon Prime Video and the best VPN for Firestick.
Servers, apps and devices
Each provider builds its network differently, so the raw numbers don’t line up neatly. Here’s how they compare in practice:
- Surfshark: 4500+ servers in 100+ countries, with unlimited devices on one account.
- ExpressVPN: 3000+ servers in 113 countries, including all 50 US states, with 10 devices on Basic.
- NordVPN: 225+ locations backed by 10 Gbps servers, with 10 devices.
All three have apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Fire TV and Android TV, plus browser extensions. ExpressVPN’s router firmware is the easiest whole-home setup, and it includes a kill switch. On iOS, all three lose a few settings because of Apple’s restrictions, which is a platform limit rather than a VPN flaw.
Torrenting and P2P
All three allow torrenting. Surfshark and ExpressVPN support P2P on every server, so you don’t have to hunt for a special location. NordVPN routes P2P traffic through dedicated servers, which works well but adds one more step.
Speed is the deciding factor for big downloads, and Surfshark One’s 96% retention gave it the edge in my torrent tests. None of the three offers port forwarding. If you need that, my PrivateVPN review and Private Internet Access review cover two providers that do.
Customer support
Surfshark, ExpressVPN and NordVPN all offer 24/7 live chat, email support and detailed help centers. In my tests, live chat answered within a few minutes on all three. ExpressVPN’s agents were the quickest to solve setup questions, but none of them let me down.
Which VPN should you choose?
Choose Surfshark One if you want
- The fastest speeds in this comparison
- Unlimited devices for the whole household
- Antivirus, breach alerts and Alternative ID for $2.49/mo
- The best overall value of the three
Choose ExpressVPN Basic if you want
- The simplest apps for a first VPN
- The smoothest streaming experience
- US servers in all 50 states
- Router firmware with a built-in kill switch
Choose NordVPN Complete if you want
- Cloud storage, a password manager and identity monitoring in one plan
- Meshnet, Double VPN and Onion Over VPN
- A Panama jurisdiction outside the surveillance alliances
- And you don’t mind paying almost twice as much as Surfshark One
Other VPNs worth considering
If none of these three feels right, these are the other providers on my shortlist this Black Friday season:
- IPVanish: unlimited devices, 93% speed retention and live 24/7 chat for $2.19/mo, plus a 3 GB eSIM data gift.
- Proton VPN: my pick for privacy, with open-source apps, Secure Core and a free plan with no data cap. VPN Plus costs $2.99/mo on the 2-year plan.
- PrivadoVPN: the cheapest option at $1.11/mo, based in Iceland, with the best free plan (10GB a month).
- CyberGhost: a 45-day money-back guarantee on qualifying plans for $2.19/mo, though it’s also owned by Kape Technologies.
- Private Internet Access: unlimited devices, open-source apps and port forwarding for $2.19/mo, but it was the slowest in my tests.
Frequently asked questions
Is Surfshark faster than NordVPN and ExpressVPN?
Yes, in my tests. Surfshark One kept 96% of my base speed, while ExpressVPN and NordVPN both kept 91%. All three are fast enough for 4K streaming and gaming, but Surfshark had a measurable edge, especially on long-distance servers.
Which is cheapest: Surfshark, ExpressVPN or NordVPN?
Surfshark One is the cheapest at $2.49/mo, billed $67.23 for 27 months. ExpressVPN Basic costs $2.99/mo ($83.72 for 28 months), and NordVPN Complete costs $4.49/mo ($121.23 for 27 months). Surfshark One also includes unlimited devices and antivirus.
Are these Black Friday 2026 prices?
They’re early Black Friday deals, verified on November 1, 2026. Black Friday is Friday, November 27 and Cyber Monday is November 30. I’ll recheck every price before those dates and update this page if anything changes.
Can all three VPNs unblock Netflix?
Yes. Surfshark, ExpressVPN and NordVPN all unblocked Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Japan, Canada and Australia in my tests. They also worked with Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu and Max.
Is Surfshark safe even though it’s based in the Netherlands?
Yes, in my view. The Netherlands is a Nine Eyes country, but Deloitte has audited Surfshark’s no-logs policy and its servers run on RAM only. That means there’s no stored activity data to hand over, even if authorities asked for it.
Are Surfshark and NordVPN the same company?
Both are owned by Nord Security, but they operate as separate products with their own apps, networks and pricing. In my tests, Surfshark One was faster than NordVPN Complete, supported unlimited devices and cost less.
Who owns ExpressVPN?
Kape Technologies has owned ExpressVPN since 2021. Kape also owns CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, vpnMentor and Wizcase. ExpressVPN has completed 10+ independent audits since then, but it’s worth knowing if ownership matters to you.
Does ExpressVPN have Double VPN?
No. ExpressVPN doesn’t offer Double VPN, multi-hop routing or Meshnet. Surfshark has Dynamic MultiHop, and NordVPN has Double VPN and Onion Over VPN, so either is a better fit if you want two-server routing.
What’s included in Surfshark One?
Surfshark One bundles the VPN with Antivirus, Alert breach monitoring, Alternative ID, scam protection and CleanWeb. You also get Dynamic MultiHop, Nexus IP rotation, NoBorders, Everlink and GPS override, all with unlimited devices.
Final verdict: Surfshark One wins
After re-testing all three for Black Friday 2026, Surfshark One is still my clear winner. It was the fastest at 96%, it’s the only one with unlimited devices, and it bundles antivirus and breach alerts for $2.49/mo. That’s cheaper than ExpressVPN Basic and far cheaper than NordVPN Complete.
ExpressVPN Basic is the best pick if you want the simplest app and smooth streaming and don’t need extras. NordVPN Complete makes sense if you want cloud storage, a password manager and identity monitoring in one plan and are happy to pay for it. For everyone else, Surfshark One gives you the most for the least, and the 30-day guarantee makes it risk free to try.
Surfshark One
Surfshark One costs $2.49/mo on the 2-year plan, billed $67.23 for the first 27 months.
- 4500+ servers in 100+ countries
- Unlimited devices
- Antivirus
- CleanWeb
- NoBorders
- Everlink
