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These three VPNs consistently top independent speed tests and audits, which makes the choice less about "which one is safe" and more about which one fits your specific setup. Here's the practical breakdown.
Server network and speed
NordVPN runs one of the largest server networks of the three, spread across a wide range of countries, with NordLynx (its WireGuard-based protocol) delivering consistently fast speeds. ExpressVPN runs a smaller but very well-maintained network and has historically been the most consistent performer in independent speed tests, particularly on long-distance connections. Surfshark VPN has a comparable server footprint to NordVPN and, notably, imposes no limit on simultaneous device connections — the other two cap you at a fixed number of devices per plan.
Unlimited devices changes the math
If you're covering a whole household — phones, laptops, a streaming box, a router — Surfshark's unlimited-device policy alone can make it the better value even before comparing per-month pricing, since NordVPN and ExpressVPN both charge more to add device slots beyond their base allowance.
Streaming and torrenting
All three reliably unblock major streaming libraries and support P2P traffic, though ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer feature (a smart DNS proxy) is a useful extra for devices that don't support VPN apps directly, like some smart TVs. NordVPN's specialty servers (double VPN, obfuscated servers) are the deepest feature set here if you need more than a standard connection.
Business use
None of these three are built for team deployment — if you need centralized user management for a company, VPN & Security also carries dedicated business VPN options built for that, which is a different product category from personal VPN subscriptions.
Kill switch and audit history
All three ship a kill switch (blocking internet access if the VPN connection drops) as standard, and all three have undergone independent no-logs audits — worth checking the audit date for whichever provider you pick, since infrastructure and policies do change year to year. A provider's willingness to repeat audits regularly is a better signal than a single audit from several years ago.
Router-level installation is supported by all three for covering an entire home network at once, including devices that don't support VPN apps natively like smart TVs or game consoles — worth checking each provider's router compatibility list if that's part of your setup, since supported router models do vary.
Split tunneling — routing only specific apps through the VPN while the rest of your traffic uses your normal connection — is supported by all three and worth enabling if you only need VPN protection for certain apps rather than your entire device's traffic.
Multi-hop or double-VPN routing, which sends traffic through two servers instead of one for an extra layer of obfuscation, is a specialty feature worth checking availability for if you have a specific higher-security use case rather than everyday browsing protection.
Quick FAQ
Which VPN is best for multiple devices? Surfshark is the standout when you need one subscription across a large number of household devices because it supports unlimited simultaneous connections.
Do all three VPNs support a kill switch? Yes. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark all include a kill switch designed to block traffic if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops.
Which VPN should I choose for advanced features? NordVPN is the strongest fit if features such as specialty servers, obfuscation, and double-VPN routing are more important than having unlimited device connections.
The short version
Pick ExpressVPN for the most consistent raw speed. Pick NordVPN for the largest feature set and server count. Pick Surfshark if device count matters more than brand reputation — same core protection, no per-device limit. All three are covered in VPN & Security alongside password managers and identity protection tools.