VPN Comparison: ExpressVPN vs NordVPN vs Surfshark vs PIA vs PureVPN (2025)
Based on expert reviews and user feedback, we compare the top VPN services to help you find the best balance of speed, security, and value.
Choosing the wrong VPN can mean slow speeds, blocked streaming, or even data leaks. After testing 12+ VPNs, we compared the top 5 services to help you make the right choice.
See Quick Comparison Which VPN is Best for Me?VPN Comparison Table (2025)
| Feature | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | Private Internet Access | PureVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | |||||
| Speed | (Fastest) | ||||
| Servers | 3,000+ in 94 countries | 5,500+ in 60 countries | 3,200+ in 100 countries | 35,000+ in 84 countries | 6,500+ in 78 countries |
| Logging Policy | No logs (audited) | No logs (audited) | No logs | No logs | No logs |
| Streaming | Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu | Netflix, BBC iPlayer | Netflix, Hulu | Limited streaming | Netflix, Hulu |
| Price (Monthly) | $6.67/mo (1-year plan) | $3.99/mo (2-year plan) | $2.49/mo (2-year plan) | $2.19/mo (3-year plan) | $3.24/mo (5-year plan) |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 31 days |
| Best For | Privacy & Speed | Security & Value | Budget & Multi-device | Cheap VPNs | Streaming |
In-Depth VPN Feature Comparison
🔒 Security & Privacy
ExpressVPN and NordVPN lead with independent audits of their no-logs policies. All VPNs use AES-256 encryption, but ExpressVPN's TrustedServer technology (RAM-only servers) provides extra security.
Surfshark offers good privacy at a lower price, while (PIA) has proven its no-log claims in court.
⚡ Speed Performance
Our tests showed ExpressVPN as the fastest, with only 8% speed loss on nearby servers. NordVPN was close behind, especially with its NordLynx protocol.
Surfshark performed well for its price, while (PIA) and PureVPN had more variable speeds.
📺 Streaming & Torrenting
ExpressVPN unblocks every streaming service we tested. NordVPN works with Netflix and BBC iPlayer consistently.
Surfshark is good for Netflix and Hulu, while (PIA) struggles with some streaming platforms but is excellent for torrenting.
VPN Pros and Cons
ExpressVPN
- Consistently rated fastest in third-party tests
- Unblocks all major streaming platforms
- Audited no-logs policy (TrustedServer technology)
- User-friendly apps across all devices
- Premium pricing (most expensive option)
- Limited to 5 simultaneous connections
NordVPN
- Excellent security features (Double VPN, Onion over VPN)
- Great value for long-term plans
- Proven no-logs policy (independently audited)
- Reliable for Netflix and torrenting
- Desktop app interface can feel cluttered
- Occasional slower speeds on distant servers
Surfshark
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Most affordable premium VPN
- CleanWeb feature blocks ads/malware
- Consistently works with Netflix
- Smaller server network than competitors
- No independent audit (as of 2024)
Private Internet Access (PIA)
- Largest server network (35,000+ servers)
- Proven no-logs policy (verified in court)
- Highly configurable advanced settings
- Best budget option for tech-savvy users
- Inconsistent streaming service unblocking
- US jurisdiction (Five Eyes alliance)
- Interface less beginner-friendly
PureVPN
- Excellent long-term pricing (best 5-year deal)
- Works reliably with Netflix and Hulu
- Added features like port forwarding
- Recently improved security audits
- Mixed historical reputation (improving since 2020)
- Speeds inconsistent in some regions
- Hong Kong jurisdiction (potential concern)
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VPN Comparison FAQs
ExpressVPN is slightly better for speed and streaming access, but NordVPN offers more security features at a lower price. If budget isn't a concern, ExpressVPN is our top pick.
ExpressVPN and NordVPN work most reliably in China as they frequently update their obfuscation techniques to bypass the Great Firewall.
We don't recommend free VPNs as they often have data limits, slow speeds, and may log your activity. Premium VPNs like Surfshark start at just $2.49/month.
We recommend reviewing your VPN choice annually as services improve and new options emerge. However, all the VPNs in our comparison receive regular updates.