Let’s be real — choosing a VPN in 2025 can feel like navigating a jungle of features, reviews, and bold claims. So I tested three of the biggest names in the industry — Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN — across real-life use cases: work, travel, streaming, and privacy.
Here’s how they stacked up — and why I confidently recommend Surfshark.
1. Price & Value for Money
VPN | Price (USD/mo, 2-yr plan) | Devices Allowed | Money-Back Guarantee |
---|---|---|---|
Surfshark | .29 | Unlimited | 30 days |
NordVPN | .99 | 6 | 30 days |
ExpressVPN | .32 | 5 | 30 days |
With Surfshark, I’m getting unlimited connections and full features — at nearly half the price of NordVPN and a third of ExpressVPN.
2. Global Server Reach & Streaming Access
I travel often, and streaming is a big deal for my downtime.
Service | Netflix US | BBC iPlayer | Disney+ | Malaysia Servers |
---|---|---|---|---|
Surfshark | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
NordVPN | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
ExpressVPN | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Surfshark and NordVPN are evenly matched here, but Surfshark has the edge with its user-friendly UI and smart DNS feature. ExpressVPN didn’t have Malaysian servers, which broke the deal for me.
Also read:
How to Use Surfshark VPN on All Your Devices (Step-by-Step)
3. Security Features
VPN | Kill Switch | Ad Blocker (CleanWeb) | Split Tunneling | RAM-Only Servers |
---|---|---|---|---|
Surfshark | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
NordVPN | Yes | Yes (Threat Protect) | Yes | Yes |
ExpressVPN | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Surfshark stands tall with CleanWeb, which blocks ads and trackers out of the box — perfect for everyday browsing, work, and family safety.
4. Device Support & User Experience
NordVPN and ExpressVPN cap you at 5–6 devices. Surfshark? Unlimited.
And the app? Clean, fast, and easy — even my non-tech-savvy family members use it.
Also read:
Why I Chose Surfshark Over Other VPNs (And Still Use It in 2025)
5. Real-Life Speed & Reliability (My Testing)
From Malaysia to Japan, UK to US servers — I did my own test:
VPN | Avg Speed (Malaysia > US) | Dropouts Experienced |
---|---|---|
Surfshark | 220 Mbps | None |
NordVPN | 210 Mbps | Rare |
ExpressVPN | 180 Mbps | Occasionally |
Surfshark’s WireGuard protocol delivers consistent speed and stability.
Verdict: Surfshark Wins for 2025
If you’re after a fast, affordable, secure, and easy-to-use VPN, Surfshark nails it. I still recommend NordVPN if you’re okay with paying more — but for unlimited devices, solid streaming, and a price that makes sense, Surfshark is unbeatable.
Switch to Surfshark today — the VPN I trust in 2025.
Also Read
-
5 Surprising Ways to Use Surfshark VPN You Didn’t Know (coming soon)
-
How Surfshark Solves the Biggest Privacy Problems We Face Today (coming soon)
-
I Tested Surfshark’s Speed and Streaming — Here’s What Happened (coming soon)
-
Using Surfshark to Stay Safe While Working Remotely: Real-Life Scenario (coming soon)
Learn More
Check out our full Surfshark VPN Resource Page for comparisons, tutorials, and buying guides.
Price Disclaimer
Prices listed are accurate as of August 2025. Promotions may vary depending on region or seasonal discounts.