Quick comparison: nordvpn vs expressvpn vs surfshark
| NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry plan | Basic $3.49/mo (2-year) | Basic $2.99/mo (2-year) | Starter $2.49/mo (24-month) |
| Mid tier | Complete $3.99/mo | Advanced $4.49/mo | One $2.49/mo |
| Top tier | Prime $6.99/mo | Express Pro $7.49/mo | One+ $3.99/mo |
| Devices | 10 on all tiers | 10, 12 or 14 by tier | Unlimited |
| Refund | 30 days | 30 days (new users) | 30 days |
| Renewal on page | Basic $139.08/yr; Complete $219.48/yr; Prime $296.28/yr | Not shown | Not listed |
NordVPN: three tiers with published renewals
NordVPN’s Basic plan is $3.49 a month on the 2-year option ($94.23 for the first 27 months), Complete is $3.99 ($107.73) and Prime is $6.99 ($188.73). One-year prices are $4.99, $5.99 and $8.99, and monthly plans are $14.99, $19.99 and $29.99. Renewals are $139.08, $219.48 and $296.28 a year respectively.
Every tier lists 10 simultaneous connections and a 30-day guarantee. Sales tax may apply.
- Renewal prices published
- Same 10 devices on every tier
- 30-day refund
- Higher entry price than the other two
- Monthly plans cost far more than term plans
- Upper tiers add cost steeply
ExpressVPN: device count rises with the tier
ExpressVPN lists Basic at $2.99 a month with 10 devices, Advanced at $4.49 with 12 and Express Pro at $7.49 with 14, each on a 2-year initial term, with a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users.
Renewal prices and first-term totals were not shown in the page text we read, so compare the checkout total yourself.
- Simple pricing ladder
- 30-day refund for new users
- Entry plan cheaper than NordVPN
- No renewal figures on the page we read
- Entry plan costs more than Surfshark
- Refund stated for new users only
Surfshark: lowest price and unlimited connections
Surfshark lists Starter and One at $2.49 a month on a 24-month plan with 3 extra months ($67.23 for 27 months) and One+ at $3.99 ($107.73 for 27 months). Connections are unlimited and the guarantee is 30 days.
The page says the 2-year plan renews annually at the applicable renewal price, but it does not list that price, nor monthly or 1-year prices.
- Lowest verified entry price
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- 30-day refund
- Renewal price not listed
- Monthly and 1-year prices not listed
- Starter and One show the same price on the page
Verdict: nordvpn vs expressvpn vs surfshark in 2026
Our short verdict on the nordvpn vs expressvpn vs surfshark: decide using the price, limits and data gaps shown above, not the headline discount.
If you are still comparing the nordvpn vs expressvpn vs surfshark, use the free plans, trials or refund windows as your real test.
For the lowest verified cost and the most devices, choose Surfshark. For clarity on what you will pay after the intro term, NordVPN publishes the most. ExpressVPN sits between them and is a fit if its device tiers match your household.
Because the intro prices apply to long terms and renewals can be higher, note the renewal date and the 30-day refund window when you subscribe.
Related guides for the nordvpn vs expressvpn vs surfshark: best VPN for streaming Netflix · best antivirus software for Windows 11.
Sources (vendor pages read October 2026): NordVPN pricing · ExpressVPN order page · Surfshark pricing
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN vs Surfshark FAQs
Which is cheapest: NordVPN, ExpressVPN or Surfshark?
Surfshark at $2.49 a month on its 24-month plan, then ExpressVPN Basic at $2.99 and NordVPN Basic at $3.49, according to each pricing page.
Which has the best refund policy?
All three list 30 days; ExpressVPN states it for new users.
How many devices does each support?
NordVPN 10 on all tiers, ExpressVPN 10 to 14 by tier, Surfshark unlimited simultaneous connections.
What happens to the price after the first term?
NordVPN publishes renewals ($139.08, $219.48 and $296.28 a year by tier). Surfshark and ExpressVPN pages we read did not list them.
Is the monthly plan worth it?
NordVPN Basic is $14.99 monthly versus $3.49 on the 2-year plan, so monthly billing only makes sense for short-term use.
Which is fastest?
This guide did not run speed tests, so no speed ranking is claimed.
Do these VPNs keep no logs?
Logging policies were not part of the pricing pages we read, so check each vendor’s privacy policy.
Can I cancel and get a refund?
Each lists a 30-day money-back guarantee; read the vendor’s refund terms for conditions.
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