In 2025, speed is more than just a bonus — it’s a necessity. Whether you’re streaming 4K videos, gaming online, working remotely, or simply browsing securely, your VPN should be fast enough to keep up. Among the sea of VPN providers, ExpressVPN has long held the crown for speed. But is that still true this year? In this article, we compare ExpressVPN with some of its top competitors — including NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost — to find out who’s really the fastest VPN in 2025.
Why VPN Speed Matters in 2025
With the rising demand for ultra-HD content, cloud gaming, remote work, and global travel, VPNs must deliver both speed and stability. A slow VPN doesn’t just delay your downloads — it affects everything from video calls to Netflix streaming quality.
When measuring speed, three main factors are considered:
- Download speed (most important for streaming and browsing)
- Upload speed (important for sharing files and video conferencing)
- Latency (crucial for gaming and real-time apps)
Speed Test Overview: ExpressVPN vs. the Rest
Independent speed tests conducted in early 2025 show a clear picture of performance. Here’s how the top VPNs stack up:
| VPN Provider | Avg. Download Speed Retention | Protocol Used | Streaming Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | 93–95% | Lightway | Excellent (4K/8K-ready) |
| NordVPN | 90–92% | NordLynx (WireGuard) | Very Good |
| Surfshark | 73–80% | WireGuard | Good |
| CyberGhost | 70–75% | WireGuard | Decent |
ExpressVPN: The Speed King of 2025
ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol continues to lead the industry in terms of speed and stability. Whether you’re streaming on Netflix, playing multiplayer games, or downloading large files, Lightway ensures minimal lag and near-native internet speeds.
In most regions tested — including the US, UK, Germany, and Southeast Asia — ExpressVPN maintained over 93% of the base internet speed. That means if your normal download speed is 100 Mbps, you can still expect 93 Mbps or more while connected.
How the Competitors Compare
NordVPN
NordVPN is often seen as ExpressVPN’s closest rival. Using its own NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard), NordVPN delivers strong performance and has narrowed the gap in recent years. In local speed tests, it sometimes matches or slightly exceeds ExpressVPN’s performance, but consistency over long-distance connections isn’t quite as strong.
Surfshark
Surfshark offers great value and features, but its speed doesn’t quite match up. While its WireGuard protocol has improved performance, speed drops of 20–25% are common — especially when connecting to distant servers. It’s more than adequate for everyday use, but heavy streamers or gamers may notice the difference.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost performs decently but shows inconsistency across locations. While some servers perform well, others suffer from congestion and high latency. This makes it less reliable if you need consistent, high-speed connections around the globe.
ExpressVPN Discount Code: High Speed, Lower Price
ExpressVPN’s premium performance does come with a higher price tag, but the good news is that there are active ExpressVPN Discount Code offers available throughout 2025. These codes can help you save up to 49% on long-term plans, often including 3 extra months free.
Before subscribing, it’s worth checking for a valid ExpressVPN Discount Code to get the best value. You’ll be securing top-tier speeds, strong security, and great savings.
Final Verdict: ExpressVPN Leads the Pack
In 2025, ExpressVPN remains the fastest VPN for most users around the world. Its Lightway protocol delivers unmatched consistency, rapid connection times, and smooth streaming even across long distances. While NordVPN puts up a strong fight, ExpressVPN takes the edge in real-world tests.
If speed is your top priority — and you don’t want to compromise on privacy or usability — ExpressVPN is still the VPN to beat in 2025. And with the right ExpressVPN Discount Code, you won’t have to pay full price to get premium performance.
