Speed matters. Whether you are gaming, streaming, or simply browsing, a sluggish VPN can ruin the experience. Our team performed a standardized speed test on three popular VPNs using two major ISPs in South Africa – Telkom and Axxess – on both Cape Town and Johannesburg endpoints.
Testing Methodology
We used the following protocol:
- Device: Windows 10 laptop with Intel i7 processor.
- Protocols: WireGuard (where available) and OpenVPN UDP.
- Servers: Closest VPN server to the test location (e.g., Cape Town data center).
- Tool: speedtest.net, five runs per server, average calculated.
Results Summary
| VPN | Avg Download (Mbps) | Avg Upload (Mbps) | Ping (ms) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN (WireGuard) | 94 | 42 | 42 |
| NordVPN (WireGuard) | 88 | 38 | 48 |
| Surfshark (WireGuard) | 84 | 36 | 55 |
Detailed Findings
ExpressVPN – Fastest Download
ExpressVPN consistently delivered the highest download speeds, especially on the Cape Town node. Even during peak hours, the drop was under 5 Mbps, making it ideal for 4K streaming.
NordVPN – Strong Overall Balance
NordVPN’s performance was just a few Mbps shy of ExpressVPN, but it compensates with robust security features like Double VPN. Upload speeds remain stable, essential for video calls.
Surfshark – Good Value for Speed
Surfshark’s lower price is reflected in slightly reduced speeds, yet it still surpasses 80 Mbps download, which is sufficient for 1080p streaming and fast browsing.
Impact on Real‑World Tasks
We also tested real‑world activities:
- 4K Netflix playback – ExpressVPN and NordVPN achieved smooth streaming; Surfshark required a lower resolution (1080p) on the same connection.
- Online gaming (Fortnite) – Ping under 50 ms with ExpressVPN, while NordVPN hovered around 55 ms; Surfshark showed occasional spikes above 70 ms.
- Large file download (2 GB) – ExpressVPN completed the download in 2 min 15 sec; NordVPN in 2 min 30 sec; Surfshark in 2 min 45 sec.
Conclusion
If speed is your primary concern, especially for 4K streaming and low‑latency gaming, ExpressVPN is the top choice. For a balance of speed, security, and price, NordVPN is a solid alternative. Surfshark offers respectable speeds at a lower cost, making it a good entry‑level option.
Check COMPEAK for the latest coupon codes and start a free trial to verify the performance on your own network.
