ExpressVPN
Surfshark
ExpressVPN vs Surfshark: Complete Comparison
Wondering which VPN is right for you? We've tested both ExpressVPN and Surfshark extensively to bring you this detailed comparison. From speed tests to privacy features, streaming capabilities to pricing, we cover everything you need to make an informed decision.
Quick Verdict
Surfshark takes the win in this comparison with better value, and overall performance. However, ExpressVPN remains a solid choice if you prioritize Speed.
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | E ExpressVPN | S Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.4 Best | 9.2 |
| Speed Score | 97 Best | 91 |
| Privacy Score | 96 Best | 94 |
| Streaming Score | 98 Best | 93 |
| Servers | 3,000 | 3,200 Best |
| Countries | 105 Best | 100 |
| Max Devices | 8 | Unlimited Best |
| Monthly Price | $12.95/mo | $12.95/mo |
| Best Price (2-year) | $8.32/mo | $2.19/mo Best |
| Kill Switch | ✓ | ✓ |
| No-Logs Policy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split Tunneling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Double VPN | ✗ | ✓ Best |
| Netflix Support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torrenting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Headquarters | British Virgin Islands | Netherlands |
Speed & Performance
Speed is crucial for streaming, gaming, and general browsing. We tested both VPNs connecting to servers in the US, UK, and Asia to measure real-world performance.
- Download: ~92% speed retained
- Upload: ~87% speed retained
- Latency: +2ms average
- Download: ~86% speed retained
- Upload: ~82% speed retained
- Latency: +5ms average
Winner: ExpressVPN – Faster download speeds and lower latency in our tests.
Privacy & Security
Privacy is the primary reason most people use a VPN. Here's how ExpressVPN and Surfshark compare on security features and privacy practices.
ExpressVPN
- ✓ No-Logs Policy
- ✓ Kill Switch
- ✗ Double VPN
- ✓ British Virgin Islands jurisdiction
Surfshark
- ✓ No-Logs Policy
- ✓ Kill Switch
- ✓ Double VPN
- ✓ Netherlands jurisdiction
Winner: ExpressVPN – Stronger privacy features and better jurisdiction.
Streaming & Unblocking
Can these VPNs unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services? Here's what we found.
ExpressVPN
Surfshark
Winner: ExpressVPN – Better streaming unblocking success rate.
Pricing Comparison
Value matters. Here's how ExpressVPN and Surfshark compare on price across different subscription lengths.
Winner: Surfshark – $6.13/mo cheaper on the best plan.
Our Verdict
Surfshark
- More affordable pricing
- Larger server network (3,200 servers)
- More simultaneous connections (unlimited)
ExpressVPN
Still a solid choice. ExpressVPN excels in:
- Faster speeds
- Speed
- Streaming
Frequently Asked Questions
ExpressVPN is faster with a speed score of 97/100 compared to Surfshark's 91/100. In our tests, ExpressVPN retained more of your base connection speed, especially on long-distance servers.
ExpressVPN scores higher on privacy (96/100). Both have verified no-logs policies. ExpressVPN is based in British Virgin Islands while Surfshark is in Netherlands.
No, Surfshark is cheaper at $2.19/month on the 2-year plan compared to ExpressVPN's $8.32/month.
Yes, both VPNs reliably unblock Netflix. ExpressVPN has a higher streaming score (98/100) and may work with more Netflix regions.
Surfshark has more servers with 3,200 servers in 100 countries. ExpressVPN has 3,000 servers in 105 countries.
Both support P2P/torrenting. ExpressVPN scores higher for torrenting (92/100) with optimized P2P servers.
ExpressVPN allows 8 simultaneous connections, while Surfshark allows unlimited. Surfshark is better for households with many devices.
Yes, both VPNs include kill switches that block internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, protecting your real IP from exposure.
Surfshark offers better overall value with a score of 98/100. This considers price, features, performance, and the number of devices supported.
We recommend Surfshark for most users. It Budget and offers better pricing. However, ExpressVPN may be better if you specifically need Speed.