Surfshark
ExpressVPN
Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: Complete Comparison
Wondering which VPN is right for you? We've tested both Surfshark and ExpressVPN 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 | S Surfshark | E ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.2 | 9.4 Best |
| Speed Score | 91 | 97 Best |
| Privacy Score | 94 | 96 Best |
| Streaming Score | 93 | 98 Best |
| Servers | 3,200 Best | 3,000 |
| Countries | 100 | 105 Best |
| Max Devices | Unlimited Best | 8 |
| Monthly Price | $12.95/mo | $12.95/mo |
| Best Price (2-year) | $2.19/mo Best | $8.32/mo |
| Kill Switch | ✓ | ✓ |
| No-Logs Policy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split Tunneling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Double VPN | ✓ Best | ✗ |
| Netflix Support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torrenting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Headquarters | Netherlands | British Virgin Islands |
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: ~86% speed retained
- Upload: ~82% speed retained
- Latency: +5ms average
- Download: ~92% speed retained
- Upload: ~87% speed retained
- Latency: +2ms 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 Surfshark and ExpressVPN compare on security features and privacy practices.
Surfshark
- ✓ No-Logs Policy
- ✓ Kill Switch
- ✓ Double VPN
- ✓ Netherlands jurisdiction
ExpressVPN
- ✓ No-Logs Policy
- ✓ Kill Switch
- ✗ Double VPN
- ✓ British Virgin Islands 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.
Surfshark
ExpressVPN
Winner: ExpressVPN – Better streaming unblocking success rate.
Pricing Comparison
Value matters. Here's how Surfshark and ExpressVPN 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. ExpressVPN showed better performance in our speed tests across multiple server locations.
ExpressVPN scores higher on privacy (96/100). Both have verified no-logs policies. Surfshark is based in Netherlands while ExpressVPN is in British Virgin Islands.
Yes, Surfshark is cheaper at $2.19/month on the 2-year plan compared to ExpressVPN's $8.32/month. Surfshark offers 74% savings.
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.
Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, while ExpressVPN allows 8. 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.