Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: which should you choose in 2026?

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN is one of the most common comparisons in the VPN space, and for good reason. Both are well-established providers, and they share many of the same core features, offering strong security, fast speeds, and broad device support.

For this comparison, I tested both providers in depth alongside the Cybernews research team, focusing on the areas that matter most: speed, pricing, streaming performance, extra features, and everyday usability.

I have been closely monitoring both providers over time, regularly testing updates and performance changes to keep this comparison accurate. Read on to find out which one comes out on top.

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: overview

As of 2026, Surfshark VPN and ExpressVPN are among the best VPNs you can find. Both of them are fast, secure, and offer features like RAM-based servers, kill switches, DNS leak protection, and strong encryption. However, I found that Surfshark VPN’s capabilities are stronger, making it a better VPN. Additionally, it offers unlimited device connections and is more affordable, with its starting plan priced at only $1.99/month. Refer to the table below for a more detailed comparison of Surfshark vs ExpressVPN.

	Surfshark VPN	ExpressVPN
⭐ Rating:	4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
🥇 Overall rank:	#2 out of #41	#4 out of #41
🖥️ Servers:	4,500+ servers in 100 countries	3,000+ servers in 105 countries
📖 No logs policy:	No logs	No logs
💵 Price:	From $1.99/month	From $2.79/month
🔥 Coupons:	Surfshark coupon 87% OFF	ExpressVPN coupon 78% OFF
🔒 VPN protocols:	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2	Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2
🍿 Streaming services:	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more
🖥️ Platforms:	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
📥 Simultaneous connections:	Unlimited	14
💁🏻 Support:	Knowledge base, 24/7 live chat, email support	Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat

Choose Surfshark VPN if you’re after an affordable VPN that doesn’t skimp on features. It’s one of the best budget picks on the market, offering unlimited device connections under a single account – something most premium VPNs still restrict. Despite its lower price, Surfshark keeps up with the big names, delivering solid speed, strong encryption, and reliable privacy tools.

What really sets Surfshark apart is its extra security perks. Features like Antivirus, CleanWeb, and Alternative ID go beyond standard VPN protection, giving you a more complete digital safety suite. While its 4,500+ servers across 100 countries can’t quite match the reach of some competitors, the overall value is hard to beat. For a deeper dive into its performance and features, check out our Surfshark VPN review.

Choose ExpressVPN if you want a premium VPN built for performance. It’s one of the most polished services around, combining strong privacy with effortless usability. Whether you’re streaming, browsing, or securing public Wi-Fi, ExpressVPN delivers fast, consistent speeds and smooth connections across the board.

Its apps share a clean, intuitive interface that looks and feels the same on every platform – from desktops to smart TVs. Recent additions, like ad blocking and an integrated password manager, make ExpressVPN even more practical for everyday use, giving it an edge beyond basic VPN protection. It might come at a higher price, but the simplicity, reliability, and premium experience make ExpressVPN a top choice for users who want everything to just work. Read our ExpressVPN review for an in-depth analysis of its features and performance.

Recent Updates

Key differences between Surfshark and ExpressVPN

Comparing VPN services can get overwhelming, especially when there are many aspects to consider, and both ExpressVPN and Surfshark have different strengths and weaknesses. However, after testing both providers in-house on real user experience, here’s a concise breakdown of the key differences when it comes to Surfshark vs ExpressVPN:

• Surfshark is cheaper. Compared to ExpressVPN, Surfshark is reasonably priced and affordable. Although Surfshark’s 1-month plan is more expensive than ExpressVPN’s, you save much more by opting for a long-term plan. For instance, Surfshark’s cheapest plan costs $1.99/month, while ExpressVPN’s is $2.79/month.
• Surfshark supports unlimited connections. Surfshark is more generous than ExpressVPN regarding simultaneous connections, as it doesn’t cap the number. While ExpressVPN allows only up to 14 simultaneous connections, with Surfshark, you don’t have to worry about that. Moreover, Surfshark allows account sharing among family and friends.
• Surfshark offers more unique features than ExpressVPN. The security package includes CleanWeb, MultiHop servers, IP rotator, dark web monitoring, antivirus, Surfshark search, Incogni, and Alternative ID. The elaborate security package is essential when choosing between ExpressVPN and Surfshark.
• Surfshark is more transparent about its server number than ExpressVPN. It currently has 4,500+ servers. Meanwhile, while the latest word on ExpressVPN’s server number is over 3,000, the provider now refuses to disclose how many servers it actually has. Due to its lack of clarity, Surfshark is considerably more honest with its customers and thus – more trustworthy.

Speed, performance, and streaming

I tested Surfshark vs ExpressVPN for speed, performance, and streaming. Below you can see my findings.

Surfshark and ExpressVPN speed comparison

Both services performed well in our speed tests, and their results showed only slight differences depending on location. The minor difference in a few Mbps shouldn’t have a noticeable impact on your online activities, no matter what you’re doing. Overall, I had no issues while streaming, torrenting, or surfing the net. The experience was smooth and hassle-free with all the protocols that providers offer.

For these tests, I used a Windows 11 machine with an Intel i5-13600KF processor and 32GB of RAM, a MacBook Air M2 with 8GB of RAM running macOS Sonoma 14.7, and a OnePlus 10T 5G. The tests were conducted midday to ensure stable network conditions.

• Baseline: 930Mbps download / 600Mbps upload

Download	🇺🇸 US	🇬🇧 UK	🇯🇵 Japan
Surfshark (WireGuard)	780Mbps (84% retention)	847Mbps (91% retention)	574Mbps (62% retention)
ExpressVPN (Lightway)	468Mbps (50% retention)	575Mbps (62% retention)	301Mbps (32% retention)

Overall, Surfshark and ExpressVPN delivered similar speeds. Surfshark performed well in the UK, with 91% retention rate in downloads. However, it showed a drop in uploads, with its previous 92% retention rate falling to 80%. ExpressVPN had a 77% retention rate for uploads.

Upload	🇺🇸 US	🇬🇧 UK	🇯🇵 Japan
Surfshark (WireGuard)	202Mbps (34% retention)	482Mbps (80% retention)	25Mbps (4% retention)
ExpressVPN (Lightway)	200Mbps (33% retention)	459Mbps (77% retention)	77Mbps (13% retention)

Although Surfshark’s upload speeds decreased in the US, it maintained competitive download rates across all locations. ExpressVPN had a strong performance in the UK, but Surfshark still came out on top. Both providers also demonstrated solid performances regarding ping, making them close contenders in this category.

Ping	🇺🇸 US	🇬🇧 UK	🇯🇵 Japan
Surfshark (WireGuard)	99ms	41ms	270ms
ExpressVPN (Lightway)	97ms	40ms	255ms

Streaming and geo-blocking

ExpressVPN and Surfshark deliver outstanding streaming performance. While testing, I had no trouble accessing American, British, Japanese, or Australian libraries on Netflix with either VPN.

Furthermore, the streaming experience was smooth without any lagging or buffering. Whether I was tuning into Hulu or BBC iPlayer, both VPNs allowed me to stream my favorite shows and movies effortlessly.

What’s great is that both providers offer hassle-free support for streaming, and their dedicated applications for Android TVs and Fire devices make using VPNs on TV a breeze. If you ever run into any hiccups setting them up, both providers have comprehensive guides in their knowledge bases to assist you.

In terms of streaming, both Surfshark and ExpressVPN are capable of unlocking the most popular streaming platforms, such as Netflix, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.

Platform	Surfshark	ExpressVPN
Netflix	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Amazon Prime Video	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Hulu	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
HBO Max	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Disney+	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
BBC iPlayer	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
YouTube and YouTube TV	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Apple TV	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

Additionally, I was impressed to learn that both VPNs allow you to set up the VPN on routers, which further extends the VPN coverage to TV devices that don’t support built-in VPN applications. This is especially useful if you are using LG or Samsung TVs.

Torrenting

Surfshark and ExpressVPN are compatible with P2P but lack essential features such as SOCKS5 proxies and port forwarding. Other VPNs like CyberGhost offer servers explicitly designed for torrenting, while NordVPN provides SOCKS5 proxies for setting up torrent clients.

During testing, I downloaded a 5.7GB Ubuntu 24 client torrent file using both providers. ExpressVPN took around 4 minutes to download the file at peak speeds of 30Mbps, while Surfshark achieved faster download speeds of 52Mbps and completed the download in just 2 minutes.

However, the absence of key features like SOCKS5 limits their appeal to torrenting enthusiasts. This emphasizes the need for Surfshark and ExpressVPN to balance speed with functionality, especially when alternatives like CyberGhost and NordVPN offer more comprehensive and torrenting-oriented solutions.

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: cost comparison 2026

While VPN features are essential, pricing often plays a significant role in your final decision. In this regard, both providers offer competitive pricing. However, Surfshark VPN wins the competition, with its starting plan at only $1.99/month for 24 months.

Surfshark VPN price is one of the lowest on the market. The provider offers 3 subscription plans: Surfshark Starter, with a full suite of VPN features; Surfshark One, which includes added security tools; and Surfshark One+, featuring more advanced privacy features. If you want the best price, opt for the longest term subscription, which is 2 years. For an even better discount, use one of Surfshark coupon codes and get 3 months free.

Surfshark VPN plans	Surfshark Starter	Surfshark One	Surfshark One+
1 month	$15.45/month	$17.95/month	$20.85/month
12 months	$3.19/month	$3.39/month	$6.99/month
24 months	$1.99/month	$2.49/month	$4.19/month

ExpressVPN pricing is also affordable, with its cheapest plan at $2.79/month. Just like Surfshark, ExpressVPN splits its plans into 3 tiers, each designed for different security needs. The Basic plan packs all the core VPN essentials and covers up to 10 devices. The Advanced plan gets you handy extras like a password manager, stronger protection tools, limited eSIM data for iPhone users, and support for 12 devices. The Pro plan unlocks the full experience – more eSIM data, a free dedicated IP address, credit monitoring for US users, data removal tools, and up to 14 device connections. If you’d like to save, you can make use of ExpressVPN coupon codes.

ExpressVPN plans	Basic	Advanced	Pro
1 month	$12.99/month	$13.99/month	$19.99/month
12 months	$4.99/month	$5.99/month	$8.99/month
24 months	$2.79/month	$3.59/month	$5.99/month

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN – server comparison

Surfshark has a fleet of 4,500 servers, while ExpressVPN doesn’t disclose the number of servers available to its users. ExpressVPN previously claimed to have around 3000 servers, which would put it in roughly the same category as Surfshark. However, I can’t say for sure which provider has the better network now since the exact numbers are unclear.

Regarding regional coverage, Surfshark has servers in 100 countries, whereas ExpressVPN claims to have servers in 105 countries. This would give ExpressVPN the edge, although the difference isn’t particularly significant. Either way, both providers use virtual servers to expand their IP address variety.

ExpressVPN uses proprietary TrustedServer technology, ensuring that its servers run on RAM-only hardware for enhanced privacy and no long-term data storage. Surfshark also offers RAM-only servers, but doesn’t have a unique name for them.

In terms of specialty servers, Surfshark stands out with the following options:

• Camouflage mode. Also known as obfuscation, this feature removes VPN traces from your connection, making your traffic more difficult to detect.
• MultiHop servers. With the MultiHop feature, your internet traffic is routed through 2 locations, and you can customize your entry and exit locations.
• NoBorders servers. This feature is designed to improve the chances of bypassing network restrictions and is automatically enabled when restriction efforts are detected.

In contrast, ExpressVPN doesn’t visibly label distinct server categories such as streaming‑optimized or P2P‑only. Obfuscation (stealth) is built into its network and used automatically when needed, rather than being offered as a clearly separate server option.

Both providers also offer dedicated IPs but charge different amounts – Surfshark charges $3.75/month, while ExpressVPN’s costs $3.99/month.

Surfshark and ExpressVPN features compared

Surfshark stands out with its vast array of extra features, setting it apart from ExpressVPN. In my opinion, the extensive range of tools offered by Surfshark makes it a standout winner in its own league. Let’s compare the most commonly featured tools.

Feature	Surfshark	ExpressVPN
Dark web monitoring	✅ Yes (monitors emails, credit cards, IDs, passwords, personal information, and IP addresses)	✅ Yes, but only for US users
Smart DNS	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
DNS leak protection	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Web filtering	✅ Yes (ad blocker, threat protection)	✅ Yes (ad blocker, threat protection, parental control)
Split tunneling	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Kill switch	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

One of the unique features that I find most compelling about Surfshark is its Alternative ID functionality. This feature is a game-changer for me as it allows me to create an alternate persona with fictitious personal details, including an email address and a phone number, for online use. In today's world, where personal data theft is a real concern, Surfshark's Alternative ID provides a protective shield, enabling users to safeguard their identities.

Another impressive feature is the Rotating IP, which automatically switches IP addresses while keeping the VPN location constant. This is particularly useful when you need to change your IP address regularly for security reasons without disrupting your connection.

Furthermore, I find the GPS override feature for Android users remarkable as it alters your device's GPS location to match the IP address location when connected to the VPN. This ensures that not only your IP address but also your device's GPS location aligns with the VPN, adding an extra layer of security.

Surfshark’s Web Content Blocker filters risky and unwanted sites across all your mobile devices. It works seamlessly in the background without a VPN tunnel, keeping browsing safe and distraction‑free. Combined with Surfshark One, it adds another layer of protection alongside Antivirus and Search tools.

On the other hand, ExpressVPN deserves recognition for its ExpressVPN Keys, a separately installed browser extension featuring an app-integrated password manager. It offers autofill, a password generator, unlimited storage, and password health monitoring. Although ExpressVPN may lack some of the advanced security features, the inclusion of ExpressVPN Keys makes it a solid choice for users.

Additionally, parental controls block adult and unsafe content across all devices, giving parents effortless control over what kids can access online. It works alongside the VPN, ensuring family-safe browsing without complicated setups. I found it similar to Surfshark’s Web Content Blocker.

ExpressVPN also provides a credit scanner. It monitors your credit activity for suspicious behavior, alerting you to potential fraud before it escalates. It’s a simple, proactive way to keep tabs on your financial health alongside online security.

Also, for US users, ExpressVPN offers identity theft insurance – up to $1 million in coverage if your identity is misused. This insurance works with its Identity Defender suite to help recover from identity fraud quickly and effectively.

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: privacy and security

Surfshark and ExpressVPN take security and privacy seriously. Both providers have audited no-logs policies, robust encryption standards, and reliable features for top-notch safety. The table below provides a full breakdown of their security features and measures.

	Surfshark	ExpressVPN
Encryption	AES-256-GCM, ChaCha20/Poly1305	AES-256-GCM, ChaCha20/Poly1305
Hash	SHA-512	SHA-512
RAM servers	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Based outside Fourteen Eyes alliance	❌ No (Nine Eyes alliance)	✅ Yes
Independent audits	Last audited in June 2025	Last audited in February 2025
Kill switch	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
DNS leak protection	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

Surfshark and ExpressVPN provide robust security features, including AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20/Poly1305 encryption, SHA-512 hashing, RAM-only servers, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Both services have undergone multiple independent audits, with Surfshark last audited in June 2025 and ExpressVPN in February 2025.

Jurisdiction

ExpressVPN has an advantage over Surfshark in terms of jurisdiction. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, outside international surveillance organizations like the Fourteen Eyes alliance. As a result, it is not subject to mandatory data retention laws.

On the other hand, Surfshark operates from the Netherlands – a country that is a part of the Nine Eyes alliance. While the Netherlands has strong privacy laws and Surfshark's no-logs policy has been independently audited several times, some users – including myself – may have valid concerns about the potential sharing of data.

Infrastructure and encryption

ExpressVPN and Surfshark boast advanced infrastructure and top-notch encryption to meet diverse user requirements and expectations. Surfshark stands out with its support for the blazing-fast WireGuard protocol, while ExpressVPN shines with its proprietary Lightway protocol, which also delivers exceptional speed.

Both services use various protocols in addition to the industry-standard OpenVPN. Surfshark also supports IKEv2 connections for mobile devices. However, it discontinued its support for the IKEv2 protocol on Windows devices. Meanwhile, ExpressVPN has the IKEv2 protocol integrated in macOS and iOS apps.

It's important to note that both Surfshark and ExpressVPN prioritize robust encryption, utilizing AES-256-GCM with the SHA-512 hash and ChaCha20/Poly1305 for maximum security. These impressive features make both providers reliable, versatile, and secure, providing users with top-tier VPN services. Whether it's speed, security, or versatile protocol support, Surfshark and ExpressVPN deliver exceptional solutions for consumers.

Logging policies compared

ExpressVPN’s logging practices are more privacy-friendly than Surfshark’s. Although both providers are transparent about what they log and the data they collect, Surfshark logs connection-related information for a brief time.

Regarding personal data, ExpressVPN is pretty clear about logging basic information required for account registration. It states clearly that email addresses used for signing up, as well as payment details, are stored, and that’s pretty much the industry standard.

On the other hand, Surfshark states in its Terms of Service that servers store information about a connection to a particular VPN server. Essentially, that means the service logs which IP address gets assigned to you and at what exact time. Surfshark promises that any record of this information gets automatically deleted after disconnecting from the VPN, but this certainly raises privacy and security concerns.

While Surfshark does not technically keep logs of user activities, it does admit to collecting some information for operational purposes. I contacted Surfshark’s customer support for further comment on this bit in their Privacy Policy, and the agents assured me that it’s simply anonymous performance data to improve service quality.

Kill switches

ExpressVPN and Surfshark take security pretty seriously, evidenced by the inclusion of reliable and robust kill switch features. ExpressVPN’s Network Lock automatically disables internet access when the VPN disconnects, ensuring that none of your data is exposed when unencrypted.

Similarly, Surfshark’s kill switch also cuts off the internet to prevent potential data leaks. I tested both kill switches on a Windows device and simulated scenarios with the VPN connection dropping. The kill switches worked as intended, and my internet traffic was cut off immediately.

Independent audits

ExpressVPN and Surfshark have demonstrated their dedication to user privacy through rigorous independent audits. As of October 2025, ExpressVPN has undergone an impressive 23 comprehensive audits, thoroughly detailed in its Trust Center. These audits validate ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy and scrutinize other privacy and security measures, ensuring high transparency and trust for its users.

Additionally, independent audits by Cure53 checked its browser extensions in 2018 and server infrastructure in 2021, while Deloitte verified its no-logs policy in 2022. Together, these reports underline Surfshark VPN’s ongoing commitment to keeping user data safe and secure.

User Experience

Whichever device you rely on for your daily tasks, Surfshark and ExpressVPN have apps for it. Both providers support various operating systems, browsers, and other software. Let’s explore the differences in more depth.

	Surfshark	ExpressVPN
Supported OS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Router applet	❌ No	✅ Yes (Aircove router)
Dedicated Linux app	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Other software and devices	Android TV, Fire devices, routers, and more	Android TV, Fire devices, routers, and more
Browser extensions	Chromium, Firefox, Edge	Chromium, Firefox, Edge
Simultaneous connections	Unlimited	14
Usability level	Easy to set up	Easy to set up

Surfshark and ExpressVPN are compatible with popular OS environments, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. ExpressVPN has a slight edge for router users, as it offers a dedicated applet for its Aircove router with an integrated VPN connection.

Overall, both options are easy to set up and navigate, providing user-friendly experiences tailored for those seeking simplicity across devices.

Desktop apps

Surfshark’s desktop app boasts a user-friendly and modern interface that grants easy access to features and server categories. It provides a comprehensive connectivity status dashboard that displays essential information such as connection time, VPN IP address, protocol, enabled features, and data usage. This level of detail is ideal for users who value control and visual aesthetics.

Meanwhile, ExpressVPN’s desktop app features a minimalist interface, with a convenient single-click connection button at its center.

Users seeking additional features or settings can access a separate settings window.

As someone who appreciates sleek and modern designs, I prefer Surfshark’s more advanced-looking interface to ExpressVPN’s overly simple plainness.

Mobile apps

Surfshark’s mobile app has an intuitive interface with straightforward access to all features. It also offers a VPN connectivity status dashboard, delivering real-time updates on connection details.

Meanwhile, ExpressVPN’s mobile app adopts a minimalistic approach with a simple one-click connection interface. Additionally, it includes a password manager and ExpressVPN Keys within the app.

There’s also a critical catch to consider when it comes to phone apps. Both providers have more features available for Android users. For example, Surfshark’s Android app has GPS spoofing and split tunneling features, whereas the iOS app doesn’t. The same goes for ExpressVPN, which has split tunneling available on Android devices.

Browser extensions

ExpressVPN's browser extension is designed to complement its main application. Users need to have the entire app installed in order to use the extension. I find this inconvenient, as I usually prefer to use just the extension. However, it's important to note that ExpressVPN's extension provides comprehensive encryption for all browser traffic by employing the Lightway protocol, ensuring maximum security.

On the other hand, Surfshark's browser extension operates independently, eliminating the need for a separate app installation. It offers geo-spoofing, WebRTC protection, ad blocking, and malware protection. It's important to highlight that Surfshark's browser extension functions more as a proxy by employing the HTTPS protocol.

Video review: Surfshark vs ExpressVPN

If you’re more of a visual learner, you can also check out our YouTube video review on Surfshark vs ExpressVPN. You’ll learn everything about their features, security measures, apps, and more.

Customer support

Surfshark and ExpressVPN both offer excellent customer support options. For human assistance, you can contact either provider through email or 24/7 live chat.

Support	Surfshark	ExpressVPN
24/7 live chat	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Email support	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Chatbot	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Phone line	❌ No	❌ No
Knowledge base	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

While both services offer various support options, the experience was much more pleasant with Surfshark. For example, when setting up a VPN on an Asus router, I was able to find all the necessary guides in the knowledge base. Unfortunately, ExpressVPN’s knowledge base seemed limited and sparse. While there were some troubleshooting guides, they were not as extensive as Surfshark’s.

As for live customer support, Surfshark also exceeded my expectations. The conversation and troubleshooting process felt human and natural, and kind remarks made my experience more enjoyable. The agents were polite and quick in helping me resolve minor issues. Surfshark also has a chatbot that is perfectly capable of answering less advanced questions.

ExpressVPN’s live chat support felt more robotic and less natural. Also, it took considerably more time for the agents to reply to my messages, so I found myself waiting for 2-3 minutes. That starkly contrasts Surfshark’s quick responses in no more than 30 seconds.

Comparison methodology: Surfshark vs ExpressVPN

Having a thorough VPN testing methodology is crucial when comparing two robust services. Here is a summary of the main criteria I used for determining the better VPN solution:

1. Security and privacy (20%). I evaluated the security measures employed by both providers, including encryption and hashing. Since a VPN is ineffective without solid privacy guarantees, I also assessed their jurisdiction risks, policies, and overall transparency.
2. Pricing (15%). I assessed the cost of each provider, the plans they offer, and the features included in those plans. This information helped me compare ExpressVPN vs Surfshark to determine which provider offers better value for money.
3. Features (15%). This criterion is essential as it indicates whether a VPN provider’s pricing is justified. The more features a provider offers and the better their functionality, the higher I rate it.
4. Servers and streaming (15%). I evaluated how each VPN performs with streaming services and whether it can unblock content libraries and access other geo-restricted content across various locations. Additionally, I considered server and location numbers since a vast server fleet is crucial for bypassing geographic restrictions.
5. Torrenting capabilities (15%). Since many users are often looking for VPNs with reliable torrenting capabilities, I tested Surfshark and ExpressVPN’s compatibility with P2P.
6. Platforms and ease of use (10%). While reviewing the VPN providers, I evaluated the supported platforms, app designs, and overall experience.
7. Customer support (10%). Since customer support is integral to resolving issues that most VPN users face, I reviewed all possible means of assistance from both providers. This included evaluating knowledge bases, friendliness, willingness to assist, and versatility in various forms of available support.

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: final verdict

Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN are strong VPNs that will serve most users well. However, after testing both in depth, Surfshark comes out on top. It offers better value for money, more features, and unlimited device connections. That said, ExpressVPN remains a solid choice for users who prioritize a clean, premium experience and stronger jurisdiction credentials.

Category	Surfshark	ExpressVPN	Verdict
Pricing	★ ★ ★ ★ ★	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	Surfshark starts at $1.99/month and ExpressVPN at $2.79/month. Not a huge gap, but Surfshark is the better deal if price matters to you.
Speed	★ ★ ★ ★ ★	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	Both held up well in our tests. Surfshark pulled ahead in most locations, though the difference was not significant.
Privacy	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	★ ★ ★ ★ ★	ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, outside major surveillance alliances. That gives it a real edge for privacy-focused users.
Features	★ ★ ★ ★ ★	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	Surfshark simply offers more. Alternative ID, MultiHop, and IP rotator are features ExpressVPN does not match.
Streaming	★ ★ ★ ★ ★	★ ★ ★ ★ ★	No meaningful difference here. Both unlocked every platform we tested without any trouble.
Torrenting	★ ★ ★ ★ ★	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	Surfshark was noticeably faster in our torrent tests, finishing the same download in about half the time.
Support	★ ★ ★ ★ ★	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	Surfshark's agents were quicker and more helpful. ExpressVPN kept us waiting longer and felt less personal.

FAQ