Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: which VPN is better?

Surfshark and ExpressVPN are some of the best-known VPN providers on the market. Both of them offer advanced security features, provide excellent speeds, and are suitable options for streaming. While ExpressVPN is pricier than Surfshark, there are some areas in which both providers are pretty much equal.

In this Surfshark vs ExpressVPN comparison, I take an analytical approach to determine which one is better. To help you decide which of these top VPNs suits you best, I tested and compared Surfshark and ExpressVPN in terms ofsecurity, performance, usability, as well as pricing.

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN at a glance

Surfshark and ExpressVPN employ the same kind of encryption, offer DNS leak protection features, and utilize reliable kill switches. However, Surfshark offers more budget-friendly plans and can support an unlimited number of devices while ExpressVPN introduces a proprietary tunneling protocol called Lightway. Here’s a quick look at what both providers offer.

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Cost of Surfshark and ExpressVPN

Whether you choose Surfshark or ExpressVPN, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial you can use on Android and iOS devices. Both providers accept popular payment methods to ensure accessibility.

Although both Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer risk-free trials (30-day money-back guarantees), neither has a free version. This is not a huge disadvantage for Surfshark users because it is one of the cheapest VPNs on the market. Overall, Surfshark is cheaper than ExpressVPN regardless of which subscription length you pick.

If you want to take full advantage of Surfshark’s affordability, look at the 2-year plan – prices start from just $2.19/month (Surfshark Starter plan). The 1-year plan costs a bit more, with prices starting from $2.99/month.

ExpressVPN doesn’t have a 2-year plan and offers the best deal for 1-year plan subscribers – $6.67/month. This is the set price as the provider only has one pricing tier.

A unique offering from ExpressVPN is a 6-month plan ($9.99/month), but even Surfshark’s 1-year plan ($2.19/month) is cheaper (at the time of publication, three times cheaper), so it’s not really worth the consideration, in my opinion.

The most expensive plans are, of course, the monthly plans. You pay on a monthly basis and can terminate the subscription at any time. Surfshark’s 1-month plan costs from $15.45/month, while ExpressVPN’s 1-month plan is $12.95/month.

So, if you wonder if it’s worth getting Surfshark or ExpressVPN, I’d say the answer is pretty clear from the pricing perspective. Surfshark is just cheaper than ExpressVPN.

As for payment options, both Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer quite a few ways to pay for services. You can pay with a credit card, PayPal, or cryptocurrencies with each provider.

Wrapping up

Surfshark is cheaper than ExpressVPN. Surfshark's best deal is $2.19/month, while ExpressVPN’s most budget-friendly option costs $6.67/month.

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Security overview: Surfshark vs ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN might seem more secure than Surfshark because of its TrustedServer technology and the proprietary Lightway protocol. Moreover, it’s based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction and offers full transparency regarding its privacy policy. Nonetheless, Surfshark offers an ad blocker and such features as Dynamic MultiHop and IP Rotator, which ExpressVPN doesn’t offer.

In terms of security features, both Surfshark and ExpressVPN use AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption and include a kill switch as well as DNS and IP leak protection. The major difference comes with protocols and ad blockers. Surfshark uses WireGuard for the fastest connections, while ExpressVPN has a proprietary Lightway protocol.

Additionally, Surfshark offers a well-rounded ad and tracker blocker CleanWeb, while ExpressVPN only adds some ad-blocking functionality to Threat Manager.

Jurisdiction

The jurisdiction of a VPN provider is a concern for many privacy-focused users. Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, while ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands. While to many this might seem insignificant, there are a few things to discuss.

The 9-Eyes Alliance consists of the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, France, Norway, and the Netherlands. It has long been regarded as intrusive by some internet users. This is an intelligence and surveillance alliance that allows information sharing among the member countries.

As you can guess, the fear among some users is that Surfshark, being based in the Netherlands, could be forced to disclose information that, later on, could be shared internationally. However, the company has taken extra steps to ensure that its privacy policy and no-logs claim are reliable by employing third-party auditors.

Overall, neither Surfshark nor ExpressVPN is located in a jurisdiction that requires VPN providers to log and retain user data. While ExpressVPN is considered to be based in a privacy-friendly location, it has undergone independent third-party audits as well.

Infrastructure and encryption

As some of the best 2024 providers, Surfshark and ExpressVPN use advanced VPN protocols to encrypt and transfer your data in the most secure way possible. Surfshark supports the WireGuard protocol, which is the fastest protocol currently available. By contrast, ExpressVPN doesn’t have WireGuard but instead supports its proprietary Lightway protocol, which is also quite fast.

Surfshark also does not support the L2TP/IPsec protocol simply because it is the least safe out of all the VPN protocols listed below.

Here’s an overview of what VPN protocols each provider offers:

Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer the same level of encryption. Surfshark uses AES-256-CBC with the SHA-512 hash and ChaCha20 (for WireGuard), while ExpressVPN uses AES 256-GCM cipher and ChaCha20/Poly1305 with SHA-512 hash. These encryption methods are considered the industry standard and are very safe.

Privacy and no-logs policies

Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN have strict no-logs and privacy policies that the providers adhere to. In its privacy policy, Surfshark clearly states that it doesn’t collect any personal information on its users. In other words, your IP address, browsing history, and network.

Likewise, ExpressVPN doesn’t collect any personal information on its users like activity logs and connection logs. Overall, both Surfshark and ExpressVPN only collect the bare minimum of data, like your email address and payment information.

Independent audits

Surfshark VPN has been audited 4 times in total: twice by Cure53 in 2018 and 2023, which extensively researched its overall application security and server infrastructure, respectively. In 2023, Surfshark’s privacy policy has also been audited by Deloitte. The results revealed that Surfshark operates in line with its no-logs policy. Additionally, Surfshark’s Android app underwent and passed the independent Mobile App Security Assessment in 2023.

ExpressVPN has also undergone quite a few different audits. The no-logs policy has been independently audited twice by PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2019 and in 2022. Additionally, ExpressVPN was audited by Cure53 two times, with the latest being on its Lightway protocol in 2023. F-Secure has also audited ExpressVPN's Windows app in 2022.

Overall, both providers take independent audits very seriously and continue to conduct them to ensure both the security of their apps and the no-logs policy compliance.

Features overview

Split tunneling, smart DNS, RAM-only servers, and obfuscated servers – these are the features that Surfshark and ExpressVPN share. These features make VPNs more functional and allow users to reap the benefits of complete privacy and security.

However, there are additional extras that are not necessarily crucial for VPN functionality but, nonetheless, can prove to be very useful. Surfshark offers more features than ExpressVPN, like an ad blocker, double VPN, or dedicated IPs. Let’s take a more in-depth look.

• Split tunneling gives you a choice over which applications and websites use VPN traffic.
• Smart DNS helps unblock streaming content on devices that don’t support VPN apps.
• Obfuscated/Stealth servers let your VPN connection go undetected. In other words, your VPN traffic looks just like regular traffic. This is especially useful in countries with internet restrictions.
  
• Dedicated IP is a VPN IP address that belongs only to you, as opposed to shared IP addresses.
• Ad blocker blocks malicious ads, pop-ups, online trackers, and dangerous websites.
• IP rotator keeps your IP address changing without disconnecting your VPN connection. It is useful if you want to achieve extra privacy and avoid being tracked.
• Double VPN redirects your traffic through two different VPN servers, which adds an extra layer of security.
• Breach Checker provides you with real-time alerts on breaches related to your data such as emails, credit cards, and IDs.
• Router applet makes it easier to set up a VPN on a router. This can help you when you want to use an encrypted connection on devices that don’t support VPNs.
• Password manager lets you create secure and unbreakable passwords without the need to remember them.

Are there any extras?

The inclusion of certain features, such as functional kill switches or strong encryption, is non-negotiable when it comes to VPNs. Then there are extras – the features that are not necessarily crucial but make VPNs more functional and attractive to users. Here are the extras offered by Surfshark and ExpressVPN.

Surfshark offers an all-inclusive bundle, Surfshark One, that combines all of the company’s top products – VPN, Antivirus, Alternative ID, and Alerts. While the bundle comes at an extra cost, you don’t have the option to upgrade ExpressVPN and get antivirus protection. Surfshark also offers a GPS spoofer to spoof your geolocation and an IP rotator to automatically change your IP address and make your connections even more private.

While ExpressVPN doesn’t offer antivirus protection, it can offer a few exciting extras as well. For example, Threat Manager allows you to activate tracker, malicious site, and ad blocking. You can even activate parental controls via the Threat Manager menu. ExpressVPN also has a password manager, something that Surfshark cannot offer. Finally, I must mention the router applet that makes setting up a VPN on your router much easier.

Wrapping up

Surfshark offers a broader variety of useful features to protect your data online and your device from malicious threats. ExpressVPN offers a less versatile suite of security, mainly focusing on a single type of protection – online anonymity.

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Server network

Surfshark and ExpressVPN have comparable networks of servers globally. While ExpressVPN doesn’t explicitly reveal the number of servers the VPN has, according to unofficial sources, that’s around 3000 servers in 105 countries. Surfshark, on the other hand, has revealed it has 3200+ servers in 100 countries.

At the time of publication, ExpressVPN offered servers in more countries than Surfshark. It had servers in 47 countries in Europe, 24 countries in North and South America, 27 countries in Asia and Oceania, and 8 countries in Africa. These include autonomous territories as well (e.g., Guam and Isle of Man).

Surfshark’s servers were located in 46 countries in Europe, 16 countries in North and South America, 26 countries in Asia and Oceania, and 9 countries in Africa. These numbers also include autonomous territories (e.g., Greenland and Macau).

Here’s how the server locations are distributed across the continents for each VPN:

Speed comparison

To assess Surfshark vs ExpressVPN in terms of speeds, I put both providers’ fastest available protocols to the test, namely, Surfshark’s WireGuard and ExpressVPN’s Lightway. To perform the test, I used Speedtest by Ookla, and the baseline was 500 Mbp/s for both download and upload speeds.

The data in the table shows the average download and upload speeds from servers in the US, the UK, and Canada.

Data period: 09.27 - 10.11

Download retention
US (NY)	96% (482 Mbit/s)	91% (459 Mbit/s)
United Kingdom	93% (467 Mbit/s)	92% (461 Mbit/s)
Canada	94% (473 Mbit/s)	91% (456 Mbit/s)
Upload retention
US (NY)	79% (399 Mbit/s)	92% (464 Mbit/s)
United Kingdom	84% (424 Mbit/s)	92% (461 Mbit/s)
Canada	81% (405 Mbit/s)	89% (448 Mbit/s)

Download/Upload baseline speed - 500 Mbit/s

Note: Speed test results may vary in relation to the distance between the VPN server and the user, internet service provider, and server overcrowding.

From the data in the table, it is clear why Surfshark is considered one of the fastest VPNs on the market right now. ExpressVPN was slower than Surfshark when comparing download and upload speeds. Each server location that was tested provided better speed retention for both download and upload for Surfshark. ExpressVPN put up a bit of a fight when it came to upload speed retention; however, even then, it was slower than Surfshark.

Wrapping up

Surfshark is a faster VPN service compared to ExpressVPN in terms of download speeds. Based on the data available at the time of publication, the provider offered 1-5% faster downloads. On the other hand, ExpressVPN was faster in terms of upload speeds. However, since download speeds are, generally, more important for users, I declare Surfshark the winner.

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Streaming performance

During in-house testing, Surfshark proved to be excellent for streaming. I was able to unblock different Netflix libraries, Amazon Prime Video, Max, YouTube TV, Apple TV+, and Paramount+ without any disruptions. The quality of the service was great too, ensuring full HD video streaming. Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the best VPNs for streaming in 2024

Surfshark enables streaming via all of its protocols, including WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN (TCP or UDP), which means you can stream using any server – you don’t need to connect to specific servers. To facilitate better streaming, you can also use Surfshark’s Smart DNS feature that changes your DNS address. Here are the official guides for setting up Smart DNS on different devices.

ExpressVPN is another great VPN for streaming, and I was able to unblock access to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, Max, Peacock, BBC iPlayer, and many other popular streaming services. Just like Surfshark, ExpressVPN ensured buffer and lag-free streaming with full HD.

ExpressVPN also allows you to stream using all servers. Plus, the provider has a DNS service called MediaStreamer. Using this service, you can spoof your geolocation and access different streaming services for a better experience, Just like Surfshark’s Smart DNS, MediaStreamer requires manual setup, Here are the official guides for setting up MediaStreamer on different devices.

Overall, both Surfshark and ExpressVPN are outstanding options for streaming.

Torrenting

Both ExpressVPN and Surfshark support P2P connections which is necessary if you need a reliable torrenting VPN. And while both providers have made it to our best VPNs for torrenting list, Surfshark has the higher position.

During in-house evaluation, Surfshark took 7 minutes to download a test file when connected to Surfshark, while the same action took 4 minutes when connecting to ExpressVPN – overall, a very comparable result.

Unfortunately, neither Surfshark nor ExpressVPN offers SOCKS5, a proxy that enables you to hide your IP address and enhance your torrenting experience by offering faster downloads. NordVPN is the best VPN to include SOCKS5 in its offering.

On the other hand, both offer reliable kill switches that guarantee your IP is not exposed even if your VPN connection temporarily drops while torrenting.

Platforms, interface, and ease of use

Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer a variety of applications. The selection is almost identical with a couple of exceptions.

ExpressVPN has a dedicated router applet while Surfshark has a dedicated app for Linux users with a GUI, which is rare. Another significant Surfshark benefit over ExpressVPN is the unlimited simultaneous connections offer. This means you can connect as many devices as you want to your account. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, caps this at 8 devices.

Wrapping up

Surfshark is the winner of the ease-of-use comparison. While both Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer user-friendly apps, Surfshark gives infinite simultaneous connections and has a more modern app design compared to ExpressVPN.

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Desktop apps

Surfshark’s Windows app couldn’t be easier to set up – it’s pretty straightforward and quick. For me, the best part about the Windows app is the information about each unique server and the easy access to all the extra features. The macOS app is just as pleasurable to use. The interface is clean and inviting, but, unfortunately, you cannot use split tunneling or NoBorders on Mac devices.

ExpressVPN’s Windows and macOS apps are pretty much identical, and you get to use the same features, which I believe is a win for ExpressVPN. The most convenient thing about these apps is that you can add shortcuts for the servers you connect to most frequently. As for usability, the apps are a little clunkier to use compared to Surfshark’s apps, but it’s just a matter of getting used to.

Overall, both providers’ apps are easy to install, but I preferred Surfshark’s interface.

Mobile apps

Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer mobile apps for both Android and iOS. I found both of them very modern and sleek looking.

When it comes to Android apps, both providers offer more features. Surfshark enables access to GPS spoofing and split tunneling features, which don’t come with the iOS app. ExpressVPN offers split tunneling only for Android users as well.

As for iOS apps, they are just as intuitive and easy to navigate. While they are not as comprehensive as Android apps, they offer the basics. Surfshark’s iOS app was very easy to install and set up, and everything was accessible via the main menu. ExpressVPN’s iOS users won’t be disappointed either. The app is quite minimalistic, but you get access to all the main features right from the app’s home screen.

While both providers offer better apps for Android users, I still prefer Surfshark over ExpressVPN because it’s easier to navigate. Plus, it’s cheaper and can be used on an unlimited number of devices.

Browser extensions

Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer extensions for the most popular web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. However, ExpressVPN goes the extra mile and covers a few additional browsers: Brave, Opera, and Vivaldi.

I found ExpressVPN’s extensions lightweight, clear, and easy to use. Surfshark’s extensions are not disappointing either. In fact, you get a cookie pop-up blocker that, from my experience, successfully blocks all annoying pop-ups.

Overall, from the standpoint of accessibility, ExpressVPN takes the win, but if you’re using Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, Surfshark is the better choice simply because of the additional pop-up blocker.

Customer support

Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN put a lot of effort into friendly and competent customer support. That is a sign of good service.

When using Surfshark, you get a 24/7 live chat and an email ticket system. As an alternative, you can also read through the knowledge base that has lots of questions answered or the FAQ page.

The situation is similar with ExpressVPN. It offers a huge knowledge base, FAQ, 24/7 live chat, and email support.

In terms of live chat agents, both were very helpful with my questions. Surfshark responded immediately and was very fast at answering my request. Meanwhile, the ExpressVPN agent sounded a bit robotic, like they were using template text, but that may be why they managed to answer so quickly.

To sum up, both Sufshark and ExpressVPN won’t disappoint if you have any issues or need help. The live support options and extensive knowledge bases lead to a tie in this section.

Video review: Surfshark vs ExpressVPN

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

Comparison methodology: Surfshark vs ExpressVPN

When comparing Surfshark vs ExpressVPN, we followed certain criteria to evaluate which service is better. Here are the factors we took into consideration:

• Price. We evaluated the flexibility in terms of plan lengths and their prices. Together with the cost, we looked at the features offered and the value for the money that you get.
• Security features. VPNs are online security tools, so we looked for essential features, such as a kill switch and reliable encryption, in the package.
• Performance. We tested the average speed retention rate of each provider to see whether they’ll be able to provide a buffering and lag-free experience.
• Server network. The more servers the VPN has, the better. A massive server fleet ensures more opportunities for less crowded servers and great speeds. Many server locations also allow you to unlock different content libraries around the world.
• Streaming capabilities. We tested both Surfshark and ExpressVPN on various streaming platforms to see which ones they can unblock effectively.
• Torrenting. Some users get a VPN for torrenting reasons – to stay anonymous. We reviewed whether the compared VPNs allow P2P file sharing and don’t compromise on speeds.
• Interface. VPNs should be easy to use even for beginners, but we reviewed the interfaces of both Surfshark and ExpressVPN to make sure they’re not buggy or confusing to use.
• Customer support. VPN providers must offer various customer support options. We compared Surfshark and ExpressVPN in terms of live chat, email, phone, and other support options.
• Exclusive features. Some VPNs come with extra features, be it for security, streaming, or convenience. We evaluated the extra benefits offered.

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN – which one is better?

In this comparison, I’ve concluded that Surfshark is a better VPN than ExpressVPN. Surfshark provides better speed, more extra security features, user-friendly app interfaces, better accessibility with unlimited simultaneous connections, and notably more affordable subscription plans compared to ExpressVPN.

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