ExpressVPN vs. Surfshark VPN: Picking the Right Shield for Your Digital Life

When you’re trying to figure out which VPN to trust with your online privacy and security, comparing ExpressVPN and Surfshark can feel like choosing between two top-tier athletes. Both are fantastic, but they definitely have their own strengths and weaknesses. If you’re looking for a quick answer, ExpressVPN often takes the lead if speed, unblocking consistency, and a proven privacy track record in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction are your absolute top priorities, and you don’t mind paying a bit more for that premium experience. However, Surfshark absolutely shines for anyone on a budget who needs unlimited device connections and a ton of extra features packed into a more affordable long-term plan. It’s genuinely impressive how much value Surfshark offers, especially if you have a big household or many devices to cover. So, while ExpressVPN brings that gold-standard reliability, Surfshark provides incredible bang for your buck with its feature-rich, cost-effective approach.

Let’s really break down what makes each of these VPNs stand out, helping you decide which one will be your ultimate online protector.

Speed and Performance: Who Wins the Race?

When it comes to VPNs, speed is often one of the first things people ask about. Nobody wants their internet to crawl to a halt just because they’re trying to stay safe online, right? Both ExpressVPN and Surfshark are known for being fast, but there are some nuances in their performance.

ExpressVPN has really put a lot of effort into its proprietary Lightway protocol. This thing is built for speed and security, designed to be lightweight and efficient, which often translates to minimal speed loss. In some of the latest tests, ExpressVPN showed an average speed loss of about 18%, which is pretty excellent. They’ve even introduced Lightway Turbo, an advancement that uses multiple tunnels to boost speeds even further. This is why many users find ExpressVPN incredibly reliable for smooth, 4K streaming and quick downloads, even when connecting to servers far away. If you’re someone with a slower internet connection, ExpressVPN might be the one that gives you a smoother streaming experience without buffering.

Now, Surfshark isn’t a slouch in the speed department either. It primarily leverages the WireGuard protocol, which is widely recognized as one of the fastest and most efficient VPN protocols out there. Our tests have shown Surfshark performing admirably, with an average speed loss around 21%. Interestingly, some independent tests even found Surfshark to be faster overall in specific scenarios, reporting an average speed of 324 Mbps compared to ExpressVPN’s 193 Mbps on a 1 Gbps connection. So, while ExpressVPN might feel a tad more consistent for some, Surfshark can certainly hold its own, especially with WireGuard enabled. If you’ve got a fast internet connection to begin with, Surfshark is more than capable of handling 4K streaming.

Bottom line on speed: It’s a really close call. For sheer consistency and slightly lower speed loss across the board, especially if you’re traveling a lot and connecting from various locations, ExpressVPN often has a slight edge due to its optimized Lightway protocol and robust network. But Surfshark, with WireGuard, delivers fantastic speeds and in some cases can even outpace ExpressVPN, particularly for those with already fast internet. Demystifying Surfshark VPN Protocols: Your Ultimate Guide to Speed, Security, and Seamless Browsing

Security and Privacy: Your Digital Fortress

When you pick a VPN, you’re basically trusting it with your entire online life, so security and privacy features are super important. Both ExpressVPN and Surfshark are serious about protecting your data, employing industry-leading technologies.

Core Security Features

Both VPNs use AES-256 encryption, which is the gold standard, often called military-grade. Seriously, trying to crack this is practically impossible with current technology. They also both include crucial privacy protections like a kill switch and DNS leak protection. A kill switch is your internet’s guardian angel. if your VPN connection ever drops, it immediately cuts off your internet access, making sure none of your real IP address or data leaks out. DNS leak protection makes sure your internet requests don’t accidentally go through your internet service provider ISP instead of the secure VPN tunnel.

A big win for both providers is their use of RAM-only servers. This means all server data is wiped with every reboot, so there’s literally nothing to store long-term, significantly reducing the risk of data breaches. ExpressVPN takes this a step further with its TrustedServer technology, which ensures the entire software stack is reinstalled upon reboot, further minimizing misconfiguration risks. What is Surfshark VPN and Why Does it Matter?

Privacy Jurisdiction: Where Are They Based?

This is a key area where they differ.

• ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands BVI. This is a fantastic privacy-friendly jurisdiction because it’s outside the reach of the Five, Nine, and 14-Eyes data-sharing alliances. This means the BVI government can’t legally force ExpressVPN to hand over user data, even if they wanted to. This setup really strengthens their no-logs policy.
• Surfshark is based in the Netherlands. Now, the Netherlands is part of the Nine-Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. For some users with extremely critical privacy needs, this might be a slight concern because countries within these alliances could potentially comply with international requests for user information. However, Surfshark maintains a strict no-logs policy and has undergone independent audits to prove it. So, while the jurisdiction might raise an eyebrow for the most privacy-paranoid, Surfshark’s commitment to no-logging is strong.

No-Logs Policy and Audits

Both VPNs promise a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t record your online activities, IP address, or connection timestamps.

• ExpressVPN has had its no-logs policy independently audited multiple times, and it was even put to the test in a real-life situation in 2019 when Turkish officials seized servers but found no user data. This kind of real-world validation is huge for building trust. They also offer an impressive Trust Center with their audit reports and security practices.
• Surfshark also undergoes regular independent audits of its no-logs policy and infrastructure, ensuring transparency and proving its commitment.

Advanced Security Features

• ExpressVPN has been a pioneer in some areas, like implementing post-quantum encryption ML-KEM into its Lightway protocol to protect against future threats from quantum computers. Its Network Lock is a robust kill switch.
• Surfshark offers Dynamic MultiHop Double VPN, which routes your traffic through two different VPN servers for an extra layer of encryption and privacy. They also have IP Rotator, which automatically changes your IP address every few minutes in your chosen location, making it even harder to track you.

Security takeaway: Both are incredibly secure, but ExpressVPN’s jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands and its real-world tested no-logs policy give it a slight edge for those who prioritize privacy above all else. ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology and quantum-safe encryption are also big pluses. Surfshark’s MultiHop and IP Rotator features, however, add unique layers of protection that some users might really appreciate.

Streaming and Geo-Unblocking: Your Passport to Global Content

Let’s be honest, a lot of us want a VPN to unlock geo-restricted content, whether it’s a Netflix library from another country or sports events that aren’t available locally. Both ExpressVPN and Surfshark are top contenders here.

Stop Spam Email in its Tracks with Surfshark VPN: Your Ultimate Guide

You’ll be happy to know that both VPNs are excellent at unblocking popular streaming services. We’re talking Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video. So, if you’re dreaming of accessing a particular show from the US, UK, or Japan, either of these will likely get the job done.

ExpressVPN often gets praised for its flawless unblocking performance and consistency. In tests, it effortlessly unblocked everything across various platforms, including Apple TV and Fire TV Stick. A big part of this is its vast server network in 105 countries, giving you loads of options to find a working server. Plus, ExpressVPN offers an intuitive router app, which is a huge bonus if you want to cover all devices on your home network, including smart TVs and gaming consoles, that don’t natively support VPNs.

Surfshark also performs admirably, and in my experience, it’s really good at getting into various Netflix libraries and other streaming platforms. However, some users have reported minor hiccups, like sluggishly loading Netflix thumbnails on certain devices or occasional blocks on services like Hulu on specific platforms. It still works, but might require a quick server switch sometimes. Surfshark VPN Eklentisi: Tarayıcınızı Güvenle Nasıl Korursunuz?

Streaming takeaway: For the absolute most consistent and reliable streaming experience across all devices and services, ExpressVPN generally has a slight lead, especially with its dedicated router app. But Surfshark is definitely not far behind and will satisfy the vast majority of streamers, especially given its impressive global server spread.

Server Network: Reach and Coverage

The size and distribution of a VPN’s server network matter for speed, reliability, and the ability to access content from specific regions.

• ExpressVPN boasts a massive network with 11,500+ servers in 105 countries. While they’ve historically been a bit cagey about disclosing exact server numbers, their global reach is undeniable. This wide distribution helps prevent server overcrowding, which keeps speeds fast, and offers more options for geo-unblocking. They’re known for using physical, RAM-based servers in most locations.
• Surfshark offers 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. While the country count is slightly lower than ExpressVPN’s, it’s still an extensive network, covering almost all popular regions. Surfshark is more transparent about its server count, which many users appreciate. They also use virtual servers to expand their IP address variety.

Server network takeaway: Both offer extensive global coverage. ExpressVPN has a slightly wider spread of countries, which can be an advantage for accessing very niche content or if you travel frequently to less common VPN locations. Surfshark has more total servers and is more transparent about its numbers, which is a plus. The difference in country count is not huge, so for most users, either network will be more than sufficient.

Connecting Surfshark VPN with Eero: Your Ultimate Guide

Pricing and Value: What’s the Real Cost?

This is often the deal-breaker for many people, and it’s where Surfshark really makes a strong case for itself.

• ExpressVPN is considered a premium VPN, and its pricing reflects that. A monthly plan is typically around $12.95-$13.00. If you commit to a longer plan, like their 1-year option, the price drops significantly, often to around $6.67/month billed annually. While it’s certainly more expensive, many users feel the consistent performance, strong privacy features, and reliability are worth the investment. ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. They generally don’t offer free trials.
• Surfshark is famously budget-friendly, especially on longer commitments. Its monthly price can sometimes be higher than ExpressVPN’s, around $15.45, but the real value comes with their extended plans. A 2-year plan can bring the cost down to as low as $1.99/month, which is a significant saving compared to ExpressVPN. Surfshark also offers tiered subscription plans Starter, One, One+ that bundle additional services like antivirus and data removal tools, allowing you to choose what fits your needs and budget. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pricing takeaway: If budget is a primary concern, especially for a long-term commitment, Surfshark is the clear winner. It provides a ton of features and solid performance at a price that significantly undercuts ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN, while more expensive, delivers a premium, highly reliable service that many find justifiable for its consistent performance and advanced privacy.

How Fast is Surfshark VPN? Unpacking Its Speed and Performance

Features Deep Dive: Beyond the Basics

Both VPNs offer a robust set of features, but they each bring something unique to the table.

ExpressVPN’s Unique Features

• Lightway Protocol: As mentioned, this is their custom-built protocol designed for speed, security, and reliability.
• TrustedServer Technology: This ensures all servers run on RAM and are wiped clean with every reboot, adding a significant layer of security.
• Split Tunneling Bypasser: This feature lets you choose which apps or websites use the VPN connection and which access the internet directly. Super handy if you need to access local network devices while still browsing securely.
• Threat Manager: This acts as a tracker and ad blocker, preventing your devices from communicating with known malicious sites and trackers.
• ExpressVPN Keys Password Manager: A built-in password manager to help you manage your logins securely.
• Identity Defender: For US users on advanced plans, this includes tools for monitoring credit, removing personal data from online sites, and even identity theft insurance. This is a newer offering and a strong value-add.
• Dedicated IP: As of late 2024, ExpressVPN now offers dedicated IP addresses, giving users a consistent online identity while still benefiting from VPN protection. This is a significant addition as they previously only offered shared dynamic IPs.

Surfshark’s Unique Features

• Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: This is a huge selling point for Surfshark! You can connect as many devices as you want on a single subscription, which is perfect for large families or if you just have a ton of gadgets. ExpressVPN, in comparison, limits you to 8.
• CleanWeb: A comprehensive ad, tracker, malware, and phishing blocker that makes your browsing experience much cleaner and safer.
• Dynamic MultiHop Double VPN: Encrypts your internet traffic twice by routing it through two different VPN servers, boosting your anonymity.
• IP Rotator: Automatically changes your IP address every few minutes in your chosen location without disconnecting, adding an extra layer of difficulty for anyone trying to track you.
• NoBorders Mode Camouflage Mode: This feature is designed to help you use the VPN even in restrictive network environments or countries with heavy internet censorship by making your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic.
• Alternative ID: A really cool feature that lets you generate a fake persona name, email, address, birthdate to use on websites where you’d rather not share your real information.
• Static IP & Dedicated IP: Surfshark offers static IP servers where you always get the same IP for a chosen location as well as dedicated IP addresses as an add-on, giving you a unique IP only you can use.
• Bundled Services Surfshark One/One+: These higher-tier plans include extra security tools like antivirus software, data leak alerts, secure search, and a data removal service Incogni.
• Cookie Pop-up Blocker: Eliminates those annoying cookie consent pop-ups, making your browsing smoother.
• Override GPS Location Android only: This unique feature lets you match your GPS data with your VPN server location, useful for mobile apps that rely on GPS.

Features takeaway: Surfshark clearly wins when it comes to the sheer volume and variety of unique features, especially with its unlimited connections and bundled services. ExpressVPN’s features are more focused on core VPN performance and privacy, with powerful additions like Identity Defender for certain users. If you love extra tools and want to cover all your devices, Surfshark is a powerhouse.

Ease of Use and User Experience: A Smooth Ride?

Both ExpressVPN and Surfshark prioritize user-friendly apps, making it easy for beginners and experienced users alike to get started.

Unlocking the Power of Surfshark VPN DNS Servers: Your Guide to a Faster, More Private Internet

• ExpressVPN is often lauded for its super simple and streamlined interface. It usually has just a few tabs and a big on/off button, making it incredibly intuitive to connect to a server. This “set it and forget it” approach is perfect if you want a VPN that just works without much fuss. It offers apps across a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux with a GUI, Android, iOS, Fire TV, Apple TV, and even dedicated router apps.
• Surfshark also offers well-designed, modern apps that are easy to navigate. While it packs in more features, the interface manages to present everything clearly, without feeling cluttered. You’ll find information about your connection, recommended servers, and handy features like a pause function. Surfshark also supports a broad array of devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Fire TV, Android TV, and browser extensions.

Customer Support: Both VPNs offer excellent customer support, which is a must-have for any online service. You can expect 24/7 live chat support, email support, and extensive knowledge bases with FAQs and setup guides. This means help is always just a few clicks away if you run into any issues.

Ease of use takeaway: Both are very user-friendly. ExpressVPN wins if you prioritize absolute simplicity and a minimalist design. Surfshark, while still very easy to use, offers a more feature-rich interface that might appeal to those who like having more options at their fingertips without feeling overwhelmed.

When to Choose ExpressVPN vs. Surfshark

Making a choice really boils down to your personal needs and priorities.

Disable Surfshark VPN: Your Ultimate Guide to Taking Control

Choose ExpressVPN if:

• You need the most reliable and consistent performance: Especially for streaming in 4K or if you frequently travel and need stable connections in many different countries.
• Privacy jurisdiction is paramount: Its base in the British Virgin Islands, outside intelligence alliances, coupled with a real-world proven no-logs policy, offers top-tier privacy assurance.
• You prioritize simplicity and ease of use: The apps are straightforward and incredibly intuitive.
• You want a dedicated router app: This is a big plus for covering all devices on your home network.
• You’re interested in advanced security initiatives: Like post-quantum encryption.
• You need a dedicated IP address: ExpressVPN now offers this feature.

Choose Surfshark if:

• You’re on a budget: Its long-term plans offer incredible value and are significantly cheaper than ExpressVPN.
• You need unlimited simultaneous connections: Perfect for large households, families, or anyone with many devices to protect.
• You want a ton of extra features: CleanWeb, MultiHop, IP Rotator, Alternative ID, and bundled services like antivirus or data removal offer a comprehensive security suite.
• You want transparency on server numbers: Surfshark is more open about its server count.
• You prioritize WireGuard protocol speed: It’s an excellent performer.

What Reddit Says: Real User Experiences

I always find it helpful to see what real people are saying, and Reddit is often a good place to gauge user sentiment. When you sift through discussions about ExpressVPN vs. Surfshark, you find a mixed bag, but some clear themes emerge:

Disney Plus Not Working with Surfshark VPN: Your Ultimate Fix Guide

Many Redditors praise Surfshark for its incredible value for money and the unlimited device connections. People love being able to cover every gadget in their home without worrying about limits. Its suite of extra features, like CleanWeb and MultiHop, often gets shout-outs too, with users feeling they get a lot for the price. Some users also reported Surfshark giving them better speeds, especially with WireGuard, compared to ExpressVPN in certain scenarios.

On the flip side, some users express concerns about Surfshark’s jurisdiction in the Netherlands part of the Nine-Eyes alliance when compared to ExpressVPN’s British Virgin Islands base. While Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, for the truly privacy-focused, jurisdiction can be a factor. A few older posts mentioned occasional connection drops with Surfshark, though this seems to be less common with recent updates and WireGuard adoption.

ExpressVPN, on Reddit, is frequently highlighted for its rock-solid reliability, consistent speeds, and excellent streaming unblocking capabilities. Users often say it “just works” and appreciate its minimalist approach. The peace of mind that comes with its tested no-logs policy and privacy-friendly jurisdiction is also a strong point for many. The main recurring “complaint” about ExpressVPN is its higher price tag, with users often wishing for better discounts, especially for monthly plans.

Reddit takeaway: The general vibe is that if you prioritize maximum affordability, unlimited devices, and a feature-packed experience, Surfshark is a fantastic choice that many budget-conscious users are happy with. If you value consistent performance, top-tier privacy guarantees especially regarding jurisdiction, and a super-smooth, “no-fuss” experience, and you’re willing to pay a bit more, ExpressVPN remains a fan favorite. Does Surfshark Really Work? Your Honest Guide to This Popular VPN

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Surfshark better than ExpressVPN for streaming?

Surfshark is very good for streaming, unblocking many popular services like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. However, ExpressVPN generally has a slight edge in terms of unblocking consistency and reliability across various streaming platforms and devices, often performing flawlessly in tests. If you need the most consistent streaming experience, ExpressVPN might be slightly better, but Surfshark is still a solid choice.

Does Surfshark offer a dedicated IP, and does ExpressVPN?

Yes, both Surfshark and ExpressVPN now offer dedicated IP addresses. Surfshark offers Static IP servers and a Dedicated IP as an add-on. ExpressVPN rolled out dedicated IP addresses in late 2024, which is a significant addition, allowing users to maintain a consistent online identity.

Is ExpressVPN or Surfshark faster in terms of speed?

Speed test results can vary, but generally, both are very fast. ExpressVPN, with its Lightway protocol, often shows slightly less speed loss around 18% in some tests and is known for consistent, fast speeds ideal for 4K streaming. Surfshark, using the WireGuard protocol, also delivers excellent speeds around 21% speed loss, and some independent tests have even reported Surfshark as faster overall in specific scenarios. Surfshark vpn down

Which VPN is cheaper, ExpressVPN or Surfshark?

Surfshark is significantly cheaper, especially if you opt for its longer-term plans. A 2-year subscription for Surfshark can bring the monthly cost down to around $1.99, while ExpressVPN’s longer plans are still considerably more expensive, often around $6.67/month for a 1-year plan. ExpressVPN’s monthly plan is often slightly cheaper than Surfshark’s monthly.

Does Surfshark have unlimited connections?

Yes, one of Surfshark’s biggest advantages is that it offers unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can use a single Surfshark subscription to protect every device you own, and even share it with your family or housemates. ExpressVPN, in comparison, limits you to 8 simultaneous connections.

Is Surfshark part of the 5 Eyes alliance?

Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is part of the Nine-Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. While this means it’s within an alliance that could potentially share intelligence, Surfshark maintains a strict, independently audited no-logs policy, meaning they don’t collect data that could be shared. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is outside of these alliances.

What is ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol and Surfshark’s WireGuard?

Lightway is ExpressVPN’s proprietary VPN protocol, designed for speed, security, and battery efficiency, which is a big reason for its consistent performance. WireGuard is an open-source VPN protocol known for its modern cryptography, lean codebase, and extremely fast speeds, which Surfshark and many other VPNs have adopted as a primary protocol. Both are excellent for performance.

Unlocking Your Steam Deck’s Full Potential with Surfshark VPN