Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN: which should you choose?

Comparing VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) can feel challenging, especially if you consider yourself a non-technical person.

Don’t worry. 

This Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN comparison explains everything you need to know about these two tools in simple terms. Use it as your guide to feel more confident about choosing the best VPN for you.

Note: Comparison made on October 1, 2025.

Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN: at a glance

Here’s a breakdown of Surfshark’s and ExpressVPN’s key features:

*Based on tests performed by cybernews.com.

Key differences between Surfshark and ExpressVPN

Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer strong encryption, reliable IP (Internet Protocol) address masking, and a broad network of high-speed servers, but they differ in the following areas:  

• Surfshark has the lowest monthly price: Surfshark is the more affordable choice on long-term VPN plans. Surfshark starts at $1.99/mo for a two-year subscription, while ExpressVPN’s lowest price is $3.49/mo;
• Surfshark allows unlimited connections: ExpressVPN lets you connect between 10 to 14 devices at a time, depending on your plan. On the other hand, Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections on a single account;
• Surfshark has a cookie pop-up blocker: the Clean Web browser extension helps Surfshark users block ads, malware, and cookie pop-ups. While ExpressVPN has blockers for ads and malware, no such protection exists against cookie pop-ups;
• The providers offer different server speeds: some ExpressVPN servers have been upgraded to 40Gbps. While Surfshark mostly uses 10Gbps servers, it launched the world’s first 100Gbps server in 2025;
• Surfshark has faster download speeds: even with ExpressVPN’s use of 40Gbps servers, independent tests show that Surfshark VPN consistently has better download speed retention. In fact, these third-party speed tests show that Surfshark is the fastest VPN on the market today;
• Surfshark offers broader cybersecurity bundles: depending on what plan you choose, Surfshark VPN comes bundled with tools like an antivirus, private search engine, data leak monitoring tool, and alternative online email generator. ExpressVPN offers some additional products, like a password manager, but not as many as Surfshark.

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Subscription cost

Here’s a comparison of the subscription costs for ExpressVPN and Surfshark for their most affordable plans.

Pricing

Looking at one-month plans, ExpressVPN has a lower starting price at $12.99/mo. For Surfshark, the most affordable one-month plan costs $15.45/mo.

However, that’s where ExpressVPN’s advantage ends. Surfshark offers better value on its long-term plans. Its one-year plan starts at $3.19/mo, and the two-year plan starts at $1.99/mo, both of which are considerably less expensive than ExpressVPN’s prices.

Payment options

Surfshark and ExpressVPN let users pay with the following secure methods:

• Credit/debit cards;
• PayPal;
• Cryptocurrencies;
• Digital wallets (Google Pay, Apple Pay, etc.).

Summing up

While ExpressVPN is more affordable for one-month plans, Surfshark offers better pricing on longer subscriptions, including its two-year plan.

Server locations

Server networks have a major impact on a VPN service’s quality, so it’s worth looking at how Surfshark and ExpressVPN’s networks compare.

Surfshark’s server network

Surfshark has 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, giving users widespread geographical coverage. Surfshark mostly relies on 10Gbps, RAM-only servers (with some reaching 100Gbps), giving users a solid balance of fast internet speeds and increased privacy.

Surfshark also offers:

• Double VPN to route traffic through two VPN servers for added privacy. Surfshark’s double VPN feature is known as Multi Hop;
• Dedicated IP servers for users who want to consistently access the same IP address that only they can use;
• Obfuscation technology to help users freely access the internet, particularly in places with strict internet censorship.

ExpressVPN’s server network

In terms of size and scope, ExpressVPN’s server network is similar to Surfshark’s. ExpressVPN has over 3,000+ VPN servers spread across 105 countries. 

One difference in ExpressVPN’s favor, though, is the fact that some of its servers have been upgraded to 40Gbps. This theoretically gives users a better chance to enjoy faster, more stable internet connections.

ExpressVPN also offers:

• TrustedServer technology to provide greater security and privacy;
• Smart Location feature to recommend the best server location to connect to;
• Servers in all 50 US states, which might be useful in some cases.

Summing up

Surfshark and ExpressVPN have similar server infrastructures on paper, with Surfshark having an edge in total number of servers. Either VPN service will likely let you set up a high-speed VPN connection in your desired location.

Server speeds

VPN speed is important for users looking to surf, stream content, and game online without annoying interruptions or load times.

VPNs encrypt your data and route your online traffic through a remote server, so it’s natural that they’ll slow down your speeds a bit. However, the best VPN providers use high-speed servers and lightweight protocols to minimize any speed reduction.

Surfshark and ExpressVPN are seen as fast VPNs, but speed tests from Cybernews reveal the following insights.

Download speed retention (baseline speed 500Mbps)

Upload speed retention (baseline speed 500Mbps)

Note: Speed test results can vary depending on factors such as the distance between the VPN server and the user, the user’s ISP (Internet Service Provider), and server overcrowding.

Surfshark’s performance

These tests from Cybernews show that Surfshark retained 90% of download speeds with an average topping 450Mbps. This highlights Surfshark’s ability to handle high-bandwidth activities like streaming, gaming, and downloading.

Surfshark performed well in all tested regions, so it’s a reliable choice for fast download speeds in North America, Europe, and Asia. It reached its highest speeds on the WireGuard protocol, so users focused on speed should make sure to use this VPN protocol over OpenVPN or IKEv2.

ExpressVPN’s performance

ExpressVPN performed almost as well as Surfshark overall, with an average download speed retention of 88%. In terms of uploads, ExpressVPN outperformed Surfshark, hitting 69% retention vs. 56%.

Summing up

Surfshark’s higher download speeds make the provider a better choice for high-bandwidth activities on paper, but ExpressVPN and Surfshark are both reliable VPNs with fast speeds. You likely won’t notice any speed differences between the two during everyday use.

Streaming performance

Many users want a VPN app that lets them securely access streaming content while traveling abroad. Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN support popular streaming services, but you may experience small differences in performance. 

Disclaimer: Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.

Streaming platforms

ExpressVPN and Surfshark are both compatible with the biggest streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video.

What differences can you expect between the two?

Surfshark has a slight advantage since it regularly allows for higher download speeds. Users are more likely to stream with less buffering and load screens. 

Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections also mean users and their family members can securely stream content on more devices while traveling abroad. 

Gaming

The best gaming VPNs should provide a stable internet connection and reliable DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) protection. Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN can do just that.

With faster download speeds, Surfshark is a slightly safer choice for online gaming. It also has a GPS override feature for Android devices that can be useful to gamers playing location-based mobile games while traveling.

Security and encryption

A VPN masks your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic. In doing so, it gives you greater online privacy and helps protect your data. Surfshark and ExpressVPN use advanced encryption protocols and security features to keep your privacy elevated.

Encryption

Surfshark and ExpressVPN use AES-256 encryption, widely regarded as the highest standard in the VPN industry. This kind of encryption is so reliable that even governments and banks count on it.

Both VPN providers also use ChaCha20 encryption — Surfshark for the WireGuard protocol, and ExpressVPN for the Lightway protocol.

Kill switch

A kill switch is a VPN feature that cuts off your internet access if your VPN connection ever drops. It protects your privacy by ensuring things like your IP address and physical location never get accidentally exposed.

ExpressVPN and Surfshark both have a system-wide kill switch that disables internet access on your entire device if your VPN connection drops.

ExpressVPN’s tool, known as Network Lock, is enabled by default, while Surfshark’s isn’t. For Linux users, Network Lock also has an Enable at all times option to stop leaks even when the VPN is turned off.

Obfuscation technology 

Also known as a stealth VPN, obfuscation disguises VPN traffic to make it more difficult to identify. Your traffic won’t look exactly like unprotected data, but it won’t look like VPN traffic either. This feature is useful in areas with heavy internet censorship, helping users circumvent oppressive restrictions.

Surfshark offers obfuscation through the OpenVPN protocol, which automatically detects network limitations and activates settings to facilitate overcoming any censorship. This makes it easier for Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux users to get a secure VPN connection without manually configuring any settings.

ExpressVPN also supports obfuscation, but it’s automatically enabled on all ExpressVPN servers regardless of which protocol you use.

Summing up

ExpressVPN and Surfshark are both secure and offer the same kinds of encryption. There are minor differences in features like their kill switch and obfuscation, but users of either tool should be confident that their privacy is in good hands.

VPN protocols

VPN protocols are used to determine how data is encrypted and transmitted between a device and a VPN server.

The best options give users a fast and secure connection. Surfshark and ExpressVPN use protocols capable of providing both.

WireGuard: the fastest VPN protocol

Experts typically see WireGuard as the fastest VPN protocol, and it effectively combines robust security with very little loss in speed. 

Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN feature WireGuard. However, only Surfshark supports it on all major platforms. At the time of writing, ExpressVPN doesn’t support WireGuard on macOS.

IKEv2/IPSec: best for mobile users

IKEv2/IPSec is a popular choice for those using a VPN on mobile devices. That’s because this protocol can quickly reconnect your device when you switch between Wi-Fi and mobile networks.

Surfshark users can choose IKEv2/IPSec as their protocol on all supported platforms except Windows. However, ExpressVPN only makes this protocol available on macOS and iOS devices.

VPN users who want the IKEv2/IPSEC protocol on a variety of devices may see Surfshark as the better option.

OpenVPN: a secure and reliable protocol

OpenVPN is a strong VPN protocol that blends protective encryption with flexible device compatibility to promote general online security.

Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer OpenVPN as a VPN protocol on all supported devices.

Lightway: ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol

When it comes to VPN protocols, there’s one option ExpressVPN gives users that Surfshark doesn’t: Lightway.

ExpressVPN built Lightway on its own and made Lightway the default protocol in the ExpressVPN app. ExpressVPN touts Lightway as the fastest, most secure option available.

Summing up

While ExpressVPN stands out for offering its own Lightway protocol, both Surfshark and ExpressVPN provide users with modern, reliable protocols that give fast, secure VPN connections.

Audits

Independent audits verify VPN providers’ claims regarding their security, server networks, and privacy policies. They’re a way to give the public more transparency into VPN services, helping people confirm that the software they’re thinking about buying can, in fact, do what it claims.

Surfshark audits

Surfshark has organized numerous audits that touch on its no-logs policy and security infrastructure:

• In 2023 and again in 2025, Deloitte verified Surfshark’s no-logging policy. This reflects the company’s efforts to protect the online privacy of all users;
• In 2018 and 2021, Cure53 reviewed Surfshark’s server infrastructure and browser extensions and found them both secure and reliable. 

With all of these audits taking place relatively recently, users can use them as trusted guides with up-to-date information.

ExpressVPN audits

ExpressVPN has also been audited several times in recent years:

• In 2025, KPMG verified ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy and privacy commitments for a third time;
• Cure53 and Praetorian conducted two separate security audits of the Lightway protocol in 2025.

Summing up

ExpressVPN and Surfshark have commissioned a series of third-party checks over the years, so both VPN services can be considered reliable, transparent choices. 

Privacy

Many users want a VPN service so they can enjoy greater privacy online. Leading tools help keep your personal information and online activity confidential and tracker-free.

Jurisdiction

Surfshark is based out of the Netherlands, a country with strong data protection laws backed by the European Union’s GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).

Moreover, the Netherlands has no mandatory data retention laws that VPN providers must follow. As a result, Surfshark is under no obligation to store, monitor, or share user activity data.

On the other hand, ExpressVPN is headquartered in the BVI (British Virgin Islands), another favorable location for privacy-focused users. Like the Netherlands, the BVI has no data retention laws and isn’t part of any international data-sharing agreements.

Logging policy

Surfshark and ExpressVPN both have strict no-logs policies. Neither VPN provider monitors nor stores any data connected to user activity.

Surfshark commissioned two third-party audits in 2023 and 2025 to verify its no-logs policy. Both were conducted by Deloitte and confirm that Surfshark doesn’t track or save any browsing data.

Similarly, ExpressVPN’s logging policy was verified by KPMG in 2022, 2023, and 2025. Each confirmed ExpressVPN doesn’t collect any connection or activity logs.

Transparency measures

Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN consistently show that they’re committed to staying transparent and maintaining user privacy.

Surfshark exclusively uses RAM-only servers that wipe all user data with every reboot, reducing the risk of any data retention. The VPN service also has a Multi Hop double VPN feature that routes web traffic through multiple servers, offering users greater privacy.

In addition, Surfshark has a warrant canary that informs users if Surfshark ever receives a government warrant, gag order, or national security notice.

ExpressVPN relies solely on RAM-only servers as well. It also posts a biannual transparency report that shares information on user data requests received by its legal department over the past six months.

Summing up

Surfshark and ExpressVPN are both focused on user privacy, even with the following minor differences:

• Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands, and ExpressVPN is based in the BVI;
• Each VPN provider’s no-logs policy has been reviewed at different times by different firms;
• Surfshark has a warrant canary on its site that can be readily accessed, while ExpressVPN publishes any issues concerning user data in a transparency report that comes out twice a year.

Customer support

Surfshark and ExpressVPN have almost the same customer service channels and response times.

Support channels

Users can contact Surfshark and ExpressVPN via 24/7 live chat and email. The website for either provider also has guides for self-service and troubleshooting. Neither service offers phone support.

Availability and ease of access

ExpressVPN’s and Surfshark’s websites have detailed help centers for users to resolve their most common issues. Both VPN providers feature pages for FAQs, installation guides, and technical support.

Response times over live chat for both services have been noted as fast, with wait times kept to a minimum.

Ticketing system and email response time

Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN let users contact them via email. Surfshark’s email tickets are mostly reserved for complex issues, while ExpressVPN also uses email as a channel for those who aren’t customers yet.

In general, email response times are slower than live chat, but support agents from Surfshark and ExpressVPN typically respond within a few hours.

Summing up

Surfshark and ExpressVPN give users helpful customer support with short wait times and knowledgeable reps. Both VPN services tend to run effectively without any issues, but if a problem arises, you should easily find the assistance you need.

Bundled products and features

Leading cybersecurity tools often bundle different products together to bring users protection beyond what a VPN can provide. In general, Surfshark’s plans include more products than what’s available with ExpressVPN.

Ad blocker 

Surfshark’s Clean Web ad blocker stops intrusive ads and trackers on the web. When used in the browser extension, Clean Web offers more functionalities. It blocks cookie pop-ups, alerts you if it detects malware, and pings you when a page you visit has previously been part of a data breach.

ExpressVPN comes with a simplified ad blocker that prevents most display ads from loading while you browse.

Split tunneling 

Split tunneling lets you choose which apps to protect with a VPN and which to leave unprotected. This feature can help with accessing websites that may be sensitive to VPN traffic or IP changes.

ExpressVPN and Surfshark both have a split tunneling option. Surfshark’s Bypasser can exclude websites on iOS and the browser extension. Specific sites and apps can also be added to Bypasser on the Windows, Android, and macOS versions.

Split tunneling from ExpressVPN is available on Windows, Android, Linux, and older versions of macOS (not for macOS 11 and above). 

On top of traditional split tunneling, Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer inverse split tunneling (aka routing via VPN) as well. Everything is unprotected by default, and only selected apps or devices get VPN coverage.

While ExpressVPN has made routing via VPN a part of their standard split tunneling feature, it’s only available on Android in the case of Surfshark.

Double VPN

A double VPN feature routes VPN traffic through two servers, not just one. This adds a second server to your VPN connection and gives you more privacy.

Surfshark’s double VPN is called Multi Hop. It comes with a wide variety of customization options, giving you many options in picking your entry and exit server locations.

In contrast, ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a standard double VPN. The provider encourages users to rely on regular VPN protection to avoid any lower speeds that a double VPN may lead to.

GPS override

Surfshark users can enjoy GPS spoofing on Android devices, something ExpressVPN doesn’t currently provide.

GPS override lets you change your Android’s geolocation to a VPN server’s location. While this is something a VPN usually doesn’t do, it’s particularly useful while playing location-based mobile games or using apps that use GPS tracking.

Disclaimer: Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.

Dedicated IP

A dedicated IP gives you an IP address that isn’t shared with any other VPN users. They’re popular with users who need consistent access to things like online banks or remote work networks. They can also be used to avoid annoying human verification requests while surfing the web.

While Surfshark and ExpressVPN both have a dedicated IP as a paid add-on, they have different costs and available locations. For Surfshark, a dedicated IP costs $3.75/mo, and users have 15 different countries to choose from. 

ExpressVPN’s dedicated IP is more expensive, but it offers more locations. It costs $3.99/mo and lets users choose between 22 different countries.

Overall, the better dedicated IP depends on each user’s individual needs and preferences.

Alternative ID

Surfshark’s Alternative ID generates a new online persona that you can use for online sign-ups and form submissions. Data like an alternative name and email address can reduce spam coming to your main inbox and protect you from tracking and phishing attacks.

Alternative number

Alternative number is a paid Surfshark add-on that gives you a virtual phone number to use for online accounts. It makes it easier to avoid exposing your personal numbers to scams, spam, and data leaks.

ExpressVPN doesn’t offer any products similar to Alternative ID or an alternative phone number.

Incogni

Incogni is a personal data removal service that lets you request data brokers, people search sites, and other pages to delete your personal information. It’s useful for those who prioritize privacy and want as much of their private info as possible off the internet.

Incogni comes bundled in Surfshark’s highest-tier plan — ExpressVPN lacks a similar data removal service.

Password manager

A password manager stores your passwords, credit card details, and other private information in a secure vault. It can also help fill in any login credentials automatically when signing in to your apps or online accounts.

ExpressVPN comes with a password manager called Keys. Keys can alert users to data breaches affecting your stored passwords as well.

Surfshark doesn’t currently provide a password manager.

Money-back guarantee

VPN providers frequently offer users a money-back guarantee for a certain period after purchase to test out the tool’s speed, features, and overall performance.

Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN give users a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is considered the industry standard.

Summing up

Surfshark offers a wider cybersecurity suite, but ExpressVPN’s premium tiers let users unlock unique features like a password manager. 

Surfshark is a smart choice for users looking for broader protection, with bundles including products and features like Alternative ID, alternative number, and Incogni.

Reddit reviews: ExpressVPN vs. Surfshark

This VPN comparison table discussion on Reddit can be a helpful source of information for deciding between VPN providers like Surfshark and ExpressVPN. You can also view the comparison table directly. Note how Reddit users rank Surfshark as the second-best VPN, while ExpressVPN has fallen outside the top ten.

Checking out VPN providers yourself is always a good idea, but here are some comments from Reddit on Surfshark and ExpressVPN.

Disclaimer: The reviews highlighted in this section were selected from publicly available posts on social media platforms. They reflect the opinions of individual users at the time of posting and may not represent the full range of our product features and qualities.

Summing up

The experiences shared on Reddit regarding Surfshark and ExpressVPN vary between users. There are positive comments about the speeds, quality, and reliability of both VPN services.

When choosing between providers, narrow your search to a few top choices and then check out what Reddit community members have to say.

Key takeaway: ExpressVPN and Surfshark offer greater privacy

Surfshark and ExpressVPN are reliable VPN providers with fast speeds, widespread server infrastructures, and advanced security features.

Surfshark’s affordable long-term plans, unlimited connections, and rich cybersecurity bundles make it an excellent choice for most. While more expensive, ExpressVPN’s consistent performance makes it popular, too.

Surfshark reviews and comparisons

Check out our other in-depth guides to see how Surfshark compares to more VPN providers:

• Comparing all top VPN services;
• Surfshark vs. NordVPN;
• Surfshark vs. CyberGhost;
• Surfshark vs. PIA;
• Surfshark vs. Proton VPN.

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