Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN

If ExpressVPN is the big man on campus coming into his senior year, Surfshark is the team’s rookie, a freshman that just might have what it takes to make quarterback. Or does it? In this review, we’re comparing Surfshark to ExpressVPN to see which VPN protected our web traffic better, and with faster speeds to boot. Our tests are done, so let’s get cracking.

Where ExpressVPN Wins

It’s no doubt that ExpressVPN impresses us consistently; it’s regularly on our list of the best VPNs. When we compared it to Surfshark, here’s where ExpressVPN came out on top.

• More reach worldwide: ExpressVPN’s servers span 105 countries, compared to Surfshark’s 100 countries, giving you slightly more global options.
• IP addresses: While we got a new IP address every time we connected to ExpressVPN, Surfshark gave us the same one every time, which is about as effective as putting on the exact same mask of Trump while robbing banks; eventually, people are going to catch on.
• Device and browser extension compatibility: ExpressVPN offers native apps for Chromecast and Android TV, unlike Surfshark. It also offers dedicated router firmware and MediaStreamer for devices that don’t natively support VPNs.

• Speed: Testing both VPNs across multiple devices and locations, ExpressVPN consistently delivered superior performance. On average, ExpressVPN reduced our base internet speed by only 10 to 15 percent, while Surfshark showed more variable results with 20 to 40 percent speed reduction depending on server location. With average internet speeds at over 100 Mbps, both will work for 4K streaming .1

Where Surfshark Wins

That’s not to say that Surfshark didn’t have its advantages of ExpressVPN, as well. What are they, exactly? We thought you’d never ask.

• Multi-hop: Imagine changing a line of text into code, and then changing that code into another code. It would be pretty hard to figure out the original text, wouldn’t it? That’s the thought process behind multi-hop, which means that our web activity and IP addresses were encrypted through multiple servers. While Surfshark had multi-hop, ExpressVPN did not, a feather in Surfshark’s proverbial cap.
• Price: Surfshark offers exceptional value, especially on longer-term plans. Their two-year plan comes out to just $1.99 per month, making it one of the most budget-friendly premium VPNs available (learn more on our Surfshark pricing page). ExpressVPN maintains premium pricing at $3.49 monthly for their best deal.

• Simultaneous connections: We connected as many devices as we wanted to Surfshark, which makes its low price seem even better. With ExpressVPN, we could connect up to 14 devices simultaneously. That’s obviously less than Surfshark’s unlimited connections but it’s still sufficient for most households.
• Privacy policy: Both VPNs maintain strict no-logs policies that have been independently audited. Surfshark edges ahead slightly by collecting minimal metadata—just your email and encrypted password — while ExpressVPN tracks a few additional anonymous metrics for service improvement. That being said, both VPNs are trustworthy when it comes to their logging or lack thereof.

Where There’s A Tie

There were some areas where choosing a winner wasn’t so clear-cut. Here’s what you can expect from both VPNs.

• Privacy jurisdiction: Both companies maintain headquarters outside the reach of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes surveillance alliances. This means neither company can be legally compelled to hand over user data to government agencies.

• Kill switch: Each VPN’s kill switch closed our web browsers if they got disconnected, keeping our activity safe and sound from any prying eyes, be it that of hackers or our Internet Service Provider.

• Torrenting: Both VPNs fully support P2P file sharing across their entire server networks. That means you can download files securely from any server location without bandwidth throttling.
• Split tunneling: When we wanted to connect to public and private networks at the same time, lowering bandwidth and raising our browsing speeds, we simply used split tunneling with both VPNs.
• Netflix access: In our testing, both VPNs successfully unblocked Netflix libraries from multiple regions including the U.S., U.K., Japan, and Canada. While streaming services constantly update their VPN detection methods, both ExpressVPN and Surfshark have kept pace. They maintain reliable access to geo-restricted content across Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and other major platforms.
• Encryption: Both services employ military-grade AES-256 encryption paired with perfect forward secrecy, ensuring each session uses unique encryption keys. They also support modern protocols like WireGuard (Surfshark) and Lightway (ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol), both offering improved speed without compromising security.
• Devices per subscription: While ExpressVPN allows up to 14 simultaneous connections and Surfshark offers unlimited, both subscriptions let you install the apps on as many devices as you own. You’re only limited by how many can connect at once.
• 30-day money-back guarantee: Of course, we tested out ExpressVPN and Surfshark for much longer than a month, but if we wanted to cancel within the first 30 days, we could’ve gotten full refunds from either company.

Who Won Overall?

After extensive testing, Surfshark edges ahead as our top choice, though the gap has narrowed considerably. Surfshark’s affordable pricing and support for unlimited devices outweigh the premium benefits of ExpressVPN. However, if you need the fastest speeds available or broader device compatibility, ExpressVPN will be worth the higher price.

To learn more about either VPN, read our ExpressVPN review or our Surfshark review. Or, for more comparisons, read our reviews of Surfshark vs. NordVPN, CyberGhost vs. ExpressVPN, TunnelBear vs. ExpressVPN. Overwhelmed? Start off with the best VPNs of 2025 instead. We test out each VPN extensively, doing the work so you don’t have to.