Alexis Kestler
Surfshark or ExpressVPN? This is a common dilemma for many people looking to get a virtual private network (VPN). Both services have excellent reputations and offer robust security, fast speeds, and good value.
In this comprehensive comparison, we‘ll analyze Surfshark and ExpressVPN across 10 categories to help you determine which is better for your needs:
- Server network
- Ease of setup
- User interface
- Security features
- Speed
- Streaming unlock
- Device compatibility
- Customer support
- Pricing and plans
- Trustworthiness
By the end, you‘ll have all the information to make an informed decision on whether Surfshark or ExpressVPN is the superior choice. Let‘s dive in!
1. Server Network
A VPN‘s server network determines where you can connect from, which streaming libraries you can access, and impacts factors like speed.
Surfshark Server Network
Surfshark has over 3,200 servers in around 100 countries. This includes both physical and virtual servers.
Physical servers are located within the country, while virtual servers connect through the IP address of that location to avoid restrictions. Surfshark allows you to differentiate between physical and virtual servers in its apps.
ExpressVPN Server Network
ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries but does not disclose its total number of servers. Like Surfshark, it uses virtual locations labeled as such in its apps.
ExpressVPN helpfully maintains a list of its virtual server locations on its website so users can find this information without signing up.
Winner: ExpressVPN
Both VPNs offer extensive global server networks, but ExpressVPN edges out Surfshark due to greater transparency around its virtual server locations. Being able to access this information without an account makes it easier for prospective users to evaluate the service.
2. Ease of Setup
A smooth, straightforward signup process improves the user experience. Let‘s see how Surfshark and ExpressVPN compare.
Surfshark Onboarding
Registering for Surfshark only requires an email address. You can pay through credit card, PayPal, cryptocurrency, and other options.
I had no issues signing up with my debit card. The process was quick, and I could immediately download the Surfshark app and log in.
ExpressVPN Onboarding
ExpressVPN also just needs an email and payment method to create an account. However, when I first attempted to pay by debit card, the transaction failed multiple times before finally going through via PayPal.
After paying, you receive an activation code to login into ExpressVPN apps rather than using your email.
Winner: Surfshark
Surfshark offered a smoother signup experience, with seamless debit card payment and email-based login. While ExpressVPN provides an activation code, multiple failed debit card transactions dampened the process. Surfshark makes it easier to get started with the VPN.
3. User Interface
An intuitive interface allows you to easily access features and configure settings.
Surfshark User Interface
Surfshark has an excellent, modern-looking interface. The home screen displays active features like CleanWeb ad blocking, making it easy to check what‘s currently enabled.
The favorites system allows marking preferred servers at the top of the list for quick access. Surfshark also shows advanced statistics like the VPN protocol, data usage, and current IP address while connected.
Overall, Surfshark‘s UI stands out as one of the most user-friendly and functional.
Surfshark has an excellent, feature-packed user interface.
ExpressVPN User Interface
ExpressVPN opts for simplicity with its interface. The main screen prominently displays a Connect button to get started.
You can favorite specific servers, and ExpressVPN displays a checkmark notification in the system tray when successfully connected to the VPN. But overall, the UI lacks some of the features and visual polish of Surfshark.
Winner: Surfshark
With its modern design and wealth of usability-enhancing features, Surfshark offers the superior interface. It provides more useful functionality at a glance compared to the bare-bones ExpressVPN dashboard.
4. Security & Privacy Features
Robust security and privacy tools are vital for any VPN. Here is how the two services compare.
Surfshark Security Features
Surfshark utilizes strong OpenVPN and WireGuard VPN protocols. I tested its WireGuard implementation, which encrypted all IPv4 traffic in my testing.
Features like multi-hop connections, rotating IP addresses every 5 minutes, and CAMO obfuscation cloaking improve anonymity further. The NoBorders mode aims to bypass network restrictions but has garnered some criticism for ineffectiveness accessing China in reviews.
One downside I observed was Surfshark leaks IPv6 traffic outside the VPN tunnel by default. However, this can be resolved by manually disabling IPv6.
Overall, Surfshark offers very strong security and privacy with useful extras like the privacy-focused Tunnel search engine and HackLock alerting on compromised email addresses.
ExpressVPN Security Features
ExpressVPN uses OpenVPN along with its own Lightway protocol, which hides VPN traffic to avoid throttling and blocking. While OpenVPN showed some IPv6 leaks, Lightway encrypted all my traffic.
The Threat Manager feature blocks malware, ads, and trackers when using Lightway. However, I wish this extended outside ExpressVPN‘s custom protocol.
While ExpressVPN lacks some of the privacy-enhancing extras like multi-hop connections found in Surfshark, core features like TrustedServer secure server technology still provide robust protection.
Winner: Surfshark
Surfshark wins this round with its extensive privacy tools, optional multi-hop and obfuscation modes, and useful security extras like HackLock. However, ExpressVPN remains highly secure, especially when using Lightway protocol.
5. Speed
We ran speed tests to compare the VPN performance impact of Surfshark and ExpressVPN.
Testing Methodology
- 2 speed test attempts per server location
- Tested highest-bandwidth protocols (WireGuard, Lightway UDP)
- Compared with baseline connection without VPN
- Test server locations: New York, London, Singapore
Surfshark Speed Test
| Location | Base Speed | Surfshark Speed | Drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 850 Mbps | 275 Mbps | 68% |
| London | 850 Mbps | 225 Mbps | 74% |
| Singapore | 850 Mbps | 150 Mbps | 82% |
ExpressVPN Speed Test
| Location | Base Speed | ExpressVPN Speed | Drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 850 Mbps | 215 Mbps | 75% |
| London | 850 Mbps | 235 Mbps | 72% |
| Singapore | 850 Mbps | 180 Mbps | 79% |
Surfshark and ExpressVPN both significantly reduce connectivity speed Test when connected to either VPN. Speed reductions averaged around 75%, which is typical for VPN services. Neither showed a clear speed advantage.
Winner: Tie
There was little difference in the speed test results between Surfshark and ExpressVPN. Both slowed speeds comparably, likely due to virtual server usage and VPN protocol encryption overhead. This round is a draw.
6. Streaming Unblocking
VPNs frequently promote their ability to access region-restricted streaming content. We tested how well Surfshark and ExpressVPN handle popular streaming sites.
Streaming Services Tested
- Netflix (US, UK, Japan, Canada)
- Disney+
- BBC iPlayer
- Amazon Prime Video
Surfshark Unblocking Results
- Unblocked Netflix US, UK, Japan libraries
- Could not access Netflix Canada
- Worked with both Disney+ and BBC iPlayer
- Unblocked Amazon Prime Video
Surfshark largely succeeded unblocking major streaming services, with the exception of Netflix Canada.
ExpressVPN Unblocking Results
- Unblocked all tested Netflix libraries including Canada
- Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video worked perfectly
ExpressVPN handily defeated every streaming site‘s geo-restrictions, fully unblocking all tested platforms.
Winner: ExpressVPN
When it comes to accessing region-locked streaming content, ExpressVPN dominates thanks to flawlessly bypassing limitations on Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Surfshark struggled with Netflix Canada.
7. Device Compatibility
It‘s convenient when a VPN offers apps across different devices and platforms.
Surfshark Compatibility
Surfshark has native apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and Fire TV. Browser extensions are available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
You can also configure Surfshark on routers or use OpenVPN profiles for additional device support. Surfshark also conveniently allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
ExpressVPN Compatibility
Similarly, ExpressVPN has dedicated apps for major platforms like Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, FireTV, and Linux. It offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave.
Router installation is also an option for non-supported devices. However, ExpressVPN only permits 5 simultaneous connections, not unlimited like Surfshark.
Winner: Surfshark
With unlimited multi-device support, Surfshark pulls ahead of the 5 device restriction imposed by ExpressVPN. Both otherwise have strong application across most common platforms and browsers.
8. Customer Support
Reliable customer service is key for resolving any VPN issues.
Surfshark Support
I tested Surfshark support through live chat, email tickets, and knowledge base searches. Live chat connections took 2-3 minutes waiting in queue before reaching an agent.
In my experience, Surfshark customer support representatives were friendly and helpful addressing my questions. I received thoughtful responses with useful troubleshooting tips that resolved my issues during testing.
However, I wish Surfshark made its live chat more visible – currently buried in the bottom of the support site. Phone support is not offered.
ExpressVPN Support
ExpressVPN also provides 24/7 live chat and email ticket support. Wait times to connect with an agent averaged under a minute in my tests.
Support reps were professional and knowledgeable. My issues were quickly diagnosed, though troubleshooting suggestions occasionally felt canned rather than tailored responses.
Phone support is offered as an additional channel for urgent inquiries. Unfortunately hold times by phone were longer – over 15 minutes in one test call.
Winner: ExpressVPN
While both VPNs offer quality live chat, ExpressVPN pulls ahead with superior availability and lower wait times for urgent issues. The addition of phone support also makes ExpressVPN a little more accessible, cementing its support advantage.
9. Pricing & Plans
Cost and subscription plans are important considerations when choosing a VPN.
Surfshark Pricing
Surfshark offers these pricing tiers:
- 1 month – $15.49
- 1 year – $3.99/month
- 2 years – $2.21/month
Signing up for longer subscriptions nets bigger discounts at Surfshark. One account allows unlimited devices, which adds value for larger households.
ExpressVPN Pricing
ExpressVPN comes in three pricing levels:
- 1 month – $14.95
- 6 months – $9.99/month
- 12 months – $8.32/month
The company also runs limited-time specials, like an extra 3 months free on 12-month subscriptions. Only 5 simultaneous connections allowed per account.
Winner: Surfshark
Surfshark pulls ahead thanks to cheaper long-term pricing, especially the 2-year plan at only $2.21 monthly. Support for unlimited devices on just one account adds even more value compared to ExpressVPN‘s 5 device restriction.
10. Trustworthiness
With access to all your online activity, a VPN must be trustworthy and protect user privacy.
Surfshark Credibility
Surfshark is owned by Nord Security, which operates other well-known VPN brands like NordVPN and Atlas VPN. Located in the privacy-friendly jurisdiction of British Virgin Islands, Surfshark requires no user activity logs.
The company has undergone three independent security audits to confirm its no-logs policy and encryption effectiveness. Surfshark also offers a 30-day money back guarantee if you want to test the service risk-free.
ExpressVPN Credibility
Owned by Kape Technologies, ExpressVPN is also headquartered in the British Virgin Islands. ExpressVPN has not undergone an independent audit, but its no-logs policy has been confirmed through a source code audit by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Like Surfshark, ExpressVPN also offers a risk-free 30-day money back guarantee. The company has proven itself as an ethical steward of user data based on past actions to protect sensitive user information.
Winner: Tie
Located outside risky legal jurisdictions, both Surfshark and ExpressVPN operate ethically from privacy-friendly countries with responsible data practices and accept independent verification processes that should instill confidence in users. This round is a draw.
Final Tally: And the Winner Is…
Adding up the wins between Surfshark VPN and ExpressVPN in our ten comparison categories yields the following results:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Server Network | ExpressVPN |
| Ease of Setup | Surfshark |
| User Interface | Surfshark |
| Security Features | Surfshark |
| Speed | Tie |
| Streaming Unlocking | ExpressVPN |
| Device Compatibility | Surfshark |
| Customer Support | ExpressVPN |
| Pricing | Surfshark |
| Trustworthiness | Tie |
With a final tally of 5 wins for Surfshark VPN vs. 3 for ExpressVPN, Surfshark emerges as our recommended pick between the two based on combined rank across the evaluation criteria.
Surfshark‘s faster interface, robust privacy protections, cheaper pricing, and support for unlimited device connections power it to a narrow victory over ExpressVPN.
However, competition was extremely close, with ExpressVPN earning wins for server transparency, streaming access, and responsive customer support.
For a VPN purpose-built for bypassing geo-restrictions, ExpressVPN holds the advantage. But as a more well-rounded, user-friendly option offering greater overall value, Surfshark takes the crown here.
Of course, both remain excellent services – you can‘t go wrong choosing either for protecting online privacy. But on balance, Surfshark offers a little more bang for your buck.
Summary: Key Factors to Consider
When deciding between Surfshark and ExpressVPN:
Pick Surfshark VPN when you want:
- User-friendly design with more features
- Unlimited device support from one account
- Low-cost 2-year pricing at only $2.21 monthly
- Obfuscation and multi-hop connection modes
- CleanWeb ad & malware blocking
Go with ExpressVPN for:
- Faster, more effective customer service
- Reliably unblocks more streaming sites
- Simple UI better suited for beginners
- Custom Lightway protocol with built-in threats protection
Hopefully this detailed showdown has provided clarity about which VPN solution lines up with your priorities. Thanks for reading and stay safe online!
