Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN vs Surfshark is essentially premium vs value - and that's not an insult to either. ExpressVPN delivers the fastest speeds I've tested and works in the most restrictive countries. Surfshark offers 90% of the experience at a fraction of the price. Which matters more to you?
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Quick Answer
ExpressVPN beats Surfshark for most users. It scores 9.2/10 vs 9/10 and fastest vpn speeds we've tested. Choose Surfshark if you need unlimited simultaneous connections.
Surfshark
Best budget VPN with unlimited devices and 4,500+ servers
Starting from
$1.99/mo
ExpressVPN
WinnerPremium VPN with fastest speeds and 105 countries
Starting from
$3.49/mo
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 |
| Starting Price | $1.99/mo | $3.49/mo |
| User Reviews | ||
| Performance | ||
| Servers | 4,500+ | 3,000+ |
| Countries | 100 | 105 |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | 10-14 |
| Security | ||
| Kill Switch | ||
| No Logs Policy | ||
| Double VPN | ||
| RAM-Only Servers | ||
| Features | ||
| Split Tunneling | ||
| Streaming Support | ||
| Torrenting | ||
| Dedicated IP | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
Surfshark
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Very affordable at $1.99/mo (2-year plan)
- 4,500+ RAM-only 10Gbps servers
- CleanWeb ad and malware blocker
- GPS spoofing on Android
- NoBorders mode for censored regions
- No-logs policy audited
- Speeds can be inconsistent
- Customer support response times vary
- Renewal pricing higher ($6.58/mo)
ExpressVPN
- Fastest VPN speeds we've tested
- Servers in 105 countries
- Excellent for streaming all major platforms
- TrustedServer technology (RAM-only)
- 24/7 live chat support
- Works in China and other restricted regions
- Up to 14 simultaneous connections (Pro plan)
- Most expensive VPN option
- Tiered pricing structure
- No dedicated IP option
Key Difference
ExpressVPN costs roughly 3x more than Surfshark. The question is whether premium speed and reliability justify that premium. For casual users, probably not. For power users and frequent travelers, ExpressVPN's advantages matter.
Which Should You Choose?
Surfshark
Choose ExpressVPN if you need the absolute fastest connections, frequently travel to restrictive countries, stream content from multiple regions, or simply want the most polished VPN experience money can buy.
ExpressVPN
Choose Surfshark if you want great protection without breaking the bank, need to cover unlimited devices, appreciate features like GPS spoofing on Android, or prefer a more affordable long-term commitment.
Our Verdict
ExpressVPN wins on performance and reliability, especially for streaming and bypassing restrictions. Surfshark wins on value, offering unlimited devices and competitive features at a budget price. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize performance or price.
Thinking of Switching?
If you're considering switching from ExpressVPN to Surfshark to save money, test Surfshark thoroughly during the 30-day trial. Make sure speeds are acceptable for your use case before canceling ExpressVPN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surfshark better than ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN scores higher in our testing (9.2/10 vs 9/10). ExpressVPN excels at fastest vpn speeds we've tested, while Surfshark is better for unlimited simultaneous connections.
Which is cheaper, Surfshark or ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN is more affordable at $12.99/mo vs $15.45/mo. ExpressVPN offers 16% savings.
Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: which should I choose?
Choose Surfshark if you prioritize unlimited simultaneous connections. Choose ExpressVPN if you need fastest vpn speeds we've tested. Both are solid vpns options.
What's the main difference between Surfshark and ExpressVPN?
The main difference is Surfshark offers best budget vpn with unlimited devices and 4,500+ servers, while ExpressVPN focuses on premium vpn with fastest speeds and 105 countries.