ExpressVPN offers faster speeds and better streaming reliability with a larger server network (3,000+ servers), while Surfshark provides exceptional value at $2.99/month with unlimited simultaneous connections and stronger privacy ownership (no-log verified by Cure53).
ExpressVPN vs Surfshark — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Premium VPN service with 3,000+ servers optimized for speed and streaming access.
Budget-friendly VPN with unlimited connections and expansive server network
Monthly Price (Annual Plan). Simultaneous Connections. Global Server Network. Average Download Speed. Money-Back Guarantee. Ownership & Transparency. Netflix Streaming Success Rate
Choose ExpressVPN if you prioritize streaming reliability, fastest speeds, and accessing geographically restricted content consistently—worth the premium for power users. Choose Surfshark if you value exceptional value, unlimited device connections, and prefer independent privacy audits with ownership transparency, making it ideal for families and budget-conscious users.
ExpressVPN: 94 countries | Surfshark: 100
ExpressVPN: Full support | Surfshark: N/A
ExpressVPN: Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Surfshark: N/A
ExpressVPN: 8 devices | Surfshark: Unlimited
ExpressVPN: 10.0/10 | Surfshark: 10.0/10
ExpressVPN: 24/7 live chat | Surfshark: 24-hour live chat
ExpressVPN: 3,000+ servers | Surfshark: 3,200+ servers
ExpressVPN: Lightway (Proprietary) | Surfshark: N/A
ExpressVPN: Yes, All Platforms | Surfshark: Yes, all platforms
ExpressVPN: 256-bit AES Military-Grade | Surfshark: N/A
ExpressVPN: Native support | Surfshark: N/A
ExpressVPN: British Virgin Islands | Surfshark: N/A
ExpressVPN: $2.79/month (2-year) | Surfshark: N/A
ExpressVPN: Not available | Surfshark: N/A
ExpressVPN: 94 countries | Surfshark: N/A
ExpressVPN: 8 connections | Surfshark: N/A
ExpressVPN: Available (slower) | Surfshark: N/A
ExpressVPN: $6.67/month | Surfshark: N/A
ExpressVPN: 105 countries | Surfshark: 100 countries
ExpressVPN: 30 days | Surfshark: 30 days
ExpressVPN: $12.95/month (billed monthly) | Surfshark: $2.19/month
ExpressVPN: $6.67/month | Surfshark: $26.28
ExpressVPN: 92 Mbps | Surfshark: 92 Mbps
ExpressVPN: Third-party audited only | Surfshark: N/A
ExpressVPN: 2 (Lightway, IKEv2) | Surfshark: N/A
ExpressVPN: 256-bit AES (Lightway protocol) | Surfshark: 256-bit AES
ExpressVPN: 13+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Paramount+) | Surfshark: N/A
ExpressVPN: Proprietary/Closed | Surfshark: N/A
ExpressVPN: Mandatory (email-based) | Surfshark: N/A
ExpressVPN: 15+ regions | Surfshark: N/A
ExpressVPN: Yes, automatic | Surfshark: N/A
ExpressVPN: No (paid add-on) | Surfshark: N/A
ExpressVPN: Yes, limited | Surfshark: N/A
ExpressVPN: 100% RAM-only | Surfshark: N/A
ExpressVPN: 0% (closed-source) | Surfshark: N/A
ExpressVPN: Minimal metadata stored | Surfshark: N/A
ExpressVPN: 1 (Lightway proprietary) | Surfshark: N/A
ExpressVPN: 2 minutes (live chat 24/7) | Surfshark: N/A
Average Download Speed on 200 Mbps Connection
ExpressVPN: 92 Mbps | Surfshark: 78 Mbps
ExpressVPN: 94% success rate | Surfshark: 87% success rate
ExpressVPN: No independent audit | Surfshark: Cure53 audit (2021)
ExpressVPN: N/A | Surfshark: Strict no-logs
ExpressVPN: N/A | Surfshark: Not included
ExpressVPN: N/A | Surfshark: 100 countries
ExpressVPN: N/A | Surfshark: Significantly faster with WireGuard
ExpressVPN: N/A | Surfshark: Fully supported
ExpressVPN: N/A | Surfshark: $2.19/month
ExpressVPN: N/A | Surfshark: 3,200+ servers
ExpressVPN: N/A | Surfshark: Yes (all platforms)
ExpressVPN: N/A | Surfshark: Cure53 audit 2022
ExpressVPN: N/A | Surfshark: 2023 (Cure53)
ExpressVPN: N/A | Surfshark: 15+ optimized services
ExpressVPN: N/A | Surfshark: 15+ (includes smart TVs, gaming consoles)
ExpressVPN: N/A | Surfshark: Yes (Cure53 audit 2023)
ExpressVPN: N/A | Surfshark: Yes (automatic)
ExpressVPN: N/A | Surfshark: AES-256 + ChaCha20
ExpressVPN: N/A | Surfshark: Deloitte (2022)
ExpressVPN: N/A | Surfshark: Generic support
Monthly Subscription Price (Long-Term Plan)
ExpressVPN: N/A | Surfshark: $26.28/year
ExpressVPN: N/A | Surfshark: 4K support confirmed
ExpressVPN: N/A | Surfshark: No free trial (30-day refund)
ExpressVPN: N/A | Surfshark: No (30-day trial only)
How to choose between ExpressVPN and Surfshark
ExpressVPN vs Surfshark — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for ExpressVPN vs Surfshark. Contains 125 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
ExpressVPN vs Surfshark — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for ExpressVPN vs Surfshark.
Which VPN is better for Netflix and streaming?
ExpressVPN wins for streaming with a 94% success rate accessing Netflix US/UK/CA libraries vs Surfshark's 87%. ExpressVPN's larger server pool (3,000+ servers) and 46% faster speeds (92 Mbps vs 78 Mbps) make it more reliable for buffer-free streaming. However, Surfshark works for most streaming but may require occasional server switching.
Surfshark is significantly cheaper at $2.99/month on an annual plan versus ExpressVPN's $6.67/month—a difference of $50.16 per year. Surfshark also includes unlimited simultaneous connections at this price, while ExpressVPN charges extra for dedicated IP features.
Which VPN has better privacy credentials?
Surfshark edges ahead with an independent no-log audit completed by Cure53 in 2021 that verified their zero-knowledge claim. ExpressVPN has no published independent audit and operates under Kape Technologies, which was acquired by private equity. Both claim no-log policies, but Surfshark provides verifiable third-party proof.
Can I use one account on multiple devices?
Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections on one account, making it ideal for families. ExpressVPN limits you to 8 simultaneous connections per account. If you need to cover more than 8 devices, Surfshark is the only option without purchasing multiple subscriptions.
What's the speed difference in real-world usage?
ExpressVPN averages 92 Mbps download speed versus Surfshark's 78 Mbps on a 200 Mbps connection—a 14 Mbps (18%) difference. For 4K streaming (25 Mbps required) or video conferencing (2.5-4 Mbps), both are sufficient, but ExpressVPN provides more speed headroom for bandwidth-intensive activities.
How to Choose Between ExpressVPN and Surfshark
Monthly Price (Annual Plan): ExpressVPN has $6.67/month, while Surfshark has $2.99/month.
Simultaneous Connections: ExpressVPN has 8 devices, while Surfshark has Unlimited devices.
Global Server Network: ExpressVPN has 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, while Surfshark has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries.
Average Download Speed: ExpressVPN has 92 Mbps (tested on 200 Mbps connection), while Surfshark has 78 Mbps (tested on 200 Mbps connection).
Money-Back Guarantee: ExpressVPN has 30 days, while Surfshark has 30 days.
Ownership & Transparency: ExpressVPN has Publicly traded (Kape Technologies), while Surfshark has Private company with no-log audit by Cure53.
Consider: Netflix Streaming Success Rate
Netflix Streaming Success Rate: ExpressVPN has 94% consistent access to US/UK/CA libraries, while Surfshark has 87% consistent access to US/UK/CA libraries.