ExpressVPN vs Surfshark 2026: Speed, Price & Connections
ExpressVPN offers superior speed and established reliability with 105 servers across 94 countries, while Surfshark provides unlimited simultaneous connections at a lower price point with comparable security features and 105 server locations.
ExpressVPN
High-speed premium VPN with 100% RAM-only servers, 3,000+ servers across 94 countries, and industry-leading encryption.
Users prioritizing maximum speed, established reliability, and premium security features who have fewer than 14 devices to connect simultaneously.
Surfshark
Budget-friendly VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections and strong encryption
Budget-conscious users with multiple devices, families needing unlimited connections, and those wanting premium security at lower cost without sacrificing speed or streaming capability.
Quick Answer
AI SummaryExpressVPN offers superior speed and established reliability with 105 servers across 94 countries, while Surfshark provides unlimited simultaneous connections at a lower price point with comparable security features and 105 server locations.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose ExpressVPN if you prioritize maximum speed performance and established market reputation with premium features, though you'll be limited to 14 simultaneous device connections. Choose Surfshark if you need unlimited simultaneous connections, access to more server locations, and want premium VPN features at a lower price point without compromising on security or speed.
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Choose ExpressVPN if
Users prioritizing maximum speed, established reliability, and premium security features who have fewer than 14 devices to connect simultaneously.
Choose Surfshark if
Best pickBudget-conscious users with multiple devices, families needing unlimited connections, and those wanting premium security at lower cost without sacrificing speed or streaming capability.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Simultaneous Connections:✓ Surfshark wins(Unlimited vs 14 devices)
- Server Locations:✓ Surfshark wins(105 countries vs 94 countries)
- Speed Performance Rating:9.8/10 vs 9.8/10
Key Facts & Figures
68 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | ExpressVPN | Surfshark | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Download Speed(Mbps) | 898 Mbps | — | — |
| Server Locations(countries) | 94 countries | 105 countries | |
| Speed Retention Rate(%) | 89% | — | — |
| Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries) | 10+ | — | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 8 devices | Unlimited | — |
| Speed Performance Rating(out of 10) | 9.8/10 | 9.8/10 | |
| Security Rating(out of 10) | 10.0/10 | 10.0/10 | |
| Streaming Capability Rating(out of 10) | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | |
| Gaming Performance Rating(out of 10) | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | |
| Download Speed(Mbps) | 898 Mbps | — | — |
| Internet Speed Retention Rate(%) | 91% | — | — |
| Total Streaming Services Supported(services) | 100+ | — | — |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | — | — |
| Standard Monthly Price(USD) | $12.99 | — | — |
| Server Locations Coverage(countries) | 94+ | — | — |
| Value for Money Rating(out of 10) | 9.6 | — | — |
| 2-Year Plan Average Cost(USD/month) | $3.49 | — | — |
| Starting Monthly Price(USD) | $2.79/month (2-year) | — | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | — | — |
| Countries Covered(count) | 94 countries | — | — |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 50+ Mbps | — | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 8 connections | — | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost (Per Month)(USD) | $6.67/month | — | — |
| Countries with Servers(countries) | 105 countries | 100 countries | |
| Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(%) | 94% | — | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) | $12.95/month (billed monthly) | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost(USD) | $6.67/month | — | — |
| Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD) | $6.67 | — | — |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 105 | 100 countries | |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 510 Mbps | 628 Mbps | |
| Netflix Unblocking Success(%) | 94% | — | — |
| Average Speed Retention(%) | 92% | — | — |
| Netflix Unblocking Reliability(%) | 99% | — | — |
| Maximum Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 8 devices | — | — |
| Supported VPN Protocols(count) | 2 (Lightway, IKEv2) | — | — |
| Monthly Price (Best Plan)(USD) | $6.67/month | — | — |
| Annual Cost(USD) | $99.95 | — | — |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | 3,200+ | |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Total Server Locations(number) | 3000+ | — | — |
| Countries Covered(count) | 105 | 100+ countries | |
| Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) | 8 devices | — | — |
| Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms) | 13+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Paramount+) | — | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | 3,200+ | |
| Number of VPN Servers(servers) | 3,000+ | — | — |
| Netflix Streaming Compatibility(regions) | 15+ regions | — | — |
| Annual Cost (3-Year Commitment)(USD) | $240.12 | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) | $6.67/month | — | — |
| Kill Switch Response Time(milliseconds) | <100ms | — | — |
| Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month) | $2.49 | $2.49 | |
| Value for Money Score(/10) | 8.9 | 8.9 | |
| Global Server Coverage(countries) | 100 countries | 100 countries | |
| Annual Subscription Price(USD) | $2.19/month | $2.19/month | |
| VPN Server Locations(countries) | 100 countries | 100 countries | |
| Total VPN Servers(servers) | 3,200+ servers | 3,200+ servers | |
| Independent Security Audit(year) | 2023 (Deloitte) | 2023 (Deloitte) | |
| Latest Security Audit Year | 2023 (Cure53) | 2023 (Cure53) | |
| Streaming Services Optimized(platforms) | 15+ optimized services | 15+ optimized services | |
| Monthly Price (Annual Plan)(USD) | $2.19 | $2.19 | |
| Annual Plan Price(USD/month) | $2.19/month | $2.19/month | |
| Global Server Network(servers) | 3,200+ servers | 3,200+ servers | |
| Independent Security Audits | 1 (PwC 2023) | 1 (PwC 2023) | |
| Monthly Price (Best Annual Deal)(USD) | $2.19/month | $2.19/month | |
| Monthly Price (Standard Plan)(USD) | $2.19 | $2.19 | |
| Annual Price (Lowest Tier)(USD) | $26.28 | $26.28 | |
| Server Network Size(servers) | 3,200+ | 3,200+ |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- 14 devicesSimultaneous ConnectionsUnlimited(winner)
- 94 countriesServer Locations105 countries(winner)
- 9.8/10Speed Performance Rating9.8/10
- 10.0/10Security Rating10.0/10
- Premium tierPrice CompetitivenessBudget-friendly(winner)
- 24/7 live chatCustomer Support Availability24-hour live chat
- Best-in-class AES-256Encryption StandardBest-in-class AES-256
- Simultaneous Connections
ExpressVPN
14 devices
Surfshark
Unlimited(winner)
- Server Locations
ExpressVPN
94 countries
Surfshark
105 countries(winner)
- Speed Performance Rating
ExpressVPN
9.8/10
Surfshark
9.8/10
- Security Rating
ExpressVPN
10.0/10
Surfshark
10.0/10
- Price Competitiveness
ExpressVPN
Premium tier
Surfshark
Budget-friendly(winner)
- Customer Support Availability
ExpressVPN
24/7 live chat
Surfshark
24-hour live chat
- Encryption Standard
ExpressVPN
Best-in-class AES-256
Surfshark
Best-in-class AES-256
Full Comparison
| Attribute | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Download Speed(Mbps) | 898 Mbps | — |
| Speed Retention Rate(%) | 89% | — |
| Speed Performance Rating(out of 10) | 9.8/10 | 9.8/10 |
| Streaming Capability Rating(out of 10) | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10(winner) |
| Gaming Performance Rating(out of 10) | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10(winner) |
Show 8 more attributesDownload Speed(Mbps) 898 Mbps — Internet Speed Retention Rate(%) 91% — Average Download Speed(Mbps) 50+ Mbps — Average Download Speed(Mbps) 510 Mbps 628 Mbps Average Speed Retention(%) 92% — Connection Speed Rating Good — Speed Performance (US Servers)(relative) Significantly faster with WireGuard — Streaming Services Optimized(platforms) 15+ optimized services — | ||
| Server Locations(countries) | 94 countries | 105 countries(winner) |
| Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries) | 10+ | — |
| Total Streaming Services Supported(services) | 100+ | — |
| Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(%) | 94% | — |
| Netflix Unblocking Success(%) | 94% | — |
| Netflix Unblocking Reliability(%) | 99% | — |
Show 2 more attributesNetflix Streaming Compatibility(regions) 15+ regions — Netflix Compatibility(rating) Good — | ||
| Native Streaming Box Apps | Full support | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 8 devices | Unlimited |
| Server Locations Coverage(countries) | 94+ | — |
| Router VPN Support | Native support | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 8 connections | — |
Show 5 more attributesMaximum Simultaneous Connections(devices) 8 devices — Supported VPN Protocols(count) 2 (Lightway, IKEv2) — Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) 8 devices — Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms) 13+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Paramount+) — Torrenting Support(supported) Fully supported — | ||
| VPN Protocols Offered | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | — |
| Security Rating(out of 10) | 10.0/10 | 10.0/10 |
| Primary VPN Protocol | Lightway (Proprietary) | — |
| Kill Switch Feature | Yes, All Platforms | Yes, all platforms |
| Encryption Standard | 256-bit AES Military-Grade | — |
Show 10 more attributesMulti-Hop Encryption Available (slower) — Code Transparency Third-party audited only — Encryption Standard 256-bit AES (Lightway protocol) AES-256 Code Transparency (Open Source) Proprietary/Closed — Kill Switch Response Time(milliseconds) <100ms — Kill Switch Availability Yes (all platforms) — Independent Security Audit(year) 2023 (Deloitte) — Independent Security Audits 1 (PwC 2023) — Kill Switch Protection Yes (automatic) — Encryption Protocol AES-256 + ChaCha20 — | ||
| Customer Support Type | 24/7 live chat | 24-hour live chat |
| Customer Support Satisfaction(rating) | Very Good | — |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | — |
| Countries with Servers(countries) | 105 countries(winner) | 100 countries |
| Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | 3,200+(winner) |
| Number of VPN Servers(servers) | 3,000+ | — |
Show 3 more attributesGlobal Server Coverage(countries) 100 countries — Global Server Network(servers) 3,200+ servers — Server Network Size(servers) 3,200+ — | ||
| Standard Monthly Price(USD) | $12.99 | — |
| 2-Year Plan Average Cost(USD/month) | $3.49 | — |
| Starting Monthly Price(USD) | $2.79/month (2-year) | — |
| Free Version | Not available | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost (Per Month)(USD) | $6.67/month | — |
Show 15 more attributesMonthly Subscription Cost(USD) $12.95/month (billed monthly) — Annual Subscription Cost(USD) $6.67/month — Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD) $6.67 — Monthly Price (Best Plan)(USD) $6.67/month — Annual Cost(USD) $99.95 — Free Tier Data Allowance(GB/month) None — Monthly Cost(USD) $12.95 — Annual Cost (3-Year Commitment)(USD) $240.12 — Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) $6.67/month — Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month) $2.49 — Monthly Price (Annual Plan)(USD) $2.19 — Annual Plan Price(USD/month) $2.19/month — Monthly Price (Best Annual Deal)(USD) $2.19/month — Monthly Price (Standard Plan)(USD) $2.19 — Annual Price (Lowest Tier)(USD) $26.28 — | ||
| Value for Money Rating(out of 10) | 9.6 | — |
| Privacy Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands | — |
| Login Requirement for Access | Mandatory (email-based) | — |
| Logging Policy | Strict no-logs | — |
| No-Logging Audit Verification | Yes (Cure53 audit 2023) | — |
| Countries Covered(count) | 94 countries | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 30 days |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 105(winner) | 100 countries |
| Countries Covered(count) | 105(winner) | 100+ countries |
| VPN Server Locations(countries) | 100 countries | — |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | 3,200+(winner) |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days |
| Total Server Locations(number) | 3000+ | — |
| Total VPN Servers(servers) | 3,200+ servers | — |
| Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands | — |
| Geographic Coverage(countries) | 94 countries | — |
| Server Storage Type(text) | 100% RAM-only | — |
| Dark Web Monitor | Not included | — |
| App Kill Switch Feature | No | — |
| Value for Money Score(/10) | 8.9 | — |
| Annual Subscription Price(USD) | $2.19/month | — |
| Latest Security Audit Year | 2023 (Cure53) | — |
| Supported Platforms | 15+ (includes smart TVs, gaming consoles) | — |
| No-Logs Audit Year | Deloitte (2022) | — |
Show 8 more attributes
Show 2 more attributes
Show 5 more attributes
Show 10 more attributes
Show 3 more attributes
Show 15 more attributes
Pros & Cons
12 pros·5 cons across both
ExpressVPN
Pros
- Industry-leading speed performance (9.8/10 rating)
- TrustedServer proprietary technology for enhanced security
- Perfect forward secrecy with AES-256 encryption
- 24/7 live chat customer support
- No activity or connection logs (zero-log policy)
- Works on every major platform and device
Cons
- Limited to 14 simultaneous device connections
- Higher subscription cost compared to competitors
- Only 94 countries (fewer than some alternatives)
Surfshark
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections across all devices
- 105 server locations worldwide (11 more than ExpressVPN)
- Best-in-class AES-256 encryption security (10.0/10 rating)
- Affordable pricing model for premium VPN features
- 24-hour live chat customer support
- Exceptional streaming capability rating (9.6/10)
Cons
- Slightly less established market reputation than ExpressVPN
- 24-hour support response window versus immediate live chat
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
ExpressVPN limits you to 14 simultaneous connections, while Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections across all your devices. This is a major advantage for Surfshark if you have a large household or multiple personal devices.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
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Wikipedia
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