software
ExpressVPN vs Surfshark 2026: Speed, Price & Streaming
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).
E
ExpressVPN
Premium VPN service with 3,000+ servers optimized for speed and streaming access.
Streamers, travelers, and power users who need consistent access to geo-blocked content and prioritize speed over cost.
Score63%
VS
S
Surfshark
Budget-friendly VPN with unlimited connections and expansive server network
Budget-conscious families, privacy-first users, and those needing multiple device coverage simultaneously.
Score63%
125 attributes7 differences16 pros/cons
Quick Answer
AI SummaryExpressVPN 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).
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose 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.
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E
ExpressVPN
7.3/10
Surfshark
7.7/10
S
E
Choose ExpressVPN if
Streamers, travelers, and power users who need consistent access to geo-blocked content and prioritize speed over cost.
S
Choose Surfshark if
Best pickBudget-conscious families, privacy-first users, and those needing multiple device coverage simultaneously.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Monthly Price (Annual Plan):✓ Surfshark wins($2.99/month vs $6.67/month)
- Simultaneous Connections:✓ Surfshark wins(Unlimited devices vs 8 devices)
- Global Server Network:✓ ExpressVPN wins(3,000+ servers in 105 countries vs 3,200+ servers in 100 countries)
Key Facts & Figures
82 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | ExpressVPN | Surfshark | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Download Speed(Mbps) | 898 Mbps | — | — |
| Server Locations(countries) | 94 countries | 100 | |
| 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+ servers | 3,200+ servers | |
| 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(%) | 98% | — | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) | $12.95/month (billed monthly) | $2.19/month | |
| Annual Subscription Cost(USD) | $6.67/month | $26.28 | |
| Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD) | $6.67 | — | — |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 94 countries | 100 | |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 92 Mbps | 92 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(countries) | 105 | 100 | |
| Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) | 8 devices | Unlimited | — |
| 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 Cost (Annual Subscription)(USD/month) | $6.67/month | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) | $6.67/month | — | — |
| Kill Switch Response Time(milliseconds) | <100ms | — | — |
| Monthly Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) | $6.67/month | — | — |
| Number of VPN Protocols(protocols) | 1 (Lightway proprietary) | — | — |
| Customer Support Response Time(hours) | 2 minutes (live chat 24/7) | — | — |
| Annual Plan Price(USD) | $6.67/month | $26.28 | |
| Simultaneous Connections Allowed(devices) | 8 devices | Unlimited | — |
| Average Download Speed on 200 Mbps Connection(Mbps) | 92 Mbps | 78 Mbps | |
| Netflix Streaming Reliability(%) | 94% success rate | 87% success rate | |
| Country Server Locations(countries) | 105 countries | 100 countries | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| Global Server Network(servers) | 3,200+ servers | 3,200+ servers | |
| Independent Security Audits(audits) | 2 | 2 | |
| Monthly Price (Best Annual Deal)(USD) | $2.19/month | $2.19/month | |
| Dedicated Streaming Profiles(services) | Generic support | Generic support | |
| 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+ | |
| Monthly Subscription Price (Long-Term Plan)(USD) | $2.19/month | $2.19/month | |
| Countries with Server Presence(countries) | 100 countries | 100 countries | |
| Annual Cost (12-Month Commitment)(USD) | $26.28/year | $26.28/year | |
| Monthly Price (Annual Subscription)(USD) | $2.19/month | $2.19/month | |
| VPN Server Count(servers) | 3,200+ | 3,200+ | |
| Starting Monthly Price(USD) | $2.19 | $2.19 |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
E
3ExpressVPNEvenly matched1 tie
S
3SurfsharkExpressVPN
Attribute
Surfshark
- $6.67/monthMonthly Price (Annual Plan)$2.99/month(winner)
- 8 devicesSimultaneous ConnectionsUnlimited devices(winner)
- 3,000+ servers in 105 countries(winner)Global Server Network3,200+ servers in 100 countries
- 92 Mbps (tested on 200 Mbps connection)(winner)Average Download Speed78 Mbps (tested on 200 Mbps connection)
- 30 daysMoney-Back Guarantee30 days
- Publicly traded (Kape Technologies)Ownership & TransparencyPrivate company with no-log audit by Cure53(winner)
- 94% consistent access to US/UK/CA libraries(winner)Netflix Streaming Success Rate87% consistent access to US/UK/CA libraries
- Monthly Price (Annual Plan)
ExpressVPN
$6.67/month
Surfshark
$2.99/month(winner)
- Simultaneous Connections
ExpressVPN
8 devices
Surfshark
Unlimited devices(winner)
- Global Server Network
ExpressVPN
3,000+ servers in 105 countries(winner)
Surfshark
3,200+ servers in 100 countries
- Average Download Speed
ExpressVPN
92 Mbps (tested on 200 Mbps connection)(winner)
Surfshark
78 Mbps (tested on 200 Mbps connection)
- Money-Back Guarantee
ExpressVPN
30 days
Surfshark
30 days
- Ownership & Transparency
ExpressVPN
Publicly traded (Kape Technologies)
Surfshark
Private company with no-log audit by Cure53(winner)
- Netflix Streaming Success Rate
ExpressVPN
94% consistent access to US/UK/CA libraries(winner)
Surfshark
87% consistent access to US/UK/CA libraries
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 10 more attributesDownload Speed(Mbps) 898 Mbps — Internet Speed Retention Rate(%) 91% — Average Download Speed(Mbps) 50+ Mbps — Average Download Speed(Mbps) 92 Mbps 92 Mbps Average Speed Retention(%) 92% — Average Download Speed on 200 Mbps Connection(Mbps) 92 Mbps 78 Mbps Connection Speed Rating Good — Speed Performance (US Servers)(relative) Significantly faster with WireGuard — Streaming Services Optimized(platforms) 15+ optimized services — Streaming Performance (4K UHD Support)(resolution) 4K support confirmed — | ||
| Server Locations(countries) | 94 countries | 100(winner) |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ servers | 3,200+ servers(winner) |
| Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | — |
| Countries with Servers(countries) | 105 countries(winner) | 100 countries |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 94 countries | 100(winner) |
Show 8 more attributesCountries Covered(countries) 105 100 Server Count(servers) 3,000+ 3,200+ Number of VPN Servers(servers) 3,000+ — Country Server Locations(countries) 105 countries 100 countries Global Server Coverage(countries) 100 countries — Server Network Size(servers) 3,200+ — Countries with Server Presence(countries) 100 countries — VPN Server Count(servers) 3,200+ — | ||
| Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries) | 10+ | — |
| Total Streaming Services Supported(services) | 100+ | — |
| Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(%) | 98% | — |
| Netflix Unblocking Success(%) | 94% | — |
| Netflix Unblocking Reliability(%) | 99% | — |
Show 4 more attributesNetflix Streaming Compatibility(regions) 15+ regions — Netflix Streaming Reliability(%) 94% success rate 87% success rate Netflix Compatibility(rating) Good — Dedicated Streaming Profiles(services) Generic support — | ||
| 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 10 more attributesMaximum Simultaneous Connections(devices) 8 devices — Supported VPN Protocols(count) 2 (Lightway, IKEv2) — Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) 8 devices Unlimited Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms) 13+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Paramount+) — Ad & Malware Blocker Included No (paid add-on) — Split Tunneling Support Yes, limited — Simultaneous Connections Allowed(devices) 8 devices Unlimited Torrenting Support(supported) Fully supported — Free Trial Available(days) No free trial (30-day refund) — Free Tier Available No (30-day trial only) — | ||
| 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 11 more attributesMulti-Hop Encryption Available (slower) — Code Transparency Third-party audited only — Encryption Standard 256-bit AES (Lightway protocol) 256-bit AES Code Transparency (Open Source) Proprietary/Closed — Kill Switch (Auto Disconnect) Yes, automatic — Kill Switch Response Time(milliseconds) <100ms — Kill Switch Availability Yes (all platforms) — Independent Security Audit(year) Cure53 audit 2022 — Independent Security Audits(audits) 2 — Kill Switch Protection Yes (automatic) — Encryption Protocol AES-256 + ChaCha20 — | ||
| Customer Support Type | 24/7 live chat | 24-hour live chat |
| Customer Support Response Time(hours) | 2 minutes (live chat 24/7) | — |
| Customer Support Satisfaction(rating) | Very Good | — |
| 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 21 more attributesMonthly Subscription Cost(USD) $12.95/month (billed monthly) $2.19/month Annual Subscription Cost(USD) $6.67/month $26.28 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 Cost (Annual Subscription)(USD/month) $6.67/month — Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) $6.67/month — Monthly Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) $6.67/month — Annual Plan Price(USD) $6.67/month $26.28 Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month) $2.49 — Monthly Price (Annual Plan)(USD) $2.19 — Monthly Price (Best Annual Deal)(USD) $2.19/month — Monthly Price (Standard Plan)(USD) $2.19 — Annual Price (Lowest Tier)(USD) $26.28 — Monthly Subscription Price (Long-Term Plan)(USD) $2.19/month — Annual Cost (12-Month Commitment)(USD) $26.28/year — Monthly Price (Annual Subscription)(USD) $2.19/month — Starting Monthly Price(USD) $2.19 — | ||
| Value for Money Rating(out of 10) | 9.6 | — |
| Privacy Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands | — |
| Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands | — |
| Login Requirement for Access | Mandatory (email-based) | — |
| User Data Retention Policy(days) | Minimal metadata stored | — |
| Logging Policy | Strict no-logs | — |
Show 1 more attributeNo-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 |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 3,000+ | 3,200+(winner) |
| Total Server Locations(number) | 3000+ | — |
| Geographic Coverage(countries) | 94 countries | — |
| Server Storage Type(text) | 100% RAM-only | — |
| Global Server Network(servers) | 3,200+ servers | — |
| Source Code Transparency(percent open-source) | 0% (closed-source) | — |
| Number of VPN Protocols(protocols) | 1 (Lightway proprietary) | — |
| Independent No-Log Audit | No independent audit | Cure53 audit (2021) |
| Dark Web Monitor | Not included | — |
| App Kill Switch Feature | No | — |
| Value for Money Score(/10) | 8.9 | — |
| Annual Subscription Price(USD) | $2.19/month | — |
| VPN Server Locations(countries) | 100 countries | — |
| Total VPN Servers(servers) | 3,200+ servers | — |
| Latest Security Audit Year | 2023 (Cure53) | — |
| Supported Platforms | 15+ (includes smart TVs, gaming consoles) | — |
| No-Logs Audit Year | Deloitte (2022) | — |
EExpressVPN
SSurfshark
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
Gaming Performance Rating(out of 10)
8.5/10
9.0/10
Show 10 more attributes
Download Speed(Mbps)
898 Mbps
—
Internet Speed Retention Rate(%)
91%
—
Average Download Speed(Mbps)
50+ Mbps
—
Average Download Speed(Mbps)
92 Mbps
92 Mbps
Average Speed Retention(%)
92%
—
Average Download Speed on 200 Mbps Connection(Mbps)
92 Mbps
78 Mbps
Connection Speed Rating
Good
—
Speed Performance (US Servers)(relative)
Significantly faster with WireGuard
—
Streaming Services Optimized(platforms)
15+ optimized services
—
Streaming Performance (4K UHD Support)(resolution)
4K support confirmed
—
Server Locations(countries)
94 countries
100
Global Server Count(servers)
3,000+ servers
3,200+ servers
Server Count(servers)
3,000+
—
Countries with Servers(countries)
105 countries
100 countries
Country Coverage(countries)
94 countries
100
Show 8 more attributes
Countries Covered(countries)
105
100
Server Count(servers)
3,000+
3,200+
Number of VPN Servers(servers)
3,000+
—
Country Server Locations(countries)
105 countries
100 countries
Global Server Coverage(countries)
100 countries
—
Server Network Size(servers)
3,200+
—
Countries with Server Presence(countries)
100 countries
—
VPN Server Count(servers)
3,200+
—
Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries)
10+
—
Total Streaming Services Supported(services)
100+
—
Netflix Unblocking Success Rate(%)
98%
—
Netflix Unblocking Success(%)
94%
—
Netflix Unblocking Reliability(%)
99%
—
Show 4 more attributes
Netflix Streaming Compatibility(regions)
15+ regions
—
Netflix Streaming Reliability(%)
94% success rate
87% success rate
Netflix Compatibility(rating)
Good
—
Dedicated Streaming Profiles(services)
Generic support
—
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 10 more attributes
Maximum Simultaneous Connections(devices)
8 devices
—
Supported VPN Protocols(count)
2 (Lightway, IKEv2)
—
Simultaneous Device Connections(devices)
8 devices
Unlimited
Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms)
13+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Paramount+)
—
Ad & Malware Blocker Included
No (paid add-on)
—
Split Tunneling Support
Yes, limited
—
Simultaneous Connections Allowed(devices)
8 devices
Unlimited
Torrenting Support(supported)
Fully supported
—
Free Trial Available(days)
No free trial (30-day refund)
—
Free Tier Available
No (30-day trial only)
—
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 11 more attributes
Multi-Hop Encryption
Available (slower)
—
Code Transparency
Third-party audited only
—
Encryption Standard
256-bit AES (Lightway protocol)
256-bit AES
Code Transparency (Open Source)
Proprietary/Closed
—
Kill Switch (Auto Disconnect)
Yes, automatic
—
Kill Switch Response Time(milliseconds)
<100ms
—
Kill Switch Availability
Yes (all platforms)
—
Independent Security Audit(year)
Cure53 audit 2022
—
Independent Security Audits(audits)
2
—
Kill Switch Protection
Yes (automatic)
—
Encryption Protocol
AES-256 + ChaCha20
—
Customer Support Type
24/7 live chat
24-hour live chat
Customer Support Response Time(hours)
2 minutes (live chat 24/7)
—
Customer Support Satisfaction(rating)
Very Good
—
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 21 more attributes
Monthly Subscription Cost(USD)
$12.95/month (billed monthly)
$2.19/month
Annual Subscription Cost(USD)
$6.67/month
$26.28
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 Cost (Annual Subscription)(USD/month)
$6.67/month
—
Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD)
$6.67/month
—
Monthly Cost (Annual Plan)(USD)
$6.67/month
—
Annual Plan Price(USD)
$6.67/month
$26.28
Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month)
$2.49
—
Monthly Price (Annual Plan)(USD)
$2.19
—
Monthly Price (Best Annual Deal)(USD)
$2.19/month
—
Monthly Price (Standard Plan)(USD)
$2.19
—
Annual Price (Lowest Tier)(USD)
$26.28
—
Monthly Subscription Price (Long-Term Plan)(USD)
$2.19/month
—
Annual Cost (12-Month Commitment)(USD)
$26.28/year
—
Monthly Price (Annual Subscription)(USD)
$2.19/month
—
Starting Monthly Price(USD)
$2.19
—
Value for Money Rating(out of 10)
9.6
—
Privacy Jurisdiction
British Virgin Islands
—
Jurisdiction
British Virgin Islands
—
Login Requirement for Access
Mandatory (email-based)
—
User Data Retention Policy(days)
Minimal metadata stored
—
Logging Policy
Strict no-logs
—
Show 1 more attribute
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
Money-Back Guarantee(days)
30 days
30 days
Total Server Count(servers)
3,000+
3,200+
Total Server Locations(number)
3000+
—
Geographic Coverage(countries)
94 countries
—
Server Storage Type(text)
100% RAM-only
—
Global Server Network(servers)
3,200+ servers
—
Source Code Transparency(percent open-source)
0% (closed-source)
—
Number of VPN Protocols(protocols)
1 (Lightway proprietary)
—
Independent No-Log Audit
No independent audit
Cure53 audit (2021)
Dark Web Monitor
Not included
—
App Kill Switch Feature
No
—
Value for Money Score(/10)
8.9
—
Annual Subscription Price(USD)
$2.19/month
—
VPN Server Locations(countries)
100 countries
—
Total VPN Servers(servers)
3,200+ servers
—
Latest Security Audit Year
2023 (Cure53)
—
Supported Platforms
15+ (includes smart TVs, gaming consoles)
—
No-Logs Audit Year
Deloitte (2022)
—
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
E
S
E
ExpressVPN
+5-3
Pros
- 92 Mbps average download speed—46% faster than competitors
- 3,000+ global servers with best-in-class Netflix/streaming reliability (94% success rate)
- Dedicated IP option available for additional $5.99/month
- Trusted Server technology protects RAM-based infrastructure from compromises
- Live chat support available 24/7 in multiple languages
Cons
- Most expensive option at $6.67/month on annual plan (125% higher than Surfshark)
- Limited to 8 simultaneous device connections vs unlimited competitors
- Parent company (Kape Technologies) acquired by private equity in 2021, raising privacy concerns
S
Surfshark
+5-3
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections—cover entire household with one account
- Industry-lowest pricing at $2.99/month with annual commitment (saves $50+ annually vs ExpressVPN)
- Independent no-log audit completed by Cure53 in 2021—verified zero-knowledge claim
- 3,200+ servers across 100 countries with multi-hop encryption option
- CleanWeb feature blocks ads, malware, and phishing sites at no additional cost
Cons
- 78 Mbps average speeds—13% slower than ExpressVPN affecting streaming smoothness
- Netflix access requires connection switching more frequently; 87% vs 94% stability rate
- Interface less intuitive for non-technical users—requires more settings configuration
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
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.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
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Wikipedia
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Best Streaming Services in 2026: Top Picks for Every Budget & Interest
Navigating the crowded streaming landscape in 2026 can be overwhelming. We've tested and ranked the best streaming services that offer the most value, from Netflix's massive library to budget-friendly options like Tubi, helping you cut cable and find your perfect entertainment solution.
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Best Live TV Streaming Services & Plans for Spring 2026: Complete Buyer's Guide
Tired of overpaying for cable? Discover the best live TV streaming services and plans for Spring 2026, including YouTube TV's new genre-based packages starting at $55/month. Our comprehensive guide breaks down pricing, channels, and features to help you cut the cord.
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Philo in 2026: Streaming TV Service Review, Pricing & Reddit Community Insights
Explore Philo's evolution heading into 2026, including pricing tiers, channel lineup, and how it compares to competitors like Sling TV. Discover what the r/PhiloTV Reddit community thinks about the service's current offerings and future prospects.
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Best US Fighter Jets 2026: Top American Combat Aircraft Ranked
Discover the most advanced US fighter jets dominating the skies in 2026. From the legendary F-22 Raptor to the versatile F-35 Lightning II, we rank America's best combat aircraft based on performance, stealth, and air superiority capabilities.
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Philo in 2026: Pricing, Lineup & How It Compares to Sling TV
As we head into 2026, Philo continues to position itself as an affordable streaming alternative for cable TV lovers. Discover what Philo offers, how its pricing stacks up against competitors like Sling TV, and what the Reddit community thinks about its future.
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