Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
Last updated July 2026
Surfshark
Unlimited-device VPN with aggressive multi-year pricing
Advantages
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections, best in the category
- One of the cheapest long-term VPN prices ($2.19/mo on 2-year plan)
- 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries
- CleanWeb ad and tracker blocker built in
- MultiHop routes traffic through two VPN servers for extra privacy
Drawbacks
- Speeds slightly behind NordVPN and ExpressVPN in independent tests
- Monthly plan is expensive at ~$15/mo
- Fewer advanced features than NordVPN
- Cheapest pricing locks you in for 2 years
ExpressVPN
High-speed, ultra-secure VPN with polished apps
Advantages
- Consistently among the fastest VPNs in independent tests
- Lightway protocol delivers snappy connect times
- Cleanest, most polished apps across every platform including routers
- TrustedServer technology runs entirely in RAM
- Reliable in restrictive countries like China
Drawbacks
- Priciest mainstream VPN at $6.67/mo on the annual plan
- Only 8 simultaneous connections (versus Surfshark's unlimited)
- Fewer advanced features than Surfshark at a much higher price
- Owned by Kape Technologies, which has a mixed reputation
Surfshark and ExpressVPN sit at opposite ends of the consumer VPN market. Surfshark is the value pick with unlimited simultaneous connections and one of the lowest long-term prices. ExpressVPN is the premium option with top-tier speeds and the smoothest apps but nearly triple the price on multi-year plans. Household size and budget almost always decide it.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Surfshark | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Best Monthly Price | $2.19/mo (2-year plan); $15/mo monthly | $6.67/mo (annual plan); $13/mo monthly |
| Server Network | 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries |
| Connection Speed | Very good; slightly behind Nord and Express | Top-tier with Lightway protocol |
| Privacy Policy | No-logs (audited by Deloitte and Cure53) | No-logs (audited by PwC and KPMG) |
| Streaming Compatibility | Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more | Excellent, works with all major streaming platforms |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited simultaneous connections | 8 simultaneous connections |
| Extra Features | CleanWeb, MultiHop, Bypasser split tunneling | Split tunneling, Threat Manager, router app |
| VPN Protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Lightway (proprietary), OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
Surfshark Wins
Surfshark wins for anyone with more than a couple of devices or a family sharing one subscription. ExpressVPN wins only for buyers who want the smoothest premium experience.
At roughly one-third the multi-year price of ExpressVPN and with unlimited device connections, Surfshark covers a full household plus travel devices without adding a second subscription. Speed differences in real-world use are small enough that most streaming and browsing feels identical. ExpressVPN earns its premium if you're a single power user who wants the polished app experience, marginally faster raw speeds, and hands-off support. For most buyers, Surfshark is the smarter default.
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