ExpressVPN vs Surfshark- Updated Detailed Comparison 2024

Last updated: February 1, 2024
William Sams
William Sams
Read this comprehensive VPN comparison of ExpressVPN Vs Surfshark to find out which service is better at catering to user needs in 2023!
ExpressVPN-vs-Surfshark-in-USA

This VPN comparison of ExpressVPN vs Surfshark is not about which one is good or bad, but which one is better at what and why!

You can find ExpressVPN and Surfshark mostly on the top of any website that lists the best VPNs , including ours. Moreover, the similarity between these two services is that they both used to have their headquarters in safe jurisdiction, the British Virgin Islands, away from the 5,9,14 eyes Alliances , which means you can expect them to use proper logging standards.

However, according to our latest research, Surfshark no longer has its headquarters in BVI. So what does that imply? Is there a change in Surfshark’s no logs policy? Intrigued? Read on!

Check out this in-depth comparison analysis to learn which VPN is better Express or Surfshark? For your information, we’ve gathered the latest data and compiled it for your ease within this blog. Let’s get the comparison to begin and see which one attracts more users!


ExpressVPN vs Surfshark : Overview

For your convenience, we’ve crafted a concise summary table. Have a look below:

VPN providers ExpressVPN-logo-in-USA surfshark-logo-new-in-USA
No. of Servers

3000 servers in 105 countries

3200 servers in countries

Multi Logins

8 devices

Unlimited devices

No-logs

Yes

Yes

VPN Protocols

WireGuard, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and IKEv2

WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN

Compatibility

Windows, macOS, Linux, routers, iOS, Android, game consoles, AppleTV, Firestick, and more.

iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Chrome, routers, Apple TV, and more.

Ad-blocker

Not available

Available

Cookie pop-up blocker

Not available

Available

Independent audits

Available

Available

10 Gbps server

Available

Available
Streaming Platforms

Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and more.

Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and more.

Support

24/7 Live Chat and Email

24/7 Live Chat and Email

Price

US$ 6.67 /mo - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free

US$ 2.49 /mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee

Money Back Guarantee

30-days

30-days

Get ExpressVPN in USA Now!30-Day Risk-Free Trial


ExpressVPN vs Surfshark : Detailed Comparison

Below we have prepared separate side-by-side comparison tables for ExpressVPN vs Surfshark :

Pricing and Plans

After comparing ExpressVPN vs Surfshark price, it becomes clear that ExpressVPN is a little on the costly side. It offers three different plans to users: Monthly, Six months, and 1-year.

Pricing package

ExpressVPN-logo-in-USA

surfshark-logo-new-in-USA

Free plan

Not available

Not available

Most affordable cost

$6.67/month

$1.99/month

Maximum monthly cost

$12.95/month

$13.99/month

1-month cost

$12.95/month

$13.99/month

6-months cost

$9.99/month

1-year plan

$6.67/month

$3.99/month

2-years plan

$1.99/month

No-risk trial

7-days

7-days

Best deals US$ 6.67 /mo - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free US$ 2.49 /mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee

Both ExpressVPN and  Surfshark pricing has visible difference if compared side by side, however, ExpressVPN manages to provide greater services at slightly higher prices!

Get ExpressVPN in USA Now!30-Day Risk-Free Trial

Features

Here is a comparative table outlining the overall features of both VPNs, please take a moment to review:

ExpressVPN-logo-bvco-in-USA surfshark-logo-bvco
Simultaneous Connections 8 Unlimited
Operating System Apps Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV/Firestick, routers Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and Fire TV
Manual Install Devices Some Routers, Set-Top Boxes, Kodi, FireStick Linux, Routers, Set-Top Boxes
Free Extras Media Streamer Smart DNS, RAM-based servers, browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari Shadowsocks support, Hacklocks, Blindsearch, NoBorders Mode, TrustDNS
Best deals US$ 6.67 /mo - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free US$ 2.49 /mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee

In terms of features, both ExpressVPN and Surfshark very well surpass many providers in the industry. They stay updated on the latest in technologies and hacks to maximize performance.

With either provider, you have easy-to-use and intuitive apps like ExpressVPN on Android is a great option for Android users.

Where Surfshark offers pre-configured routers, ExpressVPN adds a native client for DD-WRT and Tomato routers; you can install them by installing their firmware.

ExpressVPN even adds a Media Streamer Smart DNS service for streamers, while Surfshark offers multiple security tools like NoBorders, BlindSearch, Hacklock, and Shadowsocks.

As far as simultaneous connections are concerned, ExpressVPN can be used on 8 devices at a single time. Surfshark, on the other hand, offers unlimited multi-logins.


ExpressVPN Exclusive Features

ExpressVPN includes extra features geared towards enhancing privacy and security:

Router Applet: ExpressVPN provides a router applet for simplified VPN setup on routers, enabling encrypted connections on devices without native VPN support.

Threat Manager: The Threat Manager detects and eliminates potential threats, such as malicious websites, during your browsing sessions.

Password Manager: ExpressVPN includes a password manager, which allows you to generate secure and complex passwords without having to memorize them.

If you’re interested in finding out more about it, then read the ExpressVPN review!


SurfShark Exclusive Features

Surfshark also has a few amazing features to offer, such as:

Double VPN: To improve security, Surfshark’s MultiHop feature employs a double VPN, redirecting your traffic through two distinct VPN servers.

Dedicated IP: For an additional fee, Surfshark offers a dedicated IP with locations in the US (Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, San Jose), UK (London), Netherlands (Amsterdam), Germany (Frankfurt), South Africa (Johannesburg), Japan (Tokyo), and Australia (Sydney).

Ad Blocker: Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature protects users from malicious ads, pop-ups, online trackers, and dangerous websites.

Opt for Surfshark review to find out more about the quality of its services.


Netflix and streaming

Here is what both ExpressVPN vs Surfshark support when it comes to streaming:

ExpressVPN-logo-in-USA surfshark-logo-bvco-in-USA
Netflix Yes Yes
Hulu Yes Yes
Sky Go Yes Yes
Amazon Prime Yes Yes
BBC iPlayer Yes Yes
Disney+ Yes Yes
HBO Max Yes Yes
NBC Yes Yes
ITV Yes Yes
Channel 4 Yes Yes

To our surprise, ExpressVPN and Surfshark are equally matched in terms of unblocking different streaming platforms. However, ExpressVPN Netflix worked well in quickly bypassing restrictions. We suggest you take advantage of ExpressVPN free trial to test it yourself and enjoy streaming in no time!

netflix-unblocked-by-expressvpn-bvco-in-USA

ExpressVPN was able to unblock Netflix seamlessly.

Apart from ExpressVPN, you may also try your luck with streaming Netflix with Surfshark . Based on our tests, although we didn’t receive as fast speed as ExpressVPN, Surfshark still provided excellent speeds for HD streaming, and that too without causing any lags or buffering.

surfshark-review-netflixUS-in-USA

Connecting to the Surfshark Netflix server in the US allowed me to unblock and watch “The Walking Dead” with a buffer-free experience.

From either service, you can feel assured to face no hassles in streaming on VoDs in ultra HD quality, be it from desktop clients or smartphone apps.

Get ExpressVPN in USA Now!30-Day Risk-Free Trial

Security

Below is a comparative table highlighting the security features of both VPNs. Please take a moment to examine the details.

ExpressVPN-bvco-in-USA surfshark-bvco-in-USA
VPN Protocols Lightway, PPTP, L2TP, OpenVPN L2TP, IPSec, IKEv2, Shadowsocks, OpenVPN
OpenVPN Data Encryption AES-256-CBC AES-256-CBC
OpenVPN Control Channel Encryption RSA-4096  RSA-4096
Cloaking Technology Cipher Block Chaining Shadowsocks
App Security Kill Switch Kill Switch and DNS/WebRTC/ IP Leak Protection
DNS Status Private DNS TrustDNS

ExpressVPN supports three protocols: PPTP, L2TP, and OpenVPN (TCP and UDP). It uses AES-256-CBC ciphers with HMAC SHA-256 data authentication on the data channel.

AES-256-GCM ciphers with RSA-384 handshake and HMAC SHA-256 data authentication are used for the control channel.

Surfshark, on the other hand, is a big fan of the IKEv2 protocol and uses it as “default” across its iOS device. Other apps utilize the same “OpenVPN (UDP)” protocol as a default.

It utilizes AES-256-GCM ciphers, so no additional authentication is provided on the data channel, but it is incredibly secure.

For the control channel, Surfshark uses an AES-256-GCM cipher with the TLS key exchange secured using RSA-2048. Perfect forward secrecy is provided by ECDH-(384?) key exchange.


Servers and Speed

Examine the servers and speed of ExpressVPN and Surfshark VPN by referring to our provided comparison table below:

Reviewing VPN services means more than just looking at the pricing and features available. You also need to factor in total servers, several countries’ support, and dedicated streaming/torrent servers, if any.

ExpressVPN offers a huge listing of servers worldwide. As a result, you can utilize ExpressVPN for torrenting on almost all servers. Streaming is still a little tricky and may take tries on different servers.

Surfshark, on the other hand, tends to offer a dramatically lesser count, but the performance is still good.

Servers ExpressVPN-bvco-in-USA surfshark-bvco-in-USA
Overall servers count 3000 3200
Total countries server 105 100

Also, if we take into factor that Surfshark only recently made its way into the marketplace in 2017, some leeway can be given in comparison to a service with 10+ years in the industry.

If we talk about the speed of ExpressVPN vs Surfshark, both of them deliver exceptional speeds on their multiple servers, especially in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Upon conducting ExpressVPN vs Surfshark speed test, the following are the results that we got:

If we talk about ExpressVPN speed test , then it was quite impressive to see the results; it delivered a download speed of 89.42 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.64 Mbps, which makes it a great choice for a smooth streaming experience.

BV-expressvpn-speed-test-in-USA

ExpressVPN’s speed was quite impressive.

Whereas Surfshark speed test results delivered the average download and upload speed at 81.32 Mbps and 76.12 Mbps respectively, which is ideal for gaming and streaming purposes.

BV-surfshark-speed-test-in-USA

Surfshark demonstrated rapid speeds.

These ExpressvVPN vs Surfshark speed result shows that ExpressVPN gets the edge over Surfshark, making itself the top choice for users who wants to fast and smooth streaming experience.

Get ExpressVPN in USA Now!30-Day Risk-Free Trial

Privacy

We’ve compiled a comparison table outlining the privacy features offered by both VPNs:

ExpressVPN-bvco-in-USA surfshark-logo-bvco-in-USA
Headquarters British Virgin Islands The Netherlands
Connection Logs None None
Activity Logs None None
Sign Up Information Email Address Email Address
Anonymous Payment Methods Bitcoin and Mint Various Cryptocurrencies

ExpressVPN has its headquarters in the British Virgin Islands, an autonomous nation with a fair degree of freedom in matters governing its internal affairs. Compared to Britain, safe internet jurisdiction BVI does not impose mandatory data retention and mass surveillance laws. Neither is BVI a part of the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances.

However, Surfshark’s jurisdiction is based in the Netherlands. Since it is a part of the aforementioned alliance, we can understand why one would have certain reservations. However, its no logs policy has been audited by third parties (Deloitte and Cure53), and it vehemently stresses that it doesn’t share any data externally nor logs any identifiable data.

There are no major issues with either VPN logging policy either. ExpressVPN’s servers were seized following an attack on the Russian Ambassador of Turkey, but no details were revealed.

Similarly, there have been no cases involving Sufshark sharing personal details of users to government agencies. As far as anonymous payment options are concerned, both providers also support Bitcoin.


Configuration

Evaluate the configuration options of ExpressVPN and Surfshark VPN by referring to the table below:

ExpressVPN-bvco-in-USA surfshark-logo-bvco-in-USA
Address Allocation Shared Shared/Dedicated
Static IPs None 6+ Locations
DDoS Protection Yes Yes
NAT Firewall Yes Yes

For configurations, Surfshark gains an edge over ExpressVPN. Where the BVI-based provider adopts a shared infrastructure and addresses allocation, Surfshark supports both dynamic and static.

As a result, the BVI-based provider delivers more benefits to users, particularly ex-pats/travelers wanting remote access to office files, along with protection when accessing financial information.

It is important to note, though, that dedicated IPs are available as an add-on with Surfshark, so you do have to pay extra for them. However, the benefits of getting one give you greater value for your money.


China

When visiting a country with strict censorship and Internet restrictions, such as China, a reliable VPN becomes essential. Fortunately, both Surfshark and ExpressVPN use their methods to circumvent Internet censorship, earning them a spot among the best VPNs for China.

Surfshark uses obfuscated servers to conceal the use of a VPN entirely.

Similarly, ExpressVPN employs stealth servers to help users circumvent China’s Great Firewall and other online barriers. When the VPN detects the need for this technology, it automatically activates.

For American Users in China can download ExpressVPN from their dedicated Chinese page here: http://exp4links4.net/

For American Users in China can download Surfshark from their dedicated Chinese page here: https://shark-cn.com/

Get ExpressVPN in USA Now!30-Day Risk-Free Trial

Torrenting Support

Whether you torrent regularly or only occasionally, having a reliable VPN for torrenting is essential. Fortunately, both ExpressVPN and Surfshark are well-equipped to meet your needs, as they both support P2P connections.

Given that both VPN services support torrenting across their entire server network, finding a high-speed server will be simple. With either of these options, torrenting becomes a seamless experience. ExpressVPN vs Surfshark Reddit is a great way to find out user’s insights, experiences, and recommendations regarding these VPN services.

Get ExpressVPN Now!30-Day Risk-Free Trial

Platform and Interface Support

Explore the platform and interface support of ExpressVPN and Surfshark VPN through our featured comparison table:

Platform & Interface ExpressVPN-bvco-in-USA surfshark-logo-bvco-in-USA
Support for OS Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
Alternative software and devices Android TV, Fire devices, routers, and much more Android TV, Fire devices, routers, and much more
No. of Simultaneous connections 8 Unlimited
Available browser extensions Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge
Level of usability Simple to configure Simple to configure

ExpressVPN and Surfshark offer a wide range of applications with few exceptions. However, ExpressVPN has a dedicated router applet.


Desktop apps

ExpressVPN’s applications boast a modern design, user-friendly interface, and seamless development. They are also quite intuitive and accessible, making them suitable for users of all levels, including beginners.

expressvpn-desktop-app-in-USA

ExpressVPN’s desktop has a modern design and user-friendly interface.

Whereas if you prefer sleek and contemporary applications, Surfshark Windows and macOS apps might not meet your expectations.

surfshark-desktop-app-bvco-in-USA

Surfshark’s desktop app has a simple interface.


Mobile app

The ExpressVPN Android app presents a polished interface, combining modern aesthetics with user-friendly design. Navigating through the app is effortless, and the intuitive layout ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for users on Android devices.

expressvpn-android-app-bvco-in-USA

ExpressVPN’s Android app offers has intuitive design with a user-friendly interface.


Customer Support

We tested customer support services of both VPN to compare them side-by-side and these were the results:

Customer care features ExpressVPN-bvco-in-USA surfshark-logo-bvco-in-USA
24/7 live chat option

Available

Available

Support Via Email

Available

Available

Email response timing

Approximately 50mins

Approximately 2hrs

Ticket support

Available

Available

Video guidance

Available

Available

Knowledge base

Available

Available

Phone support

Unsupported

Unsupported

Website

ExpressVPN

Surfshark

Best deals

US$ 6.67 /mo - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free

US$ 2.49 /mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee

Surfshark and ExpressVPN both offer 24/7 support via email and live chat, as well as extensive searchable databases for common questions. Their official YouTube channels also have video guides.

Live chat is typically a good option for immediate assistance. ExpressVPN has response time is very quick in comparison to Surfshark, considering that if you ever come across situations regarding ExpressVPN not working , then their support center can help you resolve the issue immediately.

Get ExpressVPN in USA Now!30-Day Risk-Free Trial

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN – Who wins?

Let’s do a final comparison to find out our final winner:

Category ExpressVPN-logo-bvco-in-USA surfshark-logo-bvco-in-USA
Streaming
Best price
High security
Fast speed
Features
Most servers
Restricted countries
User-friendly
Supports torrenting
Customer care

After comparing them side-by-side in every aspect, it is pretty clear that ExpressVPN has taken over Surfshark because of its impressive features and user-friendly services! Not only that, it has shown great performance on numerous devices; ExpressVPN router is one of the examples.


ExpressVPN vs Surfshark : FAQs

Although ExpressVPN is more costly and restricts device usage to five, it provides a faster internet connection and boasts over double the server locations compared to Surfshark. Conversely, Surfshark stands out as one of the more budget-friendly VPN options available.

NordVPN outperforms ExpressVPN in upload speeds. Moreover, in comparison to NordVPN vs ExpressVPN, NordVPN proves to be more efficient, outperforming ExpressVPN in both download and upload speeds, thanks to its superior NordLynx performance.

Yes, you can! Surfshark VPN ensures safety through the implementation of secure VPN protocols and maintains a verified no-logs policy supported by thorough audits.

As per VPN users, ExpressVPN stands out as a top choice in 2023, attributed to its excellent security and privacy features. Users also praise ExpressVPN’s exceptional performance, emphasizing the minimal impact on connection speed and exceptional streaming capabilities.

ExpressVPN is widely recognized as one of the most reputable VPN services for its performance, additional security features, extensive country selection, and user-friendliness are also vital considerations

Operating a secure and ultra-fast network at the scale of ExpressVPN incurs significant costs. In contrast to low-cost VPN providers, ExpressVPN prioritizes investment in a superior and dependable platform to provide a superior and safer user experience.

Surfshark is one of the fastest VPN services, with a global network of over 3200 servers. They prioritize speed by adding 10 Gbps ports daily and a minimum of 1 Gbps port on each server. Additionally, the utilization of the Wireguard protocol further enhances the speed of their service.

Your internet speed may be reduced slightly due to the mechanics of VPN operation. This happens because a VPN routes your traffic through a secure server, which is an important security measure.

Yes, both ExpressVPN and Surfshark offer a 7-day free trial, however, it is important to note that these VPNs are not entirely free as they provide top-notch security features and services.


ExpressVPN vs Surfshark : Our Winner

Our Winner is ExpressVPN!

ExpressVPN and Surfshark are both excellent services, there is no question about that, but if we were to look for the best VPN for streaming , gaming, and other purposes, we would blindly choose ExpressVPN. According to our ExpressVPN vs Surfshark comparison.

The main reason for choosing ExpressVPN as the winner is it offers more servers spread across more locations, Unblocking ability, blazing-fast speeds, and support for more browsers and devices. Another reason is that ExpressVPN uses Stealth servers, which works great for heavily banned nations like China and UAE, as well as is good at hiding your identity from your ISP and government.

In summary, for a VPN solution that excels in performance, privacy, and versatility, ExpressVPN unquestionably takes the lead in the ExpressVPN vs Surfshark comparison.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *