ExpressVPN vs SurfsharkVPN: Which Is Better Tool in 2025?

Choosing the right VPN can feel like picking a lock – tricky and a little bit stressful.

You want something secure and reliable, but also easy to use, right?

That’s where this guide comes in.

We’re diving deep into two popular VPNs: ExpressVPN vs SurfsharkVPN.

Both promise to keep your online activity private and unlock geo-restricted content, but which one actually comes out on top? 

Let’s break down expressvpn vs surfshark & their features and performance to help you make the best choice for your needs.

Overview

To give you the most accurate comparison, we’ve spent weeks testing both ExpressVPN and Surfshark VPN.

We’ve evaluated their speed, security features, streaming capabilities, and overall user experience to determine which VPN reigns supreme.

What is ExpressVPN?

Now, let’s talk about ExpressVPN. This one’s a real speed demon!

They’re known for having super-fast connections, perfect for streaming or downloading large files. 

They also have servers in 94 countries, so you have many options for finding a server that meets your needs. 

And don’t even get me started on their security features. They’re top-notch!

Also, explore our favorite ExpressVPN alternatives…

Key Benefits

• Blazing-fast speeds: Perfect for streaming and downloading.
• Extensive server network: Connect to servers in 94 countries.
• Best-in-class security: Features include AES-256 encryption and a kill switch.
• User-friendly apps: Easy to set up and use on all your devices.

Pricing

• 2 years + 4 Months Free: $4.99/month.
• 12 Months + 3 Months Free: $6.67/month
• 1 Month: $12.95/month.

What is Surfshark VPN?

Ever heard of Surfshark VPN? It’s like a superhero for your internet connection!

Basically, it creates a secure tunnel for your online activity.

This means no one can snoop on what you’re doing, not even your internet provider.

Plus, it can make it look like you’re browsing from a different location. Pretty cool, right?

Also, explore our favorite Surfshark alternatives…

Key Benefits

• Connect all your devices: Use it on unlimited devices simultaneously. That’s a lot of devices!
• Bypass restrictions: Their Bypasser feature lets you choose which apps use the VPN.
• Hide your VPN use: Camouflage Mode makes your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic.

Pricing

• Surfshark Starter: $2.19/month + 3 Extra months
• Surfshark One: $2.69/month + 3 Extra months.
• Surfshark One+: $4.29/month + 3 Extra months.

Feature Comparison

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and see how these VPNs stack up against each other feature by feature.

This head-to-head comparison will help you see where each VPN excels and which one might be the best fit for your needs.

1. Number of Simultaneous Connections

This refers to how many devices you can connect to your VPN simultaneously with a single account.

Surfshark takes the crown here, allowing unlimited simultaneous connections.

ExpressVPN, on the other hand, allows only 5 simultaneous connections.

2. VPN Servers

Both VPN providers offer a vast network of servers.

ExpressVPN boasts 3,000+ servers in 94 countries, while Surfshark provides 3,200+ servers in 100 countries.

This extensive network ensures you can connect to a server in almost any location you desire.

3. VPN Protocols

Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer industry-standard VPN protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2.

However, ExpressVPN also offers its own proprietary protocol called Lightway, designed for enhanced speed and security.

4. Speed Test Results

In our speed tests, both VPNs performed admirably.

However, ExpressVPN consistently delivered faster download and upload speeds compared to Surfshark. 

This difference was particularly noticeable when connecting to servers farther away.

5. VPN for Streaming

If you need a VPN for streaming, both are solid choices.

They can both bypass geo-restrictions on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.

However, we found ExpressVPN to be slightly more reliable in maintaining a stable connection while streaming.

6. Security Features

Both VPN services prioritize your security.

They both offer essential features like a kill switch, split tunneling, and a no-logs policy.

Surfshark also provides a CleanWeb feature to block ads and malware.

7. VPN Apps

Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer user-friendly VPN apps for various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

They also provide extensions for popular browsers like Chrome and Firefox.

What to Look for When Choosing a VPN?

• Privacy Policy: Always examine a VPN’s privacy policy. Look for a clear and concise no-logs policy that explicitly states they don’t store your browsing data.
• Security Features: Ensure the VPN uses strong encryption protocols (like AES-256) and offers features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection.
• Number of Servers and Locations: A larger server network gives you more options for bypassing geo-restrictions and finding optimal speeds.
• Simultaneous Connections: Check how many devices you can connect simultaneously with a single subscription.
• Customer Support: Reliable customer support can be crucial if you encounter any issues. Look for VPNs with 24/7 live chat support.
• Free Trials and Money-Back Guarantees: Take advantage of free trials or money-back guarantees to test the VPN before committing to a long-term plan.
• Independent Audits: Some VPNs undergo independent audits to verify their security and privacy claims. This adds an extra layer of trust and transparency.

Final Verdict

In this head-to-head Surfshark vs ExpressVPN comparison for 2024, ExpressVPN came out on top.

While Surfshark is better on price with Surfshark Starter and Surfshark One plans, and Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections.

ExpressVPN takes the crown for overall performance.

ExpressVPN is one of the best VPN options available. It offers faster download speeds than ExpressVPN, robust security features, and a wide range of VPN apps.

Ultimately, your choice between Surfshark and ExpressVPN depends on your priorities and budget. If you prioritize speed and streaming performance, go with ExpressVPN.

Choose Surfshark if you want a budget-friendly option with unlimited simultaneous connections. Surfshark wins on price, but ExpressVPN takes the lead in overall performance.

More of ExpressVPN

Here’s a quick look at how ExpressVPN stacks up against alternatives:

• ExpressVPN vs NordVPN: ExpressVPN: user-friendly, fast. NordVPN: more features, sometimes better price.
• ExpressVPN vs PureVPN: ExpressVPN: faster, more reliable for streaming, better privacy.
• ExpressVPN vs ProtonVPN: ExpressVPN: faster, better for streaming. ProtonVPN: strong privacy, free option.
• ExpressVPN vs PrivadoVPN: ExpressVPN offers better performance, is easier to use, and has more servers. PrivadoVPN is budget-friendly and privacy-focused.
• ExpressVPN vs AdGuard VPN: ExpressVPN is: comprehensive VPN. AdGuard VPN: unique ad-blocking integration.
• ExpressVPN vs Virtual Shield: ExpressVPN: more features, better performance.
• ExpressVPN vs StrongVPN: Both have strong encryption. ExpressVPN: larger network, broader compatibility.
• ExpressVPN vs FastestVPN: ExpressVPN: faster, more servers. FastestVPN: budget-friendly.
• ExpressVPN vs AuraVPN: ExpressVPN focuses on VPN. AuraVPN includes identity theft protection.
• ExpressVPN vs CyberGhost: ExpressVPN: faster, more consistent for streaming. CyberGhost: user-friendly, specialized servers.
• ExpressVPN vs McAfee VPN: ExpressVPN is: dedicated VPN with more features, better performance.
• ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access: ExpressVPN: user-friendly, better for streaming. PIA: customizable privacy settings.
• ExpressVPN vs Mysterium: ExpressVPN: traditional, reliable servers. Mysterium: decentralized network.

More of SurfsharkVPN

We’ve looked at alternatives to SurfsharkVPN, so how does SurfsharkVPN stack up directly against them?

• SurfsharkVPN vs NordVPN: Surfshark is often cheaper long-term and allows unlimited connections, while NordVPN has a larger server network and sometimes faster speeds.
• SurfsharkVPN vs PureVPN: Surfshark is often faster and has more features, while PureVPN boasts a larger server count. Surfshark has better streaming support in tests.
• SurfsharkVPN vs ProtonVPN: Surfshark is generally more affordable and allows unlimited connections, while ProtonVPN focuses on strong security and privacy, and can be slightly faster.
• SurfsharkVPN vs PrivadoVPN: Surfshark offers unlimited connections and more features, often at a better long-term price, while PrivadoVPN has a decent free plan but a smaller server network.
• SurfsharkVPN vs AdGuard VPN: Surfshark is a comprehensive VPN with more features, while AdGuard VPN’s strength is its ad-blocking integration.
• SurfsharkVPN vs Virtual Shield: Surfshark offers more features and better performance than the simpler Virtual Shield.
• SurfsharkVPN vs StrongVPN: Surfshark allows unlimited connections and often has better pricing, while StrongVPN is known for strong encryption.
• SurfsharkVPN vs FastestVPN: Surfshark generally offers more features and better performance than the budget-friendly FastestVPN.
• SurfsharkVPN vs AuraVPN: Surfshark focuses on VPN features and unlimited connections, while AuraVPN includes identity theft protection.
• SurfsharkVPN vs CyberGhost: Surfshark allows unlimited connections and often has better long-term pricing, while CyberGhost has user-friendly apps and specialized servers.
• SurfsharkVPN vs McAfee VPN: Surfshark is a dedicated VPN service with more features and better performance than the basic VPN from McAfee.
• SurfsharkVPN vs Private Internet Access: Surfshark allows unlimited connections and often has better streaming capabilities, while PIA is known for customization and a large server network.
• SurfsharkVPN vs Mysterium: Surfshark uses a traditional server network known for speed and features, while Mysterium is a decentralized VPN.

Frequently Asked Questions