With digital privacy more important than ever in 2025, choosing the Best VPN isn’t easy — especially when it comes down to two top-tier contenders: Surfshark and ExpressVPN.
Both are known for strong security, excellent performance, and global accessibility. But which one is actually better for your specific needs — whether it’s streaming, torrenting, or total online anonymity?
Let’s dive into a detailed head-to-head comparison of Surfshark vs ExpressVPN, covering everything from speed and pricing to features and real-world performance
| Feature | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | British Virgin Islands | Netherlands |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| No-Logs Policy | Yes (Audited) | Yes (Audited) |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 devices | Unlimited devices |
| Server Count | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries | 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries |
| VPN Protocols | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Streaming Unblocking | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Excellent |
| Speed Performance | Very Fast | Fast |
| P2P & Torrenting | All servers | All servers |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Ad & Tracker Blocker | No | Yes (CleanWeb 2.0) |
| Dedicated IP | ❌ No | ✅ Optional (Paid) |
| Monthly Plan | Higher | More Affordable |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
1. Privacy & Security
ExpressVPN
Uses Trusted Server technology (RAM-only) — meaning no data is ever stored on physical drives.
Based in the British Virgin Islands, outside of 14-Eyes jurisdiction.
Audited no-logs policy by third-party firms.
Lightway protocol for fast, secure, and stable connections.
Surfshark
Based in privacy-friendly Netherlands and also offers a strict no-logs policy, with regular audits.
Uses RAM-only servers like ExpressVPN.
Includes MultiHop (double VPN) and GPS spoofing on Android.
Offers ad, malware, and tracker blocking via CleanWeb 2.0.
✅ Winner (Security): Tie — Both offer world-class security, though Surfshark edges out with more features like ad-blocking and MultiHop.
2. Speed and Performance
Both VPNs deliver strong performance, but ExpressVPN is known for its consistently faster and more stable speeds, thanks to its Lightway protocol, which is built in-house for optimal VPN performance.
Surfshark uses WireGuard, which is fast and lightweight, but performance may vary depending on the server.
✅ Winner (Speed): ExpressVPN — Slightly faster and more stable across long-distance connections.
3. Streaming & Unblocking
ExpressVPN
Works reliably with Netflix (US, UK, JP, etc.), Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more.
Rarely flagged by streaming platforms due to high-quality rotating IPs.
Surfshark
Also unblocks all major platforms and offers Smart DNS for devices like smart TVs.
More budget-friendly for users primarily interested in streaming.
✅ Winner (Streaming): Tie — Both services are excellent for streaming, with minimal buffering and great global access.
4. Server Network
ExpressVPN: ~3,000 servers in 105 countries
Surfshark: 3,200+ servers in over 100 countries
Surfshark slightly leads in total country coverage, offering more flexibility for bypassing geo-restrictions.
Winner (Server Coverage): Surfshark
5. Device Compatibility & Usability
| Platform | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Windows, macOS, Linux | ✅ | ✅ |
| Android, iOS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Smart TVs, FireStick | ✅ | ✅ |
| Browser Extensions | ✅ | ✅ |
| Routers | ✅ Native app | ✅ Manual setup |
| Unlimited Devices | ❌ (8 devices max) | ✅ Unlimited |
Surfshark’s unlimited device support is a major win for households or users with multiple devices.
Winner (Usability & Device Limit): Surfshark
6. Pricing & Value
| Plan Type | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Month | $12.95 | $15.45 |
| 1-Year Plan | $6.67 /mo. | $3.19 /mo. |
| 2-Year Plan | 3.49 /mo. | $1.69 /mo. |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | 7-day free trial |
| Refund Period | 30 days | 30 days |
Surfshark offers significantly more value for money, especially with its 2-year plan and unlimited devices.
Winner (Pricing): Surfshark
7. Customer Support
Both providers offer 24/7 live chat, ticket support, and detailed knowledge bases.
ExpressVPN tends to respond slightly faster with more technical detail.
Surfshark is friendly, helpful, and easy for beginners.
Winner (Support): Tie
FAQ – Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
Which vpn is better for Netflix?
Both VPNs unblock Netflix libraries effectively with minimal buffering.
Can I use them in China or restricted countries?
Yes. ExpressVPN performs slightly more reliably in restrictive regions like China.
Which one is better for torrenting?
Both support P2P on all servers and offer strong privacy protections.
Is Surfshark really secure despite being cheaper?
Yes. It uses industry-standard encryption, RAM-only servers, and has passed independent audits.
Conclusion
| Use Case | Recommended VPN |
|---|---|
| Best for Streaming | ✅ Both |
| Best for Speed | ✅ ExpressVPN |
| Best for Budget Users | ✅ Surfshark |
| Best for Advanced Privacy Features | ✅ Surfshark |
| Best for Stability & Simplicity | ✅ ExpressVPN |
| Best for Multi-Device Households | ✅ Surfshark |
Overall Winner: Surfshark (Best Value)
If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, Surfshark wins with its unlimited devices, affordable plans, and strong feature set.
However, if you prioritize speed, long-distance performance, and a polished experience across all apps, ExpressVPN is still worth the investment — especially for privacy-first users.