Surfshark vs ExpressVPN (2025)

Choosing a virtual private network (VPN) today means sorting through dozens of options — but two of the most popular names in the space are Surfshark and ExpressVPN. Both are known for speed, strong security, and the ability to unblock content around the world. But which VPN is better for your needs?

In this comparison, we evaluate Surfshark vs ExpressVPN across the categories that matter most: ease of use, features, speed, privacy, streaming, customer support, and overall value.

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: Ease of Use

Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN are known for simple, polished interfaces across devices.

• Surfshark: Modern and minimalist design with easy navigation, ideal for beginners.
• ExpressVPN: Fast startup and intuitive layout, with recent locations and central connect button.

However, Surfshark allows unlimited device connections, while ExpressVPN limits you — a key difference for households or users with many devices. Therefore, Surfshark gets the advantage here.

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: Features

Surfshark Includes:

• Unlimited device connections
• Antivirus Scanning
• Malware Protection
• Alternate ID Protection
• Webcam Protection
• CleanWeb (ad and tracker blocker)
• Split tunneling (Bypasser)
• NoBorders Mode (restricted countries)
• Camouflage Mode (obfuscation)
• MultiHop (double VPN)
• Static IP options

ExpressVPN Offers:

• Up to 14 simultaneous connections
• Split tunneling (platform-dependent)
• Threat Manager (tracker blocking)
• TrustedServer (RAM-only servers)
• Lightway protocol (performance-focused)
• Network Lock (kill switch)
• ExpressVPN Keys (password manager)

ExpressVPN offers advanced infrastructure and proprietary tools, while Surfshark offers more flexibility and a greater range of security tools for less. For those reasons, Surfshark is the winner in this category.

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: Speed and Performance

• Surfshark: Delivers fast and consistent speeds with WireGuard protocol across most regions.
• ExpressVPN: Also fast with Lightway protocol, especially on distant servers.

While both Surfshark and ExpressVPN provide excellent speed and performance, we found Surfshark to be slightly faster when connecting to servers. So, while it’s extremely close, we give a slight edge to Surfshark.

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: Security and Privacy

Surfshark:

• AES-256 encryption
• WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 support
• RAM-only servers
• Kill switch
• Deloitte-audited no-logs policy
• Based in the Netherlands

ExpressVPN:

• AES-256 encryption
• Lightway and OpenVPN protocols
• TrustedServer technology (RAM-only)
• Network Lock (kill switch)
• Audited no-logs policy by PwC and Cure53
• Based in the British Virgin Islands

We found the security and privacy with both Surfshark and ExpressVPN to be excellent. Both employ outstanding technology and safeguards. For this category, we’ll have to call it a tie.

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: Streaming and Torrenting

Streaming:

• Surfshark: Unblocks Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and more — works well on multiple devices.
• ExpressVPN: Slightly more consistent performance on harder-to-unblock platforms like Prime Video and Netflix Japan.

Torrenting:

• Surfshark: P2P allowed on most servers, fast and secure for torrent users.
• ExpressVPN: P2P supported on all servers with advanced protection features.

Streaming and Torrenting is another area where both Surfshark and ExpressVPN do a great job–as you would expect with a top VPN. We found Surfshark to work better on multiple devices, while ExpressVPN worked better on certain platforms. See the above information to see which VPN is better suited for your needs. For us, this category is again so close, we’ll call it a tie.

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: Customer Support

We were pleased to find the customer support at both Surfshark and ExpressVPN to be highly impressive. Both offer extensive support knowledge bases and live chat support.

• Surfshark: 24/7 live chat, responsive support team, clear and helpful guides.
• ExpressVPN: 24/7 live chat, slightly more consistent in response times, deeper documentation.

We had great experiences with both support teams. Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN provide responsive and helpful live chat support. We did find ExpressVPN to be just a bit more consistent in response times, so they get a slight edge in this category.

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: Pricing and Value

Surfshark is the clear winner when it comes to pricing and value. Surfshark is both more affordable and includes more security features. And, Surfshark allows unlimited connections.

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: Recommendation

Surfshark and ExpressVPN are both world-class VPN providers. If your main concern is speed, security, and streaming quality, then both are worthy of consideration. However, overall in this comparison of Surfshark vs ExpressVPN, Surfshark is the winner.

With Surfshark, you get a better selection of online security features. Plus, Surfshark allows unlimited device connections and is more affordable. See our review ratings below.

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: Review Ratings