ExpressVPN vs Surfshark: Which VPN is Better in 2024?

Virtual Private Networks (also known as VPNs) are powerful services that create a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the internet, shielding your sensitive data from prying eyes. 

However, with numerous VPN providers in the market, choosing the right one can be a challenging task. In our ExpressVPN vs Surfshark comparison, we will uncover the strengths and weaknesses of these two VPNs to decide who stands where.

Speed – ExpressVPN Wins

	ExpressVPN	Surfshark
Average download speeds	450 Mbps	394 Mbps
Average upload speeds	375 Mbps	333 Mbps

In a recent test, download speeds were measured for WireGuard connections to the US, UK, and Canada. ExpressVPN demonstrated impressive download speeds, with an average of 450 Mbps and Surfshark achieved a great average speed of 394 Mbps. 

For upload speeds, ExpressVPN performed well with an average of 375 Mbps, whereas Surfshark achieved an average speed of 333 Mbps. It is important to consider that actual speeds may vary based on factors like server locations, network congestion, and individual internet connections.

Who tops this category? ExpressVPN bags the first spot due to its excellent connection speeds.

Server Locations – Surfshark Wins

	ExpressVPN	Surfshark
Servers	3,000+	3,200+
Countries	94	100

ExpressVPN may only have 3,000+ servers, but they make up for it with an impressive presence in 94 countries, guaranteeing reliable and fast access to numerous global locations.

Surfshark doesn’t fall behind, boasting a robust network of 3,200+ servers spread across an astonishing 100 countries, providing users with a diverse array of server locations to cater to their every need. 

Who tops this category? Surfshark is first and ExpressVPN second.

Security – Tie between ExpressVPN and Surfshark

	ExpressVPN	Surfshark
Encryption used	AES 256-bit	AES 256-bit
Protocol selection	OpenVPN, IKEv2, Lightway	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard
Private DNS	Yes	Yes
RAM-based servers	Yes	Yes
Quantum-resistant	No	No

ExpressVPN also prioritizes security by implementing AES 256-bit encryption and offering protocol options like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Lightway. However, it does not have WireGuard as of yet. Furthermore, ExpressVPN offers private DNS and RAM-based servers. 

Surfshark provides strong security by implementing strong encryption with AES 256-bit. It offers multiple protocols to choose from, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. Surfshark also utilizes private DNS servers to enhance privacy and operates RAM-based servers for added security. 

Who tops this category? It is a tie between ExpressVPN and Surfshark for first.

Privacy – ExpressVPN Wins

	ExpressVPN	Surfshark
Base of operation	British Virgin Islands	Netherlands
Audited no-logs policy	Yes	Yes
Always on-audit	No	No

ExpressVPN is also based in the privacy-friendly jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands, outside the reach of the 5/9/14 eyes alliances. It offers a PwC-audited no-logs policy, reinforcing its commitment to user privacy.

Surfshark operates out of the Netherlands, a country that is part of the Nine Eyes alliance surveillance network. However, Surfshark has a Deloitte-audited no-logs policy, ensuring that it does not store any user data or activity.

Who tops this category? ExpressVPN as it is based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, unlike Surfshack.

Unblocking – ExpressVPN Wins

	ExpressVPN	Surfshark
Netflix	Yes	Yes
Hulu	Yes	Yes
Max	Yes	No
BBC iPlayer	No	Yes
Disney+	Yes	No

ExpressVPN is also a strong contender with the ability to unblock Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney Plus. However, it falls short in unblocking BBC iPlayer, limiting its accessibility to UK content.

Surfshark proves itself as a reliable choice for unblocking Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. However, it faces challenges in accessing HBO Max and Disney Plus, which might be a drawback for some users seeking specific streaming platforms.

Who tops this category? ExpressVPN bags first as it reliably unblocks most streaming platforms.

Pricing – Surfshark Wins

	ExpressVPN	Surfshark
Monthly	$12.95	Starter ($12.95), One ($17.95), One+ ($22.95
1-year	$8.32/month	Starter ($3.99/month), One ($4.49/month), One+ ($8.29/month)
2-year	–	Starter ($2.49/month), One ($3.49/month), One+ ($6.49/month)

ExpressVPN has a simplified pricing structure. They offer monthly subscriptions at a fixed rate and a 1-year plan at a discounted price. However, ExpressVPN does not provide a dedicated 2-year plan.

Surfshark offers flexible pricing with three tiers that provide different capabilities: Starter, One, and One+. Customers can choose a plan according to their needs, whether it is monthly, 1-year, or 2-year.

Both ExpressVPN and Surfshark offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning users have plenty of time to test out the service. Additionally, both VPNs provide multiple payment options to choose from.

Who tops this category? Surshark takes first place, followed by ExpressVPN.

Features – ExpressVPN Wins

	ExpressVPN	Surfshark
Kill Switch	Yes	Yes
Split Tunneling	Yes	Yes
Obfuscation	Yes	Yes
DNS Leak Protection	Yes	Yes
IPv6 Leak Protection	Yes	No
Dedicated IP	Yes	Yes
Port Forwarding	No	No

ExpressVPN offers a SmartDNS feature for easy access to geo-restricted content and a Threat Manager that acts as a DNS-based traffic blocker for added security. In addition, ExpressVPN provides a built-in password manager to help users manage their online credentials securely. ExpressVPN also offers high-speed 10 Gbps servers, ensuring fast and reliable connections for users.

Surfshark offers SmartDNS for instant access to geo-restricted content and multi-hop servers that let you connect to two VPN servers at the same time. Besides that, it comes with an antivirus, ad and pop-up blocker (aka CleanWeb 2.0), data breach detector, and a private search engine for an extra price.

Who tops this category? Surshark offers plenty of features to play around with, but lacks IPv6 leak protection. ExpressVPN is therefore first.

Compatibility – Surfshark Wins

	ExpressVPN	Surfshark
Available apps	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, Fire Stick	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, Fire Stick
Browser extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Multi-logins	8	Unlimited

ExpressVPN is available on macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Fire Stick, providing compatibility across various platforms. It offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Users can connect up to 8 devices simultaneously with ExpressVPN’s multi-login feature.

Surfshark supports macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Fire Stick, along with browser extensions for Firefox, Chrome, and Edge. What sets Surfshark apart from ExpressVPN and PureVPN is the unlimited multi-logins feature, allowing you to connect as many devices as you want under one subscription.

Who tops this category? Surfshark has the edge over ExpressVPN as it supports unlimited device connections. 

Customer Support – Tie between ExpressVPN and Surfshark

	ExpressVPN	Surfshark
Live chat	Yes	Yes
Email	Yes	Yes
Knowledgebase	Yes	Yes
In-app support	Yes	Yes

ExpressVPN and Surfshark both provide a diverse range of customer support options to ensure users have various channels to seek assistance and receive prompt support. These options include live chat, email support, knowledgebase resources, and in-app support features.

Who tops this category? It is a tie for first between ExpressVPN and Surfshark.

ExpressVPN vs Surfshark: Which is the Best?

	ExpressVPN	Surfshark
Speed	1st	2nd
Server Locations	2nd	1st
Security	1st (Tie)	1st (Tie)
Privacy	1st	2nd
Unblocking	1st	2nd
Pricing	2nd	1st
Features	1st	2nd
Compatibility	2nd	1st
Customer Support	1st (Tie)	1st (Tie)

ExpressVPN is first, performing well in categories like speed, privacy, unblocking, and features. Surfshark takes second, excelling in areas like server locations, pricing, and compatibility. 

Is There a Third Better Option?

While ExpressVPN and Surfshark have their merits, there is another player in the VPN game worth considering: PureVPN. 

Let’s take a closer look at why PureVPN stands out:

• Impressive Speeds: PureVPN delivers slightly slower download and upload speeds than ExpressVPN, averaging 425 Mbps and 357 Mbps respectively.

• Huge Server Network: Boasting 6,000+ servers in 65 countries, PureVPN offers a more extensive server network compared to ExpressVPN and Surfshark.

• Robust Security: PureVPN matches the security level of its rivals. While it may not utilize RAM-based servers, it employs quantum-resistant encryption keys to ensure data protection.

• Privacy-Friendly Jurisdiction: Based in a privacy-focused jurisdiction, PureVPN’s commitment to transparency is evident through its industry-first always-on audit structure.

• Unblocking Capabilities: PureVPN excels in unblocking major platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+, enhancing your streaming experience.

• Affordable Pricing: With tier-based pricing, PureVPN provides a budget-friendly alternative without compromising value for money.

• Feature-Rich Offerings: PureVPN’s apps are packed in terms of features, giving you more for your VPN investment.

• Multi-Platform Support: PureVPN supports all major platforms and allows up to 10 multi-logins, ensuring compatibility across devices.

• Comprehensive Customer Service: PureVPN includes essential customer support options, providing a smooth user experience.

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