All About Cookies is an independent, advertising-supported website. Some of the offers that appear on this site are from third-party advertisers from which All About Cookies receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).
All About Cookies does not include all financial or credit offers that might be available to consumers nor do we include all companies or all available products. Information is accurate as of the publishing date and has not been provided or endorsed by the advertiser.
The All About Cookies editorial team strives to provide accurate, in-depth information and reviews to help you, our reader, make online privacy decisions with confidence. Here's what you can expect from us:
Best value
/images/2022/09/02/logo-surfshark-vpn.png){kind=logo}
All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support
Best for Reliability and Speed
/images/2022/11/08/logo-expressvpn-2.png){kind=logo}
Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices
Our Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN review shows that Surfshark is the better choice for most people. It’s more affordable and generally matches ExpressVPN for its features, including unblocking streaming content and providing loads of server options.
But ExpressVPN performed a bit better than Surfshark in our speed tests, and you can’t count out how reliable ExpressVPN has been for people over the years.
Let’s explore our comparison of Surfshark and ExpressVPN to see more details about pricing, features, customer service, and more.
Depending on your virtual private network (VPN) needs, you typically want to compare pricing, features, speed, and reliability between multiple services.
From our testing and research, we found that Surfshark and ExpressVPN are generally reliable, secure, and private. Both services provide plenty of compatibility with their available apps, including for different operating systems and mobile devices. You can also use either VPN to unblock streaming content on Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, and more.
But you’ll notice that Surfshark is much less expensive than ExpressVPN while staying competitive in most other categories, including features, internet speeds, and customer service.
|
|
|
| Price | From $2.19/mo (billed every two years) | From $6.67/mo (billed annually) |
| Max # of connected devices | Unlimited | 8 |
| 24/7 customer support | ||
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more |
| # of servers | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | Undiscloed number of servers in 105 countries |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| Unblocks Netflix? | ||
| Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review |
Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review |
Surfshark is a newer service, but it has proven its as powerful as VPN titans like ExpressVPN. First, you'll be able to secure a subscription for only $2.19/mo (billed every two years). And despite the low cost, you'll still get standard VPN features like a kill switch, split tunneling, and a widespread server network.
Another aspect that validates Surfshark's value is its unlimited simultaneous connections. This would allow you to secure every device for every family member in your home on the same subscription.
Plus, Surfshark comes with bonus features, even with its most basic plans. Surfshark Starter has CleanWeb, an ad and tracker blocker, and Alt ID, which helps with email masking. The higher tiers have additional tools like antivirus, data removal, and more.
ExpressVPN has a premium price tag, but that's because it provides premium service. It has a strict no-logs policy to keep your data private, extensive streaming support to unblock geo-restrictions, and bonus features like a password manager and content blockers.
ExpressVPN is also known for its speed. One reason for that might be its in-house protocol, Lightway. It was created to establish faster, more secure, and more reliable VPN connections.
During our speed tests, ExpressVPN actually increased our download speed with every server location. Even with servers halfway across the world, it still delivered blazing-fast speeds.
Surfshark is significantly more affordable with its starting price compared to ExpressVPN.
| Our Pick
|
|
|
| Price range | $2.19–$17.95/mo | $6.67–$12.95/mo |
| Best value plan | 24-month plan for $2.19/mo (billed every two years) | 12-month plan for $6.67/mo (billed annually) |
| Money-back guarantee | Yes — 30 days | Yes — 30 days |
| Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review |
Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review |
Surfshark costs between $2.19–$17.95/mo, with its lowest-priced plan coming in at $2.19/mo (billed every two years) for 24 months.
ExpressVPN costs between $6.67–$12.95/mo, with its lowest-priced plan coming in at $6.67/mo (billed annually) for 12 months.
In terms of price, Surfshark blows ExpressVPN out of the water. It can be half the price of ExpressVPN or even more depending on the current promotion. ExpressVPN is known for being expensive, and it shows.
But keep in mind that Surfshark has higher month-to-month prices. A monthly Surfshark Starter plan costs $15.45/mo, while ExpressVPN's monthly plan costs $12.95/mo. So if you want to save money on a VPN, choosing a multi-month or multi-year plan is typically your best bet.
Note that both Surfshark and ExpressVPN provide 30-day money-back guarantees, where you can request a full refund within 30 days.
But with Surfshark you’ll be automatically enrolled in an auto-renew subscription after signing up. We had no option to turn auto-renew off in our account and had to contact customer service to turn it off for us. It was a bit of an annoying situation, but Surfshark customer service was very quick and helpful in resolving the issue.
We test internet speeds before and after using a VPN to see if the secure connection significantly reduces our speed. We expect our speed to go down somewhat while using a VPN because it uses bandwidth. But we want to see whether a VPN affects everyday internet usage, such as streaming content or playing games.
We establish a baseline speed by first running a speed test before we connect to a VPN. This lets us know how fast our internet connection is without being connected to a VPN. We then run multiple speed tests while connected to VPN servers in different locations worldwide.
The table below displays how much Surfshark and ExpressVPN impacted our baseline speed depending on the server location.
| Server location |
|
Our Pick
|
| US | 4% slower | 4% faster |
| Canada | 9% slower | 12% faster |
| UK | 9% slower | 10% faster |
| AU | 34% slower | 3% faster |
| Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review |
Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review |
ExpressVPN had better download speeds across the board compared to Surfshark. ExpressVPN actually increased our
ExpressVPN took the lead on Surfshark as we started testing servers that were farther away from our physical location. Specifically, ExpressVPN had faster speeds than Surfshark with its U.K. and Australia servers.
|
|
Our Pick
|
|
| Number of servers | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | Server locations in 105 countries |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs |
| VPN headquarters | The Netherlands | British Virgin Islands |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES-256 |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Kill switch | ||
| Split tunneling | ||
| DNS leak protection | ||
| Ad blocker | ||
| Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review |
Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review |
Surfshark and ExpressVPN share many similarities when it comes to their available features. This includes a large number of servers, strict no-logs policies, and high levels of encryption. Both VPNs also provide basic VPN features like kill switches and split tunneling.
/images/2022/09/09/expressvpn-review_split-tunneling.jpeg)
Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN are headquartered in locations with strong data privacy laws, which help back up their no-logs policies. But it must be noted that the Netherlands, where Surfshark is located, is part of the 14 Eyes alliance. The British Virgin Islands, where ExpressVPN is located, aren’t part of the Five, Nine, or 14 Eyes alliances.
Countries that are members of these alliances have been known to share private information about their citizens with other alliance members. And it could mean that living in one of these countries poses a risk to your online privacy and anonymity.
Digging further into the no-logs policies, we found that ExpressVPN had its policy audited by KPMG in 2024. Surfshark had its policy audited by Cure53 in 2023.
Surfshark provides servers in more countries than ExpressVPN, but the numbers are close enough to not matter for most users. ExpressVPN doesn’t advertise its exact number of servers. But from testing, we found that both Surfshark and ExpressVPN have plenty of available servers for the average VPN user.
/images/2023/01/05/surfshark-vs-expressvpn_01.jpg)
One big difference between the two VPNs is found in their available protocols. ExpressVPN doesn't offer WireGuard, but it does offer its in-house Lightway protocol. Lightway is a next-generation protocol that provides fast speeds, which may have made the difference for ExpressVPN in some of our speed tests.
|
|
|
|
| Windows | ||
| macOS | ||
| Android | ||
| iOS | ||
| Linux | ||
| Router | ||
| Smart devices | ||
| 24/7 support | ||
| Customer support options | Live chat, email, online guides | Live chat, email, online guides |
| Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review |
Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review |
We had no issues setting up Surfshark and ExpressVPN on our desktop computer using Windows. The process was as simple as downloading the Windows apps from the applicable websites and using our info to log in. We expect you would have a similar experience, whether you want to set up a VPN on Windows or Mac.
Apart from Windows and macOS, Surfshark and ExpressVPN are also compatible with other operating systems, browser extensions, and mobile apps. This includes Linux, Apple iOS, Android, and even routers and some smart devices.
For example, you can set up Surfshark or ExpressVPN on a compatible router so that all Wi-Fi devices in your home have a secure connection, including smart locks, refrigerators, and more.
The interfaces of both Windows apps were intuitive and easy to use. We had no issues navigating the server lists or finding available features in the settings. And we barely had to wait at all when connecting to different servers.
/images/2024/05/13/surfshark_review_2024_refresh_15.png)
Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN provide customer service options in the form of 24/7 live chat, email, and online guides. There’s no option to call a support number or participate in official community forums with either VPN, which is common for many popular VPN services.
It should be noted that not every major VPN provider offers 24/7 customer support, or you might have to be a paying subscriber to access this feature. But with Surfshark and ExpressVPN, you can access the live chat feature 24/7 from their websites, whether you have a subscription or not.
Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN are fast and secure VPNs, but Surfshark is much cheaper. Surfshark starts off as low as $2.19/mo (billed every two years)h, while ExpressVPN starts off at $6.67/mo (billed annually), which is more than double the price. Unless there’s a specific reason you want ExpressVPN, such as its server selection, Surfshark is likely the better, cheaper option.
No, Surfshark is owned by Nord Security, the parent company of NordVPN. ExpressVPN is owned by Kape Technologies, the parent company of CyberGhost and Private Internet Access. Surfshark and ExpressVPN are both popular VPN providers, but they’re owned by different companies.
In terms of price, speed, and security features, there aren’t many VPNs that can beat Surfshark.
ExpressVPN and NordVPN are more expensive but can compete in terms of speed. CyberGhost and Private Internet Access are about as cheap as Surfshark, but might not provide as many features, and CyberGhost is often slower.
ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries, giving it some of the widest reach among major VPN services. It also provides high levels of security and privacy, 24/7 live chat, and is compatible with multiple operating systems, web browsers, and mobile devices.
Popular features include split tunneling, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy.
You should use Surfshark if you want a fast and secure VPN service with affordable prices.
Surfshark starts as low as $2.19/mo (billed every two years) and our testing shows that it competes with top VPNs such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN in terms of speed and reliability. You can also use Surfshark with unlimited devices, which isn’t a common feature.
ExpressVPN is a secure, fast, and private service that can unblock streaming services, has 24/7 customer support, and doesn’t tend to significantly reduce your internet speeds. But Surfshark generally matches ExpressVPN across the board and costs a lot less. Plus, you'll get unlimited simultaneous connections with every subscription.
Between the two options, we recommend Surfshark. We still think that ExpressVPN is a great option, but it’s not the most affordable.
/images/2022/09/02/logo-surfshark-vpn.png){kind=logo}
All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support
Surfshark and ExpressVPN are among our picks for the best VPNs, but they're not the only ones. Review some of our other favorite services if you're still not sold on Surfshark or ExpressVPN.
|
|
|
|
| Price | $3.39–$15.99/mo | $2.03–$11.99/mo | $2.03–$12.99/mo |
| Free version | |||
| Max # of connected devices | 10 | Unlimited | 7 |
| # of servers | 6,400+ servers in 111 countries | Servers in 91 countries | Servers in 100 countries |
| VPN protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec | WireGuard, OpenVPN | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES-128-GCM | AES 256-bit |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs | No logs |
| Headquarters | Panama | United States | Romania |
| Netflix access | |||
| Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get Private Internet Access | Get CyberGhost |
All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support
/images/2023/03/24/best_vpns_for_gambling_and_sports_betting.jpg)
/images/2023/08/17/vpn-disadvantages.jpeg)
/images/2024/07/17/is_radmin_vpn_safe_featured_image.png)
/images/2024/07/12/verizon_digital_secure_featured_image.jpg)
/images/2024/07/11/how_to_watch_formula_1_vpn_featured_image.png)
/images/2024/07/09/how_to_get_the_nordvpn_3_year_plan_featured_image.png)
/images/2024/06/28/whats_a_vpn__protocol_featured_image.png)
/images/2024/06/27/illustration_of_dns_domain_name_system_server.jpg)
/authors/ben-walker-allaboutcookies-author.png){kind=small}
/authors/catherine-mcnally-allaboutcookies-editor.jpg){kind=small}
/authors/ben-walker-allaboutcookies-author.png)