Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
Surfshark and ExpressVPN go head-to-head. Can Surfshark's budget-friendly unlimited-device plan beat ExpressVPN's premium performance? We find out.
Surfshark
Best value VPN with unlimited devices
ExpressVPN
Premium performance, trusted worldwide
These two VPNs sit at opposite ends of the pricing spectrum, which makes this comparison interesting. ExpressVPN has built a reputation over a decade as the go-to premium choice. Surfshark is the newer kid on the block that's been aggressively winning users with an unbeatable price-to-feature ratio. I tested both over a two-week period, switching between them on different days to see which one I'd rather use day to day. The answer isn't as straightforward as you might think.
Head-to-Head: Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
| Category | Surfshark | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6/5✓ | 4.5/5 |
| Starting Price | $2.49✓ | $8.32 |
| Servers | 3,200✓ | 3,000 |
| Countries | 100 | 105✓ |
| Max Devices | Unlimited✓ | 8 |
| Speed | 4.5/5 | 4.6/5✓ |
| Streaming | 5/5 platforms | 5/5 platforms✓ |
| Privacy | 6 features | 6 features |
ExpressVPN wins on reliability and speed consistency, but Surfshark offers dramatically better value.
Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: Pros & Cons
Surfshark Pros
- +Unlimited simultaneous connections
- +Very affordable long-term pricing
- +Great streaming unblocking ability
- +Clean UI across all platforms
ExpressVPN Pros
- +Consistently fast and reliable connections
- +Best-in-class streaming unblocking
- +TrustedServer technology (RAM-only servers)
- +24/7 live chat support that actually helps
Verdict: Which Is Better?
Here's how I see it: if money isn't a concern and you want the most reliable, hassle-free VPN experience, ExpressVPN is still the king. It just works, everywhere, every time. But if you're like most people and want to spend under $3 a month for a VPN that still does 95% of what ExpressVPN does, go with Surfshark. The unlimited devices alone make it a better deal for anyone with multiple gadgets. I personally use Surfshark for everyday browsing and switch to ExpressVPN only when I need absolutely guaranteed streaming access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ExpressVPN worth the extra cost?
If you need guaranteed streaming access and the most consistent speeds, yes. ExpressVPN's TrustedServer technology and Lightway protocol deliver a premium experience. For most users though, Surfshark offers 90% of the quality at a third of the price.
Which VPN has better streaming support?
ExpressVPN has the edge here. It unblocks everything reliably — Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max. Surfshark is close but occasionally struggles with certain platforms.
Can Surfshark match ExpressVPN's speed?
In short bursts, yes. But ExpressVPN is more consistent. Surfshark's speed can vary more depending on which server you connect to, while ExpressVPN delivers stable speeds across its network.