Surfshark vs ExpressVPN (2026): Speed, Price & Features Tested

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN is one of the most searched VPN comparisons right now — and after testing both myself for this review, I can tell you the gap between them is bigger than most people realise.

I’ve spent 2+ years testing VPNs across 500+ videos on my AllThingsVPN and VPNR channels. I ran both Surfshark and ExpressVPN through the same battery of tests — speed, streaming, privacy, features, and everyday usability — so you don’t have to.

The short version: Surfshark wins on speed, price, features, and device connections. ExpressVPN still has its strengths (especially around jurisdiction and ease of use), but it’s harder to justify the higher price in 2026.

Let’s get into it.

⚡ QUICK VERDICT — SURFSHARK
Best Overall Pick

Surfshark — My #1 Pick

Surfshark beats ExpressVPN on every metric that matters for most users: faster speeds (~95% retention in my tests), lower price, unlimited device connections, and a richer feature set. The Surfshark One plan is my top recommendation for quality-to-price ratio.

• Fastest VPN I’ve tested — ~95% speed retention on WireGuard
• Unlimited simultaneous connections on every plan
• Surfshark One adds antivirus, Alternative ID, and dark web alerts
• 4,500+ servers in 100 countries
• MultiHop, CleanWeb, GPS spoofing, IP Rotator
• Starting from just $1.99/mo on the 2-year plan
• Based in the Netherlands (Nine Eyes jurisdiction)
• iOS app has fewer features than Android

Limited time offer

87% OFF

+ 3 months free

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30-day money-back guarantee

⚡ QUICK VERDICT — EXPRESSVPN
Easiest to Use

ExpressVPN — Polished but Pricier

ExpressVPN is one of the most polished VPNs on the market with a clean interface, reliable streaming, and the best jurisdiction credentials (British Virgin Islands, outside major surveillance alliances). The catch: it costs more and allows only 10–14 simultaneous connections. Worth it if ease-of-use is your priority — but Surfshark gives you more for less.

• BVI jurisdiction — outside 14 Eyes surveillance alliances
• 23+ independent audits — most audited VPN on the market
• Extremely clean, simple interface — perfect for beginners
• Built-in password manager (ExpressVPN Keys)
• ~91% speed retention in my tests
• Only 10–14 simultaneous connections (plan-dependent)
• Pricier than Surfshark — starts at $2.79/mo
• No longer discloses total server count
• Owned by Kape Technologies (worth knowing)

Limited time offer

78% OFF

+ 4 months free

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30-day money-back guarantee

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: At a Glance

Speed Test Results: Surfshark is Faster

I tested both VPNs on a 1,000 Mbps connection using their fastest protocols — WireGuard for Surfshark and Lightway for ExpressVPN. I ran tests across multiple server locations on different days to get consistent results.

In my testing, Surfshark achieved around 95% speed retention, while ExpressVPN came in at roughly 91%. Both are fast enough for 4K streaming, gaming, and torrenting without issues — but Surfshark consistently pulls ahead, especially on US and European servers.

Both VPNs showed solid ping performance — around 40ms to UK servers and 97–99ms to US servers — making either viable for gaming. For most everyday use the difference won’t be perceptible, but if raw speed matters, Surfshark wins this one clearly.

Price Comparison: Surfshark Offers More for Less

Pricing is where Surfshark pulls significantly ahead. Here’s how the plans stack up as of 2026:

Surfshark Plans

ExpressVPN Plans

Surfshark’s Surfshark One plan at $2.49/mo is my top recommendation. For a few extra cents over the Starter plan you get antivirus, dark web monitoring, a private browser, and data breach alerts. Compare that to ExpressVPN’s equivalent Advanced plan at $3.59/mo — and Surfshark One still beats it on features while costing less and offering unlimited connections.

Features Compared: Surfshark Has a Lot More

This is where Surfshark really separates itself. Let me walk through the features that matter most.

Surfshark Unique Features

ExpressVPN Unique Features

Shared Features

Privacy & Security: ExpressVPN Has the Jurisdiction Edge

Both providers take security seriously, and both have no-logs policies that have been independently verified. But there are real differences worth understanding.

Jurisdiction

ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is outside major international surveillance alliances (Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, 14 Eyes). It’s one of the most privacy-friendly jurisdictions a VPN can be based in, and the BVI has no mandatory data retention laws.

Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is a Nine Eyes member. The Netherlands has strong privacy laws and Surfshark’s no-logs policy has been repeatedly audited — but if jurisdiction is your primary concern, ExpressVPN has a genuine advantage here.

Independent Audits

ExpressVPN leads in raw audit volume — over 23 comprehensive audits as of 2025, covering its no-logs policy, Lightway protocol, apps, and browser extensions. Auditors include PwC, KPMG, Cure53, Deloitte, and Nettitude. Its most recent no-logs audit was completed in February 2025.

Surfshark has had multiple audits including server infrastructure reviews by Cure53 and a Deloitte no-logs assurance audit. Its most recent audit was June 2025. Fewer audits overall, but the quality of auditors is on par.

Encryption & Protocols

I ran both VPNs through leak tests and neither showed any DNS, IPv6, or WebRTC leaks. Both kill switches worked as expected when I simulated connection drops.

One thing I found interesting: Surfshark’s kill switch offers two modes — a “soft” mode (blocks traffic only on unexpected drops) and a “strict” mode (blocks traffic even if you manually disconnect). ExpressVPN’s Network Lock is strict-only by default.

Streaming Performance: Both Are Excellent — Surfshark Unlocks More

I tested both VPNs against the major streaming platforms. Both performed well with no buffering or lag on HD and 4K content.

For most users the streaming performance is essentially tied — both unblock the most popular platforms without issue. Where Surfshark edges ahead is in the number of Netflix regional libraries it officially supports (15+) compared to ExpressVPN’s more limited regional support.

Both VPNs support router installation, which is useful for streaming on smart TVs (LG, Samsung) or devices without native VPN apps. ExpressVPN has an edge here with its Aircove router firmware making setup simpler.

Server Networks

Surfshark operates 4,500+ servers across 100 countries. ExpressVPN previously reported 3,000+ servers in 105 countries — but has since stopped disclosing its total server count, which I find disappointing. Transparency matters in this space, and Surfshark is clearly ahead on that front.

In terms of country coverage, ExpressVPN has a slight edge with servers in 105 countries vs. Surfshark’s 100. The real-world difference is minimal for most users — both cover all major locations comprehensively.

Specialty Servers

Surfshark specialty servers:

• MultiHop — routes through two server locations simultaneously (14 pre-configured pairs, plus Dynamic MultiHop where you pick your own entry and exit)
• Static IP servers — same IP every session (shared with other users)
• Dedicated IP servers — IP exclusive to you ($3.75/mo add-on)
• NoBorders servers — automatically enabled in high-censorship regions to bypass VPN blocks

ExpressVPN specialty servers:

• Dedicated IP servers — $3.99/mo add-on (free on Pro plan)
• Obfuscation — built into the network by default, no separate server category required
• No MultiHop / Double VPN servers
• No Static IP servers

Apps & Ease of Use

Both apps are beginner-friendly, but they take different approaches. ExpressVPN is more minimalist — one big connect button, clean layout, everything accessible with very few taps or clicks. It’s genuinely the easiest VPN to use. Surfshark’s app is more feature-rich, with a sidebar navigation that lets you access MultiHop, settings, and extras without opening separate windows.

One thing I prefer about Surfshark’s desktop app: everything is in a single resizable window. ExpressVPN opens a second window when you want to browse the full server list, which I find slightly clunky.

On mobile, both apps are well-designed and nearly identical to their desktop counterparts — good consistency. One caveat: some features (split tunneling, GPS spoofing) are Android-only on both platforms.

Simultaneous Connections

This is a meaningful difference. Surfshark has no device limit — protect every device in your household under one subscription. ExpressVPN allows 10 connections on Basic, 12 on Advanced, and 14 on Pro. For most individuals that’s sufficient, but households with many smart devices, tablets, and laptops may hit the ceiling.

Browser Extensions

Both offer extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Surfshark’s extension works independently without needing the desktop app installed. ExpressVPN’s extension requires the full app to be running — a minor annoyance if you just want browser-level protection.

Torrenting

Both VPNs support P2P on all servers — you don’t need to hunt for specific P2P-optimised servers. I downloaded a ~5.7GB test torrent with both VPNs. Surfshark completed the download noticeably faster, consistent with its higher speed retention overall.

One limitation both share: neither supports port forwarding or SOCKS5 proxies. If you need those features for your torrent client, Proton VPN supports port forwarding and may be a better fit.

Customer Support

Both offer 24/7 live chat, email support, and extensive knowledge bases. In my experience, Surfshark’s live chat is faster to respond (under 30 seconds) and more conversational. ExpressVPN’s agents are knowledgeable but response times can stretch to 2–3 minutes and the tone feels more scripted.

Surfshark’s knowledge base is more comprehensive, with detailed setup guides for a wider range of router models and platforms. Both providers have active YouTube channels — Surfshark’s is updated more frequently with tutorials, feature walkthroughs, and educational content.

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: Which Should You Choose?

What About Other VPNs Worth Considering?

Surfshark and ExpressVPN aren’t the only options. Depending on your needs:

• IPVanish — Unlimited devices, ~92% speed retention, great value at $2.19/mo. A strong Surfshark alternative if you find it on sale.
• Proton VPN — Best for hardcore privacy. Swiss-based, open-source apps, port forwarding, and a genuinely free tier. Currently 70% OFF at $2.99/mo.
• NordVPN — Fast and feature-rich but more expensive ($3.59/mo on the Plus plan). In my speed tests, Surfshark is faster — but Nord is a capable alternative.
• PrivadoVPN — Cheapest paid option at $1.11/mo plus the best free VPN tier available. Good for budget shoppers.

Final Verdict

After testing both VPNs extensively, Surfshark is my clear #1 recommendation. It’s the fastest VPN I’ve tested, it offers more security features, costs less, and puts no limit on how many devices you can protect. The Surfshark One plan is the sweet spot — you get a full VPN, antivirus, dark web monitoring, and Alternative ID for $2.49/mo on the 2-year plan.

ExpressVPN is not a bad VPN. If you want the simplest possible experience, the best jurisdiction credentials, or the built-in password manager, it earns its place. But at a higher price with fewer features and a device cap, it’s harder to recommend over Surfshark in 2026.

FAQ

CURRENT SURFSHARK DEAL
87% OFF

Surfshark One — Editor’s Pick

The best value VPN plan in 2026. Full VPN + antivirus + dark web monitoring + Alternative ID — all on one subscription with unlimited devices.

Unlimited Devices
~95% Speed Retention
Antivirus Included
4,500+ Servers
WireGuard Protocol
MultiHop / Double VPN

2-year plan (Surfshark One)

$2.49/mo

30-day money-back

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Details on the Surfshark coupon page

Read next:

• Full Surfshark Review (2026)
• Full ExpressVPN Review (2026)
• Surfshark vs NordVPN — How Do They Compare?
• NordVPN Review — Is It Worth the Extra Cost?
• IPVanish Review — Best for Unlimited Devices on a Budget
• Proton VPN Review — Best for Privacy
• Best VPN for Amazon Prime Video
• All Current VPN Deals