Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: Which VPN Wins in 2026?

Surfshark and ExpressVPN consistently show up on most “best VPN” lists, but have numerous differences. Surfshark made its name by offering unlimited device connections at a budget-friendly price – great for families or anyone juggling multiple devices. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, has carved out a reputation as a reliable all-rounder with a high level of transparency.

Both VPNs claim fast speeds, rock-solid privacy, and seamless streaming. Yet proving those claims takes real-world testing most people don’t have time for. That’s why I’ve done the heavy lifting, putting Surfshark and ExpressVPN through their paces by measuring server speeds, checking compatibility with streaming platforms, running DNS leak tests, and more.

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: Quick Comparison Overview

Looking to make a quick decision? Here’s an overview of what you can expect from Surfshark and ExpressVPN:

Speed and Performance: Which VPN Is Faster?

If you use your VPN for anything more than basic browsing, you’ll want one that offers strong performance. This lets you stream lag-free and play online games with minimal latency.

Our in-house speed tests show that Surfshark and ExpressVPN are among the fastest VPNs. However, Surfshark proved faster. We had higher speeds when connecting to our nearest local server and via its US West Coast and Asia servers.

ExpressVPN was ahead by just 1-2 Mbps via US East Coast and EU servers. Overall, we had less speed loss with Surfshark – just 9.09% compared to 17.31% with ExpressVPN. Either way, neither will let you down performance-wise.

Security, Privacy, and No-Logs Policies Compared

Surfshark operates out of the Netherlands which is a member of the Nine Eyes intelligence alliance. Despite this, it’s a country with no mandatory data retention laws. ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands where it’s not legally required to retain data. It’s also well outside intelligence alliance jurisdiction.

Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer 256-bit AES encryption (via OpenVPN as well as ExpressVPN’s default proprietary Lightway protocol) which is considered the gold standard for protecting data. Surfshark’s default protocol is WireGuard which uses the equally uncrackable ChaCha20 encryption.

Both VPNs offer an in-app kill switch which, when we tested them, successfully cut our internet traffic when the VPN connection dropped. Likewise, Surfshark and ExpressVPN passed our DNS and IP leak tests, hiding our original IP address and DNS requests.

Surfshark and ExpressVPN each operate a no-logs policy that have been independently audited on multiple occasions but ExpressVPN’s history of more than 27 independent security audits provides a level of transparency few competitors can match.

Streaming, Server Network, and Unblocking Capabilities

ExpressVPN has the larger server network. Its 1000s servers in 105 locations improves your odds of finding a fast local server or one that’ll bypass geographic restrictions. Still, Surfshark’s network is big enough for most users’ needs with 4,500 servers in 100 locations.

The two VPNs’ server networks are widespread enough for getting around most geo-blocking. You’ll have the fastest speeds when connecting to nearby servers but I found speeds to be fast enough for 4K streaming even when connecting to servers further afield.

As for unblocking, Surfshark proved to be most consistent. It worked with every streaming platform we tested it with including four Netflix libraries (US, UK, Germany, and Japan), BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Prime Video.

Surfshark’s 100% unblocking rate was matched only by NordVPN and Proton VPN. ExpressVPN was no slouch here, but it struggled to unblock Netflix UK, resulting in an 87.50% unblocking rate.

Apps and Extra Features

Whether you choose Surfshark or ExpressVPN, you’ll have your pick of desktop and mobile apps, as well as convenient browser extensions for when you only need to secure browse traffic. Both even have apps for Fire TV and Apple TV devices.

Although the two VPNs are router-compatible, ExpressVPN stands out for offering custom router firmware. This makes securing every device at home even more straightforward, saving you from having to install an app on each.

One of Surfshark’s biggest advantages over ExpressVPN is that it includes antivirus protection, safeguarding against a wider range of threats. Likewise, it’s the only one of the two to offer a private browser or MultiHop servers.

It’s not all one-way traffic however with ExpressVPN offering a unique feature of its own with its password manager, ExpressVPN Keys. Surfshark and ExpressVPN have a few features in common including ad blocking, breach monitoring, and identity protection.

Overall, it’s Surfshark that offers more extras. Another unique extra is its privacy feature, Alternative ID, which lets you create a separate online identity complete with fake name and email address.

Pricing, Plans, and Overall Value for Money

Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer one month, one year, and two year subscriptions with three different subscription tiers for you to choose from. The higher the tier, the more features – and the more the VPN costs.

On the two-year plan, both VPNs now land at the same entry price of $2.49/mo. That’s a meaningful change from previous years, when Surfshark was the obvious value pick. With price no longer a differentiator on the long plan, the decision shifts to what each VPN gives you for that money.

Surfshark’s case at this price point: unlimited simultaneous connections (against ExpressVPN’s 10-14), integrated antivirus protection, a private browser, MultiHop servers, and Alternative ID. ExpressVPN’s case: 27+ independent audits, custom router firmware, and the ExpressVPN Keys password manager.

One thing worth flagging for ExpressVPN buyers right now: while both VPNs advertise a 30-day money-back guarantee, ExpressVPN subscriptions purchased between June 10 and July 11, 2026 are excluded from that guarantee under the FIFA World Cup raffle promotion. Each subscription gets ticket raffle entries in exchange, but if a refund window matters to you, Surfshark’s standard 30-day guarantee plus its 7-day free trial give you more flexibility during that window.

If price is a tie, Surfshark gives you more features and more device coverage. ExpressVPN gives you a longer paper trail of independent verification. Both are defensible choices.

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: Which VPN Wins?

If you’re looking for a VPN with a strong history of independent audits and custom router firmware, ExpressVPN is for you. Yet based on my hands-on testing, I’d lean toward Surfshark. Faster speeds (9.09% loss vs 17.31%), more reliable streaming (100% vs 87.5%), unlimited device connections, and integrated antivirus protection make it the stronger all-round pick at the same price point.

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