ExpressVPN vs Surfshark — Full Comparison 2026
Last updated: February 2026 · Based on hands-on testing
Our Pick
🏆 Surfshark Wins
Surfshark wins on value with unlimited devices and much lower pricing, while matching ExpressVPN on most features. ExpressVPN has slightly faster speeds and more polished apps.
ExpressVPN
Surfshark
| Feature | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Monthly Price | $12.95/mo | $15.45/mo |
| 2-Year Price | $6.67/mo | $2.19/mo |
| Download Speed | 920 Mbps | 880 Mbps |
| Upload Speed | 400 Mbps | 390 Mbps |
| Latency | 25ms | 32ms |
| Servers | 3,000+ | 3,200+ |
| Countries | 105 | 100 |
| Simultaneous Devices | 8 | Unlimited |
| Protocols | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Streaming | Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer | Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer |
Speed Comparison
In our speed tests, ExpressVPN achieved download speeds of 920 Mbps while Surfshark reached 880 Mbps. Both VPNs were tested on a 1 Gbps connection from multiple locations. Surfshark had the edge in raw throughput, though both services deliver speeds that are more than adequate for streaming, gaming, and everyday browsing.
Latency is equally important, especially for gaming and video calls. ExpressVPN averaged 25ms while Surfshark came in at 32ms. Lower latency means more responsive connections, which matters for real-time applications.
Security & Privacy
Both ExpressVPN and Surfshark offer strong security foundations with AES-256 encryption and no-logs policies. ExpressVPN supports Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2, while Surfshark offers WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2. Both include essential security features like kill switches and DNS leak protection.
Where they differ is in the extras. ExpressVPN offers features like Lightway Protocol, TrustedServer (RAM-only), Network Lock Kill Switch, while Surfshark counters with Unlimited Devices, CleanWeb Ad Blocker, MultiHop. These additional features can be the deciding factor depending on your specific needs.
Streaming
Streaming capability is a major differentiator between VPNs. ExpressVPN successfully unblocked Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, DAZN in our testing. Surfshark worked with Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, HBO Max. Both are solid choices for streaming, though Surfshark was slightly more consistent across platforms.
Pricing & Value
ExpressVPN starts at $6.67/mo on the 2-year plan ($12.95/mo monthly), while Surfshark costs $2.19/mo for 2 years ($15.45/mo monthly). Both offer 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can try either risk-free.
Our Verdict
Surfshark wins on value with unlimited devices and much lower pricing, while matching ExpressVPN on most features. ExpressVPN has slightly faster speeds and more polished apps.
Ultimately, both ExpressVPN and Surfshark are excellent VPN services. Your choice should depend on which features matter most to you. If speed and server coverage are priorities, check the numbers above. If price is the deciding factor, compare the long-term plan costs. Either way, you're getting a quality VPN.