ExpressVPN vs Surfshark: The Ultimate Comparison

Our extensive speed testing reveals that ExpressVPN maintains a slight edge in overall performance, delivering an average global speed of 118 Mbps compared to Surfshark's 104 Mbps. This 13% difference becomes more noticeable during peak usage hours and in regions with heavy internet traffic. ExpressVPN's proprietary Lightway protocol contributes significantly to these superior speeds, offering faster connection times and more stable performance across various server locations.

However, Surfshark's performance shouldn't be underestimated. The service demonstrates consistently reliable speeds that exceed 100 Mbps in most test scenarios, which is more than sufficient for streaming 4K content, online gaming, and large file downloads. In some regional tests, particularly in European locations, Surfshark actually outperformed ExpressVPN, showcasing the variable nature of VPN performance based on geographic factors.

Both services implement advanced technologies to maximize speed performance. ExpressVPN uses TrustedServer technology with RAM-only servers, while Surfshark employs WireGuard protocol alongside its proprietary NexGen network infrastructure. The real-world performance difference between these services is often negligible for typical internet activities, making both viable options for speed-conscious users.

Both ExpressVPN and Surfshark implement military-grade AES-256 encryption, considered unbreakable by current computational standards. ExpressVPN utilizes its proprietary Lightway protocol, which offers improved speed and reliability while maintaining robust security standards. The protocol uses wolfSSL cryptographic library and is designed for mobile devices with minimal battery drain.

Surfshark distinguishes itself with advanced security features like MultiHop double VPN routing, which encrypts data through two different VPN servers for enhanced privacy. The Camouflage Mode makes VPN traffic appear like regular internet traffic, crucial for users in restrictive regions. Both services offer kill switch protection, ensuring your real IP address never leaks during connection drops.

ExpressVPN's TrustedServer technology runs entirely on RAM, meaning all data is wiped with every server restart, providing an additional security layer. Surfshark matches this with its own RAM-only server infrastructure. Both providers support Perfect Forward Secrecy, generating unique encryption keys for each session to prevent retrospective decryption even if long-term keys are compromised.

ExpressVPN's server network spans 105 countries, providing the broadest geographic coverage in the VPN industry. This extensive reach ensures users can access content from virtually any region and find optimal server locations for their specific needs. The network includes specialized obfuscated servers for users in countries with strict internet censorship, making ExpressVPN particularly valuable for users in China, Iran, and similar restrictive environments.

Surfshark operates 3,200+ servers across 100 countries, offering slightly higher server density per location compared to ExpressVPN. This translates to potentially better load balancing and reduced server congestion during peak usage periods. Surfshark's MultiHop feature allows users to route their connection through multiple countries simultaneously, creating an additional privacy layer that ExpressVPN doesn't directly offer.

Both networks utilize physical servers in most locations, though they also employ virtual server locations where necessary. ExpressVPN's infrastructure runs entirely on RAM-based TrustedServer technology, while Surfshark combines RAM-only servers with traditional setups optimized for speed. The choice between these networks often depends on specific geographic needs rather than overall coverage quality.

Both ExpressVPN and Surfshark excel at unblocking streaming services, though with different strengths. ExpressVPN has established itself as the gold standard for streaming reliability, consistently bypassing geo-restrictions across all major platforms. The service maintains dedicated streaming servers optimized specifically for popular services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, ensuring reliable access even as platforms strengthen their VPN detection methods.

Surfshark surprisingly outperforms ExpressVPN in Netflix region diversity, successfully unblocking content from over 15 different Netflix libraries compared to ExpressVPN's 12+ regions. This makes Surfshark particularly attractive for users seeking access to diverse international content. However, ExpressVPN generally provides more consistent performance across other streaming platforms, with faster loading times and fewer connection issues.

Both services regularly update their server infrastructure to stay ahead of streaming platform detection systems. ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer feature provides additional streaming capabilities for devices that don't natively support VPN applications, while Surfshark's Smart DNS functionality serves a similar purpose. For serious streaming enthusiasts, either option provides excellent value, though ExpressVPN edges ahead in overall reliability.

Surfshark's unlimited device connections policy represents a significant advantage for families and users with extensive device ecosystems. This feature allows protection of smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and IoT devices under a single subscription without worrying about connection limits. The practical value becomes evident when considering that modern households typically use 12-15 internet-connected devices regularly.

ExpressVPN's 8-device limit, while more restrictive, still accommodates most individual users and small families effectively. The service compensates with superior router support, offering dedicated firmware and comprehensive setup guides for various router models. Installing ExpressVPN on a router effectively protects unlimited devices connected to that network, providing a workaround for the connection limit.

Both services provide native applications for all major operating systems and platforms. ExpressVPN's apps generally receive higher marks for user interface design and ease of use, while Surfshark's applications offer more advanced features and customization options. Mobile app performance is comparable between both providers, with automatic connection features and battery optimization available on both platforms.

ExpressVPN consistently delivers superior user experience across all touchpoints, from initial setup to daily usage. The service's applications feature intuitive design with minimal learning curve, making it accessible to VPN newcomers while providing advanced options for experienced users. The one-click connection feature and automatic server selection ensure optimal performance without requiring technical knowledge.

Surfshark's user experience, while slightly behind ExpressVPN, still ranks among the industry's best. The applications offer more granular control and advanced features, which some users prefer despite the slightly steeper learning curve. Surfshark's CleanWeb ad-blocking feature and Whitelister split-tunneling tool integrate seamlessly into the user experience, providing additional value beyond basic VPN functionality.

Customer support quality differs significantly between the two providers. ExpressVPN's 24/7 live chat support consistently provides knowledgeable, quick responses with average resolution times under 5 minutes. Surfshark's support team, while competent, sometimes requires longer response times and may need escalation for complex technical issues. Both services offer comprehensive knowledge bases and setup guides for self-service support.

Both ExpressVPN and Surfshark maintain strict no-logs policies that have been independently verified through professional audits. ExpressVPN's location in the British Virgin Islands provides excellent privacy protection, as the territory has no mandatory data retention laws and isn't part of intelligence-sharing agreements like Five Eyes. The service has undergone 23+ independent audits by prestigious firms including KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers, more than any other VPN provider.

Surfshark operates from the Netherlands under favorable EU privacy regulations. The company has completed two comprehensive Deloitte audits confirming their no-logs policy compliance. While newer to the audit scene compared to ExpressVPN, Surfshark has demonstrated strong commitment to transparency through regular policy updates and public transparency reports detailing any legal requests received.

ExpressVPN's privacy credentials received real-world validation when Turkish authorities seized one of their servers in 2017, finding no user data despite ongoing investigations. This incident provided practical proof of their no-logs policy beyond theoretical audits. Both services publish canary clauses and transparency reports, though ExpressVPN's longer track record provides additional confidence for privacy-conscious users.