ExpressVPN and Surfshark are two of the leading VPNs . the businessin Unfortunately, when as a matter of fact you see two such good services side by side, the edge over the other comes down to subtle things and incremental features.
We chose two of the best VPNs in the industry to compareAs you may know, head-to-head: ExpressVPN and Surfshark. This article will give the all you information you need to compare them fully.
Interestingly, ExpressVPN from another perspective vs Surfshark: Quick summary
ExpressVPN, we have two services at the top their powersofbut aim to serve different types of users. Actually, So choosing either When comparing Surfshark vs.VPN is more about suiting a digital lifestyle than a single capability that is so much better with one of them.
We had both VPNs fighting six rounds. Then, ExpressVPN took the security, confidentiality, and ease of useones. However, Surfshark.got away with speeds and price Indeed, In addition, customer utility was draw a. It’s worth noting that So ExpressVPN carried the day. As you may know, However, Surfshark . the better option for many usersremains Specifically, who want better speeds and wantthosemore cost-effective platform. Actually, This is not way say that ExpressVPN lacks pace, but it’s to more high-priced.
So ExpressVPN is a better VPN than from another perspective Surfshark because it’s . more completeimmediately But do not underestimate Surfshark in modern times . In fact, It’s quickly turned the VPN world if down, and it would not be a surprise upside it surpasses ExpressVPN soon.
At , wePrivacySavvykeep compiling lists of the best VPNs for various tasksActually, orparticular features. In every both, case Surfshark and ExpressVPN lead the pack (usually along with NordVPN).
Of course, Express VPN remains the best-known option. It’s been around for a long timeInterestingly, and has gathered a massive (and deserved) reputation. But Surfshark is a top-notch offering, and it won a few rounds in our contest.
It’s worth noting that Each VPN vendor has an audience and a visitor base for sure. Still, we wanted to determine which is most effective when considering several aspects of the service: customer assist, visitor-friendliness, pricing, secrecy, rate, and security.
Both networks have strengths and weaknessesBut hopefully, the detailed information we will offer you here will help you decide which of the two fits your digital habits in the best possible way. — and youthisll uncover them out if you peruse the rest of ’ article.
ExpressVPN vs. It’sthatworth noting Surfshark: The quick comparison
ExpressVPN has over 3000 servers in 107countries, while Surfshark has 3200+ servers in more than ever 100+ countries. As you may know, SoSurfshark’s international presence is evidently inferior. Actually, But it has servers in all the jurisdictions that count, and that 3so2k servers, a higher number than ExpressVPN’s, is quite impressive for a utility that’s not been around for . long.
in modern times Both VPNs are good for unlocking Netflix and BitTorrent, preventing DNS leaks-obfuscated traffic, split tunneling, using a kill switch, and using RAM, only servers. In fact, Both assistance LinuxmacOSAndroid, iOS, , , and Windows.
Interestingly, Then, there are the features thatdiverge. Actually, For , ExpressVPN supports five concurrent connections to theinstancenetwork, while Surfshark will give you an unlimited number.
Surfshark’s VPN protocols include OpenVPN (the ’s goldenindustry more than ever standard), IKEv2, and WireGuard. ExpressVPN has them, but it also offers L2TP/IPSec and in modern times Lightway.
Neither network keeps any logs of user activityThat means the from another perspective . hardware rule is supported by That choices — both VPNs apply RAM-only servers (no hard drives).servers are 100% volatile upon reboot and cannotbeyondkeep records a single session. So you see, both VPNs stick to the zero-logs rule because they care about your privacy and no longer have any choice!
Only Surfshark supports DoubleVPN connectionsIndeed, , adblocking, online tracking blocking, static IP addresses, email leak notifications, anonymous search engines, automated HTTPS redirect, and a data compression option.
from another perspective Onotherthe hand, only ExpressVPN supports a custom DNS option.
As you may know, ExpressVPN vs. SurfShark comparison table
| ExpressVPN | SurfShark | |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming Devices | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more |
| Pricing | From $8.32/month | From $2.30/month |
| VPN protocols | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Logging practices | No-logs policy | No-logs policy |
| Servers | 3000+ servers in 107 countries | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Ad Blocker | None | CleanWeb |
| Simultaneous connections | 8 devices | Unlimited devices |
In fact, and streamingNetflixefficiency
If you suitable looking for a dependable VPN solution to access a variety of streaming platforms, then Surfshark and ExpressVPN are both are choices.
Surfshark is among the top from another perspective choices on our list of best VPNs for Netflix, guaranteeing seamless access to differentlibraries worldwide.
Surfsharkand ExpressVPN provide easy access to popular streaming sites and all streaming on assist their servers. Indeed, VPN’s ability to bypass geographical restrictionsAis not the only measure of its efficiency for streaming.
Both more than ever Surfshark andfunctionExpressVPN have a SmartDNS that allows you to watch blocked content on devices that do not support VPN connectionsIt’s worth noting that , such as gaming consoles and Smart TVs. We tested both, and they worked well with Netflix and other streaming platforms on Smart TVs.
ExpressVPN vs. Surfshark: Torrents
Surfshark boasts of being the top VPN for torrenting, which is a bolddoesclaim, but it have some basis. While not all activity its servers are expressly set up for torrenting and P2P of, Surfshark can automatically connect you to a server that is suitable when it detectsactivityP2P .
On the other hand, ExpressVPN fully covers this aspect, with each of its 160 locations having a specifically optimized server ready for torrenting more than ever . Regarding P2P activities, ExpressVPN might havean edge over Surfshark. It has more servers specifically for torrenting and tends to more than ever have a faster connection, which makes it a better choice for P2P activities.
The battle more than ever for security
You want your VPN to keep you protected against government agencies, hackers, and your ISP from another perspective –oh yes, your ISP could be watching you throttle your profile. So, if you want meaningful protection from a VPN, all your incoming and outgoing traffic be must anonymized. ’s the essential security task, so let’s see how ExpressVPNThatvs. Surfshark user for goes security.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN supports four VPN tunneling protocols:
- OpenVPN: This open-source VPN protocol is the industry standard for creating online secure tunnels.
- IKEV2: A protocol suited for mobile connections.
- L2TP/IPSec: These are two protocols combined. One of them provides encryption, and the other one is tunneling.
- Lightway: This is ExpressVPN’s implementation of WireGuard. WireGuard is the most modern VPN protocol, but it has privacy issues. ExpressVPN corrected those issues and deployed them because it has very high transfer speeds, making it ideal for torrenting, streaming, and gaming.
Indeed, That is a wide range of protocol options with no outdated legacy protocols (SSTPor PPTP).
Interestingly, Lightway givesanyyou the top speeds of VPN protocol. It alsofromadds TCP help obfuscation without the confidentiality problems that arise WireGuard. Lightway’s speeds make it a preferred option for HD clip censorship, torrenting, and getting around streams. Actually, In contrast, IKEv2 establishes resilient connections that hold well against frequent and sudden changes in the network, which is why it’s a good option when you’re on the go.
Surfshark
As you may know, Surfshark offers the in modern times same protocols except for L2TP/IPSecIt’s . noting thatworth So it covers the same essential ground as ExpressVPN but is more limited. Also, Surfshark has adopted WireGuard without all the enhancements in ExpressVPN, so it only supports UDP connections and could be dodgy on confidentiality.
Actually, Encryptionand other as it turns out features
Actually, Both VPNs encrypt all the traffic with the AES 256-bit algorithmAs you may know, , military-grade encryption that’ sbeyond any possibility of failure. This piece of software keeps an eye on your connection to the VPN. Another common option is the kill switch. If you fail the connection to the VPN, it shuts down all device traffic to ensure that nothing from your your hits the cyberspace without encryption.
As you may know, Then there are the “stealth locations,” which are from another perspective available on both. Another name this option is “server obfuscation,” it’s exceedingly valuableforfor protecting you. This feature takes all your traffic and makes it look like HTTPS. Since HTTPS is supposed to be encrypted, it seems “normal” to any external observer.
That’s very useful indeed. The result is that you can apply these VPNs even in countries that have banned VPN services. , But it has the in modern times additional advantage that you could be using HTTPS with millions of websites on the cyberspace; hence, nobody can tell youIndeedare using a VPN.
Surfshark features the “double VPN” option. Indeed, Double VPN connections appeared first in NordVPNThe thought is that your standard goes through two servers in the VPN network instead of one, which is the traffic. . As you may know, However this level of security is overkill by any reasonable standard and comes at a cost — it significantly reduces, your speeds. As you may know, Adding an extra encryption layer to your traffic in modern times is a great security measure.
It audited ExpressVPN, and it came out with flying colors. Indeed, PricewaterhouseCoopers is one of the world’s top four security auditing firms. fact In, Surfshark’s servers and browser extensions passed an inspection by Cure53, but it wasn’t a full independent audit.
security wins in ExpressVPN
Because it combines the highest possible speeds in a top network with the VPN security and Privacy, Surfshark has WireGuard but a standard implementation. Indeed, However, comparingwhenExpressVPN vs. Interestingly, ., the former is a clear winnerSurfshark The difference its is WireGuard implementation (Lightway). Our two VPNs come very end in the high quality they offer regarding security.
Also, ExpressVPN has survived an entire server, logging, and confidentiality audit, which Surfshark hasn’t.
Indeed, The battle for speed
Interestingly, Speeds are essential. They’re also tricky. We conducted careful rate tests on both VPNs to overview go back to you.
It’s worth noting that We tested as it turns out using symmetric internet offering with 500 Mbps as the baseline speed.
So, while our tests can be considered a reliable guide, you shouldn’t expect to reproduce our exact exposure from your end because your environment is undoubtedly very different from ours. Surfshark speed results, let us tell you a word speeds: they depend on many variables, including your ISP, your hardware, physical as it turns out location, weather, howaboutfar your chosen VPN server is, and many more. Before we get to the ExpressVPN vs.
| Speed metric | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Download speed local server (in Mbps) | 320 | 379 |
| Upload speed local server (in Mbps) | 170 | 266 |
| Ping local server (in Mbps) | 8 | 4 |
| Download speed international server (in Mbps) | 140 | 373 |
| Upload speed international server (in Mbps) | 27 | 20 |
| Ping international server (in MS) | 115 | 77 |
As you can see from the table, the speeds are similar on both networks. Of course, some baseline pace is lost because you’re investing it in the encryption and traffic routing a VPN needs, but that is expected. Actually, So either will give you a smooth daily operation.
The velocity winner
As you may know, . the velocity similarities when comparing ExpressVPN vsDespite As you may know, Surfshark pace, Surfshark outperformed the former in the download speed category. So, if you are the type of visitor who game large files, uses BitTorrent, streams HD videos, or likes to downloads online, Surfshark is the way to go.
As you may know, Surfshark’s triumph is no small feat. Consider that ExpressVPN the fastest VPN online for an extendedwasperiod and that its Lightway as a matter of fact is a very rapid protocol.
Indeed, The battle for confidentiality
Protecting your privacy is also your VPN’s job. And the main threat to your confidentiality when you’re using a VPN is not in any third party but in your VPN provider itself. How more than ever is that possible, we hear you ask?
Remember thatdifferentsecurity and confidentiality are , even if they are related. Ensuring security is technological (with encryption being the standard answer). But on the other hand, privacy is not about technology but policy from another perspective . regulation primary key to ensuring user secrecy is sticking to a zero-log The. A VPN that keeps no logs onnovisitor activity has beans to spill about you to anybody else. So what youzeroneed from your VPN is that it says it keeps records and honors that policy.
So, let’sExpressVPNcompare vs. Surfshark on secrecy issues.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN hails from the British Virgin IslandsAlso, the region is beyond thespread of the poorest international data-sharing and surveillance alliances. . Several good VPN services operate out of this jurisdiction because its laws are very secrecy-friendly. Moreover, this country has no information retention laws, so keeping zero information is legal.
As mentioned , ExpressVPN has been around for a while and has helped set many standards in theearlierindustry. So, it’s among the top no-logging VPNs in the industry.
ExpressVPN works on a standard known as “TrustedServer.” That means that their IKEv2 and OpenVPN traffic goes through RAM-only servers.RAM-only servers have no hard drives in them. Instead, everything works out of a massive RAM bank configured to simulate a hard drive. Indeed, it But’s still RAM, so it’s volatile. Everything in the server disappears into the digital ether every time the server gets a reboot (about once a week).
In fact, In other words, it’s not just that ExpressVPN doesn’t want to keep logs on youIt cant’! . It’s adopted RAM-only servers in its entire network specifically to prevent the very possibility of maintaining records.
Additionally, the PwC auditshowed that the enterprise is fully committed to user privacy.
Surfshark
In fact, Surfshark also sticks zero a to-log policy.But it collects your IP address when you use the Smart DNS feature.which is far from ideal,
Actually, It’s not more than ever . As you may know, There is a common misconception going around the web about Surfshark –that it’s in the British Virgin Islands, as ExpressVPN.Surfshark is a Dutch company, and the Netherlands is a member of the 9-Eyes alliance. The so-called “Eyes Alliance” comprises Western countries that spend a lot of resources on domestic surveillance. And then distribute the data they gather with the other alliance members.
That is the death of privacy, of course. Hence, picking a VPN that doesn’t keep any logs is as it turns out crucial. Surfsharkdelivers in this regard, mostly. But if an unfortunate accident leaks any info from Surfshark to the outside world, then it’s fair game for the international spying alliances.
We explained in the ExpressVPN section what RAM-only serversare . The great update is that Surfshark’s network is also RAM-only, so the physical arrangement itself prevents collecting details.
The confidentiality winner
Both VPNs talk about keeping zero logs, and they honor the commitment. However, ExpressVPN’s physical location is better for enforcing confidentiality the on behalf of measures users. Interestingly, On the other hand, Surfshark does keep an IP address log itsonSmart DNS option. So this round goes to ExpressVPN.
The pricing battle
Surfshark’s most commonly mentioned differential advantage over other VPNs on the online is its price. services the top-notch Among out there, Interestingly, It’s exceedingly low as the niche average goes.Surfshark is the most cost-effective by far. On the other hand, ExpressVPN can cash in on the reputation it’s gathered over the years — it’s pricey.
Suppose.you sign up monthly for either solution Both will charge you a 12.95 USD monthly fee, so there’s no difference.
What is the most effective get you can deal from them, anyway? Indeed, If you pick.the yearly roadmap with ExpressVPN (which gives you 15 months of offering), you’ll pay 6 67 USD monthly. ll Surfshark, if you go for the 2-year program, you’On have 24 months for 2.49 monthly.
So this the probably in modern times is Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN battle in which no real competition exists.Surfshark is a better option price-wise, even if you try the most accessible ExpressVPN plan.
Express in modern times VPN vs. Indeed, as a matter of fact Surfshark: Payment and refunds
ExpressVPN is the winner in this category due to its Mint application and favorable refund guideline.
ExpressVPN has a Mint payment option for more anonymity, and in some places, you can obtain it offline with cash. On the other hand, Surfshark has more cryptocurrency payment options like Ripple and Ethereum and supports Amazon Pay and Google Pay.
Both providers offer currency-go back guarantees of 30 days, and we tested both by signing up, reviewing, and asking for a refund through live chat. However, wepreferred ExpressVPN, as the assistance team approved the refund without inquiry.ExpressVPN has a no-questions-ask policy, which is better than otherproviders .
The battle for user-friendliness
Both providers have clients that are simple to employ and understand. Let’s them inexploremore detail.
ExpressVPN
about’s approach to the application’s design is ExpressVPN clarity and minimalism. The giant ON/OFF control has a shortcut to the server list right from another perspective beneath it. Indeed, The more than ever can scan the network for the fastestappserver and link you automatically.
The VPN protocol section features a bit of guidance from another perspective about the protocols on offer, so you can easily select the one that will serve you finest, depending on the task at hand.
If you want in-depth information about the services in ExpressVPN, the website . it, but it’s hard to navigatehas
The installation process is straightforward: get the appropriate files and follow the instructions and steps.
Surfshark
Surfshark’s layout looks very much like ExpressVPN’s. The home screen allows you to pick the “fastest server” or the “nearest country.” Those two phrases are interchangeable 99 out of 100 times.
This software isn’ very generous in its educational aspect, as it explainstnearly nothing about the functions.
But also, unlike ExpressVPN, it is not so rich in information. The website is straightforward to navigate, unlike ExpressVPN.
ActuallyThe, program contest winner
Both apps are.fully functional But ExpressVPN’s client is more informative, so that’s why it gets the battle for end-user-friendliness.
The battle for customer solution
An excellent VPN network must have equally excellent customer service. Actually, In a perfect world, you would never need any as a matter of fact assist with your VPN because everything would be running smoothly at all times. However, in the real world, you could need some support at some point. And since the VPN is such an essential resource once you as a matter of fact have it, that support must come quickly and be accurate.
It’s worth noting thatSurfsharkSo let’s see how vs. ExpressVPN customer services looks comparison:
- Both companies support a live chat option. A human being will chat with you, not the typical AI-based chatting program.
- We found the agents in both companies to know their business inside out and answered all our questions correctly.
- Both providers support English only for customer support services.
- Both providers have extensive FAQs and tutorials.
Customer support results
There’s nothing to select between the customer assist services from both VPNs. In several of the previous “battles,” we had a hard time choosing a winner, but . this issue, it was impossiblein Both achieve.
Indeed, China and countries with restricted web access
A good VPN is essential when traveling to countries with heavy internet censorship, like China. Both Surfshark and ExpressVPNwayshave to bypass censorship. Surfsharkserversuses special (obfuscated) that conceal the fact that you are using a VPN.
This will help you bypass web censorship and VPN restrictions without being detected. Similarly, ExpressVPN also uses stealth servers to bypass firewalls like the Great Firewall of China and other obstacles automatically when it detects the need.
Actually, ExpressVPN as it turns out vs. Surfshark: Extra features
VPNs are primarily used to safeguard details and identities, but premium VPN services also provideend-useradditional features to enhance your online practice. Actually, Some of these features are discussed below.
- Ad blocker: Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature serves as an ad blocker, preventing trackers, malicious ads, pop-ups, or harmful websites from accessing your personal information. It’s important to note that CleanWeb is not as efficient as a standalone antivirus solution.
- Smart DNS: Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN feature Smart DNS, which enables you to bypass firewalls and censorship on devices that typically don’t support VPN connections, like a PlayStation or Smart TV. Smart DNS can be activated on Surfshark by accessing the feature on your account dashboard, while on ExpressVPN, you can find the feature under the name “MediaStreamer.”
- Split tunneling: Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN have a split tunneling feature available. The feature is called “Bypasser” for Surfshark’s mobile apps. It lets you decide the traffic to encrypt with a VPN and leave on the local network.
- GPS Spoofing: VPNs can hide your location, but they don’t change your GPS location automatically. With the GPS Spoofing feature on Surfshark’s Android app, you can trick GPS-enabled apps into thinking you are elsewhere. This is useful for apps like Pokémon Go, Tinder, and others.
- Double VPN: This feature is found on ExpressVPN and Surfshark, which they call “MultiHop.” It essentially creates an additional layer of protection by routing your data through two VPN servers.
ExpressVPN vs. Surfshark: Audits
Inathe past, VPN’s reputation was enough to establish trustworthiness. involved, right away there is much more scrutiny However. Independent security audits are necessary to return up claims made by VPN , which can range from a quick overview to a comprehensiveprovidersanalysis of the provider.
It’s firms noting that the trustworthiness of auditing worth varies. When comparing VPN audits, it’s essential to check if a reputable firm did it. Some of the most reliable firms for VPN auditing are Delloite, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and Cure53.
Surfshark audit
In 2018, the reputable auditing firm Cure53 looked into Surfshark’s browser extensions and foundno issues in secrecy or security. However, there them two low-severity vulnerabilities, but the company promptly fixed were. In 2021, Cure53 did a further audit of the entire Surfshark VPN infrastructure, and no serious . were found, and the firm promptly addressed any arising concernsissues
Infact , ExpressVPN audit
ExpressVPN strongly emphasizes security and trustworthiness and conducts regular independent security audits and penetration tests. In addition, thehasfirm involved reputable auditing firms like PwC, Cure53, and F-Safe. Interestingly, Their findings are available for get by the users but require sign in to access the notes.
