ExpressVPN vs Surfshark
By Itai Varochik | Updated 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner: ExpressVPN (4.6/5)
We tested ExpressVPN and Surfshark side-by-side. ExpressVPN comes out ahead overall, but Surfshark may be better for specific use cases.
Score Breakdown
| Criteria | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 8.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Ease of Use | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Value for Money | 7/10 | 9.5/10 |
| Customer Support | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Overall | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Lightway Protocol | Yes | No |
| 105 Countries | Yes | No |
| Router App | Yes | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | No |
| Unlimited Devices | No | Yes |
| CleanWeb | No | Yes |
| MultiHop | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
ExpressVPN: From $6.67/month
Surfshark: From $2.19/month
ExpressVPN Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fastest speeds in testing via Lightway protocol
- Servers in 105 countries
- Excellent native router app (Aircove)
- Consistent streaming unblocking
- 24/7 live chat support
Cons
- Most expensive major VPN
- Only 8 simultaneous connections
- No ad/malware blocking feature
Surfshark Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Lowest price among top-rated VPNs
- CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware
- Strong streaming performance
Cons
- Slower speeds than NordVPN and ExpressVPN
- Smaller server network
- Based in the Netherlands (EU jurisdiction)
Key Specifications
| Spec | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Pricing | From $6.67/month | From $2.19/month |
| Year Founded | 2009 | 2018 |
| Headquarters | British Virgin Islands | Netherlands |
| Employees | 1,000+ | 700+ |
| Servers | 3,000+ in 105 countries | 3,200+ in 100 countries |
| Protocol | Lightway | WireGuard |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 | Unlimited |
Our Verdict
ExpressVPN wins overall. Choose ExpressVPN if you value Speed-obsessed users. Choose Surfshark if you prioritize Families needing unlimited device connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ExpressVPN better than Surfshark?
Based on our testing, ExpressVPN scores higher with a rating of 4.6/5 compared to Surfshark's 4.5/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs.
What is the main difference between ExpressVPN and Surfshark?
ExpressVPN is known for: Premium high-speed VPN with Lightway protocol, 105 countries coverage, and router support.. Surfshark is known for: Best budget VPN with unlimited devices, CleanWeb ad blocking, and strong streaming access..
Which is cheaper, ExpressVPN or Surfshark?
ExpressVPN pricing: From $6.67/month. Surfshark pricing: From $2.19/month.
Can I use ExpressVPN and Surfshark together?
While both tools serve similar purposes in the VPN Services category, some users do use complementary features from both platforms.
What are the pros of ExpressVPN?
Fastest speeds in testing via Lightway protocol. Servers in 105 countries. Excellent native router app (Aircove)
What are the pros of Surfshark?
Unlimited simultaneous device connections. Lowest price among top-rated VPNs. CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware
Which vpn services should I choose?
Choose ExpressVPN if you value Speed-obsessed users. Choose Surfshark if you prioritize Families needing unlimited device connections.