Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
ExpressVPN and Surfshark offer robust VPN services with overall ratings of 77.9% and 68.1% respectively. Both services offer AES-256 encryption, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and have extensive server networks. However, ExpressVPN, based in the British Virgin Islands, offers a higher level of privacy protection than Surfshark, which is based in the Netherlands. Despite being slightly more expensive, ExpressVPN’s superior privacy protection and robust feature set make it a better choice for users prioritizing privacy and security.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: ExpressVPN vs Surfshark
| VPN Company | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | British Virgin Islands (BVI) | Netherlands |
| Cheapest Price | $6.67/mo over 15-month subscription | $1.99/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.95 | $13.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and Lightway | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec |
| Servers | 3,000 | 3,200 |
| Servers Countries | 94 | 100 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 devices | Unlimited devices |
| Works in China? | Partially | Partially |
| Smart DNS | No | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | Yes |
| Ads Blocking | No | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Cure53 | Cure53 and Deloitte |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Surfshark Better
Surfshark presents an appealing price point at $1.99/mo, while ExpressVPN opts for a premium pricing strategy, starting at $6.67/mo for their 15-month subscription plan. This leads to an intriguing evaluation of the additional value ExpressVPN offers. Boasting military-grade encryption (AES-256, and ChaCha20), 24×7 live chat support, and a global network of 3,000 servers in more than 90 countries, ExpressVPN aims to justify its higher cost.
Yet, when compared to the offerings of Surfshark, the question remains: do these enhanced features of ExpressVPN align with the specific needs and preferences of users seeking a premium VPN experience? This is something you’ll need to consider when comparing the two.
Jurisdiction: ExpressVPN Better
When it comes to privacy, the jurisdiction of a VPN provider is key. ExpressVPN’s location in British Virgin Islands (BVI), free from mandatory data retention laws, offers a significant privacy advantage over Surfshark, based in the 14-Eye Alliance country of Netherlands. This alliance, including the US, UK, and several European nations, is known for its extensive surveillance and data-sharing practices, potentially impacting user privacy.
In brief, for those dealing with sensitive data or in strict online environments, ExpressVPN represents a safer choice. Its non-14-Eyes location reduces the risk of surveillance and involuntary data sharing, making it a preferable option for privacy-conscious users.
Comparing the two, ExpressVPN’s BVI base generally offers a higher level of privacy protection. However, it’s important to consider other factors such as the VPN’s own privacy policy, encryption standards, and track record in handling user data. Both VPNs have their own merits, but for strict privacy considerations, being based in BVI gives ExpressVPN an edge.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Tie
When it comes to server availability and geographic coverage, both ExpressVPN and Surfshark stand out with their impressive reach.
ExpressVPN, known for its expansive server network (3,000 servers in 94 countries), ensures users can connect from virtually anywhere, offering seamless access and speed. Similarly, Surfshark operates a large fleet of servers, with 3,200 servers across 100 countries.
This widespread coverage by both services guarantees reliable and fast connections, irrespective of your location, making them excellent choices for users seeking extensive worldwide access.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
The commitment of ExpressVPN and Surfshark to customer satisfaction is clearly seen in their extensive money-back guarantees. These guarantees show the confidence each service has in its quality. It’s a no-risk offer. Users can try out each VPN’s features without worry. Explore Surfshark’s server network in 100 countries, experience ExpressVPN’s ad blocking and Lightway protocol, and exaluate their technical support quality. All this can be done before making a long-term decision.
Simultaneous Connections: Surfshark Better
An important aspect to consider when comparing ExpressVPN and Surfshark is the number of simultaneous connections each service allows.
ExpressVPN, while providing a robust and reliable VPN service, permits users to connect up to 8 devices at the same time. This is generally sufficient for individual users or small families – ensuring that multiple devices can be secured under one account. In contrast, Surfshark takes this a step further by offering unlimited simultaneous connections. This feature is particularly advantageous for larger households or businesses where numerous devices require VPN protection. It allows for a more flexible approach to securing online activity, without the need to prioritize which devices are protected.
For users with extensive connectivity needs, this difference in simultaneous connection capabilities might be a deciding factor in choosing Surfshark over ExpressVPN.
Double VPN Feature: Surfshark Better
Surfshark stands out with its double VPN feature, something ExpressVPN lacks. If staying completely anonymous online is your top priority, then Surfshark is the better choice for you.
Double VPN is a special security feature not often seen in VPNs. Of the 96 VPNs we looked at, only 26 have it. Usually, data goes through just one VPN server. But with double VPN, your data travels through two servers, adding more security and keeping you more anonymous. This means it’s much harder for hackers to get to your data, as it’s encrypted twice.
Bottomline
In conclusion, both ExpressVPN and Surfshark offer robust VPN services with their unique strengths. While ExpressVPN justifies its higher cost with superior privacy protection and advanced encryption, Surfshark provides more affordability and flexibility with unlimited simultaneous connections and a double VPN feature.
Pick What You Need
Our VPN recommendations and ratings are just a general guide and may not match your personal needs. Know what you need and pick a VPN that fits. It’s crucial to assess your personal requirements, whether it’s enhanced security, better privacy, faster speeds, or access to specific content. Use our ExpressVPN and Surfshark comparison as a starting point, but ultimately, select a VPN that aligns with your unique needs. This approach ensures you get the most out of your VPN service.
About ExpressVPN & Surfshark
Surfshark
Surfshark, established in 2018 by founder Vytautas Kaziukonis, is a notable VPN provider based in the Netherlands with additional offices in Lithuania and Poland. The company launched with an iOS VPN application and has since expanded its offerings. In 2022, Surfshark merged with Nord Security, the parent company of NordVPN, forming a significant entity in the cybersecurity space. Despite the merger, both brands continue to operate independently, maintaining their unique market presence and service offerings.
To learn more, read our Surfshark review.
ExpressVPN
Founded in 2009 by Peter Burchhardt and Dan Pomerantz, ExpressVPN stands out for its speed and extensive server network, with over 3,000 servers across 94 countries. It uses TrustedServer technology for enhanced security and supports AES-256 encryption. ExpressVPN offers wide device compatibility, including routers and smart TVs, and provides 24/7 customer support. The company is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands.
To learn more, read our ExpressVPN review.