ExpressVPN Vs. Surfshark are two reputable companies that offer online privacy protection. VPNs encrypt and secure your browsing data, making them ideal for public Wi-Fi users or those concerned about online security. Although both VPNs have their strengths, they differ in features and cost. This comparison evaluates pricing, server count, customer service quality, and device compatibility. By the end of this article, you’ll know which platform better suits your needs.
ExpressVPN has more servers in more countries and is known for responsive customer service. However, it comes at a higher price compared to Surfshark.Surfshark offers a lower price point while still offering unlimited simultaneous connections, ad-blocking, and double VPN encryption. Its customer support is available 24/7 through live chat.Ultimately, choose a VPN provider based on factors like cost, server locations, device compatibility, and customer service quality to make an informed decision.
ExpressVPN Vs. Surfshark
Surfshark and ExpressVPN are two of the most popular VPN providers in the market, offering advanced security features, fast speeds, and excellent streaming capabilities. While both providers have many similarities, Surfshark is more cost-effective than ExpressVPN. With a starting price of $2.29/month, Surfshark is over three times cheaper than ExpressVPN’s starting price of $6.67/month.Surfshark also boasts a larger server fleet and faster connection speeds by at least 10% on average. Additionally, Surfshark’s apps are more intuitive, making it a great option for beginners or those who prefer a user-friendly interface.
Although both providers offer high-quality services that justify their respective prices, Surfshark offers better value for money due to its lower cost and superior features.To help you decide which VPN provider is best for you, we have conducted extensive testing and comparison of Surfshark and ExpressVPN based on factors such as security, performance, usability, and pricing. Regardless of which provider you choose, using a VPN can help protect your online privacy and secure your internet connection from potential threats.
ExpressVPN Vs. Surfshark in 2024 Quick Overview
| Surfshark VPN | ExpressVPN | |
| ⭐ Rating: | ||
| 🥇 Overall rank: | #2 out of #42 | #4 out of #42 |
| 🖥️ Servers: | 3,200 + servers in 100 countries | 3,000 + servers in 105 countries |
| 📖 No logs policy: | No logs | No logs |
| 💵 Price: | From $2.29/month | From $6.67/month |
| 🔥 Coupons: | Surfshark VPN coupon 79% OFF | ExpressVPN coupon 49% OFF + 3 months FREE! |
| 🔒 VPN protocols: | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
| 🖥️ Platforms: | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| 📥 Simultaneous connections: | Unlimited | 8 |
| 💁🏻 Support: | Knowledge base, 24/7 live chat, email support | Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat |
ExpressVPN vs. Surfshark Full Detailed List
ExpressVPN and Surfshark are both highly rated VPNs, but they differ in features. ExpressVPN is more expensive and has limitations on the number of devices it can be used on (up to five). However, it offers faster internet speeds and has double the server locations compared to Surfshark. It is well-known for its security features, making it a great choice for online privacy. On the other hand, Surfshark is affordable, provides fast and reliable service, and allows unlimited simultaneous connections. It offers features like ad-blocking and malware protection. Your decision should depend on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize security and speed despite the higher price, choose ExpressVPN. If you want an affordable VPN with unlimited connections and convenient features, go with Surfshark.
ExpressVPN
Why We Picked It
ExpressVPN is a high-speed VPN that prioritizes user security. Its servers are privately located in the British Virgin Islands, which does not have to share data with other countries, enhancing its security. With over 3,000 servers in 160+ locations globally, ExpressVPN ensures fast internet speeds and easy connection to any location. It guarantees uninterrupted online privacy and security, whether at home or abroad. The advanced encryption protocols keep user traffic secure and private, while the kill switch feature prevents data leakage by cutting off the internet connection if the VPN connection is lost. Additionally, it allows simultaneous connection of up to five devices on one account, catering to families or businesses. ExpressVPN safeguards online activities from unauthorized access, whether for personal or business use.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Positive user reviews
- A high number of server locations
- Includes router app that protects all connected devices
Cons
- More expensive than other VPNs
- Limited business usage
- No dedicated IP option
See More: ExpressVPN Review
Surfshark
Why We Picked It
Surfshark is a highly sought-after VPN that offers excellent value for money. Unlike most other VPNs, Surfshark allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices to the VPN. You can choose from three subscription plans: monthly, six-monthly, and two-yearly. The company also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with their service.Surfshark’s competitive price point makes it a popular choice among users looking for quality VPN services on a budget. Their unlimited device connections feature sets them apart from competitors who often limit the number of devices that can be connected to the VPN. Moreover, Surfshark’s multiple subscription options cater to the varying needs of different users, making it easy for all to find a plan that suits their requirements. The 30-day money-back guarantee adds an extra layer of security for users who want to try out the service without committing long-term.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Offers split tunneling and multi-hop features
- Unlimited simultaneously connected devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- More expensive than other VPNs
- No dedicated IP address add-on
Read More: Surfshark VPN Review
How ExpressVPN and Surfshark Stack Up
Surfshark is significantly cheaper than ExpressVPN, priced at INR 327.06 per year compared to approximately INR 8,191. Additionally, Surfshark offers the competitive advantage of allowing users to connect to an unlimited number of devices, while ExpressVPN is limited to five. Both VPNs have a similar number of servers, with ExpressVPN having over 3,000 and Surfshark having over 3,200. However, ExpressVPN has more than double the number of server locations, with 160 compared to Surfshark’s over 60. More information about Surfshark’s server locations can be found on their website. ExpressVPN also provides a list of its server locations online for users to assess their compatibility with the countries they intend to connect to.
Both VPNs do not provide a dedicated IP (DIP) for accessing IP-restricted networks while maintaining anonymity. If you are interested in a DIP, consider exploring other options from our top 10 VPN list. Both VPNs offer 24/7 customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee. They are compatible with Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, and Linux, while Surfshark is additionally compatible with Fire TV. ExpressVPN charges around INR 1,061 per month, which decreases to around INR 818 per month for a six-month subscription and around INR 681 per month for an annual payment. Surfshark’s rates are around INR 1,061 for the monthly subscription, around INR 531 per month for the six-month plan, and an introductory discount of INR 204.10 per month for the 24-month plan.
Features Overview
ExpressVPN and Surfshark offer an important feature called split tunneling that allows users to choose which content is accessed through their VPN and which isn’t. This feature can be especially useful when a website blocks access through a VPN, such as mobile banking sites. By using split tunneling, you won’t have to keep disconnecting and reconnecting your VPN. Additionally, both VPNs come with a kill switch that ensures your online activities and data are not exposed if your VPN connection drops. This means that if the VPN server suddenly disconnects, the kill switch will automatically cut off your internet connection until the VPN connection is restored. These features help to ensure user privacy and security while browsing online.
To further enhance browsing privacy, ExpressVPN and Surfshark provide the option to configure a VPN directly onto your router. This additional security feature ensures that you are automatically connected to your VPN whenever you use your router, eliminating the need to manually connect before browsing the internet or worrying about connection drops. By configuring your VPN onto your router, all devices connected to the router will be automatically protected by the VPN without having to install and run a separate VPN on each device. This not only saves time but also provides an added layer of security for all devices on your network. Furthermore, this is especially beneficial for smart home devices that don’t have built-in VPN capabilities as it secures their internet traffic as well.
Comparison methodology: Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
When comparing Surfshark vs ExpressVPN, we followed certain criteria to evaluate which service is better. Here are the factors we took into consideration:
- Price. We evaluated the flexibility in terms of plan lengths and their prices. Together with the cost, we looked at the features offered and the value for your money that you get.
- Security features. VPNs are online security tools, so we looked for essential features, such as kill switch and split tunneling, in the package.
- Performance. We tested the average speed retention rate of each provider to see whether they’ll be able to provide a buffering and lag-free experience.
- Server network. The more servers the VPN has, the better. A massive server fleet ensures more opportunity for less crowded servers and great speeds. Many server locations also allow you to unlock different content libraries around the world.
- Streaming capabilities. We tested both Surfshark and ExpressVPN on various streaming platforms to see which ones they can unblock effectively.
- Torrenting. Some users get a VPN for torrenting reasons – to stay anonymous. We reviewed whether the compared VPNs allow P2P file sharing and don’t compromise on speeds.
- Interface. VPNs should be easy to use even for beginners, but we reviewed the interfaces of both Surfshark and ExpressVPN to make sure they’re not buggy or overfilled.
- Customer support. It’s important that VPN providers offer various customer support options. We compared Surfshark and ExpressVPN in terms of live chat, email, phone, and other support options.
- Exclusive features. Some VPNs come with extra features, be it for security, streaming, or convenience. We evaluated the extra benefits offered.
Best Free VPN Extension for Chrome in 2024
Bottom Line
ExpressVPN and Surfshark are both noteworthy VPN options that made it to our top 10 VPNs list in 2024. If you need to connect your VPN to more than five devices, Surfshark is an excellent option as it permits users to connect an unlimited number of devices.If server locations play a pivotal role in your decision making, it is essential to check the locations before subscribing. Both ExpressVPN and Surfshark offer this information on their websites.Price is another factor that can influence which VPN you choose. Surfshark is considerably less expensive than ExpressVPN, making it a budget-friendly choice for those looking for affordable VPN services. However, if speed is a critical requirement for you, then ExpressVPN may be worth the extra cost of INR 3,687 per year as it has been known to offer higher speeds than its competitors. Ultimately, your choice of VPN will depend on your unique needs and preferences.
ExpressVPN Vs. Surfshark 2024: Frequently Asked Questions
How secure are VPNs?
ExpressVPN and Surfshark both offer AES 256-bit encryption, which is the same level of security used by governments and armed forces worldwide. ExpressVPN is considered particularly secure due to its privately held servers in the British Virgin Islands, a country not obligated to share data with other nations.
Are VPNs legal?
Virtual private networks, or VPNs, are widely recognized as legal in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. However, there are some exceptions. In certain nations like China and Russia, using a VPN to access restricted websites is against the law. These countries have strict internet censorship laws that prohibit the use of VPNs to bypass government-imposed restrictions. As such, it’s important to be aware of local regulations before using a VPN while traveling abroad. Regardless of the country you’re in, doing anything illegal while you’re connected to a VPN is still illegal.
Are there any VPNs that are available for free?
Free VPNs like Hotspot Shield can be found, but we suggest opting for a paid option due to the lower security and numerous advertisements associated with free VPNs. If cost is a concern, there are plenty of affordable VPNs available.
