ExpressVPN vs Surfshark
Head-to-head comparison based on real testing data — February 2026
Winner: ExpressVPN wins in 4 out of 7 categories
Category-by-Category
| Category | ExpressVPN | Surfshark | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | 9.7 | vs | 9.4 |
| Privacy | 9.4 | vs | 9.0 |
| Streaming | 9.8 | vs | 9.3 |
| Security | 9.5 | vs | 9.1 |
| Price | $2.44/mo | vs | $1.99/mo |
| Servers | 3,000+ | vs | 3,200+ |
| Devices | 10 | vs | Unlimited |
Speed Comparison
ExpressVPN has a -2% speed drop while Surfshark shows -6%. ExpressVPN takes this category with faster real-world performance. Speed data is based on independent benchmarks across multiple protocols and server locations.
Privacy Comparison
ExpressVPN is based in BVI while Surfshark operates from Netherlands. ExpressVPN edges ahead in privacy with a stronger overall privacy profile. Scores are based on no-logs policies, audit history, jurisdiction, encryption standards, and leak protection.
Streaming Comparison
ExpressVPN unblocks 7 streaming services while Surfshark unblocks 5. ExpressVPN wins this category with more reliable streaming access across platforms. Streaming compatibility is evaluated across multiple platforms and server locations.
Security Comparison
Both ExpressVPN and Surfshark offer AES-256 encryption and kill switch protection. ExpressVPN scores higher in security due to additional features and infrastructure hardening. Security scores are based on encryption, protocol implementation, DNS/IP leak protection, kill switch reliability, and server infrastructure.
Full Specification Comparison
| Feature | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Protocols | Lightway, WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-hop | No | Yes |
| Ad Blocker | Yes | Yes |
| Jurisdiction | BVI | Netherlands |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 | Unlimited |
| Server Count | 3,000+ | 3,200+ |
| Country Count | 105 | 100 |
| Speed Drop | -2% | -6% |
| Lowest Price | $2.44/mo | $1.99/mo |
| Plan Length | 28mo plan | 27mo plan |
| Streaming Services | Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Peacock, DAZN | Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime |