Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
Head-to-head comparison based on real testing data — February 2026
Winner: ExpressVPN wins in 4 out of 7 categories
Category-by-Category
| Category | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | 9.4 | vs | 9.7 |
| Privacy | 9.0 | vs | 9.4 |
| Streaming | 9.3 | vs | 9.8 |
| Security | 9.1 | vs | 9.5 |
| Price | $1.99/mo | vs | $2.44/mo |
| Servers | 3,200+ | vs | 3,000+ |
| Devices | Unlimited | vs | 10 |
Speed Comparison
Surfshark has a -6% speed drop while ExpressVPN shows -2%. ExpressVPN takes this category with faster real-world performance. Speed data is based on independent benchmarks across multiple protocols and server locations.
Privacy Comparison
Surfshark is based in Netherlands while ExpressVPN operates from BVI. 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
Surfshark unblocks 5 streaming services while ExpressVPN unblocks 7. ExpressVPN wins this category with more reliable streaming access across platforms. Streaming compatibility is evaluated across multiple platforms and server locations.
Security Comparison
Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN 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 | Surfshark | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Lightway, WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-hop | Yes | No |
| Ad Blocker | Yes | Yes |
| Jurisdiction | Netherlands | BVI |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | 10 |
| Server Count | 3,200+ | 3,000+ |
| Country Count | 100 | 105 |
| Speed Drop | -6% | -2% |
| Lowest Price | $1.99/mo | $2.44/mo |
| Plan Length | 27mo plan | 28mo plan |
| Streaming Services | Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime | Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Peacock, DAZN |