ExpressVPN vs Surfshark 2024

Keira Waddell

Senior Writer

You’ll find conflicting views online about which is the superior choice between ExpressVPN and Surfshark, and choosing a winner wasn’t a simple task. While both VPNs offer robust services, there are noteworthy differences between them.

I rigorously tested each VPN’s speeds, streaming, torrenting, gaming, customer support reliability, and lots more. I analyzed their subscription plans, finding any hidden costs in the small print. Additionally, I scrutinized their privacy policies and delved into their historical data-handling practices.

Here's the verdict: Both VPNs offer fast speed and user-friendliness, and they both work well for HD streaming. However, if your online privacy is a concern, ExpressVPN is ultimately the best choice.

Surfshark isn't a bad option, though — it’s a great budget-friendly alternative. Nonetheless, its privacy standards are questionable, it has slightly slower speeds, and it doesn’t work in China. Take a look at my more detailed tests below.

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Short on Time? Here Are My Key Findings

Streaming — ExpressVPN Wins by a Narrow Margin

ExpressVPN and Surfshark both work with most major streaming platforms in their licensed regions.

That said, our global team of testers noted that Surfshark required troubleshooting to work with certain platforms, such as BBC iPlayer in the UK. Our tester in the US also wasn’t able to watch Amazon Prime Video. Plus, some Surfshark servers only let us watch Netflix Originals. Our testing team reported that ExpressVPN worked with 23 Netflix libraries (tested from their respective licensed regions) compared to Surfshark, which worked with 16.

Although both VPNs worked well with most streaming platforms, ExpressVPN delivered the fastest speeds and, therefore, smoother streams.

Although our tester is based in California, there was no buffering while they used a server over 4,500km away

Surfshark was fast on local servers, but long-distance servers caused more buffering. Our testers in the US noticed this was the case when they used servers across the country at 3,000km away or more.

After waiting 5 seconds for the video to load, Only Murders in the Building streamed with zero interruptions

Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer Smart DNS services that let you stream in HD on devices that aren’t normally compatible with VPNs, like smart TVs and gaming consoles.

ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer feature is compatible with a ton of devices, including LG TVs, Samsung TVs, PlayStation, Xbox, routers, Amazon Fire TV, and many others. What I particularly appreciate are the detailed guides that provide step-by-step instructions for configuring this Smart DNS on a variety of devices. Once ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer is set up, you can stream local content on your chosen device (if you’re within the UK, US, or Australia).

Surfshark’s Smart DNS feature also lets you set it up on non-compatible devices and has detailed setup guides on its website. However, Surfshark’s Smart DNS only works with local content within the US.

Winner

Both VPNs deliver buffer-free 4K quality content for streaming on nearby servers. Nevertheless, I prefer ExpressVPN due to its fast speeds that facilitate smooth streaming of my local streaming platforms without hiccups.

Server Network — Both Have Large Global Server Networks

Both ExpressVPN and Surfshark have vast global server networks. Each VPN’s servers are well spread out across the globe, so no matter where you are, you’ll find a server nearby to give you the fastest speeds.

These large server networks also mean you have more options if one server isn’t working for some reason or is too slow due to overcrowding. However, I never had an issue with either VPN during my testing.

That said, this category is a draw because the server count is very similar for both.

Winner - draw

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Surfshark and ExpressVPN have a similar number of servers distributed well across the globe.

Speed — ExpressVPN Is Faster Than Surfshark

ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs out there. Surfshark also performed well, but ExpressVPN came out as a clear winner. I tested servers in various locations around the world, including the UK, the US, and Tokyo.

I was impressed with ExpressVPN’s performance on both short- and long-distance servers. On nearby servers in the UK, I got a minimal 6% drop. The results were similar even on faraway locations.

My speeds only dropped 9% on ExpressVPN’s New York server, which is roughly 5,000km away

Surfshark was a bit slower than ExpressVPN on long-distance servers. For example, on a server in Canada, I got a 14% drop. This is still a good result and great for high-bandwidth activities, though. Nearby servers gave me a lower drop, like the Berlin one that I tested.

Surfshark’s Berlin server dropped my speeds by 10% using the WireGuard protocol

Even though Surfshark is slightly slower, its speed drops aren’t so low that you’ll notice a huge difference. You can normally expect VPNs to drop your speeds by around 20–30% (I’ve tested VPNs that drop speeds up to 80% on long-distance servers).

Winner

While both VPNs delivered fast enough speeds suitable for streaming in UHD, lag-free gaming, and quick torrenting, ExpressVPN came out on top with slightly better results.

Gaming — Both VPNs’ Low Ping Rates Ensure Seamless Gaming

Both VPNs have low enough latencies to ensure seamless streaming on local servers. You need a ping of under 100ms for smooth gaming. ExpressVPN gave me an average of 17ms on local servers, and Surfshark delivered a ping of 19ms.

It’s rare to come across a VPN that delivers a ping under 100ms on servers far away from your location. However, both ExpressVPN and Surfshark gave me ping rates of just under 100ms on their New York servers during my tests from the UK. Even though this would still be too slow for fast-paced games, it’s really impressive since it’s over 5,000km from my location.

Both VPNs let me play Team Fortress 2 lag-free, so I was really satisfied. All in all, I recommend using a nearby server for the best gaming experience.

I experienced zero lagging during my game, so I could stay ahead of my opponent

Winner - draw

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Although ExpressVPN delivered faster overall speeds in my speed tests, both VPNs performed almost identically in gaming.

Torrenting — ExpressVPN Has Fast Speeds and P2P Support on Every Server

ExpressVPN is the clear winner when it comes to torrenting due to its fast speeds and the fact its entire network is P2P-friendly. With ExpressVPN, I was able to download at 2.1 MB/s with only 0.44 seeders. That let me complete the 700MB file in under 6 minutes.

Surfshark’s torrenting support is a little clunkier. The biggest issue was finding a server since they’re not labeled. I ended up contacting customer support, and they told me to type “P2P” in the search bar for the torrenting servers to appear. This brought back a list of suitable servers (it has around 60).

That said, it automatically selects a suitable server once you start torrenting if you’re using one that doesn’t allow P2P connections. While this is useful, I didn’t like being connected to an unknown server location — I’d rather choose a specific country. Nevertheless, it provides quick downloads, as I was able to download a 2.5 GB file in under 10 minutes. Keep in mind that this file had more seeders than the one I tried with ExpressVPN.

However, please note that the team and I don’t condone using a VPN to illegally download content. Some torrenting sites host copyrighted content, which is against the law to download in most jurisdictions. Before using a VPN for torrenting, check the local laws and regulations in your region.

Winner

While both VPNs have fast enough speeds for quickly downloading files, ExpressVPN was faster. Plus, you can use any server to torrent.

Security — ExpressVPN’s Secure Proprietary Protocol Sets It Apart

ExpressVPN and Surfshark use AES 256-bit encryption standard, recognized as the highest level of encryption. However, ExpressVPN uses a lengthier encryption key (4,096 bits compared to Surfshark's 2,048 bits), making it practically impossible to crack.

ExpressVPN has an Advanced Protection set of features, which includes ad, tracker, malware blocking, and parental controls. So, you’ll see fewer targeted ads, and even if you accidentally click a scam link, ExpressVPN will block it before it poses a threat.

Surfshark also has a solid ad and malware blocker called CleanWeb that works in a similar way. It also has double-hop servers, called MultiHop, which add an extra layer of protection by sending your traffic through 2 locations rather than 1.

You can easily enable CleanWeb, and other security features, through the app’s settings tab

That said, ExpressVPN marginally wins thanks to its Lightway protocol, which uses an efficient encryption library and a lightweight code that ensures the fastest speeds without compromising security. The security benefits Lightway has over Surfshark’s WireGuard setup far outweigh the drawbacks of the missing ad blocker.

It lets you set the protocol to Automatic and chooses the best one for you depending on what you’re doing

Plus, while it’s not specifically a VPN feature, ExpressVPN does include a password manager. Personally, I couldn’t recommend this highly enough. This makes it easy to set unique, strong passwords for each of your accounts because you don’t have to remember them — just copy and paste them from your secure vault.

Winner

Both VPNs keep you safe online. However, the proprietary Lightway protocol, robust encryption techniques, and included password manager mean ExpressVPN is slightly better for security.

Privacy — ExpressVPN Has Standout Privacy Standards

Both VPNs boast a well-established, audited no-logs policy, ensuring your privacy.

However, Surfshark's headquarters are located in the Netherlands, a member of the 9 Eyes Alliance. This means that any government within this alliance could request Surfshark's user data, and they would be obligated to comply.

Bear in mind that if you’re using Surfshark’s Alert service, this includes all of the sensitive (and identifying) information you hand over so it can check for data leaks on the dark web. It’s encrypted before it’s stored, though.

Alternatively, ExpressVPN's headquarters are located in the British Virgin Islands, which has no obligation to share your data with third parties. This gives ExpressVPN the upper hand in terms of privacy.

ExpressVPN goes the extra mile by regularly commissioning independent audits. In 2022 alone, 9 different aspects of the service were audited (covering desktop and mobile apps, its VPN router, its privacy policy, Lightway protocol, and its servers). In contrast, Surfshark has only undergone one audit of its no-logs policy in the same year.

Both VPNs operate their entire server networks using RAM-based servers. Because the servers don’t use hard drives, all data that flows through them exists only on temporary memory that’s wiped on reboot. ExpressVPN refers to this feature as TrustedServer technology. So, both avoid storing your data for extended periods, making it even harder for third parties to access it.

When signing up, you will need to provide your name, email address, and payment method. If giving your email address concerns you, you could use a disposable email for added privacy. Both services also allow anonymous payment methods through cryptocurrency.

Winner

ExpressVPN is the clear winner in the privacy category since Surfshark is headquartered in a country that’s in the 9 Eyes Alliance and has undergone fewer audits than ExpressVPN.

Works in China — ExpressVPN Does, but Surfshark Doesn’t

ExpressVPN wins this round hands-down since Surfshark doesn’t work in China. This is despite its Camouflage and NoBorders modes, which are designed to work on restrictive networks. Camouflage obfuscates your VPN traffic, but Surshark still doesn’t work in China. It also doesn’t guarantee that it will work in other restrictive countries like the UAE, Iran, or Russia.

On the other hand, ExpressVPN is one of the more reliable VPNs for China and similar countries. Its entire server network uses obfuscated servers, which conceal your VPN use. Plus, it has a list of recommended server connections to use from within China.

It’s important to note that both the Great Firewall and VPNs are constantly changing. They’re effectively locked in an arms race. So, while this is correct at the time of writing, the situation can always change in the future.

In recent months, we’ve learned that even top VPNs don’t always work in China 100% of the time. That said, we still find that ExpressVPN is the most reliable VPN for China.

Note that non-government-approved VPNs are illegal in China. However, there aren't any publicly reported cases of tourists being fined for using one there so far. The team and I don't condone using a VPN illegally, so we urge you to comply with local laws.

Winner

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for China. It doesn’t require manual configuration and even has a mirror website that works there to let you download the app from within the country.

Installation & Ease of Use — Both VPNs Are Easy to Install and Use

ExpressVPN’s desktop and mobile apps are streamlined and easy to use. The app is extremely similar across different devices, so you don’t need to spend time getting used to it all over again.

The large on/off button is present in all ExpressVPN’s apps and makes connecting quick and easy

It has a Smart Location feature that connects you to the fastest server for you. Clicking on the Selected Location will show you a list of recommended servers under one tab and all of ExpressVPN’s servers under the other tab. Its settings are also easy to access by clicking the three lines on the top left (known as the burger menu). On mobile, you can find the settings at the bottom of the home screen. Plus, ExpressVPN’s app is available in 17 languages.

Surfshark is equally user-friendly, with a simple interface and clearly marked tabs to access its features. You can find a server easily by searching via the search bar. You can also favorite servers for a quicker connection the next time you want to use it. Once connected, it displays your new IP address, provides connection statistics, and offers shortcuts to important settings such as the kill switch and CleanWeb.

You can also pause the VPN connection for a set period of time, so you don’t need to remember to turn it back on

Winner - draw

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I’d recommend either to VPN beginners because their applications are designed with simplicity in mind and come pre-configured to deliver excellent security and speed.

Reliability & Support — ExpressVPN Makes It Easy to Get Support

Both VPNs offer highly dependable support in the event of encountering technical issues. They have 24/7 live chat available, and I was always able to get an answer to my queries in a few minutes.

However, I got connected with a live agent with ExpressVPN straightaway, whereas I had to go through a chatbot before speaking to an agent with Surfshark. So, ExpressVPN deserves the win because having to jump through hoops to speak to a human for support is a pain when you’ve got a burning question or issue.

Winner

Both VPNs offer great support, but I was able to speak to an agent immediately with ExpressVPN.

Tips on Choosing Between ExpressVPN and Surfshark

With so many features to consider, choosing between these 2 VPNs isn’t easy. Different people will have different needs and reasons for using a VPN. However, here's an overview of the key criteria I used when comparing these VPNs:

• Smooth streaming — Many VPNs struggle to work with popular streaming platforms or fail to provide fast enough speeds for uninterrupted streaming. Both ExpressVPN and Surfshark worked well with most platforms and provided great speeds.
• Fast speeds — Speed is crucial for smooth browsing and streaming. ExpressVPN takes the slight lead in this category, offering consistently fast speeds, useful for high-bandwidth activities like UHD streaming and torrenting.
• Extensive server networks — A vast network enhances your ability to find a fast, reliable server nearby. ExpressVPN boasts 3,000 servers across 105 countries, and Surfshark provides 3,200 servers in 100 countries.
• Robust security features — Security is vital for safeguarding your data. Both ExpressVPN and Surfshark offer strong encryption, a kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and multiple secure protocols, ensuring a high level of security. However, ExpressVPN has the edge thanks to its Lightway protocol.
• Strong privacy practices — Opt for a VPN with a firm commitment to user privacy. Both VPNs have proven no-logs policies, but ExpressVPN's headquarters are in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands. Surfshark's location is in the Netherlands, which is in the data-sharing 9 Eyes Alliance.
• Easy to use — A user-friendly interface is crucial for easy navigation. You also want to ensure it’s compatible with your devices and is easy to install. Both ExpressVPN and Surfshark are great for both VPN beginners and experienced users alike.
• Trustworthy money-back guarantee — A reliable money-back guarantee allows you to try a VPN risk-free, with the assurance of a refund if it doesn't meet your expectations. In my experience, both ExpressVPN and Surfshark promptly processed full refunds with no complications.

ExpressVPN vs. Surfshark — Reddit Opinions

Reddit opinions about ExpressVPN and Surfshark vary, but ExpressVPN has a slightly better reputation. Some users have reported that Surfshark has had some issues delivering consistent speeds, especially on long-distance servers.

However, many users have said that Surfshark is worth the low price, but ExpressVPN excels in speed, consistency, and security. So, it really depends on your priorities. If you want a high-performance VPN that puts your online safety first, ExpressVPN is the top choice. However, if the price is a big concern, Surfshark might just cut it for you.

There are mixed reviews on Reddit, but users generally had good experiences with both VPNs