ExpressVPN vs Surfshark
ExpressVPN and Surfshark sit at opposite ends of the same ecosystem: ExpressVPN is the premium, simpler option; Surfshark is the budget pick with more features. Both unblock the major streaming services and run modern protocols.
ExpressVPNWinner
Verdict: which is better?
Pick ExpressVPN if you want the most polished app and the widest global server coverage, and you do not mind the higher price. Pick Surfshark if you want to cover every device in your household on one account and you would rather save the difference.
- Overall rating
- Countries
- Audited no-logs
- 14 Eyes alliance
- Trustpilot
- Best long-term price
ExpressVPN vs Surfshark: head-to-head
| Feature | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Best long-term price | $2.99/mo on the 28-month plan | $2.49/mo on the 24-month plan |
| Overall rating | 4.40 / 5 | 4.30 / 5 |
| Server count | 3000+ | 4500+ |
| Countries | 105 | 100 |
| Streaming unblocks | 5 services | 5 services |
| Audited no-logs | 12 audits | 4 audits |
| Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands | Netherlands |
| 14 Eyes alliance | No | Yes |
| Trustpilot | 4.5 (22,100) | 4.4 (18,700) |
| Money-back window | 30 days | 30 days |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
Pricing and specs are pulled from our latest data for each provider. Verify current pricing on the provider site before purchase.
ExpressVPN vs Surfshark FAQ
Is ExpressVPN cheaper than Surfshark?
Surfshark is the more affordable option at $2.49/mo on the 24-month plan, compared with $2.99/mo on the 28-month plan for ExpressVPN. Both prices reflect the longest published term; check the monthly rate for short-term signups.
Which is rated higher, ExpressVPN or Surfshark?
ExpressVPN scores higher on our 18-dimension rubric (4.40/5 vs 4.30/5 for Surfshark). The breakdown is in the table above, with weights published on /how-we-rank.
Has ExpressVPN or Surfshark been independently audited?
ExpressVPN has been independently audited 12 times. Surfshark has 4 on record. Audit count and recency are weighted heavily in our privacy scoring.
ExpressVPN vs Surfshark: which should I pick?
Choose ExpressVPN if premium streaming and beginner reliability; choose Surfshark if unlimited devices on a tight budget. The head-to-head above covers price, privacy, streaming, and trust signals so you can match the winner to your use case.