ExpressVPN vs. Surfshark | Which is the Winner?

Amanda Knudsen

Last Updated: 13/11/25

Choosing between ExpressVPN and Surfshark can be tricky. Both are top-tier VPNs known for excellent speed, privacy, and global access. But which one actually comes out on top? Below, we break it down by features, security, streaming, use cases, and more.

ExpressVPN vs. Surfshark: Overview

Ranked among the top 3 VPNs of 2025, both ExpressVPN and Surfshark boast commendable features both for security and privacy.

Overall Best in Our Tests

ExpressVPN

Overall score: 9.8

• 3,000+ servers across 105 countries
• Works with streaming platforms
• AES 256-bit encryption
• Supports private protocol, Lightway
• Money-back guarantee

Try ExpressVPN

30-day money-back guarantee

Most Affordable Premium VPN

Surfshark

Overall score: 9.5

• 4,500+ servers in 100+ countries
• Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
• Integrates stealth mode
• Multihop feature available
• Webcam protection from unauthorized apps

Visit Surfshark

30-day money-back guarantee

Price & Subscription Plans – ExpressVPN vs Surfshark

Price is, of course, a major factor for many when choosing a VPN. Both ExpressVPN and Surfshark offer tiered subscription options, which means the price will vary substantially depending on the length of the plan you choose: 1 month, 1 year, or 2 years. For yearly plans, not only is the monthly cost lower, both ExpressVPN and Surfshark also add free months to both annual plans.

In addition to the price difference, some plans may offer additional features for subscriptions of 1 or 2 years.

Compare the price for ExpressVPN vs Surfshark along with the features included in each plan below! ⬇️

ExpressVPN Price & Subscription Plans for 2025

✅ Features Included in All ExpressVPN Plans

• Servers in 105 countries
• Lightway protocol for ultra-fast speeds
• No activity or connection logs
• TrustedServer technology
• VPN + Password Manager + Ad Blocker
• 10+ simultaneous device connections

If you’re interested in even more features, upgrade from a basic to a pro plan for additional features including:

• 14 simultaneous connections
• Advanced Protections including ad blocker & malware protection
• Password Manager
• 5 GB eSIM by holiday.com
• Dedicated IP

*Pricing subject to change, visit the ExpressVPN site to consult the most up-to-date pricing & subscription plans.

Surfshark Price & Subscription Plans for 2025

✅ Features Included in All Surfshark Plans

• Servers in 100 countries
• Dynamic MultiHop to encrypt your data twice
• No activity or connection logs
• Antivirus + Ad-free search
• Personal data leak alerts
• Unlimited simultaneous device connections

*Pricing subject to change, visit the Surfshark site to consult the most up-to-date pricing & subscription plans.

Both VPNs offer round-the-clock customer support alongside a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Compatibility spans across Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, and Linux platforms; however, Fire TV compatibility remains exclusive to Surfshark.

🏆Winner – Best Price

This depends on the subscription length you’re interested in, do you want a monthly or an annual plan? Here’s our picks:

• For a 1-month plan, the winner is ExpressVPN
• For a yearly plan, the winner is clear…Surfshark!

🛠️ Features Included – ExpressVPN vs Surfshark

🏆 Winner: Surfshark
Surfshark simply packs in more features for the price, including unlimited devices, ad blocking, and multi-hop connections.

🔐 Security Protocols

Both VPNs offer strong encryption and modern protocols:

• ExpressVPN uses:
  • OpenVPN
  • IKEv2
  • Lightway (their proprietary, super-fast protocol)
• Surfshark supports:
  • OpenVPN
  • IKEv2
  • WireGuard

Both use AES-256 encryption and follow strict no-logs policies that have been independently audited.

🏆 Winner: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN edges ahead with its Lightway protocol – built for speed and stability – plus a strong history of independent audits and RAM-only servers.

🎬 ExpressVPN vs Surfshark: Streaming Compatibility

Both providers bypass geo-blocks and work with major streaming services:

Related Article: Does Surfshark Work with Netflix?

ExpressVPN tends to offer more stable unblocking across all locations and better performance with region-specific streaming libraries.

🏆 Winner: ExpressVPN
While both are great, ExpressVPN is more consistent, especially for high-quality video streaming across multiple regions.

🔍 How to Choose Between ExpressVPN and Surfshark

✅ Use ExpressVPN if you want:

• The fastest and most stable streaming
• Premium security with Lightway
• Excellent customer support
• A clean, intuitive interface

✅ Use Surfshark if you want:

• The best value for your money
• Unlimited devices (great for families)
• Extra privacy tools like ad blocking and GPS spoofing
• Access to advanced features at no extra cost

🏆 Winner: Tie
The “best” use case depends entirely on your needs. ExpressVPN is best for power users and streaming; Surfshark is ideal for budget-conscious users or households with many devices.

Still not sure? Try both risk-free – both VPNs offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

✅ Conclusion: ExpressVPN vs Surfshark 2025

• Choose ExpressVPN if you prioritize streaming, simplicity, and speed.
• Choose Surfshark if you want more features and device coverage for a lower price.

In the end, both VPNs are excellent – it comes down to what matters most to you.

🏁 Overall Winner: ExpressVPN
By a narrow margin, thanks to speed, reliability, and premium polish.

Try ExpressVPN for 61% off + 4 months free!

Try ExpressVPN

Get Surfshark for as little as $1.99/month!

Visit Surfshark

❓FAQs | ExpressVPN vs Surfshark