ExpressVPN vs Surfshark
Last updated: 2026-08-18
Premium VPN vs budget VPN — is ExpressVPN worth the extra cost? — pricing, features, and our verdict.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | popular ExpressVPN | best Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $6.67/mo | See website |
| Free trial | 30-day money-back guarantee | Check website |
| Best for | Streaming and ease of use | Various use cases |
| Free plan | ✗ | Check website |
| Starting price | $6.67/mo (1-year), $12.95/mo (monthly) | — |
| Servers | 3,000+ in 94 countries | — |
| Protocol | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP | — |
| Devices | 8 simultaneous | — |
| No-logs policy | Audited (Cure53) | — |
| Streaming | Best in class — all major services | — |
| Kill switch | ✓ | — |
| Split tunneling | ✓ | — |
| Support | 24/7 chat + email | — |
| Pricing | — | See website |
ExpressVPN Pros & Cons
Pros
- Most reliable streaming unblocking — Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+
- Servers in 94 countries (more countries than NordVPN)
- Lightway protocol — fast, lightweight, and secure
- Easy-to-use apps on every platform
- Split tunneling and kill switch included
- Up to 8 devices on one account
Cons
- More expensive than NordVPN ($6.67/mo vs $3.09/mo on 2-year plans)
- Fewer servers than NordVPN (3,000+ vs 5,000+)
- No dedicated IP on standard plans (extra cost)
- Monthly plan is expensive ($12.95/mo)
- No built-in ad blocker (uses third-party)
Surfshark Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good feature set
- Active user community
- Regular updates
Cons
- Learning curve required
- Some limitations on lower tiers
Final Verdict
Both ExpressVPN and Surfshark are solid choices in the VPN space. The right pick depends on your budget, team size, and specific feature needs. We recommend trying both via their free plans or trials before committing.
Our pick: Surfshark
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for small businesses: ExpressVPN or Surfshark?
For small businesses, the better choice depends on your budget and specific needs. Surfshark generally offers better value for money, while ExpressVPN has more advanced features for growing teams.
Do ExpressVPN and Surfshark offer free trials?
Yes, both platforms offer ways to try before buying. 30-day money-back guarantee offers a trial, and Surfshark also offers a trial. We recommend trying both before committing.
Can I switch from ExpressVPN to Surfshark (or vice versa)?
Yes, most platforms offer data export tools. Contact lists, settings, and historical data can usually be migrated, though some manual setup will be required. Check each platform's migration documentation before switching.
Ready to try?
Start with a free trial and see which tool fits your workflow.