Surfshark VPN vs ExpressVPN: Comparing Basic Features
The purpose of a VPN is to protect a user’s internet traffic from prying eyes and potential third-party attacks. Leading VPN brands typically offer basic features, such as kill switch, split tunneling, and no-logs policies, that make this protection possible. Below we compare the basic features offered by Surfshark VPN and ExpressVPN.
Protocols and Encryption
Both VPN providers use top tier, widely supported encryption protocols. Surfshark uses OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. ExpressVPN uses OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, plus its own protocol known as Lightway. All of these protocols provide robust, industry-standard security and speed, particularly Wireguard and OpenVPN.
Maximum Number of Devices
Considering the variety of devices that are found in offices and households, we consider device capacity an important feature for VPN users. ExpressVPN can be used with 8 devices simultaneously. Surfshark comes out ahead in this area, with an unlimited simultaneous device capacity.
Platform Compatibility
Besides device capacity, compatibility with a wide range of popular platforms is essential in a leading VPN service. In any household, VPNs may be needed for devices ranging from laptop computers to Smart TVs. Surfshark and ExpressVPN are both compatible with major platforms:
- Windows
- MacOS
- iOS
- Android
- Smart TVs
Both brands can also be used with a variety of router models.
Server Quantity and Locations
A large number of servers helps maintain speed and ensure privacy, making server availability a critical feature in a VPN provider. Surfshark VPN and ExpressVPN offer servers in about the same number of locations, with Surfshark providing servers in 100 locations and ExpressVPN in 105 locations. Both brands have servers in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East and Africa. ExpressVPN does not disclose how many servers it has, while Surfshark states that it has more than 3200 servers.
No Logs and RAM-Only
No-logs policies and RAM-only servers protect your internet use from unwanted eyes. Both brands have no-logs policies, which means that they do not store user information such as web activity and file downloads. Surfshark and ExpressVPN also use RAM-only servers, which automatically remove data every time you reboot. Both of these features ensure that your web activity remains private and secure.
Surfshark VPN is based in the Netherlands, and ExpressVPN is located in the British Virgin Islands. Both locations are known to have privacy-friendly laws that do not require VPN services to store user activity data.
Does the SurfsharkVPN sound like a good fit for you? See what else buyers have to say.
See Buyer Reviews
Kill Switch
Even a leading VPN service can experience the occasional service interruption. Whether you’re surfing the internet or doing online banking, you want your connection to remain secure. Fortunately, both ExpressVPN and Surfshark VPN have a kill switch feature that automatically blocks internet access if VPN service is interrupted.
Split Tunneling
You may not want to send all of your internet traffic through a VPN, which can slow your speed. A split tunneling feature lets you choose which activities to send through your VPN and which to direct to a regular network. We like the split tunneling features offered by both Surfshark and ExpressVPN. With both brands, for example, you can use your VPN for activities such as internet banking and shopping while using the regular network for your Wi-Fi printer.
Ease of Use: How Do They Compare?
Surfshark VPN and ExpressVPN are easy to use and install, making both brands good choices for VPN beginners. However, we think that beginners will especially appreciate Surfshark’s interface, which gives you access to important features in one place. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, has a simpler interface with just three tabs and a prominent connect/disconnect button.
Subscription Plans and Price Comparison
Surfshark and ExpressVPN both let you choose from multiple plans. Surfshark offers three plans: Surfshark Starter, Surfshark One, and Surfshark One+. ExpressVPN offers a single plan with an optional dedicated-IP add-on for an additional charge.
Most Surfshark VPN subscriptions are lower priced, with 1-year and 2-year subscriptions costing one half to two thirds less than ExpressVPN. However, ExpressVPN’s 1-month plan costs less than Surfshark’s 1-month plan.
Comparing Additional Privacy Features
VPNs offer a variety of additional privacy features to enhance protection. For example, Surfshark VPN provides Dynamic Multihop, or double VPN service, which uses two servers at the same time. This feature makes it more difficult for malicious attackers to access your connection. Additionally, Surfshark has an IP Rotator feature, which changes the IP address every 5 to 10 seconds. Unfortunately, ExpressVPN does not offer a multihop feature.
Both brands offer adware blockers with every subscription level. ExpressVPN’s Threat Manager provides a suite of protection that includes ad blocker and parental control. Surfshark’s Clean Web feature blocks third party attacks such as adware and malware but does not include a parental control feature.
A private DNS directs internet traffic through a VPN provider’s own DNS, rather than your ISP’s usual network. Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer private DNS, which adds an additional layer of protection against third parties and phishing attacks.
Money-Back Guarantees
Even the best VPN service may not be right for everyone. Surfshark VPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee with each of its subscription plans. Being able to try the VPN for a certain amount of time with the option for a refund within said time in the unlikely event you are not totally satisfied helps increase confidence in the purchase decision. ExpressVPN has a guarantee of the same length. You can start the refund process with both companies via live chat or email.
Customer Support
When it comes to internet security and privacy issues, accessible customer support is essential. You don’t want to ask questions or resolve any VPN problems as soon as possible. Fortunately, Surfshark VPN and ExpressVPN offer 24/7 live chat that allows you to communicate with their support teams at any time. Both companies also provide email support.
We also think that users will appreciate the tutorials and troubleshooting guides that are available on the Surfshark and ExpressVPN websites.
Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: Final Thoughts
Surfshark VPN offers an impressive array of features at an affordable price. Its wide selection of server locations and privacy-friendly location make Surfshark a quality VPN service. ExpressVPN offers comparable features, with most plans costing more than Surfshark. Both brands use industry-standard protocols, which offer top-notch encryption.
We like the beginner-friendly interface of both VPN services. Although ExpressVPN has a more streamlined appearance, we think users will like the many features available on the Surfshark interface. We also like the variety of server locations offered by both brands, and we appreciate knowing that Surfshark has 3200+ servers. Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer kill switch and no-logs policies, which are all essential for internet privacy and security. Both services also allow split tunneling, which helps prevent unnecessary slowdowns.
With Surfshark, you can use an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. ExpressVPN has an 8-device simultaneous capacity. Both VPN services work with major platforms, including Windows, Android, and iOS, as well as routers and SmartTVs.
Surfshark also has the advantage of offering a multihop feature, which adds an extra layer of protection. Thanks to this feature, internet traffic goes through two servers, further hiding it from malicious third parties. Surfshark VPN also provides IP Rotator, which switches IP addresses every 5-10 seconds. ExpressVPN does not offer a multihop or rotating IP feature.
Both VPN providers offer 1-year, 2-year, and 1-month subscriptions, with Surfshark costing less except for the 1-month option. Surfshark offers users three plans, with additional features in the higher-priced options. While ExpressVPN has one plan, users can also choose to pay for a dedicated IP.
Customer service is readily available with both brands. Surfshark VPN and ExpressVPN both offer live chat 24/7 as well as email customer service. Tutorials and user guides are available on the websites of both companies.
After our research, we are impressed with the security and privacy features of Surfshark VPN. We believe that users will appreciate the features that Surfshark offers at a competitive price. We recommend Surfshark VPN for anyone searching for an affordable yet robust VPN.
