ExpressVPN

4.7 (7.2k reviews)

Premium VPN with fast speeds, military-grade encryption, and 24/7 support....

VS 2026

Surfshark

4.5 (5.4k reviews)

Affordable VPN with unlimited devices and strong privacy features....

ExpressVPN vs Surfshark: Which Is Better in 2026?

Comprehensive comparison of ExpressVPN and Surfshark covering features, pricing, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you make the right choice for your business.

Quick Overview

ExpressVPN

  • Best for: Speed seekers, Streamers
  • Starting price: $6.67/mo
  • Category: vpn
  • Founded: 2009
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Surfshark

  • Best for: Families, Multiple device users
  • Starting price: $2.49/mo
  • Category: vpn
  • Founded: 2018
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Feature Comparison

Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between ExpressVPN and Surfshark.

Feature
ExpressVPN
Surfshark
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
No-Log Policy
Multiple Devices
Streaming Access
Mobile App
Browser Extension
Ad Blocker

Our Verdict

After extensive testing and analysis, ExpressVPN edges out as the winner in this comparison. While both tools excel in their respective areas, ExpressVPN offers better overall user satisfaction. Surfshark remains a strong alternative, especially for users who prioritize families.

Winner

ExpressVPN

Best for Speed seekers and Streamers. Very fast speeds.

Try ExpressVPN
Alternative

Surfshark

Best for Families and Multiple device users. Unlimited devices.

Try Surfshark

Pros & Cons

ExpressVPN Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Very fast speeds
  • Excellent for streaming
  • Great apps
  • Reliable connections
  • 24/7 live chat
Cons
  • Most expensive
  • Only 8 devices
  • No multi-hop
  • No ad blocker

Surfshark Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Unlimited devices
  • Very affordable
  • Good speeds
  • Strong security
  • CleanWeb ad blocker
Cons
  • Newer company
  • Smaller network
  • Some connection issues
  • Based in Netherlands

Pricing Comparison

Compare the pricing plans and see which tool offers better value for your budget.

ExpressVPN

subscription
Starting from $7 /mo
1 Month $13 /mo
  • Full VPN access
  • 8 devices
  • 24/7 support
6 Months $10 /mo
  • Full VPN access
  • 8 devices
  • 24/7 support

Surfshark

subscription
Starting from $2 /mo
Surfshark Starter $2 /mo
  • VPN protection
  • Unlimited devices
  • Clean Web
Surfshark One+ $5 /mo
  • Incogni
  • Personal data removal
  • One features

Which Tool Is Best For You?

Choose ExpressVPN if you need:

  • Speed seekers
  • Streamers
  • China users
  • Privacy enthusiasts
  • Very fast speeds
  • Excellent for streaming
Try ExpressVPN Free

Choose Surfshark if you need:

  • Families
  • Multiple device users
  • Budget users
  • Privacy seekers
  • Unlimited devices
  • Very affordable
Try Surfshark Free

ExpressVPN vs Surfshark FAQ

What are the main differences between ExpressVPN and Surfshark?

ExpressVPN focuses on speed seekers with very fast speeds, while Surfshark excels at families with unlimited devices. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.

Is ExpressVPN or Surfshark better for small businesses?

Both tools have paid plans. For small businesses with limited budgets, consider starting with the tool that offers Surfshark's lower starting price of $2.49/month.

What is the pricing difference between ExpressVPN and Surfshark?

ExpressVPN starts at $6.67/month, while Surfshark starts at $2.49/month. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.

Can ExpressVPN integrate with Surfshark?

While direct integration may vary, both ExpressVPN and Surfshark support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. ExpressVPN integrates with Windows, Mac, iOS, while Surfshark works with Windows, Mac, iOS.

Which tool is easier to use, ExpressVPN or Surfshark?

Based on user reviews, ExpressVPN generally receives higher marks for ease of use with a 4.7 rating. However, ease of use can depend on your specific needs and technical background. ExpressVPN is known for excellent for streaming.

Does ExpressVPN or Surfshark offer better customer support?

Both ExpressVPN and Surfshark provide customer support, with options varying by plan tier. ExpressVPN offers support through standard support channels. Check each tool's specific plan for support details.

What are the pros of ExpressVPN compared to Surfshark?

ExpressVPN's main advantages include: Very fast speeds, Excellent for streaming, Great apps. Compared to Surfshark, it's particularly strong for speed seekers.

What are the cons of ExpressVPN compared to Surfshark?

ExpressVPN's potential drawbacks include: Most expensive, Only 8 devices. Surfshark may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.

Should I switch from ExpressVPN to Surfshark or vice versa?

Consider switching if your current tool doesn't meet your needs. Key factors include: current pain points, migration complexity, team training, and total cost of ownership. Use our ROI calculator to estimate the potential impact of switching.

Which tool is best for vpn in 2026?

In 2026, ExpressVPN leads in this comparison with a 4.7 rating. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements. ExpressVPN excels for speed seekers, while Surfshark is ideal for families.

Written by

AM
Alex Morgan Senior SaaS Analyst

Alex has spent over 8 years analyzing and comparing business software solutions. With a background in enterprise software sales and product management, he brings hands-on experience to every review. Alex specializes in CRM, marketing automation, and sales enablement tools.

127 articles
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