SurfShark and ExpressVPN are two big companies that provide privacy for subscribed internet users. So whether you’re often connected to public Wi-Fi or worried hackers are gaining access to your sensitive details, these two will offer you the privacy you need.
Surfing the internet often requires a certain degree of security, one which VPNs are designed to offer us. VPNs ensure that our online browsing experience is secured, encrypted, and protected from the watchful eyes of online stalkers who might be trying to invade your space.
So, what are VPNs? They are the commercial virtual private network that allows users to create one or multiple private connections over a less private network. It creates an encrypted tunnel – a bridge between your PC and the internet.
Comparing Surfshark and ExpressVPN isn’t as difficult as one might think. But not to worry, we’ve gone through the stress of comparing both and curated these points to show you if one of both is a perfect fit for your needs.
Main Difference Between Surfshark and ExpressVPN
| Surfshark | ExpressVPN |
| Focuses more on privacy and security | One (if not the only) of the VPN that accepts bitcoin |
| Surfshark offers access to over 3,000 servers globally | ExpressVPN offers a huge network of great speeds |
| It has no connection limit | It gives users access to blocked streaming sites |
| It offers an 81% discount on the two-year plan | You’ll get three months extra off a year’s plan |
» MORE: Which Is Better for You, PureVPN or Surfshark?
Features and Capabilities of Surfshark and ExpressVPN
Both Surshark and EXpressVPN provide split tunneling, which lets you choose the content you’d want to access via your preferred VPN and which you would want to trash. This is, of course, useful when a particular website will block your access via the VPN.
Surfshark and ExpressVPN are great VPNs, and just as you’d expect, they often come packed with typical VPN features. But their features are like kill switches. For example, split tunneling provides you with different configuration features. Moreover, the two (Surfshark and ExpressVPN) offers are especially decked out as far as advanced options are concerned.
SmartDNS
This feature often enables users to stream freely geographically blocked content on gadgets that don’t support all forms of VPN connections. For example, thanks to SmartDNS, users can stream their favorite series and documentaries on Netflix or smart TV.
You can activate the feature on both Surfshark and ExpressVPN via your dashboard. But note that ExpressVPN refers to it as MediaStreamer.
Split Tunneling
When a user connects to a specific VPN, the traffic does two things: it becomes encrypted and then redirected. But if you need any of these VPNs for an app or a specific browser, split tunneling does the work for you.
It exists in both Surfshark and ExpressVPN and what they do is give users choices over which web browser or application will use the VPN traffic. However, it is known as Whitelister on Surfshark.
Router Application
Router application is a feature that’s reserved for just ExpressVPN. It is reserved for this app because it offers a proprietary app for routers. Routers shorten installation processes. You’ll be required to download and install it on your router to enjoy this feature. You’ll also need to install ExpressVPNs firmware and upload it to your router.
» MORE: Which Is Better for You, Mullvad or Surfshark?
Reasons to choose Surfshark.
Surfshark is currently one of the top VPNs out there. It has very strong security compared to most VPNs in the industry. It also offers impressive features coupled with these features coming at an affordable rate. Imagine paying a cutthroat price for an unlimited simultaneous connection.
Surfshark DNS packs a punch – enough features to make that possible if you wish to watch amazing shows on Netflix from different countries. What’s more? These VPNs route you automatically to its P2P servers that are out of the United States. If you wish to block fingerprinting trackers, then use a private search engine and mask your traffic.
Reasons to choose ExpressVPN.
One of the known downsides of using a VPN is how it slows one’s network down. No matter how fast your connection is, VPN will slow the connection speed – often by 40% or 50%. Now, combine this with the sluggishness of the public Wi-Fi speed (when you need a VPN the most) and enter ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN offers over three thousand services in more than 150 locations and 90+ countries.
The Brith Virgin Island VPN is easy to navigate thanks to its simplistic interface. The design makes it a perfect option for newbies just starting with VPNs. It remains one of the best VPNs with top-notch multiplatform capacity.
» MORE: How Reliable & Secure Is Surfshark?
Similarities between Surfshark Vs. ExpressVPN
Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN have almost the same number of servers. Surfshark, for instance, has over 3200 servers, while ExpressVPN, on the other hand, has 3000+ servers. Also, neither of these two offer DIPS (known as dedicated IP) – a type of IP that lets you access almost every IP-restricted network while maintaining the user’s anonymity.
Surfshark Vs. ExpressVPN Alternatives
NordVPN
NordVPN has 5000 IP addresses and 5,200+ servers in 62 countries. It is one of the top VPNs in the industry. Subscribers will get a generous simultaneous network connection count. Six of these connections run through the NordVPN network, where almost all other VPNs offer less than five. Users will also get dedicated IPs if you are looking for a higher connection level.
Speed-wise, NordVPN stands out with speeds ranging from 48 to 53%. The speed is reliably fast. The company has a 2-year plan worth $3.29 monthly ($79 annually). You won’t experience network interruptions. Finally, you won’t detect any privacy leak – that means your sensitive details will be kept safe.
ProtonVPN
Currently, ProtonVPN is accessible in 55 countries. Meanwhile, it has 1,259 servers. There’s the option of sending traffic via secured private servers. When we talk about transparent policies, ProtonVPN is one of the best. Interestingly, it is an open-source VPN with a built-in route that flows into the Tor servers. You’ll need the mobile app for easier access. ProtonVPN has now eliminated weaker security protocols such as L2TP and PPTP.
Price-wise, ProtonVPN is quite affordable. ProtonVPN has a Plus package which is its standard package. It costs $8 monthly. Compared to ExpressVPN, whose standard package is $6.67 monthly, (ProtonVPN) is fairly costly. In addition to all of that, you’ll get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
IPVanish
IPVanish has over 40,000 IP addresses, 1600 servers, and over 75 server locations. It has an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. With $10.99 monthly, you can get the premium plan for a year. It is fun and has a simplistic interface which makes it more navigable.
One of the unique features it has is the support of Kodi. Kodi is an open-source streaming application that was once known as XBMC.
» MORE: Is ExpressVPN reliable and safe? Do They Make a Good Investment?
Final Verdict
Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN are great options that would easily rank on any top 5 VPNs in the world right now. If you need a VPN that would easily connect five or more devices, consider Surfshark. The VPN offers unlimited device connections.
Meanwhile, if the locations of these servers are of topmost priority to you, then do the needed research before subscribing to any of the plans on both VPNs. You can do that by checking out Surfshark’s and ExpressVPN’s websites.
Meanwhile, if you are working with a tight budget, Surfshark offers amazing features at half the price of what ExpressVPN offers. But ExpressVPN, on the other hand, overcompensates for its relatively high cost by offering high speeds. So, it boils down to what you want and what you can afford.
» MORE: Is ExpressVPN Better for You Than Hotspot Shield?
FAQs – Surfshark Vs ExpressVPN
Is Surfshark worth it?
Surshark is worth it. It’s a quality VPN. Surfshark lets you stream geo-blocked content online and enjoy the essential features while also providing you with unlimited connections. In addition, it is constantly audited, which makes it one of the most reliable VPNs you’ll ever find out there.
Which is better? Surfshark or ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN edges out Surfshark. Talk about better speeds and a better pick for streaming as well. But on the flip side, Surfshark is also a solid choice, especially if you are working with a tight budget. But overall, it depends on what you want and your budget.
Is ExpressVPN faster than Surfshark?
Reiteratively, ExpressVPN is faster than Surfshark. It also offers faster upload and download speeds.
» MORE: Which VPN Service Is Best for You, Proton or Express?