VPN comparison · 2026
ExpressVPN vs Surfshark (2026 Comparison)
Side-by-side: pricing, features, pros, cons, and our editorial winner for vpn.
Winner summary
ExpressVPN vs Surfshark: how they differ
We have not scored ExpressVPN against our rubric yet, so we are not naming an overall winner here. The dimensions below are still directly comparable.
Cheaper
Surfshark
Higher rated
Not compared
Better free tier
Tie
Feature comparison
| Dimension | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $3.49/mo | $2.19/mo |
| Free trial | 30-day money-back | 30-day money-back |
| Best for | Streaming & ease of use | Families & multi-device |
| Badge | Premium | Best Value |
ExpressVPN key features
- Lightway, WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols
- Servers in 113 countries
- TrustedServer in-house server technology
- 10 to 14 simultaneous devices depending on plan
- 24/7 live chat
Surfshark key features
- Unlimited devices
- 3,200+ servers / 100 countries
- CleanWeb ad blocker
- Bypasser split-tunneling
- Audited no-logs
ExpressVPN — pros & cons
Pros
- Easiest VPN apps in the market
- Excellent for streaming
- Independently audited by KPMG, PwC and Cure53 (company-stated)
- Registered in the British Virgin Islands
Cons
- The entry price needs a multi-year term and the Basic plan renews at $99.95 a year (about $8.33/mo)
- WireGuard is not available in every app (iOS, Android and Windows only)
Surfshark — pros & cons
Pros
- Cheapest premium VPN
- Unlimited simultaneous devices
- Solid speeds on WireGuard
Cons
- Renewal jumps to ~$60/yr
- Smaller server count vs Nord
When to pick which
Choose ExpressVPN if…
- Streaming Netflix/BBC
- Privacy
- Travel
Choose Surfshark if…
- Family sharing
- Multi-device households