ExpressVPN vs Surfshark VPN
Pick any two tools to get a head-to-head breakdown.
- Most consistent long-distance speeds in our tests
- Works reliably in China, UAE, and other restrictive countries
- Lightway protocol is fast and battery-efficient
- Best router app of any VPN
- MediaStreamer feature for smart TVs without native VPN apps
- Trusted 30-day money-back guarantee — no questions asked
- TrustedServer RAM-only infrastructure
- Unlimited simultaneous connections — no device cap
- Cheapest mainstream VPN at $2.49/mo on 2-year plan
- Fast WireGuard speeds — 440 Mbps average in our tests
- CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware built-in
- Works with Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Disney+
- RAM-only servers — no data stored to disk
- Surfshark One bundle adds antivirus at minimal extra cost
- Significantly more expensive than NordVPN or Surfshark
- No ad blocker built in
- Only 8 simultaneous connections vs competitors offering more
- Based in Netherlands (EU jurisdiction) — some prefer Panama like NordVPN
- Fewer servers than NordVPN
- Speed can vary more on distant server locations
ExpressVPN is the most reliable VPN for international streaming and users in censorship-heavy countries. It costs more than NordVPN at around $6.67/month but earns the premium with its Lightway protocol, which delivered the most consistent speeds across long-distance servers in our 200+ speed tests. Its server network of 3,000+ locations in 105 countries is the widest we have tested. If you are based outside North America or Europe and need reliable access to streaming or censored sites, ExpressVPN is the correct choice.
Surfshark is the best value VPN in 2026. At $2.49/month on a two-year plan and unlimited simultaneous connections, it is the obvious choice for households with many devices or anyone sharing a subscription. Our speed tests recorded 440 Mbps average on WireGuard — fast enough for 4K streaming with headroom to spare. It reliably unblocks Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. The Surfshark One bundle adds antivirus and breach monitoring for an extra dollar per month, making it exceptional value as a full security suite.