Surfshark vs ExpressVPN (2025): Speed, Streaming, Logs, Safety Compared
Trying to choose between Surfshark and ExpressVPN? You’re not alone. These two VPN giants consistently top the charts-but which one is right for you in 2025?
Find the Best VPN for You
1️⃣ What’s your top priority in a VPN?
2️⃣ How many devices do you plan to connect?
3️⃣ Do you want advanced features like ad blocking or MultiHop?
4️⃣ How important is having a long history of third-party audits?
5️⃣ Which sounds more like you?
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Go to VPN Site →In this detailed guide, we’ll compare Surfshark vs ExpressVPN across the four categories that matter most: Speed, Streaming Access, Logging Policy, and Security Features. Let’s dive in.
Surfshark
Surfshark is one provider that has consistently surpassed expectations. It is a recent entrant in the VPN market, but do not let this fool you. This provider has shown that it has all it takes to slug it out with even the best in the industry.
This provider is based in the British Virgin Islands, a hub for privacy enthusiasts. It also has other great security features such as the AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, DNS-leak prevention features, and allows split tunneling.
Surfshark is available for most device types. If you have multiple devices or want to share your subscription with others, you can do this easily. You can find apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. More so, it affords you the luxury of connecting an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. With just one Surfshark account, your entire family could enjoy VPN coverage.
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ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN easily takes the prize of the best all-round VPN. It is one of the oldies and has managed to maintain its position even though new VPNs keep springing up.
As you can expect, ExpressVPN has top-notch security features. It makes use of the standard AES 256-bit encryption. It also has a kill switch that protects you when your VPN connection drops. Its split tunneling feature routes your network through ExpressVPN servers and your regular ISP server, keeping each distinct. Finally, it maintains a strict no-logs policy.
You can find ExpressVPN apps for any device you use. It allows you to connect 8 devices simultaneously. Additionally, you can take advantage of its money-back policy to request a refund if you are unsatisfied with its service.
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🏁 Speed: Who’s Faster in 2025?
Generally, when using a VPN, your browsing speed reduces. This is because your data has to travel first to a server. Then it will get routed back to your device. This journey reduces your sleep. Additionally, the time your VPN takes to encrypt and decrypt your data factors in, too. The time it takes might just be seconds, but it all adds up to reduce your browsing speed generally.
✅ ExpressVPN: Consistently Fast Across the Globe
ExpressVPN is known for its high-speed performance, and in 2025 it still delivers. Thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol, ExpressVPN ensures minimal speed drops-even on distant servers.
- Average global speed drop: ~10-15%
- Excellent performance for 4K streaming & gaming
- Faster in remote regions like Asia and the Middle East
✅ Surfshark: Surprisingly Close in Speed
Surfshark has made major strides with its WireGuard integration, offering impressive speeds at a lower price.
- Average speed drop: ~15-20%
- Great for torrenting and HD streaming
- Occasionally slower on long-distance servers
🏆 Winner: ExpressVPN – Slightly faster and more consistent, especially for long-distance connections.
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Server Coverage: ExpressVPN vs Surfshark
One very important consideration when choosing a VPN is server number and locations. You want to go with a provider with a large number of servers. This gives you the flexibility to switch between multiple locations. A VPN masks your regular IP address. It gives you that of the country whose server you connect to. Hence, if you want to access content specific to, say, the United States, you need to connect to servers located there.
That said, let’s examine the number of servers each of these providers has.
Surfshark – Server Network
Surfshark has 3200+ servers in 100+ countries. Here’s an overview of the top server locations:
- North America – 28 locations.
- Europe – 52 locations.
- Oceania – 6 locations.
- Asia – 16 locations.
- Central America – 1 location (Costa Rica)
- South America – 5 locations.
- Africa – 3 locations.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN, on the other hand, has more than 3000 servers in 105 countries. Find out below the manner the servers are spread out.
- North America – 18 locations (The highest is in the United States with more than 20 locations. Canada has about 8 servers, while Mexico has 1)
- Europe – 54 locations (The highest is in the United Kingdom, with more than 8 servers)
- Asia – 34 locations (You’ll be glad to know that ExpressVPN has servers in Hong Kong and Japan, two locations with very stringent data laws. If you live, work or intend to travel to these two locations, ExpressVPN will provide you with unmatched service.)
- Central America – 3 locations.
- South America – 8 locations.
- The Caribbean – 1 location.
- Africa – 4 locations.
🏆 Winner: Tie – They both have a similar number of servers avaliable in around 100 countries.
📺 Streaming: ExpressVPN vs Surfshak – Which VPN Unblocks More?
🔓 ExpressVPN: The King of Streaming Reliability
ExpressVPN continues to be a powerhouse when it comes to unblocking global content. It works reliably with:
- Netflix (US, UK, JP, etc.)
- Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video
- BBC iPlayer, DAZN, and more
Streaming speeds are buttery smooth-even for 4K.
🔓 Surfshark: Budget-Friendly Streaming Beast
Surfshark also unblocks a wide range of platforms and now rivals ExpressVPN in streaming capabilities:
- Works with Netflix libraries in 15+ countries
- Supports Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, and more
- Smart DNS included for devices without VPN apps
🏆 Winner: Tie – ExpressVPN is slightly more stable, but Surfshark wins on value.
🧾 Logging Policy: Is Your Privacy Safe?
🔐 ExpressVPN: Proven No-Logs Policy
ExpressVPN operates from the British Virgin Islands and enforces a strict no-logs policy. Their servers run on RAM-only technology, which means your data is wiped with every reboot.
- Independently audited (by PwC and Cure53)
- No IP, traffic, or DNS logs
- Used in real legal cases to protect user privacy
🔐 Surfshark: Privacy-First and Audited
Surfshark also claims a zero-logs policy and operates from the Netherlands-a privacy-conscious country.
- RAM-only servers
- No user logs stored
- Independently audited in 2023 (Cure53)
🏆 Winner: ExpressVPN – Slight edge due to jurisdiction and longer audit history.
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Many providers are quick to assure users of privacy. However, you may be well advised to take these assurances with a pinch of salt. A careful look at these privacy policies will show a lot of sharp practices. Some providers store certain aspects of your data. This means that it could fall into the wrong hands if care is not taken.
Both ExpressVPN and Surfshark have their headquarters in the British Virgin Islands. There is no doubt that these two providers deliberately chose the location. The British Virgin Islands is a privacy-friendly country. It is not under the purview of the 14 eyes network. Thus, these providers will not have an obligation to share data with the government.
🛡️ ExpressVPN vs Surfshark Security Features
Who Protects You Better? ExpressVPN or Surfshark?
| Feature | Surfshark | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES-256-GCM |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes (Android, Windows) | Yes (Windows, macOS, Android) |
| Protocols | WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| RAM-only Servers | Yes | Yes |
| Audits | Cure53 (2021, 2023) | PwC, Cure53 (multiple years) |
| MultiHop / Double VPN | Yes | No |
| Ad & Tracker Blocking | Yes (CleanWeb) | No |
🏆 Winner: Tie – Surfshark offers more features (like ad blocking and MultiHop), while ExpressVPN focuses on clean simplicity and proven protocols.
💰 Pricing Overview (2025)
| Plan | Surfshark (2-year) | ExpressVPN (1-year) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Avg | $2.49/month | $6.67/month |
| Trial | 30-day money-back | 30-day money-back |
| Devices | Unlimited | 8 simultaneous |
🏆 Winner: Surfshark – Much cheaper, unlimited devices, great for families or power users.
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📱 Apps & Device Compatibility
- ExpressVPN has the most polished and beginner-friendly apps on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, routers, and more.
- Surfshark offers more advanced features but may require a learning curve for new users.
ExpressVPN is compatible with almost all device types. It has dedicated apps for Android and iOS devices. The process of downloading and installing them is easy and straightforward. With a few clicks, you will have the apps up and running on your device. The Android and iOS apps do not match up to the desktop apps, however. This is because they fail to have the full range of features that it carries. For instance, the mobile versions are not compatible with Tor. To enjoy the increased protection Tor provides, you should make use of the desktop versions.
You can also install ExpressVPN on routers. This provider makes it easy to download and configure your routers. You will find a complete step-by-step guide on the process on the ExpressVPN website. The beauty of the router is that it increases your coverage. You can potentially protect every device in your house with just one router.
Finally, ExpressVPN has browser extensions for both Chrome and Firefox browsers. This encrypts the traffic from the browser, making it impenetrable. Like everything ExpressVPN, the process for download here is fast and easy. You just have to install the chrome extension to begin using it.
Surfshark also has native apps for most device types. Thus, you can download and install Surfshark apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. Like ExpressVPN, it also boasts of extensions for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Please do not forget that when making use of the extension on your browser, your phone is not entirely protected. It is similar to what happens when you are split tunneling. The network that will be encrypted will only be that proceeding from the browser.
Surfshark allows an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. In this area, it is unmatched by any other VPN, including ExpressVPN. This feature is so cool because it affords you limitless flexibility. You can share the connection with as many people as you like. The great thing is that the same level of protection is afforded all connected devices. More so, you will not experience any lags or slowed speed the entire time.
On this one, Surfshark hits a home run.
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Surfshark vs ExpressVPN Pros and Cons
Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN has in general a very good product- However with all products there will also be some disadvantages. We will now go through some pros and cons of each VPN.
Surfshark
In general the pros of Surfsharks product outweighs the cons. Here are some of the pros and cons in our opinion.
Pros
- Excellent privacy rules: Surfshark maintains that it does not keep logs of users’ data. Also, the fact that it is located in the British Virgin Islands is a huge plus.
- Wide range of apps: You will not have to worry about device compatibility with this provider. It provides apps for almost all device types.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections: With Surfshark, no one else around you needs to get on a separate plan.
- Fair Subscription Plans: Surfshark’s subscription offers are not cut-throat. It gets even better if you subscribe for 6 months and above.
Cons
- P2P servers are not reliable: Surfshark’s P2P servers can be unreliable, even though Surfshark holds itself out as the best VPN for torrenting.
- Weak Social media presence: Surfshark does not have a strong social media presence like the established providers.
ExpressVPN
In general the pros of ExpressVPNs product outweighs the cons. Here are some of the pros and cons in our opinion.
Pros
- Fantastic speed: ExpressVPN sets the pace when it comes to VPN speeds. No other provider comes close.
- Powerful security features: This provider’s security features are water-tight.
- Greater coverage: With its 3000+ servers, ExpressVPN makes sure you always have a server for your VPN needs.
- No Logs policy: ExpressVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy. It routinely wipes down users’ history as soon as a session ends.
- 24/7 life-chat support: Whatever the issue is, whenever it is, you can reach out to ExpressVPN and have it fixed.
- Unmatched Unblocking ability: You can access content on platforms like Netflix at the snap of a finger. With all of the platforms tested, ExpressVPN was able to unblock all easily.
Cons
- Lesser number of simultaneous connections: ExpressVPN offers 5 simultaneous connections to Surfshark’s unlimited connections.
- Expensive: This provider’s plans are a bit pricey.
🧠 Final Verdict: ExpressVPN vs Surfshark 2025
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Speed | ExpressVPN |
| Streaming | Tie |
| Logging | ExpressVPN |
| Security | Tie |
| Pricing | Surfshark |
| Devices | Surfshark |
✅ Choose ExpressVPN if you want:
- The fastest and most stable connections
- Top-tier privacy with a long audit history
- Dead-simple usability
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✅ Choose Surfshark if you want:
- Unlimited device support for one low price
- Advanced features like MultiHop and CleanWeb
- Nearly the same streaming and speed at half the cost
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Still undecided? Try both-both offer 30-day money-back guarantees.
That way, you can compare firsthand and see which works best for your needs!
Our Recommendation – ExpressVPN vs Surfshark
After a thorough examination of both providers, our choice is ExpressVPN. Although Surfshark has absolutely lovely features, ExpressVPN trumps it in several key areas. When it comes to streaming and unblocking speed, server coverage, access to restricted content, and customer support, ExpressVPN wins.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Surfshark vs ExpressVPN (2025)
It depends on your priorities. ExpressVPN is better for top-tier speed, proven no-logs history, and simplicity. Surfshark is better for budget-conscious users who want unlimited device connections and more advanced features like MultiHop and ad blocking.
Yes, Surfshark offers excellent speeds thanks to its WireGuard protocol. While ExpressVPN is slightly faster in long-distance connections, Surfshark performs very well for streaming, torrenting, and gaming—especially for the price.
Absolutely. ExpressVPN remains one of the best VPNs for streaming in 2025. It reliably unblocks Netflix libraries in multiple countries, as well as Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more.
Yes. Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption, has a kill switch, offers RAM-only servers, and maintains a strict no-logs policy. It’s also been independently audited by cybersecurity firm Cure53, making it a secure and trustworthy option.
Speed: ExpressVPN is slightly faster.
Pricing: Surfshark is more affordable.
Devices: Surfshark allows unlimited connections; ExpressVPN limits to 8.
Features: Surfshark includes extras like ad/tracker blocking and MultiHop; ExpressVPN keeps it simple but polished.
Both providers offer excellent 24/7 live chat support. ExpressVPN is slightly quicker to respond and has a more refined help center. Surfshark also provides fast support, with detailed tutorials and helpful staff.
If speed, stability, and simplicity are your top concerns, then yes-ExpressVPN is worth the premium. However, if you’re looking for a great all-rounder on a tighter budget, Surfshark may give you better value.
Yes! Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can test them side-by-side with no risk and choose the one that fits your needs best.