Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN: what to pick in 2024 - Surfshark (2024)

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For non-technical users, comparing Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can feel impossible. Don’t worry. In this Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN comparison review, we’ll put everything you need to know into simple terms so you can feel confident choosing the best one.

Your connection speed is directly affected by server crowdedness and your distance from the VPN server. Therefore, you should look for a VPN with many servers worldwide, ensuring that you always have an uncrowded server to connect to nearby.

Here’s how Surfshark and ExpressVPN compare in terms of server count and locations:

• Surfshark: 3200+ servers in 100 countries
• ExpressVPN: undisclosed amount of servers in 105 countries

And here are some of the countries they cover and how their VPN server locations are distributed:

We ran speed tests to find out which provider is faster in the battle of Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN.

To develop a baseline, we ran a test without a VPN connection, which resulted in download and upload speeds of 300 Mbps.

We then tested the speed using the fastest protocol each provider has available.

If you want to watch your favorite streaming services, you will need a certain download speed. Netflix gives users information about the download speed needed to watch without buffering, which can be taken as a rough estimate for other streaming services as well.

• 3 Mbps to watch High Definition (HD) video (720p);
• 5 Mbps to watch Full High Definition (FHD) video (1080p);
• 15 Mbps to watch Ultra High Definition (UHD) video (4K).

Of course, Netflix isn’t the only streaming platform out there. And while some VPNs don’t do well when it comes to streaming, we found that both Surfshark and ExpressVPN are excellent choices for watching content online.

As you would expect from premium VPN providers, both Surfshark and ExpressVPN have some of the best VPN protocols out there. Surfshark is the only one to support WireGuard, which is the fastest protocol around, but ExpressVPN’s own proprietary protocol Lightway is pretty speedy as well.

Surfshark also does not offer the LT2P/IPSEC option anymore, but there’s a good reason for it — it’s simply not as safe as the others on this list.

A VPN service following a no-logs policy won’t track your activity online, keep information about it, or sell it to third parties. It only keeps a minimal amount of information that is necessary for providing the service itself.

You must provide your payment information to complete a transaction with any service. You may also need to create an account, so a username or an email address will be required. A no-logs policy promises that no other information is collected and used.

Both providers follow this policy.

In 2018, Cure53 audited Surfshark’s browser extensions. They concluded the extensions “are not exposed to any issues, neither in the privacy nor in the more general security realms.”

The 2018 audit did reveal two “low severity” vulnerabilities. These were quickly fixed, highlighting the transparency and commitment of the company.

In 2021, Cure53 conducted an independent audit of Surfshark VPN’s infrastructure. Again, no serious issues were unveiled, and any raised concerns were swiftly rectified.

The 2023 Deloitte audit verified Surfshark’s no-logs statement.

In December, 2023, Surfshark’s Android app passed the MASA audit. It proves the app is safe to use and handles user data with the globally accepted MASA requirements.

ExpressVPN has also been thoroughly audited throughout the years, with some structures undergoing multiple audits.

Itsprivacy policy was audited by PwC in 2019, which was backed up by aKPMG audit of its no-logs policy in 2022.

Lightway, ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol, has also been audited twice. Once in 2021 and a second time in 2022,both times by Cure53.

There have also beenaudits of ExpressVPN browser extensions, thebuild verification process, andtheir apps.

Needless to say, ExpressVPN takes auditing very seriously, so if it claims something, it likely has been or will be, backed up by an independent audit.

Encryption

Kill switch

The kill switch feature is an extra layer of protection offered by both providers. It disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly. This means your user data is never vulnerable, and your privacy is always protected.

Stealth servers

CleanWeb

Split tunneling

Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer a split tunneling feature. Surfshark users will need to look for Bypasser on the mobile apps.

Smart DNS

Smart DNS is also available on both Surfshark and ExpressVPN. The feature allows you to bypass firewalls and censorship on devices that don’t usually support VPN connections. For example, your PlayStation or smart TV.

Double VPN

This feature adds an extra layer of security by routing traffic through two different VPN servers. ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a Double VPN, so Surfshark takes the gold here with Dynamic MultiHop.

GPS spoofing

Threat manager

This feature prevents third-party tracking. It stops apps from communicating with third-party trackers or engaging in malicious behavior. Only available on iOS, macOS, and Linux.

Email masking

Alternative ID lets you minimize spam by creating a new online persona with a new name, birthdate, home address, and email. Use it when registering on unreliable websites.

Reddit has a dedicated VPN thread with a VPN comparison table where users review VPNs they tried. The table is often updated and should simplify choosing and using VPNs. It’s a community effort, and the people are invited to collaborate and report any mistakes or outdated information.

According to the table, Reddit users rank Surfshark among the top three, but feel free to check it out yourself.

Check out how we compare to other big brands in general. Have a hard time making your mind up? Take a look at our in-depth Surfshark review.

• Surfshark vs. PIA
• Surfshark vs. NordVPN
• Surfshark vs. IPVanish
• Surfshark vs. CyberGhost
• Surfshark vs. ProtonVPN
• Surfshark vs. Mullvad
• Surfshark vs. Windscribe

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