ExpressVPN vs Surfshark Which VPN Should You Choose

Quick verdict

ExpressVPN and Surfshark are both excellent VPNs, but they target slightly different priorities. ExpressVPN leads on privacy, transparency, global reach and flawless streaming unblocking. Surfshark wins on price, unlimited connections and novel privacy features that appeal to casual users and families on a budget.

Major differences at a glance

• Privacy & transparency: ExpressVPN has a long track record of public audits and privacy-forward tech like TrustedServer and post-quantum layers.
• Value & connections: Surfshark offers far cheaper long-term plans and unlimited simultaneous connections for homes with many devices.
• Performance: Both are fast — ExpressVPN averaged an 18% speed loss, Surfshark about 21% — and both support modern protocols (Lightway or WireGuard) for best results.
• Streaming and server footprint: ExpressVPN’s broader server network and proven unblocking make it the stronger choice for consistent international streaming.

Performance and streaming

Both services keep speed loss below 25%, which we mark as “fast.” Use ExpressVPN’s Lightway or Surfshark’s WireGuard for the best throughput. ExpressVPN’s Lightway Turbo and Surfshark’s FastTrack (limited rollout) both aim to squeeze extra performance out of certain routes. If you stream in 4K or use latency-sensitive apps, ExpressVPN’s wider global coverage and router app give it an edge.

Privacy, security and jurisdiction

ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, outside major intelligence alliances, and publishes frequent independent audits plus white papers on post-quantum protections. Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, offers solid encryption and innovative features like Dynamic MultiHop and Alternative ID, but lags ExpressVPN on transparency and audit cadence.

Usability and value

ExpressVPN offers the simplest, most consistent apps across platforms and an excellent router experience. Surfshark’s interface is busier but feature-rich, and its long-term plans offer better per-month pricing. If you need unlimited device coverage on a budget, Surfshark is compelling. If you want plug-and-play simplicity and polished streaming, ExpressVPN is worth the premium.

Bottom line

Both providers rank among the best VPNs available. Pick ExpressVPN if you prioritize rigorous privacy, frequent audits, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction and rock-solid streaming. Pick Surfshark if you want more connections, unique privacy add-ons and the best long-term price. Organizations and power users should weigh jurisdiction, audit history and device counts when deciding.

QuarkyByte’s approach is to model these trade-offs against real-world usage: map device counts, simulate streaming loads and evaluate jurisdictional risk to recommend the best fit. That makes the choice measurable rather than purely opinion-based.