Surfshark and ExpressVPN are paid VPN services with different strengths. Surfshark supports an unlimited number of devices and is currently cheaper over the long term, while ExpressVPN offers more countries and is developing its own Lightway protocol.
When choosing between Surfshark and ExpressVPN, it is more important to compare price, the number of devices, server geography and trial conditions.
Surfshark and ExpressVPN by the numbers
| Metric | Surfshark | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term price | Starter — from $2.49/mo on the 2-year plan | Basic — $2.99/mo for the first 28 months. |
| Trial access | 7 days, up to 3 devices | 3 days on iOS and Android |
| Refund | 30 days | 30 days when purchased through the website |
| Network | 4500+ servers, 100 countries | 113 countries, 214 locations; the total number of servers isn't published |
| Connections | No fixed limit after purchase | Basic — 10; Premium — 12; Express Pro — 14 |
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, Dausos (macOS App Store) | Lightway, WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2; availability depends on the platform |
| Features | Dynamic MultiHop, CleanWeb, Rotating IP, Alternative ID | Lightway, ad and dangerous-site blocking; additional services on higher plans |
Data and prices were verified in September 2026 against the official Surfshark and ExpressVPN websites and may change.
Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: prices and devices
On the current long-term offers, Surfshark Starter is cheaper: from $2.49 per month on the 2-year plan versus $2.99 for ExpressVPN Basic for the first 28 months.
The main difference is the number of devices. Paid Surfshark supports an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. ExpressVPN lets you connect up to 10 devices on Basic, up to 12 on Premium and up to 14 on Express Pro.
Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: servers and countries
Surfshark claims 4500+ servers in 100 countries. ExpressVPN operates in 113 countries and offers 214 selectable server locations, though the service doesn't publish the total number of servers.
You can't compare the networks directly by the number of servers alone, since ExpressVPN doesn't publish that figure. On the number of countries ExpressVPN has the edge — 113 versus 100 — but for a practical choice what matters more is whether the location you need is available.
Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: trial access
Neither Surfshark nor ExpressVPN has a permanent Free plan. Surfshark offers a 7-day trial with a payment method and lets you test the VPN on three devices. ExpressVPN provides a 3-day trial through its iOS and Android apps.
The refund terms differ, however: ExpressVPN's standard 30-day guarantee applies to new users who subscribe directly, while purchases through the App Store and Google Play are governed by the stores' rules. On trial length, Surfshark has the edge.
Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: protocols and features
Surfshark supports WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2, and its own Dausos protocol is also available on the macOS App Store. Additional features include Dynamic MultiHop, Rotating IP, CleanWeb and Alternative ID.
ExpressVPN is developing its own Lightway and also supports WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2, with differences between platforms. So Surfshark stands out for its set of additional VPN features, and ExpressVPN for its own Lightway architecture.
Surfshark and ExpressVPN: privacy and no-logs
Both services claim no-logs and use RAM-only infrastructure. In 2025, Deloitte again verified that Surfshark adheres to its no-logs practices.
ExpressVPN implements its RAM-only approach in the TrustedServer technology. In 2025, KPMG audited TrustedServer and the service's no-logs claims. So both VPNs back their key privacy claims with independent audits.
Which to choose: Surfshark or ExpressVPN?
Surfshark is worth considering if unlimited devices, a lower long-term price, a 7-day trial, Dynamic MultiHop or Alternative ID matter to you.
ExpressVPN is a good fit if a larger number of countries, Lightway or the option to choose a plan with a limit of 10 to 14 connections matter to you.
Need an alternative to Surfshark or ExpressVPN?
Surfshark and ExpressVPN have no permanent Free plan, and a payment method is required to start the trial.
If you would like to try a full-featured VPN without a bank card, consider VolnaLink: the service provides 8 hours of full access and locations in 100+ countries. In that time, you can choose the country you need, test the VPN with your usual websites and apps and then decide whether you need a subscription.
See also: NordVPN vs ExpressVPN · NordVPN vs Proton VPN · Proton VPN vs ExpressVPN · NordVPN vs CyberGhost · NordVPN vs Surfshark · Surfshark vs Proton VPN · Surfshark vs CyberGhost · Proton VPN vs Mullvad