ExpressVPN wins overall, but Surfshark wins on value. ExpressVPN leads on streaming (20 vs 12+ Netflix libraries), China bypass, and RAM-only server security. Surfshark leads on price ($1.99 vs $2.79/mo) and device limit (unlimited vs 8). For streaming enthusiasts: ExpressVPN. For budget-focused families: Surfshark.
Full Comparison Table
| Feature | Surfshark | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Price (2-yr/mo) | $1.99 | $2.79 |
| Speed tested | 882 Mbps | 932 Mbps |
| Device limit | Unlimited | 8 |
| Netflix libraries | 12+ | 20+ ← winner |
| Free trial | 7-day mobile | No |
| RAM-only servers | No | ✓ TrustedServer |
| No-logs audits | 1 (Deloitte) | 2 (KPMG) |
| China bypass | Good | Best tested |
| Kill switch | All platforms | All platforms |
| Money-back | 30 days | 30 days |
When to Choose Surfshark
- Budget priority — $1.99/mo vs $2.79/mo (41% cheaper)
- Many devices — unlimited vs 8 device limit
- 7-day free trial — mobile, no credit card
- Nexus IP Rotator — dynamic multi-IP routing
- Alternative ID — burner email generator
- Better value for large households
When to Choose ExpressVPN
- Streaming priority — 20+ Netflix libraries vs 12+
- China/UAE travel — best censorship bypass tested
- RAM-only servers — TrustedServer, no disk writes
- MediaStreamer DNS — smart TVs without app
- More audits — 2 KPMG vs 1 Deloitte
- Higher security bar for sensitive use cases
User Opinions on Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is worth the extra $1/month for streaming alone. Surfshark missed 3 Netflix libraries I watch regularly. ExpressVPN got them all.
Surfshark for my household of 5. Unlimited devices, everyone connected, $1.99. ExpressVPN would need 2 subscriptions for all our devices.
Both clean apps. ExpressVPN is slightly more polished. Surfshark's value is incredible — CleanWeb works well as an ad blocker too.
Surfshark in Netherlands (9 Eyes) vs ExpressVPN in BVI (no alliance). If privacy is the deciding factor, ExpressVPN has the better jurisdiction.
Surfshark's 7-day free trial with no card is the best offer in VPN. Tested everything, liked it, subscribed. Saved 40% vs ExpressVPN.
ExpressVPN Smart DNS on my TV is a killer feature — streams US Netflix without the VPN app running. Surfshark doesn't have an equivalent.
Sources: Reddit r/VPN, r/privacy, Trustpilot, Google Play, App Store. Collected Feb–Mar 2026. Representative of overall sentiment — VPNHotDeals.com includes both positive and critical opinions.
ExpressVPN — 20+ libraries vs Surfshark's 12+. If Netflix is your primary use, ExpressVPN justifies the extra $0.80/mo. For other streaming services the gap is smaller.
Surfshark — $1.99/mo (27-month) vs ExpressVPN $2.79/mo (12-month + 3 free). Surfshark is 41% cheaper and includes a 7-day free trial. For budget-focused users, Surfshark wins clearly.