Should I use ExpressVPN or Surfshark?

Use ExpressVPN if you want the Lightway protocol and a longer review history; use Surfshark if you want unlimited device connections and a bundled antivirus and identity-theft package at a lower price.

Is ExpressVPN cheaper than Surfshark?

No — Surfshark's entry price of $2.49/month on a 24-month term is slightly lower than ExpressVPN's $2.79/month on a 2-year term, and Surfshark's tier already bundles more security features.

Does Surfshark really allow unlimited devices?

Yes — Surfshark permits unlimited simultaneous device connections on every plan, unusual among VPN providers that typically cap seats at 5-10 devices, while ExpressVPN caps its top tier at 14.

Which has more reviews, ExpressVPN or Surfshark?

ExpressVPN has more Capterra reviews (287 at 4.6/5) than Surfshark (61 at 4.5/5).

ExpressVPN vs Surfshark (2026)

By Noahlast updated September 14, 2026

Verdict: Choose ExpressVPN if you want the proprietary Lightway protocol and a longer track record backed by more Capterra reviews. Choose Surfshark if you want unlimited simultaneous device connections and a bundled antivirus and identity-theft package at a lower entry price. The deciding factor is device limits and price: Surfshark permits unlimited connections on every plan starting at $2.49/month, while ExpressVPN caps devices at 14 and starts at $2.79/month for a narrower feature set.

ExpressVPN

A consumer VPN with 3,000+ servers across 105 countries, AES-256 encryption, and a proprietary Lightway protocol, priced from about $2.79/month on a 2-year plan.

Pricing: From $2.79/mo
License: Paid
Best for: consumers who want a simple, reliable VPN that works out of the box across many device types (routers, smart TVs, browsers) without manual protocol configuration

4.6/5 on Capterra (287 reviews)

Details expressvpn.com

Surfshark

A VPN and online security bundle with unlimited device connections, antivirus, and identity-theft coverage, advertised from $2.49/month on a 2-year plan.

Pricing: From $2.49/mo
License: Paid
Best for: individuals who want unlimited-device VPN coverage bundled with antivirus and identity-theft monitoring under one subscription, instead of paying for separate security tools

4.5/5 on Capterra (61 reviews)

Details surfshark.com

Choose ExpressVPN if…

You want the proprietary Lightway protocol and RAM-only TrustedServer infrastructure
You want a longer, more established review history (287 Capterra reviews at 4.6/5)
You want a bundled password manager specifically, rather than a broader antivirus suite
You're fine with a 14-device cap in exchange for ExpressVPN's server network of 3,000+ servers in 105 countries
You want router and smart TV app support alongside desktop and mobile

Choose Surfshark if…

You want unlimited simultaneous device connections instead of a fixed device cap
You want a lower advertised starting price at $2.49/month on a 24-month term
You want bundled antivirus, webcam-blocking, and breach alerts as part of the base subscription
You want identity-theft coverage up to $1 million with licensed investigators (One+ tier)
You want a larger published server count, with 4,500+ RAM-only servers versus 3,000+

ExpressVPN vs Surfshark: feature comparison

Feature	ExpressVPN	Surfshark
Starting price	Yesfrom $2.79/mo (2-year plan)	Yesfrom $2.49/mo (24-month plan)
Free tier	No30-day money-back guarantee only	No30-day money-back guarantee only
Platforms	Yesweb, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android	Yesweb, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
License	Noclosed-source, paid	Noclosed-source, paid
Server network	Yes3,000+ servers in 105 countries	Yes4,500+ RAM-only servers in 100+ countries
Simultaneous device connections	Partialup to 14 (Pro tier)	Yesunlimited on every plan
Proprietary fast protocol	YesLightway	PartialWireGuard plus Surfshark's own protocols
RAM-only server infrastructure	YesTrustedServer technology	Yes
Bundled antivirus	No	YesSurfshark One and One+ tiers
Bundled password manager	YesPro tier	No
Identity-theft coverage	YesPro tier	Yesup to $1M on all tiers, from $2.49/mo
Disposable email/phone for signups	No	YesAlternative ID
Independently audited no-logs policy	Yes	Yes
External rating (Capterra)	Yes4.6/5 from 287 reviews	Yes4.5/5 from 61 reviews

ExpressVPN vs Surfshark pricing: which costs less?

Surfshark costs less at the entry tier, starting at $2.49/month on a 24-month term versus ExpressVPN's $2.79/month on a 2-year term, and Surfshark's lowest tier already includes identity-theft coverage.

Both providers require a long-term prepay to reach their lowest advertised rate: ExpressVPN's 2-year plan and Surfshark's 24-month plan. Surfshark's Starter tier at $2.49/month bundles VPN, Alternative ID, antivirus, and $1M identity-theft coverage, while ExpressVPN's equivalent Basic tier at $2.79/month covers VPN features only, with a password manager and identity protection reserved for the pricier Pro tier.

Which allows more devices, ExpressVPN or Surfshark?

Surfshark allows more devices, since it permits unlimited simultaneous connections on every plan, while ExpressVPN caps connections at 14 even on its top Pro tier.

Which has more security features bundled in, ExpressVPN or Surfshark?

Surfshark bundles more security tools into its base subscription, including antivirus, webcam-access blocking, and breach alerts, while ExpressVPN's Pro tier adds a password manager and identity protection separately.

Surfshark's One and One+ tiers combine the VPN with real-time antivirus scanning, Surfshark Alert breach notifications, Alternative ID for disposable signup emails and phone numbers, and identity-theft coverage up to $1 million with licensed investigators. ExpressVPN's equivalent bundling is narrower: its Pro tier adds ExpressVPN Keys (a password manager) and identity-theft protection but not antivirus or webcam blocking.

Can Surfshark replace ExpressVPN?

Yes, for users who want unlimited device connections and a broader security bundle at a comparable or lower price.

Surfshark matches ExpressVPN on core VPN features, RAM-only servers, and platform coverage, while adding unlimited devices and antivirus that ExpressVPN doesn't offer. Users specifically drawn to ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol or its longer public review history (287 reviews versus Surfshark's 61) may still prefer ExpressVPN.

Strengths and weaknesses

ExpressVPN

Pros

Independently audited no-logs policy and RAM-only server infrastructure for stronger privacy assurances.
Proprietary Lightway protocol delivers faster connection times than legacy VPN protocols.
Broad device and platform support, including routers, smart TVs, and browser extensions.
30-day money-back guarantee on all subscription terms.

Cons

Monthly billing without a long-term commitment is notably more expensive than most competitors.
No free tier; even a short trial requires payment upfront (refundable within 30 days).
Some reviewers report intermittent connection drops and slower performance when switching servers.
Pricing structure with bonus months and multiple simultaneous-connection tiers can be confusing to compare against flat-rate competitors.

Surfshark

Pros

Unlimited simultaneous device connections on every plan, with no per-device fee.
4,500+ RAM-only servers across 100+ countries with a no-logs policy.
Bundles antivirus, breach alerts, and identity-theft coverage up to $1M instead of requiring separate subscriptions.
30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.

Cons

Lowest advertised price requires a 24-month upfront commitment; monthly billing costs significantly more per month.
Renewal pricing after the initial discounted term is materially higher, a common VPN-industry pattern that catches new subscribers off guard.
No permanently free tier.

Which fits your use case?

Use case	Pick	Why
Large household or shared account needing VPN on many devices at once	Surfshark	Surfshark permits unlimited simultaneous device connections on every plan; ExpressVPN caps out at 14 devices on its Pro tier.
User who wants antivirus and breach monitoring bundled with their VPN subscription	Surfshark	Surfshark One and One+ include real-time antivirus and Surfshark Alert breach notifications starting at the entry tier; ExpressVPN has no antivirus component.
User who values a longer public review track record before choosing a provider	ExpressVPN	ExpressVPN holds 287 Capterra reviews at 4.6/5 versus Surfshark's 61 reviews at 4.5/5.
Budget shopper comparing the lowest advertised long-term rate	Surfshark	Surfshark's 24-month Starter tier at $2.49/month undercuts ExpressVPN's 2-year Basic tier at $2.79/month while including more bundled security features.
User who wants a purpose-built password manager rather than a broader security suite	ExpressVPN	ExpressVPN's Pro tier bundles ExpressVPN Keys as a dedicated password manager; Surfshark's bundle leans toward antivirus and identity monitoring instead.

Neither a match?

Both lists carry verified pricing and honest weaknesses for every option.

6 alternatives to ExpressVPN 6 alternatives to Surfshark

Popular comparisons

ExpressVPN vs Surfshark: migration FAQ

Should I use ExpressVPN or Surfshark?: Use ExpressVPN if you want the Lightway protocol and a longer review history; use Surfshark if you want unlimited device connections and a bundled antivirus and identity-theft package at a lower price.
Is ExpressVPN cheaper than Surfshark?: No — Surfshark's entry price of $2.49/month on a 24-month term is slightly lower than ExpressVPN's $2.79/month on a 2-year term, and Surfshark's tier already bundles more security features.
Can Surfshark replace ExpressVPN?: Yes for most users, since Surfshark matches ExpressVPN's core VPN features and platform coverage while adding unlimited devices and antivirus that ExpressVPN doesn't offer.
Does Surfshark really allow unlimited devices?: Yes — Surfshark permits unlimited simultaneous device connections on every plan, unusual among VPN providers that typically cap seats at 5-10 devices, while ExpressVPN caps its top tier at 14.
Which has more reviews, ExpressVPN or Surfshark?: ExpressVPN has more Capterra reviews (287 at 4.6/5) than Surfshark (61 at 4.5/5).