ExpressVPN and Surfshark are two heavyweights and sit comfortably among CNET’s top VPN picks thanks to their exceptional all-around performance and privacy protections. I use both ExpressVPN and Surfshark regularly and can tell you that each is excellent at what it does -- but also that each one does things very differently. That’s good, because there are distinctions between ExpressVPN and Surfshark that can make it easier to decide between the two based on your specific needs. In a perfect world, I’d recommend you get both. But I know that’s not always a realistic option, so I’ll help you make an informed decision.
ExpressVPN has the edge with privacy, transparency, speed, usability and streaming. Surfshark isn’t far behind when it comes to speed, usability and streaming, but has some catching up to do in terms of transparency. ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for users with critical privacy needs because it does the basics extremely well, delivers forward-thinking privacy initiatives and is based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, whereas Surfshark’s 14-Eyes jurisdiction may be a deal-breaker for privacy-critical users. But Surfshark undercuts most competitors -- including ExpressVPN -- on price, while offering unique privacy features and benefits like unlimited simultaneous connections, which many other VPNs don't offer.
I put both ExpressVPN and Surfshark through the same rigorous testing methodology, and can confidently recommend each one as a solid all-around option. But I’d go with ExpressVPN for heightened privacy and streaming, and Surfshark for budget-conscious casual users who want a premium VPN experience at a cheaper price.
ExpressVPN vs. Surfshark compared
Major features compared ExpressVPN Surfshark Cost $13 per month, $100 for the first 15 months (then $117 per year) or $140 for the first 28 months (then $140 per year) $15.45 per month, $48 for the first 15 months (then $79 per year) or $60 for the first 27 months (then $79 per year) Avg. Speed Loss 18% 21% Server Network 11,500-plus servers in 105 countries 3,200-plus servers in 100 countries Encryption AES 256-bit, ChaCha20 AES 256-bit, ChaCha20 VPN Protocols Available Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Jurisdiction British Virgin Islands Netherlands Simultaneous Connections 8 Unlimited Compatibility Windows, MacOS, Linux, Chromebook, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Routers, Browsers MacOS, Windows, Linux, Chromebook, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Routers, Browsers
ExpressVPN ExpressVPN Price $13 per month, $100 for the first 15 months (then $117 per year) or $140 for the first 28 months (then $150 per year) Latest Tests No DNS leaks detected, 18% speed loss in 2025 tests Network 3,000 plus servers in 105 countries Jurisdiction British Virgin Islands ExpressVPN is CNET’s Editors’ Choice Best Overall VPN because it excels at virtually everything it does and is continuously innovating and setting the standard for what a VPN should be doing. The company effortlessly blends cutting-edge privacy with supreme usability and performance, making it an excellent choice for experienced, privacy-focused VPN users as well as complete beginners. You get fast speeds, exceptional streaming capabilities and the easiest VPN app to use, but you’ll pay a premium for the service. ExpressVPN is one of my top recommendations for VPN users with critical privacy needs because of its cutting-edge privacy protections, extreme transparency and privacy-friendly jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands. For a deep dive into ExpressVPN’s privacy and transparency efforts, look through its impressively extensive Trust Center, where you’ll find information on its security strategies, third-party audits, transparency reports and more. ExpressVPN keeps your data private with a choice of VPN protocols, including the speedy and secure Lightway, time-tested OpenVPN and mobile-oriented IKEv2, with either AES 256-bit or ChaCha20 encryption, depending on your protocol. In preparation for potential future threats like hacking from quantum computers, ExpressVPN was one of the first VPNs to implement post-quantum encryption, which is engaged by default on the Lightway protocol. ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for casual users who want to access geographically restricted content from their favorite streaming services. During my latest tests, ExpressVPN effortlessly unblocked content on popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney Plus and HBO Max across desktop, mobile and streaming devices like Apple TV and Fire TV Stick. In our latest speed tests, we measured an 18% overall speed loss, which makes ExpressVPN one of the fastest VPNs available and a great option for streaming smoothly in 4K. Also, ExpressVPN’s vast network of 11,500-plus servers in 105 countries can theoretically give you access to tons of international streaming content from all over the world. The company has historically been very cagey about disclosing its exact server number and doesn’t publish it anywhere, but its new mobile app lists the number of endpoints available in each country.
ExpressVPN costs $13 per month, which is pretty much the standard monthly rate for a VPN subscription. But pricing for longer-term plans is expensive at $100 for the first 15 months (then $117 per year) or $140 for the first 28 months (then $140 per year). All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee. 61% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months) See at ExpressVPN
Surfshark Surfshark Price $15.45 a month, $48 for the first 15 months (then $79 a year) or $60 for the first 27 months (then $79 a year) Latest tests No leaks detected, 21% speed loss in 2025 tests Network 3,200-plus servers in 100 countries Jurisdiction Netherlands Surfshark is a solid value VPN for casual users who want a premium experience with some cool extras for a price that won’t break the bank. Despite a high renewal price hike on its longer-term subscription plans, Surfshark remains one of the most budget-friendly VPNs. It’s an excellent all-around VPN that’s fast, good for streaming, user-friendly and includes a handful of helpful privacy features you won’t find anywhere else.
Surfshark has the privacy basics down as well, with solid encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, a RAM-only server infrastructure and an audited no-logs policy. Additionally, the company consistently demonstrates an innovative, outside-the-box approach to privacy. While it’s not a trailblazer in areas like transparency or post-quantum encryption and only recently began publishing transparency reports for insight into data requests from law enforcement or government entities, Surfshark has a habit of dropping unique privacy features you never even knew you needed. For instance, the company’s Alternative ID lets you generate a fake persona to use in situations like signing up for accounts on untrusted websites or trying to avoid spam. Dynamic MultiHop lets you create your own double VPN by choosing the two VPN servers yourself, a feature most other VPN don’t have. Rotating IP automatically changes your IP address to make it harder to track you online. Surfshark’s brand-new Everlink “self-healing” server infrastructure can keep you connected even in the event of an unexpected server failure.
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