VPNs are used to provide people with security while they are online while at the same time giving them the power to change the location of their IP address.
In recent years, VPNs have increased in demand across the world. As a result, several VPNs have popped up for people to use.
Here we will compare two of the most popular VPNs, ExpressVPN and Surfshark.
Payment Plans and Discounts Offered to Customers
ExpressVPN has three subscription models available for users to purchase. They are as follows:
- 1 Month – $12.95 per month
- 6 Months – $9.99 per month
- 12 Months – $8.32 per month
By subscribing to the annual plan, you are saving $99.95 per year. There is also a 30 day money back guarantee associated with each of the three payment plans.
Surfshark also has three payment plans available to prospective subscribers. However, the plans cover different lengths of time.
- 1 Month – $12.95 per month
- 6 Months – $6.49 per month
- 24 Months – $2.49 per month
The 24 month plan is paid in full when you purchase the plan, and then annually after the first 24 months. This plan saves users 81 percent of the value of the one month plan.
There is also a 30 day money back guarantee associated with all Surfshark payment plans.
As you can see, Surfshark provides users with better deals as long as you are purchasing a plan that is longer than one month.
ExpressVPN and Surfshark Features
ExpressVPN and Surfshark are not short on features. Both are filled to the brim with excellent features that are meant to make the lives of customers easier.
Here are some of the best ExpressVPN features.
- 5 simultaneous device connections.
- Compatible with Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, iOS, and select routers.
- Split tunneling with Windows, MacOS, and Android.
- Browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
Here are a few of the best features for Surfshark.
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Compatible with Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV.
- Split tunning with all devices.
- Malware scanning, ad blocking, and anti tracking features.
- Browser extensions with Chrome and Firefox.
In terms of general features, ExpressVPN and Surfshark are fairly similar. They are both compatible with most devices, and they have browser extensions.
That being said, there are some distinct differences. Most notably, Surfshark can be used on an unlimited number of devices compared to five with ExpressVPN.
Additionally, Surfshark has a built in ad blocker and malware scanner. It also has tools to help prevent data leaks.
Conversely, ExpressVPN has custom firmware which enables users to use ExpressVPN on supported routers.
Additionally, unlike Surfshark, ExpressVPN does not need to be configured in countries with heavily censored internet.
Can ExpressVPN and Surfshark be Used in China?
China is the country that causes VPNs the most issues. The country is notorious for having the most advanced and powerful firewalls in the world.
As a result, some of the best VPNs in the world are not able to function when used in China. That being said, ExpressVPN and Surfshark are two of the notable exceptions.
Both VPNs are capable of bypassing China’s internet restrictions. ExpressVPN can do so without any special configurations, whereas Surfshark users may need to enable NoBorders mode.
With that said, you will need to have the app installed before you arrive in China. You will not be able to install it once you are inside the country.
Since ExpressVPN does not require special configurations, it is the better option when you are traveling to China or any other country with major internet restrictions.
Servers and Performance
One of the biggest differences between ExpressVPN and Surfshark is the number of countries they cover.
ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries, whereas Surfshark only has servers in 63. That being said, they have similar overall servers with ExpressVPN having roughly 3000 and Surfshark roughly 3200.
Both VPNs are fast enough to stream HD video without interruptions. With that in mind, Surfshark is slightly faster with speeds reaching 70 Mbps compared to 58 Mbps with ExpressVPN.
That being said, Surfshark does have a few servers that are noticeably slower, and you will not have that issue with ExpressVPN.
Security and Privacy
Security and privacy are two important factors for a VPN to have. Fortunately, ExpressVPN and Surfshark both take these two factors seriously.
Regardless of the VPN you choose, you will be able to connect via the OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols.
Both VPNs also use 256 bit AES encryption, which is effectively impossible to break through.
That being said, ExpressVPN uses a technique called cipher block chain which prevents people from decrypting packets of data. To put it simply, unless the attacker can crack the service’s encryption, it will be impossible to track a user’s data.
Customer Service
When looking at the customer service of ExpressVPN and SurfShark, there were two major factors we had in mind. Those factors were response time and how effectively they answered questions.
Both VPNs do an excellent job of answering questions answered by customers. However, there were small differences in response times.
Surfshark typically responds to customer questions within two to three hours.
Conversely, ExpressVPN gets most questions answered within two hours. Basic questions are often answered within 30 minutes.
Which Is Better?
While ExpressVPN and Surfshark are both excellent VPNs for you to use, there needs to be one that is better. It is a close contest between the two, but Surfshark gets the slight edge.
Surfshark is the more affordable option as long as you are signing up for six months or more. It is also slightly faster, and it is able to block ads and trackers.
Another added benefit is that it can be used simultaneously on an unlimited number of devices.
You cannot go wrong with ExpressVPN, but if you want the best VPN on the market, you should go with Surfshark.
Residing in Ontario, Canada, Alex is a full time freelance writer. He’s been in the business for 4 years and is an SEO and WordPress expert.
