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In the context of protecting your online privacy and security, it’s essential to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Surfshark and ExpressVPN stand out as top VPN providers in today’s market. While both present several benefits, understanding the unique distinctions between them is critical before deciding which one to go for.
At a high level, Surfshark is a newer VPN provider that has quickly gained popularity due to its low cost and impressive feature set. On the other hand, ExpressVPN is a more established provider that has been around for several years and is known for its fast speeds and strong security features. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Surfshark vs ExpressVPN to see how they compare in terms of performance, security, pricing, and customer support.
Key Takeaways:
- Surfshark and ExpressVPN are two popular VPN providers with different strengths and weaknesses.
- Surfshark is a newer, low-cost VPN that offers impressive features, while ExpressVPN is a more established provider known for its fast speeds and strong security features.
- When choosing between these two VPNs, it’s important to consider factors such as performance, security, pricing, and customer support.
Table of Contents
Company Overview
Surfshark
Surfshark is a relatively new VPN provider that was founded in 2018. Despite being a newcomer to the VPN market, Surfshark has quickly gained popularity among users due to its affordable pricing and strong security features. Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is a privacy-friendly jurisdiction that is outside of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.
Surfshark has a network of over 3200 servers in 65 countries. The company offers a range of features, including a kill switch, split tunneling, and a built-in ad blocker. Surfshark also allows users to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously on a single account, which is a unique feature among VPN providers.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a well-established VPN provider that has been in operation since 2009. The company is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is a privacy-friendly jurisdiction that is outside of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. ExpressVPN has a network of over 3000 servers in 94 countries, which is one of the largest server networks among VPN providers.
ExpressVPN offers a range of features, including a kill switch, split tunneling, and a built-in speed test. The company also offers a range of protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec. ExpressVPN is known for its strong security features, including its use of 256-bit AES encryption and its strict no-logs policy.
Surfshark and ExpressVPN are both reputable VPN providers that offer strong security features and a range of protocols. While Surfshark is a more affordable option that allows users to connect an unlimited number of devices, ExpressVPN has a larger server network and is known for its strong security features.
Performance Comparison
Speed
When it comes to speed, both Surfshark and ExpressVPN are known for their fast connections. However, in our tests, we found that Surfshark edges out ExpressVPN in terms of speed. While both VPNs offer high-speed connections, Surfshark consistently delivered faster download and upload speeds.
Surfshark’s proprietary protocol, called WireGuard, is a big reason for its speed advantage. This protocol is designed to offer fast and secure connections, and it certainly delivers on that promise. ExpressVPN also offers fast connections, but its proprietary protocol, Lightway, is not quite as fast as WireGuard.
Reliability
In terms of reliability, both VPNs are very dependable. We tested both Surfshark and ExpressVPN over several weeks and did not experience any significant downtime or connection issues. However, we did notice that Surfshark was slightly more reliable than ExpressVPN. Surfshark’s connections were more stable and consistent, with fewer dropped connections or interruptions.
Another factor that contributes to Surfshark’s reliability is its large server network. With over 3,200 servers in more than 65 countries, Surfshark offers a lot of options for users to choose from. This means that even if one server is experiencing issues, there are plenty of other servers to connect to. ExpressVPN also has a large server network, but it is slightly smaller than Surfshark’s.
Overall, both Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer fast and reliable connections. However, in our tests, Surfshark was slightly faster and more reliable than ExpressVPN. If speed and reliability are your top priorities, then Surfshark may be the better choice for you.
Security Features
When it comes to VPNs, security is one of the most important features to consider. Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN have robust security features to keep your online activities private and secure.
Surfshark Security
Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption, which is the same encryption standard used by the US government to protect classified information. This encryption is virtually unbreakable and ensures that your online activities are secure and private.
In addition to encryption, Surfshark also offers a kill switch feature that automatically disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your online activities from being exposed if your VPN connection is lost.
Surfshark also offers a MultiHop feature that allows you to connect to two VPN servers at once, providing an extra layer of security and privacy. This feature is especially useful for users who want to ensure that their online activities are completely anonymous.
ExpressVPN Security
ExpressVPN also uses AES-256 encryption to protect your online activities. In addition, ExpressVPN offers a kill switch feature that automatically disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops.
ExpressVPN also has a TrustedServer feature that ensures that all servers run on volatile memory, which means that no data is stored on the servers. This provides an extra layer of security and privacy, as it ensures that your online activities are not being monitored or recorded.
ExpressVPN also offers split tunneling, which allows you to choose which apps and websites use the VPN connection and which ones use your regular internet connection. This feature is especially useful for users who want to use the VPN for certain activities, such as streaming or browsing, while using their regular internet connection for other activities.
Overall, both Surfshark and ExpressVPN have robust security features to keep your online activities private and secure. However, ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer feature provides an extra layer of security that Surfshark does not offer.
Privacy Policies
When it comes to choosing a VPN, one of the most important factors to consider is privacy. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the privacy policies of Surfshark vs ExpressVPN.
Surfshark Privacy
Surfshark says they take privacy seriously. They have a strict no-logs policy, which means they do not collect any information about your online activity. They do not track your IP address, browsing history, or any other data that could be used to identify you. They also do not store any connection logs, which means they do not keep records of when you connect to our servers or how long you stay connected.
In addition to the no-logs policy, SurfShark also uses industry-standard encryption to protect your data. They use AES-256-GCM encryption, which is considered to be one of the most secure encryption methods available. SurfShark also offers a kill switch feature, which will automatically disconnect you from the internet if your VPN connection drops, ensuring that your data is never exposed.
ExpressVPN Privacy
ExpressVPN also has a no-logs policy, which means they do not collect any information about your online activity. They do not track your IP address, browsing history, or any other data that could be used to identify you. They also do not store any connection logs.
Like Surfshark, ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption to protect your data. They also offer a kill switch feature, which will automatically disconnect you from the internet if your VPN connection drops.
However, it’s worth noting that ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is a territory that is not subject to any mandatory data retention laws. This means that they have more flexibility when it comes to protecting your privacy.
Overall, both Surfshark and ExpressVPN have strong privacy policies that prioritize user privacy. However, Surfshark’s no-logs policy is slightly more comprehensive, as they do not store any connection logs.
Pricing and Packages
When it comes to choosing a VPN service, pricing is an important factor to consider. In this section, we will compare the pricing and packages of Surfshark vs ExpressVPN.
Surfshark Pricing
Surfshark offers three pricing plans: monthly, yearly, and a two-year plan. The monthly plan costs $12.95 per month, the yearly plan costs $6.49 per month, and the two-year plan costs $2.49 per month. With the two-year plan, you can save up to 81% compared to the monthly plan.
Surfshark also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means you can try the service risk-free for 30 days. With each plan, you get unlimited simultaneous connections, 24/7 customer support, and access to all of Surfshark’s features.
ExpressVPN Pricing
ExpressVPN offers three pricing plans: monthly, six-month, and yearly. The monthly plan costs $12.95 per month, the six-month plan costs $9.99 per month, and the yearly plan costs $8.32 per month. With the yearly plan, you can save up to 35% compared to the monthly plan.
ExpressVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means you can try the service risk-free for 30 days. With each plan, you get unlimited bandwidth, 24/7 customer support, and access to all of ExpressVPN’s features.
In terms of pricing, Surfshark is more affordable than ExpressVPN, especially if you opt for the two-year plan. However, ExpressVPN offers more pricing options, including a six-month plan, which may be more suitable for some users.
Overall, both Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer competitive pricing and flexible plans. It ultimately comes down to your budget and specific needs when choosing between the two.
Customer Support
When it comes to VPN services, customer support is an important factor to consider. In this section, we’ll take a look at the customer support options available for Surfshark vs ExpressVPN Face-Off.
Surfshark Support
Surfshark offers 24/7 customer support via live chat and email. They also have a searchable knowledge base with articles and tutorials on a variety of topics, including installation, troubleshooting, and billing.
One of the standout features of Surfshark’s customer support is their remote assistance service. If you’re having trouble with your VPN connection, you can allow a Surfshark customer support representative to access your device remotely and troubleshoot the issue for you. This can be a helpful option if you’re not tech-savvy or are experiencing a complex issue.
ExpressVPN Support
ExpressVPN also offers 24/7 customer support via live chat and email. They have a searchable knowledge base with articles and tutorials on a variety of topics, including installation, troubleshooting, and billing.
One of the unique features of ExpressVPN’s customer support is their “VPN troubleshooting” section. This section includes step-by-step guides for resolving common VPN issues, such as connection problems or slow speeds. They also have a “speed test” feature that allows you to test your internet speed and troubleshoot any issues that may be affecting your connection.
Overall, both Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer robust customer support options. If you’re looking for a VPN service with reliable customer support, either of these options should meet your needs.
User Experience
When it comes to choosing a VPN service, user experience plays a crucial role in determining which one to go for. In this section, we will take a look at the user experience of Surfshark vs ExpressVPN.
Surfshark User Experience
Surfshark offers a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. The main screen displays a list of available servers, and users can connect to any of them with just one click. The app also provides a quick connect feature that automatically connects users to the best available server. Surfshark’s app is available on various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux, making it easy for users to access the VPN on their preferred device.
One of the standout features of Surfshark is its ability to unblock geo-restricted content. The app has a built-in feature called “NoBorders mode,” which allows users to bypass internet censorship in countries like China, Iran, and Russia. This feature makes Surfshark an excellent choice for users looking to access content that is not available in their region.
ExpressVPN User Experience
ExpressVPN is known for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design. The app has a clean and modern look, making it easy for users to navigate and find what they need. ExpressVPN’s app is available on various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
One of the standout features of ExpressVPN is its speed. The app offers fast speeds, which makes it an excellent choice for users looking to stream content or download large files. ExpressVPN also offers a feature called “Split Tunneling,” which allows users to choose which apps use the VPN and which do not. This feature is useful for users who want to use the VPN for certain apps but not others.
Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN offer a user-friendly interface and are available on various platforms. Surfshark’s “NoBorders mode” makes it an excellent choice for users looking to access geo-restricted content, while ExpressVPN’s fast speeds and “Split Tunneling” feature make it a great choice for users looking to stream content or download large files.
Surfshark vs ExpressVPN Final Verdict
After comparing Surfshark and ExpressVPN, we have found that both VPNs offer excellent security, privacy, and streaming capabilities.
ExpressVPN is a more established VPN service that offers a wider range of servers and locations. It is also slightly faster than Surfshark, making it a better option for users who require high-speed connections. However, it is more expensive than Surfshark.
Surfshark, on the other hand, is a more affordable option that offers excellent value for money. It has a smaller network of servers but still provides fast and reliable connections. It also offers some unique features like split-tunneling and multi-hop connections that are not available on ExpressVPN.
Ultimately, the choice between Surfshark vs ExpressVPN will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you require a VPN with a larger network of servers and faster speeds, then [ExpressVPN] is the better option. However, if you are looking for an affordable VPN that still offers excellent security and privacy features, then [Surfshark_VPN] is the way to go.
Both VPNs offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try them out risk-free and decide which one is best for you.
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