Last updated: 13 Sept 2020 | Reading time: 5 minutes
The fight between the two VPNs is always interesting. Surfshark is a new VPN client which comes with quite a few tools. ExpressVPN, on the other hand, is an experienced VPN service. The blog post explores both and covers Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN (2020).
Table of contents
- Platforms
- Locations and servers
- Location test
- Speed test
- DNS leak test
- P2P test
- Other
- Which one should you choose?
- Pricing
- Summary
Platforms
Surfshark supports popular devices, while ExpressVPN can be installed on more than fifteen platforms, but due to the limit on devices, only five devices can connect to the VPN server simultaneously.
| Surfshark | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|
| Windows macOS Linux iOS Android Chrome (extension) Firefox (extension) FireTV, AppleTV, and other smart TVs Xbox Playstation | Windows macOS Linux iOS Android Chromebook Nook Kindle Fire Chrome (extension) Firefox (extension) FireTV, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV, and other smart TVs Xbox Playstation Nintendo Switch |
Other than above, both offer the router level VPN connection, while ExpressVPN also provides the manual setup for Roku and Nvidia Shield. Overall, Express VPN supports more platforms than Surfshark.
Winner: ExpressVPN | Score: Surfshark: 0 and ExpressVPN: 1
Locations and servers
Starting with Surfshark, the VPN comes with over 1700 servers in over 63 countries. The server list on their website shows all the nations, servers, and features. The fabulous thing is the VPN offers IPSec/IKEv2 and P2P optimised servers in all the supported countries. It provides the MultiHop feature, which connects to a different location first and then to the desired location, increasing privacy and security.
Meanwhile, ExpressVPN runs over 3000 servers in 160 locations (not cities) in 94 countries. The full list of the servers shows all the locations. Compared to Surfshark, this tool supports more servers, but many of the servers lack some of the features such as IPSec, IKEv2, P2P, and PPTP.
Winner: Surfshark | Score: Surfshark: 1 and ExpressVPN: 1
Related: ProtonVPN vs ExpressVPN – Honest Comparison (2020)
Location test
The first test in SxpressVPN vs. Surfshark is the location test. In this test, I checked to see if both public IP Address is different, and the tool What is My IP Address shows the location of the server. The primary is also a concern, but both use 256-bit encryption level, which is the highest a VPN can offer. Anyway, take a look at the results.
| Location | Surfshark | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, US | ✔ | ✔ |
| Frankfurt, Germany | ✔ | ✔ |
| Sydney, Australia | ✔ | ✔ |
| Switzerland | ✔ | ✔ |
The location test is the most basic, and even the free VPNs always pass.
Winner: Tie | Score: Surfshark: 2 and ExpressVPN: 2
Speed test
By connecting a server is the same city, I took the speed test after connecting my cell phone to the same Wi-fi connection. The tool used was the Speed Test. Compared to the actual download speed (left image), both compromised the speed a bit. Surfshark showed the positive results in terms of the download, while ExpressVPN was faster regarding the upload. Overall, the download speed is more important, but we will tie this round just to be fair.
Winner: Tie | Score: Surfshark: 3 and ExpressVPN: 3
DNS leak test
What is DNS leak? According to DNSLeakTest.com, while using a VPN, DNS leak shows if there is a leak in the traffic travelling from your computer to the VPN server. If a DNS leak happens, hackers and other sources can track your data.
While connecting to a server in Canada, Surfshark successfully passed the test, but ExpressVPN showed two servers with two different IP Addresses. Should you be concerned? I don’t believe so, because both servers were from ExpressVPN.
Winner: Tie | Score: Surfshark: 4 and ExpressVPN: 3
P2P test
P2P also called Peer-to-Peer, is the torrent protocol. Torrenting is one of the primary reasons people use a VPN. As we have already discussed that Surfshark VPN’s all servers support P2P and ExpressVPN offers many P2P optimised servers the test will check the speed and responsiveness. The results below are after downloading the same video at the same time.
| Video info | Surfshark | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 movie with 9/23 peers | Max speed: About 2400 kbps Downloaded: Yes | Max speed: 1800 kbps Downloaded: Yes |
| 2019 film with 24/52 peers | Max speed: About 2900 kbps Downloaded: Yes | Max speed: About 2600 kbps Downloaded: Yes |
The only issue while connecting to a P2P friendly server with ExpressVPN is that you need to filter in the app so that the app can only connect to the recommended server.
Winner: Surfshark | Score: Surfshark: 5 and ExpressVPN: 3
Related: 8 Best VPNs for Popcorn Time in 2020 – Free and Paid
Other
This round of Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN covers some other features which might make a difference.
| Surfshark | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|
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Winner: Surfshark | Score: Surfshark: 6 and ExpressVPN: 3
Which one should you choose?
Well, looking at the overall comparison, there is no doubt that you should try Surfshark. The service is cheaper 👇 on the 2-year plan, and it offers more features than ExpressVPN. Regarding the score, Surfshark leads by 2 points.
Final choice -> Surfshark VPN
Pricing
Overall, if you look at the pricing, Surfshark is cost-effective. The prices are as of April 19, 2020.
Summary
Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN covered the essential topics. I hope the information was helpful. Please share your views about both in the comments down below so we can talk more. You can also subscribe to the newsletter for future updates.