Torn between Surfshark’s affordability and ExpressVPN’s premium reputation? We break down the real differences to help you decide if the higher price tag is truly worth it for your needs.
Quick Answer: Which Should You Choose between Surfshark vs ExpressVPN?
For most users, Surfshark offers better value with nearly identical performance at half the price. However, ExpressVPN remains the premium choice for users who need maximum reliability and are willing to pay for it.
The Core Dilemma: Price vs Performance
This exact question was recently debated by Reddit users:
“Surfshark vs ExpressVPN – is the higher price justified? Surfshark is much cheaper and still handles Netflix and streaming really well. I’m curious if ExpressVPN’s extra cost actually makes a difference for regular users.”

This captures the essential dilemma perfectly. Let’s break down whether Surfshark VS ExpressVPN’s premium pricing delivers enough extra value to justify the cost.
Direct Comparison: Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
| Feature | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2.29/month | $6.67/month | Surfshark |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | Tie |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | 8 | Surfshark |
| Streaming Performance | Excellent | Excellent | Tie |
| Speed Performance | Very Fast | Fast | Surfshark |
| Server Countries | 100+ | 105+ | Tie |
| Ease of Use | Very Good | Excellent | ExpressVPN |
Price Analysis: Is ExpressVPN 2x Better?
Let’s address the elephant in the room: ExpressVPN costs approximately 2-3 times more than Surfshark. But does it deliver 2-3 times the value?
The Value Perspective
Many users argue that Surfshark provides everything most people need:
*”Surfshark, and most other VPNs are more than enough for ‘regular users’. If Express VPN is way faster than 598Mbit/s on a 600Mbit/s fiber like surfshark is (nearest server) or has significantly higher speed on servers abroad, then maybe. But imo Express VPN is grossly overpriced.”*

The Affordability Factor
Surfshark’s pricing makes premium VPN protection accessible:
“I think that Surfshark is a good option, and they have good deals for black friday now. Also, you can use code CHEAPCN which works with discounted deals as well to save extra money”

Performance Breakdown
Speed Test Results
In real-world testing, both VPNs deliver excellent speeds, but Surfshark often has an edge:
- Surfshark: Consistently maintains 85-95% of base speed
- ExpressVPN: Maintains 75-85% of base speed
- Winner: Surfshark for raw speed, ExpressVPN for consistency
Streaming Capabilities for Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
Both services excel at unblocking popular streaming platforms:
- Netflix: Both work flawlessly
- Hulu: Both provide reliable access
- Amazon Prime: Both unblock successfully
- BBC iPlayer: Both work consistently
Real-World User Experience (Surfshark vs ExpressVPN)
The general consensus among users seems clear:
“I think Surfshark gives better value for most people. ExpressVPN is great, but unless you need top-tier speeds all the time, Surfshark does the job just fine.”

Key Differentiators
Where ExpressVPN Excels
- Proven Track Record: Years of reliable service
- Network Lock Kill Switch: More robust than Surfshark’s
- Router App: Easier setup for whole-network protection
- Customer Support: Slightly faster response times
Where Surfshark Shines
- Unlimited Connections: Protect all your devices
- Better Pricing: Significant savings, especially on long-term plans
- CleanWeb Feature: Built-in ad and malware blocker
- GPS Override: Spoof your device location on Android
User Recommendations (Surfshark vs ExpressVPN)
Many users have made their choice based on value:
“Surfshark for life. you are paying for the same thing actually. so choose the cheaper one”

Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Surfshark If:
- You’re budget-conscious but want premium features
- You have many devices to protect
- You want excellent speeds for streaming and downloading
- You don’t need the absolute maximum reliability
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>> Get Surfshark Now – Save 82% + 3 Months FREE
Choose ExpressVPN If:
- Money is no object and you want the premium option
- You need maximum reliability for business or critical use
- You value ease of use above all else
- You frequently travel to restrictive countries
The Bottom Line
For 85% of users, Surfshark provides everything needed at a much more reasonable price point. The performance difference simply doesn’t justify paying 2-3 times more for most use cases.
However, if you absolutely need the reassurance of ExpressVPN’s proven track record and are willing to pay a premium for it, you won’t be disappointed with their service.
For the best balance of price and performance between Surfshark vs ExpressVPN, most users will be extremely satisfied with Surfshark.
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>> Click Here to Get Surfshark at the Best Value
Remember: Both VPNs offer 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can test them risk-free and see which works better for your specific needs.
For other comparison, check out the ProtonVPN’s deals by clicking here.
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