Surfshark suits households and small teams with lots of devices, because it covers unlimited devices on one account and bundles ad blocking, antivirus and breach alerts. ExpressVPN suits people who want a long list of server countries, its own Lightway protocol and apps for almost everything, including routers. Lots of gadgets? Surfshark. Lots of travel? Look closely at ExpressVPN.
VPN pages are full of bold claims, so I stuck to what each company says about itself and left the marketing superlatives out. I read Surfshark's VPN and home pages and ExpressVPN's home and what-is-a-VPN pages.
Surfshark and ExpressVPN at a glance
| Surfshark | ExpressVPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Devices per account | Unlimited | Up to 14 |
| Logs | No-logs, RAM-only servers | No activity logs, TrustedServer technology |
| Server countries | Not stated on the pages I read | 113 countries |
| Ad blocking | Clean Web blocks ads and pop-ups | Ad blocker and Threat Manager |
| Extras | Alternative ID, Antivirus, Alert, private Search | Kill switch, split tunnelling, dedicated IP, parental controls |
| Free plan | Not named; it compares itself with free VPNs | Not named on the pages I read |
What Surfshark offers
Surfshark's VPN page says it offers transparent no-logs protection, RAM-only servers, and tools that block ads, trackers and malicious sites. Its standout line is unlimited devices under one account, with regular app updates and support around the clock.
Surfshark has also grown into a bundle. Its home page lists Alternative ID for protecting your identity online, Clean Web for blocking ads and pop-ups, Antivirus, Alert for data breach monitoring and a private Search, and says it works on smart TVs, consoles and routers.
What ExpressVPN offers
ExpressVPN's home page lists TrustedServer technology, no activity logs, round-the-clock live chat and use on up to 14 devices, with servers across 113 countries. Its Lightway protocol, Internet Kill Switch, split tunnelling and private encrypted DNS sit at the core of the app.
It's the wider app list I'd point out. ExpressVPN covers Windows, macOS, Linux, iPhone and iPad, Android, Apple TV, Fire Stick and Android TV, plus its own Aircove routers and browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox and Edge. There's also an ExpressVPN for Teams option, and its what-is-a-VPN page describes its infrastructure as independently audited, which is a claim worth looking for on any VPN you consider.
ExpressVPN also explains why people use a VPN in the first place: strong encryption on public Wi-Fi, keeping your IP address private when file-sharing, and protection from attacks while gaming. It's a useful page to read if you're new to VPNs and want the basics in plain terms before choosing.
The device count that changes the maths
This is the clearest difference between the two pages. Surfshark covers unlimited devices on one account; ExpressVPN says up to 14. For a single person, 14 is plenty. For a family with phones, tablets, laptops, a TV and a games console, or a small team sharing one account, Surfshark's unlimited cover removes the counting altogether.
Surfshark's page also makes an interesting point about free VPNs: it says they might be useful for one-off, short-term needs on a single device. That's a fair way to think about it. If you need a VPN every day, use a provider whose whole business is privacy, and check its no-logs claims for yourself on its own pages.
Who each VPN suits
Surfshark suits families, freelancers with lots of gadgets and small teams who'd like ad blocking, antivirus and breach alerts in one place. ExpressVPN suits travellers, remote workers who connect from many countries and people who want a VPN on their router. Before you choose, read my take on whether Surfshark is safe and whether ExpressVPN is safe.
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My advice on Surfshark or ExpressVPN
Count your devices first. If the number is more than a handful, or it changes every time the kids get a new gadget, Surfshark's unlimited cover is the simplest answer. If you travel and need servers in specific countries, or you want the whole home protected at the router, ExpressVPN's spread of apps and locations is the stronger fit. Whichever you choose, switch on the kill switch so nothing leaks if the connection drops, and install the app on every device you use on public Wi-Fi, not just your laptop.
Do you make VPNs or privacy tools? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place in comparisons like this one.
Frequently asked questions
How many devices can I use with Surfshark?
Surfshark says it protects unlimited devices under one account.
How many devices does ExpressVPN cover?
ExpressVPN's home page says you can use it on up to 14 devices.
Does Surfshark keep logs?
Surfshark says it offers transparent no-logs protection and RAM-only servers.
How many countries does ExpressVPN have servers in?
ExpressVPN's home page lists servers in 113 countries.
Can I put ExpressVPN on a router?
Yes. ExpressVPN lists VPN for routers, including its own Aircove routers.
