ExpressVPN vs Surfshark: Which Security & VPN Tool Is Better in 2026?
ExpressVPN
From $6.67Surfshark
From $2.19Quick verdict
Overall pick: Surfshark
Surfshark is the stronger overall pick for most buyers because it costs less per month ($2.19 vs $6.67 flat) and includes multi-hop routing, dark web monitoring, biometric 2FA, and a team admin console—features ExpressVPN lacks. ExpressVPN remains a reasonable choice if you specifically need its included password vault and are willing to pay more for a narrower feature set. Neither offers a free plan, so the decision hinges on whether you prioritize budget and breadth (Surfshark) or the password vault (ExpressVPN).
- Surfshark's entry plan ($2.19) is 67% cheaper than ExpressVPN's ($6.67).
- Only ExpressVPN offers: zero-knowledge encrypted password vault.
- Only Surfshark offers: multi-hop double encryption routing, biometric / hardware security key 2fa, dark web breach monitoring & alerts, centralized team admin console.
Cost calculator
| Tool | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN · flat | $6.67 | $80 |
| Surfshark · flat | $2.19 | $26 |
Based on entry-level paid plans. Prices change, so check the vendor before you buy.
Which one should you choose?
| If you need… | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget-conscious individual or household | Surfshark | Surfshark starts at $2.19 flat versus ExpressVPN at $6.67 flat, and Surfshark is positioned for households and unlimited devices on a budget. |
| User needing multi-hop double encryption | Surfshark | Surfshark supports multi-hop double encryption routing; ExpressVPN does not. |
| User wanting dark web breach monitoring | Surfshark | Surfshark includes dark web breach monitoring and alerts; ExpressVPN does not. |
| Team or small business needing centralized admin | Surfshark | Surfshark offers a centralized team admin console; ExpressVPN does not. |
| User who wants an included password vault | ExpressVPN | ExpressVPN includes a zero-knowledge encrypted password vault; Surfshark does not. |
Feature comparison: ExpressVPN vs Surfshark
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | ❌ | ❌ |
| Starting price | $6.67 /mo | $2.19 /mo |
| Independent no-logs security audit | ✅ | ✅ |
| Automatic kill switch & DNS leak shield | ✅ | ✅ |
| Multi-hop double encryption routing | — | ✅ |
| Zero-knowledge encrypted password vault | ✅ | — |
| Biometric / hardware security key 2FA | — | ✅ |
| Dark web breach monitoring & alerts | — | ✅ |
| Centralized team admin console | — | ✅ |
| Developer CLI & API access | ✅ | ✅ |
Highlighted rows are where the tools differ.
Pros and cons
ExpressVPN
- Includes a zero-knowledge encrypted password vault
- Has an independent no-logs security audit
- Provides automatic kill switch and DNS leak shield
- Offers developer CLI and API access
- Higher starting price at $6.67 flat versus Surfshark's $2.19
- No multi-hop double encryption routing
- Lacks dark web monitoring, biometric 2FA, and team management
Surfshark
- Lower starting price at $2.19 flat
- Supports multi-hop double encryption routing
- Includes dark web breach monitoring and alerts
- Offers biometric/hardware key 2FA and a centralized team admin console
- Does not include a zero-knowledge encrypted password vault
- No free plan available
Which tool would you pick for your stack?
Cast your vote to see real-time peer recommendations from other software buyers.
At a glance
High-speed encrypted VPN with proprietary Lightway protocol and TrustedServer RAM technology.
Founded 2009 · From $6.67 · 4/8 tracked features
Best for: high-speed browsing, cross-platform device support
See ExpressVPN alternatives →Feature-packed budget VPN with unlimited simultaneous device connections and CleanWeb.
Founded 2018 · From $2.19 · 7/8 tracked features
Best for: households, unlimited devices on a budget
See Surfshark alternatives →FAQ
Is ExpressVPN cheaper than Surfshark?
No. ExpressVPN starts at $6.67 flat, while Surfshark starts at $2.19 flat.
Does ExpressVPN offer multi-hop double encryption?
No. ExpressVPN does not list multi-hop double encryption routing, while Surfshark does.
Which tool includes a password vault?
ExpressVPN includes a zero-knowledge encrypted password vault; Surfshark does not.
Does Surfshark have dark web monitoring?
Yes. Surfshark includes dark web breach monitoring and alerts, while ExpressVPN does not.
Do either of these VPNs have a free plan?
No. Both ExpressVPN and Surfshark list no free plan.
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Data last reviewed: pending verification. All Security & VPN tools →