- ExpressVPN is back:
ready to tackle the best VPN scene
after last year's Kape Technologies debacle.
Today, I'm stoked to see that Surfshark
versus ExpressVPN confrontation unfold,
and you will be able to see what is the best VPN
in all possible scenarios.
(upbeat music)
I'm John and you are watching "VPNpro."
I'm glad to have you here guys,
especially the fans of the ExpressVPN.
I'm going to put even more info
about this provider on the table,
so make sure to subscribe to not skip anything.
And the focus of my first section
on this VPN comparison lies on security.
Encryption is the cornerstone of VPN security:
both Surfshark and ExpressVPN
employ the modern ChaCha20 algorithm
to encrypt user connections.
A mandatory kill switch
is also implemented on all platforms.
If you didn't know,
this feature serves to prevent data leaks
during network instability.
For citizens of restricted states,
let's not point fingers here,
obfuscated servers are a big deal
as they permit bypassing of governmental restrictions
and firewalls.
Surfshark's NoBorders mode and ExpressVPN's stealth servers
are equally capable of dealing with even China's firewall.
Both providers also have split tunneling,
or Bypasser, as Surfshark prefers to call it.
For you, it might not sound like a big deal
but I personally find split tunneling a crucial feature
since it allows to limit VPN's influence
only on specific apps that might need it.
And, of course, the biggest ExpressVPN security innovation
is RAM-only servers,
or TrustedServers, in this case.
These servers are incapable
of keeping user data long-term and a huge security asset,
which is why Surfshark has implemented it as well.
This is a solid foundation
but to truly be one of the top VPNs,
you need a good building on top.
Surfsharks building blocks are truly varied.
Perhaps my favorite is CleanWeb,
a star of every Surfshark review,
and a feature capable of cleaning up ads
and malicious links online.
On the other hand, GPS spoofing is quite cool, too.
It can trick various apps with fake geolocation data.
The only shame is that it's Android exclusive.
Coming back to security,
MultiHop is a relevant feature
that chains two VPN servers together,
effectively boosting security
and reducing speed as a demerit.
And, of course, Surfshark One:
a dedicated suite of cyber security apps,
including private search engine,
data breach monitor,
and even an antivirus.
Doing an ExpressVPN review,
I'm always sad to discuss its features.
The only additional feature it has to its name
are Zero-knowledge DNS and Threat Manager
that blocks ads and trackers,
which is just not enough.
Honestly, special features aside,
choosing between Express versus Surfshark VPN is hard.
Both are extremely secure VPN services,
but I can't disregard the extra degree of protection
and quality of life Surfshark's features bring to the table.
So, in this category, Surfshark wins.
It won't be such a clear cut
where we are going next, though.
Privacy is a sensitive matter
and looking at Surfshark versus ExpressVPN 2022,
a lot has affected their privacy measures recently.
Last year, ExpressVPN was purchased
by Kape Technologies,
a company with a shady past,
which practically jeopardized all the trust
and reputation ExpressVPN earned so far.
Similarly, Surfshark merged with NordVPN
a couple of months ago,
while also opening a new company within the jurisdiction
of the Fourteen Eyes country: the Netherlands.
While this change hurts Surfshark's credibility much less,
I've seen new surfs concerned with those changes as well.
Since it's been more than half a year
since the ExpressVPN-Kape deal,
I think it's about time to let it go a little.
Nothing shady happened too far,
and ExpressVPN even started a new bug bounty
with a sizeable cash price.
I'm honestly excited to welcome ExpressVPN back,
even though some concerns still remains.
However, if we look a bit into the past,
I can tell you that they take their privacy seriously.
Any Express versus Surfshark review will tell you
that their no logs have been audited multiple times
by reputable institutes.
ExpressVPN even proved their policies on trial once.
(upbeat music)
But, I won't make any strong statements here.
I think it's fair to say
that since some concerns still remains on both sides,
it's a draw between Surfshark versus ExpressVPN
as far as privacy goes.
What I can say for sure is that Surfshark
and ExpressVPN are some of the best VPN options for security
with only minor privacy setbacks.
If that's what you are looking for,
I will leave discount links in the description.
So give 'em a try.
Security is not the only upside to look out for, though:
speed and performance are just as necessary.
Surfshark's speed test is bound to be good
through the use of modern WireGuard protocol
and a server fleet of over 3,200 servers in 65 countries.
When running the ExpressVPN speed test,
I would rely on good results
thanks to the Lightway protocol
and a good number of servers
with considerably more locations to choose from.
But the best comparison you can get
is the one you can see.
Eyes on the screen guys:
time to see the Surfshark versus ExpressVPN speed test
and confirm which provider gets better speeds.
My baseline is about 420 Mbps this time,
but when I connected to the UK server with Surfshark,
I ended up losing about 15% of my speed on average,
which is actually a great result.
The upload speed is quite a bit lower
but still within safe margins.
ExpressVPN speed test starts off a bit slower
right off the bat
despite holding the same UK server as Surfshark.
You can see that there's about 17 to 18% speed drop.
Strictly speaking, Surfshark is a faster service overall.
Conclusion?
Well, that's obvious,
Surfshark is one of the best VPN 2022 in terms of speed
and even ExpressVPN's location difference
won't make up for it.
Let's not forget these speed results though.
I'm going to talk about streaming now
and speeds play a huge role here.
Talking about either Surfshark or ExpressVPN,
both have more than enough speed for streaming,
and they can also bypass geo-blocks.
I've tested multiple streaming platforms,
including various Netflix libraries,
and there's not much of a difference here.
Surfshark and ExpressVPN are equally good
at accessing streaming content.
It majorly helps, in my opinion,
that Surfshark has SmartDNS,
and ExpressVPN offers MediaStreamer.
These features are extending VPN's reach on devices
that usually won't be able to use it,
like certain smart TVs and consoles.
If you haven't got onto it already,
I'm giving a draw in this section.
Both providers are just equally reliable
at providing the best streaming experience there is.
Wish I could say the same about P2P.
On the surface, both providers have similar P2P support:
no server limitations,
split tunneling.
But in fact, there are downsides.
On one hand, the lack of SOCKS5 proxy limits
the maximum speed you could possibly get from torrenting.
On the other hand,
port forwarding can boost ExpressVPN internet speeds
during torrenting,
even if it's only available on the router app.
I guess what I'm saying is ExpressVPN
is slightly better in that regard.
So it gets a win for P2P.
Next, I want to cover apps and device limits.
Comparing Surfshark versus ExpressVPN,
they both have apps for all major platforms
and some of the more French ones.
They also have browser extensions
for those who might need them,
and they also support manual router configuration
with OpenVPN protocol.
In a fit of unexplainable zeal,
ExpressVPN also made it possible
to install this VPN on BlackBerrys,
network-attached storages and even some e-books.
There are even neat ExpressVPN tutorial articles
on their website for every device type.
Unfortunately, all that device support doesn't work well
with the fact ExpressVPN has
a harsh five device per account limit.
A different example and quite rare for a VPN,
Surfshark imposes no limit whatsoever,
and to be completely honest,
I think it's good enough reason to give it a win here.
Yes, the ability to use any number of device
is worth more than a French chance
of needing a VPN on your e-book,
believe me or not.
And since we've started on worth,
let's see how Surfshark versus ExpressVPN
compare on pricing.
To be frank, ExpressVPN's price to value ratio
has always been bad.
It's more expensive compared
to most VPN providers out there,
and the amount of features it provides pales
in comparison to Surfshark
and not only it.
Compare for yourself,
Surfshark's longest deal is at least twice as cheap
as ExpressVPN,
and it's also available for a longer period.
Taking into consideration
that ExpressVPN doesn't even offer a free trial
contrary to Surfshark's seven day trial
on iOS, Android, and Mac.
You should see the gravity of the situation:
not even the 30 day money back guarantee
can now save ExpressVPN,
not after you realize Surfshark offers it as well.
I don't think a lengthy conclusion is even needed here.
Surfshark offers better value for the price and that's it.
The total conclusion
for this Surfshark versus ExpressVPN 2022 comparison
is absolutely required, though.
The main point to take away
is that both providers are strong
at protecting you and your data
despite having minor privacy mishaps left;
they're also equally good for streaming.
However, if you are looking for a value train
with many useful features for an affordable price,
Surfshark is a much better choice.
ExpressVPN, on the other hand, is pricier
but can be a great security solution
if you mostly consider a VPN
for streaming and torrenting.
Whichever one you choose,
I've added the best deals I could find
in the descriptions below.
No need to be humbled.
Get the advantage you need and save some cash.
As for me, I'm gonna stay here
and prepare more videos for you to watch.
Make sure to leave a comment
if you have any questions
about the ExpressVPN and Surfshark VPN review
or suggestions.
I'll see you again soon enough.
(upbeat music)