How do VPNs work?

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a technology used to enhance online privacy, security, and anonymity. VPNs can also be used to bypass geo-restrictions and access censored content. It does this by setting up a secure connection between your device and the internet, allowing for secure data transfer.

In this article, we will be exploring Surfshark vs ExpressVPN. But, first, we’ll compare the two VPNs and explain how they work.

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a secure, encrypted connection that allows you to access the internet anonymously, hiding your real location and concealing your web activity from prying eyes. When you use a VPN, all your data traffic is routed through an intermediary server that masks your IP address, ensuring privacy and anonymity while surfing.

When choosing a VPN, it’s important to consider security protocols, encryption standards, speed and performance, number of simultaneous connections available and customer service. In addition, an important factor to consider is which side would have an advantage regarding privacy protection. As two of the leading providers in the market today, Surfshark and ExpressVPN represent excellent options for users looking for reliable protection.

SurfShark offers 256-bit AES encryption on all servers and access to over 1700 servers across 90 countries worldwide. Additional security levels are provided through Lightway protocol, which allows users additional speed when connecting with their devices and a no-logging policy that focuses on protecting user data even further than industry standards ensure. Alongside this great service they offer 24/7 customer support through their website or email and provide a 30 day money back guarantee should customers not be satisfied with the service they are provided with.

ExpressVPN provides 256-bit AES encryption which similarly to Surfshark allows strong protection across every compatible device with OpenVPN protocol used as default set up and provides fast speeds throughout each connection. Private DNS on all locations ensures complete privacy when browsing online or leaving data on public networks such as coffee shops or airports. At the same time, it also includes support for kill switches when disconnecting from the network occurs, protecting any traffic from being revealed during this process. Alongside this its server network spans 94 countries globally but doesn’t include some key locations such as Russia or China ensuring secure internet continuity throughout each stay if traveling outside USA jurisdiction additionally ExpressVPN has strong customer response time along 24/7 support allowing additional access if needed outside these hours.

How do VPNs work?

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are an online management system that allows users to connect to the internet anonymously and privately. The technology works by routing your internet traffic through a dedicated server, concealing your IP address, location, and other potentially traceable information.

When you connect to a virtual private network, the VPN assigns you a new IP address from its server. Any sites or services you visit will see only the VPN’s IP address rather than your own – meaning your identity and location remain hidden. The use of encryption further adds protection and prevents third-parties from intercepting or accessing any data exchanged between your device and the VPN server.

The most beneficial feature of using a VPN is bypassing geographical restrictions on content and accessing websites in different countries as if you were local to them. Most also offer features such as blocking ads, malware, trackers or malicious websites while allowing access only to approved locations and servers.

When selecting a VPN service provider it’s important to understand what type of services they offer in terms of speed, stability, compatibility across different devices, etc., to achieve the best user experience. Popular services such as Surfshark vs ExpressVPN have unique features that can help users make informed decisions about which one better suits their needs for their particular set up – including extensive support for advanced protocols such as IKEv2 & OpenVPN combined with military grade encryption levels; advanced security features like double encryption; multiple simultaneous connections; split tunneling capabilities; wide range of supported devices; bandwidth caps; solid customer support; free trial periods & money back guarantees; ease of access/ setup time among many other factors.

Benefits of using a VPN

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) offer many benefits, such as improved security and privacy, unrestricted access to content and secure connectivity. Using a VPN can help keep your data safe while you explore the Internet, whether you are browsing from a home or work computer or using public Wi-Fi.

Using a VPN helps protect your online personal information from hackers who may want to steal valuable private information such as passwords, bank account information and other sensitive details. A VPN will also make it easier to bypass censorship controls in some countries by allowing users to switch their online identity and access sites without worrying about being blocked. Additionally, VPNs offer access to global networks through servers in many countries worldwide, so customers can bypass geographical restrictions when streaming content from overseas providers. Customers no longer worry about missing out on exclusive shows or movies because they’re not in the right country for content distribution.

By connecting through a trusted VPN service like Surfshark or ExpressVPN, you’ll have an extra layer of trust added to your connection that encrypts all of your data before sending it through the open Internet – this ensures that even if someone were to get hold of your data they would be unable decipher it due to its encryption. Furthermore, simply connecting via these top-notch services will automatically hide your IP address making it impossible for anyone else on the web knowing where you’re located geographically or tracking anything that you do online. This bonus makes these reliable services very effective and popular amongst web surfers today.

When choosing between two well known services like Surfshark and ExpressVPN one must take into consideration which company offers better pricing options along with better performance capabilities tailored towards ones own specific needs – this way customers can easily compare each plan side-by-side ensuring they get maximum value out of whichever plan chosen in the end. So be sure to read up on what features they each offer before deciding which one is best for you!

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN: Side-by-side comparison

Picking the right VPN is a tricky task. To simplify the process, let’s compare two popular VPNs: Surfshark and ExpressVPN. Then, we’ll examine each VPN in detail, examining common features such as security protocols, server locations, and performance.

Ultimately, we will also discuss the winner of the Surfshark vs ExpressVPN comparison.

Surfshark and ExpressVPN are two well-known Virtual Private Networks (VPN) providers that allow users to securely access web content, stream media, and protect their browsing activity from third parties. Both offer great value for money, a range of global secure servers, and a wide range of features that can enhance your online security.

Surfshark is known for its fast speeds, extra security measures such as ad blocking and malware protection, access to many restricted websites and services around the world, generous device allowance (unlimited in fact), Android auto-connect feature for easy setup, the ability to connect up to three devices at once with one subscription plan and an affordable price – $2.49 per month with a 2-year plan.

ExpressVPN has established itself as an industry leader by providing rock-solid encryption on all traffic across its network of secure servers in 94 countries worldwide. Boasting lightning fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth coupled with a 30-day money back guarantee, ExpressVPN also offers strong additional features such as network lock (kill switch) which automatically shuts down your connection to protect your sensitive data should there be any sudden changes in your connection. They also have an extended 45 day money back refund policy if you’re unsatisfied with their services. An annual plan will cost you $6.67 per month but customers can save upto 49% when signing up for two years at $8.32 per month or even more if you subscribe for three years at $2.75 per month.

Security and Privacy Features

Choosing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be overwhelming, as many options are available in the market. When comparing services, most users consider two main aspects which are security and privacy. Surfshark and ExpressVPN are popular VPNs offering top-of-the-line security and privacy features. Below is a side-by-side comparison of some of their key security and privacy features to help you decide which service is right.

Surfshark

Surfshark offers military-grade AES 256 bit encryption on the Open VPN protocol by default, SHA384 authentication algorithms, access to servers in 63 countries, DNS leak protection and a kill switch included with all subscriptions. All of these features combined ensure user data remains secure at all times. Additionally, Surfshark does not keep logs of user activity or usage data as part of their “No Logs Policy ” which helps maintain complete anonymity for users.

ExpressVPN also implements AES 256 bit encryption with the L2TP/IPSec protocol instead of Openvpn like Surfshark. This service provides 140 server locations worldwide along with a network kill switch feature that allows users to instantly disconnect if they detect an intrusion or suspicious activity on their connected device. In addition, ExpressVPN implements split tunneling technology to ensure sensitive data is routed through the encrypted tunnel. Still, non-sensitive data bypasses it entirely for increased speeds and improved bandwidth allocation between those two data types. Furthermore, ExpressVPN follows a strict “No Logs Policy” which ensures their customers’ data is never stored or shared under any circumstances..

Speed and Performance

Understanding the differences between Surfshark and ExpressVPN can be crucial when choosing the right virtual private network (VPN). Both VPNs offer reliable connections, but some features prioritize different aspects. This article will compare two of the most popular VPN services: Surfshark and ExpressVPN.

To find the best performance for a VPN, one of the major considerations is speed. Speed plays a large factor in the overall performance of a VPN and its ability to fully encrypt user data over an encrypted connection. Other factors that affect bandwidth include latency, throughput, protocol and server availability. Surfshark offers unlimited bandwidth alongside many protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec and WireGuard for secure encryption. With ExpressVPN, you will get military-grade 256-bit AES encryption with five simultaneous connections.

An important factor that influences speed is latency. Latency measures how quickly your data is sent from your device to a destination online. Lower latency times are preferred for faster speeds and better protection while surfing online or streaming content. For example, Surfshark offers fast download times with little to no latency on their servers in more than 64 countries across 6 continents;. In addition, ExpressVPN can provide even faster speeds with their servers in more than 94 countries globally.

Regarding server availability, both services offer thousands of servers across multiple locations worldwide to provide faster speeds when streaming or downloading content online securely—Surfshark has up to 3200+ servers. At the same time, ExpressVPN offers 3000+ servers in 160 locations all over the world..

Additionally, both services employ top-notch security protocols such as OpenV2/IPsec with AES 256-bit encryption which helps protect users from cyber threats like hacking attempts and malicious network traffic by keeping data safe from cyber crooks’ prying eyes by encrypting all incoming traffic using a secure “tunnel” that prevents unauthorized accesses or communication attempts outbound from snoopers looking to intercept sensitive information sent within network transmissions which are often far more challenging for standard powers alone such as firewalls or antivirus programs rather specialized solutions such as secure virtual networks (VPNs).

Pricing and Plans

When it comes to pricing and plans, Surfshark and Express VPN offer a variety of options for their users. Both services offer monthly, annual, and bi-annual plans applicable on a single device, which are more expensive than multi-device plans that allow the use of up to five simultaneous connections.

Surfshark offers its customers one month, 12 months (1 year) and 24 months (2 year) subscription plans at $11.95/month, $5.99/month & $1.99/month respectively and extending a 20% discount on two-year subscriptions. Likewise, ExpressVPN’s one month plan costs $12.95/month, 12 months plan with 35% savings is priced at $6.67/month & 15 months subscription with 49% saving costs $3.65/month respectively. In addition, the 15 months subscription package from ExpressVPN includes 3 additional free months of secure browsing experience making it the most attractive option out of all these packages if you’re looking for long-term VPN use in terms of cost saving strategies.

Both providers offer excellent refund policies that you can take advantage of if you don’t end up liking their services after trying them out for the first time – “30 days risk free” in case of Surfshark & “30 days money back guarantee” with ExpressVPN package enables buyers enough testing window while protecting your pocket against unpleasant surprises as well as unfair service charges – both companies are passionate about providing seamless customer experiences, making sure that customers are always happy!

Customer Support

When it comes to customer support, Surfshark and ExpressVPN have both made admirable investments. Both providers have highly skilled teams that can answer any question regarding their service. They also feature multiple ways to contact them, including live chat and email.

Surfshark provides 24/7 live chat through their website, and they also are available on several social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit for quick assistance with any inquiries. Additionally, their FAQ page is thoughtfully designed with a lot of helpful information if you need assistance troubleshooting your account or service connection issues.

ExpressVPN offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and a comprehensive help center with useful how-to guides and tutorials. They are also available on popular social media networks like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube for queries about their services or general questions about VPNs and online security. They also run an active blog providing VPN information and insights into the latest privacy trends.

Conclusion

After considering both Surfshark and ExpressVPN, it is clear that both of these providers offer excellent protection and privacy with their services. However, the best VPN for users depends on their needs and preferences. Both Surfshark and ExpressVPN feature strong encryption protocols to keep your data secure and modern features like kill switches, split tunneling, and access to servers in over 100 countries.

Surfshark stands out from ExpressVPN regarding affordability: it offers a more cost-effective solution for customers who don’t want to break the bank. Additionally, its wide range of platforms ensures that almost everyone should be able to get set up with ease.

On the other hand, ExpressVPN has the edge regarding speed tests: clients can expect reliable connections across a range of global servers. This makes it easier for customers who prioritize performance above anything else. It also has its range of apps for various devices and platforms for easy setup.

In summary, either provider can provide users excellent protection during online activity. Still, customers must consider their specific needs before settling on a particular provider like SurfShark or ExpressVPN!