NordVPN and Surfshark are two of the most popular, high-quality VPNs in 2026, offering similar performance and a wide range of features. They even share the same parent company, making these VPNs’ rivalry all the more interesting. So, what sets them apart? And which one actually delivers better value?
I made NordVPN and Surfshark go head-to-head in various tests to see which VPN comes out on top. Below, you’ll see how NordVPN and Surfshark stack up across speed, security, features, and pricing, so you can find the best one for your needs.
Is NordVPN Better than Surfshark: Our Verdict
After testing both services, I found that NordVPN is better than Surfshark.Thanks to NordVPN’s stronger infrastructure, broader server coverage, and robust privacy tools like Threat Protection Pro and Onion Over VPN, it outperforms Surfshark overall. While Surfshark is still a strong contender, especially for multi-device users, NordVPN delivers a more complete VPN experience.
If you want to know more about each individual provider, you can read our NordVPN review and Surfshark review to get all the details.
What are the Main Differences Between NordVPN and Surfshark
NordVPN and Surfshark are both reliable VPNs with excellent reputations. However, their strengths lie in slightly different areas. To see which VPN fits your needs best, I’ve compared them side by side – here’s how they stack up:
Surfshark is cheaper than NordVPN. Surfshark prices start at just $ 1.99/month compared to NordVPN’s $ 3.09/month. So if you’re on a budget or want protection on unlimited devices, Surfshark is the better choice.
NordVPN has a broader server network than Surfshark. With 9300 servers in 137+ countries, NordVPN outperforms Surfshark’s 4500 servers across 100+ locations.
Surfshark slightly outperforms NordVPN in speed. During tests, Surfshark delivered average download speeds of 185Mbps, while NordVPN reached 184Mbps. It’s a minuscule difference, but numbers-wise, Surfshark has the slight edge.
NordVPN is better for unblocking streaming services. NordVPN bypassed geo-restrictions on every major platform with ease, including Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Surfshark also demonstrated impressive performance, however, NordVPN is more consistent across regions.
Both NordVPN and Surfshark are excellent for torrenting. Both VPNs support P2P traffic, offer good speeds, and keep you protected. However, while Surfshark offers P2P support on all of its servers, NordVPN has a Specialty Servers category specifically for P2P activities.
NordVPN is more advanced than Surfshark when it comes to privacy features. NordVPN offers additional tools like NordLynx, Threat Protection pro, and also bundled services like NordLocker and NordPass. Surfshark comes with solid features too, like CleanWeb and IP Rotator, but NordVPN is more robust overall.
Surfshark supports more devices than NordVPN. With unlimited simultaneous device connections, Surfshark is ideal for families and users with multiple devices. NordVPN only lets you use it on up to 10 devices at once.
In the end, NordVPN is a better VPN compared to Surfshark thanks to stronger infrastructure, larger server network, and more advanced privacy tools. However, if you’re after a secure and more affordable VPN for families, Surfshark is a great alternative.
A reliable VPN should offer strong encryption, wide server coverage, and robust security features. That’s why I trust NordVPN. With an audited no-logs policy and tools like Threat Protection Pro and NordWhisper, I know that my data is safe from third parties. NordVPN is also based in a privacy-friendly country, which gives me peace of mind whenever I go online.
Erica Greenwood
VPN Expert
Surfshark vs NordVPN Price
Surfshark is more affordable than NordVPN. If you wish to pay month-to-month, NordVPN’s subscription is a bit cheaper at $12.99/month, compared to Surfshark’s $15.45/month. However, Surfshark offers a better deal on longer plans, starting at just $ 1.99/month, while NordVPN’s long-term pricing starts at $ 3.09/month.
In comparison to other top providers, NordVPN and Surfshark are both mid-range VPNs. Their plans are not as expensive as ExpressVPN’s $ 2.79/month, but not as cheap as TotalVPN’s $ 1.59/month either.
The monthly costs for each VPN are provided in the table below.
With both VPNs, you get excellent value-for-money, especially on the two-year plans. However, there are a few factors that make Surfshark the most cost-effective VPN: you can use Surfshark on unlimited devices and get a 7-day free trial on iOS and Android.
By comparison, NordVPN only covers 10 devices and doesn’t offer a free trial for iPhone or iPad, only Android. Surfshark also tends to have the best sales throughout the year, with discounts occasionally going up to 87%!
Where both VPNs excel is payment options: NordVPN and Surfshark both accept credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, and various cryptocurrencies. NordVPN does let you pay with cash or gift cards through retail stores like Walmart and Best Buy.
Both VPNs have a 30-day money-back guarantee that ensures a quick refund if you’re not satisfied with your purchase.
Optional services
Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer other cybersecurity services that you can choose as add-ons to your VPN subscription. I’ve listed the bundles and what optional services they include:
Surfshark One/Surfshark One+: Surfshark offers an antivirus + VPN bundle known as Surfshark One. This includes the VPN, antivirus, a data breach scanner, and a search engine. With One+, you also get access to Incogni, a data removal tool.
Nord Security Basic/Plus/Complete/Prime: NordVPN is part of the larger cybersecurity ecosystem of Nord Security. The Basic bundle includes the VPN and Threat Protection. The Plus plan includes NordVPN, NordPass (password manager), Threat Protection Pro, and a data breach scanner. The Complete plan adds NordLocker (cloud storage). Lastly, the Prime plan adds NordProtect (protection against identity theft) to the bundle.
🏆Price winner: Surfshark
Which VPN is more affordable: NordVPN or Surfshark?
Overall, Surfshark is the more affordable option, especially for long-term use. While NordVPN’s monthly plan is cheaper at $12.99/month when compared to Surfshark’s $15.45/month, Surfshark delivers better value on extended plans, starting as low as $ 1.99/month, whereas NordVPN starts at $ 3.09/month.
NordVPN vs. Surfshark: Which Provider is More Secure?
A VPN’s main purpose is to keep you safe online. And while both Surfshark and NordVPN offer strong encryption and reliable no-logs policies, NordVPN has a slight edge when it comes to security. It has undergone more independent audits, supports post-quantum encryption, and includes advanced tools like Obfuscated servers, Onion Over VPN, and Meshnet.
That said, here are a few key privacy features both VPNs offer:
Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer fantastic VPN protocols (NordLynx and WireGuard, respectively) and military-grade encryption. NordVPN also includes a bit more variety with proprietary protocols and is ahead with post-quantum encryption.
Both VPNs support split-tunneling, double VPN, and malware protection.
NordVPN has the unique Meshnet technology, as well as Onion Over VPN.
Surfshark offers useful IP rotation, Alternative ID, and Static IP addresses. NordVPN also offers dedicated IP addresses as a paid add-on.
Surfshark and NordVPN both come with robust security features. However, NordVPN outperforms Surfshark in security, thanks to its extensive audit history, advanced privacy tools, and stronger overall infrastructure.
VPN Protocols
VPN protocols determine how secure, fast, and flexible your connection is. The most common protocols are OpenVPN and WireGuard.
Both NordVPN and Surfshark support OpenVPN. When it comes to WireGuard, Surfshark uses the standard implementation, while NordVPN developed its own proprietary protocol based on WireGuard called NordLynx.
Protocol
NordVPN
Surfshark
Note
OpenVPN (TCP/UDP)
✔ Yes
✔ Yes
The “golden standard” of VPN protocols; fast, secure, and open source
IKEv2
✔ Yes
✔ Yes
A secure, efficient protocol common for mobile VPN connections
WireGuard
✖ No
✔ Yes
A modern, high-performance VPN protocol focused on simplicity, speed, and strong encryption
NordLynx
✔ Yes
✖ No
NordVPN’s proprietary protocol, based on WireGuard; very secure and fast
NordWhisper
✔ Yes
✖ No
A newly developed protocol by NordVPN, designed for bypassing restrictive networks
As you can see, both Surfshark and NordVPN offer some of the strongest VPN protocols out there. However, NordVPN takes the lead, considering the availability of the proprietary protocols NordLynx and NordWhisper. NordLynx protects your privacy better than WireGuard. NordWhisper is a stealth protocol, a feature Surfshark lacks.
Having multiple protocols is useful since you can switch them based on your needs. For example, a protocol like OpenVPN is compatible with almost all systems, while NordWhisper is ideal for bypassing VPN restrictions.
Both Surfshark and NordVPN will automatically select the best protocol for you. They also support protocol switching across desktop and mobile apps.
Encryption
NordVPN and Surfshark both use military-grade encryption (256-bit ciphers) to keep your data safe. The encryption method for OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols is AES, while WireGuard and NordLynx use ChaCha20.
NordVPN is also ahead of the game with post-quantum encryption. This type of encryption protects against potential quantum computer attacks and is available for the NordLynx protocol. Meanwhile, Surfshark is still developing its post-quantum capabilities, so it currently falls slightly behind in this area.
Pro Tip!
Unless you have specific needs, I recommend you let your VPN automatically select the best protocol and encryption. Most apps are optimized to give you the best balance of speed and security, without manual tweaks.
🏆Security winner: NordVPN
Is NordVPN better than Surfshark for security?
While Surfshark is a strong and reputable VPN, NordVPN takes the lead thanks to its secure infrastructure, Tor integration, broader server network, and regular transparency reports. These give it a slight edge in overall security.
NordVPN and Surfshark are both excellent providers when it comes to online security: each offers a wide range of advanced security features, making them top-tier options to protect your data online. Even so, Surfshark takes the upper hand here by offering more unique features like IP Rotator, Alternative ID, and Dynamic Multi-Hop.
Feature
NordVPN
Surfshark
Multi-layered encryption
✔ Yes (Double VPN – no customization)
✔ Yes (Multi-Hop – customization possible)
Split tunneling
✔ Yes (Split Tunneling – Windows, Android)
✔ Yes (Bypasser – Windows, Android, iOS beta)
Kill switch
✔ Yes (Advanced)
✔ Yes
Malware protection/Web filter
✔ Yes (Threat Protection Pro – AV-Comparatives audit)
✔ Yes (CleanWeb – incl. in all plans)
Onion Over VPN
✔ Yes
— (no dedicated feature but Tor still accessible)
Meshnet
✔ Yes
✖ No
IP Rotator/Randomizer (Nexus)
✖ No
✔ Yes
Alternative ID
✖ No
✔ Yes
Static IP
✖ No
✔ Yes
Having said that, you can’t go wrong with either of these services, and the margin between NordVPN and Surfshark is very small.
NordVPN’s Double VPN vs. Surfshark’s Multi-Hop
There are also areas where Surfshark and NordVPN are very comparable. Each VPN offers a way to route your traffic through multiple servers instead of one.
NordVPN calls this feature Double VPN. The app will show you the specific entry and exit servers, but you can’t customize your connection.
In the meantime, with Surfshark’s Multi-Hop feature, you can pick your own entry and exit locations. This gives Surfshark a bit of an advantage over NordVPN.
NordVPN’s Split Tunneling vs. Surfshark’s Bypasser
Don’t want to run all your traffic through your VPN connection? By using the split tunneling feature, you can exclude certain applications or networks from your VPN coverage. This lets you choose which traffic doesn’t need a VPN, allowing local apps to stay fast.
NordVPN offers split tunneling to run specific apps via the VPN tunnel. Surfshark calls this feature “Bypasser“, which can be confusing since the name sounds more related to censorship or geo-restrictions.
The features are very similar and perform reliably. However, NordVPN’s split tunneling feature is not available on iOS or macOS. In the meantime, Surfshark offers a beta version of Bypasser for iOS.
NordVPN’s Kill Switch vs. Surfshark’s Kill Switch
A kill switch disconnects your internet if your VPN connection fails to prevent your IP address from leaking. Both VPNs have a kill switch. Surfshark’s kill switch is pretty simple: you can turn it on or off. NordVPN, however, has several options:
Basic kill switch: disconnects if the VPN fails unexpectedly.
Advanced kill switch: disconnects the internet if there is no VPN connection (even when disconnected manually)
App kill switch: closes specific apps if there is no VPN connection.
With these different options, NordVPN lets you choose what happens when there is no secure connection. This allows you, for example, to prevent your BitTorrent client from leaking your IP, without disrupting other online activities.
NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro vs. Surfshark’s CleanWeb
Both VPNs can block malware, ads, and trackers directly from their apps. The specific features are called Threat Protection Pro (NordVPN) and CleanWeb (Surfshark).
NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro feature has received an AV Comparatives stamp of approval in preventing phishing attacks. It offers real-time protection while you’re surfing the web, and scans downloaded files. You can even use its vulnerability detection to find weaknesses in your system.
Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature is more lightweight, but it works really well. It blocks ads and trackers reliably, and is also very customizable if you use the browser extension.
The biggest difference is that CleanWeb is included in all Surfshark’s plans, while Threat Protection Pro is only available in the Plus or Ultimate tiers. If you choose NordVPN’s Basic plan, you will get limited protection against ads, trackers, and malware – comparable to Surfshark’s CleanWeb.
NordVPN vs Surfshark Unique Selling Points
Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer more than just standard VPN features, but their unique tools serve slightly different purposes.
NordVPN’s focus lies in secure infrastructure. With Meshnet, you can create encrypted private tunnels between different devices, which is great for remote access or even LAN gaming. There’s also the Onion Over VPN specialty servers, which route your traffic through the Tor network for an added layer of anonymity.
Meanwhile, Surfshark focuses on anonymity and customization. The Nexus feature rotates your assigned IP addresses, which makes it harder for third parties to track your activities. It also includes Alternative ID, which generates fake personal information – perfect for signing up to websites without exposing your real data.
NordVPN vs. Surfshark Privacy: How Do They Handle Your Data?
Security and privacy go hand in hand – while VPN protocols keep people from seeing your online activities, a VPN’s privacy policies ensure that no party can access your data after the fact.
To compare Surfshark vs. NordVPN, I examined each VPN’s logging policies, privacy features, and third-party audits. These are my main findings:
Both VPNs offer a strictno-logs policy and RAM-only servers, so no data gets stored long-term.
NordVPN is based in Panama, and Surfshark – in the Netherlands. Panama isn’t part of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance, unlike the Netherlands.
Independent companies have audited both VPNs, but NordVPN is more frequently audited.
Ultimately, NordVPN has a slight advantage over Surfshark when it comes to privacy, mainly due to its more audit-friendly track record and offshore jurisdiction.
Privacy Policy & No-Logs Policy
I have extensively reviewed each VPN’s privacy policy and put them next to each other to identify the key similarities and differences:
NordVPN and Surfshark both maintain a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that users’ data is not collected or shared at any point.
Both VPNs have RAM-only servers that wipe any temporary data with every server reboot.
Each VPN’s no-log policy has been independently audited, though NordVPN’s audits were more recent (last quarter of 2024).
One key difference between NordVPN and Surfshark on the level of privacy, is the fact that Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands. This is part of the 9 Eyes Alliance. However, the Netherlands does not impose mandatory data retention laws on VPN providers.
NordVPN is based in Panama, which has no mandatory data retention laws and exists outside the Eyes Alliance.
In summary, both VPNs have excellent logging policies.
Privacy Features
Both VPNs are supported by a RAM-only infrastructure that ensures any temporary data gets wiped with every server reboot.
NordVPN and Surfshark also offer obfuscation to hide your VPN traffic as a way to bypass VPN-blocking firewalls. For Surfshark, this feature is called No Borders Mode. With NordVPN you can use either its Obfuscated Servers or its stealth protocol (NordWhisper).
Another feature shared by both VPNs is a data breach monitor. For NordVPN, this is called the Dark Web Monitor, which scans for leaked data on the dark web. Meanwhile, Surfshark has a Data Leak Checker, powered by Alert. On top of that, Surfshark’s best bundle plan includes Incogni to scrape data.
In terms of payment options, there are some minor differences:
Both VPNs only require an email address to create an account.
Cryptocurrency payments are supported by both NordVPN and Surfshark, which is especially useful for gambling enthusiasts using platforms like DraftKings or Stake. Crypto payments offer more privacy and help users avoid traditional banking restrictions that some gambling sites might trigger.
NordVPN has the option of paying with cash or gift cards at certain American retailers.
Privacy Feature
NordVPN
Surfshark
RAM-only servers
✔ Yes
✔ Yes
Obfuscation
✔ Yes
✔ Yes
Dark Web Monitoring
✔ Yes
✔ Yes
Anonymous payment
✔ Yes
✔ Yes
Third-Party Audits: Can They Back Up Their Promises?
Independent audits verify a VPN’s security standards. They are done to check whether a VPN’s features work as they are supposed to, and to report on any potential issues. While both VPNs live up to their security promises, NordVPN appears to audit its systems more frequently than Surfshark.
Nord Security has undergone multiple independent audits performed by “Big 4” auditing firms, including PricewaterhouseCoopers and Deloitte, most recently in 2024. The results confirm that Nord takes its zero-logs policy quite seriously. At the end of 2024, Cure53 also conducted a full penetration test. NordVPN promptly fixed all identified vulnerabilities and proactively improved its overall security.
In Surfshark’s case, the company was the first to receive the AV-Test seal of approval. AV-Test is a renowned German cybersecurity research institute. In 2023, Deloitte last verified Surfshark’s no-log policy. Surfshark’s Antivirus also passed the MASA (Mobile App Security Assessment) security audit in 2023.
🏆Privacy winner: NordVPN
Which VPN has the best privacy?
Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer amazing privacy features, but NordVPN has a slight advantage. It’s headquartered in Panama, which has no mandatory data retention laws and lies outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. Furthermore, NordVPN has undergone more frequent independent audits, reinforcing its commitment to user privacy.
How do NordVPN and Surfshark Compare in Terms of Server Availability
A VPN’s server network determines its ability to unblock foreign sites, apps, and services. On top of that, the larger a VPN’s network, the less likely it is to get overcrowded, meaning users won’t have to suffer slow speeds or poor connections.
It’s also important that a VPN offers servers in many different locations; this increases the chances of being able to watch localized content. For example, if a VPN has multiple different locations across the United States, you can use it to bypass NFL blackouts.
Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer plenty of servers worldwide. However, NordVPN ultimately takes the crown on this front.
Provider
Number of Servers
Number of Countries
Speciality Servers
NordVPN
9300
137+
Double VPN, P2P, Onion Over VPN
Surfshark
4500
100+
MultiHop
Each VPN also offers the option to get a dedicated IP address for a private VPN connection. NordVPN offers dedicated IPs in 27 countries, starting at $4.19/month (two-year subscription). Surfshark has dedicated IPs in 11 countries, with prices starting at $3.75/month.
🏆Servers winner: NordVPN
Which VPN offers more servers, NordVPN or Surfshark?
NordVPN wins in server availability, offering more servers than Surfshark. With 9300 servers across 137+ locations, it provides better global coverage and, in turn, reduces overcrowding. Due to that, you can always enjoy high-traffic events like sports or streaming releases.
I’ve put NordVPN and Surfshark through speed tests to find out which VPN is the fastest and best-suited for your personal needs.
During tests, each VPN demonstrated minimal speed loss. However, keep in mind that a VPN’s speed depends on a multitude of factors, including baseline speeds, location, server choice, and type of device. So if you were to test these VPNs yourself, it’s possible you will see different results than the ones outlined below.
That said, to keep results consistent, I tested according to the following standards:
As you can see, both VPNs are very fast, retaining around 90% of baseline performance on distant servers and around 95% on nearby servers. Surfshark came out slightly faster overall, especially in terms of download speed. This is the most important factor when it comes to streaming, browsing, and everyday use.
Both Surfshark and NordVPN offer a version of the WireGuard protocol, which is generally considered the fastest. That said, during the tests, NordVPN had noticeably better upload performance on long-distance servers – this is useful for video calling and uploading large files.
Keep in Mind:
When it comes to speed, I want to note a few things:
A VPN won’t make your internet faster than your regular connection. However, in rare cases, like ISP throttling or inefficient routing, a VPN might slightly improve speeds for certain activities.
Some speed loss is normal when using VPNs, since your traffic gets encrypted and rerouted through remote servers.
High speeds tend to indicate a high-quality VPN, but keep in mind that most day-to-day online activities can work perfectly fine even at speeds around 50 Mbps.
🏆Speed winner: Surfshark
How does Surfshark compare to NordVPN in terms of speed
Both Surfshark and NordVPN deliver excellent speeds, with minimal slowdowns across nearby and distant servers. However, Surfshark has a slight edge in download speed, making it the better choice for day-to-day streaming and browsing.
Most people want to use a VPN to unblock international streaming services. With a VPN, you can get the most out of your Netflix, Disney+, or Max subscription and bypass geo-restrictions easily. During my tests, both NordVPN and Surfshark bypassed geo-blocks and accessed streaming platforms without any hiccups.
I tested our top-rated VPNs daily to see how well they can unblock different streaming sites. Here’s how NordVPN and Surfshark perform when it comes to unblocking:
Platform
Can NordVPN unblock it?
Can Surfshark unblock it?
Netflix (US)
✔ Yes
✔ Yes
Netflix (UK)
✔ Yes
✔ Yes
Disney Plus (EU)
✔ Yes
✔ Yes
Hulu (US)
✔ Yes
✔ Yes
BBC iPlayer (UK)
✔ Yes
✔ Yes
Prime Video (EU)
✔ Yes
✔ Yes
HBO Max (EU)
✔ Yes
✔ Yes
As you can see, both Surfshark and NordVPN have no issue unblocking popular streaming services. When it comes to streaming capabilities, the VPNs are very similar. That said, you can use either of them on your smart TV for an optimal streaming experience.
Both NordVPN and Surfshark also offer Smart DNS – a feature designed to work on streaming devices that don’t natively support VPN applications. However, in both cases, Smart DNS requires manual setup. On the other hand, all of NordVPN’s apps have a built-in SmartPlay feature, making streaming easier on supported devices without any extra configuration.
Keep in Mind:
Most of the time, you can legally use a VPN to stream foreign films and TV shows. However, streaming services occasionally try to block VPN use. Luckily, our top VPNs don’t have any issue with it – in case you run into any problems, simply switch servers or reach out to the VPN provider’s customer service.
🏆Streaming winner: Both NordVPN and Surfshark
Is Surfshark better than NordVPN for streaming?
Both NordVPN and Surfshark are excellent for streaming. They easily unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Max. With consistently high speeds and Smart DNS support, either VPN is a solid choice for accessing international content.
Both NordVPN and Surfshark support P2P activities on their servers, making them two of the best VPNs for torrenting. The benefit of torrenting servers is that you won’t have to compete with users who are streaming or gaming.
For torrenters, NordVPN offers P2P specialty servers, which you can manually select via the app. P2P activities are also supported on most of NordVPN’s standard servers, and its Threat Protection Pro feature adds another layer of safety by blocking malicious sites and scanning downloads for malware.
In the meantime, Surfshark allows torrenting on all its servers. It also includes the CleanWeb feature to block ads and malicious links while torrenting.
I tested both VPNs by downloading torrent files from sites like Internet Archive and Project Gutenberg – both completed downloads in just a few minutes. More importantly, neither NordVPN nor Surfshark revealed my real IP address during testing.
🏆Torrenting winner: NordVPN
Should I use Surfshark or NordVPN for torrenting?
Both Surfshark and NordVPN are great VPNs for torrenting, but NordVPN’s dedicated P2P servers and added malware protection give it a slight edge in overall security and control.
NordVPN’s and Surfshark’s installation processes are almost identical. On mobile, you can download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store. On desktop, you can get the app from the official websites, the App Store, or the Microsoft Store. Once it’s installed, you log in with your account credentials.
One of my pet peeves is that NordVPN redirects you to log in through your browser. While a bit annoying, it doesn’t take away from the app’s overall great performance.
When it comes to the user interface, personal preferences matter most. I prefer Surfshark’s interface over NordVPN’s, but the differences are very minimal. Both VPNs are suitable for beginners and experienced VPN users alike. Plus, the simple UI makes it easy to find and tweak the settings to your liking.
Customer Service
For most users, a VPN’s software will work just fine from the start. However, if something goes wrong, it’s important to know that help is available. That said, to test support responsiveness, I contacted both NordVPN and Surfshark with several questions. Here’s what I found:
Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer 24/7 live chat support.
Both support agents were able to provide me with appropriate answers. NordVPN’s representative was quicker to respond and was more thorough in their responses.
Both NordVPN and Surfshark have support databases that contain the answers to frequently asked questions and helpful guides.
The difference between the customer service of these two providers was very small. However, NordVPN’s team was a bit quicker and more thorough. So, I give NordVPN the win.
🏆Interface winner: NordVPN
Which VPN is best for daily use?
Whether you want to stream, browse, game, or torrent, you can’t go wrong with either of these VPNs. I give the win to NordVPN since it has more servers across more countries, and also offers specialized P2P servers. However, Surfshark is a fantastic VPN for daily use as well.
Both NordVPN and Surfshark are top-tier VPNs, offering strong security, excellent streaming capabilities, and fast speeds. However, NordVPN takes the overall win thanks to its broader server network, stronger security backed by more frequent independent audits, advanced privacy tools like Meshnet and Onion Over VPN, and slightly better customer support. It’s an excellent VPN for day-to-day use.
Meanwhile, Surfshark is still a great option, especially if you’re after a VPN with unlimited device connections. With more affordable long-term pricing, it’s ideal for families and users with multiple devices.
That said, if you’re looking for the most comprehensive VPN that would meet your needs from daily browsing to torrenting and streaming, NordVPN is the better option.
Category
Winner
Price
Surfshark
Security
NordVPN
Privacy
NordVPN
Ease of Use
NordVPN
Streaming
Tie
Torrenting
NordVPN
Servers
NordVPN
Speed
Surfshark
Would you like to see the other VPN comparisons? Click on one of the links below:
Do you have specific questions about my NordVPN vs Surfshark comparison? Just click on one of the FAQs below to see the answer.
Does Surfshark offer unlimited devices like NordVPN?
Yes, Surfshark offers unlimited device connections with one subscription. However, NordVPN limits you to 10. If you need VPN protection across many devices, Surfshark gives you more flexibility.
Is Surfshark good enough, or should I upgrade to NordVPN?
Surfshark is a strong VPN with great value, unlimited devices, and solid security. However, if you want more advanced features, faster support, and stronger privacy tools like Meshnet, Threat Protection Pro, or Onion Over VPN, NordVPN is worth the upgrade.
Which VPN has better ad-blocking features: NordVPN or Surfshark?
Both Surfshark and NordVPN include ad-blocking features, but NordVPN has the edge. Its Threat Protection Pro not only blocks ads and trackers but also scans downloaded files for malware. While Surfshark’s CleanWeb also blocks ads and trackers, it lacks file scanning and real-time protection.
Is Surfshark better than NordVPN?
Surfshark and NordVPN are both excellent VPNs, but NordVPN has the edge in privacy tools, global server coverage, and overall performance. That said, Surfshark remains a great value option with unlimited device support, affordability, user-friendly interface, and privacy-focused extras like Alternative ID.
Chris is a tech journalist with many years’ experience covering online privacy and cybersecurity. He’s also a published author and works as a Product Manager for some of the most innovative software development companies.
