You’re not alone if you’re overwhelmed by technical terms and struggling to choose the best VPN service to safeguard your online privacy. The task becomes even more challenging when you decide between the most popular and reliable VPNs available today: Surfshark and NordVPN.
To make things easier, we’ve thoroughly tested both VPNs and analyzed critical factors like security, speed, pricing, and unique features. Here’s a simple breakdown of which one might be the best fit for your needs.
Quick Overview: Surfshark vs. NordVPN
Surfshark, launched in 2018 and based in the Netherlands, has quickly gained traction in the VPN market due to its robust features and affordable pricing. On the other hand, NordVPN, which hails from Panama, is one of the most trusted VPN providers with millions of loyal users.
Interestingly, both VPNs are now part of the Nord Security group, though they continue to operate separately, retaining their unique offerings.
Before diving into detailed comparisons, let’s take a quick look at how these two VPNs measure up:
| Factors | Surfshark | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Ratings | ⭐ 4.9 | ⭐ 4.7 |
| Number of Servers | 3200+ in 100 countries | 6000+ in 111 countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | 10 |
| Monthly Price | Check Va Surfshark | Check Va NordVPN |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Data Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| Streaming Support | Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, more | Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, more |
Servers and Locations: Who Covers More Ground?
A VPN’s number of servers and locations can significantly impact your browsing experience. More servers generally lead to faster speeds, and diverse locations can ensure you’re always connecting to a nearby server for better performance.
- NordVPN outshines Surfshark with 6000+ servers across 111 countries, compared to Surfshark’s 3200+ servers in 100 countries.
- Both offer servers in popular regions, but if you’re focused on connecting to locations in North America or Europe, NordVPN likely has the edge. However, Surfshark might be better if you need more options across other continents.
Key Takeaway: NordVPN wins in server count, but check which provider offers more servers in the regions most important to you.
Security: How Safe Are You?
Both Surfshark and NordVPN take your privacy seriously. They offer essential security features like AES-256 encryption, kill switch, and DNS leak protection, ensuring your data stays secure even if the VPN connection drops. But what about the extra layers of protection?
| Security Features | Surfshark | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption Standard | AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 Poly1305 | AES-256-CBC and ChaCha20 |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ |
| DNS Leak Protection | ✅ | ✅ |
| Malware Scanner | ✅ | ✅ |
| Antivirus | ✅* | ❌ |
| Breach Monitor | Alert | Dark Web Monitor |
| 9-Eyes Jurisdiction | ✅ | ❌ |
| Rotating IP | ✅ | ❌ |
| AI Phishing Detection | ❌ | ✅ |
*Surfshark offers an antivirus only on its higher-tier plan.
- Encryption: Both services use AES-256 encryption, which is virtually uncrackable. Surfshark adds an extra layer with Poly1305 authentication for more data integrity.
- Cloaking: NordVPN’s obfuscated servers make your VPN usage appear as regular internet traffic, which is useful in countries with strict internet laws. Surfshark has a similar feature called NoBorders obfuscation.
- AI-Based Phishing Detection: NordVPN stands out regarding AI-based phishing protection, something Surfshark lacks.
Key Takeaway: Surfshark takes the lead with its antivirus (in premium plans), rotating IPs, and 9-eyes jurisdiction evasion, while NordVPN excels in AI phishing detection.
Unique Features: What Sets Them Apart?
Both VPNs have features designed to enhance your experience, but there are some key differences.
Shared Features:
- Ad Blocker: Both VPNs (Surfshark’s CleanWeb and NordVPN’s Threat Protection) offer built-in ad blockers, which protect users from malicious websites and phishing attempts.
- Split Tunneling: This feature lets you decide which apps use the VPN connection while the rest stay on your regular internet. Both Surfshark and NordVPN offer this feature.
Unique Surfshark Features:
- GPS Spoofing: Available on Android, Surfshark’s GPS spoofing changes your GPS location, tricking apps into thinking you’re elsewhere.
- Rotating IPs: Adds another layer of anonymity by regularly changing your IP address while connected.
- Antivirus: Surfshark offers built-in antivirus (available in higher plans).
- Alternative ID: A feature that lets you create a new identity with fake credentials for safer signups.
Unique NordVPN Features:
- NordLynx Protocol: NordVPN’s custom WireGuard-based protocol offers enhanced security and faster speeds.
- Dark Web Monitor: Alerts you if your credentials appear on the dark web.
- Meshnet lets you connect devices securely over the internet, essentially creating your private network.
Key Takeaway: Surfshark offers a more robust feature set with options like GPS spoofing and rotating IPs, while NordVPN provides advanced security with NordLynx and Dark Web monitoring.
Speed: Who’s Faster?
No one likes a slow internet connection, and a VPN can often reduce speeds due to the encryption process. However, both NordVPN and Surfshark performed well in our speed tests:
| Speed Type | Surfshark | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Local Server Download | 292.71 Mbps | 290.35 Mbps |
| Local Server Upload | 274.57 Mbps | 286.41 Mbps |
| International Server Download | 236.58 Mbps | 251.71 Mbps |
| International Server Upload | 232.735 Mbps | 235.86 Mbps |
Both VPNs work great with WireGuard protocol, but NordVPN’s NordLynx (an optimized version of WireGuard) gives it a slight advantage in speed.
Key Takeaway: NordVPN may edge out Surfshark in speed, thanks to NordLynx, but both VPNs provide fast connections for local and international use.
Pricing and Value: Which One’s Cheaper?
Let’s discuss costs. VPN pricing can vary depending on the length of the subscription. While both providers offer competitive pricing, Surfshark may appear slightly more expensive when comparing monthly plans.
- Surfshark: $15.45/month (unlimited devices)
- NordVPN: $12.99/month (up to 10 devices)
Both VPNs have a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can risk-free test the waters.
Key Takeaway: NordVPN has a lower monthly cost but limits you to 10 devices, whereas Surfshark offers unlimited device connections, which might be more appealing for larger households.
Which VPN Should You Choose?
At the end of the day, both Surfshark and NordVPN are excellent choices, and your decision boils down to what features matter most to you:
- Choose Surfshark if you want unlimited device connections and GPS spoofing or prefer advanced privacy features like rotating IPs.
- Choose NordVPN if you value faster speeds with NordLynx, want AI-based phishing protection, or need a dark web monitor.
Both VPNs provide top-notch security, competitive speeds, and advanced features, so you can’t go wrong either way!
