NordVPN vs Surfshark
NordVPN vs Surfshark represents two different philosophies: NordVPN's established premium approach versus Surfshark's disruptive budget model. Having used both for months, I can tell you Surfshark's unlimited devices policy is a genuine differentiator, while NordVPN's larger network and advanced features justify its higher price for power users.
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Quick Answer
NordVPN beats Surfshark for most users. It scores 9.4/10 vs 9/10 and excellent security with double vpn and onion over vpn. Choose Surfshark if you need unlimited simultaneous connections.
NordVPN
WinnerIndustry-leading security with 8,900+ servers in 178+ locations
Starting from
$2.99/mo
Surfshark
Best budget VPN with unlimited devices and 4,500+ servers
Starting from
$1.99/mo
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.4/10 | 9.0/10 |
| Starting Price | $2.99/mo | $1.99/mo |
| User Reviews | ||
| Performance | ||
| Servers | 8,900+ | 4,500+ |
| Countries | 178+ locations | 100 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 | Unlimited |
| Security | ||
| Kill Switch | ||
| No Logs Policy | ||
| Double VPN | ||
| RAM-Only Servers | ||
| Features | ||
| Split Tunneling | ||
| Streaming Support | ||
| Torrenting | ||
| Dedicated IP | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
NordVPN
- Excellent security with double VPN and Onion over VPN
- 8,900+ servers across 178+ locations worldwide
- Great for streaming Netflix and other services
- No-logs policy audited by PwC
- Fast connection speeds up to 1,000 Mbps
- Post-quantum encryption support
- 10 simultaneous device connections
- Tiered pricing can be confusing
- Occasional slow connections to distant servers
- No split tunneling on iOS
Surfshark
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Very affordable at $1.99/mo (2-year plan)
- 4,500+ RAM-only 10Gbps servers
- CleanWeb ad and malware blocker
- GPS spoofing on Android
- NoBorders mode for censored regions
- No-logs policy audited
- Speeds can be inconsistent
- Customer support response times vary
- Renewal pricing higher ($6.58/mo)
Key Difference
The key differentiator is clear: NordVPN limits you to 10 devices; Surfshark offers unlimited. For individuals, this rarely matters. For families or power users with many devices, Surfshark's unlimited policy is transformative.
Which Should You Choose?
NordVPN
Choose NordVPN if you want maximum server coverage, need the fastest speeds, value advanced security features like dedicated IPs, or prefer a more established provider with longer track record.
Surfshark
Choose Surfshark if you have many devices to protect, are sharing with family members, prioritize value over having the absolute most features, or appreciate innovative features like GPS spoofing.
Our Verdict
NordVPN wins overall with superior speed, more servers, and advanced features like post-quantum encryption. However, Surfshark is the clear winner for families and budget-conscious users - unlimited device connections and a lower price point make it exceptional value.
Thinking of Switching?
Both offer 30-day money-back guarantees. If you're switching from NordVPN to Surfshark for the unlimited devices, make sure to install on all your devices during the trial period to confirm everything works for your setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NordVPN better than Surfshark?
NordVPN scores higher in our testing (9.4/10 vs 9/10). NordVPN excels at excellent security with double vpn and onion over vpn, while Surfshark is better for unlimited simultaneous connections.
Which is cheaper, NordVPN or Surfshark?
NordVPN is more affordable at $12.99/mo vs $15.45/mo. NordVPN offers 16% savings.
NordVPN vs Surfshark: which should I choose?
Choose NordVPN if you prioritize excellent security with double vpn and onion over vpn. Choose Surfshark if you need unlimited simultaneous connections. Both are solid vpns options.
What's the main difference between NordVPN and Surfshark?
The main difference is NordVPN offers industry-leading security with 8,900+ servers in 178+ locations, while Surfshark focuses on best budget vpn with unlimited devices and 4,500+ servers.