Surfshark vs ProtonVPN
Surfshark vs ProtonVPN represents budget value against privacy credentials. Surfshark disrupted the market with unlimited devices and aggressive pricing; ProtonVPN brings Swiss privacy laws and open-source transparency. Both offer free or very affordable options.
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Quick Answer
Surfshark beats ProtonVPN for most users. It scores 9/10 vs 8.8/10 and unlimited simultaneous connections. Choose ProtonVPN if you need based in privacy-friendly switzerland.
Surfshark
WinnerBest budget VPN with unlimited devices and 4,500+ servers
Starting from
$1.99/mo
ProtonVPN
Swiss-based VPN with 15,000+ servers and free tier
Starting from
$2.49/mo
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 |
| Starting Price | $1.99/mo | $2.49/mo |
| User Reviews | ||
| Performance | ||
| Servers | 4,500+ | 15,000+ |
| Countries | 100 | 120+ |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | 10 |
| Security | ||
| Kill Switch | ||
| No Logs Policy | ||
| Double VPN | ||
| RAM-Only Servers | ||
| Features | ||
| Split Tunneling | ||
| Streaming Support | ||
| Torrenting | ||
| Dedicated IP | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
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)
ProtonVPN
- Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
- 15,000+ servers in 120+ countries
- Free tier with no data limits
- Open-source apps
- Secure Core multi-hop servers
- VPN Accelerator for faster speeds
- Stealth protocol bypasses VPN blocks
- Free tier limited to 5 countries
- Free tier randomly assigns servers
- Prorated refunds only
Key Difference
Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections; ProtonVPN limits to 10 (or 1 on free). ProtonVPN is fully open-source and Swiss-based; Surfshark is closed-source and based in the Netherlands. Different priorities entirely.
Which Should You Choose?
Surfshark
Choose Surfshark if you need unlimited device connections, want better streaming performance, prefer aggressive pricing on long-term plans, or want features like GPS spoofing.
ProtonVPN
Choose ProtonVPN if you prioritize verifiable privacy, want open-source applications, prefer a company with a proven track record (ProtonMail), or need a reliable free tier.
Our Verdict
Surfshark wins on features and value with unlimited devices, better streaming support, and lower pricing. ProtonVPN wins on privacy credentials with open-source code, Swiss jurisdiction, and a no-logs policy backed by legal transparency.
Thinking of Switching?
ProtonVPN offers a free tier to test before committing. Surfshark has a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you're switching from Surfshark to ProtonVPN for privacy reasons, test speeds in your region first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surfshark better than ProtonVPN?
Surfshark scores higher in our testing (9/10 vs 8.8/10). Surfshark excels at unlimited simultaneous connections, while ProtonVPN is better for based in privacy-friendly switzerland.
Which is cheaper, Surfshark or ProtonVPN?
ProtonVPN is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $15.45/mo. ProtonVPN offers 100% savings.
Surfshark vs ProtonVPN: which should I choose?
Choose Surfshark if you prioritize unlimited simultaneous connections. Choose ProtonVPN if you need based in privacy-friendly switzerland. Both are solid vpns options.
What's the main difference between Surfshark and ProtonVPN?
The main difference is Surfshark offers best budget vpn with unlimited devices and 4,500+ servers, while ProtonVPN focuses on swiss-based vpn with 15,000+ servers and free tier.