Surfshark vs NordVPN: top VPN comparison 2026

Choosing between NordVPN vs Surfshark in 2026 isn't quite as straightforward as it looks. Both share strong privacy credentials, audited no-logs policies, and a similar core feature set, but they part ways sharply on price, device limits, and the kind of user each is built for. That's why "is NordVPN better than Surfshark" remains one of the most-Googled VPN questions of the year.

For this comparison, I tested both providers on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android over several weeks of daily use, focusing on what actually matters day to day: speed consistency, security features, streaming reliability, pricing, and everyday usability. I've also been tracking both NordVPN and Surfshark over time, monitoring updates and performance changes to keep this comparison current.

Whether you're picking one for personal use, a household with multiple devices, or a tight budget, by the end you'll know exactly which one fits your setup in 2026.

Surfshark vs NordVPN: overview

As of 2026, Surfshark and NordVPN are still two of the best VPNs you can get. Both are fast, secure, and packed with features. NordVPN has more servers and better speed retention, while Surfshark is cheaper and allows you to use it on unlimited devices.

Another significant difference is their jurisdiction. NordVPN is based in a privacy-friendly country, while Surfshark operates from a Nine Eyes alliance member jurisdiction.

	NordVPN	Surfshark VPN
⭐ Rating:	4.9★★★★★	4.7★★★★★
🥇 Overall rank:	#1 out of #41	#2 out of #41
🖥️ Servers:	Thousands of servers in 224 locations	4,500 servers in 100 countries
📖 No logs policy:	No logs	No logs
💵 Price:	From $3.49/month	From $2.49/month
🔥 Coupons:	NordVPN coupon 75% OFF	Surfshark coupon 85% OFF
🔒 VPN protocols:	OpenVPN, WireGuard (NordLynx), NordWhisper	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
🍿 Streaming services:	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more
🖥️ Platforms:	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
📥 Simultaneous connections:	10	Unlimited
💁🏻 Support:	Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat	Knowledge base, 24/7 live chat, email support

Recent Updates

Key differences between Surfshark and NordVPN

Here’s a summary of the main differences between NordVPN and Surfshark. These aspects give a general understanding of which provider is better suited for which scenarios.

Choose NordVPN if:

• You need the widest server selection. NordVPN is superior here, boasting over 9,500 servers in 149 countries, compared to Surfshark’s 4,500+ across 100 countries. This variety is better for unblocking niche regional content and maintaining high speeds.
• You want advanced networking features. NordVPN offers Meshnet, a feature integrated directly into the app. It allows you to securely connect multiple devices over an encrypted network – perfect for file sharing or LAN gaming with friends.
• Jurisdiction is your top priority. If you are worried about government surveillance and the Five Eyes alliance, NordVPN is the safer bet on paper. It’s based in Panama, a privacy‑friendly country outside the Fourteen Eyes. Surfshark, meanwhile, is based in the Netherlands – a Nine Eyes member – but has a strict, independently audited no‑logs policy, which significantly reduces practical privacy risks.

Choose Surfshark if:

• You’re on a budget. Surfshark is generally the more affordable choice. Almost all of its plans are cheaper than NordVPN’s standard options, making it ideal if price is your main concern.
• You need to protect many devices. If you have a large household or a huge fleet of gadgets, Surfshark is the winner. It supports unlimited simultaneous connections on a single account, while NordVPN has a 10-device limit.
• You want specific privacy extras. Surfshark excels with unique tools like Webcam Protection, which actively prevents unauthorized apps from spying on you through your camera.

To start this detailed NordVPN vs Surfshark comparison, we’ll take a look at their speeds and how well each VPN performs with streaming and torrenting.

Speed, performance, and streaming

I tested Surfshark vs NordVPN for speed, performance, and streaming. Below you can see my findings.

Surfshark and NordVPN speed comparison

For the Surfshark vs NordVPN speed comparison, I used Speedtest by Ookla with a baseline connection of 940Mbps. I tested protocols from both VPNs — WireGuard and OpenVPN for Surfshark, and NordLynx and OpenVPN for NordVPN.

NordVPN speed test results

Server location	Speed retention	Download speed	Ping	Upload speed
Local	95%	912Mbps	16ms	430Mbps
London, UK	90.7%	853Mbps	39ms	892Mbps
New York, US	87.5%	823Mbps	103ms	695Mbps
Perth, Australia	67.3%	633Mbps	220ms	648Mbps
Tokyo, Japan	62.3%	586Mbps	240ms	593Mbps

Surfshark speed test results

Server location	Speed retention	Download speed	Ping	Upload speed
Local	96%	904Mbps	1ms	569Mbps
London, UK	90%	846Mbps	32ms	173Mbps
New York, US	84%	790Mbps	99ms	92Mbps
Perth, Australia	49.5%	465Mbps	309ms	152Mbps
Tokyo, Japan	65.5%	616Mbps	238ms	248Mbps

Note: Speed test results will vary for each person based on the distance between the VPN server and the user, the internet service provider, and server overcrowding.

I tested NordVPN’s speeds using the NordLynx protocol across multiple global servers, and the results were consistently strong. Even when connecting to distant locations, performance remained stable.

In my tests, NordVPN never dropped download speeds by more than 40%. On remote servers like Australia and Japan, I still retained over 60% of both download and upload speeds. Overall, NordVPN delivered better download and upload speed retention than Surfshark, with the only exceptions being Japan and local servers, where Surfshark was slightly faster for downloads.

For Surfshark, I ran speed tests using the WireGuard protocol. One area where Surfshark stood out was ping performance.

Across most locations, Surfshark delivered lower ping than NordVPN, which is especially beneficial for gaming. Local server performance was also strong. That said, upload speeds were a clear weak point. On average, Surfshark retained just 26.2% of upload speeds, compared to NordVPN’s 69.3%. I also saw a major drop in download speeds on the Australia server, along with much higher ping than I got with NordVPN.

Streaming and geo-blocking

Unblocking Netflix and other streaming services is a popular use case among VPN users. Thus, it’s vital to compare Surfshark vs NordVPN in this area to see which is better for content enthusiasts.

We began our tests with Netflix since the service is almost synonymous with video streaming and offers an immense variety of regional libraries. As expected, the two leading VPNs for streaming had no trouble bypassing geographical restrictions and streaming content without lag or buffering.

Platform	NordVPN	Surfshark
Netflix	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Amazon Prime Video	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Hulu	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
HBO Max	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Disney+	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
BBC iPlayer	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
YouTube and YouTube TV	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Apple TV	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

During our tests, I was able to unblock US exclusives and managed to connect to Japan. However, when I tried unblocking Netflix NZ, I had to reconnect to make it work.

Overall, both Surfshark and NordVPN worked with plenty of global streaming sites, including BBC iPlayer, Hulu, different Amazon Prime Video catalogs, HBO Max, iQiyi, and Crunchyroll.

I did encounter a couple of errors with the two. For example, sometimes it took multiple attempts and server switches for the regional content to appear on particular streaming services. The platform didn’t display any error messages, making it difficult to notice that the VPN wasn’t working.

However, it’s completely normal for a VPN to be interrupted by a streaming platform, as these are known for vigilantly blocking VPN activities. After reconnecting to another server, both providers maintained video quality in full HD.

If you want to stream foreign libraries on devices that don’t support VPN apps, like your smart TV, you can also use the Smart DNS feature. NordVPN and Surfshark provide this feature. The two services offer in-depth guides on their websites explaining how to activate the feature on various streaming devices.

However, Smart DNS has some drawbacks. For starters, the feature can only unblock US content on specific streaming services, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and Disney+. Moreover, since it’s not a VPN connection, you don’t get any encryption or privacy-enhancing features. Still, it’s an effective and convenient way to unblock more content on your home entertainment devices without setting up a VPN on your router.

Additionally, NordVPN offers SmartPlay, which is integrated into all apps and increases the likelihood of unblocking foreign content by changing your DNS servers. It works similarly to Smart DNS and is integrated into the service’s apps, meaning there’s no need to activate anything.

In my experience, there’s practically no noticeable difference in the overall streaming experience when using either provider. This was usually the case when connecting to nearby countries and far-away regions, too. Naturally, the details will vary based on your location and baseline internet speed. I can’t guarantee that these two providers will unblock all possible foreign content, but they worked well enough for me.

Torrenting performance

NordVPN and Surfshark permit torrenting on all of their servers, allowing users to pick any server location that suits their needs. Additionally, both providers offer special P2P servers, which are specifically optimized to improve download speeds when torrenting. With NordVPN, you simply connect to a P2P specialty server, while with Surfshark, you have to type in P2P in the server search bar to find one, which I consider a bit unintuitive.

In addition, NordVPN includes a SOCKS5 proxy, which can be useful if you care only about speed and not about full encryption – for example, when downloading Linux ISOs from trusted sources. However, for most users and most P2P use cases I would still stick to the regular VPN tunnel, as it offers stronger security than a proxy.

Our torrenting tests with these two providers yielded excellent results. Using automatic protocol selection and the closest server location, we downloaded a 5.7GB Ubuntu 24 client for the test:

• Surfshark. Completed the download in 2 minutes and 18 seconds, with download speeds peaking at 53Mbps.
• NordVPN. Finished the download in 2 minutes and 27 seconds, also achieving a peak download speed of 53Mbps.

Naturally, details may vary based on various circumstances, such as the peer number, file size, and location. For our evaluation, we downloaded Ubuntu using BitTorrent, and the overall performance was as good as expected. There were plenty of peers, and the speed loss was minimal.

Surfshark vs NordVPN: cost comparison 2026

Both providers allow customers to sign up for a monthly subscription, which means you can pay each month instead of all at once for an entire year or two. With this plan, the NordVPN cost is $14.99/month, while the Surfshark VPN price is higher at $16.45/month.

Naturally, you get the best savings with both providers when picking the two-year plan. NordVPN’s two-year price is $3.49/month, while Surfshark is more affordable at $2.49/month.

Plan	NordVPN	Surfshark
1-month plan	$14.99/month	$16.45/month
1-year plan	$5.49/month	$3.39/month
2-year plan	$3.49/month	$2.49/month
Current deal	Get 75% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free	Now up to 85% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE

Note: Pricing was last checked in June 2026.

Both providers accept credit cards, PayPal, Amazon Pay, Google Play, Apple Pay, and cryptocurrencies. The only difference in this Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison is that NordVPN also offers its subscriptions in retail stores like Walmart and Best Buy, where you can pay with cash or gift cards.

Both Surfshark and NordVPN allow potential customers to try their services risk free by offering 30-day money-back guarantees and free trials. However, it’s important to note that NordVPN’s 3-day free trial can be claimed via Android devices, while Surfshark’s 7-day free trial is available to claim through iOS, Android, or macOS devices first. Once you activate the trial, you can use both products on other devices as well.

Check out our NordVPN coupons and Surfshark coupons pages for a good discount.

NordVPN vs Surfshark – server comparison

Regarding servers, NordVPN shines with its wide range of servers in many countries, giving many options for different needs. On the other hand, Surfshark has fewer servers than NordVPN. Still, both work well on different devices, so either can be a good pick, depending on your online activities.

	Servers	Countries (total)	Virtual locations	Specialty servers	10Gbps servers
NordVPN	9,500+	149	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Some
Surfshark	4,500+	100	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Some

NordVPN has 9,500+ servers across 149 countries, while Surfshark has 4,500+ servers in 100 countries. So, overall, NordVPN packs more server power globally.

Additionally, both providers offer 10Gbps servers in some locations and constantly expand their fleets to include more. As you can imagine, 10Gbps servers significantly increase a VPN provider’s overall throughput, leading to increased speeds and lower congestion because more data can easily cross the VPN’s server. Moreover, Surfshark recently announced the inclusion of 100Gbps servers in the Netherlands. This could lead to an impressive breakthrough in the overall speeds that VPNs can provide.

Occasionally, I use these VPNs for data-intensive activities like gaming and streaming. I don’t notice them running in the background most of the time because they’re so fast. Naturally, this is likely because both services have servers in my home country, so consider this factor if you want the best possible speeds.

Obfuscated servers

VPN usage in countries with strict censorship, such as China, is heavily restricted. Even though services like NordVPN and Surfshark offer obfuscated servers, these alone aren't guaranteed to bypass the Great Firewall of China or similar VPN blocks.

VPNs need special features to bypass strict online censorship in countries like China. NordVPN offers obfuscated servers, while Surfshark has NoBorders mode. These tools are crafted to evade firewalls and deep packet inspection (DPI) that restrictive governments use to block VPN usage.

However, even when using special cloaking servers, chances are you’ll need additional configurations to use both VPNs in countries with restrictions.

Surfshark and NordVPN features compared

NordVPN and Surfshark are some of the most feature-rich VPNs available. While some essential features are common between the two and share names, others overlap but have different names to fit the brand. Each provider also has a few unique features, making it difficult to determine which is better overall in terms of features.

In the following sections, I try to cover NordVPN’s and Surfshark’s features head to head. But first, let’s look at a table outlining most of the providers’ features.

Features	NordVPN	Surfshark
Double VPN	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (MultiHop)
Static IP	❌ No	✅ Yes
Dedicated IP	✅ Yes*	✅ Yes*
Tor over VPN	✅ Yes (Onion over VPN)	❌ No
Split tunneling	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (Bypasser)
Stealth VPN	✅ Yes (Obfuscated servers)	✅ Yes (NoBorders)
Web filters	✅ Yes (Threat Protection Pro)*	✅ Yes (CleanWeb)
Meshnet	✅ Yes	❌ No
Data breach monitoring	✅ Yes*	✅ Yes*
Invisibility on LAN	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Identity theft protection	✅ Yes*	❌ No
GPS spoofer	❌ No	✅ Yes
Rotating IP	❌ No	✅ Yes
Alternative ID	❌ No	✅ Yes*
Search	❌ No	✅ Yes*

Asterisks (*) by some categories indicate features not included in the provider’s introductory subscription plan (NordVPN’s Basic and Surfshark’s Starter). If you need those perks, you must subscribe to the appropriate plan. I’ll mention the necessary plan when discussing the features separately below.

Ad blockers and anti-malware

One of my favorite things about Surfshark and NordVPN is that they grant extra online security features alongside the VPN. More precisely, NordVPN provides Threat Protection Pro, while Surfshark offers CleanWeb. At first glance, both are similar and are responsible for blocking ads, trackers, and malware. But there are a few differences I must address.

NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro is so effective that it received AV-Comparatives' stamp of approval for effective anti-phishing protection. Threat Protection Pro is divided into three protection categories: web, file, and vulnerability detection. The first ensures real-time protection against trackers, ads, and malware while browsing the web. File protection scans downloaded files and checks for malicious software. Finally, vulnerability detection reports any weaknesses in your system, such as outdated or dangerous apps. Overall, the feature is quite useful, but my biggest disappointment is that it’s no longer included in NordVPN’s cheapest plan. You’ll have to get Plus, Complete, or Prime to unlock this perk.

In contrast, Surfshark’s CleanWeb isn’t as detailed, at least in the desktop app. On Windows, it’s simply a toggleable feature. However, the feature is more customizable on Surfshark’s browser extension. And while it isn’t as feature-packed as Threat Protection Pro, at least CleanWeb is included in all of Surfshark’s subscription plans, arguably making it the better option.

Traffic routing: Split tunneling and Bypasser

Split tunneling allows choosing specific apps or websites to go through or ignore the VPN tunnel. It has many applications and can lead to marginally improved performance by reducing the amount of web traffic that needs to be encrypted.

Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer split tunneling, although Surfshark calls its version Bypasser. They both allow you to route specific apps outside the VPN.

Surfshark's Bypasser has a slight edge in versatility. It also lets you select websites to bypass the VPN – something NordVPN can do via its browser extension. This added website selection capability gives Bypasser more flexibility for users managing web traffic.

Additionally, Surfshark’s Bypasser is also available on iOS and macOS devices, while NordVPN’s split tunneling isn’t supported on those platforms.

Speaking of functionality, I tested both features and encountered no noticeable issues. Personally, I use Surfshark’s Bypasser most often on its browser extension to change my location for certain websites, while the main VPN secures the rest of my connection.

Double VPN and MultiHop

As the name suggests, Double VPN routes your connection through multiple VPN servers for added security. Two servers are more than enough to ensure your entry and exit locations are different.

With NordVPN, the feature is called Double VPN and can be found under the specialty servers tab. By default, the feature connects you to the fastest option, which is typically the closest. Once connected, the app displays both the entry and exit servers, so you can see which servers you're using to encrypt your traffic twice. You’ll know the country of both locations, which offers more transparency about your connection route. However, I found it frustrating that I couldn’t customize my connection.

Surfshark’s variant is called MultiHop, and I consider its implementation to be superior. You’ll find the feature in a separate menu in the VPN tab. There, you can see a few connection options where the country combination is clear. Most importantly, you can create a custom configuration with hand-picked entry and exit locations. You can even favorite it for easy access in the future.

Meshnet (NordVPN)

Meshnet is a unique feature in the VPN industry that only NordVPN offers. It allows multiple remote devices to be linked to a single local area network. Then, you can securely share various files or use another device as a VPN server to gain its IP address. This feature works with your gadgets and devices from other NordVPN users, allowing you to create remote LAN parties for gaming.

Interestingly, this feature is free, meaning you can use it without subscribing to any of NordPVN’s plans. Instead, you must only create an account. Another interesting fact is that NordVPN planned to discontinue this feature but decided against it after hearing the community’s response.

Alternative ID and Rotating IP (Surfshark)

Alternative ID allows you to create an alternative profile with different details, so you don’t have to input your actual information online. In fact, it creates an entirely new persona with a new email address, phone number (alternative number as part of the Alternative ID feature), name, address, and so on. It’s a great way to ensure your details don’t even have a chance of leaking because you’re not putting them online. That means practically everyone will benefit from this feature.

For example, if a website requires you to sign up for its newsletter to access content or you don’t want to give your true email to an online store, you can use Alternative ID’s disposable email. As it redirects emails into your primary inbox, you will still receive letters (but with a noticeable decline in spam), but your true email and identity will remain hidden.

I’m happy that Alternative ID is included with Surfshark’s cheapest Starter plan. Another win for Surfshark is that NordVPN doesn’t have an equivalent feature.

Surfshark's rotating IP periodically changes your IP address without changing the location or interrupting the connection. The feature claims to change your IP address every 5 to 10 minutes.

The feature works well enough and is straightforward. When enabled, the app’s home screen shows how many minutes are left until your IP address will change. While testing, I noticed that the number and IP address don’t always update or align with my current IP. In any case, this feature is suitable for improving your privacy, but it isn’t great for gaming and streaming. If your IP address rotates often, streaming services will identify the use of a VPN and may block access. But if you’re planning on browsing any websites that limit the number of visits, then this feature will be more than useful. Also, NordVPN doesn’t have an equivalent feature.

Dedicated and Static IP addresses

NordVPN and Surfshark offer dedicated IP servers for an additional fee. Briefly put, these servers provide a single unchanging IP address in your chosen country. This IP is exclusive to you, meaning no one else can use it to access online services. Overall, the two are excellent VPNs with dedicated IP addresses, with only minor differences.

NordVPN offers dedicated IP servers in 28 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Spain, South Africa, and more. Whichever country you choose, prices start at $3.69/month.

In contrast, Surfshark VPN offers dedicated IP addresses in fewer countries at a lower price. More precisely, you can choose from 14 countries and have to pay $3.75/month.

A static IP server differs from a dedicated IP server in one key way: it’s shared amongst all VPN users, while a dedicated IP address is exclusive to one customer. Both provide an unchanging IP address, which can be useful for tasks like accessing IP-restricted services.

Only Surfshark offers Static IP servers, while NordVPN doesn’t. Customers can choose from six countries: Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Each region has anywhere between five and ten servers, although the numbers will likely fluctuate.

Other security tools

Below, I list some other useful features offered by NordVPN.

Tor over VPN

The feature commonly known as Tor over VPN combines regular VPN servers with the Tor network. It’s an excellent feature for anyone needing the convenience of a VPN app and the top-notch privacy of Tor. This feature is usually necessary for journalists and activists in censorship-heavy regions rather than regular people for daily browsing.

Regarding NordVPN vs Surfshark, only NordVPN offers Tor over VPN and calls it Onion Over VPN. You can find it among other specialty server categories and immediately connect to the fastest option available. Alternatively, you can choose from servers in either Switzerland, Sweden, or the Netherlands.

I tried connecting to these servers on a few occasions, but unfortunately, the internet became almost unusable. It worked, but loading times were extremely slow. As such, I can’t recommend using this feature.

Data breach monitoring

Both providers offer features for monitoring the dark web for data breaches containing your personal information. NordVPN and Surfshark reserve these features for their more expensive subscription tiers, which are beyond the cheapest Starter and Basic options. Surfshark offers it in the One plan with the Alert feature, while NordVPN offers it in its Plus plan.

Essentially, both features work the same and only require adding an email address. You can even monitor multiple addresses since most people have more than one email address.

I preferred NordVPN’s Dark Web Monitor because it works directly in the app for added convenience. With Surfshark, I had to open a web browser to see anything, which added friction to the whole process

Identity theft protection with NordVPN

NordVPN's Prime plan includes Coveron (formerly NordProtect), which is an identity theft protection service. This feature keeps an eye on your SSN, phone number, and email address for any dark web leaks. It also includes one- or three-bureau credit monitoring (depending on the plan you purchase), credit score analysis, help with freezing your credit, up to $1M in identity theft insurance, and up to $100,000 in cyber extortion coverage.

I see this as a genuinely useful add-on. Credit card fraud and identity theft are becoming more common, and having all these protections in one place, from a single provider under one subscription, just makes things easier.

Surfshark vs NordVPN: privacy and security

NordVPN and Surfshark are solid cybersecurity providers that focus on ensuring complete privacy and durable online security. For example, both have AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, which is currently the gold standard in data encryption technology. Both have a functional kill switch that ensures user privacy even when the VPN connection drops. Finally, both have proved that they do not leak DNS or IP addresses.

	NordVPN	Surfshark
Encryption	AES-256-CBC, ChaCha20	AES-256-GCM, ChaCha20
Hash	SHA-512	SHA-512
RAM servers	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Outside the Fourteen Eyes alliance	✅ Yes	❌ No
Independent audits	Last audited in December 2024	Last audited in June 2025
Kill switch	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
DNS leak protection	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

The key difference is the jurisdiction in which each VPN is based. While NordVPN is located in privacy-friendly Panama, Surfshark resides in the Netherlands, which is part of the Nine Eyes intelligence alliance. Due to the alliance's agreement to maintain cybersecurity and take counterterrorism measures, innocent individuals might suffer from privacy violations.

Overall, NordVPN and Surfshark seem very similar in terms of security and privacy measures. However, you can see some significant differences if you take a closer look.

Infrastructure and encryption

Both NordVPN and Surfshark have upgraded all servers to run on RAM-only hardware. This means there are no hard drives for long-term data storage – the servers delete all data after every restart and don’t retain any information when unplugged.

In addition to this unique server design, the two use industry-leading AES-256 and ChaCha20 ciphers. This ensures that your connection is fast and highly secure. Also, both VPNs offer Poly1305 authentication, which enhances data integrity by verifying the authenticity of encrypted data. This means both VPNs use cutting-edge security measures that keep your data protected and make any tampering easy to detect.

Jurisdiction

Many new Surfshark users find the provider’s jurisdiction to be the primary concern. Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is a part of the Nine Eyes intelligence alliance. This means the government can collect and retain internet activity data if it’s deemed necessary under the Public Records Act, and share relevant information with other member countries. This may raise some concerns about Surfshark’s logging policy, but rest assured – the VPN provider is not required to log any user-identifying information.

I did some research to find more information regarding Surfshark’s stance on this and came across a Reddit post where a user raised the same concern. A Surfshark representative responded quickly, reassuring the user that while the Netherlands is part of the Nine Eyes alliance, there are no laws in the country that require VPN providers to log or retain user data. This aligns with Surfshark’s strict no-logs policy.

The jurisdiction is a much simpler topic for NordVPN users since the service is based in Panama. It's a privacy-friendly location that is out of reach of surveillance alliances, and there are no concerns related to data retention.

Overall, your data isn't threatened by intrusive legislation, whichever service you decide to pick.

Kill switch

Both Surfshark and NordVPN include a reliable kill switch that blocks your internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, preventing accidental IP or DNS leaks. In our tests with IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak checks, neither provider exposed our real data when switching servers or manually killing the VPN connection.

Surfshark adds an extra twist with its Everlink feature, which automatically restores your connection the moment the VPN tunnel is back, so you don’t have to reconnect manually. In practice, both solutions worked as expected – you stay offline for a moment instead of leaking your real IP.

Privacy policies

NordVPN and Surfshark are trustworthy VPNs with audited no-logs policies confirming their reliability. Even so, diving deeper into their privacy policies is crucial to check whether they log any other information that could undermine user anonymity. Note that it’s almost impossible for VPNs to keep customers entirely anonymous because they have to store some information to keep track of your account and subscription.

Here’s what the two providers store according to their privacy policies.

	NordVPN	Surfshark
Web activity	❌ No	❌ No
Email address	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Username	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Payment data	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Diagnostics data	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Timestamp of last session	✅ Yes (stored for up to 15 minutes)	✅ Yes (stored for up to 15 minutes)
Device information	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Encrypted password	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

As you can see, NordVPN and Surfshark are pretty similar in terms of the data they collect to provide their services. For example, the two must collect and store customer email addresses, usernames, payment data, and device data for diagnostics. Both also store timestamps of user sessions, which include usernames and IP addresses, but only for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, most other data will be kept while your account is active. However, you can request adjustments to the processing of your personal data based on the data protection laws in your jurisdiction. Most importantly, neither provider logs your online activities, which is the most critical aspect regarding online anonymity.

Independent audits

NordVPN and Surfshark have passed numerous independent audits examining compliance with their no-logs and privacy policy claims.

Moreover, both providers have bug bounty programs, allowing third-party hackers and researchers to assist in finding their security gaps before a cybercriminal does.

NordVPN has undergone multiple independent audits of its no-logs policy. Two audits were performed by PwC, with both confirming NordVPN's adherence to its no-logs promises. In December 2024, Deloitte Audit Lithuania conducted its fifth independent verification of NordVPN's no-logs policy, again validating the company's commitment to user privacy. This latest assurance engagement examined NordVPN's IT systems, infrastructure, and no-logs claims, reinforcing its dedication to not monitoring or recording user traffic.

Deloitte independently audited Surfshark’s no-logs policy for the second time in June 2025. The scope included interviews with staff, review of privacy measures, server configuration inspections (covering standard, static, and multiport VPN servers), and confirmation that Surfshark’s strict no-logs commitments are upheld across the entire infrastructure.

User Experience

NordVPN and Surfshark excel in usability and user friendliness. They have a diverse selection of apps, which are super easy to use.

	NordVPN	Surfshark
Supported OS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, tvOS	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Dedicated Linux app	✅ Yes (GUI)	✅ Yes (GUI)
Other software and devices	Kodi, Android TVs, Fire devices, Chromecast, and more	Android TVs, Fire devices, Apple TV, and more
Browser extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Simultaneous connections	10	Unlimited
Usability level	Easy	Easy

NordVPN and Surfshark support a wide variety of operating systems. Additionally, they offer browser extensions and work on smart TVs and streaming boxes. For me, both providers are easy to use, but that can be attributed to my constant use of these services. Even so, I believe newcomers will have no trouble making the most of these apps.

Overall, both providers don't restrict your usage cases with wide device support and a convenient UI.

Desktop apps

Both Surfshark and NordVPN offer a native graphical user interface (GUI) for Linux. Many VPNs only offer a command line interface for Linux, so this makes usage much easier.

Moving further, Surfshark’s Windows users get the best treatment. Not only do they get an aesthetically pleasing user interface, but they are also given a wide array of features.

It's worth noting that the macOS version of Surfshark comes in two forms – the Apple App Store version and the website version. Both versions come with all of the tunneling protocols. Yet, the Apple Store app doesn’t work with the Surfshark One bundle, meaning you won’t be able to get an antivirus and other additional security features.

NordVPN’s Windows and macOS versions are very similar, but a few features are missing on macOS.

Just like with Surfshark, NordVPN’s macOS app also has two versions – the website one and the App Store. The website version has more recent updates and unique features, such as Presets for custom VPN connections for specific apps and sites.

Mobile apps

NordVPN and Surfshark have superb Android VPN apps, while iOS is a bit behind.

Surfshark's Android version has Bypasser and GPS spoofing – a feature that no other competing VPN has implemented yet. The iOS version also includes a kill switch, an IP rotator, and NoBorders mode. However, CleanWeb and auto-connect are only additions.

NordVPN’s Android app is feature rich and easy to use. You can select your server from a map interface or a list of servers. Additionally, it has all the essential features, like a kill switch, split tunneling, pausing, auto-connect, Meshnet, and Threat Protection. Naturally, Surfshark doesn’t have Meshnet or Threat Protection since these features are unique to NordVPN.

NordVPN's iOS app has a built-in kill switch, favorites tab, and dark web monitoring. There’s also a map interface, but you can also use the list of countries to pick your server.

Simultaneous connections

When it comes to simultaneous connections, Surfshark clearly takes the lead – it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, while NordVPN caps it at 10. With a single Surfshark subscription, you can secure an entire household full of devices or share your account with a larger group without thinking about limits.

Alternatively, to cover more devices with NordVPN, you can manually set up your VPN on a router. Doing so can be a challenge for beginner users. Therefore, Surfshark, with its unlimited connections, is a better choice.

In my experience, NordVPN’s 10 connection limit should be enough for most people. I use the VPN daily on my PC and phone, which only requires two slots. In theory, I could share the account with a handful of friends with similar device needs, and I still wouldn’t run out of slots. But if you have a larger family with more devices in your household, this could be an issue.

I also compared the customer support and service reputation online.

Customer support

When it comes to reaching out for technical help, Surfshark and NordVPN have excellent customer support services in terms of communication options and speed. I contacted both providers' customer service, and I was quickly connected to an agent in all instances.

If you run into any issues, you'll get many customer support options, whether you choose Surfshark or NordVPN. Both have up-to-date customer support web pages with extensive guides for various tasks.

	Surfshark	NordVPN
24/7 live chat	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Phone line	❌ No	❌ No
Email	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Guides	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

Neither of the providers offers phone support, but if you prefer a more direct approach or need to get in touch with a human, NordVPN and Surfshark have a 24/7 live chat.

For instance, NordVPN's agent responded within a couple of minutes to my question about payment methods, providing a detailed and informative guide.

Meanwhile, Surfshark's customer support agent cheered me up using a friendly tone of voice and gave answers about their antivirus service within less than a minute.

My experience with both providers was pleasant. I didn't have to wait in long queues, and when I got assigned an agent, they proved to be knowledgeable and quickly answered all my questions.

What users say (Reddit and Trustpilot)

Reddit and Quora are valuable resources for obtaining honest and detailed reviews about VPN services. On Reddit, dedicated subreddits explore various VPN use cases, making it easier to determine which provider aligns with your specific needs. Similarly, Quora allows you to access a wealth of existing discussions or post new questions to gather user insights.

NordVPN and Surfshark are frequently highlighted on Reddit for their privacy protections, advanced security features, reliable speeds, and intuitive interfaces. However, the better choice often depends on individual needs, such as gaming, streaming, or bypassing network restrictions. The NordVPN vs Surfshark debate on Reddit varies widely, with discussions tailored to different priorities.

While some users focus on app design and user experience, others prioritize performance metrics like streaming capability, connection speed, or pricing. NordVPN, for instance, receives consistent praise for its cutting-edge security, exceptional speeds, and unmatched streaming capabilities. Ultimately, the decision between NordVPN and Surfshark depends on your unique preferences and use cases.

Meanwhile, Surfshark is mostly loved due to its unlimited simultaneous connections and intuitive apps. Moreover, many choose Surfshark over NordVPN simply because it’s cheaper.

If you’d like to learn more about what Redditors consider before choosing a VPN, take a look at our review of the best VPNs according to Reddit.

If you’re looking for in-depth answers, Quora is the place to be. However, I’ve noticed the platform isn’t very active regarding NordVPN vs Surfshark comparisons. Some of the most prominent answers I saw were a few years old, meaning the information is outdated.

On the other hand, some responses are clearly biased toward promoting a specific provider. For instance, the example below shows a user heavily favoring Surfshark, likely with the intent of directing you to its affiliate link.

It’s best to approach certain answers with caution, especially if they lack proper grammar or seem overly promotional. This is common on platforms like Quora and Reddit, where the quality of information can vary, and not every response can be trusted.

Regarding real issues raised by Surfshark users, some have noted difficulties accessing public networks due to restrictions on specific ports used by the VPN. Additionally, common problems often stem from outdated apps or temporary compatibility issues with operating system updates. Keeping the app updated usually resolves these concerns.

For NordVPN, the most frequently reported issues involve protocol mismatches, which can typically be fixed by switching between protocols to find the best fit. Temporary glitches with Windows 11 have also been mentioned, but reinstalling the app often resolves these. For more persistent issues, contacting customer support is a reliable solution.

Overall, Reddit tends to be more active and engaging than Quora, making it a better choice for gathering opinions and advice. Regardless of the platform, it’s important to critically evaluate the information you find, as not all contributors prioritize accuracy or have your best interests in mind.

Video review

If you'd rather watch a video, here is our team's extensive comparison:

Surfshark vs NordVPN: final verdict

NordVPN and Surfshark are undoubtedly strong VPNs overall, so either one is an excellent choice. In our scoring, Surfshark comes out ahead for pricing and overall feature set, while NordVPN wins on speed, privacy, and torrenting. The overall winner is NordVPN, because faster performance, a more privacy‑friendly jurisdiction, and a larger server network carry more weight in our rating system than a lower price and extra “nice‑to‑have” tools. That said, if your top priorities are budget and unlimited device connections, Surfshark will be the more logical choice.

Feature	NordVPN	Surfshark	Verdict
Pricing	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	★ ★ ★ ★ ★	Surfshark starts at only $2.49/month, while NordVPN is slightly more expensive at $3.49/month. Although the price difference isn’t significant, Surfshark is the better choice if you prioritize affordability.
Speed	★ ★ ★ ★ ★	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	Our tests showed that NordVPN is faster than Surfshark, thanks to its unique NordLynx protocol and vast server network. Luckily, Surfshark isn’t far behind since it uses WireGuard and has a solid network as well.
Privacy	★ ★ ★ ★ ★	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	NordVPN is based in Panama and has conducted more independent audits than Surfshark, making it the superior choice in terms of online privacy.
Features	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	★ ★ ★ ★ ★	Both providers have multiple subscription tiers with different feature packages. But overall, Surfshark has a more comprehensive feature package than NordVPN, in my opinion.
Streaming	★ ★ ★ ★ ★	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	Surfshark and NordVPN are well equipped for unblocking various streaming content, but NordVPN offers a better experience with its faster speeds and wider server coverage.
Torrenting	★ ★ ★ ★ ★	★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	NordVPN’s faster connection speeds and P2P-optimized servers make it a better choice for torrenting.
Support	★ ★ ★ ★ ★	★ ★ ★ ★ ★	Both providers offer plenty of customer support options to assist their users swiftly and efficiently.

FAQ