Surfshark vs NordVPN – which one is the best fit for you?

Choosing the right VPN for online security is crucial. NordVPN and Surfshark are industry giants offering robust feature packages that ensure top-tier protection.

NordVPN stands out with its market-leading speed, expansive server network, and unique tools like Threat Protection Pro and Meshnet. Conversely, Surfshark shines with budget-friendly plans, unlimited simultaneous connections, and a broad feature array.

This comprehensive Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison dives deep into their various aspects, such as speed, technical features, server infrastructure, pricing, and device compatibility, to help you determine which VPN best suits your needs.

Surfshark vs NordVPN: overview

Surfshark and NordVPN are two of the best VPN services, offering blazing-fast speeds, secure connections, and many features. NordVPN offers a more expansive server fleet and quicker connections, while Surfshark is more affordable and can protect an unlimited number of devices.

	NordVPN	Surfshark VPN
⭐ Rating:	4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
🥇 Overall rank:	#1 out of #41	#2 out of #41
🖥️ Servers:	7,600 + servers in 118 countries	3,200 + servers in 100 countries
📖 No logs policy:	No logs	No logs
💵 Price:	From $3.39/month	From $1.99/month
🔥 Coupons:	NordVPN coupon 76% OFF	Surfshark coupon 87% OFF
🔒 VPN protocols:	OpenVPN, WireGuard (NordLynx), NordWhisper	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
🍿 Streaming services:	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, 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

Surfshark vs NordVPN price comparison

Surfshark is cheaper than NordVPN, except when comparing the monthly subscription. However, the two are still relatively cheap, especially compared to other high-quality VPN providers like ExpressVPN ($4.99/month for a 2-year plan) and Proton VPN ($2.99/month for a 2-year plan).

Plan	NordVPN	Surfshark
1-month plan	$12.99/month	$15.45/month
1-year plan	$4.99/month	$3.19/month
2-year plan	$3.39/month	$1.99/month
Current deal	Get 76% OFF NordVPN + free eSIM data	Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE

Note. Pricing was last checked in May 2025.

The monthly subscription is the shortest option and the priciest. NordVPN costs $12.99/month, while Surfshark is a bit more expensive – $15.45/month. To put it into perspective, ExpressVPN's monthly subscription is $12.95/month and Proton VPN's is $9.99/month. So, Surfshark is the priciest, while Proton VPN is the cheapest for a single month.

The longest two-year plan gets you the best savings. NordVPN costs $3.39/month, while Surfshark charges $1.99/month, which is a superb deal.

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 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 7-day free trials. However, it’s important to note that NordVPN’s free trial can be claimed via Android devices and only after registration can be used on other operating systems. Similarly, Surfshark’s free trial is available to claim through iOS, Android, or macOS devices first.

If the pricing seems too much, there might be a discount waiting for you: check out our pages for NordVPN coupons and Surfshark coupons.

Key differences between Surfshark and NordVPN

This article focuses on the comparison between Surfshark and NordVPN. So, for example, if the information about NordVPN you’re looking for is not in this article, our team included more specific details in our NordVPN review. But if you’re unconcerned about the finer details, here’s a summary of the most significant differences between NordVPN and Surfshark. These aspects give a general understanding of which provider is better suited for which scenarios:

• Surfshark is cheaper. Surfshark is the better choice for people seeking an affordable VPN. Almost all of Surfshark’s plans are cheaper than NordVPN’s. On the other hand, both offer pricier tiers if you need more cybersecurity features.
• NordVPN has more servers. NordVPN has over 6000 servers in 118 countries, while Surfshark has 3200+ across 100 countries. As such, you should go with NordVPN if you prioritize IP address and region variety, whether for content unblocking or connection speed reasons.
• Surfshark supports unlimited connections. If you need a VPN to protect an enormous device fleet with one account, go with Surfshark. You can learn more about it in our team’s Surfshark review. Still, NordVPN’s 10-device connection limit is adequate for most households.
• Unique features. My favorite NordVPN feature is Meshnet, which is integrated into the NordVPN app. Meshnet allows you to securely connect multiple devices over encrypted private networks, perfect for sharing files or gaming with friends. With Surfshark, I appreciate its Webcam protection, which prevents apps from spying on you through your webcam. Both providers offer other compelling features, which I cover in the feature comparison section.
• NordVPN offers better privacy. If you’re concerned about privacy and the Five Eyes alliance, you should go with NordVPN. NordVPN is based in privacy-friendly Panama, while Surfshark hails from the Netherlands. However, both are independently audited, so I don’t think there’s anything to worry about.

Security overview: Surfshark vs NordVPN

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 top-notch in data encryption technology. Both have a functional kill switch that ensures user privacy even when the VPN connection is down. 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	Audited in December 2024	Audited in December 2022
Kill switch	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
DNS leak protection	✅ Yes	✅ Yes

The key difference is the country of jurisdiction in which each VPN is based. While NordVPN is located in privacy-friendly Panama, Surfshark resides in the Netherlands, which belongs to 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.

Despite its unique server design, the two have integrated industry-leading AES-256 ciphers topped with ChaCha20 ciphers. The latter ensures that your connection is fast and highly secure. However, neither takes the lead over the other in terms of encryption strength, as both VPNs also offer Poly1305 authentication, which enhances data integrity by verifying the authenticity of encrypted data. This means both VPNs use cutting-edge security measures, ensuring that data tampering is detectable and providing robust overall protection.

Jurisdiction

Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is a part of the Nine Eyes intelligence alliance. This means the government can retain data if it’s deemed necessary under the Public Records Act, and that it can 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.

NordVPN 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

Just like many reputable VPNs, Surfshark and NordVPN have reliable kill switches. A kill switch blocks your internet access in case a VPN connection drops. This ensures that your privacy remains intact and your real IP address isn’t leaked even if a VPN fails.

All VPNs, even high-quality ones like NordVPN and Surfshark, can encounter connectivity issues. Thus, a kill switch is vital to ensure your IP address isn’t exposed, for example, when connecting to a banned website from a heavily restricted country, where the use of VPNs is punishable by law.

The research team and I conducted in-house VPN testing on these two providers to evaluate their kill switches in various situations. Specifically, with the kill switch enabled, we tested for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks using the ipleak.net website. Overall, we didn’t encounter any leaking issues when switching between servers or manually terminating the VPN connection.

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 important aspect regarding online anonymity.

Independent audits

NordVPN and Surfshark have passed numerous independent audits examining compliance regarding 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. More recently, 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.

Meanwhile, Surfshark was audited by Cure53 penetration testers twice. They checked the browser extensions, server infrastructure, and general security of the tool. Furthermore, Deloitte audited Surfshark's no-logs policy in 2022, leaving no doubts about Surfshark's integrity.

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 provider is better overall regarding features.

In the following sections, I’ll try to cover NordVPN’s and Surfshark’s features as much as possible. 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	❌ No
Cyber 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.

Surfshark’s MultiHop vs NordVPN’s Double VPN

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.

Static IP

A static IP server differs from a dedicated IP server in one key way: while all VPN customers share the same static IP address on a static server, a dedicated IP address is exclusive to one customer. However, the server itself is still shared among users. The benefit they both provide is 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.

Dedicated IP

NordVPN and Surfshark offer dedicated IP servers if you pay extra. 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 24 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Spain, South Africa, and more. Whichever country you choose, prices start at $4.19/month.

In contrast, Surfshark VPN offers dedicated IP addresses in fewer countries at a lower price. More precisely, you can choose from 11 countries and have to pay around $3.75/month.

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 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.

NordVPN’s split tunneling vs Surfshark’s 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. While 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.

Web filters: NordVPN’s Threat Protection vs Surfshark's CleanWeb

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, 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 is so effective that it received AV-Comparatives' stamp of approval for effective anti-phishing protection. Threat Protection 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 or Ultimate 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, at least CleanWeb is included in all of Surfshark’s subscription plans, arguably making it the better option.

Meshnet

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.

Data breach monitoring

Both providers offer features for monitoring the dark web for data breaches containing your data. NordVPN and Surfshark reserve these features for their more expensive subscription tiers, which are beyond the cheapest Starter and Basic options and thus do not include all customers. 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.

Surfshark’s rotating IP

As the name suggests, 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. Unsurprisingly, this doesn’t work with Static or Dedicated IP servers.

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 the number and IP address don’t always update or align with my current IP. In any case, this feature is quite good for improving your privacy, but bad for gaming and streaming. If your IP rotates often, streaming services will identify the use of a VPN and will prevent access. But if you’re planning on visiting any websites that limit the number of visits, then this feature will be more than useful. Also, NordVPN doesn’t have an equivalent feature.

Surfshark’s alternative ID

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.

This feature is limited to the cheapest Starter plan (still includes email masking). A more extensive version is available with One and One+ plans. On the bright side, NordVPN doesn’t have an equivalent feature.

Cyber protection with NordVPN

NordVPN's Ultimate plan includes cyber protection. Currently, it is available to users in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

The feature offers two primary benefits: identity theft recovery and cyber extortion protection. Up to $1M coverage is set aside for identity theft recovery expenses such as credit reports, legal fees, lost wages, and mental health counseling. Moreover, $100K is available for handling extortion threats, including professional consultation and payment facilitation.

However, NordVPN is not a licensed insurance provider as it relies on the HSB Specialty Insurance Company. The details are complicated, so I recommend reading the whole document about cyber protection benefits to learn what this feature entails.

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	7600+	118	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Some
Surfshark	3200+	100	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Some

NordVPN has 7600+ servers across 118 countries, while Surfshark has 3200+ servers in 100 countries. So, overall, NordVPN packs more server power globally.

It's worth noting that NordVPN in Europe and the US has as many servers as Surfshark's entire network. You can expect the bigger fleet to guarantee faster speeds.

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.

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, and 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.

Reliable VPNs for China, such as NordVPN with obfuscated servers and Surfshark with NoBorders mode, have specific designs. They are crafted to evade firewalls and deep packet inspection (DPI) that restrictive governments might employ against VPN usage. These servers are most likely to work in China and anywhere else worldwide.

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

Speed comparison

For the Surfshark vs NordVPN speed comparison, together with our research team, I used Speedtest by Ookla to measure the fastest available tunneling protocols across 5 locations (US, UK, France, Singapore, and Australia). We tested NordLynx (NordVPN) and WireGuard (Surfshark) protocols to see which service is faster on average.

Note: Speed test results vary from user to user based on the distance between the VPN server and the user, the internet service provider, and server overcrowding.

For our test, the download/upload baseline speed was 500Mbps. Based on the results, it’s clear that NordVPN is faster than Surfshark.

While both providers offer blazing-fast speeds and clearly are two of the fastest VPNs on the market, NordVPN delivers better connectivity with its in-house NordLynx protocol. NordVPN usually averages around 468Mbps download and 354Mbps upload speeds, which is 93% and 70% speed retention, respectively. The highest speed that I saw NordVPN reach was with the UK and Swedish servers, with 97% speed retention (485Mbps). These results are from our latest April 2025 tests and differ very little from previous testing periods.

In comparison, Surfshark’s average speed is approximately 466Mbps download and 320Mbps upload, which is 93% and 64% speed retention, respectively. The highest recorded speed was with the Swedish server, with 95% speed retention (477Mbps). Just like NordVPN, Surfshark has retained pretty consistent speeds throughout our numerous speed tests.

But that’s not all. We also compared their performance with other protocols, including OpenVPN (UDP and TCP variants) and IKEv2.

When comparing the IKEv2 protocol on mobile devices, it's important to note that NordVPN does not offer IKEv2 on its app, while Surfshark does. NordVPN's average download speed drop was 28%, while Surfshark’s was 27%. So, in terms of download speeds, both providers are almost identical. However, NordVPN is a bit more efficient with upload speeds.

Our test results show that NordVPN and Surfshark are fast enough for many data-intensive activities that require speedy connections. For example, Netflix recommends having speeds of at least 15Mbps for UHD streaming, which is easily exceeded by the two providers in most of their country locations.

If you prioritize file downloading, NordVPN is the superior choice since it’s faster and includes P2P servers. The details will vary based on your specific circumstances, but most of the time NordVPN should be quicker than Surfshark when downloading large files.

Streaming performance

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 immense regional library variety. 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
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, Max, iQiyi, 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, Max, and Disney Plus. 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 specific circumstances. I can’t guarantee that these two providers will unblock all possible foreign content, but they worked well enough for me.

Torrenting

Surfshark allows torrenting on all its servers. However, the speeds will be a bit lower. NordVPN allows torrenting on all its servers, with no restrictions or automatic switches to specialized servers. While the provider does offer optimized P2P servers for better speeds and performance, users are free to use regular servers for torrenting without any interference or monitoring of their activity.

In addition, NordVPN includes a SOCKS5 proxy, which is a useful alternative for P2P connections since it will provide faster download speeds than a VPN tunnel. Personally, I would avoid the SOCKS5 proxy because it isn’t as secure as a VPN connection. Besides that, you may also boost torrenting speeds with split tunneling by limiting VPN traffic to your torrent client.

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.

Platforms, interface, and ease of use

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 (CLI)	✅ Yes
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 have a couple of browser extensions and work with other devices, like smart TVs. 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.

Simultaneous connections

Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, while NordVPN caps it at 10 connections. With a single Surfshark subscription, you can secure your devices and the whole household with unlimited connections.

Alternatively, to cover more devices with NordVPN, you’d have to manually set up your VPN on a router; only when connected to that Wi-Fi connection would unlimited devices be secured. Setting up a VPN on a router can be a challenge for beginner users. Therefore, Surfshark, with its unlimited connections, might be 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, you might run out of slots. In that case, Surfshark is the better choice.

Desktop apps

Starting from noticeable strengths, Surfshark has a dedicated app for Linux with a nice visual interface and a rich suite of features. On the contrary, with NordVPN, you'll use the command line interface (CLI) to connect to the VPN.

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 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, have a map interface, and are easy to navigate and use.

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

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. You can read more about these features in our Surfshark VPN review.

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.

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.

Surfshark vs NordVPN: VPN user insights

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 requirements, 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 their 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.

Comparison methodology: Surfshark vs NordVPN

The Cybernews research team conducted a thorough evaluation of Surfshark and NordVPN to determine how they stack up. Our analysis started by assessing pricing and plans, focusing on affordability, free trials, money-back guarantees, and the variety of payment options:

• Security features (25%). Security features were a priority as we examined each provider’s tools to handle online threats and protect user data. We tested connection quality by checking upload and download speeds across various server locations to ensure reliable performance.
• Server network (25%). The server networks of both providers were analyzed for size and diversity, as well as their ability to unlock geo-restricted content and offer specialty servers. We also tested how effectively they bypass digital censorship in restrictive regions.
• Ease of use (25%). We explored each VPN’s app to evaluate ease of use, customization options, and unique features tailored to different user needs. Customer support was tested for responsiveness and problem-solving efficiency.
• Streaming and torrenting (25%). We examined streaming performance and torrenting capabilities, measuring how well each VPN unblocked popular platforms and supported P2P activities without major limitations. This approach allowed us to compare Surfshark and NordVPN based on their features, performance, and overall value.

Video review

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

NordVPN vs Surfshark: final verdict

While NordVPN and Surfshark share many similarities, one ultimately comes out on top. Here’s the final verdict.

Category	NordVPN	Surfshark
Price	❌	✅
Speed	✅	❌
Features	❌	✅
Protection	✅	✅
Streaming	✅	✅
Torrenting	✅	❌
Ease of use	✅	✅
Customer support	✅	✅

In a tight race between two top VPNs of 2025, NordVPN takes the lead over Surfshark. Both providers are excellent choices, but NordVPN edges ahead with a few key advantages that set it apart.

NordVPN boasts faster speeds and an extensive server network of over 7600 servers in 118 countries, ensuring fewer bottlenecks and optimized connectivity for users worldwide. This expansive infrastructure benefits those requiring stable, high-speed connections for activities like streaming, gaming, and remote work.

When it comes to security and privacy, Surfshark and NordVPN are comparable, and both can guarantee full protection and anonymity. A key differentiator is NordVPN’s jurisdiction in Panama, a privacy-friendly location outside of international surveillance alliances. While Surfshark, based in the Netherlands, also maintains a strict no-logs policy with independent audits, NordVPN’s legal framework provides additional reassurance for users prioritizing privacy.

As for pricing, both Surfshark and NordVPN are considered budget-friendly options. With prices starting from just $1.99/month for Surfshark and $3.39/month for NordVPN, you get affordable deals.

FAQ