Best Surfshark alternatives in 2026
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Surfshark is a VPN loved by many – and for good reason. It’s affordable, packed with useful and fun extra features, and works smoothly across different devices. That said, it has some serious limitations, such as high renewal rates and its jurisdiction in a Fourteen Eyes alliance country.
That’s why I decided to find the best alternatives to Surfshark. I compared VPNs based on their features, price-to-value ratio, performance, and usefulness in real-world scenarios like streaming, torrenting, security, and everyday browsing.
Top 3 best Surfshark alternatives 2026
- NordVPN – best Surfshark alternative overall
- Proton VPN – best free Surfshark VPN alternative
- IPVanish – alternative to Surfshark for unlimited devices
Why look for an alternative to Surfshark?
Surfshark is a solid VPN for many users, especially if you want affordable introductory pricing, unlimited device connections, and easy-to-use apps. However, there are a few reasons why some people may still want to compare alternatives before committing. One is renewal pricing: while Surfshark’s two-year Starter plan begins at $48.06, it renews at $79.00 for just one year, which makes the long-term cost less attractive than the initial deal suggests.
Another consideration is jurisdiction. Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands, a country associated with the Fourteen Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, which matters to privacy-focused users. Finally, Surfshark’s server network and country coverage are solid, but they are lower than some top-tier competitors, like Proton VPN or NordVPN, that offer broader global reach. None of these points make Surfshark a bad choice, but they do show why it’s worth comparing options before deciding.
Best Surfshark alternatives in 2026
I tested several providers while searching for strong Surfshark VPN alternatives. Below, I break down my top picks and explain how they compare to or even outperform Surfshark.
1. NordVPN – best Surfshark alternative overall
| Server network: | Thousands of servers in 149 countries |
| Jurisdiction: | Panama (outside Fourteen Eyes) |
| Compatibility: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
NordVPN is my top pick if you’re looking for a strong alternative to Surfshark. A big reason is that both services are owned by the same parent company, Nord Security. This shared background brings many comparable features, but each also offers something unique.
One area where NordVPN clearly pulls ahead is server coverage. It operates thousands of servers across 149 countries, giving you broader global access than Surfshark. It also includes unique features like Tor over VPN, which adds an extra layer of anonymity when using the Tor network. And for a closer look, you can check out our complete NordVPN review.
Performance is another strong point. In our in-house tests, NordVPN maintained around 86% of base speeds, compared to Surfshark’s 80%. That is largely because of NordLynx, its proprietary protocol built on WireGuard and further optimized for speed and stability. You also get Threat Protection Pro, which works as a robust security layer by blocking trackers, phishing sites, and malicious downloads. While this feature can’t replace Surfshark Antivirus, it’s a good substitute for protecting your device from malware before it ever reaches your device.
NordVPN is based in Panama, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction outside major data-sharing alliances, unlike Surfshark. On top of that, its no-logs policy has been independently audited six times, which adds real credibility. However, the trade-off is price. NordVPN starts at $3.49/month, and renewal rates aren’t the most forgiving. The 2-year plan costs $94.23 upfront and renews at $139.08/year, which is a slightly higher jump than Surfshark.
| Plan | Basic | Plus | Complete | Prime |
| 2-year price (renewal price) | $3.49/month ($139.08/year) | $4.49/month ($179.88/year) | $4.49/month ($219.48/year) | $7.49/month ($296.28/year) |
| 1-year price (renewal price) | $5.49/month ($139.08/year) | $6.49/month ($109.99/year) | $6.99/month ($219.48/year) | $8.99/month ($296.28/year) |
| Monthly price | $14.99/month | $19.99/month | $19.99/month | $29.99/month |
2. Proton VPN – best free Surfshark alternative
| Server network: | 20,300+ servers in 148 countries |
| Jurisdiction: | Switzerland (outside Fourteen Eyes) |
| Compatibility: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, HBO Max, Disney+ |
Proton VPN is a strong Surfshark alternative, especially if privacy is your top priority. Based in Switzerland, it operates outside the Fourteen Eyes alliance and benefits from some of the world’s strictest data protection laws. It also backs up its claims with an audited no-logs policy and fully open-source apps, which adds an extra layer of transparency you don’t get with every provider.
On top of that, Proton VPN delivers solid built-in privacy features. Its NetShield tool blocks ads, trackers, and malware, similar to Surfshark’s CleanWeb. You also get Tor over VPN support, which is something Surfshark lacks in a dedicated form. This makes Proton VPN a better fit if you regularly use the Tor network and want an extra layer of protection. For a more detailed breakdown, read our full Proton VPN review.
When it comes to pricing, Proton VPN isn’t the cheapest option, but it stands out for its free plan. Unlike most free VPNs, it offers unlimited data and strong encryption, making it one of the few reliable no-cost options. That said, the free version has clear limitations. You can use it on just one device, access servers in only 10 countries, and you cannot manually choose your server location. Speeds can also be inconsistent due to higher server load, and streaming is rarely possible since many IPs are flagged by platforms.
| Plan | Free | Plus |
| Price | Free | From $2.99/month |
| Data allowance | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Servers and locations | Servers in 10 countries (Netherlands, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Norway, Poland, Romania, Singapore, the US, and Switzerland) | 20,300+ servers in 148 countries |
| Kill switch and DNS leak protection | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Streaming support | ❌ Limited | ✅ Yes |
| NetShield | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Simultaneous connections | 1 | 10 |
3. IPVanish – Surfshark alternative for unlimited connections
| Server network: | 3,400+ servers in 112 countries |
| Jurisdiction: | The US (Fourteen Eyes) |
| Compatibility: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, and more |
IPVanish is a strong alternative to Surfshark VPN, as it’s similar in many ways. It lets you connect as many devices as you want with a single subscription, which is one of the reasons many people choose Surfshark. It’s a great fit for large households or anyone juggling multiple devices.
In terms of performance, IPVanish doesn’t let down. It uses the WireGuard protocol for fast speeds. In my testing, it also handled streaming with ease, unblocking platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu without issues. Its network includes over 3,400 servers across 112 countries. While there are fewer servers compared to Surfshark, you get more locations to connect to.
One standout feature is that IPVanish owns and operates its entire server network. This gives it greater control over performance, security, and reliability than providers that rely on third-party infrastructure. However, it’s worth noting that IPVanish is based in the US, which isn’t the most privacy-friendly jurisdiction due to surveillance alliances and data request laws. On the plus side, the provider maintains a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited, adding an extra layer of trust and transparency. For more insights, explore our detailed IPVanish review.
Pricing is also competitive, with plans starting at $2.19/month. However, like Surfshark, renewal rates jump significantly. For example, a 2-year plan costs $52.56 but renews at $89.99 for just a year.
| Plan | Essential | Advanced |
| 2-year price (renewal price) | $2.19/month ($89.99/year) | $3.29/month ($109.99/year) |
| 1-year price (renewal price) | $3.33/month ($89.99/year) | $4.49/month ($109.99/year) |
| Monthly price | $12.99/month | $14.99/month |
Surfshark alternatives compared
Below, you can see all the VPN alternatives to Surfshark compared side-by-side.
| Brand | Rating | Starting price | Simultaneous connections | Server count | Server countries | Free version |
| Surfshark | From $2.49/month | Unlimited | 4,500+ | 100 | ❌ No, but 7-day free trial | |
| NordVPN | From $3.49/month | 10 | Thousands | 149 | ❌ No, but 3-day free trial | |
| Proton VPN | From $2.99/month | 10 | 20,300+ | 148 | ✅ Yes | |
| IPVanish | From $2.19/month | Unlimited | 3,400+ | 112 | ❌ No, but 7-day free trial |
Which Surfshark alternative should I pick?
To find out what are the best alternatives to Surfshark, I focused on the factors that actually matter in day-to-day use. That includes speed and performance, extra features, overall value, device compatibility, and privacy and jurisdiction.
I looked for providers that can match what Surfshark does best, like fast speeds, strong streaming performance, ease of use, feature-rich apps, and competitive pricing. At the same time, I prioritized services that address its weaker areas, such as high renewal rates, its base within the Fourteen Eyes alliance, and a server network that is not the largest in the industry.
If you’re still unsure, here’s a simple way to decide:
- Pick NordVPN if you want the full package. NordVPN is the best all-rounder. It combines fast speeds, a huge server network, and advanced features like double VPN and threat protection, making it a strong alternative to Surfshark.
- Pick Proton VPN if you value privacy or want to try a free version. Proton VPN is the go-to if you want a free plan with solid privacy. It’s based in Switzerland and built around a strong privacy-first approach, plus it offers a genuinely usable free tier.
- Pick IPVanish if you want unlimited devices. If you loved Surfshark for its no-limits approach, IPVanish is the closest match. It allows unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for families or anyone with lots of devices.
Do I really need a VPN?
Yes, you do need a VPN if you want a simple way to improve your online privacy and flexibility. It encrypts your connection, which is especially useful on public Wi-Fi networks where your data can be more exposed.
Plus, it can improve performance. Some ISPs manage network traffic during peak hours, which can affect streaming or large downloads. A VPN hides your activity details, which may reduce this kind of slowdown.
Beyond privacy, a VPN is also about convenience. It lets you access streaming content from different regions, like switching between Netflix libraries or using services such as Hulu while traveling. Many top VPNs also include ad blockers, helping reduce pop-ups and banners.
For people working in sensitive environments, such as journalists in regions with censorship, a VPN adds an extra layer of protection by masking their connection and helping them communicate more securely.
FAQ
What's the best Surfshark alternative?
NordVPN is the best Surfshark alternative. It offers similar features, faster speeds, and strong security tools like Threat Protection Pro, making it a reliable substitute for streaming, privacy, and overall performance.
Is there a free Surfshark alternative?
Yes, Proton VPN is a solid free alternative to Surfshark. It has no data limits and strong privacy, though speeds and server access are more limited compared to its paid version.
Is Surfshark really owned by NordVPN?
No, Surfshark isn’t owned by NordVPN. Both are owned by the same parent company, Nord Security, but they operate as separate brands.
Can I use a Surfshark alternative on Netflix?
Yes, most top Surfshark alternatives work with Netflix. Providers like NordVPN and Proton VPN can reliably access different libraries with stable speeds for streaming.
Is NordVPN worth it over Surfshark?
Yes, NordVPN is worth it if you want stronger security features and slightly better performance. It’s usually a better pick for advanced privacy tools, while still staying easy to use.
