📊 Our Test Results:
- ⚡ Speed Test: Surfshark lost only 3% on nearby servers vs AdGuard VPN lost ~20% — Surfshark wins
- 🌐 Server Network: Surfshark has 4,500+ servers in 100 countries vs AdGuard VPN has 800+ in 65 locations — Surfshark wins
- 📺 Streaming Access: Surfshark unblocked 30+ Netflix libraries vs AdGuard VPN unblocked Netflix and a few others — Surfshark wins
- 🔒 Security Audit: Surfshark passed Deloitte and Cure53 audits vs AdGuard VPN has zero third-party audits — Surfshark wins
- 🛡️ Ad Blocking: AdGuard VPN has deeper DNS-level ad blocking vs Surfshark CleanWeb blocks ads only when connected — AdGuard VPN wins
Are you stuck choosing between Surfshark and AdGuard VPN?
Both promise to protect your online privacy. But they take very different approaches.
Surfshark is a full-featured premium VPN with unlimited connections. AdGuard VPN is a lighter tool built around ad blocking and basic privacy.
We tested both SurfsharkVPN vs AdGuard VPN side by side. The differences were clear within minutes.
This guide breaks down every feature so you can pick the right VPN for your needs.
Overview
We spent weeks testing Surfshark and AdGuard VPN on real devices.
We ran speed tests, checked streaming support, and dug into their privacy policies.
We also compared pricing, server networks, and security features.
Here is what we found after hands-on testing of both VPNs.
What is Surfshark?
Surfshark is a premium VPN service that launched in 2018. It has quickly become one of the top-rated VPNs worldwide.
It runs over 4,500 servers across 100 countries. You get unlimited device connections on every plan.
Surfshark also bundles antivirus, ad blocking, and identity protection into its higher-tier plans.
Surfshark
A top-rated VPN with unlimited device connections, 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, and plans starting at just $1.99/month. Ideal for families and power users who need fast speeds and strong privacy protection.
Surfshark Pricing
Surfshark keeps pricing simple with three plans. The longer you commit, the more you save.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Months +3 Extra | $1.99/month | Best value for long-term users |
| 12 Months +3 Extra | $3.19/month | Mid-range commitment |
| 1 Month | $15.45/month | Short-term or testing |
Free trial: 7-day free trial on Android, iOS, and macOS devices. No credit card needed for mobile.
Money-back guarantee: All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Refunds are processed within 4 business days.
📌 Note: The 24-month plan includes 3 extra months free. Students get an extra 15% off through Student Beans.
⚠️ Warning: Prices increase after the first billing cycle. The renewal rate is higher than the intro price, so check the renewal terms before signing up.
Key Benefits of Surfshark
Here is why Surfshark stands out from other VPN providers:
- Unlimited Devices: Connect every device in your home on a single account. No extra fees. No device limits.
- Fast WireGuard Speeds: Speed tests show only a 3% drop on nearby servers. Even distant servers stay usable for streaming.
- 4,500+ Server Network: Servers in 100 countries give you access to content from almost anywhere on the planet.
- Audited Privacy: Deloitte and Cure53 both confirmed Surfshark keeps no user activity logs.
- CleanWeb Protection: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware while the VPN is active. No extra software needed.
- MultiHop & Camouflage: Double VPN routing and traffic disguising help you stay hidden in restricted regions.
Surfshark Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Very affordable long-term pricing at $1.99/month
- Independently audited no-logs policy
- Unblocks 30+ Netflix libraries and major platforms
- Built-in ad blocker, antivirus, and identity tools
❌ Cons
- Based in the Netherlands (Nine Eyes country)
- Speeds slow down on very distant servers
- Renewal prices increase after the first term
- Missing WebRTC and IPv6 leak protection
What is AdGuard VPN?
AdGuard VPN is a privacy-focused VPN from AdGuard Software Limited. The company is best known for its popular ad blocker.
It uses a proprietary VPN protocol designed to blend VPN traffic with regular HTTPS traffic. This makes it harder for networks to detect you are using a VPN.
AdGuard VPN works well for casual browsing and basic streaming. It also offers a free plan with 3 GB of monthly data.
AdGuard VPN
A lightweight VPN with deep ad blocking roots. Based in Cyprus for strong privacy. Offers a free plan for light users and affordable paid plans starting at $2.40/month.
AdGuard VPN Pricing
AdGuard VPN offers three paid plans. There is also a limited free tier.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | $11.99/month | Short-term testing |
| 1 Year | $3.99/month | Annual commitment |
| 2 Years | $2.40/month | Best long-term value |
Free trial: AdGuard VPN has a free plan with 3 GB of data per month. Speeds are capped at 20 Mbps on the free tier.
Money-back guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee on yearly and 2-year subscriptions only. Monthly plans are not covered.
📌 Note: The free plan limits you to 2 devices, 10 server locations, and 3 GB of data. Paid plans unlock 10 devices and all servers.
⚠️ Warning: AdGuard VPN accepts payments via credit card, PayPal, and crypto. The monthly plan does not include a money-back guarantee.
Key Benefits of AdGuard VPN
Here is what makes AdGuard VPN worth considering:
- Deep Ad Blocking: Built on AdGuard’s ad-blocking technology. Blocks ads at the DNS level for cleaner browsing.
- Privacy-Friendly Location: Based in Cyprus, outside all intelligence-sharing alliances. Complies with GDPR.
- Free Plan Available: Get 3 GB of free VPN data each month. Enough for occasional secure browsing.
- Stealth Protocol: The proprietary protocol disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS. Harder for networks to detect.
- Simple Interface: Easy to install and use. The app auto-connects to the fastest server.
- Split Tunneling: Choose which apps go through the VPN and which use your regular connection.
AdGuard VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Excellent ad and tracker blocking at DNS level
- Free plan with 3 GB monthly data
- Based in Cyprus, strong privacy jurisdiction
- Simple, beginner-friendly interface
❌ Cons
- Small server network (800+ vs 4,500+ for Surfshark)
- No independent security audits
- Only one proprietary VPN protocol
- No 24/7 live chat support
- Limited to 10 device connections
Feature Comparison
Ready to see how Surfshark and AdGuard VPN stack up feature by feature?
We compared 10 key areas. Here is the full breakdown.
| Feature | Surfshark | AdGuard VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $1.99/month | $2.40/month |
| Free Plan | ❌ (7-day trial only) | ✅ (3 GB/month) |
| Simultaneous Devices | Unlimited | 10 |
| Server Network | 4,500+ in 100 countries | 800+ in 65+ locations |
| VPN Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | Proprietary only |
| Independent Audit | ✅ (Deloitte, Cure53) | ❌ |
| Ad Blocker | ✅ CleanWeb | ✅ DNS-level blocking |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Best For | Streaming, families, power users | Casual browsing, ad blocking |
1. Server Network
Surfshark: Runs 4,500+ RAM-only servers in 100 countries. All servers run on 10 Gbps connections. You get physical servers in most locations plus clearly marked virtual servers where needed.
AdGuard VPN: Offers around 800+ servers in 65+ locations across 53 countries. The network is much smaller. You may notice slower speeds during peak hours due to fewer server options.
2. Speed and Performance
Surfshark: Speed tests show only a 3% drop on nearby servers. Distant servers retained around 86% of baseline speeds. The WireGuard protocol keeps things fast even across continents.
AdGuard VPN: Nearby servers show about a 20% speed drop. The free plan caps speeds at 20 Mbps. Paid plans are faster, averaging around 58 Mbps in tests. Distant servers can slow down more.
⚠️ Warning: AdGuard VPN’s free tier limits speeds to 20 Mbps. That is too slow for 4K streaming or large downloads.
3. Privacy and Security
Surfshark: Uses AES-256 encryption with Perfect Forward Secrecy. Has passed independent audits by Deloitte and Cure53. Based in the Netherlands, which is a Nine Eyes country, but the audited no-logs policy means there is nothing to hand over.
AdGuard VPN: Uses AES-256 encryption through its proprietary protocol. Based in Cyprus, outside all intelligence alliances and under GDPR. However, the no-logs policy has never been verified by a third party.
4. VPN Protocols
Surfshark: Supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. WireGuard is the fastest option. OpenVPN is best for routers. You can switch between them inside the app settings.
AdGuard VPN: Only offers one proprietary protocol. It disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS, which helps bypass blocks. But it lacks the transparency and proven track record of open-source protocols like WireGuard.
5. Streaming Support
Surfshark: Unblocks 30+ Netflix libraries plus Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max. Dedicated apps for Fire TV Stick and Apple TV make setup easy.
AdGuard VPN: Can unblock Netflix US, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. Struggles with Amazon Prime and Peacock. The smaller server network means fewer options if one server gets blocked.
6. Ad Blocking
Surfshark: CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware. It only works when the VPN is connected. It does not list blocked threats for review like some competitors do.
AdGuard VPN: Ad blocking is the core of AdGuard’s DNA. DNS-level blocking removes ads at the source. You can also pair the VPN with AdGuard’s standalone ad blocker for even deeper protection.
7. Device Connections
Surfshark: Unlimited simultaneous connections. Protect every phone, laptop, tablet, and smart TV in your home with one subscription. This is rare among VPN providers.
AdGuard VPN: Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections on paid plans. Free users get only 2 devices. That is enough for most individuals but not ideal for large families.
8. Platform Support
Surfshark: Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire TV, Apple TV, and most browsers. Also supports manual router setup for whole-home protection.
AdGuard VPN: Covers Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, and browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Does not support Linux or routers.
9. Customer Support
Surfshark: Offers 24/7 live chat support plus a detailed help center with guides and tutorials. Response times are fast through the chat widget.
AdGuard VPN: No live chat support. Uses a ticketing system for email support. Response times can be slow. There is a basic FAQ section on the website.
10. Pricing & Cost
Here is how the pricing plans compare side by side.
| Plan Duration | Surfshark | AdGuard VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $15.45/month | $11.99/month |
| 1 Year | $3.19/month | $3.99/month |
| 2 Years | $1.99/month | $2.40/month |
| Free Plan | ❌ (7-day trial) | ✅ (3 GB/month) |
Surfshark: Cheaper on long-term plans. The 2-year deal at $1.99/month includes 3 extra free months. You also get antivirus, ad blocking, and identity tools bundled in at higher tiers.
AdGuard VPN: Cheaper on the monthly plan at $11.99 vs $15.45. But the 2-year deal is $0.41 more per month than Surfshark. The free plan is a nice bonus if you only need basic protection.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited devices | Surfshark | No device limits at all |
| Free VPN option | AdGuard VPN | 3 GB free monthly data |
| Streaming Netflix | Surfshark | Unblocks 30+ libraries |
| Ad blocking focus | AdGuard VPN | DNS-level ad removal |
| Fastest speeds | Surfshark | Only 3% speed loss nearby |
| Privacy jurisdiction | AdGuard VPN | Cyprus (outside Eyes) |
| Audited no-logs proof | Surfshark | Deloitte and Cure53 audits |
💰 Your Budget
Surfshark is cheaper on long-term plans at $1.99/month. AdGuard VPN costs $2.40/month for 2 years, but it offers a free plan for light users.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Surfshark supports routers, Linux, and smart TVs. AdGuard VPN does not work on Linux or routers. Pick Surfshark if you need whole-home coverage.
📺 Your Streaming Needs
Surfshark unlocks 30+ Netflix libraries and all major platforms. AdGuard VPN works with Netflix US and a few others but struggles with some services.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Both VPNs are easy to set up. AdGuard VPN is slightly simpler with fewer settings. Surfshark has more options but is still beginner-friendly.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
AdGuard VPN has a permanent free plan with 3 GB/month. Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial on mobile plus a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
🛟 Support Options
Surfshark has 24/7 live chat for instant help. AdGuard VPN only offers email tickets. If fast support matters to you, Surfshark is the clear winner.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these VPNs? Here is what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Surfshark to AdGuard VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- DNS-level ad blocking that works beyond the VPN tunnel
- A free plan for light browsing months
- Cyprus jurisdiction outside all intelligence alliances
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Unlimited device connections (drops to 10 max)
- 4,500+ servers and 100-country coverage
- WireGuard and OpenVPN protocol choices
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Surfshark subscription (request refund within 30 days if eligible)
- Create an AdGuard VPN account and choose your plan
- Download AdGuard VPN apps on your devices and connect
🔄 Switching from AdGuard VPN to Surfshark?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Unlimited device connections for your whole household
- 4,500+ servers in 100 countries with WireGuard speeds
- Access to 30+ Netflix libraries and all major streaming platforms
❌ What you’ll lose:
- DNS-level ad blocking outside the VPN
- The free plan for occasional light use
- Cyprus privacy jurisdiction (Surfshark is in the Netherlands)
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your AdGuard VPN subscription (request refund if on yearly or 2-year plan)
- Sign up for Surfshark and pick a plan (the 2-year deal is the best value)
- Install Surfshark on all your devices and enable WireGuard in settings
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | Surfshark |
| 🌐 Server Network | Surfshark |
| ⚡ Speed | Surfshark |
| 📺 Streaming | Surfshark |
| 🔒 Security & Audits | Surfshark |
| 🛡️ Ad Blocking | AdGuard VPN |
| 🏛️ Privacy Jurisdiction | AdGuard VPN |
| 📱 Device Connections | Surfshark |
| 🛟 Customer Support | Surfshark |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Surfshark |
🏆 WINNER: Surfshark
Surfshark wins 7 out of 9 categories.
Best for: Streaming, families with many devices, users who want audited privacy, and anyone who needs a fast VPN at a low price.
Surfshark and AdGuard VPN serve very different users.
Surfshark is a full-featured premium VPN. It covers streaming, privacy, speed, and device support at every level.
AdGuard VPN is a lighter tool built around ad blocking. It works well for casual users who want basic protection.
AdGuard VPN is a great choice if you mostly need ad blocking and occasional VPN use.
But if you need a complete VPN for streaming, security, and unlimited devices, Surfshark is the better pick.
Now go protect your online privacy!
More of Surfshark Compared
Here’s how Surfshark stacks up against other competitors:
Surfshark vs NordVPN
Surfshark wins on: Price, unlimited device connections
NordVPN wins on: Larger server network, slightly faster speeds
Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
Surfshark wins on: Much lower pricing, unlimited devices
ExpressVPN wins on: Fastest speeds, works best in China
Surfshark vs PureVPN
Surfshark wins on: Speed, streaming, privacy audits
PureVPN wins on: Dedicated IP options, port forwarding
Surfshark vs ProtonVPN
Surfshark wins on: Price, streaming support, device limit
ProtonVPN wins on: Privacy focus, Swiss jurisdiction, open-source
Surfshark vs PrivadoVPN
Surfshark wins on: Server network, speed, features
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan with more server options
Surfshark vs Virtual Shield
Surfshark wins on: Server count, unlimited devices, pricing
Virtual Shield wins on: US-focused server network
Surfshark vs StrongVPN
Surfshark wins on: Price, streaming, server count
StrongVPN wins on: Works well in China, simple setup
Surfshark vs FastestVPN
Surfshark wins on: Speed, server network, features
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan option, lower one-time cost
Surfshark vs Aura VPN
Surfshark wins on: Speed, streaming, server count
Aura VPN wins on: Bundled identity theft protection
Surfshark vs CyberGhost
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited devices, price
CyberGhost wins on: Larger server count, longer refund period
Surfshark vs McAfee VPN
Surfshark wins on: Speed, streaming, VPN features
McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled with antivirus suite
Surfshark vs Private Internet Access
Surfshark wins on: Streaming, unlimited devices
PIA wins on: Larger server network, open-source apps
Surfshark vs Mysterium
Surfshark wins on: Speed, streaming, ease of use
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use model
Surfshark vs SafeShell VPN
Surfshark wins on: Server network, audited privacy, features
SafeShell VPN wins on: Niche use for restricted regions
Surfshark vs OysterVPN
Surfshark wins on: Speed, server count, brand reputation
OysterVPN wins on: Affordable lifetime deals
More of AdGuard VPN Compared
Here’s how AdGuard VPN stacks up against other competitors:
AdGuard VPN wins on: Free plan, ad blocking integration
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server count, audited security
AdGuard VPN wins on: Price, free plan, ad blocking
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, China support
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking, simpler interface
PureVPN wins on: Server network, dedicated IP options
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking, simpler apps
ProtonVPN wins on: Better free plan, open-source, Swiss privacy
AdGuard VPN vs PrivadoVPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking tools, stealth protocol
PrivadoVPN wins on: More free data, more server locations
AdGuard VPN vs Virtual Shield
AdGuard VPN wins on: Free plan, cross-platform support
Virtual Shield wins on: US-focused server network
AdGuard VPN vs StrongVPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Free plan, ad blocking
StrongVPN wins on: Better speeds, China access
AdGuard VPN vs Aura VPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Standalone VPN, ad blocking
Aura VPN wins on: Identity protection bundle
AdGuard VPN vs CyberGhost
AdGuard VPN wins on: Free plan, ad blocking integration
CyberGhost wins on: Server count, streaming, speed
AdGuard VPN vs McAfee VPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Standalone VPN price, ad blocking
McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled antivirus and identity tools
AdGuard VPN vs Private Internet Access
AdGuard VPN wins on: Free plan, ad blocking focus
PIA wins on: Massive server network, open-source apps
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ease of use, reliable speeds
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized model, no subscription
AdGuard VPN vs SafeShell VPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Reputation, ad blocking tools
SafeShell VPN wins on: Niche restricted-region access
AdGuard VPN vs OysterVPN
AdGuard VPN wins on: Free plan, ad blocking, brand trust
OysterVPN wins on: Affordable lifetime pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surfshark VPN trustworthy?
Yes. Surfshark has been independently audited by Deloitte and Cure53. Both confirmed its no-logs policy. It uses AES-256 encryption and supports WireGuard for fast, secure connections.
Is AdGuard VPN safe to use?
AdGuard VPN uses AES-256 encryption and has a strict no-logs policy. However, it has not been independently audited. It is based in Cyprus, a privacy-friendly country outside intelligence alliances.
Can I use Surfshark VPN for free?
Surfshark does not have a permanent free plan. It offers a 7-day free trial on Android, iOS, and macOS. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Is AdGuard VPN better than NordVPN?
NordVPN is better in most areas. It has a larger server network, faster speeds, audited security, and 24/7 support. AdGuard VPN wins only on ad blocking and its free plan.
How much does Surfshark VPN cost per month?
Surfshark costs $1.99/month on the 2-year plan, $3.19/month on the 1-year plan, or $15.45 for a single month. The 2-year plan includes 3 extra months free.
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