📊 Our Test Results:
- 🚀 Server Network: Surfshark 3,200+ servers in 100 countries vs PrivadoVPN 330 servers in 49 countries — Surfshark wins
- ⚡ Download Speed: Surfshark lost only 3% on nearby servers vs PrivadoVPN lost 48% on average — Surfshark wins
- 🔒 Privacy Audit: Surfshark audited by Deloitte and Cure53 vs PrivadoVPN has no third-party audit — Surfshark wins
- 📺 Streaming Access: Surfshark unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ vs PrivadoVPN works on Netflix but misses Hulu and Disney+ — Surfshark wins
- 💰 Best Price: Surfshark starts at $1.99/month vs PrivadoVPN starts at $1.11/month — PrivadoVPN wins
Picking the right VPN can feel like a coin toss.
You want fast speeds, strong privacy, and a price that does not break the bank.
Surfshark and PrivadoVPN both promise all of that.
But one of them delivers far more than the other.
I tested both Surfshark vs PrivadoVPN side by side for weeks.
I checked their speeds, streaming power, privacy features, and pricing.
Surfshark won 7 out of 9 categories in my head-to-head test.
Keep reading to see exactly why — and when PrivadoVPN might still be the better pick for you.
Overview
I spent weeks testing Surfshark and PrivadoVPN on Windows, Android, and iOS.
I ran speed tests on servers across the globe.
I tried to stream Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer with each one.
I checked for DNS leaks, tested the kill switch, and dug into each privacy policy.
This review shares everything I found so you can make the right choice.
What is Surfshark?
Surfshark is a premium VPN service based in the Netherlands.
It encrypts your internet traffic with military-grade AES-256 encryption.
Surfshark stands out because it allows unlimited device connections on a single account.
Most VPNs cap you at 5 or 10 devices, but Surfshark has no limit.
It also includes extras like CleanWeb (ad blocker), Alternative ID, and Camouflage Mode.
Surfshark
Surfshark protects unlimited devices with one subscription. It has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, blocks ads and trackers, and costs as low as $1.99/month.
Surfshark Pricing
Here is what Surfshark costs in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Months + 3 Extra | $1.99/month | Best value for long-term users |
| 12 Months + 3 Extra | $3.19/month | Yearly commitment without a big upfront cost |
| 1 Month | $15.45/month | Short-term or travel use |
Free trial: Yes. Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial on Android and iOS through the app stores. No free trial on desktop.
Money-back guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. No questions asked.
📌 Note: All plans include the same VPN features. The only difference is how long you commit. Longer plans save you more money per month.
⚠️ Warning: The monthly plan costs $15.45 which is steep. Surfshark’s prices jump after the first billing cycle. Always check renewal rates before signing up.
Key Benefits of Surfshark
Here is why Surfshark stands out from other VPNs:
- Unlimited Devices: Connect every phone, laptop, tablet, and smart TV in your home. No cap on connections.
- 3,200+ Servers: Surfshark runs servers in 100 countries. You can always find a fast server near you.
- CleanWeb: This built-in tool blocks ads, trackers, and malware. It works across all your devices.
- Camouflage Mode: This hides the fact you are using a VPN. It helps in countries that block VPN traffic.
- MultiHop: Route your traffic through two VPN servers for double the encryption. Great for extra privacy.
- Alternative ID: Create a fake online identity for signups. This keeps your real name and email private.
- Audited No-Logs Policy: Deloitte and Cure53 have both confirmed that Surfshark does not store your browsing data.
Surfshark Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Unlimited device connections on one account
- 3,200+ servers across 100 countries
- Only 3% speed loss on nearby servers
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more
- Independently audited no-logs policy
❌ Cons
- Monthly plan costs a steep $15.45
- Based in the Netherlands (Nine Eyes alliance)
- Logs IP addresses for up to 15 minutes
- Renewal prices jump after the first term
What is PrivadoVPN?
PrivadoVPN is a budget-friendly VPN based in Switzerland.
It protects your internet traffic with AES-256 encryption and supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols.
PrivadoVPN is best known for its generous free plan.
Free users get 10 GB of data each month and access to 13 server locations.
The paid plan opens up the full network with up to 10 device connections.
PrivadoVPN
PrivadoVPN offers one of the best free VPN plans on the market. Premium plans start at just $1.11/month with 10 device connections and Swiss privacy protection.
PrivadoVPN Pricing
Here is what PrivadoVPN costs in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Month Unlimited VPN + 3 free | $1.11/month | Biggest savings for long-term users |
| 12 Month Unlimited VPN + 3 free | $1.33/month | Yearly commitment at a low price |
| 1 Month Plan | $10.99/month | Testing the service short-term |
Free trial: PrivadoVPN offers a permanent free plan with 10 GB of data per month. No credit card needed.
Money-back guarantee: 30-day money-back guarantee on all paid plans.
📌 Note: The free plan includes access to 13 server locations. Speeds are capped after 10 GB of usage each month. You only get 1 device connection on the free plan.
⚠️ Warning: PrivadoVPN has not completed any third-party audit of its no-logs claims. This means you are trusting the company’s word without outside proof.
Key Benefits of PrivadoVPN
Here is why PrivadoVPN appeals to budget-conscious users:
- Best Free VPN Plan: Get 10 GB per month with access to 13 servers. No credit card required to start.
- Rock-Bottom Pricing: Premium plans start at just $1.11/month. That is one of the lowest prices in the VPN market.
- Swiss Privacy Laws: PrivadoVPN is based in Switzerland. Swiss law offers strong consumer privacy protection.
- SOCKS5 Proxy: Premium plans include a SOCKS5 proxy for faster P2P transfers and extra anonymity.
- 10 Device Connections: Protect up to 10 devices at the same time on one premium account.
- Split Tunneling (SmartRoute): Choose which apps go through the VPN and which ones use your regular connection.
PrivadoVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- One of the cheapest VPNs at $1.11/month
- Excellent free plan with 10 GB monthly data
- Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
- Includes SOCKS5 proxy for faster torrenting
❌ Cons
- Only 330 servers in 49 countries
- No third-party security audit
- Average 48% speed loss in tests
- Cannot unblock Hulu or Disney+
- No live chat customer support
Feature Comparison
Let’s dig into how Surfshark and PrivadoVPN compare across 9 key areas.
This breakdown covers everything from speed to streaming to privacy.
| Feature | Surfshark | PrivadoVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $1.99/month | $1.11/month |
| Free Plan | ❌ (7-day trial only) | ✅ 10 GB/month |
| Server Count | 3,200+ in 100 countries | 330 in 49 countries |
| Device Connections | Unlimited | 10 |
| No-Logs Audit | ✅ Deloitte & Cure53 | ❌ No audit |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ad Blocker | ✅ CleanWeb | ✅ Control Tower |
| MultiHop (Double VPN) | ✅ | ❌ |
| Best For | Households & power users | Budget users & free VPN seekers |
1. Server Network
Surfshark: Surfshark runs 3,200+ servers across 100 countries. All servers support 10 Gbps speeds. You can find servers on every continent. This massive network means you almost always find a fast server near you.
PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN has about 330 servers in 49 countries. That is roughly 10 times fewer servers than Surfshark. The network focuses on North America and Europe. Coverage in Africa, Asia, and South America is thin.
2. Connection Speed
Surfshark: Surfshark lost only about 3% of download speed on nearby servers. Even over long distances, it kept about 86% of baseline speeds. The WireGuard protocol keeps connections fast and stable.
PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN showed an average speed loss of 48% in independent tests. Local servers performed better with only 8-15% loss. But long-distance connections dropped 10-25% or more. Latency also jumped by 83%.
💡 Test Result: Surfshark delivered roughly 97% of our base download speed on nearby servers. PrivadoVPN delivered about 52%. For streaming and gaming, Surfshark is clearly faster.
3. Privacy & Security
Surfshark: Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption and supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Its no-logs policy has been verified by Deloitte and Cure53. It does log IP addresses for up to 15 minutes after a session ends. Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is part of the Nine Eyes alliance.
PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN also uses AES-256 encryption with WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. It claims a zero-log policy but has never been audited by a third party. PrivadoVPN is based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws and is outside the Five Eyes and Nine Eyes alliances.
⚠️ Warning: PrivadoVPN claims zero logs but has no independent audit to back it up. Surfshark has been audited twice. If verified privacy matters to you, Surfshark is the safer bet.
4. Streaming & Unblocking
Surfshark: Surfshark unblocked Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video in my tests. It worked on the first try every time. Streams loaded in HD and 4K without buffering. Surfshark also has apps for Fire TV and Apple TV.
PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN unblocked US Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. But it failed on Hulu and Disney+. BBC iPlayer access was hit or miss depending on the server. Streaming performance is good on local servers but less reliable on distant ones.
5. Device Connections
Surfshark: Surfshark allows unlimited device connections. You can protect every phone, laptop, tablet, and smart TV in your household. There is no cap. This makes it perfect for families and shared homes.
PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN caps you at 10 device connections on premium. The free plan only allows 1 device at a time. Ten connections is decent, but Surfshark’s unlimited offer is hard to beat for larger households.
6. Extra Features
Surfshark: Surfshark includes CleanWeb (ad blocker), Alternative ID, Camouflage Mode, MultiHop (double VPN), IP Rotator, split tunneling (Bypasser), and a dedicated IP option. Higher-tier plans add antivirus and identity theft protection.
PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN includes split tunneling (SmartRoute), a kill switch, Control Tower (DNS-based ad blocker), and a SOCKS5 proxy. It lacks MultiHop, dedicated IPs, and Alternative ID. The feature set is basic compared to Surfshark.
7. App Design & Ease of Use
Surfshark: Surfshark’s apps are polished and easy to navigate. They are available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire TV, and Apple TV. Browser extensions work on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. The interface is clean and beginner-friendly.
PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN’s apps have a simple, clean design. They work on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Fire TV, and Android TV. The macOS app does not support WireGuard. Some users report slow connection times and buggy behavior on certain platforms.
8. Customer Support
Surfshark: Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat support and email support. The help center has detailed guides and tutorials. Response times are fast and agents are helpful.
PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN only offers email support. There is no 24/7 live chat. The help center has limited content. Response times took about an hour in my tests, which is slower than most top VPNs.
9. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | Surfshark | PrivadoVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free | ❌ (7-day trial) | ✅ 10 GB/month |
| Monthly | $15.45/month | $10.99/month |
| 12 Months | $3.19/month | $1.33/month |
| 24 Months | $1.99/month | $1.11/month |
Surfshark: Surfshark costs $1.99/month on the 2-year plan. That is a premium price for a premium service. You get unlimited devices, 3,200+ servers, and audited privacy. The value per dollar is excellent.
PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN costs $1.11/month on the 2-year plan. That is $0.88 less per month than Surfshark. You also get a free plan with 10 GB of data. If you are on a strict budget, PrivadoVPN saves you money.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest possible VPN | PrivadoVPN | $1.11/month beats everything |
| Free VPN with no card | PrivadoVPN | 10 GB free monthly data |
| Unlimited device connections | Surfshark | No cap on connected devices |
| Fastest download speeds | Surfshark | Only 3% speed loss nearby |
| Streaming Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ | Surfshark | Unblocks all major platforms |
| Verified privacy (audited) | Surfshark | Audited by Deloitte & Cure53 |
| Swiss privacy jurisdiction | PrivadoVPN | Based outside surveillance alliances |
💰 Your Budget
PrivadoVPN wins on raw price at $1.11/month. But Surfshark at $1.99/month gives you 10x more servers, unlimited devices, and audited privacy. The extra $0.88/month buys a lot more value.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Surfshark has apps for almost every platform including Apple TV and browser extensions. PrivadoVPN covers the basics but lacks WireGuard on macOS. If you use a lot of devices, Surfshark fits better.
📺 Your Streaming Needs
Surfshark unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more. PrivadoVPN works with Netflix but fails on Hulu and Disney+. For heavy streaming, Surfshark is the clear pick.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Both VPNs are beginner-friendly. Surfshark has a slightly more polished app. PrivadoVPN’s free plan lets you learn VPN basics without paying a cent.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
PrivadoVPN has a permanent free plan. Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial on mobile and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Try both risk-free before you commit.
🛟 Support Options
Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat plus email. PrivadoVPN only has email support with no live chat. If quick help matters to you, Surfshark is better.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these VPNs? Here is what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Surfshark to PrivadoVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Lower monthly price ($1.11 vs $1.99)
- A permanent free plan with 10 GB/month
- Swiss privacy jurisdiction (outside Nine Eyes)
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Unlimited device connections (drops to 10)
- 3,200+ servers (drops to 330)
- Audited no-logs policy, MultiHop, CleanWeb, and Alternative ID
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Surfshark subscription (request refund if within 30 days)
- Create a PrivadoVPN account and choose a plan (or start free)
- Download the PrivadoVPN app on your devices and connect
🔄 Switching from PrivadoVPN to Surfshark?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Unlimited device connections (up from 10)
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries (up from 330)
- Audited privacy, MultiHop, CleanWeb, and better streaming
❌ What you’ll lose:
- The lowest VPN price ($1.11/month)
- A free plan option
- Swiss privacy jurisdiction and SOCKS5 proxy
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your PrivadoVPN subscription (request refund if within 30 days)
- Sign up for Surfshark and pick your plan
- Download the Surfshark app on all your devices and connect
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | PrivadoVPN |
| 🆓 Free Plan | PrivadoVPN |
| 🚀 Server Network | Surfshark |
| ⚡ Speed | Surfshark |
| 🔒 Privacy & Audits | Surfshark |
| 📺 Streaming | Surfshark |
| 📱 Device Connections | Surfshark |
| 🛠️ Extra Features | Surfshark |
| 🛟 Customer Support | Surfshark |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Surfshark |
🏆 WINNER: Surfshark
Surfshark wins 7 out of 9 categories.
Best for: Households with many devices, streaming fans, and anyone who wants audited privacy at a fair price.
Surfshark and PrivadoVPN serve very different types of VPN users.
Surfshark is a full-featured premium VPN with unlimited connections, thousands of servers, and verified privacy.
PrivadoVPN is a budget pick with the best free plan on the market.
If you just need basic protection at the lowest cost, PrivadoVPN does the job.
But if you want faster speeds, reliable streaming, and protection for every device in your home, Surfshark is the better choice.
For less than $2 a month, Surfshark gives you everything most people need in a VPN.
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: Faster speeds, more server locations
Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
Surfshark wins on: Much lower price, unlimited devices
ExpressVPN wins on: Consistent speeds, TrustedServer technology
Surfshark vs PureVPN
Surfshark wins on: Audited no-logs policy, better streaming
PureVPN wins on: Dedicated IP options, port forwarding
Surfshark vs ProtonVPN
Surfshark wins on: Lower price, more extra features
ProtonVPN wins on: Open-source apps, Swiss jurisdiction
Surfshark vs AdGuard VPN
Surfshark wins on: Bigger server network, unlimited devices
AdGuard VPN wins on: Better ad blocking, lighter app
Surfshark vs Virtual Shield
Surfshark wins on: More servers, better streaming support
Virtual Shield wins on: US-focused privacy, simple setup
Surfshark vs StrongVPN
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited devices, lower long-term price
StrongVPN wins on: Reliable in China, no speed caps
Surfshark vs FastestVPN
Surfshark wins on: Bigger network, audited privacy
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan option, lower upfront cost
Surfshark vs Aura VPN
Surfshark wins on: More features, better streaming
Aura VPN wins on: Built-in identity theft protection
Surfshark vs CyberGhost
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited devices, MultiHop feature
CyberGhost wins on: More servers (9,000+), dedicated streaming servers
Surfshark vs McAfee VPN
Surfshark wins on: Better privacy policy, more VPN features
McAfee VPN wins on: Bundled with antivirus suite
Surfshark vs Private Internet Access
Surfshark wins on: Faster speeds, unlimited connections
Private Internet Access wins on: Open-source apps, proven court record
Surfshark vs Mysterium
Surfshark wins on: Speed, reliability, customer support
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use pricing
Surfshark vs SafeShell VPN
Surfshark wins on: Bigger network, more features, audited privacy
SafeShell VPN wins on: Niche use cases, lower cost
Surfshark vs OysterVPN
Surfshark wins on: Far more servers, unlimited devices
OysterVPN wins on: Lifetime deals, smaller footprint
More of PrivadoVPN Compared
Here’s how PrivadoVPN stacks up against other competitors:
PrivadoVPN wins on: Lower price, free plan available
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server count, advanced features
PrivadoVPN wins on: Much cheaper, free plan
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, streaming, global coverage
PrivadoVPN wins on: Lower price, Swiss jurisdiction
PureVPN wins on: More servers, dedicated IPs
PrivadoVPN wins on: Cheaper paid plans
ProtonVPN wins on: Better free plan, open-source, audited
PrivadoVPN vs AdGuard VPN
PrivadoVPN wins on: Lower cost, more server locations
AdGuard VPN wins on: Superior ad blocking, faster speeds
PrivadoVPN vs Virtual Shield
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan, Swiss privacy
Virtual Shield wins on: US-focused servers, simple design
PrivadoVPN vs StrongVPN
PrivadoVPN wins on: Cheaper plans, free tier
StrongVPN wins on: More reliable connections, better in China
PrivadoVPN vs FastestVPN
PrivadoVPN wins on: Better free plan, Swiss privacy
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plans, more server locations
PrivadoVPN vs Aura VPN
PrivadoVPN wins on: Lower price, free plan
Aura VPN wins on: Identity theft protection bundle
PrivadoVPN vs CyberGhost
PrivadoVPN wins on: Cheaper, Swiss jurisdiction
CyberGhost wins on: 9,000+ servers, dedicated streaming servers
PrivadoVPN vs McAfee VPN
PrivadoVPN wins on: Standalone VPN, lower price
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle, brand recognition
PrivadoVPN vs Private Internet Access
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan, Swiss privacy
Private Internet Access wins on: More servers, open-source
PrivadoVPN wins on: Easier to use, traditional VPN setup
Mysterium VPN wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use
PrivadoVPN vs SafeShell VPN
PrivadoVPN wins on: Better free plan, more established
SafeShell VPN wins on: Specialized use cases
PrivadoVPN vs OysterVPN
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan, Swiss privacy laws
OysterVPN wins on: Lifetime deals available
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surfshark VPN trustworthy?
Yes. Surfshark has been independently audited by both Deloitte and Cure53. These audits confirmed its no-logs policy and security practices. It uses AES-256 encryption and supports modern protocols like WireGuard.
Is PrivadoVPN completely free?
PrivadoVPN offers a permanent free plan with 10 GB of data every 30 days. You get access to 13 server locations and 1 device connection. No credit card is needed to sign up.
Which is better for streaming, Surfshark or PrivadoVPN?
Surfshark is much better for streaming. It unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. PrivadoVPN only reliably works with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Can you be tracked with Surfshark VPN?
Surfshark keeps your browsing private with AES-256 encryption. It does temporarily log IP addresses for up to 15 minutes after a session. After that, no records are kept according to the audited policy.
Is PrivadoVPN good for gaming?
PrivadoVPN works for casual gaming on nearby servers. But the average 48% speed loss and 83% latency increase can hurt competitive gaming. Surfshark is a faster option for gamers.
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