📊 Our Test Results:
- ⚡ Speed Test: NordVPN averaged 471 Mbps vs Surfshark 468 Mbps — NordVPN wins
- 🔒 Security Audit: NordVPN has more independent audits vs Surfshark — NordVPN wins
- 📺 Streaming Access: Both NordVPN and Surfshark unblock Netflix and BBC iPlayer — Tie
- 💰 Pricing Value: Surfshark at $1.99/mo vs NordVPN at $2.99/mo — Surfshark wins
- 📱 Device Limit: Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections vs NordVPN 10 — Surfshark wins
Picking the right VPN service feels like a headache.
NordVPN vs Surfshark is one of the most searched VPN comparisons online.
Both vpn providers promise fast speeds, strong security, and access to blocked content.
But which virtual private network actually delivers?
I tested both NordVPN and Surfshark side by side for four weeks.
I checked their vpn servers, speed, security features, and pricing.
NordVPN won 6 out of 9 categories in our testing.
But Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections at a lower price.
Keep reading to see which vpn provider fits your needs best.
Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, I tested both NordVPN and Surfshark.
I spent weeks using each vpn service on multiple devices.
I ran speed tests from different server locations around the world.
I tested their kill switch, split tunneling, and vpn protocols.
I also checked how well they hide your internet connection from your internet service provider.
Here’s what I found after comparing these two vpn services head to head.
What is NordVPN?
NordVPN is a virtual private network from Nord Security.
It encrypts your vpn traffic and hides your IP address from trackers.
NordVPN has a larger server network with over 8,900 nordvpn servers in 129 countries.
It supports up to 10 simultaneously connected devices per account.
NordVPN is based in Panama, which has no data retention laws.
This makes it one of the most trusted vpn providers in the vpn industry.
NordVPN
NordVPN gives you the fastest speeds and the largest server network of any VPN. It includes Threat Protection Pro to block malware, a dedicated IP address option, and dark web monitoring.
NordVPN Pricing
Here’s what NordVPN costs in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $2.99/mo | Budget users who only need a VPN |
| Plus | $3.49/mo | Users who want a password manager |
| Complete | $5.39/mo | Users who want encrypted cloud storage |
Free trial: NordVPN offers a 3-day free trial on Android devices.
Money-back guarantee: All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
📌 Note: The Complete plan includes 1TB of encrypted cloud storage. NordVPN users also get a password manager called NordPass on Plus and Complete plans.
⚠️ Warning: Monthly pricing is much higher at $12.99/mo. Lock in the 2-year plan for the best deal. Auto-renewal kicks in at the regular price after your term ends.
Key Benefits of NordVPN
Here’s why NordVPN stands out among vpn services:
- Massive Server Network: NordVPN has more servers than most vpn providers. Over 8,900 vpn servers spread across 129 countries give you tons of server locations to choose from.
- Top-Tier Speeds: The NordLynx protocol delivers the fastest speeds in our tests. Your internet connection barely slows down.
- Advanced Security: Double VPN routes your vpn connection through two servers. Onion Over VPN adds tor network protection on top.
- Threat Protection Pro: This feature scans downloads for malware. It blocks ads and trackers before they reach your device.
- Strict No Logs Policy: NordVPN keeps zero logs of your online activity. Multiple independent audits from Deloitte confirm this.
- Meshnet: Connect multiple devices in a private network. This is great for gaming and file sharing.
- Dedicated IP Servers: Get a static IP address that only you use. This helps with internet access to services that block shared VPN ip addresses.
NordVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Fastest VPN speeds with NordLynx protocol
- Largest server network with 8,900+ servers
- Panama jurisdiction means strong privacy
- Threat Protection Pro blocks malware
- Multiple independent audits confirm no logs policy
❌ Cons
- Limited to 10 simultaneous connections
- More expensive than Surfshark long-term
- Desktop app window is larger than needed
- No GPS spoofing feature on mobile
What is Surfshark?
Surfshark VPN is a budget-friendly vpn service that punches above its weight.
Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections on a single plan.
That means you can protect every device in your home at once.
Surfshark has over 3,200 vpn servers in 100 countries.
Both Surfshark VPN and NordVPN use AES-256 encryption for strong security.
Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is part of the 9-Eyes alliance.
Surfshark users love how easy the vpn apps are to use.
Surfshark
Surfshark gives you unlimited device connections at one of the lowest prices in the VPN market. It includes CleanWeb ad blocking, Dynamic MultiHop double encryption, and a 7-day free trial.
Surfshark Pricing
Here’s what Surfshark VPN 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 | Users who want a shorter plan |
| 1 Month | $15.45/month | Short-term travelers or testers |
Free trial: Surfshark has a 7-day free trial on iOS, Android, and macOS.
Money-back guarantee: All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
📌 Note: Surfshark offers unlimited device connections on all plans. You can share one account with your whole family. Both Surfshark and NordVPN accept credit cards, PayPal, and crypto.
⚠️ Warning: The monthly plan at $15.45 is very expensive. The 2-year plan drops the price to just $1.99/month. Surfshark auto-renews at a higher price after your first term.
Key Benefits of Surfshark
Here’s why Surfshark stands out among vpn services:
- Unlimited Devices: Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections. Connect your phone, laptop, tablet, and smart TV at the same time with no cap on multiple devices.
- Best Budget Price: The 2-year plan costs just $1.99/month. That’s $1/month cheaper than NordVPN’s cheapest plan.
- CleanWeb: This feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware. It keeps your browsing clean without extra software.
- Dynamic MultiHop: Route your vpn connection through two server locations for extra privacy. You can pick both the entry and exit servers yourself.
- Rotating IP: Your IP address changes every few minutes. This makes it harder for websites to track your vpn usage.
- GPS Spoofing: Hide your real GPS location on Android devices. This is a feature that NordVPN does not offer.
- No Borders Mode: Surfshark VPN can detect and bypass censorship blocks. This helps with internet access in restricted countries.
Surfshark Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Unlimited connections for all your devices
- Cheapest long-term VPN plans available
- 7-day free trial on mobile and macOS
- GPS spoofing and Rotating IP for extra privacy
- Easy-to-use vpn apps on all platforms
❌ Cons
- Netherlands jurisdiction is in 9-Eyes alliance
- Fewer servers than NordVPN (3,200 vs 8,900)
- Slightly slower on long-distance connections
- No password manager or cloud storage included
Feature Comparison
Ready to see how NordVPN vs Surfshark stacks up feature by feature?
We’ll compare 9 key areas to help you choose nordvpn or surfshark for your needs.
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2.99/mo | $1.99/mo |
| Server Count | 8,900+ in 129 countries | 3,200+ in 100 countries |
| Device Limit | 10 devices | Unlimited devices |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ |
| Double VPN | ✅ | ✅ (Dynamic MultiHop) |
| Dedicated IP | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ad Blocker | Threat Protection Pro | CleanWeb |
| No Logs Policy | ✅ (Audited) | ✅ (Audited) |
| Best For | Speed and security | Budget and devices |
1. Server Network and Locations
NordVPN: NordVPN has a large server network with over 8,900 nordvpn servers in 129 countries. This is the largest server network among top vpn providers. More servers means less crowding and faster speeds. NordVPN also uses co-located servers that it fully owns for better security.
Surfshark: Surfshark has 3,200+ vpn servers in 100 countries. That’s fewer servers than NordVPN, but surfshark covers 40% more countries in some regions. Both surfshark VPN and NordVPN run RAM-only servers for extra safety. Surfshark does not say if it owns or rents its servers.
2. Speed and Performance
NordVPN: NordVPN averaged 471 Mbps in our speed tests. The NordLynx protocol gives it an edge over most vpn providers. NordVPN had only about 11% speed loss on nearby vpn server connections. This makes it one of the fastest vpn services available.
Surfshark: Surfshark averaged 468 Mbps in our tests. That’s very close to NordVPN. Surfshark had about 20% speed loss on average. Both vpn services use 10 Gbps servers. Long-distance vpn connections are where NordVPN pulls ahead.
⚠️ Warning: Speed results depend on your local server distance. Your internet service provider speed also matters. Test both vpn services from your own location.
3. Security and Encryption
NordVPN: NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption with advanced security features. Double VPN sends your vpn traffic through two servers. Onion Over VPN adds the tor network as a third layer. NordVPN offers obfuscated servers to bypass censorship. Its strict no logs policy has been audited by Deloitte multiple times.
Surfshark: Surfshark also uses AES-256 encryption. Dynamic MultiHop lets you pick your own entry and exit server location for double encryption. Both surfshark and NordVPN have a no logs policy verified by audits. Surfshark has obfuscated servers too. The main difference is NordVPN’s Panama base vs Surfshark’s Netherlands base.
4. Device Connections
NordVPN: NordVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections per account. That covers most households. You get vpn apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. NordVPN also has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
Surfshark: Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections. This is its biggest advantage. Connect unlimited devices on one plan. Every phone, laptop, and tablet in your home gets protected. Surfshark also has browser extensions and intuitive interfaces on all platforms.
5. Streaming and Content Access
NordVPN: NordVPN unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+. Its SmartPlay feature works as a smart DNS feature for devices that can’t run vpn apps. You can access a uk server or any server location for geo-blocked content. NordVPN offers dedicated ip servers for services that block shared ip addresses.
Surfshark: Both surfshark VPN and NordVPN work with major streaming platforms. Surfshark unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Surfshark also has a smart dns feature for devices without vpn support. Both vpn providers offer unlimited bandwidth for streaming.
6. Privacy and Jurisdiction
NordVPN: NordVPN is based in Panama. Panama has no data retention laws. This puts NordVPN outside of the 5-Eyes, 9-Eyes, and 14-Eyes surveillance alliances. NordVPN has the strongest position against government data requests among vpn providers.
Surfshark: Surfshark is based in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is part of the 9-Eyes intelligence alliance. Both surfshark and NordVPN have been audited for their no logs policy. Surfshark’s audits by Deloitte and SecuRing show no data logging. The jurisdiction difference matters if you want maximum online security.
⚠️ Warning: Both vpn providers use RAM-only servers. This means your data is wiped every time a server restarts. Even if seized, no user data would be found.
7. Additional Features
NordVPN: NordVPN offers Meshnet for secure device-to-device networking. Threat Protection Pro scans files for malware. NordVPN includes data breach monitoring on the dark web. The Complete plan adds encrypted cloud storage and a password manager. NordVPN also has specialized servers like dedicated ip and static ip servers.
Surfshark: Surfshark offers CleanWeb for ad and malware blocking. It includes Surfshark Alert for data breach monitoring. Surfshark has a Rotating IP feature that changes your IP address without changing your server location. Surfshark also offers GPS spoofing on Android. The Surfshark One+ plan adds an antivirus and data removal service.
8. Split Tunneling and VPN Protocols
NordVPN: NordVPN supports split tunneling on Windows and Android. You can choose which apps use the vpn connection. NordVPN offers WireGuard (as NordLynx), OpenVPN, and IKEv2 vpn protocols. NordLynx is built on WireGuard with a double NAT for extra privacy.
Surfshark: Surfshark also supports split tunneling on Windows and Android. Both surfshark vs NordVPN offer the same vpn protocols. Surfshark uses WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. The vpn protocols work the same on both services.
9. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan Length | NordVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $12.99/mo | $15.45/mo |
| 1-Year | $4.59/mo | $3.19/mo |
| 2-Year | $2.99/mo (Basic) | $1.99/mo |
| Money-Back | 30 days | 30 days |
NordVPN: NordVPN is cheaper on the monthly plan at $12.99. The Basic 2-year plan starts at $2.99/month. NordVPN also offers plans at retail stores where you can pay with cash. Choose NordVPN if you want more servers and faster speeds for a slightly higher price.
Surfshark: Surfshark is cheaper on all long-term plans. The 2-year deal at $1.99/month is hard to beat. Surfshark VPN offer includes unlimited device connections at that price. If budget is your top concern, surfshark is the better pick.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tight budget | Surfshark | $1/mo cheaper long-term |
| Fastest speeds | NordVPN | NordLynx beats WireGuard |
| Unlimited connections | Surfshark | No device cap at all |
| Maximum privacy | NordVPN | Panama jurisdiction |
| Most server locations | NordVPN | 8,900+ vpn servers |
| Family sharing | Surfshark | One plan for everyone |
| Malware protection | NordVPN | Threat Protection Pro |
💰 Your Budget
Surfshark wins on price for long-term plans at $1.99/month. NordVPN costs $2.99/month but includes more features like a dedicated ip address and Threat Protection Pro.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Both NordVPN and Surfshark work on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. NordVPN has more browser extensions and a Meshnet feature for connecting multiple devices in a private network.
📝 Your VPN Usage
If you mostly stream content, both vpn services work great. If you need a local server for gaming, NordVPN’s larger server network gives you more options for server locations.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Both vpn providers have intuitive interfaces. Surfshark users say its app is simpler to navigate. NordVPN offers more customization for power users who want deeper control of their vpn connection.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Surfshark gives you a 7-day free trial on iOS, Android, and macOS. NordVPN has a 3-day free trial on Android only. Both have a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test risk-free.
🛟 Support Options
Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer 24/7 live chat support. NordVPN users report slightly faster response times. Both have detailed help centers and email support as backup.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these vpn services? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from NordVPN to Surfshark?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Unlimited device connections instead of 10
- Lower monthly cost on long-term plans
- GPS spoofing and Rotating IP features
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Access to 8,900+ servers (Surfshark has 3,200)
- Panama privacy jurisdiction
- Threat Protection Pro malware scanning
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your NordVPN subscription before renewal
- Sign up for Surfshark using the 2-year plan for best value
- Download the Surfshark vpn apps on all your devices
🔄 Switching from Surfshark to NordVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Access to 8,900+ servers across 129 countries
- Faster speeds with NordLynx protocol
- Meshnet, encrypted cloud storage, and password manager
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Unlimited device connections (NordVPN caps at 10)
- Lower pricing on long-term plans
- GPS spoofing and Rotating IP features
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Surfshark subscription before renewal
- Sign up for NordVPN Basic plan for the best price
- Install NordVPN apps on up to 10 devices
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | Surfshark |
| ⚡ Speed | NordVPN |
| 🔒 Security | NordVPN |
| 📱 Device Connections | Surfshark |
| 🌍 Server Network | NordVPN |
| 📺 Streaming | NordVPN |
| 🔐 Privacy Jurisdiction | NordVPN |
| 🧩 Additional Features | NordVPN |
| 👶 Ease of Use | Surfshark |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | NordVPN |
🏆 WINNER: NordVPN
NordVPN wins 6 out of 9 categories.
Best for: Fastest speeds, strongest security, largest server network, and premium online security.
NordVPN and Surfshark are two very different vpn services.
NordVPN is the best pick for speed, security, and server networks.
It has more nordvpn servers, faster vpn connections, and stronger privacy from its Panama base.
Surfshark is excellent for budget users who need unlimited connections.
If you want to protect every device in your home for less money, surfshark is the better pick.
But if you want the best overall vpn service, choose NordVPN.
Now, go out and protect your online security!
More of NordVPN Compared
Here’s how NordVPN stacks up against other competitors:
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server count, lower price
ExpressVPN wins on: Streaming access, user interface
NordVPN vs PureVPN
NordVPN wins on: Security audits, speed, server network
PureVPN wins on: Port forwarding, lower pricing
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server count, features
Proton VPN wins on: Free plan, open-source apps
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server network, features
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free tier, simpler interface
NordVPN vs AdGuard VPN
NordVPN wins on: Server count, speed, security
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking, lower price
NordVPN wins on: Server count, speed, features
Virtual Shield wins on: US-based support, simplicity
NordVPN vs StrongVPN
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server count, audits
StrongVPN wins on: WireGuard support, simplicity
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server count, security features
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan, lower price
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server network, privacy
Aura VPN wins on: Identity theft protection bundle
NordVPN wins on: Speed, security audits, features
CyberGhost wins on: Dedicated streaming servers, longer guarantee
NordVPN wins on: Speed, privacy, server network
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle, device security
NordVPN vs Private Internet Access
NordVPN wins on: Speed, security audits, jurisdiction
Private Internet Access wins on: Lower price, open-source
NordVPN wins on: Speed, ease of use, support
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server count, audits
SafeShell VPN wins on: Niche censorship bypassing
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server count, features
Oyster VPN wins on: Budget pricing, simplicity
More of Surfshark Compared
Here’s how Surfshark stacks up against other competitors:
Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
Surfshark wins on: Price, unlimited connections
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, streaming access
Surfshark vs PureVPN
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited devices, interface
PureVPN wins on: Port forwarding, dedicated IP
Surfshark vs Proton VPN
Surfshark wins on: Price, device connections
Proton VPN wins on: Free tier, open-source, Swiss privacy
Surfshark vs PrivadoVPN
Surfshark wins on: Server count, features, speed
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan, Swiss jurisdiction
Surfshark vs AdGuard VPN
Surfshark wins on: Server count, unlimited devices
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking integration
Surfshark vs Virtual Shield
Surfshark wins on: Price, unlimited devices, features
Virtual Shield wins on: US-based support
Surfshark vs StrongVPN
Surfshark wins on: Price, unlimited devices, features
StrongVPN wins on: WireGuard focus, simplicity
Surfshark vs FastestVPN
Surfshark wins on: Speed, features, unlimited devices
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan option
Surfshark vs Aura VPN
Surfshark wins on: Price, features, device limit
Aura VPN wins on: Identity protection bundle
Surfshark vs CyberGhost
Surfshark wins on: Price, unlimited devices
CyberGhost wins on: Streaming servers, 45-day guarantee
Surfshark vs McAfee VPN
Surfshark wins on: Speed, privacy, price
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus bundle
Surfshark vs Private Internet Access
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited devices, interface
Private Internet Access wins on: Lower price, open-source
Surfshark vs Mysterium
Surfshark wins on: Speed, support, features
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized, pay-per-use
Surfshark wins on: Server count, features, speed
SafeShell VPN wins on: Censorship bypass niche
Surfshark vs Oyster VPN
Surfshark wins on: Features, speed, unlimited devices
Oyster VPN wins on: Budget pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surfshark better than NordVPN?
Surfshark vs NordVPN is a close race. Surfshark offers unlimited device connections and cheaper long-term plans. But NordVPN has faster speeds, a larger server network, and stronger privacy features. For most users, NordVPN is the better overall vpn service.
Is Surfshark owned by NordVPN?
Both Surfshark and NordVPN are owned by the same parent company, Nord Security. However, they operate as separate vpn providers with different teams. They compete directly in the vpn industry with different pricing and features.
What VPN is better than NordVPN?
Very few vpn services match NordVPN overall. Proton VPN is a strong choice if you want open-source apps and a free plan. Private Internet Access is good for budget users. ExpressVPN matches NordVPN on speed. But nord vpn still leads in server networks and advanced security features.
Which is better, NordVPN or Surfshark?
NordVPN vs Surfshark depends on what you value most. Choose NordVPN for the fastest speeds, more servers, dedicated ip address options, and a Panama jurisdiction. Choose Surfshark for unlimited connections, lower prices, and easy-to-use vpn apps. Both NordVPN and Surfshark have a strict no logs policy and strong security.
Is NordVPN still safe?
Yes, NordVPN is still one of the safest vpn providers in 2026. NordVPN users benefit from AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and obfuscated servers. The kill switch protects you if your vpn connection drops unexpectedly. Deloitte has audited their no logs policy multiple times. NordVPN offers double vpn and dedicated ip servers for extra online security. Their data breach monitoring also alerts you if your info appears on the dark web.
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