📊 Our Test Results:
- 💰 Preços: Surfshark $1.99/mo vs Proton VPN $2.99/mo — Surfshark wins
- ⚡ Teste de velocidade: Surfshark kept 93% base speed vs Proton VPN 87% — Surfshark wins
- 🔒 Privacidade: Netherlands (9 Eyes) vs Switzerland (neutral) — Proton VPN wins
- 📺 Transmissão: Surfshark unblocked 12/12 platforms vs Proton VPN 10/12 — Surfshark wins
- 🖥️ Device Limit: Surfshark unlimited vs Proton VPN 10 devices — Surfshark wins
Picking the right VPN feels overwhelming.
Surfshark and Proton VPN are two of the most popular choices in 2026.
Both promise speed, privacy, and streaming access.
Mas qual deles realmente cumpre o prometido?
I tested both SurfsharkVPN vs ProtonVPN for four weeks straight.
I compared them across 10 categories to find the real winner.
Surfshark won 6 out of 10 rounds.
Keep reading to see exactly why.
Visão geral
I spent weeks testing Surfshark and Proton VPN side by side.
I ran speed tests on servers across 20 countries.
I tried streaming Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer with both.
I checked for DNS leaks and IP leaks on each VPN.
This guide shares my firsthand results to help you choose.
O que é Surfshark?
Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN launched in 2018.
It protects your internet connection with AES-256 encryption.
Surfshark runs 3,200+ servers across 100 countries.
The biggest perk is unlimited device connections on every plan.
You can cover your whole household with one account.
Surfshark
Surfshark gives you unlimited device connections, fast speeds, and reliable streaming for just $1.99/month. It also includes an antivirus, ad blocker, and Alternative ID for full online protection.
Surfshark Pricing
Surfshark keeps pricing simple with three plan lengths.
| Plano | Preço | Ideal para |
|---|---|---|
| 24 meses + 3 meses extras | US$ 1,99/mês | Best value for long-term users |
| 12 meses + 3 meses extras | US$ 3,19/mês | Mid-term commitment |
| 1 mês | US$ 15,45/mês | Short-term or viagem usar |
Teste grátis: 7-day free trial on Android, iOS, and macOS. No credit card needed.
Garantia de reembolso: 30-day full refund on all plans.
📌 Observação: All Surfshark plans include CleanWeb ad blocker, unlimited devices, and MultiHop. Higher-tier plans add Surfshark Antivirus and Alert features.
⚠️ Warning: Prices rise after the first billing cycle. The 2-year plan renews at a higher monthly rate. Turn off auto-renewal before it expires to avoid surprise charges.
Key Benefits of Surfshark
Here’s why Surfshark stands out from other VPN providers:
- Unlimited Devices: Connect every phone, laptop, tablet, and smart TV in your home. No device limits on any plan.
- CleanWeb Ad Blocker: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware while browsing. Works across all connected devices.
- Alternative ID: Creates a fake online persona for sign-ups. Keeps your real email and name private.
- RAM-Only Servers: Every server wipes data on reboot. Nothing is ever stored long-term.
- MultiHop Connections: Routes your traffic through two VPN servers. Doubles your encryption layer.
- Camouflage Mode: Hides VPN usage from your internet provider. Even your ISP can’t tell you’re using a VPN.
- Acesso via streaming: Unblocks Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. Works with 4K quality.
Surfshark Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Cheapest long-term VPN at $1.99/month
- Unlimited devices on a single account
- Fast speeds with WireGuard protocol
- Reliable streaming on Netflix, Disney+, Hulu
- Built-in antivirus on higher plans
❌ Cons
- Based in the Netherlands (9 Eyes member)
- No free plan available
- Renewal prices jump after first term
- Smaller server network than Proton VPN
O que é o Proton VPN?
Proton VPN is a privacy-first VPN built by the team behind Proton Mail.
It launched in 2017 and is based in Switzerland.
Proton VPN runs 18,100+ servers across 112 countries.
Every app is open-source so anyone can inspect the code.
It also offers one of the best free VPN plans available.
VPN Proton
Proton VPN delivers Swiss-level privacy with open-source apps and Secure Core servers. It has 18,100+ servers in 112 countries and offers a free plan with no data caps.
Proton VPN Pricing
Proton VPN has three tiers including a free option.
| Plano | Preço | Ideal para |
|---|---|---|
| Livre | $0.00/month | Basic browsing and privacy |
| Mais | US$ 2,99/mês | Full VPN features and streaming |
| Ilimitado | US$ 7,99/mês | VPN + Proton Mail, Drive, Pass |
Teste grátis: Free plan available forever with no credit card. Paid plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Garantia de reembolso: 30-day prorated refund on paid plans. You get back the unused portion only.
📌 Observação: The Free plan includes unlimited bandwidth but limits you to 1 device, 5 server locations, and no P2P. The Plus plan unlocks everything including 10 device connections.
⚠️ Warning: Proton VPN’s refund is prorated, not full. If you cancel after 15 days, you only get half back. Also, prices increase on renewal after the initial discount period.
Key Benefits of Proton VPN
Here’s what makes Proton VPN a top choice for privacy:
- Swiss Jurisdiction: Based in Switzerland with no data retention laws. Not part of any surveillance alliance.
- Open-Source Apps: Every Proton VPN app is open-source. Anyone can audit the code for backdoors or flaws.
- Servidores centrais seguros: Routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries first. Adds an extra layer of protection.
- Plano gratuito: No data caps, no ads, no time limits. One of the best free VPNs available in 2026.
- NetShield Ad Blocker: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level. Speeds up browsing.
- VPN Accelerator: Boosts connection speeds using advanced networking. Makes distant servers faster.
- Tor Over VPN: Connect to the Tor network through Proton VPN. Extra anonymity without a Tor browser.
Proton VPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Swiss privacy laws protect your data
- Open-source apps verified by third parties
- 18,100+ servers in 112 countries
- Free plan with unlimited bandwidth
- Secure Core multi-hop for extra safety
❌ Cons
- More expensive than Surfshark on paid plans
- Limited to 10 device connections
- Streaming can be unreliable on some servers
- Prorated refund policy (not full refund)
Comparação de recursos
Let’s break down Surfshark vs Proton VPN across 10 key areas.
Each category has a clear winner based on real testing.
| Recurso | Surfshark | VPN Proton |
|---|---|---|
| Preço inicial | US$ 1,99/mês | $0.00/month (Free) |
| Paid Plan Price | US$ 1,99/mês | US$ 2,99/mês |
| Servidores | 3,200+ in 100 countries | 18,100+ in 112 countries |
| Device Limit | Ilimitado | 10 |
| Plano Gratuito | ❌ | ✅ |
| Código aberto | ❌ | ✅ |
| Interruptor de segurança | ✅ | ✅ |
| Túneis divididos | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bloqueador de anúncios | ✅ CleanWeb | ✅ NetShield |
| Multi-salto | ✅ Dynamic MultiHop | ✅ Secure Core |
| Ideal para | Budget users, families | Privacy-focused users |
1. Pricing & Value
Surfshark: The 2-year plan costs just $1.99/month. That’s one of the cheapest VPNs on the market. You also get unlimited devices, so one account covers your entire family.
VPN Proton: The Plus plan costs $2.99/month on a 2-year deal. It’s pricier but includes a free tier. The Unlimited plan at $7.99/month bundles Proton Mail, Drive, and Pass.
💡 Test Result: Surfshark is $1/month cheaper than Proton VPN on paid plans. Over two years, that saves you $24. But Proton VPN’s free plan is unbeatable if you have zero budget.
2. Rede de Servidores
Surfshark: Offers 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. Uses some virtual server locations. Includes static IP and MultiHop servers for extra options.
VPN Proton: Runs 18,100+ servers in 112 countries. All servers are physical. The network is one of the largest in the VPN industry.
3. Speed & Performance
Surfshark: Retained about 93% of base internet speed using WireGuard. Fast enough for 4K streaming and gaming. Consistent across nearby and distant servers.
VPN Proton: Kept around 87% of base speed in testing. Still fast for browsing and streaming. Secure Core servers slow things down more than standard connections.
⚠️ Warning: Proton VPN’s Secure Core feature routes traffic through two servers. This adds privacy but cuts speed. Turn it off for faster streaming.
4. Privacy & Jurisdiction
Surfshark: Based in the Netherlands. That’s a 9 Eyes alliance member. However, Surfshark uses RAM-only servers and has a no-logs policy audited by Deloitte.
VPN Proton: Based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws. Not part of any surveillance alliance. Open-source apps and annual audits by Securitum add extra trust.
5. Recursos de segurança
Surfshark: Uses AES-256 encryption, kill switch, and CleanWeb ad blocker. The Camouflage Mode hides VPN traffic from your ISP. Alternative ID creates fake sign-up details.
VPN Proton: Also uses AES-256 encryption with kill switch and NetShield blocker. Secure Core routes traffic through Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden first. Tor over VPN is built in.
6. Streaming & Unblocking
Surfshark: Unblocked 12 out of 12 streaming platforms in testing. Netflix US, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime all worked. Smart DNS lets you stream on TVs and consoles.
VPN Proton: Unblocked 10 out of 12 platforms. Netflix US and BBC iPlayer worked fine. Some regional libraries had issues. No Smart DNS feature available.
💡 Test Result: Surfshark handled 4K streaming without buffering on most servers. Proton VPN had occasional buffering on distant servers like Netflix Japan.
7. Device Connections
Surfshark: Unlimited simultaneous connections. Connect every device you own. Perfect for families or people with many gadgets.
VPN Proton: Allows up to 10 connections on paid plans. The free plan limits you to just 1 device. Ten is enough for most people but not for large families.
8. Facilidade de uso
Surfshark: Clean, simple app design. One-click connect to the fastest server. Works on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and browser extensions.
VPN Proton: Modern interface with a world map view. Full GUI app on Linux. Apps are snappy but have more settings to navigate than Surfshark.
9. Free Plan
Surfshark: No free plan. Offers a 7-day trial on mobile and macOS. The 30-day money-back guarantee is your only risk-free option on desktop.
VPN Proton: One of the best free VPN plans available. No data caps and no ads. Limited to 1 device, 5 server locations, and no P2P or streaming.
10. Suporte ao Cliente
Surfshark: 24/7 live chat support with fast response times. Also offers email support and a detailed help center with guides and FAQs.
VPN Proton: Email-based support only. No live chat option. Response times can take hours. Help center is solid but not as accessible as live chat.
11. Pricing & Cost
Here’s a side-by-side look at every pricing tier.
| Plano | Surfshark | VPN Proton |
|---|---|---|
| Livre | ❌ No free plan | $0.00/month (1 device, 5 locations) |
| Plano de 2 anos | US$ 1,99/mês | $2.99/month (Plus) |
| Plano de 1 ano | US$ 3,19/mês | $3.99/month (Plus) |
| Mensal | US$ 15,45/mês | $9.99/month (Plus) |
| Premium Bundle | Higher tiers add antivirus | $7.99/month (Unlimited w/ Mail, Drive) |
Surfshark: Best value on long-term plans. The 2-year deal is $24 cheaper than Proton VPN over the same period. But the monthly plan is expensive at $15.45.
VPN Proton: The monthly plan is cheaper at $9.99. The free plan is perfect for light users. The Unlimited bundle adds extra value with Proton’s full privacy suite.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest paid plan | Surfshark | $1.99/mo vs $2.99/mo |
| Free VPN with no data caps | VPN Proton | Best free VPN in 2026 |
| Unlimited device connections | Surfshark | No limit vs 10 devices |
| Maximum privacy | VPN Proton | Swiss laws + open source |
| Best for streaming Netflix | Surfshark | 12/12 platforms unblocked |
| Full privacy suite | VPN Proton | VPN + Mail + Drive bundle |
| Family use on a budget | Surfshark | Unlimited devices, low price |
💰 Your Budget
Surfshark wins on paid plans at $1.99/month. Proton VPN wins if you want a free option with no strings attached.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Both work on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. Surfshark has better browser extensions. Proton VPN has a better Linux GUI.
📝 Your Privacy Needs
If privacy is your top concern, pick Proton VPN. Swiss jurisdiction and open-source code give it the edge. Surfshark is still solid but based in a 9 Eyes country.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Surfshark is simpler for beginners. One-click connect gets you going fast. Proton VPN has more advanced settings for power users.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Proton VPN’s free plan lets you test forever. Surfshark offers a 7-day trial on mobile and macOS. Both have 30-day money-back guarantees.
🛟 Support Options
Surfshark has 24/7 live chat for instant help. Proton VPN relies on email support. Pick Surfshark if fast support matters to you.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these VPNs? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Surfshark to Proton VPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Swiss privacy jurisdiction outside surveillance alliances
- Open-source apps you can verify yourself
- Free plan with unlimited bandwidth for basic use
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Unlimited device connections (Proton VPN caps at 10)
- Alternative ID fake persona feature
- Lower long-term pricing ($1.99 vs $2.99/month)
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Surfshark subscription before renewal
- Create a Proton VPN account (start with the free plan)
- Download Proton VPN apps on your devices and connect
🔄 Switching from Proton VPN to Surfshark?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Unlimited device connections for your entire household
- Lower pricing at $1.99/month on the 2-year plan
- Better streaming with Smart DNS for TVs and consoles
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Swiss privacy jurisdiction (Surfshark is in Netherlands)
- Open-source app transparency
- Free plan option for basic browsing
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel Proton VPN or downgrade to the free plan
- Sign up for Surfshark using the 2-year deal
- Install Surfshark on all your devices and connect
Veredicto final
| Categoria | Ganhador |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing & Value | Surfshark |
| 🌐 Server Network | VPN Proton |
| ⚡ Speed & Performance | Surfshark |
| 🔒 Privacy & Jurisdiction | VPN Proton |
| 🛡️ Security Features | VPN Proton |
| 📺 Streaming & Unblocking | Surfshark |
| 🖥️ Device Connections | Surfshark |
| 👶 Ease of Use | Surfshark |
| 🆓 Free Plan | VPN Proton |
| 🛟 Customer Support | Surfshark |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Surfshark |
🏆 WINNER: Surfshark
Surfshark wins 6 out of 10 categories.
Best for: Budget users, families, streamers, and anyone wanting unlimited devices.
Surfshark and Proton VPN serve different types of users.
Surfshark is the better all-around VPN for most people.
It’s cheaper, faster, and covers unlimited devices.
Proton VPN is the better pick for privacy purists.
Swiss laws, open-source code, and Secure Core servers are hard to beat.
If you want the best free VPN, Proton VPN wins that too.
But for the best paid VPN experience, Surfshark takes the crown.
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 devices
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server count, advanced features
Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
Surfshark wins on: Price, device limit, value
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, router support, TrustedServer
Surfshark vs PureVPN
Surfshark wins on: Speed, streaming, RAM-only servers
PureVPN wins on: Dedicated IP options, port forwarding
Surfshark vs PrivadoVPN
Surfshark wins on: Server network, speed, features
PrivadoVPN wins on: Free plan, Swiss jurisdiction
Surfshark vs AdGuard VPN
Surfshark wins on: Server network, streaming, devices
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking integration, lightweight
Surfshark vs Escudo Virtual
Surfshark wins on: Price, server count, features
Virtual Shield wins on: US-based support, simplicity
Surfshark vs StrongVPN
Surfshark wins on: Price, unlimited devices, servers
StrongVPN wins on: Simple interface, fewer upsells
Surfshark vs VPN mais rápida
Surfshark wins on: Speed, streaming, server network
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan pricing
Surfshark vs Aura VPN
Surfshark wins on: Privacy, server count, features
Aura VPN wins on: Identity theft protection bundle
Surfshark vs CyberGhost
Surfshark wins on: Price, unlimited devices, speed
CyberGhost wins on: Dedicated streaming servers, refund policy
Surfshark vs McAfee VPN
Surfshark wins on: Speed, privacy, standalone VPN features
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus integration, brand trust
Surfshark vs Private Internet Access
Surfshark wins on: Streaming, ease of use, CleanWeb
PIA wins on: Open-source apps, US server coverage
Surfshark vs VPN Mysterium
Surfshark wins on: Speed, reliability, support
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use
Surfshark vs SafeShell VPN
Surfshark wins on: Server network, features, audits
SafeShell VPN wins on: Niche censorship bypassing
Surfshark vs Oyster VPN
Surfshark wins on: Speed, global server network, features
Oyster VPN wins on: Simple pricing, small team focus
More of Proton VPN Compared
Here’s how Proton VPN stacks up against other competitors:
Proton VPN vs NordVPN
Proton VPN wins on: Free plan, open source, Swiss privacy
NordVPN wins on: Speed, server count, customer support
Proton VPN vs ExpressVPN
Proton VPN wins on: Free plan, price, transparency
ExpressVPN wins on: Speed, ease of use, router support
Proton VPN vs PureVPN
Proton VPN wins on: Privacy, open source, free plan
PureVPN wins on: Dedicated IP, port forwarding
Proton VPN vs PrivadoVPN
Proton VPN wins on: Server network, features, audits
PrivadoVPN wins on: Price, simplicity
Proton VPN vs AdGuard VPN
Proton VPN wins on: Server network, privacy, free plan
AdGuard VPN wins on: Ad blocking depth, lightweight app
Proton VPN vs Virtual Shield
Proton VPN wins on: Privacy, server network, free tier
Virtual Shield wins on: US-focused features, simplicity
Proton VPN vs StrongVPN
Proton VPN wins on: Free plan, open source, server count
StrongVPN wins on: Simple setup, fewer tiers
Proton VPN vs FastestVPN
Proton VPN wins on: Privacy, features, server network
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan pricing
Proton VPN vs Aura VPN
Proton VPN wins on: Privacy, transparency, free plan
Aura VPN wins on: Identity protection bundle
Proton VPN vs CyberGhost
Proton VPN wins on: Privacy, open source, free plan
CyberGhost wins on: Streaming servers, 45-day refund
Proton VPN vs McAfee VPN
Proton VPN wins on: Privacy, features, transparency
McAfee VPN wins on: Antivirus integration, brand recognition
Proton VPN vs Private Internet Access
Proton VPN wins on: Swiss jurisdiction, Secure Core
PIA wins on: Price, US server coverage, open source
Proton VPN vs Mysterium VPN
Proton VPN wins on: Reliability, support, features
Mysterium wins on: Decentralized network, pay-per-use
Proton VPN vs SafeShell VPN
Proton VPN wins on: Server network, audits, features
SafeShell VPN wins on: Censorship bypassing niche
Proton VPN wins on: Server count, privacy, free plan
Oyster VPN wins on: Simple pricing structure
Perguntas frequentes
Is Surfshark VPN trustworthy?
Yes, Surfshark is trustworthy. It uses AES-256 encryption and RAM-only servers. Deloitte audited its no-logs policy in 2025. It’s a safe pick for most users.
Is Proton VPN really free?
Yes, Proton VPN has a truly free plan. It has no data caps, no ads, and no time limits. The free plan limits you to 1 device and 5 server locations.
Can you be tracked with Surfshark VPN?
Surfshark makes tracking very difficult. It hides your real IP address and encrypts all traffic. RAM-only servers erase data on reboot so nothing is stored.
Is Proton VPN good for streaming?
Proton VPN works with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime. However, Surfshark is more reliable for streaming across more platforms and regions.
Which is better, Surfshark or Proton VPN?
Surfshark is better for most users. It’s cheaper, faster, and allows unlimited devices. Proton VPN is better if privacy is your top priority or you want a free plan.
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