become essential tools for maintaining your online security. Among the top VPN providers, Surfshark vs NordVPN are often compared as two of the best options available. Both offer a wide range of features, excellent privacy protections, and user-friendly interfaces, but which one is better suited to your needs?
In this comprehensive Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison, we’ll break down the differences and similarities between the two VPN giants, examining their security features, speed, pricing, usability, and more to help you make an informed decision.
1. Overview of Surfshark and NordVPN
Before diving into the details, let’s start with a quick overview of both services.
- Surfshark: Launched in 2018, Surfshark has quickly grown to become a popular VPN provider, known for offering unlimited device connections, strong privacy protections, and competitive pricing. It’s a solid choice for users who want robust security features without breaking the bank.
- NordVPN: NordVPN is one of the most established names in the VPN industry, having been around since 2012. It is widely recognized for its extensive server network, advanced security features, and consistent performance. NordVPN is often the go-to choice for those who prioritize security and speed.
2. Security and Privacy Features
When it comes to security, both Surfshark vs NordVPN provide top-notch features to protect your data and keep your online activities private.
- Surfshark: Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption, the industry standard for VPNs, ensuring that your data is fully protected. It offers features like MultiHop, which allows users to connect through multiple servers for extra security, and CleanWeb, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware. Additionally, Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, meaning that it does not track or store any of your online activities.
- NordVPN: NordVPN also uses AES-256 encryption and offers several advanced security features, including Double VPN (similar to Surfshark’s MultiHop) for added privacy. NordVPN’s standout feature is its Onion Over VPN option, which combines the anonymity of the Tor network with the encryption of a VPN. Like Surfshark, NordVPN follows a strict no-logs policy and is based in Panama, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction.
Verdict: Both Surfshark vs NordVPN offer excellent security features, but NordVPN edges out with its Onion Over VPN and long-standing reputation for privacy. However, Surfshark’s features like CleanWeb provide additional convenience in blocking ads and malware.
3. Speed and Performance
A VPN’s speed is crucial for activities like streaming, gaming, and downloading. So how do Surfshark vs NordVPN compare in terms of performance?
- Surfshark: Surfshark offers good speeds on most servers, especially when connecting to servers close to your location. While some users may experience minor slowdowns on distant servers, Surfshark’s overall performance is more than adequate for most tasks, including HD streaming and torrenting.
- NordVPN: NordVPN is known for its fast and consistent speeds, thanks to its NordLynx protocol, which is based on WireGuard technology. This protocol allows for faster connections while maintaining strong encryption. NordVPN generally outperforms Surfshark when it comes to speed, especially on long-distance connections, making it a better choice for users who need the fastest possible connection.
Verdict: In terms of speed, NordVPN is the winner. While Surfshark offers reliable performance, NordVPN consistently delivers faster speeds, making it ideal for users who prioritize performance.
4. Server Network and Locations
The number of servers and their geographical distribution can affect the quality of your VPN experience. More servers often mean faster speeds and more options for bypassing geo-restrictions.
- Surfshark: Surfshark has a growing network of over 3,200 servers in 65 countries. While this is fewer than NordVPN, Surfshark’s servers are well-distributed, covering most regions of the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, and South America.
- NordVPN: NordVPN boasts a massive network of over 5,400 servers in 60 countries. This extensive server network allows for faster connections and more reliable access to geo-restricted content. Whether you’re streaming Netflix or using P2P networks, NordVPN’s larger server network makes it easier to find a fast and stable connection.
Verdict: While Surfshark offers a respectable server network, NordVPN takes the lead with its larger number of servers, providing users with more options and better overall performance.
5. Streaming and Bypassing Geo-Restrictions
One of the most popular uses for VPNs is bypassing geo-restrictions on streaming services. So how do Surfshark vs NordVPN compare when it comes to unblocking content?
- Surfshark: Surfshark is highly effective at unblocking streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more. Its NoBorders mode also makes it possible to bypass censorship in restrictive countries, giving users access to content that might otherwise be blocked.
- NordVPN: NordVPN is equally capable when it comes to unblocking streaming services. It consistently works with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more. Additionally, NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature helps optimize connections for streaming, ensuring smoother performance without buffering.
Verdict: Both Surfshark vs NordVPN excel at unblocking streaming content, so this category is a tie. You can’t go wrong with either service if streaming is your primary concern.
6. Pricing and Plans
Pricing is an important factor when choosing a VPN. Both Surfshark vs NordVPN offer competitive pricing, but there are some differences worth noting.
- Surfshark: Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, with prices starting as low as $2.49 per month (on a two-year plan). One of Surfshark’s biggest selling points is that it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to protect as many devices as you want with a single subscription.
- NordVPN: NordVPN’s pricing starts at $3.49 per month (on a two-year plan), making it slightly more expensive than Surfshark. However, NordVPN allows up to six simultaneous connections per account. While this is fewer than Surfshark’s unlimited connections, it’s still sufficient for most users.
Verdict: Surfshark wins in terms of pricing, offering a lower cost and unlimited device connections, making it an excellent choice for users on a budget or those with many devices to protect.
7. User Interface and Ease of Use
A VPN’s interface should be intuitive and easy to navigate, even for beginners.
- Surfshark: Surfshark’s app is simple and easy to use, with a clean interface that allows users to connect to a server with just one click. The app is available on a wide range of devices, and switching between servers or activating features like CleanWeb is quick and straightforward.
- NordVPN: NordVPN’s app is also user-friendly, featuring a map-based interface that allows users to easily select servers by clicking on their desired location. NordVPN’s interface may offer more advanced options for users who want to fine-tune their VPN settings, but it remains easy enough for beginners to navigate.
Verdict: Both Surfshark vs NordVPN offer user-friendly interfaces, but Surfshark’s simplicity may appeal more to VPN newcomers, while NordVPN’s map-based layout is helpful for users who like a visual representation of server locations.
8. Customer Support
Reliable customer support can make a big difference when using a VPN, especially if you encounter technical issues.
- Surfshark: Surfshark provides 24/7 customer support through live chat and email. Users have praised Surfshark’s support team for their responsiveness and helpfulness, making it easy to get assistance whenever needed.
- NordVPN: NordVPN also offers 24/7 live chat support and has a comprehensive knowledge base with guides and FAQs. NordVPN’s support is known for being quick to resolve issues, and its website provides detailed resources for troubleshooting.
Verdict: Both Surfshark vs NordVPN offer excellent customer support, so you’ll be in good hands with either provider.
Conclusion: Surfshark vs NordVPN – Which Should You Choose?
In the Surfshark vs NordVPN debate, both services offer excellent VPN experiences, but the best choice depends on your specific needs:
- Choose Surfshark if you want an affordable VPN with unlimited device connections, good streaming capabilities, and a simple, user-friendly interface.
- Choose NordVPN if you prioritize speed, security, and a larger server network. NordVPN’s advanced features, like Onion Over VPN and its faster NordLynx protocol, make it ideal for users who want top-tier privacy and performance.
Ultimately, both Surfshark vs NordVPN are outstanding VPN services, and whichever you choose, you can rest assured that your online privacy will be well protected.