NordVPN vs Surfshark: Finding the Best VPN for Your Needs

If you’ve been stuck comparing NordVPN vs Surfshark, you’re not alone. I’ve used both for work and personal browsing, and I know how confusing it can feel to figure out which one deserves your subscription. 

Both virtual private network services are reliable when it comes to speeds, unblocking capabilities, security, privacy, and every other VPN metric. It’s the smallest differences that really decide if one fits you better than the other.

I’ve tested them on everything that matters, and the good news is you don’t have to overthink it. I’ll break down how each one performs, where one might outshine the other, and what you should expect before signing up. 

So keep reading this Surfshark vs NordVPN review to see who comes out on top.

NordVPN vs Surfshark: Comparison at a Glance

CRITERIA	Wins	NordVPN	Wins	Surfshark
Security	✅	NordLynx OpenVPN IKEv2 AES-256 ChaCha20 Breach in 2018	✖️	WireGuard OpenVPN IKEv2 AES-256 ChaCha20 No breaches
Privacy	✅	Audited policy RAM-only servers	✖️	Audited policy RAM-only servers
Features	✅	Obfuscation Threat Protection Double VPN Split tunneling Meshnet Dark Web Monitor Post-Quantum Encryption	✖️	CleanWeb MultiHop Split tunneling Camouflage Mode Rotating IP NoBorders Mode
Speed	✖️	23.36 Mbps	✅	23.54 Mbps
Streaming	✅	Netflix Peacock Paramount Hulu Disney+ Max Amazon Prime Video	✅	Netflix Peacock Paramount Hulu Disney+ Max Amazon Prime Video
Server Network	✅	7,400+ in 118 countries	✖️	3,200+ in 94 countries
Plans and Pricing	✖️	$3.09/month for 27 months	✅	$1.69/month for 27 months
OS Support	✅	Windows macOS Linux iOS Android Smart TVs Routers Browsers	✅	Windows macOS Linux iOS Android Smart TVs Routers Browsers
Customer Support	✅	Live chat Email ticket Tutorials FAQs	✅	Live chat Email ticket Tutorials FAQs
TOTAL WINS	7		5

My Expert Opinion: Is NordVPN Better or Surfshark Better?

Between NordVPN vs Surfshark, I’d say NordVPN is the stronger option, but not by a huge margin. 

What tips the scale for me is NordVPN’s performance consistency. It features more security features like post-quantum encryption and Dark Web Monitor that quietly keep you safe.

That said, Surfshark holds its ground really well, especially if you want a VPN that gives you more flexibility for the price. You get unlimited device connections, which is perfect if you have multiple gadgets at home. 

The Surfshark GPS spoofing feature also adds an extra layer of privacy that NordVPN doesn’t offer. While NordVPN is slightly more refined, Surfshark often feels like the better deal if you want to cover a big household or keep costs lower.

If I had to recommend one, I’d go with NordVPN, simply because it’s more reliable day in and day out. Still, comparing NordVPN vs Surfshark isn’t a case of one being great and the other being weak. 

They’re both top VPNs, and the decision comes down to what you value more. If you’re all about privacy and security extras, NordVPN is worth the price. If you’re leaning toward affordability and fast speeds, Surfshark makes a lot of sense.

I Recommend NordVPN For
Better security
Unblocking restricted content
Extra performance features
Read our NordVPN review

I Recommend Surfshark For
Fast connection speeds
Unlimited device connections
Affordable price plans
Read our Surfshark review

Security

VPN security is the most important function of any virtual private network service. It protects your traffic from external threats like interception by government agencies, internet service providers, or dangerous hackers.

NordVPN and Surfshark are both highly secure VPNs. Here’s a quick breakdown of the levels of security each offers.

	NordVPN	Surfshark
VPN Protocols	OpenVPN NordLynx NordWhisper IKEv2	WireGuard OpenVPN IKEv2
Encryption Types	AES-256 ChaCha20	AES-256 ChaCha20
Kill Switch	Yes	Yes
Private DNS	Yes	Yes
Ad & Malware Blocker	Threat Protection Pro	CleanWeb

Encryption

Both NordVPN and Surfshark use AES-256 encryption and ChaCha20. These are the same cryptographic ciphers banks and governments use because they’re incredibly hard to crack. 

AES-256 scrambles your data into unreadable code, and without the right key, it would take years to break. I tested both VPNs on Wireshark and both passed as you can see from the unreadable text below.

NordVPN goes a step ahead and adds Perfect Forward Secrecy. This means the encryption key changes every session, so even if one key were ever compromised, the rest of your activity stays safe. 

Surfshark also supports Perfect Forward Secrecy, putting both on equal footing here. From my experience, there’s no real weakness on either side when it comes to encryption. You can use either one on an unsecured public WiFi.

VPN Protocols

NordVPN offers OpenVPN, IKEv2, and NordLynx, and recently added a new protocol called NordWhisper. The NordWhisper protocol is designed for private communication and chat. 

The NordLynx protocol offers the fastest speeds alongside great security. OpenVPN provides a balance of both, while IKEv2 works well for mobile networks.  

Surfshark sticks with the big three: OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. WireGuard is fast and secure, and Surfshark has made it work smoothly across all major operating systems. 

Both services give you reliable options, but NordVPN’s NordWhisper gives it an extra.

Kill Switch

A kill switch is one of those features you don’t think about until you need it. Both NordVPN and Surfshark include it, and it works by cutting your internet connection instantly if the VPN drops. 

That way, your actual IP address doesn’t get exposed, even for a second. NordVPN offers the kill switch on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Surfshark offers a similar setup on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. The Android version comes with two kill switches for extra protection. The extra one is called the Android Kill Switch.

From my testing, both kill switches respond quickly and do exactly what they’re supposed to, no matter the device you’re on.

Security Breaches

NordVPN experienced a server breach back in 2018, where a single rented server was accessed by an outsider. 

The attacker didn’t get user data, and NordVPN quickly moved to secure its infrastructure. It added more audits, server upgrades, and switched to RAM-only servers. Since then, they haven’t had another issue. 

Surfshark hasn’t had any reported breaches. The VPN service operates under the same industry audits that NordVPN now goes through. 

So how does this reflect for both services?

For you, this means NordVPN has already proven how they respond under pressure, while Surfshark has kept a clean record so far. Both positions can give you confidence, but in different ways.

Winner

This was a tight category since both VPNs offer reliable security features. NordVPN wins it for going the extra mile with more security features. It also demonstrated how fast it is at dealing with breaches.

Privacy

When you think about using a VPN, privacy is usually the biggest reason. You want to know that your personal data isn’t being logged, tracked, or left sitting on some server.

That’s why comparing NordVPN vs Surfshark in terms of privacy matters so much. 

Both services claim to protect you, but the way they back up those claims makes all the difference.

RAM Servers

RAM servers are different from regular hard-drive-based servers. 

They run entirely on volatile memory. This means all data is wiped clean every time the server is rebooted, leaving nothing stored long-term. That reduces the risk of anyone ever getting their hands on your old logs or information. 

NordVPN made the switch to RAM-only servers in 2020 after announcing its plan to improve infrastructure. Surfshark followed closely, also going fully RAM-only in the same year. 

Having used both, I can say this move puts them ahead of many smaller VPNs that still run on traditional servers. It gives you the extra peace of mind knowing that neither service can keep your data any longer than necessary.

Independent Audits

Independent audits are third-party checks carried out by trusted security firms to verify privacy claims. They’re necessary because you don’t want to just take a VPN’s word for it: you want proof that their no-logs policy holds up. 

NordVPN has gone through multiple audits, starting with one by PwC in 2018, followed by another in 2020, and most recently by Deloitte in 2022. Each of these confirmed that their no-logs policy was being honored. 

Surfshark has also gone through independent audits, with Cure53 and Deloitte both reviewing its systems. All the audits confirmed that Surfshark’s privacy promises matched its practices.

For you as a user, this means NordVPN vs Surfshark both come out strong in the privacy department. NordVPN has had more audits over time, which shows consistency, while Surfshark has been building a solid track record with respected firms. 

In both cases, the results prove that their no-logs claims aren’t just marketing. This makes either choice reliable if privacy ranks high on your priority list.

Winner

Once again, NordVPN comes on top for having more independent audits.

Key Features

This part of the NordVPN vs Surfshark review covers another important aspect: the key features. Besides encryption and privacy, VPNs use a wide range of features to ensure you achieve what you want. 

There are similar features that both VPNs have, but they work slightly differently. They include the following.

Split Tunneling

Split tunneling lets you choose which apps or websites go through the VPN and which connect directly to the internet. It’s useful if you want to stream a local service while keeping everything else protected by the VPN. 

NordVPN offers split tunneling on Windows and Android apps, so you can route specific apps through the VPN while leaving others untouched. 

Surfshark offers it on Windows, Android, and macOS, under the name Bypasser, giving it slightly wider coverage. 

From my experience, both work smoothly, but Surfshark has the edge by making it available on more platforms.

Ad and Tracker Blockers

Ad and tracker blockers stop unwanted ads and tracking scripts from following you around online. This makes pages load faster and gives you more privacy while browsing. 

NordVPN calls their version Threat Protection, which works on Windows and macOS, while Threat Protection Lite is available across more platforms, including mobile. It blocks ads, trackers, and even known malware domains. 

Surfshark has CleanWeb, which works on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It blocks ads and trackers in real time and is easy to turn on inside the app. 

Both are helpful if you’re tired of annoying pop-ups and tracking cookies, but Surfshark’s CleanWeb feels more seamless on mobile.

Double VPN (MultiHop)

Double VPN, also known as MultiHop, routes your traffic through two servers instead of one. This adds an extra layer of security by making your activity even harder to trace. 

NordVPN offers Double VPN on Windows, macOS, and Android. Surfshark calls their version MultiHop, and it’s available across all their apps, including iOS. 

With Surfshark, you can even pick different entry and exit servers, which gives more flexibility. For NordVPN, you must first switch to the OpenVPN protocol in order to access Double VPN servers.

Obfuscation

Obfuscation disguises your VPN traffic so it looks like regular internet traffic. This helps in places where VPN use is restricted or blocked, like school or work networks.

NordVPN has obfuscated servers available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, but they’re only accessible when using the OpenVPN protocol. 

Surfshark offers obfuscation automatically with its Camouflage Mode, and it works on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. You also need to switch to the OpenVPN protocol for it to work.

NordVPN Exclusive Features

Outside of the shared features, NordVPN is equipped with a set of unique features that enhance its functionality.

There’s the Dark Web Monitor, which scans dark web marketplaces for your email address and alerts you if your details appear there. I’ve found it useful because you don’t need to constantly check yourself: the system keeps watch for you.

Meshnet is another feature that sets NordVPN apart. It lets you create secure, encrypted connections between devices anywhere in the world. It’s handy for file sharing, gaming, or even private remote access.

Post-Quantum Encryption is NordVPN’s way of preparing for future threats. Quantum computers could one day break traditional encryption methods. NordVPN has already started testing encryption methods that can resist those attacks. 

Surfshark Exclusive Features

Surfshark VPN also offers unique features you can use to enhance your user experience.

There’s a Rotating IP, which changes your IP address regularly while you stay connected to the same location. This makes it harder for websites or trackers to follow your online activity. 

You also get a NoBorders Mode, which detects if you’re in a region where internet restrictions are active and automatically adjusts to make sure you can still connect.

Another useful feature is the Override GPS Location. It lets your GPS coordinates match the VPN server you’re connected to, which helps when apps use GPS instead of IP to check your location. 

Override GPS Location is handy for unblocking dating apps like Tinder.

Winner

This ends in a tie. Both VPNs share solid features like split tunneling, obfuscation, and Double VPN. At the same time, they’re equipped with exclusive features that make them more effective.

Speed

Sometimes, VPNs can reduce your connection speeds. This happens because your traffic is being routed over long distances, which leads to some speed drops. 

However, this is not always the case with reliable VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark.

I conducted speed tests using different locations for each. Let’s see how they squared up.

NordVPN Speed Tests

Here’s how NordVPN performed on my unprotected network of 30 Mbps via the NordLynx protocol.

Server Location	Latency (ms)	Download (Mbps)
Kenya (unprotected)	10	30
New York	299	26.39
South Africa	189	27.91
United Kingdom	206	25.44
Japan	284	23.08
Australia	230	19.99
Brazil	412	10.72
AVERAGE	232.85	23.36

As you can see from the results above, NordVPN averaged 23.36 Mbps, a 22% speed drop. South Africa was the fastest server location with 27.91 Mbps, while Brazil gave me 10.72 Mbps.

Surfshark Speed Tests

Server	Latency (ms)	Download (Mbps)
Kenya (unprotected)	10	30
United Kingdom	190	22.06
South Africa	278	26.76
New York	320	24.31
Japan	209	21.32
Australia	371	23.59
Brazil	445	16.75
AVERAGE	260.42	23.54

Surfshark averaged 23.54 Mbps, a 22% speed drop. This makes it marginally faster than NordVPN under the same conditions. South Africa was once again my fastest server location with 26.76 Mbps, and Brazil was my slowest with 16.75 Mbps.

Winner

Surfshark wins this round by a very small margin.

Streaming Performance

Closely tied to speed is streaming performance. You need a fast VPN that can handle streaming without buffering. At the same time, the VPN should unblock geo-restricted services no matter where you are.

NordVPN and Surfshark are capable of both, and here’s a quick breakdown of the streaming platforms they unblock.

Platform	NordVPN	Surfshark
Netflix	✅	✅
Hulu	✅	✅
Amazon Prime Video	✅	✅
Max	✅	✅
Disney+	✅	✅

I managed to unblock all the streaming services with NordVPN. I connected to a U.S. server and unblocked Peacock TV, which is restricted in my home country, Kenya. I also connected to Japan and accessed the Gintama Live Action movie on Netflix Japan.

Surfshark also unblocks all the major streaming platforms. I connected to a U.S. server and streamed TV shows like High Potential on Disney+ without problems. 

Winner

This was a tie. Both VPNs managed to unblock all the major streaming platforms without issues.

Server Network

A big server network takes care of two important things. First, it gives you enough IP addresses to access restricted content anywhere in the world.

Secondly, there’s less overcrowding, so you get the best performance possible without lags. Here’s how these two VPNs compare in terms of server sizes.

NordVPN Server Spread

Here’s a quick breakdown of the NordVPN server spread.

Continent	Countries	Server Locations
Europe	45	54
North America	16	36
Asia	25	28
South America	11	11
Africa	11	11
Middle East	6	6
Oceania	4	8
TOTAL	118	154

NordVPN has over 7,400 servers in 118 countries across 154 server locations. Europe leads the pack with the most server locations, with 54, while the Middle East has the least, with 6.

NordVPN also has virtual servers. A virtual server location is when the server has an IP address in one country, but physically the server is located in a country where NordVPN has data center infrastructure.

As of 2025, NordVPN has about 60+ virtual server locations.

Surfshark Server Spread

Here’s a quick breakdown of the Surfshark server spread.

Continent	Countries	Server Locations
North America	8	32
Europe	39	51
Asia	26	27
South America	10	10
Africa	5	5
Middle East	4	4
Oceania	2	6
TOTAL	94	135

Surfshark has 3,200+ servers in 94 countries across 135 server locations. Similar to NordVPN, most of the server locations are concentrated in Europe (51), with the Middle East offering just 4 server locations.

Surfshark also has about 47 virtual server locations, and they’re all clearly labelled within the apps. 

Winner

NordVPN wins this category for having a bigger server network. It also offers more specialized servers and more virtual servers.

OS Support & Ease of Use

Compatibility is important because the more devices you can use, the more you can protect. Both VPNs are pretty well advanced when it comes to compatibility with common devices.

NordVPN Compatibility

You can use NordVPN on the following operating systems.

• Windows: Windows 7, 8.1, 10, and 11
• macOS: macOS 10.15 Catalina and later
• Linux: Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, Linux Mint, and other distros using .deb or .rpm packages
• Android: Android 7.0 and later
• iOS and iPadOS: iOS 13.0 and later
• Android TV: Android 7.0 and later
• Apple TV
• Routers
• Browser extensions: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge

From my experience, the NordVPN app is very straightforward. The interface is clean, so you don’t get lost trying to connect to a server. You can either pick a location from the list or use the map view, which makes it simple to get going in a few clicks.

Updates don’t feel like they break things, and the layout is consistent across desktop and mobile. This makes switching devices easy.

NordVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous device connections on one account. This means you can run it on your laptop, phone, tablet, and even smart TV at the same time without having to log out of another device. 

For a family or someone with a lot of gadgets, this makes life easier because you don’t have to keep track of which device is still connected. NordVPN’s limit is still more than enough for most people, and the stable app experience makes the tradeoff feel worth it.

Surfshark Compatibility

You can use Surfshark on the following devices:

• Windows: Windows 10 or higher
• macOS: macOS 10.12 (Sierra) and newer.
• Linux: Debian 11 or higher; Ubuntu 20.04 or higher; Mint 20 or higher
• Android: 5.0 or higher
• iOS (and iPadOS): iOS 13 or higher.
• Android TV
• Fire TV
• Apple TV
• Routers
• Browsers: Extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge

Installing Surfshark is usually simple. You pick your OS, download the right version, run the installer, and log in. The user interface is clean. On desktops, you see a list of servers/locations, the ability to “pin” favorites, and see recent servers. 

Additionally, features like “Quick Connect” or “Connect to best server” are handy. You don’t always need to browse the full server list unless you want a specific location.

Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous device connections under a single subscription. That means you can protect as many devices as you own.

However, Surfshark has a Fair Usage Policy. If someone abuses the “unlimited” feature in a way that negatively impacts network performance for others, they may impose limitations.

Winner

Both VPNs work with all common devices, but Surfshark wins this round for supporting unlimited simultaneous device connections.

Plans and Pricing

Affordability is a pain point for most VPN users. Nobody wants to spend a fortune on a VPN service, no matter how good it may be. This section of the Surfshark vs NordVPN compares their price plans.

NordVPNVPN Pricing

NordVPN comes with three price plans under the Basic tier. There’s a 27-month plan that costs $3.09 per month, and a 12-month option that goes for $4.99 per month. If long-term plans aren’t your cup of tea, consider a monthly option that costs $12.99.

Plus, NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee you can take advantage of to use it risk-free.

Surfshark Pricing

Surfshark is one of the cheapest VPNs with affordable long-term plans. It comes with three price plans. You can go with the 27-month plan for $1.69 per month or the 15-month plan that costs $3.19 per month. 

There’s also a monthly plan that goes for $9.99 if you want something short and quick. Furthermore, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee for all the plans.

Winner

Surfshark is more affordable than NordVPN, so it wins this category.

Customer Support

You will always run into VPN issues from time to time, requiring urgent help from the VPN services. Faster customer support means you’ll be able to get sorted and continue using the service.

Here’s how they compare when it comes to customer support.

Live Chat

NordVPN and Surfshark offer 24/7 live chat options. You can find the live chat button when you open their respective sites. This is ideal for urgent issues like billing or connectivity problems.

At first, both services connect you to a chatbot and only escalate the issue to a live agent if you require more detailed assistance.

Support Ticket

If live chat can’t fully sort an issue (more complex or needing detailed follow-up), there’s a “Submit a request” option. NordVPN offers an email form you can fill out, while Surfshark provides both an email form and a direct email address.

Help Center

Both VPNs provide additional help through their Help Center pages. NordVPN provides blog articles, tutorials, troubleshooting guides, and setup guides.

Surfshark also has a help center with FAQs, setup instructions, and more.

Winner

This is another tie. Both VPNs offer reliable customer support options that users can use for their convenience.

Methodology: How I Compared NordVPN and Surfshark

Here’s how I approached the NordVPN vs Surfshark comparison and what shaped my take on both services.

• Security: I checked what VPN protocols and encryption each VPN uses, how reliable they are against leaks, and whether extra features like a kill switch or double VPN actually work in practice. This helped me see how both keep your connection safe beyond the marketing promises.

• Privacy: I looked into their logging policies, where the companies are based, and whether they’ve been audited by independent firms. I also paid attention to how much control I had over my personal data and whether either VPN had ever been linked to privacy concerns.

• Key Features: I tested the extra tools each one provides, from ad blocking to rotating IPs. I wanted to see if these were just add-ons or if they made a real difference in everyday use.

• Speed: I ran connection tests across different servers to see which one gave me a smoother experience. I didn’t just look at numbers but also how it felt while browsing, downloading, and making video calls.

• Streaming Performance: I tried them with popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. My goal was to see how well they bypassed restrictions and whether the video quality stayed sharp without buffering.

• Plans and Pricing: I compared what you pay upfront against the average monthly cost. I also looked at the renewal prices and whether the extra features in higher tiers really justified spending more.

• Servers and Location: I checked how many servers each provider offered, where they were located, and how reliable they were during peak times. Having a wide spread of servers is one thing, but I also tested how consistent the connections were.

• Usability: I installed both on different devices and checked how easy the apps were to set up and use daily. I wanted to see if beginners would find them straightforward and if power users had enough settings to fine-tune their connections.

Other VPN Alternatives I Like

PureVPN — Fast Connection Speeds

PureVPN is a good alternative if your priority is reliable privacy. They’ve been around for years, and their no-logs policy has been independently audited, which gives you peace of mind. They also cover more than 70 countries with a huge range of servers, so you can always find a fast connection.

PrivadoVPN — Best Free VPN

PrivadoVPN stands out as one of the best free VPNs available today. You get 10GB of free data every month, access to servers in multiple countries, and no major restrictions on speed. More in our PrivadoVPN review.

CyberGhost — Largest Server Network

CyberGhost is the one I recommend if server coverage matters most to you. With more than 11,000 servers worldwide, it’s hard to beat. You’ll always have plenty of choices for streaming, gaming, or general browsing. It’s also beginner-friendly with simple apps across devices.

Conclusion: Why I Think NordVPN Wins Overall

For me, the NordVPN vs Surfshark debate is close, but NordVPN edges ahead. Both are secure, private, and fast, with strong encryption and reliable kill switches.

Surfshark shines with cheaper plans and unlimited device connections. Still, NordVPN’s bigger server network, extra protocols, and features like Meshnet and Dark Web Monitor give it more weight.

That’s why I think NordVPN wins overall. It delivers stronger long-term reliability with more advanced tools and a proven audit history. 

Surfshark is still a fantastic budget-friendly option, but NordVPN feels like the safer bet if you want the best balance of power, security, and trust.

FAQ