Figuring out which VPN is the right fit for you can feel like a real puzzle, especially when you’re looking at top contenders like Proton VPN and Surfshark. Each one brings some serious game to the table, and honestly, the “better” one really boils down to what you need it for. If you’re all about ironclad privacy and security, especially with a no-logs policy and a solid base in a privacy-friendly country, then Proton VPN often takes the lead. But if speed, extensive server locations, unlimited device connections, and budget-friendly long-term plans are higher on your list, Surfshark tends to shine. We’re going to break down everything from their security features to their pricing, so you can easily see which VPN aligns best with your online habits.

Table of Contents

Proton VPN vs. Surfshark: A Head-to-Head Showdown

When you’re trying to pick a VPN, it’s not just about who has the flashiest features. It’s about how those features actually help you in your daily online life. Both Proton VPN and Surfshark are well-respected, but they definitely have different strengths. Think of it like this: one is a fortress built for ultimate privacy, and the other is a speedy, versatile toolkit for everyone in your house.

Security and Privacy: Who Guards Your Data Better?

Let’s get real: the whole point of a VPN is to keep your online activities private and secure. Both Proton VPN and Surfshark use strong encryption, but their approaches and extra features differ.

Proton VPN’s Security Edge

When it comes to privacy, Proton VPN is a bit of a champion. It was created by CERN scientists, so you know it’s got some serious tech brains behind it. The company, Proton AG, is based in Switzerland, a country famous for its stringent privacy laws. This jurisdiction is a huge plus because it means they’re not subject to data retention laws or surveillance alliances like the 5, 9, or 14 Eyes. Unlock Your Internet: Top Surfshark VPN Tips You Need to Know

Here’s what makes Proton VPN a privacy powerhouse:

No-Logs Policy Audited: They have a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t track, collect, or share your browsing history. Independent audits have confirmed this, giving you peace of mind.
Secure Core Servers: This is a fantastic feature if you’re ultra-sensitive about staying anonymous. It routes your traffic through multiple servers, first through hardened data centers in privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland, Sweden, or Iceland, before going to your chosen destination. This makes it incredibly difficult to trace your true IP address. Think of it as a double VPN with an extra layer of protection.
Tor Over VPN: For those who really want to crank up their anonymity, Proton VPN offers specialized servers that let you connect to the Tor network with just one click, without needing to download the Tor browser. This is super handy for journalists or activists who need that extra layer of protection.
NetShield: This feature acts as an ad, tracker, and malware blocker, enhancing your browsing experience and protecting you from malicious websites. It’s like having an extra shield for your online activities.
Kill Switch and Always-On VPN: These crucial features prevent your true IP address from being exposed if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly. The “always-on” VPN automatically reconnects you, while the kill switch blocks all network traffic to prevent leaks.
Open-Source Apps: Proton VPN’s applications are open-source and have been independently audited. This means anyone can inspect the code for transparency and security vulnerabilities, which builds a lot of trust.
Strong Encryption Protocols: Proton VPN uses AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption with WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec protocols, ensuring your data is highly secure.

Surfshark’s Robust Security

Surfshark also takes security seriously, constantly adding new features to keep users safe. It’s based in the Netherlands, which is generally considered privacy-friendly, though it is part of the 9 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. However, Surfshark maintains a strict no-logs policy to safeguard user data.

Key security features for Surfshark include:

AES-256-GCM Encryption: This is the industry standard, offering military-grade encryption for your internet traffic.
No-Logs Policy: Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring they don’t store your personal information or browsing history. This has also been verified by independent audits.
CleanWeb: Similar to NetShield, CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware, improving your browsing experience and protecting against phishing attempts.
Kill Switch and Everlink: Surfshark’s kill switch prevents data leaks if the VPN connection drops. What’s cool is their patented Everlink technology, which automatically restores a lost VPN connection, making it even more stable and reducing the chance of your IP being exposed.
Dynamic MultiHop Double VPN: This feature lets you connect via two different VPN servers simultaneously, adding an extra layer of encryption and making it harder to trace your online activities. You can even select both countries, which is a nice touch.
Camouflage Mode Obfuscation: This feature is a must if you’re in a region with strict internet censorship, like China. It makes your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic, so even your ISP can’t tell you’re using a VPN.
IP Rotator: This automatically changes your IP address every few minutes without disconnecting from the VPN, making it even harder for anyone to track you.
GPS Spoofing: For Android users, Surfshark offers GPS spoofing, which changes your device’s physical geolocation to match the VPN server’s location.
WireGuard Protocol Support: Surfshark uses modern protocols like WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN, which are known for their speed and security.

Security and Privacy Takeaway: If your primary concern is the absolute highest level of privacy and anonymity, with features like Secure Core and Tor Over VPN, Proton VPN holds a slight edge due to its Swiss jurisdiction and specialized servers. However, Surfshark offers a robust suite of security features, including obfuscation and its unique Everlink technology, making it incredibly secure and versatile, especially for bypassing censorship. This video is sponsored by surfshark vpn

Speed and Performance: Who’s Faster?

No one wants a VPN that slows down their internet to a crawl. Speed is crucial for everything from streaming and gaming to just plain browsing.

Surfshark’s Zippy Connections

Surfshark generally boasts impressive speeds, often ranking among the fastest VPNs out there.

Speed Loss: In 2025 tests, Surfshark showed a marginally higher speed loss of 21%, but it has consistently maintained low speed losses 17-19% over the past four years. This is still excellent performance.
WireGuard Protocol: Surfshark leverages the WireGuard protocol effectively, which is known for its speed and efficiency. Some reports indicate speeds over 950 Mbps with WireGuard, effectively maxing out connections.
Optimized Server Infrastructure: Surfshark uses over 3200+ 10Gbps servers in 100 countries, which are continuously optimized for speed and efficiency.
Streaming and Gaming: Users report smooth HD and 4K streaming with no buffering and enhanced gaming experiences due to dedicated IP addresses and fast speeds.

Proton VPN’s Performance

Proton VPN has made significant improvements in its speed performance, now offering above-average speeds, especially with its paid plans. Surfshark VPN Tanio: Jak Złapać Najlepszą Okazję na Świetną Prywatność Online

VPN Accelerator: Proton VPN has a “VPN Accelerator” technology designed to boost speeds by up to 400%, which helps reduce latency and optimize TCP flow.
Speed Test Results: Recent tests show impressive download speeds, with connections to US servers yielding around 271 Mbps and UK servers even faster at 308 Mbps. However, upload speeds can be more affected, particularly on distant European servers.
Secure Core Impact: While excellent for privacy, Secure Core servers will naturally be slower because your data takes extra hops through multiple servers. Tests showed download speeds of 193 Mbps with secure core, but upload speeds dropped significantly to 8.79 Mbps.
Server Network: Proton VPN has a growing network of over 11,000 servers including 12,261 Plus servers across 120+ countries. While this is a large number, individual server load and distance can affect speeds.

Speed and Performance Takeaway: For raw speed, especially for demanding activities like 4K streaming or large downloads, Surfshark often has the edge, consistently delivering fast connections with minimal speed loss. Proton VPN is no slouch, especially with its VPN Accelerator, but its specialized privacy features like Secure Core can impact speed.

Server Network: Global Reach and Choices

A good server network means you’ll likely find a fast server close to you, and you’ll have more options for bypassing geo-restrictions.

Surfshark’s Broad Network

Servers and Countries: Surfshark boasts over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. This is a really strong global presence.
City-Level Selection: In many locations, you can pick specific cities, which is great for fine-tuning your connection.
Specialized Servers: They offer P2P-optimized servers, Static IP servers, and Dynamic MultiHop servers across their network.

Proton VPN’s Expanding Network

Servers and Countries: Proton VPN has a substantial and rapidly expanding network. As of early 2025, they offer over 11,000+ servers in 110+ countries, with 12,261 Plus servers exclusively for paid users across 122 countries.
Geographic Spread: Proton VPN has made efforts to expand into underserved regions like Africa 22 locations and Asia 42 locations, which is a significant advantage for users in those areas.
Specialized Servers: Along with Secure Core and Tor Over VPN servers, they also have dedicated P2P servers for torrenting, though these are available in fewer countries.
Free Servers: Proton VPN is notable for offering over 2,300 free servers in five countries US, Netherlands, Japan, Poland, and Romania with no data limits, which is more than some paid VPNs offer.

Server Network Takeaway: Both have impressive networks. Surfshark offers slightly wider country coverage 100 countries compared to Proton VPN’s 120+ countries, but Proton VPN has a significantly higher number of servers 11,000+ vs 3,200+. If having a server in a very specific, less-common country is important, Proton VPN might have an edge due to its focus on expanding into underserved regions. Surfshark怎么样？2025年深度评测：你真的需要它吗？

Streaming and Torrenting: Unlocking Content and Sharing Files

A lot of people use VPNs for streaming geo-restricted content or for safe and private torrenting.

Surfshark for Streaming and P2P

Streaming Powerhouse: Surfshark is excellent at unblocking major streaming platforms like Netflix US, UK, Canada, and more, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer. Users report buffer-free HD streaming. They even offer Smart DNS for devices that don’t directly support VPN apps.
Torrenting: Surfshark is a solid choice for torrenting, allowing P2P file sharing on most of its servers. Its no-logs policy, kill switch, and strong encryption ensure your torrenting activities remain private. They offer dedicated IP addresses which can be useful for torrenting.

Proton VPN for Streaming and P2P

Streaming Performance: Proton VPN has significantly improved its streaming capabilities and can access numerous Netflix libraries including US, UK, and Canada, HBO Max, and other services with smooth HD and 4K playback.
Torrenting: Proton VPN fully supports P2P file sharing on designated servers, which are clearly labeled. It’s considered one of the best VPNs for torrenting due to its no-logs policy, robust encryption, and kill switch. It also offers port forwarding, which can be useful for faster torrenting speeds.

Streaming and Torrenting Takeaway: Both are strong contenders here. Surfshark is often lauded for its consistent ability to unblock a wide range of streaming services and its widespread P2P support. Proton VPN has caught up significantly in streaming and is also excellent for torrenting, especially with its port forwarding feature for power users.

Pricing and Value: What Do You Get for Your Money?

Price is always a big factor. Both VPNs offer different plans, so it’s worth looking at the long-term value. Surfshark VPN: Dein Weg zum kostenlosen 7-Tage-Trial (und mehr!)

Surfshark’s Affordable Long-Term Plans

Surfshark is generally known for being one of the more budget-friendly premium VPNs, especially if you commit to a longer plan.

Monthly Plan: Around $15.45 a month. This is on the higher side compared to some other VPNs.
Long-Term Plans: The best value comes with their 24-month plan, often priced around $1.99 per month billed upfront for 27 months, including bonus months, saving you a significant amount. Renewal rates are higher than the introductory offer, but still competitive.
Bundles: Surfshark offers “Surfshark One” and “Surfshark One+” plans that include additional tools like antivirus, data leak alerts, private search, and data removal services. These cost a bit more but offer a comprehensive security suite.
Unlimited Devices: A huge selling point for Surfshark is its unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can secure every device in your household with just one subscription, which is fantastic value.
Free Trial & Money-Back Guarantee: They offer a 7-day free trial no credit card needed for some offers and a 30-day money-back guarantee on paid subscriptions.

Proton VPN’s Tiered Pricing and Free Plan

Proton VPN’s pricing can be a bit more complex due to its tiered system, but it also offers a standout free plan.

Free Plan: Proton VPN offers a completely free version with no data limits, no artificial speed limits, and strong privacy and security. You can connect one device to servers in five countries US, Netherlands, Japan, Poland, Romania. This is arguably the best free VPN available.
VPN Plus Tier: This is their full-featured VPN plan.
- Monthly Plan: Around $9.99 per month. This is more affordable than many top VPNs’ monthly plans.
- Long-Term Plans: The 2-year plan offers the best value, starting at around $3.59 to $4.49 per month billed upfront.
Proton Unlimited: This is a bundled plan that includes Proton VPN Plus, Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, and Proton Drive. It’s more expensive but offers a comprehensive privacy ecosystem.
Device Connections: Paid Proton VPN plans allow you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.
Discounts: They often have promotional deals, student discounts, and discounts during events like Black Friday.
Money-Back Guarantee: Proton VPN offers a prorated 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pricing and Value Takeaway: If you’re on a tight budget and want a genuinely free VPN, Proton VPN’s free tier is unmatched. For paid subscriptions, Surfshark generally offers a lower monthly cost on its long-term plans and the huge advantage of unlimited device connections, making it incredible value for families or those with many gadgets. Proton VPN’s long-term plans are competitive, especially considering its robust privacy features, but it allows fewer simultaneous connections. What Exactly is Surfshark VPN and Why Does It Matter for “Tai” (Taiwan)?

User Experience and Apps: Easy to Use?

A powerful VPN is only good if it’s easy to use. Both VPNs aim for user-friendly interfaces across various devices.

Surfshark’s Intuitive Interface

Slick and User-Friendly: Surfshark’s app interface is consistently praised for being slick, intuitive, and easy to use across all platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Apple TV, and Fire TV.
Feature Display: The app clearly displays enabled settings like the protocol used, kill switch, Bypasser split tunneling, and CleanWeb, making it easy to see your active protections.
Split Tunneling Bypasser: Surfshark’s Bypasser feature is available on a wide range of platforms, including iOS and macOS, which is impressive as many other VPNs struggle to offer this on Apple devices since changes in 2020.
Customer Support: They offer 24/7 customer support.

Proton VPN’s User-Friendly yet Advanced Apps

Clean Interface: Proton VPN offers a user-friendly interface with clear options and settings. The macOS app, with its interactive world map and distinct color scheme, is often highlighted for its design.
Quick Access to Features: Common privacy features like a kill switch, split tunneling, and port forwarding are often accessible directly from the main screen for quick configuration.
Advanced Settings: For power users, Proton VPN apps also offer granular control over VPN connections, including protocol selection and advanced networking options.
Kill Switch on macOS: While generally robust, some users note a design oversight with Proton VPN’s kill switch on macOS, where the public IP might be unmasked briefly when switching servers without a clear warning. This is often an Apple limitation, but transparency could be improved.
Custom Profiles: Proton VPN allows you to create custom and predefined profiles, which can streamline your connection setup for different activities.
OS Compatibility: Proton VPN is compatible with major operating systems like Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and they’ve added support for Fire TV Stick.

User Experience and Apps Takeaway: Both VPNs offer well-designed and easy-to-use apps. Surfshark gets a slight nod for its consistency across platforms, particularly its split tunneling on Apple devices, and its generally snappier performance. Proton VPN’s apps are excellent for both casual and advanced users, though some minor UI aspects, like the macOS kill switch notification, could be more explicit.

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What Reddit Users Are Saying: Proton VPN vs. Surfshark Reddit

When you’re trying to get a real feel for a product, Reddit is often the place to go for unfiltered user experiences. People on Reddit frequently debate “Proton VPN vs Surfshark reddit” and “is Proton VPN worth it reddit.”

Generally, the sentiment leans towards Proton VPN for those prioritizing absolute privacy, security, and a strong ethical stance. Users often highlight its Swiss jurisdiction, open-source nature, and the Secure Core feature as major advantages. For torrenting, some users appreciate Proton VPN’s port forwarding. The free version also gets a lot of love for being genuinely free and secure, unlike many other “free” VPNs.

On the other hand, Surfshark is frequently praised for its exceptional value, especially with unlimited simultaneous connections, its speed, and its ability to unblock streaming services consistently. Many users find it to be a fantastic all-rounder for general use, especially for families or individuals with many devices. Its extensive server network and unique features like Camouflage Mode are also highly regarded for bypassing censorship.

The discussions often confirm that the “better” VPN depends on individual priorities. If you’re a privacy hawk and willing to pay a bit more or live with fewer connections for that peace of mind, Proton VPN often wins. If you want a fast, affordable, feature-rich VPN for multiple devices and streaming, Surfshark is a popular recommendation. Unleash Your Smart TV: A Guide to Surfshark VPN for Unrestricted Streaming

Final Verdict: Which VPN Should You Choose?

after digging into all the details, you’re probably wondering: “Is Proton VPN better than Surfshark?” The honest truth is, there isn’t one single “best” answer that fits everyone. It truly comes down to what you value most in a VPN.

Choose Proton VPN if:

Privacy and Security are Your Absolute Top Priorities: If you’re super serious about keeping your online activities private, value a strong no-logs policy backed by independent audits, and appreciate a VPN based in a privacy-friendly country like Switzerland, Proton VPN is a fantastic choice. Features like Secure Core and Tor Over VPN give you unparalleled anonymity.
You Need a Reliable Free VPN: Proton VPN offers the best free VPN service available, with no data limits and strong security, making it perfect for casual browsing or testing the waters.
You’re a Journalist, Activist, or Have High-Stakes Privacy Needs: The advanced privacy features are specifically designed for users who need maximum protection against surveillance.
You Prioritize Transparency: With open-source apps and regular independent audits, Proton VPN builds a high level of trust.
Torrenting with Port Forwarding is Important: If you’re a power user for P2P file sharing and want the benefits of port forwarding, Proton VPN has you covered.

Choose Surfshark if: Surfshark vpn slow reddit

You Want Excellent Value for Multiple Devices: With unlimited simultaneous connections and very competitive long-term pricing, Surfshark is an incredible deal for families or anyone with a lot of gadgets.
Speed is Crucial for Streaming and Gaming: Surfshark consistently delivers fast speeds, making it ideal for buffer-free 4K streaming, online gaming, and quick downloads.
You Need to Bypass Strict Censorship: Features like Camouflage Mode make Surfshark highly effective in regions with heavy internet restrictions.
You Want a Broad Server Network: With over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, Surfshark provides a wide range of options for accessing geo-restricted content and finding nearby servers.
You Appreciate a Feature-Rich All-Rounder: Surfshark packs a ton of useful features, from CleanWeb and Dynamic MultiHop to Everlink and GPS spoofing, into a user-friendly package.
You’re Looking for Bundled Security Solutions: If you want an all-in-one package that includes antivirus, private search, and data leak alerts, Surfshark’s “One” and “One+” plans offer a compelling solution.

Ultimately, both Proton VPN and Surfshark are top-tier VPNs that offer robust security and great features. If you’re a privacy purist, Proton VPN’s commitment to anonymity is hard to beat. But if you’re looking for a fast, affordable, and versatile VPN that can cover all your devices, Surfshark is an outstanding choice that offers fantastic bang for your buck. Think about what matters most to your online life, and that’ll guide you to your perfect VPN match.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Proton VPN trustworthy?

Yes, Proton VPN is widely considered very trustworthy. It’s developed by the same team behind Proton Mail, based in Switzerland, a country known for strong privacy laws. They have a strict, audited no-logs policy, use open-source apps, and offer advanced security features like Secure Core and Tor Over VPN, all contributing to a high level of trust.

Is Proton VPN the best free VPN?

Many experts and users consider Proton VPN to be the best free VPN available. It offers unlimited data, no speed restrictions, and strong privacy features even on its free plan, which is a rare combination in the free VPN market. You can connect one device to servers in five countries.

Is Surfshark a good VPN for streaming Netflix?

Absolutely! Surfshark is excellent for streaming and is known for its consistent ability to unblock major platforms like Netflix including US, UK, and Canada libraries, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+. Users typically experience fast speeds and buffer-free HD streaming.

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Does Surfshark keep logs?

No, Surfshark operates under a strict no-logs policy. This means they do not monitor, track, or store any of your online activity, IP addresses, or connection timestamps. Independent audits have verified their commitment to user privacy.

Can I use Surfshark on unlimited devices?

Yes, one of Surfshark’s most appealing features is that it allows for unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can install and use Surfshark on as many devices as you own phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, etc. with a single subscription, making it a fantastic value for families or individuals with many gadgets.

Is Proton VPN worth the money for its paid plans?

Many users find Proton VPN’s paid plans worth the money, especially if their top priority is privacy and security. While not the cheapest option, the “VPN Plus” tier offers advanced features like Secure Core, Tor Over VPN, and an audited no-logs policy, all backed by Swiss privacy laws. For privacy-conscious users or those with specific security needs, the value is high.

How does Surfshark’s speed compare to other top VPNs?

Surfshark consistently ranks among the fastest VPNs on the market. In recent tests, it has shown impressive speeds, sometimes clocking over 950 Mbps with the WireGuard protocol, effectively maxing out internet connections. While individual results can vary, Surfshark is known for maintaining high speeds even across distant servers, making it excellent for bandwidth-intensive tasks. Secure Your Whole Home: Setting Up Surfshark VPN on Your ASUS Router

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