To truly understand the differences between Kaspersky VPN and Surfshark VPN, let’s break down their features, performance, and what they actually offer for your online life. Choosing the right VPN can feel a bit like picking between two really good snacks – both look appealing, but you want the one that truly satisfies your craving. When it comes to digital security, Surfshark and Kaspersky both offer VPN services, but they approach things from slightly different angles. Surfshark is a modern, privacy-focused VPN known for its extensive features and affordability, especially if you have a lot of devices. Kaspersky, on the other hand, comes from a cybersecurity giant, known primarily for its antivirus software, and its VPN is often bundled as part of a larger security suite.

This means you’re looking at a choice between a dedicated VPN specialist and a VPN that’s part of a broader security ecosystem. Both aim to keep your online activities private and secure, but they have different strengths, weaknesses, and even philosophies about user data and global reach. I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know, from their speeds and security features to their pricing and how easy they are to use, so you can pick the one that fits your needs best.

Table of Contents

Quick Overview: Surfshark vs. Kaspersky VPN

Alright, let’s get a snapshot of these two before we zoom in. Imagine you’re at a glance, trying to figure out which one just feels right.

Surfshark is often touted for its fantastic value, especially if you want to protect all your devices and maybe share with family members, since it offers unlimited simultaneous connections. It boasts a massive network of 3200+ servers across 100 countries. Its security features are top-notch, including military-grade AES-256 encryption, a reliable kill switch, and a no-logs policy that’s been independently audited. It’s based in the Netherlands, which is part of the 9-Eyes Alliance, but crucially, it has no data retention laws, and its audited no-logs policy means there’s nothing identifiable to share even if requested. It’s a champion for streaming and torrenting, consistently unblocking popular services.

Kaspersky VPN, while coming from a trusted name in antivirus, has a slightly different profile. It offers up to 10 simultaneous connections and a network of 2000+ servers in around 88-100+ countries or locations. It also uses strong AES-256 encryption and includes a kill switch and a no-logs policy, though this policy hasn’t been independently audited and has faced some scrutiny due to its Russian origins. Kaspersky VPN has shown fast speeds in recent tests, leveraging protocols like WireGuard and Catapult Hydra. It also works for streaming popular services and allows torrenting on its servers. However, its base in Russia and past governmental concerns have led to some users being wary, with the US government banning its products for federal use though it’s still legal for private citizens. Plus, it’s not available in some countries like China and Saudi Arabia.

So, right off the bat, you might notice Surfshark has a privacy-friendly jurisdiction and unlimited connections, while Kaspersky benefits from its antivirus pedigree and has shown impressive speed improvements.

Diving Into the Details: Who Wins Where?

Now, let’s really dig into what makes each of these VPNs tick.

Speed and Performance: Is Your Connection Ready for Takeoff?

Nobody likes a slow internet connection, especially when you’re paying for a VPN. When I’m using a VPN, I expect it to keep up with my online activities without a hitch, whether that’s streaming, downloading, or just browsing.

Surfshark generally delivers good speeds. In recent tests from 2025, it showed about a 21% speed loss, which is pretty decent for a VPN. When you consider it’s running on 10Gbps servers and using protocols like WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN, you can expect a smooth experience for most daily tasks. I’ve heard users say it’s reliable enough for daily browsing, streaming, and casual downloads, even if it’s not always the absolute fastest VPN out there. Its vast network across 100 countries also means you can often find a server close by, which helps a lot with maintaining speed.

Kaspersky VPN has been quite impressive on the speed front, especially in recent years. According to AV-TEST evaluations in 2024, Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection demonstrated excellent upload and download speeds. They specifically noted a significant growth in speed indicators, with average local download speeds increasing by 64% and upload speeds by 33% compared to the previous year. This boost makes it a solid choice for things like streaming and online gaming without those annoying delays. Kaspersky VPN uses WireGuard and the proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol which is also used by Hotspot Shield, known for its speed. My tests confirmed that Kaspersky VPN performed really well on both local and distant servers, meaning you can still get fast speeds even when connecting across continents.

Verdict on Speed: While both are fast, Kaspersky VPN has shown particularly strong improvements and performance in recent tests, especially with its impressive speed increase metrics. Surfshark is still fast and reliable, but Kaspersky seems to be punching above its weight here, making it a strong contender if raw speed is a top priority.

Security Features: Protecting Your Digital Sandbox

This is where the rubber meets the road. A VPN’s main job is to keep your online activities private and secure.

Encryption Standards: Both VPNs use AES-256 encryption. This is the industry gold standard, often referred to as “military-grade” encryption, and it’s practically uncrackable. So, on this front, you’re getting top-tier protection with either.
Kill Switch: Essential for any good VPN, a kill switch automatically cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops unexpectedly. This prevents your real IP address or unencrypted data from being exposed, even for a split second. Both Surfshark and Kaspersky VPN include this crucial feature, which is a big plus for your peace of mind.
No-Logs Policy: This is a big one. A strict no-logs policy means the VPN provider doesn’t collect or store any identifiable information about your online activities.
- Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited multiple times by firms like Cure53 and Deloitte. This external verification adds a lot of credibility and trust, assuring users that their data isn’t being tracked or stored.
- Kaspersky VPN also claims a no-logs policy. However, this policy has not undergone an independent audit. There have also been concerns raised about Kaspersky’s logging claims potentially conflicting with its stated privacy policy, and some sources suggest it admits to collecting some user data for performance and troubleshooting, which is “pretty standard” but not zero-log. While Kaspersky states they don’t log browsing activity, they might collect some connection data.
Ad Blocker/Malware Protection:
- Surfshark offers CleanWeb, which acts as an ad and tracker blocker, and even a cookie pop-up blocker, making your browsing experience smoother. It also has Antivirus features as part of its bundled plans.
- Kaspersky doesn’t typically include a dedicated ad blocker within its VPN, though its main antivirus software is excellent and often bundled with the VPN. If you get Kaspersky’s Plus or Premium subscriptions, you’ll benefit from the antivirus, password manager, and anti-phishing protection.
Obfuscation/Stealth Mode:
- Surfshark has NoBorders mode and Camouflage Mode, which make your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic. This is super helpful for bypassing internet restrictions, especially in regions with heavy censorship, by hiding the fact that you’re using a VPN at all. It also has MultiHop Double VPN for extra privacy by routing your traffic through two servers.
- Kaspersky VPN offers Double VPN connections and Smart Protection mode which automatically activates the VPN on unsecured Wi-Fi.
RAM-only Servers: Surfshark uses RAM-only servers. This means all data is wiped with every reboot, adding an extra layer of security as there’s no data to physically extract. This is a significant privacy advantage. Kaspersky VPN, on the other hand, leases its server infrastructure from Hotspot Shield, and while those servers are generally considered secure and have undergone independent audits, it’s not specified if they are RAM-only for Kaspersky’s service.

Verdict on Security: Surfshark pulls ahead here. Its independently audited no-logs policy, RAM-only servers, and robust obfuscation features offer a higher degree of trust and privacy, especially for those who are highly privacy-conscious. Kaspersky provides strong encryption and a kill switch, but the lack of an independent audit for its no-logs policy and its jurisdiction remain points of concern for some users.

Server Network: Global Reach

A larger server network means more options for connecting, better speeds by finding closer servers, and a higher chance of bypassing geo-restrictions.

Surfshark: Boasts an impressive network of 3200+ servers in 100 countries. This extensive global coverage includes multiple server locations in key regions like the US 24 locations, Europe 58 locations, and Asia Pacific 31 locations. This wide distribution helps ensure you can find a fast and reliable connection almost anywhere.
Kaspersky VPN: Has 2000+ servers in 88 countries or 110 server locations the numbers vary slightly across sources, but the range is consistently within this bracket. While 2000+ servers is a decent number, it’s not as extensive as Surfshark’s network. It’s also worth noting that Kaspersky VPN functionality is not available in several countries with strict internet regulations, such as China, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Oman, Pakistan, and Belarus. Sales were also suspended in India.

Verdict on Server Network: Surfshark clearly wins with a significantly larger network of servers and a broader global reach, covering more countries and locations. This gives you more flexibility and potentially better performance, especially if you travel a lot or need to access content from diverse regions.

Streaming and Torrenting: Unlocking Content

Many people get a VPN specifically for streaming content that’s not available in their region or for secure file sharing.

Surfshark: Is consistently praised as an excellent VPN for streaming. It easily unblocks major platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Users often report no buffering or slowdowns, especially when using the WireGuard protocol. For torrenting, Surfshark supports P2P on all its servers and even has specialized P2P servers, ensuring your IP isn’t leaked and your internet provider can’t throttle your connection.
Kaspersky VPN: Also performs well for streaming, able to unblock popular sites like Amazon Prime, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. It’s also mentioned to work “mostly yes” for Netflix. For torrenting, Kaspersky VPN allows torrenting on most or all, depending on the source of its servers and performs well in speed tests for P2P file sharing. However, some reports indicate its free version is not good for streaming due to data caps and no server selection.

Verdict on Streaming and Torrenting: Both are strong contenders here. Surfshark seems to have a slightly more consistent and widely praised track record for unblocking a wider range of streaming services reliably. However, Kaspersky VPN has also shown good performance in this area. For torrenting, both are capable, but Surfshark’s dedicated P2P servers might give it a slight edge.

Pricing and Value: What’s Your Wallet Saying?

Let’s be honest, price is a big factor for most of us. You want a good deal without compromising on quality.

Surfshark: Is known for being one of the most affordable premium VPNs, especially on its longer-term plans. Its 24-month plan, often bundled with extra free months, can bring the cost down to around $1.99 – $2.19 per month. While its monthly plan is higher around $15.45, the long-term commitment offers significant savings. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial on mobile and macOS.
Kaspersky VPN: Offers very affordable deals, often one of the cheapest VPNs available. Monthly plans hover around $4.99 – $6.99, with annual plans typically costing around $29.99 – $33.99 per year. This breaks down to about $2.50 to $2.83 per month on the annual plan. It also has a limited free plan 200MB/day and a 7-day free trial for its premium service. Kaspersky VPN can also be bundled with Kaspersky’s antivirus and other security products, which might offer better overall value if you need the full suite.

Verdict on Pricing and Value: Surfshark generally offers more features and unlimited simultaneous connections at a similar, or even lower, long-term price point, making it an incredible value for money, especially for families or those with many devices. Kaspersky VPN is also very affordable, particularly when bundled with their excellent antivirus, but its feature set for the VPN alone might not be as extensive for the price as Surfshark’s.

User Experience and Apps: Easy Peasy or Head Scratcher?

You don’t want to wrestle with complicated software just to secure your connection. Ease of use is key for a good VPN.

Surfshark: Is known for its user-friendly and intuitive apps across various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux GUI, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, and routers. Users often describe it as easy to use for both beginners and advanced users, with a slick interface and smooth performance across devices. The installation is straightforward, and connecting to a server is usually just one click away.
Kaspersky VPN: Also offers a user-friendly experience with a straightforward interface that simplifies connecting to a VPN server. It supports Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, with clean apps that are easy to use. It’s particularly easy to integrate if you’re already within the Kaspersky ecosystem of products.

Verdict on User Experience: Both VPNs offer a good user experience. Surfshark might have a slight edge due to its availability on a broader range of devices and consistent praise for its intuitive design across all platforms.

Privacy Jurisdiction: Where Do They Call Home?

The country where a VPN company is based matters because it dictates the legal framework the company operates under, particularly concerning data retention and government requests.

Surfshark: Is headquartered in the Netherlands. While the Netherlands is part of the 9-Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, Surfshark operates under a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited. Crucially, the Netherlands does not have mandatory data retention laws, meaning Surfshark isn’t legally required to store user data. This combination, along with its audited no-logs policy, means even if compelled, it wouldn’t have identifiable user data to share.
Kaspersky VPN: Is headquartered in Russia. Russia is considered a restrictive country with internet censorship and a history of requesting user data. This jurisdiction raises significant privacy concerns for many, especially since the US government has banned Kaspersky products from federal use due to national security concerns, though it’s not illegal for private citizens to use it. While Kaspersky states it has moved parts of its infrastructure to Switzerland and claims a no-logs policy, the lack of an independent audit and the company’s base in Russia make some users skeptical about potential government influence.

Verdict on Privacy Jurisdiction: Surfshark is the clear winner here. Its base in the Netherlands, combined with an independently audited no-logs policy and no mandatory data retention laws, offers a much stronger privacy posture compared to Kaspersky VPN’s Russian base and the associated governmental concerns.

Customer Support: Help When You Need It

When things go wrong, good customer support can make all the difference.

Surfshark: Offers 24/7 customer support, typically through live chat and email. Reviews often mention responsive and helpful support, even when it comes to things like processing refunds.
Kaspersky VPN: Provides 24/7 remote IT support as part of its bundled offerings. You can also contact Kaspersky Customer Service for issues, especially with installation in certain regions.

Verdict on Customer Support: Both offer 24/7 support, which is excellent. Without more detailed, up-to-date comparison of response times and effectiveness, it’s a tie, but both seem to provide readily available assistance.

Kaspersky VPN Specifics: What You Get

Let’s round up the pros and cons of Kaspersky VPN.

Pros:

Excellent Speed Performance: Recent tests show significant improvements in download and upload speeds, making it great for streaming and gaming.
Affordable Pricing: Often one of the cheaper VPN options, especially for annual plans, and good value if bundled with Kaspersky’s antivirus.
Strong Encryption and Kill Switch: Uses AES-256 encryption and includes a reliable kill switch for essential security.
Streaming and Torrenting Capable: Works with popular streaming services and allows P2P file sharing on most servers.
User-Friendly Apps: Simple and clean interface, easy to use across different devices.
Smart Protection Mode: Automatically activates the VPN on unsecured Wi-Fi.

Cons:

Privacy Concerns due to Jurisdiction: Headquartered in Russia, a restrictive country, leading to skepticism about government influence and data access. The US government has banned its products for federal use.
No Independent Audit of No-Logs Policy: While it claims a no-logs policy, the lack of an external audit and some conflicting statements raise trust issues regarding data collection.
Smaller Server Network: With 2000+ servers in 88-100+ countries/locations, it’s decent but not as extensive as Surfshark’s.
Limited Simultaneous Connections: Offers up to 10 connections, which is good but not unlimited like some competitors.
No Dedicated Ad Blocker/Advanced Features: Lacks some of the extra privacy tools like obfuscation modes or a dedicated ad blocker within the VPN itself though its antivirus is strong if bundled.
Regional Unavailability: Not available in some countries with strict internet regulations.

Surfshark VPN Specifics: What You Get

Now, let’s look at the strengths and weaknesses of Surfshark VPN.

Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: Protects all your devices and can be shared with family, making it fantastic value.
Extensive Server Network: Over 3200 servers in 100 countries, offering wide global coverage and better connection options.
Audited No-Logs Policy & Privacy-Friendly Jurisdiction: Based in the Netherlands with no data retention laws, and its no-logs policy has been independently audited, providing high trust in privacy.
Strong Security Features: AES-256 encryption, kill switch, MultiHop Double VPN, Camouflage Mode, NoBorders mode, and RAM-only servers for enhanced privacy.
Excellent for Streaming and Torrenting: Reliably unblocks major streaming services and supports P2P on all servers.
Competitive Long-Term Pricing: Very affordable on 24-month plans, offering significant savings.
User-Friendly Apps: Intuitive and easy-to-use apps across a wide range of devices.
CleanWeb Feature: Built-in ad, tracker, and cookie pop-up blocker improves browsing experience.
Monthly Plan is Pricey: Like many VPNs, the month-to-month subscription is significantly more expensive.
Speed Loss Though Acceptable: While fast, its reported 21% speed loss in tests might be slightly more noticeable than Kaspersky’s recent speed improvements in some scenarios.
Jurisdiction in 9-Eyes Alliance: Although the Netherlands has no data retention laws and Surfshark is audited, its affiliation with the 9-Eyes alliance is a minor point of concern for some ultra-privacy-focused users.

Which VPN Should YOU Pick?

So, after all that, how do you decide? It really comes down to what matters most to you.

Choose Surfshark if:
- You need to protect ALL your devices and maybe family/friends too!: With unlimited simultaneous connections, it’s unbeatable value for multiple users and gadgets.
- Privacy and trust are your absolute top priorities: The independently audited no-logs policy, RAM-only servers, and privacy-friendly jurisdiction of the Netherlands offer a higher level of assurance.
- You want to bypass restrictions and stream content reliably: Its strong performance with major streaming services and robust obfuscation features make it a great choice for accessing global content.
- You’re looking for the best long-term value: Its 24-month plans are incredibly affordable for the features you get.
Choose Kaspersky VPN if:
- You’re already in the Kaspersky ecosystem: If you use their antivirus and want an integrated solution, it’s a convenient option that offers a solid security layer.
- Raw speed is your single most important factor and you’re less concerned about jurisdiction: Kaspersky VPN has demonstrated impressive speed improvements, especially on local and distant servers.
- You need a basic, reliable VPN for browsing and some streaming at a low cost: It covers the fundamentals of encryption, a kill switch, and decent streaming capabilities at a very competitive price point, especially on its annual plans.
- You don’t need unlimited connections: If 10 simultaneous devices are enough for you, it’s a perfectly capable VPN.

In my opinion, for most people looking for a dedicated VPN service that prioritizes privacy, versatility, and sheer value, Surfshark is likely the stronger choice. Its commitment to transparency with audits, unlimited device support, and extensive global network make it a standout. Kaspersky VPN is a perfectly functional and fast VPN, particularly if you’re already a fan of their other security products, but its privacy jurisdiction and the lack of an independent no-logs audit are factors to seriously consider.

Ultimately, both VPNs will encrypt your internet connection and hide your IP address, but Surfshark simply offers more peace of mind and flexibility for its price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Surfshark VPN really trustworthy?

Yes, Surfshark VPN is generally considered trustworthy. It has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited multiple times by cybersecurity firms like Cure53 and Deloitte, confirming it doesn’t collect identifiable user data. Its headquarters are in the Netherlands, a country with no mandatory data retention laws, which further strengthens its privacy claims. It also uses RAM-only servers, meaning data is wiped with every reboot.

Is Kaspersky VPN safe to use, given its Russian ties?

Kaspersky VPN uses strong AES-256 encryption and includes essential security features like a kill switch, making it secure from a technical standpoint. However, its safety for privacy is debated due to its headquarters in Russia, a country known for internet censorship and data requests. The US government has banned Kaspersky products for federal use, raising concerns. While Kaspersky claims a no-logs policy and has stated it moved parts of its infrastructure to Switzerland, this policy has not been independently audited, leading to skepticism among privacy enthusiasts.

Can Surfshark VPN unblock Netflix and other streaming services?

Yes, Surfshark VPN is excellent at unblocking Netflix and other popular streaming services. In recent tests, it consistently unblocked platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Users report solid performance with no buffering or slowdowns, especially when utilizing the WireGuard protocol.

Navigating Surfshark VPN’s Jurisdiction: What You Need to Know for Ultimate Privacy

How many devices can I connect with Kaspersky VPN and Surfshark VPN?

Surfshark VPN offers unlimited simultaneous connections with a single subscription, meaning you can protect all your devices and even share with family members without worrying about device limits. Kaspersky VPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections. While 10 connections are sufficient for many users, Surfshark’s unlimited policy provides greater flexibility and value for those with numerous devices.

What are the main differences in pricing between Surfshark and Kaspersky VPN?

Surfshark is generally more affordable for long-term subscriptions, with its 24-month plan often costing around $1.99 – $2.19 per month when special discounts are applied. Its monthly plan is higher, at about $15.45. Kaspersky VPN offers monthly plans around $4.99 – $6.99 and annual plans typically costing $29.99 – $33.99, which breaks down to roughly $2.50 – $2.83 per month. While both are budget-friendly, Surfshark often provides more features and unlimited connections at a similar or lower long-term price point, offering better overall value.

Does either VPN offer a free trial or money-back guarantee?

Yes, both VPNs offer ways to try them out. Surfshark provides a 7-day free trial for Android, iOS, and macOS devices available via app stores and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee on all its paid plans. This allows you to test the service risk-free. Kaspersky VPN has a limited free plan that restricts data usage to 200MB per day and lacks premium features like a kill switch or server selection. It also offers a 7-day free trial for its premium service, and paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee though some regional variations, like a 14-day guarantee in the UK, have been noted.

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