Trying to figure out which VPN to pick between NordVPN and Surfshark can feel like navigating a maze, especially with all the hype around both of them. Let’s cut right to it: both NordVPN and Surfshark are top-tier VPNs in 2025, but they really shine in different situations. If you’re someone who values raw speed, an absolutely massive server network, and some really advanced security tools, NordVPN often takes a slight lead. On the other hand, if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, want to cover all your devices without a limit, and appreciate a slick, user-friendly experience, Surfshark is probably going to be your champion. Ultimately, your choice will boil down to your specific needs and what features matter most to you. This guide is all about helping you make that informed decision.

Table of Contents

Price Tag Showdown: Which VPN Is Kinder to Your Wallet?

When we talk about VPNs, one of the first things that comes to mind for many of us is the cost. It’s an investment in your online privacy, right? So, let’s break down the pricing for NordVPN and Surfshark in 2025.

Surfshark usually wins on the affordability front, especially if you’re ready to commit for the long haul. For example, its two-year plan often comes in at a super competitive price, sometimes as low as $1.99 per month, which is a fantastic deal. This kind of long-term commitment brings substantial savings, making it a dream for budget-conscious users looking for solid security without breaking the bank.

Now, NordVPN’s prices are a bit higher for those longer plans. Their two-year plan might be around $3.39 per month. However, here’s a little twist: if you’re only looking for a short-term solution, like a single month, NordVPN often has a slightly cheaper monthly plan than Surfshark. For instance, a one-month NordVPN subscription might be $12.99, while Surfshark’s could be $15.45. So, if you just need a VPN for a quick trip or a specific project, NordVPN might surprisingly be the cheaper immediate option.

Both services usually offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is pretty standard and a great way to try them out risk-free. Also, it’s worth noting that NordVPN gives you an extra layer of anonymity with a cash payment option at select retail stores, which is pretty cool for privacy purists. Supercharge Your Network: Setting Up Surfshark VPN on OpenWrt

Key takeaway on pricing:

Surfshark: Generally more affordable for long-term subscriptions 1-year and 2-year plans.
NordVPN: Often slightly cheaper for monthly subscriptions.

Server Network & Global Reach: More is Merrier?

When you’re picking a VPN, the number and spread of its servers really matter. More servers mean less congestion, which usually translates to better speeds. Plus, a wider global reach helps you bypass geo-restrictions more effectively, giving you access to content from all over the world.

Let’s look at the numbers for 2025:

NordVPN boasts a significantly larger server network. We’re talking about over 8,000 servers across 126 countries. This huge infrastructure means you get a ton of options, which really helps prevent servers from getting overcrowded. Having so many servers also means you’re more likely to find one close to your physical location, which is key for maintaining high speeds. It’s particularly strong in North America and Europe, with a massive number of servers in the US alone. Is surfshark vpn ok

Surfshark, while still impressive, has a smaller network. They offer over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. Even though it’s less than NordVPN, 100 countries is still excellent geographic coverage and more than enough for most users looking for global access. Surfshark has also been noted for its widespread network in South America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, giving it a strong global presence.

What does this mean for you?

NordVPN’s extensive network is fantastic if you want maximum variety in IP addresses and locations. This can be great for bypassing tough geo-blocks or ensuring a stable, fast connection even during peak times.
Surfshark’s network is perfectly robust for most everyday uses like streaming, browsing, and general security. You’ll still find plenty of options, and they’re well-distributed globally.

It’s also worth noting that both providers utilize RAM-only servers, meaning no data is stored on hard drives and all information is wiped with every reboot. This is a huge win for privacy!

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Speed & Performance: Who’s the Fastest?

Nobody likes a slow internet connection, especially when you’re paying for a VPN. Speed is a critical factor, whether you’re streaming, gaming, or just browsing. Both NordVPN and Surfshark are known for being fast, but there are some nuances.

Based on recent tests, NordVPN often has a slight edge in raw speed performance. Some speed tests show NordVPN retaining about 94% of base download speeds when using its proprietary NordLynx protocol. Others report it being consistently faster, especially on long-distance connections. NordLynx is NordVPN’s custom protocol, built on WireGuard, and it’s specifically tuned for speed and privacy. In my experience, this means a really smooth experience for heavy-bandwidth activities.

Surfshark is right on NordVPN’s heels and is incredibly fast itself. It uses the WireGuard protocol, which is also super speedy, and has been shown to retain around 93% of base download speeds. Some tests even show Surfshark being neck-and-neck with NordVPN or slightly pulling ahead in certain locations for downloads. It has even been tested maxing out at 950 Mbps with WireGuard, which is more than enough for 4K streaming and online multiplayer games. So, while NordVPN might be marginally faster on average, Surfshark is definitely not a slouch and provides excellent speeds for almost any online activity.

For context, when comparing them to other top VPNs like ExpressVPN, NordVPN frequently comes out on top for speed, with Surfshark often in a close second. Supercharge Your Online Life: Unpacking Surfshark VPN Offers for Maximum Security and Savings

Speed Summary:

NordVPN: Often the fastest, particularly with its NordLynx protocol, making it ideal for competitive gaming, 4K streaming, and large downloads.
Surfshark: Extremely fast and more than adequate for 4K streaming, gaming, and general browsing, especially using WireGuard.

Security & Privacy: Your Digital Fortress

This is arguably the most important aspect of any VPN. You’re using a VPN to protect your online activity, so robust security and a strong commitment to privacy are non-negotiable. Both NordVPN and Surfshark are industry leaders here, but let’s compare their fortifications.

Encryption: Both VPNs use AES-256 encryption, which is the gold standard and considered virtually unhackable. They also support ChaCha20 encryption, which is optimized for mobile devices and provides fast, secure connections. NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol and Surfshark’s WireGuard protocol leverage this strong encryption to secure your data. Surfshark NZ: Your Ultimate Guide to Online Freedom Down Under

No-Logs Policy & Audits: This is crucial. A no-logs policy means the VPN doesn’t record or store any information about your online activities.

NordVPN has a longer history of independent audits verifying its no-logs policy. They’ve been audited multiple times by reputable firms like PwC Switzerland and Deloitte, with audits reaffirming their policy in 2023 and 2025. This consistent third-party verification gives them a strong advantage in transparency and trust.
Surfshark also has a strict, independently audited no-logs policy. Deloitte conducted an audit in 2022, confirming that Surfshark doesn’t store user activity data. While they have fewer audits than NordVPN, these verifications are still incredibly important for user confidence.

Jurisdiction: This refers to the country where the VPN company is legally based.

NordVPN is based in Panama, which is generally considered a privacy-friendly jurisdiction outside of any “Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, or 14 Eyes” intelligence-sharing alliances.
Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is part of the Nine Eyes alliance. While this might raise an eyebrow for some, their audited no-logs policy helps mitigate this concern, as there’s simply no data for authorities to request.

Kill Switch & DNS Leak Protection: Both services come with an essential kill switch that automatically cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops, preventing your real IP address from being exposed. They also offer DNS leak protection to ensure your DNS requests are handled securely by the VPN, not exposed to your ISP.

Other Security Features:

Double VPN MultiHop: Both offer this, routing your traffic through two VPN servers for an extra layer of encryption. Surfshark’s MultiHop is often more customizable, letting you choose your entry and exit points, while NordVPN’s Double VPN is pre-configured.
Obfuscated Servers: These disguise your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, which is really useful for bypassing strict internet censorship in countries with heavy restrictions. Both offer this.
Onion Over VPN: NordVPN offers this as a specialized server type, routing your traffic through the Tor network for maximum anonymity, even without needing the Tor browser. Surfshark doesn’t have a separate Onion Over VPN feature.
Threat Protection NordVPN / CleanWeb Surfshark: Both include features to block ads, trackers, and malicious websites. NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro, especially its more advanced version, can also scan downloads for malware, giving it a slight edge in comprehensive malware protection. Surfshark’s CleanWeb is included in all plans.
RAM-only servers: Both use these, meaning all data is wiped on reboot, adding an extra layer of security.

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Both are incredibly secure with top-tier encryption and audited no-logs policies.
NordVPN has a more extensive audit history and is based in Panama, which some prefer for jurisdiction.
Surfshark’s customizable MultiHop and other unique features are great, but its Netherlands jurisdiction is a point to consider, even with audited no-logs.

Streaming & Content Unblocking: Binge-Watching Paradise

Let’s be real, a lot of us use VPNs to access our favorite streaming content from around the globe. Whether it’s Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, or Disney+, you want a VPN that can reliably bypass geo-restrictions.

Both NordVPN and Surfshark are excellent for streaming and are highly effective at unblocking popular services. I’ve personally had great experiences with both when trying to access different Netflix libraries, Hulu, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer. They both handle 4K streaming without buffering, thanks to their fast speeds.

NordVPN has a slight advantage with its SmartPlay feature. This technology integrates Smart DNS directly into its VPN app, making it incredibly easy to stream on devices that don’t typically support VPN apps, like smart TVs and gaming consoles, without complex manual setup. It simplifies the process, which is a big plus for less tech-savvy users or anyone who just wants things to work. NordVPN’s larger server network and more server locations also mean it might be able to unlock more niche streaming options or be more reliable for services that are particularly aggressive in detecting VPNs. Surfshark VPN Not Connecting? Here’s How to Fix It!

Surfshark also offers Smart DNS, allowing you to stream on devices without native VPN support, but it generally requires manual setup. However, it securely connects to multiple content libraries and helps overcome ISP throttling issues, creating a smoother experience.

Streaming Summary:

Both: Excellent for unblocking most major streaming services and providing buffer-free 4K streaming.
NordVPN: Has an edge with its integrated SmartPlay for easier setup on non-VPN devices.
Surfshark: Reliable and performs very well, but Smart DNS might require more manual configuration.

Gaming: Low Latency, High Performance

For online gaming, speed isn’t the only factor. low latency ping and stable connections are equally important. A good VPN can sometimes even protect you from DDoS attacks.

NordVPN generally offers slightly lower ping times and better speeds for gaming scenarios. Its NordLynx protocol is built for speed and stability, which translates directly into a smoother gaming experience, especially for competitive games where every millisecond counts. Surfshark VPN in the Netherlands: Your Ultimate Guide

Surfshark is also a strong contender for gaming, providing more than adequate speeds with its WireGuard protocol. It also has a unique GPS override function on Android, which can be incredibly useful for location-based mobile games if you’re traveling or just want to spoof your location for gaming purposes. However, always remember to use such features responsibly and in line with game terms of service.

Gaming Summary:

NordVPN: Often the preferred choice for competitive online gaming due to slightly lower latency and consistent high speeds.
Surfshark: Excellent for general gaming, and its GPS override feature on Android is a standout for mobile gamers.

Device Compatibility & Simultaneous Connections: Covering All Your Gadgets

connected world, we have so many devices. Your VPN needs to cover them all, whether it’s your phone, laptop, smart TV, or gaming console. Surfshark vpn nigeria

Here’s where Surfshark really shines:

Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections. This is a huge win for households with many devices, or if you want to share your VPN with family and friends. You can install the app on as many devices as you own and connect them all at the same time under one subscription. It’s incredibly generous and provides fantastic value, especially for large households.

NordVPN allows up to 6 or 10 simultaneous connections, depending on the plan. While 6 to 10 devices is still quite good for an individual or small family, it’s a clear limitation compared to Surfshark’s unlimited offering. You can install the app on many devices, but only a certain number can be actively connected at once.

App Availability and Ease of Use: Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer user-friendly apps for all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. They also have browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, and can be manually set up on routers to protect all devices on your network. NordVPN vs. Surfshark VPN: The Ultimate Showdown

One area where Surfshark often gets praise, especially on Reddit, is its user interface and experience UI/UX. Many users find Surfshark’s apps to be cleaner, more modern, and generally more intuitive to navigate. Features like setting favorite servers for one-tap connections on mobile are frequently highlighted as superior. NordVPN’s apps are still functional and well-designed, often featuring a world map for server selection, but some users feel the UI can be a bit clunkier or less updated compared to Surfshark.

Device Compatibility & UX Summary:

Surfshark: Undisputed winner for unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for large families or sharing. Also praised for its modern and intuitive app design.
NordVPN: Supports 6-10 devices, which is good but not unlimited. Its apps are functional but some users find the UI less polished than Surfshark’s.

Unique Features & Extras: Beyond the Basics

Both NordVPN and Surfshark go beyond just basic VPN protection, offering a suite of additional features to enhance your online security and experience.

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NordVPN’s Special Tools:

Threat Protection Pro: This is a comprehensive cybersecurity tool that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites. The Pro version goes further by scanning downloaded files for malware, making it a powerful antivirus-like feature.
Meshnet: A unique feature that creates secure, encrypted connections between your devices, letting you access them remotely or share files as if they were on the same local network. It’s super handy for creating a secure home network or accessing your home devices while traveling.
Double VPN: Routes your traffic through two VPN servers for enhanced security, although it’s pre-configured, meaning you pick from a set list of server combinations.
Onion Over VPN: Allows you to route your traffic through the Tor network for maximum anonymity, all within the NordVPN app, so you don’t need the Tor browser.
NordWhisper: Specialized servers designed to bypass internet restrictions in highly censored environments.
Dedicated IP: Available as an add-on, giving you a static, personal IP address that isn’t shared with others. Useful for online banking, avoiding CAPTCHAs, or remote work.
Dark Web Monitor: Scans the dark web for your credentials and alerts you if they’re found in a data breach.

Surfshark’s Standout Features:

CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites, similar to NordVPN’s Threat Protection but without the advanced malware scanning of the Pro version.
MultiHop: Surfshark’s version of Double VPN, but it’s often more customizable, allowing you to choose both the entry and exit server locations.
GPS Override Android: A unique feature that lets you spoof your GPS location on Android devices, great for location-based apps and games.
Alternative ID / Alternative Number: Generates a new online identity and email for you, helping to protect your real personal information from spam or data breaches.
Rotating IP: Regularly changes your IP address without disconnecting the VPN, making it even harder to track your online activity.
Static IP Servers: Unlike dedicated IPs which are personal, static IPs are shared among VPN users but remain constant, useful for accessing IP-restricted services.
NoBorders Mode: Helps you use Surfshark in restrictive network environments, similar to NordVPN’s obfuscated servers.
Surfshark One Bundle: Includes an antivirus, a privacy search tool, and data breach monitoring, offering a more complete cybersecurity package.

Features Summary:

NordVPN: Excels with robust all-in-one cybersecurity tools like Threat Protection Pro and innovative features like Meshnet.
Surfshark: Offers unique privacy tools like Alternative ID and GPS Override, plus highly customizable MultiHop connections.

Customer Support: Help When You Need It

Even the most tech-savvy among us might need a hand sometimes. Good customer support is essential.

Both NordVPN and Surfshark are on par when it comes to customer support. They both offer:

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24/7 live chat: This is super helpful for immediate issues or quick questions.
Extensive knowledge bases: Detailed guides and tutorials covering setup, features, and troubleshooting.
Email support: For more complex issues that might require a detailed explanation or investigation.

You can expect reliable and responsive support from both providers, ensuring you won’t be left hanging if you encounter a problem.

Who Should Pick Which VPN? Making Your Choice

We’ve broken down pretty much everything. Now, let’s simplify it: which VPN is the right one for you?

Choose NordVPN If:

Speed is your absolute top priority. If you’re into competitive online gaming, frequent 4K streaming, or regularly download large files, NordVPN’s slightly faster speeds and NordLynx protocol will likely give you the best experience.
You want a massive server network and broad geographic coverage. With over 8,000 servers in 126 countries, NordVPN offers more choice and potentially better unblocking capabilities for very specific regions.
You need comprehensive cybersecurity features. Tools like Threat Protection Pro for malware scanning and Meshnet for secure private networks are very appealing.
You prefer a VPN based in a Five/Nine/14 Eyes-free jurisdiction with a longer history of no-logs audits.
You need specialized servers like Onion Over VPN or NordWhisper for highly restrictive environments.
You only need to connect a few devices up to 6 or 10 at a time.

Choose Surfshark If:

You’re on a budget and looking for the best long-term value. Surfshark’s extended plans are consistently more affordable.
You need to protect an unlimited number of devices. This is a must for large families, households with many gadgets, or if you want to share with friends.
You value a clean, modern, and user-friendly app interface. Many users find Surfshark’s UI/UX more intuitive and polished.
You’re an Android user interested in GPS spoofing for location-based apps or games.
You want highly customizable MultiHop connections where you can pick your own entry and exit points.
You’re okay with its Netherlands jurisdiction given its independently audited no-logs policy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Surfshark better than NordVPN?

It’s not a simple “yes” or “no” answer. it really depends on what you need. Surfshark is often considered better for those on a budget and for users who need to connect an unlimited number of devices. NordVPN, on the other hand, is frequently preferred for its slightly faster speeds, larger server network, and more extensive set of advanced security features like Threat Protection Pro and Meshnet. Both are excellent, high-quality VPNs with strong security and privacy features.

Which VPN is faster: NordVPN or Surfshark?

Based on recent tests, NordVPN generally has a slight edge in speed, especially when utilizing its proprietary NordLynx protocol. It tends to retain a higher percentage of your base internet speed. However, Surfshark is extremely fast as well, particularly with its WireGuard protocol, and is more than capable of handling 4K streaming and online gaming without issues. For most daily tasks, both VPNs will provide excellent, fast connections.

Does Surfshark have unlimited devices?

Yes, Surfshark allows for unlimited simultaneous device connections under a single subscription. This is one of its biggest advantages over NordVPN, which typically limits connections to 6 or 10 devices. This makes Surfshark an excellent choice for large households or individuals who want to protect many devices at once without needing multiple subscriptions. Master Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) with a VPN – Your Ultimate Guide to Server Switching, Low Ping, and Regional Access

Are NordVPN and Surfshark owned by the same company?

Yes, NordVPN and Surfshark are part of the same parent company, Nord Security, since February 2022. However, they operate as separate brands and continue to maintain distinct service offerings, features, and pricing structures. While they share some security best practices and technologies, they still cater to slightly different user preferences and needs.

Which is better for streaming, NordVPN or Surfshark?

Both NordVPN and Surfshark are excellent for streaming and reliably unblock most popular services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. NordVPN has a slight advantage with its integrated SmartPlay technology, which makes it easier to set up streaming on devices that don’t natively support VPN apps, like smart TVs and gaming consoles. Surfshark is also highly effective for streaming, providing smooth 4K experiences, but its Smart DNS might require more manual configuration.

What about their prices?

Surfshark is generally more affordable for long-term plans, with its two-year subscription often offering the lowest monthly cost. This makes it a great value option for budget-conscious users. On the other hand, NordVPN sometimes offers a cheaper price for its monthly subscription plan if you’re only looking for a short-term commitment. Both providers typically offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, letting you try them out risk-free.

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