Surfshark vs NordVPN: which VPN is better in 2024

Surfshark and NordVPN are two of the most popular VPN providers to date. Surfshark, based in the Netherlands, offers a one of the widest global VPN coverages, robust security features, and fast connection speeds. Meanwhile, NordVPN operates under privacy-friendly Panama law and already established itself as the top VPN provider with the fastest connections and an industry-leading security and privacy solution.

An intresting fact is that both of them share a connection through their parent company, which is reflected in their common focus on privacy and audited no-logs policies. However, despite their brotherhood, there are notable differences between Surfshark and NordVPN in terms of performance, security, features, and value.

We know that choosing between Surfshark and NordVPN is not an easy task. Even though Surfshark edges ahead with competitive pricing, unlimited simultaneous connections, and excellent streaming capabilities, NordVPN excels with a bigger server network and advanced security practices. However, our comparisons have one winner, no matter how close the fight is.

So, which provider comes out on top? In this article, we will give you an in-depth look both of Surfshark and NordVPN, focusing on their price, performance, security features, and overall value. Want a quick glimpse into this duel of the VPN titans? The table below should give you a good idea which service better suits your needs.

Surfshark VPN vs NordVPN: specifications

While both services are evenly matched in many aspects, NordVPN is much faster than Surfshark VPN. The provider is also more secure, has a bigger server fleet, and comes with plenty of features to customize your experience. While Surfshark is cheaper ($2.19/month) and has no device limit, NordVPN proves to have better overall value.

PROs and CONs of NordVPN

NordVPN has firmly established itself as a top-tier VPN service, earning public accolades for its robust security features, extensive server network, and amazing performance. NordVPN is one of the best in its class with some important pros:

• ✅ Industry-leading security suite
• ✅ 4-time audited no-logs policy
• ✅ Fastest tunnelling protocol

Of course, while NordVPN is an exceptional service, it’s not immune to certain imperfections. While it ranks among the best, there are a few cons:

• ❌ Only 6 simultaneous connections
• ❌ No free plan
• ❌ No GUI for Linux

Want to learn more about all ins and outs of NordVPN? Check out our NordVPN review.

PROs and CONs of Surfshark

Surfshark is great in its own way, too. Especially with its wallet-friendly prices, wide compatibility, and a suite of features that cater to both advanced netrunners and casual netizens. These are the biggest pros:

• ✅ No limits for simultaneous connections
• ✅ One of the widest global VPN coverage
• ✅ Strong security and privacy

Yet, even though Surfshark earned its stripes, a few quirks tag along for the ride. Some of the cons are:

• ❌ Less features on iOS and Mac
• ❌ Based in a 9-Eyes alliance country
• ❌ Some features cost extra

Keen to find more details on Surfshark? Look no further than our Surfshark VPN review.

Surfshark vs NordVPN – pricing

Both providers come with your standard VPN pricing options, ranging from short-term plans to lengthier subscriptions. 30-day money-back guarantees protect them, and you can finalize the purchase using several popular payment methods, including cryptocurrencies.

Now, while Surfshark instantly seems like a cheaper option, there is a caveat. For an additional $1.49/month, you can also get Surfshark One. While this package is an equalizer in the price game, it’s not mandatory and include these additional security features:

• Alert. Informs you about personal data breaches in real time.
• Search. A secure search engine that provides anonymous browsing.
• Antivirus. Software that protects your devices from getting infected with malicious software.
• Alternative ID. A proxy email with an alternative identity that filters out spam and enhances your privacy.

Ultimately, neither NordVPN nor Surfshark VPN has a free version, but you can test the services with the 7-day free trials instead. With the former, you can only download it via the Google Play Store but use it on any device you want after you sign up. It’s easier with Surfshark, though, as the trial is available via Google Play and Apple App Stores.

It all boils down to the price in the end. Surfshark is considerably cheaper than NordVPN, especially regarding longer plans. And it doesn’t limit devices on all subscriptions, making it the better option in this case.

Speed comparison

USA server

UK server

Canada server

According to our in-house VPN speed testing, NordVPN is faster than Surfshark. But the difference pales when you see how far behind them all other services are. This is because both contestants have implemented the next-gen WireGuard tunneling protocol.

Still, there is a difference between the two. NordVPN’s version of this protocol, known as NordLynx, is faster due to the double NAT (Network Address Translation) system. It’s also more secure as this improvement allows the VPN to establish a connection to the servers without storing any identifiable data.

Meanwhile, Surfshark utilizes the original WireGuard code. And it does come out on top in terms of connectivity and loading times. Especially compared to such old protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2.

When it comes to NordVPN vs Surfshark gaming speed, both are great for online titles. Furthermore, you won’t experience any significant speed drops during most internet activities, data-intensive or not. Still, Surfshark doesn’t facilitate the same level of performance as NordVPN.

NordVPN vs Surfshark: which is more secure?

Surfshark and NordVPN offer top-notch security. Both have the necessary VPN feature trifecta:

• AES-256 bit encryption
• IP and DNS leak protection
• Robust kill switch

Moreover, the providers utilize RAM-only hardware and have undergone audits that test their applications and the veracity of their no-logs policies. The main concern in this category is the fact that Surshark is based in the Netherlands, a member of the Fourteen Eyes alliance.

All in all, the VPNs are secure and reliable. But NordVPN’s combination of a good jurisdiction and a thrice audited no-logs policy pushes it to first place.

Privacy

As mentioned before, Surfshark operates from the Netherlands, which belongs to the Fourteen Eyes alliance. It’s not the best place in terms of privacy, as member countries of this group share information about their citizens. Thankfully, this provider doesn’t log any user data (verified) and utilizes RAM-only servers.

NordVPN is in a better position since it’s based in Panama. The country has no data-retention laws and is outside the influence of the Eyes alliance.

Logging

No-log policies are commonplace among VPNs, but only a few are able to back them up. NordVPN and Surfshark have credibility due to RAM-only hardware and independent audits. Still, the former leads the race due to a slight advantage.

NordVPN’s no-logs policy was audited four times. The first two were done by PwC, while Deloitte performed the latest ones. All of them concluded that the provider sticks to its promises. Furthermore, this VPN also has a bug bounty program meant to root out problems that would compromise user security.

Surfshark, on the other hand, has had its no-logs policy audited once by Deloitte. On the other hand, the provider’s browser extensions and server infrastructure have also been verified by Cure53.

Server locations: Surfshark vs NordVPN

The size of a VPN’s server fleet determines overall performance. You’re less likely to suffer from overcrowding and the problems it entails if there are hundreds of servers to pick from. And we can’t forget country coverage either, as it affects what kind of foreign content users can access.

NordVPN comes in strong with 7000+ servers across 118+ countries. There are no virtual servers, which is great for speeds, and all hardware runs on RAM modules only. Furthermore, the provider has been upgrading its fleet to 10 Gbps servers for better connectivity.

Surfshark VPN is not far behind, with 3200+ RAM-only servers in 100+ countries, making it the provider with the largest country coverage. It has some virtual servers, but they are primarily in locations where having physical hardware would be dangerous. The provider is also updating its network to 10 Gbps servers to accommodate the advent of 5G technology.

NordVPN wins this category due to the sheer size of the server fleet. It eliminates potential performance bottlenecks by preventing overcrowding. Furthermore, you get a bigger variety of locations to choose from.

Features comparison

NordVPN and Surfshark prove to be very strong in this category. Both offer a variety of perks and come with specialized servers. Let’s take a closer look and compare.

Smart DNS

Not all devices and streaming peripherals support VPN software. Which is a hassle when you want to secure them or bypass geo-blocks. The Smart DNS feature is meant to solve this issue by connecting such devices to the VPN without needing an app. Both NordVPN and Surfshark implement this tool.

NordVPN offers the built-in SmartPlay, which automatically switches DNS servers to bypass blocks. You don’t have to do any extra work, just connect to a server, and that’s it. Surfshark has the same thing, just under the SmartDNS name. Either way, they work great, with commendable track records.

Ad & malware blocker

To make your browsing experience much safer, NordVPN and Surfshark offer their own ad & malware blockers.

NordVPN includes Threat Protection, which works even if you’re not connected to the VPN. It blocks intrusive ads, scans for malware, and disables user trackers. Furthermore, this feature prevents you from visiting risky websites by warning you about them before entering one. Threat Protection is available on Windows, mac, iOS, Android, and browser add-ons.

Surfshark offers CleanWeb, which is primarily an ad and user tracker blocker, but it also can detect malware. Moreover, it may also catch phishing attempts, thus, protecting your data. CleanWeb is available on Windows, mac, iOS, Android, browsers, and even Amazon Fire TV.

Split tunneling

Split tunneling is handy when you want to customize your VPN connection. It allows you to select which applications work only when you’re connected to the VPN.

Both NordVPN and Surfshark include split tunneling. The former’s routes particular apps via the VPN, while the latter’s lets you add exclusions. NordVPN’s split tunneling feature is available on Windows, Android, and Android TV, and Surfshark’s can be found only on Windows and Android.

Specialized servers

Surfshark and NordVPN also offer specialty servers suitable for specific purposes. Some boost your security further, while others may provide increased performance.

NordVPN includes:

• Dedicated IP servers. For users who bought a dedicated IP address. You are the only one who can use a particular IP.
• Double VPN servers. Lets users route their internet via two VPN servers instead of one for double the encryption. Great for those who want maximum untraceability.
• Obfuscated servers. When you need to bypass restrictive firewalls and Deep Packet Inspection (DPI). It hides all traces of VPN usage, allowing you to utilize NordVPN where VPN technology is prohibited.
• Onion over VPN servers. Another perk that boosts your anonymity by routing your internet via the Tor network. Be aware that your speeds will slow down significantly whilst using it.
• P2P servers. Optimized for torrenting, these facilitate the best file-sharing speeds.

Surfshark includes:

• Static IP servers. You get the same IP address whenever you connect to a particular server. Available locations are Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
• MultiHop servers. Adds an additional layer of security by connecting you to two VPN servers, each located in a different country.

While it might seem like Surfshark is offering less versatility-wise, you have to keep in mind that some tools come as features instead of servers. For example, Camouflage and NoBorders modes obfuscate VPN traffic, and torrenting is enabled on all servers for an easier experience.

Additional features

Whatever NordVPN has, Surfshark can counter it with its own features. Even so, there are a few differences. The former also includes Invisibility on LAN, Meshnet, and a SOCKS5 proxy. The latter offers GPS Spoofing for Android and the Surfshark One package.

All in all, the opponents are feature-rich, making them worthwhile investments. Thus, it’s a draw in this category.

Netflix and streaming comparison

NordVPN and Surfshark are great choices for Netflix and other streaming platforms. Due to fast speeds, neither struggle with getting UHD (4K) quality videos.

Both contestants of the NordVPN vs Surfshark duel easily unblock US Netflix and libraries in other countries, such as the Netherlands, the UK, or Japan. The same goes for other streaming platforms with tougher geo-blocks, like Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, or Disney Plus.

So, is there anything that Surfshark has and NordVPN doesn’t? Both even have the Smart DNS feature, which extends the number of supported devices with various smart TVs and game consoles. Therefore, if you have Apple TV or Xbox One and a good internet connection, NordVPN and Surfshark will work with them, too.

Device compatibility: NordVPN vs Surfshark

No matter which one you try, both NordVPN and Surfshark have easy-to-use apps. The services have dedicated applications for all major operating systems, plus VPN add-ons for popular browsers. Furthermore, they support a variety of other devices, like smart TVs. Even though both have minor advantages over another, it’s easy to see that it’s a draw in the NordVPN vs Surfshark fight again.

Desktop applications

Surfshark and NordVPN have dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux. What’s immediately noticeable is that the former pays special attention to Linux users by providing them with a sleek Graphical User Interface (GUI). It looks almost identical across all three platforms, so switching between them isn’t confusing.

As for Windows and Mac applications, Surfshark VPN and NordVPN offer mostly the same interface and features, respectively. Of course, the main difference comes with both macOS versions lacking features like split tunneling and missing NoBorders stealth technology on Surfsharks’s end.

However, some may find NordVPN easier and more intuitive to use as it also comes with an interactive map you can pick servers from.

Mobile apps

Now, comparing Android and iOS applications is a whole different thing. Notably, both NordVPN and Surfshark offer fewer features for Apple phone owners. While you’re still getting the security essentials required to stay safe, the experience is less customizable. For example, split tunneling is missing from both providers and OpenVPN protocol is not available on Surfshark’s iOS version.

Android users are the winners here with one and the other. The apps come with the same features as their desktop counterparts and with some additional perks to boot. The big thing to mention is Surfshark’s GPS spoofing feature, which is an extremely rare sight and makes it stand out pretty significantly.

NordVPN includes Tapjacking protection and split tunneling, while Surfshark offers GPS Spoofing and Invisibility on LAN, but only on Android.

Torrenting comparison

All torrenting fans know that speed and security are the two main criteria when looking for a reliable P2P VPN. As I’ve mentioned earlier, NordVPN is a clear winner in the speed department, but is Surfshark a safer option for torrenting? Well, it turns out that both providers are secure enough, thanks to their kill switches and leak protection.

So the only thing left to evaluate is the extra features that can enhance your P2P experience. To start with, NordVPN allows torrenting on all servers but offers dedicated P2P hardware for optimized performance. Surfshark VPN lets you roam free on all 3200+ servers.

Moving on, NordVPN has a free SOCKS5 proxy and split tunneling, while Surfshark just offers the latter.So, is Surfshark any good for P2P? To sum up, both are among the greatest VPNs for torrenting, but this round goes to NordVPN, thanks to its sheer speed.

China accessibility comparison

NordVPN and Surfshark sit at the very top of the best VPNs for China list. They effectively break through the Great Firewall of China, making them great for evading surveillance and restrictions. Both achieve this in their own ways.

NordVPN does this with obfuscated servers and Onion over VPN. The former masks VPN traffic as your regular internet traffic – as a result, you can use the VPN even when it’s technically blocked on the network. The latter routes your connection through the Tor network, where it gets encrypted several times over.

Meanwhile, Surfshark VPN utilizes Camouflage and NoBorders modes to bypass any blocks. The combination of both switches your tunneling protocol to OpenVPN with the XOR patch. Your traffic gets scrambled, making it more difficult to detect through DPI.

You’ll be able to surf the net freely in China with Surfshark and NordVPN.

Customer support comparison

Having knowledgeable professionals on hand whenever an issue arises is incredibly useful. Especially for VPN services, where some problems require in-depth comprehension of this software.

We tested NordVPN’s 24/7 live chat and found the waiting times to be less than a minute most of the time. All agents were polite and resourceful. And should you contact customer support via email, expect an answer on the same day.

Surfshark’s 24/7 live chat is excellent, too. The waiting times are short, if any, while the customer support agents are helpful and polite. When we tried submitting a request, the questions we sent using the form were answered in a couple of hours or so.

Yet again, it’s a tie between NordVPN and Surfshark VPN. The services have responsive ticket and live chat support and extensive knowledgebases with answers to all kinds of questions. Plus, tons of tutorials.

NordVPN and Surfshark: video review

Want to see our hands-on impressions and more tests of NordVPN & Surfshark on the go? Check out our video below!

NordVPN vs Surfshark: Reddit users’ opinion

Reddit is the go-to place for many who want honest user experiences about products and services. VPNs are a big market, and Redditors sure have plenty of opinions on each provider. Of course, the pendulum swings both ways, but it’s mostly a stalemate when it comes to Surfshark vs NordVPN, in Reddit users’ opinion.

Both providers receive praise for ease of use, geo-block bypassing capabilities, and superb performance. However, both VPNs have standout features for specific needs or use cases. In this matchup, Reddit mostly underscores either Surfshark’s better pricing and unlimited connections or NordVPN’s speed and extra security features.

Of course, the one you end up choosing boils down to preferences. Head to our dedicated article if you want to learn more about the top VPNs Reddit recommends.

Surfshark vs NordVPN: Final verdict

We have to admit the choice between these VPNs was not an easy one, but NordVPN took the win fair and square. As we compared their features, streaming capabilities, and compatibility, it became clear that both providers offer top class service through and through. Here Surfshark rose as an appealing choice for users seeking the maximum value, mainly due to low prices and unlimited device connections.

However, when it comes to the nitty-gritty of VPN essentials, NordVPN managed to take the upper hand. It brings noticeable edge in speed, a wider selection of security features, and a significantly larger server fleet for consistent connections across the globe. While Surfshark is an excellent option, NordVPN’s performance and robust security practices make that extra dollar a month more than worth it.

In the end, this matchup was extremely tight, with both contenders equally trading blows in various areas. Nevertheless, by a small margin, NordVPN is still an undeniable victor in this battle of the titans. Whether it’s smooth streaming, ironclad security, or sheer performance, NordVPN is our top choice for users seeking the best VPN for all your needs.

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FAQ

Is Surfshark better than NordVPN?

NordVPN is better than Surfshark VPN in several ways. It has more reputable security credentials, due to the privacy-friendly location and independent audits, facilitates faster speeds, thanks to NordLynx, and offers robust features. Still, both providers are good and are on our top VPN list.

What is the difference between NordVPN and Surfshark?

Surfshark is cheaper, while NordVPN offers more servers and better performance. Furthermore, Surfshark doesn’t limit simultaneous devices, while NordVPN includes more specialty servers. All in all, NordVPN provides more value for money.

Which is faster – Surfshark or NordVPN?

NordVPN is faster than Surfshark. While both have the next-gen WireGuard tunneling protocol, NordVPN’s implementation of it, NordLynx, is more secure and much faster due to the double NAT system.

Is NordVPN cheaper than Surfshark?

No, Surfshark is cheaper than NordVPN. The longest Surfshark VPN subscription for 2 years costs only $2.19/month, while NordVPN’s equivalent plan is priced at $2.99/month.

Does NordVPN work with Netflix?

Yes, NordVPN works with Netflix. It has plenty of servers around the globe and can unblock the US, UK, Canadian, and other Netflix libraries. Plus, the WireGuard tunneling protocol guarantees a buffering-free experience.