NordVPN offers stronger encryption (AES-256), faster speeds (average 650 Mbps), and more server locations (6,500+), while Surfshark provides better value at $2.19/month and includes unlimited simultaneous connections versus NordVPN's 6 devices.
Surfshark vs NordVPN — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Budget-friendly VPN with unlimited connections, strong streaming support, and advanced privacy features.
Premium VPN provider with strongest encryption, largest server network, and fastest average speeds.
Price (Monthly Plan). Simultaneous Connections. Global Server Count. Average Download Speed. Encryption Standard. Kill Switch Feature. Money-Back Guarantee
Choose Surfshark if you prioritize affordability, need unlimited simultaneous connections for a large household, and value flexibility with a 30-day refund policy. Choose NordVPN if you demand maximum security with AES-256 encryption, require access to 6,500+ global servers for consistent high speeds, and are willing to pay more for the industry's most robust infrastructure.
Surfshark VPN: $2.19/month | NordVPN: N/A
Surfshark VPN: 3,200+ | NordVPN: 6,200+ servers
Surfshark VPN: 100 countries | NordVPN: 111
Surfshark VPN: Partial (apps open-source) | NordVPN: Partial components only
Surfshark VPN: Yes (all platforms) | NordVPN: Yes (Standard)
Surfshark VPN: 98 countries | NordVPN: 111 countries
Surfshark VPN: 580 Mbps | NordVPN: 650 Mbps
Surfshark VPN: ChaCha20 (128-bit) | NordVPN: AES-256 (256-bit)
Surfshark VPN: 30 days | NordVPN: 30 days
Surfshark VPN: $2.49/month (2-year) | NordVPN: N/A
Surfshark VPN: $12.95/month | NordVPN: N/A
Surfshark VPN: 100 countries | NordVPN: 111 countries
Surfshark VPN: Yes (email required) | NordVPN: N/A
Surfshark VPN: 94% (verified 2025) | NordVPN: 98%
Surfshark VPN: Yes (all platforms) | NordVPN: Yes, all platforms
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: 111 countries
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Strict no-logs
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Yes (app-level)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: 5.20% decrease
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: 4+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max verified)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: None - 30-day money back only
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Panama (5/9/14 Eyes)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: AES-256 (NordLynx)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: NordLynx (WireGuard-based)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: 110+ countries
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: None available
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: From $69/year
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Yes, regular audits
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Yes, on all platforms
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Faster globally
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Yes - Threat Protection Pro
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Excellent - Panama
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Full support for major platforms
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Fast (20-50 Mbps typical)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Verified no-logs
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Crypto, card, PayPal
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: $69.99/year (2-year plan)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Not applicable
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: 0 (Premium only)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: 6 simultaneous connections
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: 7 major browser extensions
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: $3.99/month
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Yes (All Plans)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: PwC audit 2024
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Partial (selected components)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Proprietary/Closed-source
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: 2022 (PwC)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Yes, all platforms
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: 12+ (major platforms only)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Yes (PwC audit 2024)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: WireGuard with ChaCha20
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Annual (PwC)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: 8% slower (NordLynx/WireGuard)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: 89% success rate (tested 13 regions)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: OpenVPN, WireGuard, ChaCha20, NordLynx
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Yes (Threat Protection included)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Panama (outside 5/9/14-Eyes)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: PwC (2024)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: No (proprietary)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: $3.49/month
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: AES-256 Double VPN (dual layer)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Yes (multiple 2022-2024)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: $6.99/month
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: IKEv2/IPSec or WireGuard
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Strict no-logs policy
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Partial open-source, limited audits
Average Download Speed (500Mbps connection)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Proprietary (audited)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: 24/7 live chat and email
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Deloitte (2024)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: 60+ countries
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Mix of disk and RAM
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Not available
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: Annual (1x/year)
Surfshark VPN: N/A | NordVPN: $47.88/year
Monthly Subscription Price (Long-Term Plan)
How to choose between Surfshark VPN and NordVPN
Surfshark vs NordVPN — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Surfshark vs NordVPN. Contains 154 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Surfshark vs NordVPN — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Surfshark vs NordVPN.
Which VPN is faster, Surfshark or NordVPN?
NordVPN averages 650 Mbps download speeds compared to Surfshark's 580 Mbps, making NordVPN approximately 12% faster. However, speed varies based on server location, your ISP, and network conditions. For most streaming and browsing, both provide sufficient speeds (minimum 50 Mbps recommended for 4K).
NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption (256-bit, military-grade), while Surfshark uses ChaCha20 (128-bit). AES-256 is the stronger standard and recommended by security experts. However, both have no-logs policies audited by independent third parties. For most users, both are highly secure; NordVPN has a technical edge in encryption strength.
Which VPN is better for families with multiple devices?
Surfshark is significantly better for families because it allows unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription, while NordVPN limits you to 6 devices. A family of 5+ members would need multiple NordVPN subscriptions ($47.88 × 2+ annually) versus Surfshark's single subscription at $26.28/year.
Can I use either VPN for streaming Netflix and Disney+?
Both Surfshark and NordVPN work with major streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. NordVPN has slightly better success rates (85% vs 79% based on user reports) due to its larger server network, but both require trying different servers occasionally as streaming sites regularly block VPN IPs.
What's the price difference over 3 years?
Over 3 years, Surfshark costs approximately $78.84 (at $2.19/month promotional rate) while NordVPN costs $143.64 (at $3.99/month). This is a $64.80 difference, making Surfshark 45% cheaper over three years, though promotional pricing may vary seasonally.
How to Choose Between Surfshark VPN and NordVPN
Price (Monthly Plan): Surfshark VPN has $2.19/month, while NordVPN has $3.99/month.
Simultaneous Connections: Surfshark VPN has Unlimited, while NordVPN has 6 devices.
Global Server Count: Surfshark VPN has 3,200+ servers, while NordVPN has 6,500+ servers.
Average Download Speed: Surfshark VPN has 580 Mbps, while NordVPN has 650 Mbps.
Encryption Standard: Surfshark VPN has ChaCha20 (128-bit), while NordVPN has AES-256 (256-bit).
Kill Switch Feature: Surfshark VPN has Yes, available, while NordVPN has Yes, available.
Money-Back Guarantee: Surfshark VPN has 30 days, while NordVPN has 30 days.