NordVPN offers stronger encryption (AES-256) and faster speeds (avg 650 Mbps) with a larger server network (6,500+ servers), while Surfshark provides better value with unlimited simultaneous connections at a lower annual price ($2.19/month vs $3.99/month) and more advanced privacy features like Nexus protocol.
Surfshark vs NordVPN — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose Surfshark if you prioritize affordability, need unlimited simultaneous connections across devices, and want advanced features like Nexus protocol at the lowest cost. Choose NordVPN if you prefer the largest server network, fastest speeds (650+ Mbps), stronger brand recognition with more comprehensive security audits, and prioritize pure speed performance over connection quantity.
Budget-friendly VPN with unlimited connections and expansive server network
Premium VPN provider with strongest encryption, largest server network, and fastest average speeds.
Structured comparison data for Surfshark vs NordVPN with 179 attributes.
Monthly Subscription Price (Long-Term Plan)
Average Download Speed on 200 Mbps Connection
Average Download Speed (500Mbps connection)
Surfshark vs NordVPN — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Surfshark vs NordVPN.
NordVPN is generally considered the stronger overall VPN service: faster speeds, more specialized server types (Double VPN, Onion Over VPN), and a longer security track record. Surfshark is better for households needing unlimited simultaneous connections — it imposes no per-account device limit, versus NordVPN's 10-device cap. For individual users or small households, NordVPN's performance edge justifies the modest price difference. For families or power users with many devices, Surfshark's unlimited policy is the decisive advantage.
NordVPN and Surfshark are not the same company, but they share the same parent corporation. Nord Security (NordVPN's parent) acquired Surfshark's parent company, Peakstar Technologies, in 2022. Both VPN brands continue to operate independently with separate servers, applications, and pricing. The merger raised some competition concerns among privacy advocates, though regulatory approval was granted. Users of both services are operating under the same ultimate corporate ownership.
Does Surfshark really allow unlimited devices?
Yes. Surfshark has no limit on the number of simultaneous device connections — one account can protect unlimited devices at the same time. NordVPN limits simultaneous connections to 10 devices per account. For families, shared households, or users with many devices (phones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, routers), Surfshark's unlimited policy eliminates the need to manage device slots. This is Surfshark's most significant differentiating feature versus NordVPN at a comparable price.
Which VPN is faster — NordVPN or Surfshark?
NordVPN is consistently faster in independent speed tests. PCMag, TechRadar, and Tom's Guide benchmarks typically show NordVPN achieving 80-90% of unprotected connection speed on WireGuard protocol; Surfshark achieves 75-85%. The practical difference on a standard 100Mbps+ home connection is small — both are fast enough for 4K streaming and video calls. On slower connections (under 50Mbps) or when using servers in geographically distant countries, NordVPN's speed advantage becomes more noticeable.
NordVPN has a strong security reputation with notable caveats. In 2018, one of its data center servers in Finland was compromised in a breach (discovered and disclosed in 2019). No user data was leaked because the affected server contained no logs, and NordVPN improved its infrastructure security significantly afterward. Since then, NordVPN has completed independent audits by PwC (2019, 2020) and Deloitte (2023) verifying its no-logs policy. For current use, NordVPN is considered trustworthy by most independent security researchers, though the 2018 incident is worth knowing.