Surfshark vs NordVPN 2026: Speed, Price & Features
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
Budget-friendly VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections and strong encryption
Budget-conscious users who need multiple simultaneous connections across many devices and want advanced privacy features without premium pricing
NordVPN
Premium VPN with advanced security features and 6,400+ servers in 111 countries
Premium users prioritizing maximum speed, largest server selection, and streaming reliability who use fewer simultaneous connections and value brand authority
Quick Answer
AI SummaryNordVPN 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.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose 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.
Was this verdict helpful?
Choose Surfshark if
Budget-conscious users who need multiple simultaneous connections across many devices and want advanced privacy features without premium pricing
Choose NordVPN if
Best pickPremium users prioritizing maximum speed, largest server selection, and streaming reliability who use fewer simultaneous connections and value brand authority
Track this comparison
Get notified when prices change, new specs ship, or our verdict updates.
Triggers: price change new spec verdict update
No spam. Stop anytime.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Monthly Cost (Annual Plan):✓ Surfshark wins($2.19/month vs $3.99/month)
- Simultaneous Connections:✓ Surfshark wins(Unlimited vs 6)
- Global Server Count:✓ NordVPN wins(6,500+ vs 3,200+)
Key Facts & Figures
79 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Surfshark | NordVPN | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month) | $2.49 | $3.99 | |
| Server Locations(countries) | 105 countries | 111 countries | |
| Value for Money Score(/10) | 8.9 | — | — |
| Global Server Coverage(countries) | 100 countries | — | — |
| Speed Performance Rating(out of 10) | 9.8/10 | — | — |
| Security Rating(out of 10) | 10.0/10 | — | — |
| Streaming Capability Rating(out of 10) | 9.6/10 | — | — |
| Gaming Performance Rating(out of 10) | 9.0/10 | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Price(USD) | $2.19/month | $3.99/month | |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 628 Mbps | 840 Mbps | |
| VPN Server Locations(countries) | 100 countries | 60 countries | |
| Total VPN Servers(servers) | 3,200+ servers | 6,000+ | |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Independent Security Audit(year) | 2023 (Deloitte) | 2024 (PwC) | |
| Server Count(servers) | 3,200+ | 6,400+ | |
| Latest Security Audit Year | 2023 (Cure53) | 2022 (PwC) | |
| Streaming Services Optimized(platforms) | 15+ optimized services | — | — |
| Monthly Price (Annual Plan)(USD) | $2.19 | $3.99 | |
| Annual Plan Price(USD/month) | $2.19/month | $3.99/month | |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 3,200+ | 6,400+ | |
| Global Server Network(servers) | 3,200+ servers | 6,500+ servers | |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 100 countries | 111 countries | |
| Independent Security Audits(audits) | 1 (PwC 2023) | 2 (PwC & Deloitte 2024) | |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | Unlimited | 6 devices | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Monthly Price (Best Annual Deal)(USD) | $2.19/month | — | — |
| Countries with Servers(countries) | 100 countries | — | — |
| Monthly Price (Standard Plan)(USD) | $2.19 | — | — |
| Annual Price (Lowest Tier)(USD) | $26.28 | — | — |
| Server Network Size(servers) | 3,200+ | — | — |
| Countries Covered(countries) | 100+ countries | 60 countries | |
| Peak Download Speed(Mbps) | 950+ Mbps | 950+ Mbps | |
| Speed Retention Rate(%) | 92% | 92% | |
| Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms) | 10+ | 10+ | |
| Download Speed Performance Impact(% decrease from baseline) | 5.20% decrease | 5.20% decrease | |
| Download Speed(Mbps) | 950 Mbps | 950 Mbps | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) | $3.99 | $3.99 | |
| Internet Speed Retention Rate(%) | 92% | 92% | |
| Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries) | 30+ | 30+ | |
| Total Streaming Services Supported(services) | 10+ | 10+ | |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 6,500+ | 6,500+ | |
| Countries Covered(count) | 110+ countries | 110+ countries | |
| Annual Plan Price(USD) | From $69/year | From $69/year | |
| Basic Plan Monthly Cost(USD) | $3.09 | $3.09 | |
| Server Count(servers) | 7,200+ | 7,200+ | |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 110+ | 110+ | |
| Annual Cost (Best Plan)(USD) | $36+ | $36+ | |
| Base Monthly Price (USD)(USD/month) | $3.09 | $3.09 | |
| Annual Price (First Year)(USD/year) | $83.43 | $83.43 | |
| Number of Servers(servers) | 7200+ | 7200+ | |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 10+ | 10+ | |
| Annual Subscription Cost (Best Plan)(USD) | $69.99/year (2-year plan) | $69.99/year (2-year plan) | |
| Devices Supported on Free Tier(devices) | 0 (Premium only) | 0 (Premium only) | |
| Devices Supported on Premium(devices) | 6 simultaneous connections | 6 simultaneous connections | |
| Browser Extensions Available(count) | 7 major browser extensions | 7 major browser extensions | |
| Annual Subscription Cost(USD) | $3.99/month | $3.99/month | |
| Maximum Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 6 devices | 6 devices | |
| Countries with Presence(countries) | 111 | 111 | |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 6,000+ | 6,000+ | |
| Monthly Cost (Best Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | $3.99/month | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (1-Year Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | $3.99/month | |
| Average Download Speed (US Servers)(Mbps) | 580 Mbps | 580 Mbps | |
| Total VPN Server Count(servers) | 5,400+ | 5,400+ | |
| Monthly Price (Best Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | $3.99/month | |
| Annual Cost(USD) | $47.88 | $47.88 | |
| Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD) | $3.99/month | $3.99/month | |
| Server Countries(countries) | 111 | 111 | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | $3.99/month | |
| Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers) | 6,500+ | 6,500+ | |
| Countries with Server Presence(countries) | 111 countries | 111 countries | |
| No-Logs Audit Frequency(audits per year) | Annual (PwC) | Annual (PwC) | |
| Average Download Speed Loss(%) | 8% slower (NordLynx/WireGuard) | 8% slower (NordLynx/WireGuard) | |
| Netflix Streaming Reliability(%) | 89% success rate (tested 13 regions) | 89% success rate (tested 13 regions) | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Best Rate)(USD) | $3.99 | $3.99 | |
| Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) | 6 | 6 | |
| Countries with Server Coverage(countries) | 111 | 111 | |
| Customer Rating (Trustpilot)(out of 5.0) | 4.4 | 4.4 | |
| Annual Plan Cost (Per Month)(USD) | $3.99/month | $3.99/month | |
| Number of Servers(servers) | 5,900+ | 5,900+ |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- $2.19/month(winner)Monthly Cost (Annual Plan)$3.99/month
- Unlimited(winner)Simultaneous Connections6
- 3,200+Global Server Count6,500+(winner)
- 580 MbpsAverage Download Speed650 Mbps(winner)
- PwC audit (2023)No-Logs Audit VerificationPwC & Deloitte audits (2024)(winner)
- Yes (all platforms)Kill Switch AvailabilityYes (all platforms)
- 30 daysMoney-Back Guarantee30 days
- Monthly Cost (Annual Plan)
Surfshark
$2.19/month(winner)
NordVPN
$3.99/month
- Simultaneous Connections
Surfshark
Unlimited(winner)
NordVPN
6
- Global Server Count
Surfshark
3,200+
NordVPN
6,500+(winner)
- Average Download Speed
Surfshark
580 Mbps
NordVPN
650 Mbps(winner)
- No-Logs Audit Verification
Surfshark
PwC audit (2023)
NordVPN
PwC & Deloitte audits (2024)(winner)
- Kill Switch Availability
Surfshark
Yes (all platforms)
NordVPN
Yes (all platforms)
- Money-Back Guarantee
Surfshark
30 days
NordVPN
30 days
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Surfshark | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month) | $2.49(winner) | $3.99 |
| Annual Subscription Price(USD) | $2.19/month(winner) | $3.99/month |
| Monthly Price (Annual Plan)(USD) | $2.19(winner) | $3.99 |
| Annual Plan Price(USD/month) | $2.19/month(winner) | $3.99/month |
| Monthly Price (Best Annual Deal)(USD) | $2.19/month | — |
Show 19 more attributesMonthly Price (Standard Plan)(USD) $2.19 — Annual Price (Lowest Tier)(USD) $26.28 — Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) $3.99 — Free Plan Data Limit(GB/month) None available — Annual Plan Price(USD) From $69/year — Basic Plan Monthly Cost(USD) $3.09 — Annual Cost (Best Plan)(USD) $36+ — Base Monthly Price (USD)(USD/month) $3.09 — Annual Price (First Year)(USD/year) $83.43 — Annual Subscription Cost (Best Plan)(USD) $69.99/year (2-year plan) — Annual Subscription Cost(USD) $3.99/month — Monthly Cost (Best Plan)(USD) $3.99/month — Monthly Subscription Cost (1-Year Plan)(USD) $3.99/month — Monthly Price (Best Plan)(USD) $3.99/month — Annual Cost(USD) $47.88 — Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD) $3.99/month — Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) $3.99/month — Monthly Subscription Cost (Best Rate)(USD) $3.99 — Annual Plan Cost (Per Month)(USD) $3.99/month — | ||
| Server Locations(countries) | 105 countries | 111 countries(winner) |
| Connection Speed Rating | Good | Fastest |
| Speed Performance (US Servers)(relative) | Significantly faster with WireGuard | — |
| Speed Performance Rating(out of 10) | 9.8/10 | — |
| Streaming Capability Rating(out of 10) | 9.6/10 | — |
| Gaming Performance Rating(out of 10) | 9.0/10 | — |
Show 13 more attributesAverage Download Speed(Mbps) 628 Mbps 840 Mbps Streaming Services Optimized(platforms) 15+ optimized services — Server Network Size(servers) 3,200+ — Countries Covered(countries) 100+ countries 60 countries Peak Download Speed(Mbps) 950+ Mbps — Speed Retention Rate(%) 92% — Download Speed Performance Impact(% decrease from baseline) 5.20% decrease — Download Speed(Mbps) 950 Mbps — Internet Speed Retention Rate(%) 92% — Connection Speed Performance Faster globally — Average Download Speed(Mbps) Fast (20-50 Mbps typical) — Average Download Speed (US Servers)(Mbps) 580 Mbps — Average Download Speed Loss(%) 8% slower (NordLynx/WireGuard) — | ||
| Logging Policy | Strict no-logs | Strict no-logs |
| No-Logging Audit Verification | Yes (Cure53 audit 2023) | Yes (PwC audit 2024) |
| Jurisdiction Privacy Rating | Excellent - Panama | — |
| No-Logs Policy | Verified no-logs | — |
| Payment Anonymity Options | Crypto, card, PayPal | — |
Show 1 more attributeNo-Logs Policy Jurisdiction Panama (outside 5/9/14-Eyes) — | ||
| Dark Web Monitor | Not included | Included |
| App Kill Switch Feature | No | Yes (app-level) |
| Kill Switch Availability | Yes (all platforms) | All platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android) |
| Dark Web Breach Monitoring | No | — |
| Value for Money Score(/10) | 8.9 | — |
| Global Server Coverage(countries) | 100 countries | — |
| Total VPN Servers(servers) | 3,200+ servers | 6,000+(winner) |
| Server Count(servers) | 3,200+ | 6,400+(winner) |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 3,200+ | 6,400+(winner) |
| Global Server Network(servers) | 3,200+ servers | 6,500+ servers(winner) |
Show 8 more attributesCountry Coverage(countries) 100 countries 111 countries Countries with Servers(countries) 100 countries — Global Server Count(servers) 6,500+ — Server Count(servers) 7,200+ — Global Server Count(servers) 6,000+ — Server Countries(countries) 111 — Countries with Server Coverage(countries) 111 — Number of Servers(servers) 5,900+ — | ||
| Netflix Compatibility(rating) | Good | — |
| Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries) | 30+ | — |
| Total Streaming Services Supported(services) | 10+ | — |
| Netflix Streaming Reliability(%) | 89% success rate (tested 13 regions) | — |
| Customer Support Satisfaction(rating) | Very Good | — |
| Customer Support Type | 24-hour live chat | — |
| Torrenting Support(supported) | Fully supported | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | Unlimited | 6 devices |
| Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms) | 10+ | — |
| Native Streaming Box Apps | Limited | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 10+ | — |
Show 3 more attributesBrowser Extensions Available(count) 7 major browser extensions — Maximum Simultaneous Connections(devices) 6 devices — Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) 6 — | ||
| Security Rating(out of 10) | 10.0/10 | — |
| Independent Security Audit(year) | 2023 (Deloitte) | 2024 (PwC)(winner) |
| Kill Switch Feature | Yes, all platforms | Yes, All Platforms |
| Encryption Standard | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| Kill Switch Protection | Yes (automatic) | Yes (automatic) |
Show 14 more attributesEncryption Protocol AES-256 + ChaCha20 — VPN Protocols Offered NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2 — Encryption Standards Offered(algorithms) AES-256 (NordLynx) — Primary VPN Protocol NordLynx (WireGuard-based) — Encryption Standard AES-256 — Independent Security Audits Yes, regular audits — Kill Switch Feature Yes, on all platforms — Advanced Threat Protection Yes - Threat Protection Pro — Kill Switch Implementation Yes, all platforms — Primary Encryption Standard WireGuard with ChaCha20 — No-Logs Audit Frequency(audits per year) Annual (PwC) — Supported Encryption Protocols(protocols) OpenVPN, WireGuard, ChaCha20, NordLynx — Kill Switch / Leak Protection Yes (Threat Protection included) — Recent Independent Security Audit PwC (2024) — | ||
| VPN Server Locations(countries) | 100 countries(winner) | 60 countries |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 110+ | — |
| Total VPN Server Count(servers) | 5,400+ | — |
| Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers) | 6,500+ | — |
| Countries with Server Presence(countries) | 111 countries | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days |
| Latest Security Audit Year | 2023 (Cure53) | 2022 (PwC) |
| Supported Platforms(platforms) | 15+ (includes smart TVs, gaming consoles)(winner) | 12+ (major platforms only) |
| Independent Security Audits(audits) | 1 (PwC 2023) | 2 (PwC & Deloitte 2024)(winner) |
| Open-Source Code Availability | Partial (selected components) | — |
| Source Code Availability | Proprietary/Closed-source | — |
| Open Source Code | Partial (proprietary components) | — |
| Open-Source Client | No (proprietary) | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 30 days |
| No-Logs Audit Year | Deloitte (2022) | — |
| US Streaming Platforms Supported(platforms) | 4+ (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max verified) | — |
| Free Trial or Free Plan(monthly data) | None - 30-day money back only | — |
| Devices Supported on Free Tier(devices) | 0 (Premium only) | — |
| Devices Supported on Premium(devices) | 6 simultaneous connections | — |
| Privacy Jurisdiction | Panama (5/9/14 Eyes) | — |
| Countries Covered(count) | 110+ countries | — |
| Number of Servers(servers) | 7200+ | — |
| Streaming Compatibility | Full support for major platforms | — |
| Maximum Password Character Support(characters) | Not applicable | — |
| Geographic Coverage(countries) | 111 countries | — |
| Countries with Presence(countries) | 111 | — |
| Free Tier Monthly Data(GB) | No free tier | — |
| Customer Rating (Trustpilot)(out of 5.0) | 4.4 | — |
NordVPNShow 19 more attributes
Show 13 more attributes
Show 1 more attribute
Show 8 more attributes
Show 3 more attributes
Show 14 more attributes
Pros & Cons
10 pros·4 cons across both
Surfshark
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections (most generous in industry)
- Lowest-priced annual plan at $2.19/month after discount
- Nexus protocol for dynamic IP rotation across multiple servers
- CleanWeb feature blocks ads, malware, and trackers at protocol level
- Available on 15+ platforms including smart TVs and gaming consoles
Cons
- Smaller server network (3,200+ vs competitors with 6,500+) may cause occasional congestion
- Average speeds of 580 Mbps lag behind market-leading alternatives
NordVPN
Pros
- Largest global server network with 6,500+ servers across 111 countries
- Fastest average speeds at 650 Mbps, best for streaming and downloads
- Double VPN feature routes traffic through two encrypted servers simultaneously
- Verified by both PwC and Deloitte no-logs audits (2024)
- Threat Protection blocks malware and phishing at DNS level on all platforms
Cons
- Limited to 6 simultaneous connections (restrictive for multi-device users)
- Higher cost at $3.99/month on annual plan ($1.80 more per month than Surfshark)
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
NordVPN averages 650 Mbps vs Surfshark's 580 Mbps, making NordVPN approximately 12% faster. For consistent 4K streaming (25-50 Mbps required), NordVPN's Double VPN and larger server network provide more reliable performance with less congestion.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Learn more about our affiliate disclosure
Wikipedia
Related Comparisons
12 more to explore
NordVPN vs Surfshark
softwareSurfshark vs CyberGhost
softwareExpressVPN vs Surfshark
softwareNordVPN vs ProtonVPN
softwareProton VPN vs NordVPN
productsNordVPN vs CyberGhost
productsMullvad vs NordVPN
productsDashlane vs NordVPN
softwareNordVPN vs Private Internet Access
softwareNordVPN vs AirVPN
softwareNordVPN vs IVPN
softwareNordVPN vs Windscribe
software
Related Articles
5 articles
- technology
Best Streaming Services in 2026: Top Picks for Every Budget & Interest
Navigating the crowded streaming landscape in 2026 can be overwhelming. We've tested and ranked the best streaming services that offer the most value, from Netflix's massive library to budget-friendly options like Tubi, helping you cut cable and find your perfect entertainment solution.
Read article - technology
Best Live TV Streaming Services & Plans for Spring 2026: Complete Buyer's Guide
Tired of overpaying for cable? Discover the best live TV streaming services and plans for Spring 2026, including YouTube TV's new genre-based packages starting at $55/month. Our comprehensive guide breaks down pricing, channels, and features to help you cut the cord.
Read article - technology
Philo in 2026: Streaming TV Service Review, Pricing & Reddit Community Insights
Explore Philo's evolution heading into 2026, including pricing tiers, channel lineup, and how it compares to competitors like Sling TV. Discover what the r/PhiloTV Reddit community thinks about the service's current offerings and future prospects.
Read article - technology
Best US Fighter Jets 2026: Top American Combat Aircraft Ranked
Discover the most advanced US fighter jets dominating the skies in 2026. From the legendary F-22 Raptor to the versatile F-35 Lightning II, we rank America's best combat aircraft based on performance, stealth, and air superiority capabilities.
Read article - technology
Philo in 2026: Pricing, Lineup & How It Compares to Sling TV
As we head into 2026, Philo continues to position itself as an affordable streaming alternative for cable TV lovers. Discover what Philo offers, how its pricing stacks up against competitors like Sling TV, and what the Reddit community thinks about its future.
Read article
Explore More
Related comparisons and categories