software
NordVPN vs Surfshark 2026: Price, Speed, Security
NordVPN offers stronger encryption (AES-256 with double VPN) and a larger server network (6,400+ servers across 111 countries), while Surfshark provides better value with unlimited simultaneous connections and lower pricing at $2.19/month versus NordVPN's $3.99/month.
NordVPN
Large VPN network with streaming optimization and 24/7 customer support.
Users prioritizing maximum security, extensive server access, and advanced privacy features like accessing Tor safely
Score71%
VS
S
Surfshark
Budget-friendly VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections and strong encryption
Budget-conscious users with multiple devices who need unlimited simultaneous connections and strong baseline privacy
Score71%
Quick Answer
AI SummaryNordVPN offers stronger encryption (AES-256 with double VPN) and a larger server network (6,400+ servers across 111 countries), while Surfshark provides better value with unlimited simultaneous connections and lower pricing at $2.19/month versus NordVPN's $3.99/month.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose NordVPN if you prioritize maximum security features, extensive server coverage, and advanced options like Onion Over VPN for accessing the darknet safely. Choose Surfshark if you need unlimited simultaneous connections across all your devices and want the lowest monthly cost while still maintaining strong 256-bit encryption and reliable privacy protection.
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NordVPN
8.3/10
Surfshark
6.7/10
S
Choose NordVPN if
Best pickUsers prioritizing maximum security, extensive server access, and advanced privacy features like accessing Tor safely
S
Choose Surfshark if
Budget-conscious users with multiple devices who need unlimited simultaneous connections and strong baseline privacy
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Monthly Price (1-year plan):✓ Surfshark wins($2.19/month vs $3.99/month)
- Simultaneous Connections:✓ Surfshark wins(Unlimited devices vs 6 devices)
- Server Network Size:✓ NordVPN wins(6,400+ servers vs 3,200+ servers)
Key Facts & Figures
88 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | NordVPN | Surfshark | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Download Speed(Mbps) | 950+ Mbps | — | — |
| Server Locations(countries) | 111 countries | 105 countries | |
| Speed Retention Rate(%) | 92% | — | — |
| Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms) | 10+ | — | — |
| Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month) | $3.99 | $2.49 | |
| Download Speed Performance Impact(% decrease from baseline) | 5.20% decrease | — | — |
| Download Speed(Mbps) | 950 Mbps | — | — |
| Internet Speed Retention Rate(%) | 92% | — | — |
| Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries) | 30+ | — | — |
| Total Streaming Services Supported(services) | 10+ | — | — |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 6,500+ | — | — |
| Countries Covered(count) | 110+ countries | — | — |
| Annual Plan Price(USD) | From $69/year | — | — |
| Basic Plan Monthly Cost(USD) | $3.09 | — | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 7,200+ | — | — |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 110+ | — | — |
| Annual Cost (Best Plan)(USD) | $36+ | — | — |
| Base Monthly Price (USD)(USD/month) | $3.09 | — | — |
| Annual Price (First Year)(USD/year) | $83.43 | — | — |
| Number of Servers(servers) | 7200+ | — | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 10+ | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost (Best Plan)(USD) | $69.99/year (2-year plan) | — | — |
| Devices Supported on Free Tier(devices) | 0 (Premium only) | — | — |
| Devices Supported on Premium(devices) | 6 simultaneous connections | — | — |
| Browser Extensions Available(count) | 7 major browser extensions | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Price(USD) | $3.99/month | $2.19/month | |
| Total VPN Servers(servers) | 6,000+ | 3,200+ servers | |
| Independent Security Audit(year) | 2024 (PwC) | 2023 (Deloitte) | |
| Annual Subscription Cost(USD) | $47.88/year | — | — |
| Maximum Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 6 devices | — | — |
| Countries with Presence(countries) | 111 | — | — |
| Latest Security Audit Year | 2022 (PwC) | 2023 (Cure53) | |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 6,000+ | — | — |
| Monthly Cost (Best Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | — | — |
| Independent Security Audits | 2 (PwC & Deloitte 2024) | 1 (PwC 2023) | |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (1-Year Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | — | — |
| Average Download Speed (US Servers)(Mbps) | 580 Mbps | — | — |
| Total VPN Server Count(servers) | 5,400+ | — | — |
| Monthly Price (Best Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | — | — |
| Annual Cost(USD) | $47.88 | — | — |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 111 countries | 100 countries | |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Monthly Price (Annual Plan)(USD) | $3.99 | $2.19 | |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 6,400+ | 3,200+ | |
| Annual Plan Price(USD/month) | $3.99/month | $2.19/month | |
| Global Server Network(servers) | 6,500+ servers | 3,200+ servers | |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Monthly Price (Annual Commitment)(USD) | $3.99/month | — | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 6,500+ | 3,200+ | |
| Server Countries(countries) | 111 | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Annual Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | — | — |
| Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers) | 6,500+ | — | — |
| Countries with Server Presence(countries) | 111 countries | — | — |
| No-Logs Audit Frequency(audits per year) | Annual (PwC) | — | — |
| Average Download Speed Loss(%) | 8% slower (NordLynx/WireGuard) | — | — |
| Netflix Streaming Reliability(%) | 89% success rate (tested 13 regions) | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost (Best Rate)(USD) | $3.99 | — | — |
| Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) | 6 devices | — | — |
| Customer Rating (Trustpilot)(out of 5.0) | 4.4 | — | — |
| Annual Plan Cost (Per Month)(USD) | $3.99/month | — | — |
| Number of Servers(servers) | 5,900+ | — | — |
| Countries Covered(countries) | 60 countries | 100+ countries | |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 840 Mbps | 628 Mbps | |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 6 | Unlimited | — |
| Monthly Plan Price(USD) | $12.99 | — | — |
| Average Connection Speed(Mbps) | 320 Mbps | — | — |
| Monthly Price (2-Year Plan)(USD) | $3.49/month | — | — |
| Total Global Servers(servers) | 6,500+ | — | — |
| Annual Price (1-Year Plan)(USD) | $6.99/month | — | — |
| VPN Server Locations(countries) | 111 countries | 100 countries | |
| Devices Supported Simultaneously(devices) | 6 simultaneous connections | — | — |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 7 days | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) | $11.99 | — | — |
| Number of VPN Servers(servers) | 6,500+ | — | — |
| Countries with Server Coverage(countries) | 111 | — | — |
| Average Download Speed (500Mbps connection)(Mbps) | 350 | — | — |
| Value for Money Score(/10) | 8.9 | 8.9 | |
| Global Server Coverage(countries) | 100 countries | 100 countries | |
| Speed Performance Rating(out of 10) | 9.8/10 | 9.8/10 | |
| Security Rating(out of 10) | 10.0/10 | 10.0/10 | |
| Streaming Capability Rating(out of 10) | 9.6/10 | 9.6/10 | |
| Gaming Performance Rating(out of 10) | 9.0/10 | 9.0/10 | |
| Streaming Services Optimized(platforms) | 15+ optimized services | 15+ optimized services | |
| Monthly Price (Best Annual Deal)(USD) | $2.19/month | $2.19/month | |
| Countries with Servers(countries) | 100 countries | 100 countries | |
| Monthly Price (Standard Plan)(USD) | $2.19 | $2.19 | |
| Annual Price (Lowest Tier)(USD) | $26.28 | $26.28 | |
| Server Network Size(servers) | 3,200+ | 3,200+ |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
NordVPN leads2 ties
S
2SurfsharkNordVPN
Attribute
Surfshark
- $3.99/monthMonthly Price (1-year plan)$2.19/month(winner)
- 6 devicesSimultaneous ConnectionsUnlimited devices(winner)
- 6,400+ servers(winner)Server Network Size3,200+ servers
- 111 countries(winner)Countries Covered100 countries
- Yes (Onion Over VPN available)(winner)Double VPN FeatureNo (MultiHop available)
- Yes (automatic)Kill Switch ProtectionYes (automatic)
- 30 daysMoney-Back Guarantee30 days
- Monthly Price (1-year plan)
NordVPN
$3.99/month
Surfshark
$2.19/month(winner)
- Simultaneous Connections
NordVPN
6 devices
Surfshark
Unlimited devices(winner)
- Server Network Size
NordVPN
6,400+ servers(winner)
Surfshark
3,200+ servers
- Countries Covered
NordVPN
111 countries(winner)
Surfshark
100 countries
- Double VPN Feature
NordVPN
Yes (Onion Over VPN available)(winner)
Surfshark
No (MultiHop available)
- Kill Switch Protection
NordVPN
Yes (automatic)
Surfshark
Yes (automatic)
- Money-Back Guarantee
NordVPN
30 days
Surfshark
30 days
Full Comparison
| Attribute | NordVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Download Speed(Mbps) | 950+ Mbps | — |
| Speed Retention Rate(%) | 92% | — |
| Connection Speed Rating | Fastest | Good |
| Download Speed Performance Impact(% decrease from baseline) | 5.20% decrease | — |
| Download Speed(Mbps) | 950 Mbps | — |
Show 14 more attributesInternet 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) — Countries Covered(countries) 60 countries 100+ countries Average Download Speed(Mbps) 840 Mbps 628 Mbps Average Connection Speed(Mbps) 320 Mbps — Average Download Speed (500Mbps connection)(Mbps) 350 — 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 — Streaming Services Optimized(platforms) 15+ optimized services — | ||
| Server Locations(countries) | 111 countries(winner) | 105 countries |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 6,500+ | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 7,200+ | — |
| Total VPN Servers(servers) | 6,000+(winner) | 3,200+ servers |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 6,000+ | — |
Show 11 more attributesCountry Coverage(countries) 111 countries 100 countries Total Server Count(servers) 6,400+ 3,200+ Global Server Network(servers) 6,500+ servers 3,200+ servers Server Countries(countries) 111 — Number of Servers(servers) 5,900+ — Total Global Servers(servers) 6,500+ — Number of VPN Servers(servers) 6,500+ — Countries with Server Coverage(countries) 111 — Global Server Coverage(countries) 100 countries — Countries with Servers(countries) 100 countries — Server Network Size(servers) 3,200+ — | ||
| Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms) | 10+ | — |
| Native Streaming Box Apps | Limited | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 10+ | — |
| Maximum Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 6 devices | — |
| Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) | 6 devices | — |
Show 2 more attributesSimultaneous Connections(devices) 6 Unlimited Torrenting Support(supported) Fully supported — | ||
| VPN Protocols Offered | NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | — |
| Encryption Standards Offered(algorithms) | AES-256 (NordLynx) | — |
| Primary VPN Protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard-based) | — |
| Kill Switch Feature | Yes, All Platforms | Yes, all platforms |
| Encryption Standard | AES-256 | — |
Show 20 more attributesIndependent Security Audits Yes, regular audits — Kill Switch Feature Yes, on all platforms — Advanced Threat Protection Yes - Threat Protection Pro — Independent Security Audit(year) 2024 (PwC) 2023 (Deloitte) Kill Switch Implementation Yes, all platforms — Independent Security Audits 2 (PwC & Deloitte 2024) 1 (PwC 2023) Encryption Standard(bits) AES-256 AES-256 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) — Kill Switch Enabled by Default Yes — Encryption Type AES-256 Double VPN (dual layer) — No-Logs Certification Yes (multiple 2022-2024) — Password Encryption Standard IKEv2/IPSec or WireGuard — Code Openness Proprietary (audited) — Independent Security Audit (Latest) Deloitte (2024) — Security Rating(out of 10) 10.0/10 — Encryption Protocol AES-256 + ChaCha20 — | ||
| Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month) | $3.99 | $2.49(winner) |
| 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+ | — |
Show 21 more attributesBase 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 Price(USD) $3.99/month $2.19/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 Plan)(USD) $3.99 $2.19 Annual Plan Price(USD/month) $3.99/month $2.19/month 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 — Monthly Plan Price(USD) $12.99 — Monthly Price (2-Year Plan)(USD) $3.49/month — Annual Price (1-Year Plan)(USD) $6.99/month — Monthly Subscription Cost(USD) $11.99 — Monthly Price (Best Annual Deal)(USD) $2.19/month — Monthly Price (Standard Plan)(USD) $2.19 — Annual Price (Lowest Tier)(USD) $26.28 — | ||
| Logging Policy | Strict no-logs | Strict no-logs |
| Jurisdiction Privacy Rating | Excellent - Panama | — |
| No-Logs Policy | Verified no-logs | — |
| Payment Anonymity Options | Crypto, card, PayPal | — |
| No-Logging Audit Verification | Yes (PwC audit 2024) | Yes (Cure53 audit 2023) |
Show 2 more attributesNo-Logs Policy Jurisdiction Panama (outside 5/9/14-Eyes) — Log Retention Policy Strict no-logs policy — | ||
| Dark Web Monitor | Included | Not included |
| App Kill Switch Feature | Yes (app-level) | No |
| Dark Web Breach Monitoring | No | — |
| Kill Switch Availability | All platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android) | Yes (all platforms) |
| Kill Switch Protection | Yes (automatic) | Yes (automatic) |
Show 1 more attributeBreach Monitoring Included No — | ||
| 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) | — |
| Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries) | 30+ | — |
| Total Streaming Services Supported(services) | 10+ | — |
| Netflix Streaming Reliability(%) | 89% success rate (tested 13 regions) | — |
| Netflix Compatibility(rating) | Good | — |
| Countries Covered(count) | 110+ countries | — |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 110+ | — |
| Total VPN Server Count(servers) | 5,400+ | — |
| Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers) | 6,500+ | — |
| VPN Server Locations(countries) | 111 countries(winner) | 100 countries |
| Number of Servers(servers) | 7200+ | — |
| Streaming Compatibility | Full support for major platforms | — |
| Maximum Password Character Support(characters) | Not applicable | — |
| Browser Extensions Available(count) | 7 major browser extensions | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost(USD) | $47.88/year | — |
| Geographic Coverage(cities) | 111 countries | — |
| Open-Source Code Availability | Partial (selected components) | — |
| Source Code Availability | Proprietary/Closed-source | — |
| Open-Source Client | No (proprietary) | — |
| Countries with Presence(countries) | 111 | — |
| Latest Security Audit Year | 2022 (PwC) | 2023 (Cure53) |
| Open Source Code(yes/no) | Partial (proprietary components) | — |
| Free Tier Monthly Data(GB) | No free tier | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days |
| Supported Platforms | 12+ (major platforms only) | 15+ (includes smart TVs, gaming consoles) |
| Devices Supported Simultaneously(devices) | 6 simultaneous connections | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 30 days |
| Server Count(servers) | 6,500+(winner) | 3,200+ |
| Countries with Server Presence(countries) | 111 countries | — |
| Customer Rating (Trustpilot)(out of 5.0) | 4.4 | — |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 7 days | — |
| Customer Support Hours | 24/7 live chat and email | — |
| Customer Support Satisfaction(rating) | Very Good | — |
| Customer Support Type | 24-hour live chat | — |
| Value for Money Score(/10) | 8.9 | — |
| No-Logs Audit Year | Deloitte (2022) | — |
NordVPNSSurfshark
Peak Download Speed(Mbps)
950+ Mbps
—
Speed Retention Rate(%)
92%
—
Connection Speed Rating
Fastest
Good
Download Speed Performance Impact(% decrease from baseline)
5.20% decrease
—
Download Speed(Mbps)
950 Mbps
—
Show 14 more attributes
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)
—
Countries Covered(countries)
60 countries
100+ countries
Average Download Speed(Mbps)
840 Mbps
628 Mbps
Average Connection Speed(Mbps)
320 Mbps
—
Average Download Speed (500Mbps connection)(Mbps)
350
—
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
—
Streaming Services Optimized(platforms)
15+ optimized services
—
Server Locations(countries)
111 countries
105 countries
Global Server Count(servers)
6,500+
—
Server Count(servers)
7,200+
—
Total VPN Servers(servers)
6,000+
3,200+ servers
Global Server Count(servers)
6,000+
—
Show 11 more attributes
Country Coverage(countries)
111 countries
100 countries
Total Server Count(servers)
6,400+
3,200+
Global Server Network(servers)
6,500+ servers
3,200+ servers
Server Countries(countries)
111
—
Number of Servers(servers)
5,900+
—
Total Global Servers(servers)
6,500+
—
Number of VPN Servers(servers)
6,500+
—
Countries with Server Coverage(countries)
111
—
Global Server Coverage(countries)
100 countries
—
Countries with Servers(countries)
100 countries
—
Server Network Size(servers)
3,200+
—
Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms)
10+
—
Native Streaming Box Apps
Limited
—
Simultaneous Connections(devices)
10+
—
Maximum Simultaneous Connections(devices)
6 devices
—
Simultaneous Device Connections(devices)
6 devices
—
Show 2 more attributes
Simultaneous Connections(devices)
6
Unlimited
Torrenting Support(supported)
Fully supported
—
VPN Protocols Offered
NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2
—
Encryption Standards Offered(algorithms)
AES-256 (NordLynx)
—
Primary VPN Protocol
NordLynx (WireGuard-based)
—
Kill Switch Feature
Yes, All Platforms
Yes, all platforms
Encryption Standard
AES-256
—
Show 20 more attributes
Independent Security Audits
Yes, regular audits
—
Kill Switch Feature
Yes, on all platforms
—
Advanced Threat Protection
Yes - Threat Protection Pro
—
Independent Security Audit(year)
2024 (PwC)
2023 (Deloitte)
Kill Switch Implementation
Yes, all platforms
—
Independent Security Audits
2 (PwC & Deloitte 2024)
1 (PwC 2023)
Encryption Standard(bits)
AES-256
AES-256
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)
—
Kill Switch Enabled by Default
Yes
—
Encryption Type
AES-256 Double VPN (dual layer)
—
No-Logs Certification
Yes (multiple 2022-2024)
—
Password Encryption Standard
IKEv2/IPSec or WireGuard
—
Code Openness
Proprietary (audited)
—
Independent Security Audit (Latest)
Deloitte (2024)
—
Security Rating(out of 10)
10.0/10
—
Encryption Protocol
AES-256 + ChaCha20
—
Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month)
$3.99
$2.49
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+
—
Show 21 more attributes
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 Price(USD)
$3.99/month
$2.19/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 Plan)(USD)
$3.99
$2.19
Annual Plan Price(USD/month)
$3.99/month
$2.19/month
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
—
Monthly Plan Price(USD)
$12.99
—
Monthly Price (2-Year Plan)(USD)
$3.49/month
—
Annual Price (1-Year Plan)(USD)
$6.99/month
—
Monthly Subscription Cost(USD)
$11.99
—
Monthly Price (Best Annual Deal)(USD)
$2.19/month
—
Monthly Price (Standard Plan)(USD)
$2.19
—
Annual Price (Lowest Tier)(USD)
$26.28
—
Logging Policy
Strict no-logs
Strict no-logs
Jurisdiction Privacy Rating
Excellent - Panama
—
No-Logs Policy
Verified no-logs
—
Payment Anonymity Options
Crypto, card, PayPal
—
No-Logging Audit Verification
Yes (PwC audit 2024)
Yes (Cure53 audit 2023)
Show 2 more attributes
No-Logs Policy Jurisdiction
Panama (outside 5/9/14-Eyes)
—
Log Retention Policy
Strict no-logs policy
—
Dark Web Monitor
Included
Not included
App Kill Switch Feature
Yes (app-level)
No
Dark Web Breach Monitoring
No
—
Kill Switch Availability
All platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android)
Yes (all platforms)
Kill Switch Protection
Yes (automatic)
Yes (automatic)
Show 1 more attribute
Breach Monitoring Included
No
—
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)
—
Netflix Libraries Accessible(libraries)
30+
—
Total Streaming Services Supported(services)
10+
—
Netflix Streaming Reliability(%)
89% success rate (tested 13 regions)
—
Netflix Compatibility(rating)
Good
—
Countries Covered(count)
110+ countries
—
Country Coverage(countries)
110+
—
Total VPN Server Count(servers)
5,400+
—
Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers)
6,500+
—
VPN Server Locations(countries)
111 countries
100 countries
Number of Servers(servers)
7200+
—
Streaming Compatibility
Full support for major platforms
—
Maximum Password Character Support(characters)
Not applicable
—
Browser Extensions Available(count)
7 major browser extensions
—
Annual Subscription Cost(USD)
$47.88/year
—
Geographic Coverage(cities)
111 countries
—
Open-Source Code Availability
Partial (selected components)
—
Source Code Availability
Proprietary/Closed-source
—
Open-Source Client
No (proprietary)
—
Countries with Presence(countries)
111
—
Latest Security Audit Year
2022 (PwC)
2023 (Cure53)
Open Source Code(yes/no)
Partial (proprietary components)
—
Free Tier Monthly Data(GB)
No free tier
—
Money-Back Guarantee(days)
30 days
30 days
Supported Platforms
12+ (major platforms only)
15+ (includes smart TVs, gaming consoles)
Devices Supported Simultaneously(devices)
6 simultaneous connections
—
Money-Back Guarantee Period(days)
30 days
30 days
Server Count(servers)
6,500+
3,200+
Countries with Server Presence(countries)
111 countries
—
Customer Rating (Trustpilot)(out of 5.0)
4.4
—
Free Trial Duration(days)
7 days
—
Customer Support Hours
24/7 live chat and email
—
Customer Support Satisfaction(rating)
Very Good
—
Customer Support Type
24-hour live chat
—
Value for Money Score(/10)
8.9
—
No-Logs Audit Year
Deloitte (2022)
—
Pros & Cons
10 pros·4 cons across both
S
NordVPN
+5-2
Pros
- 6,400+ servers across 111 countries for maximum location coverage
- Double VPN (Onion Over VPN) for enhanced layered encryption and darknet access
- AES-256 military-grade encryption with no DNS leaks
- NordLynx protocol (WireGuard-based) offers 2-3x faster speeds than standard VPN
- Dedicated IP option available for additional $5.99/month
Cons
- Limited to 6 simultaneous connections (vs competitors offering unlimited)
- Higher pricing at $3.99/month on annual plans compared to budget alternatives
S
Surfshark
+5-2
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections across all devices (no device limit)
- Lowest market price at $2.19/month on 2-year plan (43% cheaper than NordVPN)
- ChameléonProtocol helps bypass VPN detection on restrictive networks
- AES-256 encryption with zero-logging verified by independent audits
- CleanWeb feature blocks ads, malware, and phishing sites automatically
Cons
- Smaller server network with 3,200+ servers vs NordVPN's 6,400+
- No Onion Over VPN feature for advanced darknet browsing security
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
NordVPN generally offers faster speeds due to its NordLynx protocol (WireGuard-based), which provides 2-3x faster connections than standard OpenVPN. However, Surfshark's ChameléonProtocol is specifically optimized to bypass streaming service throttling and geo-blocking. For Netflix specifically, both work well, but NordVPN's speed advantage makes it slightly faster for 4K streaming.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
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Wikipedia
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