software
NordVPN vs Surfshark 2026: Speed vs Price
NordVPN offers faster speeds and stronger privacy credentials with its Panama headquarters and proven no-logs policy, while Surfshark provides better value with unlimited simultaneous connections and lower pricing at $2.19/month versus NordVPN's $3.99/month.
NordVPN
Premium VPN service with 6,000+ servers and advanced privacy features based in Panama.
Users who prioritize speed, extensive server options, and are willing to pay premium pricing for proven security credentials.
Score71%
VS
S
Surfshark
Budget-friendly VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections and BVI jurisdiction protection.
Budget-conscious users with multiple devices who need unlimited simultaneous connections and don't require maximum speed for bandwidth-intensive activities.
Score71%
Quick Answer
AI SummaryNordVPN offers faster speeds and stronger privacy credentials with its Panama headquarters and proven no-logs policy, 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 speed (580 Mbps average), the largest server network (6,000+), and established privacy reputation with independent audits. Choose Surfshark if budget is your primary concern and you need unlimited simultaneous connections across your entire device ecosystem without paying extra.
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NordVPN
8.2/10
Surfshark
6.8/10
S
Choose NordVPN if
Best pickUsers who prioritize speed, extensive server options, and are willing to pay premium pricing for proven security credentials.
S
Choose Surfshark if
Budget-conscious users with multiple devices who need unlimited simultaneous connections and don't require maximum speed for bandwidth-intensive activities.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Monthly Subscription Cost:✓ Surfshark wins($2.19/month vs $3.99/month)
- Simultaneous Connections:✓ Surfshark wins(Unlimited devices vs 6 devices)
- Average Download Speed:✓ NordVPN wins(580 Mbps vs 540 Mbps)
Key Facts & Figures
100 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) | 6,500+ | 3,200+ servers | |
| 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+ servers | 3,200+ servers | |
| 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 | — | — |
| Free Tier Monthly Data(GB) | None | — | — |
| 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) | 5,800+ | 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) | 6,200+ servers | 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 | 100 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 | Unlimited | — |
| 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(count) | 111 countries | 100+ countries | |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 580 Mbps | 540 Mbps | |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 6 devices | 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 | — | — |
| Kill Switch Response Time(milliseconds) | 200-500ms | — | — |
| Annual Price (Best Plan)(USD per month) | $3.99/month | — | — |
| Download Speed (500 mi distance)(Mbps) | 580 Mbps | — | — |
| Global Server Network Size(servers) | 6,000+ | — | — |
| Countries Served(countries) | 111 | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription (Best Annual Rate)(USD) | $3.99/month | — | — |
| Transparency Report Frequency(per year) | Annual (1x/year) | — | — |
| Annual Cost (Lowest Available Plan)(USD) | $47.88/year | — | — |
| Annual Plan Cost(USD/month) | $3.99 | — | — |
| Month-to-Month Cost(USD/month) | $11.99 | — | — |
| Monthly Subscription Price (Long-Term Plan)(USD) | $3.99/month | $2.19/month | |
| Annual Cost (12-Month Commitment)(USD) | $47.88/year | $26.28/year | |
| 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
Evenly matched3 ties
S
2SurfsharkNordVPN
Attribute
Surfshark
- $3.99/monthMonthly Subscription Cost$2.19/month(winner)
- 6 devicesSimultaneous ConnectionsUnlimited devices(winner)
- 580 Mbps(winner)Average Download Speed540 Mbps
- 6,000+ servers(winner)Server Network Size3,200+ servers
- Panama (privacy-friendly)Headquarters LocationBritish Virgin Islands (privacy-friendly)
- Yes (all plans)Kill Switch FeatureYes (all plans)
- 30 daysMoney-Back Guarantee30 days
- Monthly Subscription Cost
NordVPN
$3.99/month
Surfshark
$2.19/month(winner)
- Simultaneous Connections
NordVPN
6 devices
Surfshark
Unlimited devices(winner)
- Average Download Speed
NordVPN
580 Mbps(winner)
Surfshark
540 Mbps
- Server Network Size
NordVPN
6,000+ servers(winner)
Surfshark
3,200+ servers
- Headquarters Location
NordVPN
Panama (privacy-friendly)
Surfshark
British Virgin Islands (privacy-friendly)
- Kill Switch Feature
NordVPN
Yes (all plans)
Surfshark
Yes (all plans)
- 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) — Average Download Speed(Mbps) 580 Mbps 540 Mbps Average Connection Speed(Mbps) 320 Mbps — Average Download Speed (500Mbps connection)(Mbps) 350 — Download Speed (500 mi distance)(Mbps) 580 Mbps — 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 |
| Countries with Presence(countries) | 111 | — |
| 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 | Unlimited |
Show 3 more attributesSimultaneous Connections(devices) 6 devices Unlimited Port Forwarding Not available — 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 (Standard) | Yes, all platforms |
| Encryption Standard | AES-256 | — |
Show 23 more attributesIndependent Security Audits Yes, regular audits — Kill Switch Feature Yes, on all platforms — Advanced Threat Protection Yes - Threat Protection Pro — Kill Switch Availability Yes (All Plans) Yes (all platforms) Independent Security Audit(year) PwC audit 2024 Cure53 audit 2022 Kill Switch Implementation Yes, all platforms — Independent Security Audits 2 (PwC & Deloitte 2024) 1 (PwC 2023) Encryption Standard 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) — Kill Switch Protection Yes (automatic) Yes (automatic) 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) — Kill Switch Response Time(milliseconds) 200-500ms — 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 29 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 Annual Subscription Cost(USD) $47.88/year — 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 — Annual Price (Best Plan)(USD per month) $3.99/month — Monthly Subscription (Best Annual Rate)(USD) $3.99/month — Annual Cost (Lowest Available Plan)(USD) $47.88/year — Annual Plan Cost(USD/month) $3.99 — Month-to-Month Cost(USD/month) $11.99 — Monthly Subscription Price (Long-Term Plan)(USD) $3.99/month $2.19/month Annual Cost (12-Month Commitment)(USD) $47.88/year $26.28/year 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 | — |
| 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 | — |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 6,500+ | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 7,200+ | — |
| Global Server Count(servers) | 6,000+ servers(winner) | 3,200+ servers |
| Global Server Network(servers) | 6,500+ servers(winner) | 3,200+ servers |
| Server Count(servers) | 6,200+ servers(winner) | 3,200+ |
Show 8 more attributesCountries with Server Presence(countries) 111 countries 100 countries 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+ — | ||
| Countries Covered(count) | 110+ countries | — |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 110+ | — |
| Total VPN Server Count(servers) | 5,400+ | — |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 111 countries(winner) | 100 countries |
| Server Countries(countries) | 111 | — |
| Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers) | 6,500+ | — |
Show 2 more attributesCountries Covered(count) 111 countries 100+ countries VPN Server Locations(countries) 111 countries 100 countries | ||
| Number of Servers(servers) | 7200+ | — |
| Server Storage Type(text) | Mix of disk and RAM | — |
| Streaming Compatibility | Full support for major platforms | — |
| Maximum Password Character Support(characters) | Not applicable | — |
| Browser Extensions Available(count) | 7 major browser extensions | — |
| Supported Platforms(count) | 12+ (major platforms only) | 15+ (includes smart TVs, gaming consoles)(winner) |
| Devices Supported Simultaneously(devices) | 6 simultaneous connections | — |
| Total VPN Servers(servers) | 6,500+(winner) | 3,200+ servers |
| Countries Served(countries) | 111 | — |
| Open-Source Code Availability | Partial (selected components) | — |
| Open-Source Code | Partial components only | — |
| Open-Source Client | No (proprietary) | — |
| Source Code Availability | Proprietary/Closed-source | — |
| Latest Security Audit Year | 2022 (PwC) | 2023 (Cure53) |
| Free Tier Monthly Data(GB) | None | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 30 days |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 5,800+(winner) | 3,200+ |
| Customer Rating (Trustpilot)(out of 5.0) | 4.4 | — |
| Free Trial Duration(days) | 7 days | — |
| Customer Support Hours(hours/week) | 24/7 live chat and email | — |
| Customer Support Satisfaction(rating) | Very Good | — |
| Customer Support Type | 24-hour live chat | — |
| Geographic Coverage(countries) | 60+ countries | — |
| Global Server Network Size(servers) | 6,000+ | — |
| Transparency Report Frequency(per year) | Annual (1x/year) | — |
| 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)
—
Average Download Speed(Mbps)
580 Mbps
540 Mbps
Average Connection Speed(Mbps)
320 Mbps
—
Average Download Speed (500Mbps connection)(Mbps)
350
—
Download Speed (500 mi distance)(Mbps)
580 Mbps
—
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
Countries with Presence(countries)
111
—
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
Unlimited
Show 3 more attributes
Simultaneous Connections(devices)
6 devices
Unlimited
Port Forwarding
Not available
—
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 (Standard)
Yes, all platforms
Encryption Standard
AES-256
—
Show 23 more attributes
Independent Security Audits
Yes, regular audits
—
Kill Switch Feature
Yes, on all platforms
—
Advanced Threat Protection
Yes - Threat Protection Pro
—
Kill Switch Availability
Yes (All Plans)
Yes (all platforms)
Independent Security Audit(year)
PwC audit 2024
Cure53 audit 2022
Kill Switch Implementation
Yes, all platforms
—
Independent Security Audits
2 (PwC & Deloitte 2024)
1 (PwC 2023)
Encryption Standard
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)
—
Kill Switch Protection
Yes (automatic)
Yes (automatic)
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)
—
Kill Switch Response Time(milliseconds)
200-500ms
—
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 29 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
Annual Subscription Cost(USD)
$47.88/year
—
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
—
Annual Price (Best Plan)(USD per month)
$3.99/month
—
Monthly Subscription (Best Annual Rate)(USD)
$3.99/month
—
Annual Cost (Lowest Available Plan)(USD)
$47.88/year
—
Annual Plan Cost(USD/month)
$3.99
—
Month-to-Month Cost(USD/month)
$11.99
—
Monthly Subscription Price (Long-Term Plan)(USD)
$3.99/month
$2.19/month
Annual Cost (12-Month Commitment)(USD)
$47.88/year
$26.28/year
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
—
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
—
Global Server Count(servers)
6,500+
—
Server Count(servers)
7,200+
—
Global Server Count(servers)
6,000+ servers
3,200+ servers
Global Server Network(servers)
6,500+ servers
3,200+ servers
Server Count(servers)
6,200+ servers
3,200+
Show 8 more attributes
Countries with Server Presence(countries)
111 countries
100 countries
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+
—
Countries Covered(count)
110+ countries
—
Country Coverage(countries)
110+
—
Total VPN Server Count(servers)
5,400+
—
Country Coverage(countries)
111 countries
100 countries
Server Countries(countries)
111
—
Total VPN Servers Worldwide(servers)
6,500+
—
Show 2 more attributes
Countries Covered(count)
111 countries
100+ countries
VPN Server Locations(countries)
111 countries
100 countries
Number of Servers(servers)
7200+
—
Server Storage Type(text)
Mix of disk and RAM
—
Streaming Compatibility
Full support for major platforms
—
Maximum Password Character Support(characters)
Not applicable
—
Browser Extensions Available(count)
7 major browser extensions
—
Supported Platforms(count)
12+ (major platforms only)
15+ (includes smart TVs, gaming consoles)
Devices Supported Simultaneously(devices)
6 simultaneous connections
—
Total VPN Servers(servers)
6,500+
3,200+ servers
Countries Served(countries)
111
—
Open-Source Code Availability
Partial (selected components)
—
Open-Source Code
Partial components only
—
Open-Source Client
No (proprietary)
—
Source Code Availability
Proprietary/Closed-source
—
Latest Security Audit Year
2022 (PwC)
2023 (Cure53)
Free Tier Monthly Data(GB)
None
—
Money-Back Guarantee(days)
30 days
30 days
Money-Back Guarantee Period(days)
30 days
30 days
Total Server Count(servers)
5,800+
3,200+
Customer Rating (Trustpilot)(out of 5.0)
4.4
—
Free Trial Duration(days)
7 days
—
Customer Support Hours(hours/week)
24/7 live chat and email
—
Customer Support Satisfaction(rating)
Very Good
—
Customer Support Type
24-hour live chat
—
Geographic Coverage(countries)
60+ countries
—
Global Server Network Size(servers)
6,000+
—
Transparency Report Frequency(per year)
Annual (1x/year)
—
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
- Fastest average speeds at 580 Mbps on dedicated servers
- Largest server network with 6,000+ servers across 111 countries
- Double VPN encryption available for maximum security
- Proven no-logs policy verified by third-party audits (PwC 2024)
- Dedicated IP addresses available for additional privacy
Cons
- Higher monthly cost at $3.99 compared to competitors
- Limited to 6 simultaneous device connections per account
S
Surfshark
+5-2
Pros
- Lowest-cost VPN at $2.19/month on long-term plans
- Unlimited simultaneous connections on a single account
- Includes ad-blocker (Surfshark Alert) at no extra cost
- CleanWeb feature blocks malware and phishing attempts
- Multi-hop routing available across all plans
Cons
- Average download speeds 40 Mbps slower at 540 Mbps versus NordVPN
- Smaller server network with 3,200+ servers versus NordVPN's 6,000+
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
NordVPN is faster with average speeds of 580 Mbps compared to Surfshark's 540 Mbps. This 40 Mbps difference means NordVPN performs better for 4K streaming, large file downloads, and bandwidth-intensive activities. However, both speeds are sufficient for standard HD streaming and web browsing. For speed-critical tasks, NordVPN's dedicated servers are an excellent choice.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
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Wikipedia
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