ProtonVPN vs Surfshark 2026: Price, Speed & Privacy
ProtonVPN offers stronger privacy credentials with Switzerland-based infrastructure and no-logs audits, while Surfshark provides better value with lower pricing ($2.19/month vs $4.99/month), more simultaneous connections (unlimited vs 10), and faster speeds for streaming.
ProtonVPN
Swiss-based VPN with open-source apps and strong privacy focus, owned by Proton AG
Privacy-conscious users who want Swiss jurisdiction protections and a complete privacy ecosystem
Surfshark
Budget-friendly VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections and strong encryption
Budget-conscious users wanting unlimited device access and optimized streaming performance
Quick Answer
AI SummaryProtonVPN offers stronger privacy credentials with Switzerland-based infrastructure and no-logs audits, while Surfshark provides better value with lower pricing ($2.19/month vs $4.99/month), more simultaneous connections (unlimited vs 10), and faster speeds for streaming.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose ProtonVPN if privacy and comprehensive features are your top priorities—it offers more servers, audited no-logs infrastructure, and integrated email/password manager services. Choose Surfshark if you want the best value and need to connect multiple devices—it's 56% cheaper, allows unlimited simultaneous connections, and delivers faster streaming performance across major platforms.
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Choose ProtonVPN if
Privacy-conscious users who want Swiss jurisdiction protections and a complete privacy ecosystem
Choose Surfshark if
Best pickBudget-conscious users wanting unlimited device access and optimized streaming performance
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Monthly Price (Annual Plan):✓ Surfshark wins($2.19/month vs $4.99/month)
- Simultaneous Connections:✓ Surfshark wins(Unlimited devices vs 10 devices)
- Server Network Size:✓ ProtonVPN wins(6,500+ servers in 91 countries vs 3,200+ servers in 100 countries)
Key Facts & Figures
51 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | ProtonVPN | Surfshark | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Server Count(servers) | 3,500+ | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost (Best Plan)(USD) | $99.99 (Plus) | — | — |
| Download Speed Performance Impact(% decrease from baseline) | 8-12% decrease | — | — |
| Monthly Cost (Basic Plan)(USD) | $4.99 | — | — |
| Open Source Code(percentage) | Partial (apps only) | — | — |
| Starting Monthly Price(USD) | $9.99/month (1-year) | — | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 2,000+ | — | — |
| Countries Covered(count) | 68 countries | — | — |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 40+ Mbps | — | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 10 connections (Pro) | — | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | — | — |
| Annual Plan Price(USD/month) | $4.99/month | $2.19/month | |
| Monthly Plan Price(USD) | $12.99/month | — | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 2,700+ servers | 3,200+ | |
| Speed Loss (Average)(percent) | 12-15% | — | — |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 91 countries | 100 countries | |
| Latest Security Audit Year | 2023 (Securitum) | 2023 (Cure53) | |
| Streaming Services Optimized(platforms) | Most major platforms | 15+ optimized services | — |
| Monthly Pricing (Annual Plan)(USD) | $9.99/month | — | — |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 565 Mbps | 628 Mbps | |
| Total Server Locations(number) | 2000+ | — | — |
| Countries Covered(countries) | 68 countries | 100+ countries | |
| Speed Retention Rate(%) | 76% | — | — |
| Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) | 10 devices | — | — |
| Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms) | 8+ (Netflix, BBC iPlayer, DAZN) | — | — |
| Annual Subscription Cost(USD) | $119.88 ($9.99/month) | — | — |
| Free Tier Monthly Data(GB) | 10GB | — | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 10 devices | Unlimited | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Monthly Price (Standard Plan)(USD) | $9.99 | $2.19 | |
| Annual Price (Lowest Tier)(USD) | $59.88 | $26.28 | |
| Server Network Size(servers) | 1,900+ servers | 3,200+ | |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days | |
| Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month) | $2.49 | $2.49 | |
| Server Locations(countries) | 105 countries | 105 countries | |
| 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 | |
| Annual Subscription Price(USD) | $2.19/month | $2.19/month | |
| VPN Server Locations(countries) | 100 countries | 100 countries | |
| Total VPN Servers(servers) | 3,200+ servers | 3,200+ servers | |
| Independent Security Audit(year) | 2023 (Deloitte) | 2023 (Deloitte) | |
| Monthly Price (Annual Plan)(USD) | $2.19 | $2.19 | |
| Total Server Count(servers) | 3,200+ | 3,200+ | |
| Global Server Network(servers) | 3,200+ servers | 3,200+ servers | |
| Independent Security Audits(audits) | 1 (PwC 2023) | 1 (PwC 2023) | |
| Monthly Price (Best Annual Deal)(USD) | $2.19/month | $2.19/month | |
| Countries with Servers(countries) | 100 countries | 100 countries |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- $4.99/monthMonthly Price (Annual Plan)$2.19/month(winner)
- 10 devicesSimultaneous ConnectionsUnlimited devices(winner)
- 6,500+ servers in 91 countries(winner)Server Network Size3,200+ servers in 100 countries
- Yes, by Securitum (2021, 2023)Independent AuditYes, by Cure53 (2023)
- Good (supports major platforms)Streaming PerformanceExcellent (optimized for Netflix, Disney+, 15+ services)(winner)
- Yes, on all platformsKill Switch AvailabilityYes, on all platforms
- Switzerland (strong privacy jurisdiction)Based InBritish Virgin Islands (strong privacy jurisdiction)
- Monthly Price (Annual Plan)
ProtonVPN
$4.99/month
Surfshark
$2.19/month(winner)
- Simultaneous Connections
ProtonVPN
10 devices
Surfshark
Unlimited devices(winner)
- Server Network Size
ProtonVPN
6,500+ servers in 91 countries(winner)
Surfshark
3,200+ servers in 100 countries
- Independent Audit
ProtonVPN
Yes, by Securitum (2021, 2023)
Surfshark
Yes, by Cure53 (2023)
- Streaming Performance
ProtonVPN
Good (supports major platforms)
Surfshark
Excellent (optimized for Netflix, Disney+, 15+ services)(winner)
- Kill Switch Availability
ProtonVPN
Yes, on all platforms
Surfshark
Yes, on all platforms
- Based In
ProtonVPN
Switzerland (strong privacy jurisdiction)
Surfshark
British Virgin Islands (strong privacy jurisdiction)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | ProtonVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Global Server Count(servers) | 3,500+ | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 2,000+ | — |
| Country Coverage(countries) | 91 countries | 100 countries(winner) |
| Server Network Size(servers) | 1,900+ servers | 3,200+(winner) |
| Server Locations(countries) | 105 countries | — |
Show 5 more attributesGlobal Server Coverage(countries) 100 countries — Total VPN Servers(servers) 3,200+ servers — Total Server Count(servers) 3,200+ — Global Server Network(servers) 3,200+ servers — Countries with Servers(countries) 100 countries — | ||
| Annual Subscription Cost (Best Plan)(USD) | $99.99 (Plus) | — |
| Monthly Cost (Basic Plan)(USD) | $4.99 | — |
| Starting Monthly Price(USD) | $9.99/month (1-year) | — |
| Free Version | Available with unlimited data | — |
| Annual Plan Price(USD/month) | $4.99/month | $2.19/month(winner) |
Show 10 more attributesMonthly Plan Price(USD) $12.99/month — Monthly Pricing (Annual Plan)(USD) $9.99/month — Free Tier Data Allowance(GB/month) 10 GB/month — Annual Subscription Cost(USD) $119.88 ($9.99/month) — Monthly Price (Standard Plan)(USD) $9.99 $2.19 Annual Price (Lowest Tier)(USD) $59.88 $26.28 Starting Monthly Price (2-year plan)(USD/month) $2.49 — Annual Subscription Price(USD) $2.19/month — Monthly Price (Annual Plan)(USD) $2.19 — Monthly Price (Best Annual Deal)(USD) $2.19/month — | ||
| Download Speed Performance Impact(% decrease from baseline) | 8-12% decrease | — |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 40+ Mbps | — |
| Speed Loss (Average)(percent) | 12-15% | — |
| Streaming Services Optimized(platforms) | Most major platforms | 15+ optimized services |
| Average Download Speed(Mbps) | 565 Mbps | 628 Mbps(winner) |
Show 7 more attributesCountries Covered(countries) 68 countries 100+ countries Speed Retention Rate(%) 76% — Connection Speed Rating Good — 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 — | ||
| US Streaming Platforms Supported(platforms) | 1 (Netflix only) | — |
| Free Trial or Free Plan(monthly data) | 100 MB/month free plan | — |
| Privacy Jurisdiction | Switzerland (5 Eyes only) | — |
| Encryption Standards Offered(algorithms) | AES-256 + ChaCha20 | — |
| Encryption Standard | AES-256 and ChaCha20 | — |
| Audit Frequency(years) | Annual third-party audit | — |
| Multi-Hop Encryption | Available (optimized) | — |
| Encryption Standard | AES-256 with 4096-bit RSA | AES-256 |
Show 6 more attributesKill Switch Feature Yes, all platforms Yes, all platforms Code Openness 100% open-source (audited) — Privacy Audit Certification Deloitte no-logs audit (2022) — Security Rating(out of 10) 10.0/10 — Independent Security Audit(year) 2023 (Deloitte) — Encryption Protocol AES-256 + ChaCha20 — | ||
| Free Trial Available | Yes (free tier) | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 10 connections (Pro) | — |
| Simultaneous Device Connections(devices) | 10 devices | — |
| Streaming Service Compatibility(platforms) | 8+ (Netflix, BBC iPlayer, DAZN) | — |
| Simultaneous Connections(devices) | 10 devices | Unlimited |
Show 1 more attributeTorrenting Support(supported) Fully supported — | ||
| Open Source Code(percentage) | Partial (apps only) | — |
| Independent Security Audits(audits) | 1 (PwC 2023) | — |
| Countries Covered(count) | 68 countries | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | — |
| Server Count(servers) | 2,700+ servers | 3,200+(winner) |
| Total Server Locations(number) | 2000+ | — |
| Log Retention Policy | Strict no-logs, Swiss law compliance | — |
| Logging Policy | Strict no-logs | — |
| No-Logging Audit Verification | Yes (Cure53 audit 2023) | — |
| Latest Security Audit Year | 2023 (Securitum) | 2023 (Cure53) |
| Jurisdiction | Switzerland | — |
| Free Tier Monthly Data(GB) | 10GB | — |
| Open Source Code(yes/no) | Yes (Cure53 audit 2023) | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee Period(days) | 30 days | 30 days |
| Kill Switch Protection | Yes, always enabled | Yes (automatic) |
| Dark Web Monitor | Not included | — |
| App Kill Switch Feature | No | — |
| Kill Switch Availability | Yes (all platforms) | — |
| Money-Back Guarantee(days) | 30 days | 30 days |
| Value for Money Score(/10) | 8.9 | — |
| Netflix Compatibility(rating) | Good | — |
| Customer Support Satisfaction(rating) | Very Good | — |
| Customer Support Type | 24-hour live chat | — |
| VPN Server Locations(countries) | 100 countries | — |
| Supported Platforms | 15+ (includes smart TVs, gaming consoles) | — |
| No-Logs Audit Year | Deloitte (2022) | — |
ProtonVPNShow 5 more attributes
Show 10 more attributes
Show 7 more attributes
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Show 1 more attribute
Pros & Cons
10 pros·4 cons across both
ProtonVPN
Pros
- 6,500+ servers in 91 countries for maximum geographic coverage
- Multiple independent security audits by Securitum confirming zero-logs policy
- Integrated with ProtonMail and ProtonPass for seamless privacy suite
- Free tier available with 3 server locations for basic users
- Uses WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols with strong encryption (AES-256)
Cons
- Expensive at $4.99/month on annual plan vs competitors charging $2.19/month
- Limited to 10 simultaneous connections, requiring additional payment for more
Surfshark
Pros
- Cheapest long-term pricing at $2.19/month on 2-year plan (56% less than ProtonVPN)
- Unlimited simultaneous connections on single subscription across all devices
- Specialized streaming mode optimized for Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and 15+ platforms
- No bandwidth caps or throttling even on cheapest plans
- BVI jurisdiction provides strong privacy protections with independent Cure53 audit
Cons
- Smaller server network with 3,200+ servers vs ProtonVPN's 6,500+
- Less mature ecosystem compared to Proton's integrated email and password manager services
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Surfshark generally delivers faster streaming speeds because it has dedicated streaming optimization technology and removes geo-restrictions more effectively. ProtonVPN works with most streaming services but isn't specifically optimized for them. For Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max, Surfshark has a documented higher success rate.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
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Wikipedia
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