When it comes to choosing a Virtual Private Network (VPN), both Surfshark and NordVPN consistently rank among the top providers. These two services offer excellent features, strong security, and solid performance — but which one is better for your specific needs?
In this comparison of Surfshark vs NordVPN, we see how well Surfshark matches up with the more well-known NordVPN. If you’re looking for the best VPN choice, let’s see how these two perform to protect you online and what you get with both services.
Surfshark vs NordVPN: Ease of Use
Surfshark and NordVPN both offer intuitive apps that are easy to install and navigate across desktop and mobile platforms. However, there are some differences in how the user interfaces are designed.
- Surfshark: Clean, modern interface with one-click connection. Simple settings layout.
- NordVPN: Map-based UI for server selection; feature-rich but can feel more cluttered.
Both offer apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and browser extensions. In our experience, Surfshark feels more streamlined, especially for beginners. Therefore, Surfshark gets a slight edge here.
Surfshark vs NordVPN: Features
Both VPNs shine here. They’re packed with premium features you’d expect from top-tier providers.
Surfshark Features:
- Unlimited device connections
- Antivirus Scanning
- Malware Protection
- Alternate ID Protection
- Webcam Protection
- CleanWeb (ad and tracker blocker)
- Split tunneling (Bypasser)
- Camouflage Mode (obfuscation)
- NoBorders Mode (for restrictive countries)
- MultiHop (double VPN)
NordVPN Features:
- 6 simultaneous connections
- Threat Protection (blocks malware and trackers)
- Split tunneling
- Obfuscated servers
- Double VPN
- Onion over VPN
While both providers cover the basics and more, Surfshark offers a more complete and impressive array of online security features at a lower price that users will appreciate. Therefore, Surfshark is also the winner in this category.
Surfshark vs NordVPN: Speed and Performance
Speed is crucial when using a VPN, especially for streaming, gaming, or downloading large files.
We tested both services across multiple server locations in North America, Europe, and Asia:
- Surfshark: Fast and reliable, minor speed loss from baseline.
- NordVPN: Slightly faster with NordLynx, lower latency, and excellent performance for HD streaming and downloads.
This category is extremely close with both VPN providers performing well. Surfshark and NordVPN both offer fast connection to their servers. NordVPN was just a bit faster overall, so they get a slight advantage.
Surfshark vs NordVPN: Security and Privacy
Both VPNs offer top-level encryption and a solid no-logs policy — but there are differences worth noting.
Encryption & Protocols
- Both use AES-256 encryption.
- Both support OpenVPN and WireGuard (NordVPN uses its custom NordLynx).
- Surfshark also supports IKEv2 and Shadowsocks.
No-Logs Policy
- Surfshark: Based in the Netherlands; audited no-logs policy by Deloitte.
- NordVPN: Based in Panama; audited by PwC; strong privacy jurisdiction.
Other Security Features
- Both offer kill switch, DNS leak protection, and private DNS.
- NordVPN adds diskless servers and Onion over VPN.
Surfshark and NordVPN both offer outstanding security features. Because it’s such a close call in this category, we’ll have to call it a tie here.
Surfshark vs NordVPN: Streaming and Torrenting
Both Surfshark and NordVPN are top performers when it comes to unblocking content and supporting torrents.
Streaming:
- Surfshark: Works with Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. Allows unlimited devices — great for households.
- NordVPN: Also unblocks all major streaming platforms. Some servers optimized for streaming.
Torrenting:
- Surfshark: P2P allowed on most servers; fast and secure torrenting support.
- NordVPN: Offers dedicated P2P servers and strong safety features for torrent use.
While both Surfshark and NordVPN perform well in this category, because Surfshark allows unlimited devices, they are the winner here.
Surfshark vs NordVPN: Customer Support
Both providers offer reliable customer service options:
- Surfshark: 24/7 live chat, responsive team, searchable help center.
- NordVPN: 24/7 live chat, extensive knowledge base, helpful setup guides.
I’m pleased to report that we found the customer support from both Surfshark and NordVPN to be excellent. Both VPN providers have good knowledge bases as well as both automated and live chat support. Response times were very good. While I give high marks to both Surfshark and NordVPN, NordVPN was just a bit more consistent with their support agents, so they get a slight edge here.
Surfshark vs NordVPN: Pricing and Value
This is where Surfshark really shines, especially for budget-conscious users or those needing multiple device support.
Surfshark Pricing:
- 2-Year Plan: ~$1.99/month
- 1-Year Plan: ~$3.19/month
- Monthly Plan: ~$15.45/month
NordVPN Pricing:
- 2-Year Plan: ~$3.09/month
- 1-Year Plan: ~$4.99/month
- Monthly Plan: ~$12.99/month
Surfshark is significantly more affordable, especially considering you get unlimited connections. For users with multiple devices or families sharing one plan, the cost savings add up quickly.
Although NordVPN isn’t wildly expensive, Surfshark is more affordable and includes many more features. So, Surfshark is also a better value in our opinion. Both VPN services offer a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee, so you can try either one risk free to see how they work for you.
Surfshark vs NordVPN: Differences
Advantages of Choosing Surfshark over NordVPN:
- Lower Cost
- Includes More Security Features
- Includes Anti-Virus Scanning
Advantages of Choosing NordVPN over Surfshark:
- More well-known and established
- More Server Locations
Surfshark
Started Business: 2018
Server Locations: 100
Price: $1.99 mo. – $4.19 mo.
- 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
- Unlimited Devices Secured
- Ad Blocker
- Antivirus Protection
- Webcam Protection
- Alternative ID
- Rotating IP Addresses
- Ad Free Search
- Data Leak Alerts
- Data Security Reports
NordVPN
Started Business: 2012
Server Locations: 165
Price: $3.09 mo. – $6.99 mo.
- 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
- 10 Devices Secured
- Ad Blocker
- Password Manager
- Data Breach Scanner
- Dark Web Monitor
✅ Choose Surfshark if:
- You want unlimited device support
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly option
- You prefer a clean, simple interface
✅ Choose NordVPN if:
- You need maximum speed and advanced features
- You want extra security layers like Onion over VPN
- You value a longer track record and larger infrastructure
Recommendation: Surfshark vs NordVPN
Both Surfshark and NordVPN are excellent VPN choices. They offer high performance, security, and reliable access to content. For general users, Surfshark offers more value, while NordVPN provides premium performance and features for those willing to pay a little extra.
While this of Surfshark vs NordVPN is extremely close, overall Surfshark is the winner. Surfshark provides a better range of online security services at a lower cost. Performance is excellent and their customer support is solid. See our review ratings below.
Surfshark vs NordVPN: Review Ratings
- Features: 100%
- Speed and Performance: 98%
- Security & Privacy: 100%
- Streaming & Torrenting: 100%
- Customer Support: 93%
- Value: 100%
- Features: 95%
- Speed and Performance: 99%
- Security & Privacy: 100%
- Streaming & Torrenting: 98%
- Customer Support: 99%
- Value: 94%
