NordVPN
Surfshark
NordVPN vs Surfshark: Complete Comparison
Wondering which VPN is right for you? We've tested both NordVPN and Surfshark extensively to bring you this detailed comparison. From speed tests to privacy features, streaming capabilities to pricing, we cover everything you need to make an informed decision.
Quick Verdict
NordVPN takes the win in this comparison with better speed, privacy, and overall performance. However, Surfshark remains a solid choice if you prioritize Budget.
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | N NordVPN | S Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.5 Best | 9.2 |
| Speed Score | 95 Best | 91 |
| Privacy Score | 98 Best | 94 |
| Streaming Score | 96 Best | 93 |
| Servers | 6,400 Best | 3,200 |
| Countries | 111 Best | 100 |
| Max Devices | 10 | Unlimited Best |
| Monthly Price | $12.99/mo | $12.95/mo Best |
| Best Price (2-year) | $3.29/mo | $2.19/mo Best |
| Kill Switch | ✓ | ✓ |
| No-Logs Policy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split Tunneling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Double VPN | ✓ | ✓ |
| Netflix Support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torrenting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Headquarters | Panama | Netherlands |
Speed & Performance
Speed is crucial for streaming, gaming, and general browsing. We tested both VPNs connecting to servers in the US, UK, and Asia to measure real-world performance.
- Download: ~90% speed retained
- Upload: ~86% speed retained
- Latency: +3ms average
- Download: ~86% speed retained
- Upload: ~82% speed retained
- Latency: +5ms average
Winner: NordVPN – Faster download speeds and lower latency in our tests.
Privacy & Security
Privacy is the primary reason most people use a VPN. Here's how NordVPN and Surfshark compare on security features and privacy practices.
NordVPN
- ✓ No-Logs Policy
- ✓ Kill Switch
- ✓ Double VPN
- ✓ Panama jurisdiction
Surfshark
- ✓ No-Logs Policy
- ✓ Kill Switch
- ✓ Double VPN
- ✓ Netherlands jurisdiction
Winner: NordVPN – Stronger privacy features and better jurisdiction.
Streaming & Unblocking
Can these VPNs unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services? Here's what we found.
NordVPN
Surfshark
Winner: NordVPN – Better streaming unblocking success rate.
Pricing Comparison
Value matters. Here's how NordVPN and Surfshark compare on price across different subscription lengths.
Winner: Surfshark – $1.10/mo cheaper on the best plan.
Our Verdict
NordVPN
- Faster speeds (95 vs 91)
- Better privacy protection
- Superior streaming unblocking
- Larger server network (6,400 servers)
Surfshark
Still a solid choice. Surfshark excels in:
- Lower pricing
- Budget
- Families
Frequently Asked Questions
NordVPN is faster with a speed score of 95/100 compared to Surfshark's 91/100. In our tests, NordVPN retained more of your base connection speed, especially on long-distance servers.
NordVPN scores higher on privacy (98/100). Both have verified no-logs policies. NordVPN is based in Panama while Surfshark is in Netherlands.
No, Surfshark is cheaper at $2.19/month on the 2-year plan compared to NordVPN's $3.29/month.
Yes, both VPNs reliably unblock Netflix. NordVPN has a higher streaming score (96/100) and may work with more Netflix regions.
NordVPN has more servers with 6,400 servers in 111 countries. Surfshark has 3,200 servers in 100 countries.
Both support P2P/torrenting. NordVPN scores higher for torrenting (94/100) with optimized P2P servers.
NordVPN allows 10 simultaneous connections, while Surfshark allows unlimited. Surfshark is better for households with many devices.
Yes, both VPNs include kill switches that block internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, protecting your real IP from exposure.
Surfshark offers better overall value with a score of 98/100. This considers price, features, performance, and the number of devices supported.
We recommend NordVPN for most users. It Privacy and offers superior features. However, Surfshark may be better if you specifically need Budget.