Surfshark
ProtonVPN
Surfshark vs ProtonVPN: Complete Comparison
Wondering which VPN is right for you? We've tested both Surfshark and ProtonVPN 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
Surfshark takes the win in this comparison with better speed, value, and overall performance. However, ProtonVPN remains a solid choice if you prioritize Privacy.
Full Feature Comparison
| Feature | S Surfshark | P ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.2 Best | 9.1 |
| Speed Score | 91 Best | 89 |
| Privacy Score | 94 | 99 Best |
| Streaming Score | 93 Best | 87 |
| Servers | 3,200 | 4,600 Best |
| Countries | 100 Best | 91 |
| Max Devices | Unlimited Best | 10 |
| Monthly Price | $12.95/mo | $9.99/mo Best |
| Best Price (2-year) | $2.19/mo Best | $4.99/mo |
| Kill Switch | ✓ | ✓ |
| No-Logs Policy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split Tunneling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Double VPN | ✓ | ✓ |
| Netflix Support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Torrenting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Headquarters | Netherlands | Switzerland |
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: ~86% speed retained
- Upload: ~82% speed retained
- Latency: +5ms average
- Download: ~85% speed retained
- Upload: ~80% speed retained
- Latency: +6ms average
Winner: Surfshark – Faster download speeds and lower latency in our tests.
Privacy & Security
Privacy is the primary reason most people use a VPN. Here's how Surfshark and ProtonVPN compare on security features and privacy practices.
Surfshark
- ✓ No-Logs Policy
- ✓ Kill Switch
- ✓ Double VPN
- ✓ Netherlands jurisdiction
ProtonVPN
- ✓ No-Logs Policy
- ✓ Kill Switch
- ✓ Double VPN
- ✓ Switzerland jurisdiction
Winner: ProtonVPN – Stronger privacy features and better jurisdiction.
Streaming & Unblocking
Can these VPNs unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services? Here's what we found.
Surfshark
ProtonVPN
Winner: Surfshark – Better streaming unblocking success rate.
Pricing Comparison
Value matters. Here's how Surfshark and ProtonVPN compare on price across different subscription lengths.
Winner: Surfshark – $2.80/mo cheaper on the best plan.
Our Verdict
Surfshark
- Faster speeds (91 vs 89)
- Superior streaming unblocking
- More affordable pricing
- More simultaneous connections (unlimited)
ProtonVPN
Still a solid choice. ProtonVPN excels in:
- More servers
- Privacy
- Security
Frequently Asked Questions
Surfshark is faster with a speed score of 91/100 compared to ProtonVPN's 89/100. In our tests, Surfshark retained more of your base connection speed, especially on long-distance servers.
ProtonVPN scores higher on privacy (99/100). Both have verified no-logs policies. Surfshark is based in Netherlands while ProtonVPN is in Switzerland.
Yes, Surfshark is cheaper at $2.19/month on the 2-year plan compared to ProtonVPN's $4.99/month. Surfshark offers 56% savings.
Yes, both VPNs reliably unblock Netflix. Surfshark has a higher streaming score (93/100) and may work with more Netflix regions.
ProtonVPN has more servers with 4,600 servers in 91 countries. Surfshark has 3,200 servers in 100 countries.
Both support P2P/torrenting. Surfshark scores higher for torrenting (90/100) with optimized P2P servers.
Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, while ProtonVPN allows 10. 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 Surfshark for most users. It Budget and offers better pricing. However, ProtonVPN may be better if you specifically need Privacy.