The moment you enter the digital space, your digital privacy is constantly under threat. With the rise of cyber threats and government surveillance, it’s of utmost importance to have a reliable virtual private network (VPN) to protect your sensitive data and maintain privacy when browsing the internet.
In this realm, two prominent names have been battling it out for supremacy since their inception. Those big names are Surfshark and NordVPN.
They both are known for their exceptional features and capabilities. With an abundance of features and competitive pricing, choosing between these two can feel overwhelming.
But as we enter 2024, which of these two giants will reign supreme? Keep on reading this guide as we explore the features, performance, and overall user experience of both Surfshark and NordVPN to determine which VPN deserves the crown in this highly competitive market.
So buckle up and get ready to witness a battle for virtual supremacy like no other!
Surfshark is a modern VPN service that has swiftly made its mark in the crowded digital landscape, whereas, NordVPN is a well-established player in the VPN market and is known for its top-notch security capabilities and user-friendly interface.
Surfshark was launched in 2018 with a focus on user experience while ensuring top-notch protection against prying eyes. On the other hand, NordVPN was founded in 2012 and has gained popularity among privacy-conscious users around the globe.
Let’s take a closer look at its offerings and get a clear image between the two:
| Aspect | NordVPN | Surfshark |
| Number of servers | 6200+ | 3200+ |
| Server countries | 111 | 100 |
| Simultaneously connected devices | 10 | Unlimited |
| Rating | 4.9 ★★★★★ | 4.7 ★★★★★ |
| Overall rank | #1 out of #41 | #2 out of #41 |
| Lowest monthly price | $3.69/mo | $2.19/mo |
| VPN protocols | WireGuard (NordLynx), OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Streaming services | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more |
| Data encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| No-logs policy | Yes | Yes |
| Tracker blocker | Yes | Yes |
| Data breach alert | Yes | Yes |
| Dedicated IP address | Yes | Yes |
| Ad blocker | Yes | Yes |
| Malware blocker | Yes | Yes |
| AI-based phishing protection | Yes | No |
| 24/7 customer support | Yes | Yes |
| Meshnet for sharing files | Yes | No |
| Independent audits | Yes | Yes |
| Cookie pop-up blocker | Yes | Yes |
Concerning price, Surfshark is way cheaper than NordVPN. Both VPNs offer one-month, 12-month, and 24-month plans.
If you are new to using VPN, consider getting a cheaper plan. But it’s been a long time since you are dealing with VPNs, so choose a longer subscription period. VPN which provides you with extra features.
Here is a comparison of its prices, plans, and special deals:
| Subscription Plan | Surfshark | NordVPN |
| 1-month plan | $15.45/month | $12.99/month |
| 1-year plan | $2.99/month | $4.99/month |
| 2-year plan | $2.19/month | $3.09/month |
| Current deal | Now up to 86% OFF + 3 months FREE | Now up to 74% OFF + 3 months for free! |
Both of these VPN service providers accept a variety of payment methods which include credit card, cryptocurrency, AmazonPay, Sofort, PayPal, Google Pay, prepaid (debit) card, and more.
When looking at Surfshark vs NordVPN, features take center stage. Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections on all devices, whereas NordVPN shines with its extensive server network.
However, each service provider comes with a set of unique features that makes it difficult to determine which is better overall concerning features.
To some extent, this could get easier. With that said, here is a comparison of features offered by both the service providers:
| Features | Surfshark | NordVPN |
| Smart DNS | Yes | Yes |
| Dedicated IP* | Yes | Yes |
| Ad blocker | Yes | Yes |
| Cookie pop-up blocker | Yes | Yes |
| GPS spoofing | Yes | No |
| Browser Extensions | Yes | Yes |
| Split tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | Yes | Yes |
| Alternative ID | Yes | No |
| eSIM* | No |
Researchers have tested the speed of the Surfshark and NordVPN across five locations. The test was done on NordLynx and WireGuard protocols to see which services were faster on average.
The results from the test are as follows:
| Download Retention | ||
| State | Surfshark | NordVPN |
| US (NY) | 96% (482 Mbit/s) | 93% (467 Mbit/s) |
| Singapore | 89% (449 Mbit/s) | 90% (453 Mbit/s) |
| France | 96% (481 Mbit/s) | 95% (478 Mbit/s) |
| United Kingdom | 93% (467 Mbit/s) | 94% (473 Mbit/s) |
| Australia | 86% (433 Mbit/s) | 88% (443 Mbit/s) |
| Upload Retention | ||
| State | Surfshark | NordVPN |
| US (NY) | 79% (399 Mbit/s) | 92% (462 Mbit/s) |
| Singapore | 15% (75 Mbit/s) | 87% (438 Mbit/s) |
| France | 79% (395 Mbit/s) | 92% (462 Mbit/s) |
| United Kingdom | 84% (424 Mbit/s) | 92% (461 Mbit/s) |
| Australia | 25% (127 Mbit/s) | 53% (268 Mbit/s) |
If we compare both VPNs, NordVPN delivers better connectivity and provides an average of 471 Mbit/s download and 378 Mbit/s upload speeds.
On the flip side, the average speed of Surfshark is approximately 468 Mbit/s download and 326 Mbit/s upload speed. However, NordVPN is better and faster than Surfshark.
We understand you all hate buffering, and no one can change this fact. Especially, it gets worse as you stream movies, and it gets closer to its climax. To avoid such situations, having a reliable and faster VPN by your side is a surefire way to avoid buffering.
Luckily, you have both Surfshark and NordVPN to save the game for you as it has the fastest servers. Since unlocking Netflix and other streaming platforms is one of the popular use cases among VPN users, it is getting vital to compare, which is better or which is not.
When we started testing these VPNs, we found that there was no trouble in bypassing geographical restrictions from different platforms, and the content was streaming without lag or buffering.
| Platform | Surfshark | NordVPN |
| Amazon Prime Video | Yes | Yes |
| HBO Max | Yes | Yes |
| Netflix | Yes | Yes |
| YouTube and YouTube TV | Yes | Yes |
| Apple TV | Yes | Yes |
| Disney + | Yes | Yes |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes | Yes |
| Hulu | Yes | Yes |
Overall, both Surfshark and NordVPN worked well with plenty of streaming sites. And the best part is, it offers Smart DNS features that will allow users to stream content on devices without VPN app support.
Concerning the security of both NordVPN and Surfshark, they both provide a secure VPN connection that will shield your online traffic from prying eyes. They both cater to privacy enthusiasts willing to invest a little more for advanced protection.
Here is a detailed overview of their main security features:
| Security Features | NordVPN | Surfshark |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| Hash | SHA-512 | SHA-512 |
| Cloaking technology | Obfuscated servers | NoBorders obfuscation |
| VPN Protocols | WireGuard (NordLynx), OpenVPN, IkeV2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IkeV2 |
| Dark web monitor | Yes | Yes |
| Malware scanner | Yes | Yes |
| AI-based phishing detection | Yes | No |
| MFA protection | Yes | Yes |
| Antivirus | No | Yes |
| Double VPN | Yes (Double VPN) | Yes (MultiHop) |
| Dedicated IP | Yes | Yes |
| Ad blocker | Yes | Yes |
| RAM servers | Yes | Yes |
| Tracker blocker | Yes | Yes |
| Onion over VPN | Yes | Yes |
| DNS leak protection | Yes | Yes |
| No-logs policy | Yes | Yes |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes |
| Breach monitor | Yes (Dark Web Monitor) | Yes (Alert) |
| 9-Eyes jurisdiction | No | Yes |
As you can see, they both share the same security and encryption features. Hence, you will get industry-leading encryption, protocols, and extra features with both VPN service providers.
Gone are the days when people just talk the talk, it’s time to walk the walk and prove what you are claiming. In this realm, most VPN companies undergo independent security audits to prove they are worth your trust.
Concerning audits, the most popular auditors are Cure53, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), and firms within the Big Four.
Now, let’s explore both Surfshark and NordVPN audits:
To prove their claim about security, Surfshark had Cure53 audit its browser extensions in 2018. Later in 2021, the audit of the whole infrastructure followed, which was again done by Cure53.
In this audit, the only matter of concern was missing proof of their no-logs statement. Towards the end of 2022, it was achieved by an insurance report from Deloitte, one of the Big Four firms.
In December 2023, its app for Android passed the MASA independent security audit and was tested for sensitive data handling, user authentication, cryptography, code quality, secure session management, and API security.
NordVPN took a step forward and has completed three separate no-log policy audits. Amongst them, two of them were completed in 2018 and the remaining one was completed in 2020 by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Later, this VPN was audited at the end of 2022. At this time, Deloitte completed the most recent no-logs assurance report for it.
Most importantly, NordVPN underwent a complete security audit of its app by VerSprite in 2019. Overall, during these audits, there were no critical security issues found.
Both VPN providers offer exceptional customer support, be it through live chat and email support. They both take pride in their extensive knowledge base and YouTube channels that provide a lot of useful information to their audience.
When you try contacting them for support, both providers’ customer service, you will totally get connected to an agent in all instances. Also, you will have different customer support options like:
| Customer Service | Surfshark | NordVPN |
| 24/7 live chat | Yes | Yes |
| Ticket support | Yes | Yes |
| Phone line | No | No |
| Email support | Yes | Yes |
| Searchable knowledge base | Yes | Yes |
| Video guides | Yes (on YouTube) | Yes (on YouTube) |
As you have just read, neither of the providers of phone support. But anyway, you have the option to access 24 seven like chat if you prefer a more direct approach or need to get in touch with a human.
Now that we are done with the comparison part. Let’s move ahead and figure out the key differences between Surfshark and not VPN:
That’s not it, both VPNs have more to offer than just a secure VPN service and great connection speeds.
Here are some of the pros and cons you can look for to make decisions:
| VPN | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN |
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| Surfshark |
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Here’s a brief summary of all the things you should took into consideration:
Conversely, if security measures paired with high-speed performance fit your requirements better, then NordVPN would serve you well.
