Surfshark vs. NordVPN: Which VPN suits you better in 2024? (2024)

Surfshark vs. NordVPN: Comparing features and performance

Both Surfshark VPN and NordVPN deliver on the main promise of a quality virtual private network service – to provide you with a fast and secure VPN connection to shield your online traffic from snoopers. However, there is more to these VPNs.

We’ve compiled a comprehensive table with the essential features and performance characteristics of these VPN services to help you decide which one to choose:

VPN servers

The more servers a provider offers, the better your chances at enjoying fast connection speeds and avoiding lag. Server locations are also very important because connection speed depends to an extent on the distance between you and the server. So choose the provider that offers more servers in the locations you need to access.

NordVPN offers more than 6,100 ultra-fast VPN servers in 61 countries, while Surfshark has over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. Overall, NordVPN has more servers in Europe and North America, while Surfshark offers more choices in Asia, Africa, and South America.

VPN speed

At NordVPN, we’re using the NordLynx protocol, our version of the cutting-edge WireGuard® technology, to offer blazing speeds without buffering or lag. Surfshark also uses the industry-leading WireGuard communication protocol to stay right on the heels of NordVPN in terms of connection speed.

To give you an overview of NordVPN and Surfshark’s server capabilities, we tested the average download speed on their servers in the US, the UK, France, and Singapore. Here is what we found:

Video transmission

For ultra-high definition video transmission without buffering, fast NordVPN’s servers are a go-to choice. Surfshark also offers good speeds, though they might vary more than NordVPN’s.

Gaming

NordVPN is an excellent service for gamers – it provides a stable connection and a minimal lag. Surfshark also offers good speeds and lets you avoid bandwidth throttling based on activities but it doesn’t have an equivalent to NordVPN’s Meshnet.

If you choose NordVPN for gaming, you also get the free Meshnet feature for LAN games. With Meshnet, you can connect devices directly, wherever in the world they are. You don’t need port forwarding when you’re using Meshnet – simply link up with others to form a secure virtual LAN and play online games with your friends.

Security comparison

Both NordVPN and Surfshark provide a secure VPN connection to shield your online traffic from prying eyes. Here is a detailed display of the main security features of these VPN services:

Infrastructure and encryption

NordVPN and Surfshark’s server infrastructures operate on RAM-only hardware, which eliminates the use of hard drives for long-term data storing. Each time the servers reboot, they erase all stored data and keep no records once powered down.

NordVPN and Surfshark both offer robust data encryption – they use advanced AES-256 encryption, providing a secure and fast connection.

No-log policy and independent audits

These VPN providers follow a no-logs policy and regularly commission independent security audits to earn their users’ trust. The most recent infrastructure audits were performed by the Big Four firm Deloitte – it audited Surfshark in 2022 and NordVPN at the end of 2023. Deloitte issued assurance reports for each VPN provider confirming their no-logs policy.

Extra protection features

Both NordVPN and Surfshark have extra protection features which include:

• A kill switch. A kill switch protects your data from accidental exposure by blocking your internet access if your VPN connection unexpectedly drops.
• DNS leak protection. Both providers prevent DNS leaks by only using company-operated DNS servers. Once you connect to a VPN server, your DNS address automatically adapts to the server to prevent DNS leaks.
• MFA protection. MFA secures your account with one or more authentication methods in addition to your password. For your NordVPN account, you can use authenticator apps like Google Authenticator or Authy, or you can opt for a physical security key or a built-in passkey, depending on your device and browser. For your Surfshark VPN account, you can use Google Authenticator or Duo Mobile, or you can choose to receive temporary security codes into your inbox.
• Protection from malware. NordVPN offers Threat Protection – an integrated anti-malware tool, while Surfshark has its alternative – the CleanWeb malware protection tool.
• Obfuscated servers. Both Surfshark and NordVPN offer the option of obfuscated servers to allow their users to hide the fact they’re rerouting their traffic with a VPN.
• Dedicated IP address. You can get a dedicated IP address from both NordVPN and Surfshark. It’s a private IP address that belongs only to you. A dedicated IP helps you to avoid blocklisting or having your access to websites limited in other ways.
• Double VPN. NordVPN’s Double VPN and Surfshark’s MultiHop route your internet traffic through two VPN servers instead of just one, encrypting your data twice for an extra layer of privacy.

When comparing NordVPN and Surfshark’s extra protection features, NordVPN stands out for its advanced web protection. Apart from removing ads and making websites look better, NordVPN’s Threat Protection tool uses AI-based technologies and machine learning to detect phishing websites, unsafe domains, double extensions, and malicious downloads.

Surfhark’s tool for malware protection CleanWeb also blocks trackers, ads, malicious websites and downloads, and prevents some phishing attempts by blocking fraudulent websites.

Another difference between the two VPN providers is that Surfshark offers Antivirus and webcam protection with its One and One+ plans. The antivirus protects your devices 24/7, while the webcam protection feature locks down your camera to prevent spying.

Device compatibility and simultaneous connections

You can download and use both NordVPN and Surfshark on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Chromebook. In December 2023, NordVPN took it one step further and introduced their VPN app for tvOS, so that you can secure your connection on Apple TV.

As for simultaneous connections, Surfshark takes the lead – it offers unlimited simultaneous connections with a single subscription. With NordVPN, you can connect up to six devices at the same with one account. That said, you can install NordVPN on your router to protect all devices connected to your network.

Customer support

Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer 24/7 customer support. If you have an issue with your VPN service, you can find an article with a solution in the Help Center or contact the customer support agents directly by writing an email or using the live chat option.

Additional company benefits

NordVPN and Surfshark have more to offer than just a secure VPN service and great connection speeds. Here are other benefits from both VPN providers.

Additional NordVPN benefits

With different NordVPN subscription plans, you can enjoy some or all of these extra features:

• NordPass. This cross-platform password manager lets you synchronize and back up passwords across all your devices.
• NordLocker. It keeps your files private and secure in a 1TB encrypted cloud storage. Your files sync and backup across devices automatically.
• NordLayer. It’s a business VPN solution for protecting the access to an organization’ networks. It secures employees’ access to internal resources, protects cloud environments, and safeguards remote access.
• Data breach scanner. You can easily check if your passwords, addresses, or credit card details have appeared in a data breach and learn how to avoid further breaches.
• Cyber protection. With the NordVPN Ultimate plan, you can receive scam and online shopping fraud recovery benefits in the UK and identity theft benefits in the US for an extra peace of mind.
• Threat Protection. An advanced, AI- and machine-learning-based tool for blocking malicious websites, ads, trackers, and downloads.

Additional Surfshark benefits

If you opt for Sufrshark, you’ll be able to use some or all of these extra tools depending on your subscription plan:

• Antivirus. With 24/7 antivirus protection and the ability to choose which files and folders to scan.
• Alternative ID. It generates a new name, date of birth, a valid home address, and email address for online registrations.
• Private search engine. Surfshark Search keeps your search history private. You can change its location to get local search results.
• Incogni. You can have your personal data removed from company databases and people search sites.

Surfshark vs. NordVPN: Pricing, plans, and special deals

Both Surfshark and NordVPN have three different plans that you can subscribe to for one month, one year, or two years. To get the most out of a VPN service, it’s better – and cheaper – to choose a longer subscription period, which also gives you more extra features. You can visit our blog post to learn all about different NordVPN bundles.

Here are the most popular plans from NordVPN and Surfshark:

Payment options

Both of these VPN providers accept a variety of payment methods – credit card, cryptocurrency, PayPal, Google Pay, AmazonPay, Sofort, prepaid (debit) card, and more.

Special deals

NordVPN and Surfshark regularly offer special deals and promotions. They also collaborate with influencers who offer their followers the best VPN deals, so be on the lookout for discounts from your favorite content creators.

If you’ve already made your mind up to choose NordVPN – go ahead and use the PewDiePie NordVPN discount code. Or if you’re still pondering, head to Surfshark and check out their deals.

User reviews and community feedback

NordVPN constantly receives great reviews and ratings from both users and tech experts at TechRadar, PCMag, Forbes, and Wired. Surfshark doesn’t lack raving reviews either, benefit-wise ticking some of the same boxes as NordVPN.

If you’ve ever searched the phrase “surfshark vs. nordvpn reddit,” you’ve probably seen numerous reviews on Reddit that usually say the same thing – both VPN providers offer good speed, top-notch security, and easy-to-use apps. However, the main benefits they provide are slightly different, so take a look at the following table and see what you get with each VPN provider.

Deciding on the best VPN service: Surfshark or NordVPN?

NordVPN and Surfshark both deliver on the privacy and speed fronts, but there are certain areas where each excels that might sway your opinion. To help you decide which VPN service is best for you, we’ve compiled a list of the main pros you receive from each provider:

Both VPN services offer a 30-day money-guarantee period, so you can try them risk-free. This offer is different from a free trial – you will have to pay for the service upfront, but you can get a full refund if you aren’t satisfied. So go ahead and try NordVPN for 30 days to improve your online privacy and experience the best connection speeds in the VPN industry.