Surfshark vs NordVPN: Which is the Best VPN for Everyday Use?

There is an ongoing debate on the internet about the top VPNs: “Surfshark vs NordVPN, which is better?”

However, the results are always ambiguous. However, since these are the two best-in-class VPNs on the market, I understand why it’s causing such a dilemma.

So, to put an end to this debate, I did my research and tested out the two services. Here, I’ll discuss my findings and compare the providers based on different parameters to help you pick one that actually suits you.

Surfshark Vs NordVPN: A Brief Look

Surfshark and NordVPN are the top VPNs in the market, best known for their secure and fast connections. The developer of NordVPN, Nord Security, merged the two services in 2022, though they operate separately.

Here’s a quick comparison of NordVPN vs Surfshark.

Features	Surfshark	NordVPN
Ratings	4.3/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Trustpilot)	4.2/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Trustpilot)
Overall Rank in Best VPNs	#1	#2
No. of Servers	3200+	6000+
Server Countries	100	111
No logs Policy	✅	✅
Price	From $2.99/month	From $1.99/month
Coupons	Up to 86% off	NordVPN Coupons
VPNs Protocols	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2	WireGuard (NordLynx), OpenVPN, IKEv2
Data Encryption	AES-256	AES-256
10 Gbps Servers	✅	✅
24/7 Support	✅	✅
Money-back Guarantee	30 days	30 days
Operating Systems	MacOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, Chromebook, tvOS	MacOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, Chromebook, tvOS
Streaming Services	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more
Platforms	Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
Simultaneous Connections	Unlimited	10
Dedicated IP address	✅	✅
Kill Switch	✅	✅
Split Tunnelling	✅	✅
P2P support	✅	✅
Ad blocker	✅	✅
Data breach alert	✅	✅
AI-based phishing protection	❌	✅
Meshnet for sharing files	❌	✅
Independent audits	✅	✅
GPS Spoofing	✅ (on Android)	❌

Now, we’ll have a detailed comparison of Surfshark Vs Nordvpn in detail to see which suits you better.

Server and Locations

VPN servers are usually the key features one should be looking for in a VPN. 

These servers affect your connection speed based on the distance between you and the server. Thus, you should choose the VPN with the most servers in your location.

NordVPN offers a larger number of servers compared to Surfshark. The former mainly covers Europe and North America, while the latter offers its services in Asia, Africa, and South America.

FYI, Surfshark provides 50+ European locations, 40+ in America, 30+ in Asia and the Pacific region, and 9 in Africa and the Middle East, summing up to 3200 servers.

While NordVPN has 40+ European locations, 20+ in the Americas, 15 in Asia and the Pacific region, and 4 servers in Africa and the Middle East, summing up to 6700 servers.

	Servers	Countries (total)	Virtual Locations
Surfshark	3200+	100	✅
NordVPN	6700+	111	✅

Though Surfshark offers various locations to pick out from, NordVPN has relatively more servers in an exact location. Both provide 10Gbps servers, meaning you don’t have to worry about speed on either of them.

However, I can’t dare to comment on which is better, as it depends on where you are using it from! If Surfshark offers more servers in your location, then it’s the one for you.

Winner: NordVPN

Speed

If you are sick of the generational lagging and buffering, you must pay attention to the VPN’s speed. It can help you save that precious extra minute that you would rather spend on gaming or streaming.

Surfshark and NordVPN are luckily the top dogs in the industry when it comes to speed. 

When these two were tested together, here’s what I found:

	Surfshark	NordVPN
Local server download speed (Mbps)	238.46	236.50
Local server upload speed (Mbps)	190.08	179.71
Local server ping (ms)	44	10
International server download average (Mbps)	181,09	189,06
International server upload average (Mbps)	60,5	59,92
International server ping average (ms)	237	237

As you can see in the table, the difference is nearly insignificant. However, you must remember that it might be different for every user based on where they are, the ISP they use, or the traffic on the server.

If you are wondering about what speed you’ll get in your country, you might want to take a look below:

Countries	Surfshark	NordVPN
US	2,063 Mbps	1,783 Mbps
UK	2,542 Mbps	2,153 Mbps
Netherlands	2,881 Mbps	2,528 Mpps
Singapore	1,426 Mbps	1,268 Mbps

Through all these tests, you can see it was a close match! When it comes to download speeds, both VPNs are almost similar, though NordVPN is slightly better in terms of upload speeds.

Nevertheless, NordVPN offers faster speed than Surfshark. While some won’t be able to tell the difference, NordVPN certainly delivers better connectivity and speed using its NordLynx protocol.

Whether you are looking to use a VPN for video transmission or gaming, NordVPN is better in every aspect.

Winner: NordVPN

VPN Protocols

It is one of the important technical features that decides how data will travel over your device and the VPN servers. If you find this term hard to understand, just remember that it makes sure your online activities remain safe at all times.

Both VPNs share the same protocols with only a slight difference.

Protocols	Surfshark	NordVPN
OpenVPN	✅	✅
IKEv2	✅	✅
WireGuard	✅	✅ (NordLynx)

You can see in the table above that NordVPN is the only one with NordLynx (a protocol built around the WireGuard VPN protocol). This protocol was developed by NordVPN and is said to be faster and more secure.

Winner: NordVPN

Streaming, Gaming, and Torrenting Performance

From my experience with streaming and VPNs, I have realized one thing: I hate buffering and the lags. I think we all feel the same.

You can avoid these constant lags by using a VPN with faster speeds.  you must also check whether the VPN works with the streaming service you pay for.

Surfshark supports Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, DAZN, Hotstar, IPTV, Crunchyroll, Roku, YLE Areena, AbemaTV, etc.

While with NordVPN, you can use Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, BBC iPlayer, and the DAZN channel.

If you are looking for a service provider that can easily support your extensive gaming sessions, I recommend you look out for dedicated IP or static IP servers in a VPN.

NordVPN offers slightly better streaming performance compared to Surfshark!

As someone who has been torrenting movies for a while, I thought I should include this. So, here we are!

During my research, I found that both VPNs allow torrenting. However, the catch is that the speeds are a bit lower on Surfshark, while NordVPN allows torrenting on only specialized P2P servers.

Winner: NordVPN

Security and Encryption

“Security is always excessive until it’s not enough.” – Robbie Sinclair

VPNs’ main purpose is to protect users from prying eyes, and that’s why security plays a huge part here. Luckily, both of our VPNs offer secure connections.

Take a look at what these two providers can offer you:

Security Features	Surfshark	NordVPN
VPN Protocols	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IkeV2	WireGuard (NordLynx), OpenVPN, IkeV2
Encryption	AES-256	AES-256
MFA protection	✅	✅
Hash	SHA-512	SHA-512
RAM Servers	✅	✅
Antivirus	✅ (Premium plan)	❌
Breach monitor	✅ (Alert)	✅ (Dark Web Monitor)
Cloaking technology	NoBorders obfuscation	Obfuscated servers
App Security	Kill Switch	Kill Switch
DNS Status	Private DNS	Private DNS
Tracker blocker	✅	✅
Ad blocker	✅	✅
Malware scanner	✅	✅
AI-based phishing detection	❌	✅
Dark web monitor	✅	✅
Private DNS	✅	✅
DNS leak protection	✅	✅
Double VPN	✅ (Multihop)	✅ (Double VPN)
Onion over VPN	✅	✅
Dedicated IP	✅	✅
No-logs policy	✅	✅

• Infrastructure: Both VPNs use RAM-only hardware to store long-term data instead of hard drives.

• Encryption: They use AES-256 data encryption, an algorithm that is as tough as nails.

• No-log Policy and Independent Audits: Both follow a strict no-log policy and do not collect any user information. They also conduct independent security audits to show the public that they can be trusted.

• Kill Switch: It’s a feature that turns off your internet connection whenever your VPN connection is broken to protect you from hackers.

• DNS Leak Protection: Both of them use company-operated servers to stop unauthorized authorities from tracking the websites or apps you use.

• MFA Protection: It means using multiple methods for authentication, such as apps like Google authenticator or security keys or codes. 

• Obfuscated Servers: Both VPNs have obfuscated servers that hide the fact that you’re even using a VPN.

When put against each other, Surfshark and NordVPN showed similarities in their encryption and privacy features. So, it would be hard to choose the winner of Surfshark Vs NordVPN security.

Winner: Tie

Audits

Those days are gone when companies only needed to say, “We’re reliable,” and people would believe that with closed eyes. Now, it’s the age where the public demands evidence, and audits are one solid way of doing that.

The first audit Surfshark did was in 2018, and it was for its browser extensions. Later, it audited its whole infrastructure, and by 2022, it got an assurance report from Deloitte. It also audited its Android app somewhere in 2023, which showed no major issues.

As for NordVPN, it has already done three separate no-log policy audits, and by 2022, it had the no-log assurance report. Its apps also went through security audits, and there wasn’t any major issue with them.

Privacy

”If it’s on the internet, it isn’t private.”

Apart from securing your online activities, VPNs must also excel in keeping your privacy hidden and safe. Fortunately, both VPNs consider your privacy a top and foremost job.

Privacy Features	Surfshark	NordVPN
Jurisdiction	Netherlands	Panama
Connection logs	❌	❌
Activity logs	❌	❌
RAM servers	✅	✅
Independent Audits	✅	✅
Warrant Canary	✅	❌
Anonymous payment options	Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple	Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple

These privacy features include the no-logs policies, RAM-only servers, and headquarters locations.

No-logs policy means that the service provider won’t store or collect your data, track your location, or sell your data. While the RAM-only servers suggest that they don’t store any of your data on physical drives.

Headquarter’s location also determines which data retention rules the company goes by. Since NordVPN is based in Panama and Surfshark in the Netherlands, you can rest assured about your privacy.

Winner: Tie

Device Compatibility and Connections

We can’t possibly leave out the compatibility and connections when talking about VPN. 

	Surfshark	NordVPN
Supported OS	Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS	Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, tvOS
Dedicated Linux app	✅	❌
Other software and devices	Android TVs, Fire devices, PlayStation, Xbox, Apple TV, and more	Kodi, Android TVs, Fire devices, PlayStation, Xbox, Chromecast, and more
Browser Extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Simultaneous connections	Unlimited	10

Now, let’s get into a bit more detail!

Simultaneous Connections

If you prefer good value for money, you must keep your eyes out for whether the VPN supports various devices at the same time. 

In this case, Surfshark seems to be leading the game. With a single Surfshark subscription, you can use the app on multiple devices. 

On the other hand, NordVPN only allows 10 connections at a maximum, and if you want to connect more devices, you would have to set up a router, which is so complicated.

Desktop and Mobile Apps

As I’ve shown in the table above, Surfshark is the only one with a dedicated Linux app. On Windows, it’s even better; it offers some special features that are often absent in macOS.

Both VPNs come in two versions on macOS: the Apple Store and the website version.

Surfshark and NordVPN have pretty amazing Android apps, but the iOS apps seem to be somewhat lacking. Despite all that, NordVPN’s iOS app is rated a bit higher than the other apps, though it doesn’t have the GPS spoofing feature.

Winner: Surfshark

Customer Support

All the user reviews I’ve dug up on the internet said that both Surfshark and NordVPN have excellent customer service. They are pretty good at communication and resolving people’s queries.

Their help page is always up-to-date, and they have various troubleshooting guides. If you come across any problems with the VPN, you can search the Help Center for these guides to help you.

Customer Service	Surfshark	NordVPN
Live chat	✅	✅
Ticket support	✅	✅
Email support	✅	✅
Knowledge base	✅	✅
Video guides	✅ (YouTube)	✅ (YouTube)

There is a live chat option and an official email to reach out to the customer support agents who personally handle your problems.

Winner: Tie

Pricing and Plans

I think we, as a community, are becoming more frugal. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, as it’s the only way to afford the expensive way of living. So, it’s only normal to choose an affordable service.

Hence, here I’ve compared the two services side by side, comparing their basic and premium plans.

Period	Surfshark		NordVPN
	Basic	Premium	Basic	Premium
1 month	$15.45	$15.95	$12.99	$13.99
12 months	$3.49/month	$3.77/month	$4.59/month	$5.99/month
24 months	$1.99/month	$3.06/month	$3.69/month	$4.99/month
Money-back guarantee	30 days	30 days	30 days	30 days

It would be better to choose a longer plan, as it is cheaper and comes with more features.

Surfshark and NordVPN both accept various payment methods, such as credit cards, cryptocurrency, PayPal, Google Pay, AmazonPay, Sofort, prepaid (debit) cards, etc. NordVPN even accepts payment through cash in retail in 6 countries to make things easy.

Winner: Surfshark

NordVPN vs Surfshark: Additional Features

Different from people’s beliefs, these VPNs have so much more to offer other than secure and private connections. Here are those underrated features of both service providers that I’ve found.

Additional Features	Surfshark	NordVPN
Ad blocker	✅	✅
Cookie pop-up blocker	✅	✅
Split tunneling	✅	✅
Browser Extensions	✅	✅
Smart DNS	✅	✅
Double VPN	✅	✅
GPS spoofing	✅	❌
Dedicated IP (Only Available in Premium)	✅	✅
Alternative ID	✅	❌
eSIM (Only Available in Premium)	❌	TBD

• Ad Blocker: NordVPN offers a Threat Protection Pro feature, while Surfshark has a CleanWeb tool that blocks all phishing and scams.

• Split Tunneling: Through this feature, you can route your traffic through a VPN and a local network. It can be useful when you want to protect your data, access wireless devices, or use two IPs at once.

• Smart DNS: Since various smart TVs and gaming consoles don’t support VPNs, you would need the smart DNS feature to use those services.

• Double VPN: It allows you to route traffic through two VPNs and get extra security. This feature is called MultiHop on Surfshark, though it works the same.

• GPS Spoofing: You can hide your location using GPS spoofing. But this option is only available on Surfshark’s Android app.

• Dedicated IP: Both of the services offer dedicated IP that only belongs to you, but it’s only available on the premium plan. NordVPN offers dedicated IP addresses in 18 countries, while Surfshark covers 14 locations in 10 countries.

• Alternative ID: Only limited to Surfshark, this feature lets you create a new account and email address to stay anonymous.

• eSIM: This year, NordVPN released eSIM, which helps users find affordable data plans in one place.

Winner: Surfshark

Surfshark vs. NordVPN Comparison: Quick Recap

Now, let’s take a recap of the different parameters we’ve discussed above!

Comparison Factors	Surfshark	NordVPN
Servers and Locations	❌	✅
Speed	❌	✅
VPN Protocols	❌	✅
Streaming, Gaming, and Torrenting	❌	✅
Security and Encryption	✅	❌
Audits	Tie	Tie
Privacy	❌	✅
Device Compatibility and Connections	✅	❌
Customer Support	✅	❌
Pricing	✅	❌
Additional Benefits	✅	❌

Surfshark vs. NordVPN: Final Verdict

Whoa! That was a close match! 

Both services performed extremely well in the tests and exceeded my expectations.

Surfshark and NordVPN both excel in certain areas. As for NordVPN, you can enjoy various servers and fast and safe browsing, while Surfshark can offer unlimited connections at an affordable price and is more fitting for users in Asia, Africa, and South America.

However, there’s no denying that NordVPN is somewhat better than Surfshark.

However, the results could change based on your requirements and other cases, so it would be better to try them out for yourself. Both have a 30-day money-guarantee period, so you don’t need to worry about losing money.