Choosing between Surfshark and NordVPN can be challenging as both are leading VPN services with impressive features. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll analyze everything from pricing and performance to security features and streaming capabilities. By the end, you’ll know exactly which VPN best suits your specific needs, whether you’re prioritizing budget, speed, security, or content access.

Surfshark vs NordVPN: Quick Comparison Overview

Before diving into the details, let’s look at how these two VPN giants stack up against each other in key areas. Both services offer strong security features, extensive server networks, and reliable performance, but they excel in different areas.

Pricing and Subscription Plans

Cost is often a deciding factor when choosing a VPN service. Let’s compare the pricing structures of Surfshark and NordVPN to determine which offers better value for your money.

Subscription Plans Comparison

Premium Tiers and Add-ons

Both VPNs offer tiered subscription plans with additional features beyond basic VPN protection:

Payment Options

Both services offer multiple payment methods for flexibility and privacy:

• Credit/debit cards
• PayPal
• Google Pay and Apple Pay
• Cryptocurrencies (for anonymous payments)

NordVPN also accepts cash payments at select retail locations, providing an additional layer of anonymity for privacy-conscious users.

Features and Functionality Comparison

Both Surfshark and NordVPN offer robust feature sets that go beyond basic VPN functionality. Let’s examine their key features, security protocols, and unique offerings to see which service provides better overall value.

Core Security Features

VPN Protocols

The VPN protocol determines how your data is transmitted between your device and the VPN server, affecting both security and speed:

Specialty Servers

Both VPNs offer specialized servers for specific use cases:

Unique Features

Performance and Speed Test Results

Speed is crucial when choosing a VPN, as encryption and routing can slow down your connection. We conducted extensive tests to compare Surfshark and NordVPN’s performance across different server locations and protocols.

Download Speed Comparison

We tested both VPNs on a 500 Mbps baseline connection across multiple server locations. Here are the average download speeds:

Upload Speed Comparison

Latency (Ping) Comparison

For gaming and video calls, low latency is crucial. Here’s how both VPNs performed:

Protocol Performance

We also tested OpenVPN performance, which showed significant differences:

• NordVPN’s OpenVPN speeds averaged 200-270 Mbps
• Surfshark’s OpenVPN speeds struggled to exceed 100 Mbps (typically 70-90 Mbps)
• Both VPNs performed best with their modern protocols (NordLynx and WireGuard)

Server Network and Global Coverage

A VPN’s server network determines how easily you can access content from different regions and affects overall performance. Let’s compare the global coverage of Surfshark and NordVPN.

Network Size and Distribution

Regional Coverage Highlights

While NordVPN has more servers overall, Surfshark covers some unique locations:

Server Types and Specializations

Both VPNs offer specialized servers for different use cases:

Streaming and Unblocking Capabilities

Many users choose VPNs primarily to access geo-restricted streaming content. We tested both Surfshark and NordVPN with popular streaming platforms to see which performs better.

Streaming Platform Compatibility

Smart DNS Feature

Both VPNs offer Smart DNS functionality, allowing you to stream content on devices that don’t support VPN apps:

• NordVPN SmartPlay: Integrated directly into the VPN apps for easier setup
• Surfshark SmartDNS: Requires manual configuration but works effectively

Streaming Performance

Beyond just unblocking content, we also evaluated streaming quality:

• Both VPNs streamed content in HD and 4K without buffering on nearby servers
• NordVPN connected slightly faster to streaming platforms
• Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature blocked ads during in-browser streaming
• Both VPNs maintained consistent connections during extended viewing sessions

Torrenting and P2P Capabilities

For users who engage in peer-to-peer file sharing, a VPN’s torrenting capabilities are crucial. Let’s compare how Surfshark and NordVPN handle P2P traffic.

P2P Support and Specialized Servers

• NordVPN: Offers clearly labeled P2P-optimized servers in 53 countries
• Surfshark: Supports P2P on all servers, with specialized servers available (search “P2P” to find)

Torrenting Performance

We tested both VPNs by downloading a 4.3GB legal torrent file:

• NordVPN completed the download 16% faster than Surfshark
• NordVPN offers a SOCKS5 proxy for faster torrenting (less secure than full VPN)
• Both VPNs maintained stable connections throughout the download

Privacy Features for Torrenting

Both VPNs include essential privacy features for safe torrenting:

• Kill switch to prevent data leaks if the VPN connection drops
• No-logs policies verified by independent audits
• Strong encryption to protect your activities
• IP/DNS leak protection

User Interface and Ease of Use

A VPN’s interface can significantly impact your experience, especially for beginners. We compared the apps of both services across different platforms to evaluate their user-friendliness.

Desktop Applications

Mobile Applications

Both VPNs offer mobile apps that mirror their desktop counterparts in functionality:

Special Platform Support

Both VPNs support additional platforms beyond standard desktop and mobile:

• Browser Extensions: Both offer Chrome, Firefox, and Edge extensions
• Smart TVs: Both work with Android TV and Amazon Fire TV
• Gaming Consoles: Both support PlayStation and Xbox via Smart DNS
• Linux: Surfshark offers a graphical app, while NordVPN requires command line
• Routers: Both offer router support for whole-home protection

Simultaneous Connections

Customer Support Quality

When issues arise with your VPN, responsive and knowledgeable customer support becomes crucial. We evaluated the support options offered by both Surfshark and NordVPN.

Support Channels

Live Chat Experience

Self-Help Resources

Both VPNs offer extensive self-help resources:

• NordVPN: Interactive troubleshooting tools, detailed setup guides with screenshots, searchable knowledge base
• Surfshark: Video tutorials, well-organized help categories, visual guides, multilingual support

Privacy Policies and Jurisdiction

A VPN’s privacy policy and legal jurisdiction can significantly impact how well it protects your data. We examined the privacy practices of both Surfshark and NordVPN.

Jurisdiction Comparison

Logging Policies

Both VPNs maintain strict no-logs policies:

• NordVPN: No-logs policy audited four times by PwC and Deloitte
• Surfshark: No-logs policy audited by Deloitte in 2022 and 2025
• Neither VPN stores connection timestamps, session information, IP addresses, or browsing data
• Both use RAM-only servers that wipe all data with each reboot

Privacy Features

Transparency and Audits

• NordVPN: Regular independent audits since 2018, transparency reports on government requests
• Surfshark: Independent audits since 2018, with more recent privacy policy verification
• Both VPNs operate bug bounty programs to identify and fix security vulnerabilities
• Both have transitioned to RAM-only server infrastructure

Device Compatibility and Simultaneous Connections

A good VPN should work across all your devices and allow enough simultaneous connections to cover your household. Let’s compare the device support and connection limits of Surfshark and NordVPN.

Supported Platforms

Simultaneous Connections

Router Installation

Both VPNs can be installed on compatible routers, which counts as just one connection while protecting all devices connected to your network:

• Both provide detailed router setup guides
• Both support DD-WRT, Tomato, and AsusWRT router firmware
• Both offer pre-configured router options through FlashRouters

Pros and Cons Summary

Let’s summarize the strengths and weaknesses of both VPN services to help you make an informed decision.

Recommendations for Different User Types

Based on our comprehensive comparison, here are our recommendations for different types of users:

Final Verdict: Which VPN Is Better?

After our comprehensive comparison of Surfshark vs NordVPN across multiple categories, it’s clear that both are excellent VPN services with different strengths. Your ideal choice depends on your specific needs and priorities.

Choose NordVPN if:

• You prioritize speed and performance
• Privacy is your primary concern (Panama jurisdiction)
• You need the most effective ad and malware blocking
• You’re a gamer who needs low latency
• You frequently torrent files
• You want access to the Tor network through Onion Over VPN

Choose Surfshark if:

• You’re on a tight budget
• You need to protect unlimited devices
• You want unique privacy features like Alternative ID and GPS spoofing
• You use Linux and prefer a graphical interface
• You need to access Sky Go or Disney+ Hotstar
• You want a simpler, more streamlined user experience

Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can try either service risk-free. If you’re still undecided, you could even test both and keep the one that works best for your specific needs.