Comparison

Surfshark vs. NordVPN 2024

By Novak Bozovic / December 15, 2023

Surfshark and NordVPN are at the forefront of the steeply competitive VPN industry. They might look similar when you check their lists of features, and yes - these two VPNs have a lot in common, and they're both among the best VPN services. However, upon taking a closer look, you'll find subtleties based on which you can decide which one is a better option for you.

First, we have NordVPN, a long-standing VPN from Panama with close to 6,000 servers in 60 countries. It's known for its ease of use, strong security and privacy features, the ability to unblock websites, and its tendency to evolve its services at a rapid pace.

Then, we have Surfshark, a newer VPN brand from the Netherlands that has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries worldwide. This VPN is also easy to use, has strong privacy and security features, and can unblock websites, but it has recently started expanding its service via new tools.

Both providers offer an excellent range of impressive features to meet all your needs. So, before we start our NordVPN vs. Surfshark comparison, here is an outline of their most prominent features so you can see how they rank in each category side by side.

NordVPN Surfshark
Jurisdiction Panama The Netherlands
Logs No logs - independently audited No logs - independently audited
Servers 5,900+ in 60 countries 3,200+ in 100 countries
Simultaneous Connections 6 Unlimited
Supported Devices Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, Web browsers, and more Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, web browsers, and more
Features Kill switch, split tunneling, private DNS, anti-tracking, and more Kill switch, split tunneling, private DNS, anti-tracking, and more
Protocols OpenVPN, NordLynx, IKEv2 WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN
Supports Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, torrenting, gaming, and more Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, torrenting, gaming, and more
Customer Support 24/7 live chat, email support, and more 24/7 live chat, email support, and more
Price From $2.99/month From $1.99/month
Our Score 9.5 out of 10 9.5 out of 10
Live Deal 69% off + 3 months FREE 86% OFF + 3 months FREE

In this comparison, we’ll show you all the differences and similarities between Surfshark and NordVPN. Then, we’ll compare all the essential features and services that they offer and select a winner based on the quality of those criteria. That way, you can choose which provider suits your needs and budget.

We will comparatively evaluate the two VPNs in categories like background, supported devices, data logging practices, installation processes, prominent features, ease of use, media streaming and torrenting support, performance, pricing, and more. 

Background, Jurisdiction & Reputation

Checking a VPN’s background is essential when deciding whether you should use it or not. It’s best to ensure that the VPN is outside the 5/9/14-Eyes Alliance and has had no privacy incidents. Let’s find out how Surfshark and NordVPN fare in this regard.

  NordVPN Surfshark
Jurisdiction Panama The Netherlands
No-Logs Policy   YES YES
Independent Audits YES (frequent) YES
Past Incidents YES (server breach) NO
RAM-Only Servers YES YES
Get NordVPN Get Surfshark

NordVPN (Score – 8.5/10)

NordVPN is based in Panama, which is an excellent location for privacy, as it has no mandatory data retention laws, meaning that NordVPN is not required to disclose its users’ data to the government. Furthermore, Panama is not a member of the 5/9/14-Eyes Alliance.

NordVPN goes through frequent independent security audits of its infrastructure and policies. Unfortunately, NordVPN has had troubles in the past. The provider experienced a server breach in 2018, which dented its reputation.

On the bright side, no user data was exposed during the breach, and since then, NordVPN has increased the frequency of its independent audits, which assures users that the VPN doesn’t collect any data. NordVPN has also increased its transparency and allowed audits of its policies, software, and infrastructure, showing that it has nothing to hide.

Another great feature that NordVPN offers is its RAM-only servers that further ensure no data is kept. This is why NordVPN is an excellent choice for those looking for high-end privacy.

Surfshark (Score – 9/10)

Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is a member of the 5/9/14-Eyes Alliance. Until 2021, the VPN provider was based in the British Virgin Islands, but it has since moved its operations to the Netherlands.

As the Netherlands is a member of the 5/9/14-Eyes Alliance, every company based in this country must comply with specific intelligence-sharing policies, including Surfshark.

However, the Netherlands doesn’t force data controllers (like Surfshark) to log their users’ data or create databases of their users. Thus, Surfshark can adhere to a no-logs policy even though it’s based in a country that is a member of the 5/9/14-Eyes Alliance.

Recently, Surfshark merged with Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN, NordLocker, NordPass, and more. Therefore, you can definitely trust Surfshark and rest assured that it won’t collect, log, or share any of your data. Lastly, Surfshark has had no leaks or data breaches in the past, and there are no reports of data ever being collected by the provider. 

Who’s the Winner? – It's a Tie!

We have two of the most reputable VPNs here, and they seem to be equally capable when it comes to providing the basics of data protection. That said, if you get NordVPN, you'll get a highly private VPN that leaves no stone unturned to ensure total privacy of your data.

Of course, something similar could be said for Surfshark as well. However, if you truly prioritize your privacy, it's always better to pick a VPN based outside the 'Eyes Alliance.' Still, if you decide to get Surfshark, you'll be making a wise decision, but remember to keep your eye on what's happening in the Netherlands for any sign of issues in the future.

Supported Platforms & Devices

You should have the flexibility to use whichever VPN you choose on any device or platform. So, you’ll need a VPN compatible with multiple devices whose apps work on many platforms. Both Surfshark and NordVPN offer excellent compatibility, but let’s see which one’s better.

  NordVPN Surfshark
Desktop Platforms         Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS Windows, macOS, Linux, and ChromeOS
Mobile Platforms Android and iOS Android and iOS
Web Browsers Chrome, Firefox, and Edge Chrome, Firefox, and Edge
Routers Netgear, Netduma, DD-WRT, Tomato, OpenWRT, and more AsusWRT, DD-WRT, Tomato, and more
Other Devices    Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and more Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, smart TVs, and more
Get NordVPN Get Surfshark

NordVPN (Score – 10/10)

NordVPN supports and is compatible with all the most popular platforms and devices. The provider allows you to connect virtually all your devices to its VPN servers. You can download the NordVPN app on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and multiple routers and smart TVs.

Gaming consoles that are compatible include PS5, PS4, PS3, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. Of course, you can't install a VPN on those consoles, as their operating systems don't offer that option. However, setting up NordVPN on a router will get the job done.

You can also use NordVPN on Oculus Quest, Raspberry Pi, Chromecast, and Kindle Fire. It’s even compatible with dedicated streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV and Android TV, which is great news because this VPN works amazingly well for streaming.

You can use NordVPN on 6 different devices simultaneously, which is not as many as Surfshark but still enough to cover most of your devices. 

Surfshark (Score – 10/10)

Like NordVPN, Surfshark is compatible with a vast range of platforms and devices. You can download Surfshark’s app on Windows, macOS (including native software for Apple's M-branded chips), Linux, Chrome OS, Android, iOS, numerous smart TVs, and dedicated streaming platforms like Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android TV.

Despite not having native apps to install, you can also use Surfshark with Playstation and Xbox (using the Smart DNS feature); DD-WRT, OpenWRT, AsusWRT, Tomato routers, and more. 

As you can see, you can download and use Surfshark virtually anywhere you want. What’s even more impressive is that the provider allows you to use its VPN services on as many devices simultaneously as you wish, which is not something many other VPNs allow.

Who’s the Winner? – It’s a Tie!

NordVPN has been around the block a few more times than Surfshark, but both providers offer almost the same opportunities for connection and compatibility. Namely, both are compatible with all the most popular platforms, and you can use them on different devices simultaneously.

That said, we recommend you to get NordVPN if you plan to set up an OpenVPN connection manually, as this VPN provides really comprehensive guides for that. You can get Surfshark if you care about having unlimited simultaneous connections.

Installation & Initial Configuration

No VPN should take hours to set up and configure. That’s why you should get a VPN that has a straightforward installation and initial configuration process, with native apps that allow you to set up everything in a few clicks. So, let’s see which VPN has a better approach in this Surfshark vs. NordVPN battle.

  NordVPN Surfshark
Native Apps for Desktop            YES YES
Native Apps for Mobile YES YES
Manual Configuration    YES YES
Simultaneous Connections         6 Unlimited
Get NordVPN Get Surfshark

NordVPN (Score – 10/10)

Steps to Download NordVPN

NordVPN’s installation and initial configuration process is as smooth sailing as it gets. It’s super easy to set up and can be done in just a few minutes. The setup file is small, so you won’t need a fast Internet connection to download it quickly, and the file won’t take up much of your storage.

You can install NordVPN on your desktop and phone using its native desktop and phone apps. All you’ll need to do is go to the official site or your phone’s app store, download the VPN, sign in, and that's it. Find more info in our central guide on how to set up NordVPN.

NordVPN can also be installed on numerous different routers. To do so, you can simply follow its simple step-by-step tutorials, and you’ll be able to set everything up in no time.

Additionally, NordVPN offers obfuscated servers, which you can use in restrictive countries like China (here's how to use NordVPN in China). However, to set them up, you must use alternative NordVPN applications and custom manual connections

Surfshark (Score – 10/10)

Downloading Surfshark

Surfshark also has a simple installation and configuration process suitable for people who have never used a VPN. You can get everything done in a couple of minutes with a few simple steps.

You’ll need to sign up for a Surfshark subscription via the provider’s official website to make sure you’re eligible for their 30-day money-back guarantee. Once you do that, you’ll be redirected to your account dashboard, where you can download Surfshark’s apps. You’ll also find instructions on your account dashboard for manually setting up platforms without a native Surfshark app

When it comes to desktops and mobile devices, the process of setting up Surfshark is similar to NordVPN's. To get Surfshark for your desktop, you’ll simply need to download the Surfshark app from its website and install it on your PC. For your mobile device, you’ll need to download Surfshark’s app from your app store. The whole process is pretty straightforward. 

Who’s the Winner? – It’s a Tie!

Both Surfshark and NordVPN are very easy to set up. So, long-time and first-time users alike will face no difficulties while setting up their VPNs, no matter which provider they choose. The whole process will take just a few minutes, so you’ll be able to use your VPN and enjoy its features in no time.

If you get NordVPN, you'll gain access to a great dashboard from where you can download any NordVPN app and find instructions on how to set it up manually. And, if you get Surfshark, you'll gain access to an equally simple dashboard from where you can download its individual apps, suitable even for complete beginners.

Prominent Features

In this section of our Surfshark vs. NordVPN comparison, we’ll take a look at both providers’ most important privacy-related features. Let’s see what they offer in terms of the way they keep your privacy protected on the Web.

  NordVPN Surfshark
DNS Leak Protection      YES YES
IPv6 Leak Protection      YES YES
Kill Switch         YES YES
Split Tunneling YES YES
Dedicated/Static IP        YES NO
Ad-Blocker YES YES
Anti-Malware YES YES (premium add-on)
Unlimited Server Switches         YES YES
Unlimited Bandwidth    YES YES
Unlimited Data YES YES
Get NordVPN Get Surfshark

NordVPN (Score – 10/10)

NordVPN is one of the most feature-rich VPN providers on the market. It offers all the basics that every reliable VPN should offer, including split tunneling (Android and Windows) and a kill switch (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS). Other features that you’ll get with NordVPN include strong leak protection, unlimited bandwidth, and unlimited data.

The provider also has Threat Protection, a feature that prevents trackers, blocks ads, and scans small files for malware. As such, it can't replace a dedicated antivirus app, but you still get much-needed protection against malware infection.

Another unique perk that NordVPN offers is its “Double VPN” servers, which encrypt your Internet connection twice. In other words, your Internet traffic will be routed through two VPN servers for extra protection. There are also specialized servers for downloading torrents, as well as for accessing the Dark Web.

We'll also mention that NordVPN can give you a dedicated IP, and you'll get a list of 15 countries to choose from when buying your IP. Among other interesting features, you'll get a Dark Web monitor, which is a real-time identity theft alert service. There's also something called 'Meshnet,' which allows you to create your own encrypted private network.

Surfshark (Score – 9/10)

Like NordVPN, Surfshark also covers the basics well. You’ll get features like a kill switch (Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS), split-tunneling (Windows and Android), and leak protection. It also uses zero-knowledge DNS that keeps your data private at all times.

Surfshark offers “Multihop,” a similar feature to NordVPN’s “Double VPN” servers. Multihop routes your Internet traffic through two VPN servers instead of one, so your data will be well protected. Just a pair of Surfshark's servers (you'll have many preloaded options to choose from), and your data will be double-encrypted.

Furthermore, Surfshark recently introduced its new Nexus technology, which routes your traffic using the provider’s entire server network. With the help of this technology, Surfshark can change your IP address periodically, so you can get a new IP address every time you visit a new website. This adds an extra layer of privacy to its already excellent standards.

This VPN has plenty of unique features as well, but they're locked behind a paywall, such as Surfshark's private search engine. There's also a dedicated antivirus app, as well as the ability to scan online databases for your personal information. However, all those are premium add-ons.

Who’s the Winner? – NordVPN!

Saying that Surfshark and NordVPN offer great privacy features would be an understatement. Both providers go out of their way to add extra layers of privacy and protect their users as best as possible. However, NordVPN takes the win at the moment, as it offers you more via its basic subscription. That said, we recommend you get NordVPN over Surfshark.

Server Count & Infrastructure

Once you connect to a server, you’ll get an IP address from that location and will be able to unblock geo-restricted content. So, VPNs need to have servers in as many different countries as possible. So, let’s see how many servers both of these providers have.

  NordVPN Surfshark
Number of Servers        5,900+ 3,200+
Number of Locations     N/A N/A
Number of Countries     60 100
Specific Cities Selection NO YES
Unlimited Switching      YES YES
Get NordVPN Get Surfshark

NordVPN (Score – 9/10)

NordVPN has a vast server network with over 5,900 servers worldwide, which is on the higher end of the spectrum. However, it covers 60 countries, which might seem like a limitation. Still, we'll note that NordVPN's servers are evenly spread throughout the world, targeting all of the popular VPN 'destinations' like the US, the UK, Canada, and more.

That said, with more than 5,900 servers at your disposal, you can find the perfect one that delivers optimal performance based on your location to the server. VPNs with a smaller number of servers often have issues with overcrowding, which means that their most popular servers might not perform as well at all times.

We'll also note that NordVPN offers standard and specialized servers. Based on your planned activity, you can use servers to bypass geo-blocks, download torrents, unblock streaming sites, access the Dark Web, and more.

Surfshark (Score – 9/10)

Currently, Surfshark’s server network covers 100 countries all over the world, and there are more than 3,200 servers you can choose from. Even though 3,200+ servers might seem like a lot to many people, it’s actually not as large as you think.

Many other VPN providers (including NordVPN) have more extensive server networks and offer a significantly higher number of servers. So, in this regard, Surfshark is not the best, but it’s far from the worst. 

Most of Surfshark’s servers are P2P-friendly, so you can use nearly any of them for torrenting. The servers are also connected through Surfshark’s Nexus technology, allowing you to change your IP address without disconnecting from your VPN connection.

Who’s the Winner? – It's a Tie!

NordVPN seems like a slightly better option thanks to its wide server network that consists of RAM-only servers. Sure, it doesn’t cover as many countries as Surfshark, but if you want to ensure you never have to deal with overcrowded servers, you should get NordVPN.

That said, Surfshark is still a viable option since it covers 100 countries worldwide. However, even though you'll get more locations, you'll be limited to a smaller number of servers overall. If you're okay with that, you won't make a mistake if you get Surfshark.

UI/UX Design & Ease of Use

Both providers in our Surfshark vs. NordVPN comparison are user-friendly and come with simple interfaces that are easy to navigate. Let’s dig a little deeper and see if one is better than the other.

NordVPN (Score – 10/10)

NordVPN Interface on macOS

When you open NordVPN, you’ll see a map and a “Quick Connect” button. If you click on the “Quick Connect” button, you’ll be automatically connected to a recommended server, and you can start using your VPN immediately after you click the button.

If you want to pick a server yourself, you can choose from a list of servers on NordVPN’s app. In addition, NordVPN categorizes its servers by country and type. So, if you want to connect to a server in a specific country, you can use the list to see what options are available. The same goes for those looking for one particular type of server.

NordVPN’s mobile apps have a similar design to its desktop apps, with a map on the home page, a “Quick Connect” button, and the same server lists. If you decide to tinker with the app, you'll see plenty of options to fine-tune. NordVPN does a great job of explaining how every feature works, which makes it suitable for first-time users as well.

Surfshark (Score – 9/10)

Surfshark VPN interface for Windows

Surfshark’s desktop apps are pretty easy to use. Once you open the app, you’ll be greeted by a home page that shows if you’re connected to the VPN and the VPN servers you recently used.

On the left side of the app, you can open the main menu and access Surfshark’s servers, settings, and additional features. To connect to a server in a country you prefer, simply open the main menu on the left side and click on “Locations,” which is depicted by a globe.

Surfshark’s mobile apps have similar interfaces to its desktop apps. However, the Android app is slightly better than the iOS one, as it offers a higher level of customization and fine-tuning, which is a bit of a disadvantage for Apple users. Still, all Surfshark apps seem to be quite polished and suitable even for inexperienced users.

Who’s the Winner? – NordVPN!

NordVPN wins another round in our NordVPN vs. Surfshark comparison because it offers the same level of user-friendliness and functionality across the board, making it an excellent pick for people who want to use a VPN on all their devices.

That said, if you want the most versatility on any platforms and devices you can install your VPN on, you should get NordVPN. We recommend it to both experienced and first-time users.

Media Streaming, Torrenting & Gaming Support

VPNs are not only used for privacy and data protection. They're also used for unblocking streaming platforms and websites, playing games, and downloading torrents safely. So, let’s see how well Surfshark and NordVPN perform in those areas.

  NordVPN Surfshark
Netflix US YES YES
Hulu YES YES
HBO Max YES YES
Disney+             YES YES
BBC iPlayer YES YES
Amazon Prime Video YES YES
Torrenting (P2P) Support YES YES
Gaming Support YES YES
Get NordVPN Get Surfshark

NordVPN (Score – 10/10)

When it comes to streaming, NordVPN is an excellent choice. It can easily unblock all the popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, and countless more. Also, since it offers such a huge number of servers, you'll always have backup servers you can use if you encounter any issues.

If you want to use NordVPN for torrenting, you can take advantage of its specialized servers for P2P, which are placed evenly throughout the world. Those servers come with optimizations that make finding seeders easier, and they also perform quite well.

You can also use NordVPN for gaming. In general, this VPN has the power to keep your ping and latency under control, especially if you use nearby servers. Since it works great for unblocking content, you can also count on opening up new marketplaces and region-locked features.

Surfshark (Score – 10/10)

Surfshark is also an excellent choice for those who want to unblock streaming platforms and enjoy their favorite content without buffering. All its servers are great for streaming, so you can pick the one that suits your location best without worrying whether it’s suitable for streaming specifically. 

Most of Surfshark’s servers are P2P-friendly, meaning you can use them to download torrents. The provider also has dedicated P2P servers, which are easy to find. All you’ll need to do is type “P2P” in the locations search field in your Surfshark app.

Surfshark is also excellent for gaming, as it offers incredible Internet connection speeds, even on remote servers. All of its servers are suitable for gaming, so you can pick whichever one you want. Surfshark will also protect you from DDoS attacks, which can be frequent for gamers. 

Who’s the Winner? – It's a Tie!

NordVPN and Surfshark are similar when it comes to streaming, torrenting, and gaming - in the sense that they're among the best VPNs available. That said, we recommend you get NordVPN if you prioritize streaming, as it can unblock any platform imaginable. Its jurisdiction is also great for P2P. You can get Surfshark if you're after one-click content unblocking.

Security & Privacy

Both Surfshark and NordVPN do an excellent job of protecting their users and keeping them safe online without logging any sensitive information. So, let’s see what they offer.

  NordVPN Surfshark
VPN Protocols   OpenVPN
IKEv2
NordLynx (WireGuard)
WireGuard
IKEv2/IPsec
OpenVPN
Encryption AES-256 AES-256
RAM-Only Servers YES YES
No-Logs Policy   YES YES
Audits YES (frequent) YES
Get NordVPN Get Surfshark

NordVPN (Score – 9.5/10)

NordVPN DNS leak test result showing no leaks

When talking about security and privacy, the first things we need to discuss about NordVPN are its “Double VPN” servers. With these servers, you’ll get an added layer of security and privacy because your Internet connection will be encrypted twice.

Not many VPNs have this feature, so it stands out and shows how committed this provider is to your security and privacy. NordVPN also has a strict no-logs policy that ensures your online activity is not collected or stored anywhere.

Furthermore, the provider does frequent independent audits that have proved its compliance with the no-logs policy. Over the years, this VPN was willing to go through all kinds of audits that took a deep look into its apps, policies, and infrastructure.

Also, NordVPN’s tunneling protocols are also safe and frequently tested, so you won’t have to worry about any data leaks. In other words, as soon as you connect to any NordVPN server, your data is routed through a highly secure tunnel without any known vulnerabilities.

Surfshark (Score – 9/10)

Testing Surfshark for DNS leaks using a US VPN server

Like NordVPN, Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring no data is logged or stored anywhere. It will keep your online activity hidden from everyone, protecting your identity and location. However, we should also add that Surfshark goes through periodic audits, which means they don't happen as often as NordVPN's.

Thanks to its “Multihop” technology, your Internet traffic will be routed through two VPN servers instead of one. This means you’ll get double encryption with Surfshark, which is always a welcome feature for any Internet user.

But that’s not all. Surfshark recently released its “Nexus” technology, which routes your traffic using its entire server network. It also changes your IP address periodically, ensuring that it doesn’t get leaked or blocked by some VPN-tracking sites and platforms. Lastly, Surfshark also provides a secure VPN tunnel, which prevents all kinds of leaks, including DNS, IP, and more.

Who’s the Winner? – NordVPN!

Regarding data privacy and security, NordVPN and Surfshark are equally powerful. Still, we have to note that NordVPN is a bit more transparent overall and ready to go through regular audits, which shows that it has nothing to hide. So, get NordVPN if you prioritize privacy and security.

Speed & Performance

Sometimes, strong security and privacy features can influence a VPN provider's Internet connection speed. So, let’s test both Surfshark and NordVPN to see which service offers better performance.

NordVPN - Speed Reduction Surfshark – Speed Reduction
Italy 7% 13%
United Kingdom            10% 9%
United States    13% 9%
Canada 9% 29%
India N/A 13%
Singapore 14% N/A
Australia 37% 25.5%
AVERAGE REDUCTION   15% 15%
Get NordVPN Get Surfshark

NordVPN (Score – 9/10)

NordVPN Speed Test NOV 23

As you can see from the table above, NordVPN slowed us down by only 15% on average. That makes NordVPN one of the fastest VPNs around. For the most, you can expect equally fast performance no matter if you connect to nearby or remote servers.

That opens up a lot of space for all kinds of online activities. For example, you'll get to stream in HD and 4K even if you don't have an ultra-fast connection. The same applies to downloading large files, which is made possible due to NordVPN's fast speed and stable connections.

On some occasions, you will experience slight speed drops if you connect to a hugely remote server (on the other side of the world) when using OpenVPN. However, as long as you stay on NordLynx, you'll be amazed by how fast this VPN can be.

Surfshark (Score – 9/10)

Surfshark November 23 Speed Test Results

From the table above, we can clearly see that Surfshark made our connection slower by 15% on average, which means its performance is on par with NordVPN's. Everything said above applies to Surfshark as well, which means that you won't make a mistake either way.

Surfshark is among the fastest VPNs on the market, offering reliable connection speeds on both local and remote servers. So, if you need a VPN to boost your performance, this VPN provider is a great option.

Surfshark’s performance and speed allow you to stream in 4K without buffering problems and play games with low ping and little to no lag. As expected, the OpenVPN protocol is typically somewhat slower than WireGuard, which we recommend using if you get this VPN.

Who’s the Winner? – It's a Tie!

Both NordVPN and Surfshark will impress you with their performance. If you prioritize nearby and semi-remote connections, get NordVPN, and you'll get ultra-fast and stable performance. And since it works a bit faster in some instances, get Surfshark if you prioritize highly remote servers.

Customer Support

Surfshark’s and NordVPN’s customer support exceeded all our expectations. Both VPNs have high levels of support, so no matter which one you choose, you can rest assured that you’ll get all the help you need. Let’s look at this in more detail.

  NordVPN Surfshark
Live Chat Support          YES YES
Email Support    YES YES
Installation Guides        YES YES
FAQs     YES YES
Active Blog        YES YES
Get NordVPN Get Surfshark

NordVPN (Score – 10/10)

NordVPN’s 24/7 live chat support shows how dedicated the provider is to giving reliable customer support. When we tested it, we received a response immediately, and the customer representative on the other end of the conversation was knowledgeable and helpful.

To access NordVPN’s live chat support, open its official website and click on the icon with the question mark in the bottom right corner. 

The VPN provider also has many written resources, including guides, tutorials, and FAQs, that can help you out immensely. In addition, NordVPN has an active blog full of useful articles.

If you want to access its written resources, go to the website and click on the “Help” button in the top-right section of the site. Once you do, you’ll be redirected to NordVPN’s support page, where you can use the search bar to solve issues or find the articles and guides you need. 

Surfshark (Score – 10/10)

Surfshark also has a live chat support option available for all users 24/7. The responses are fast, and the agents are knowledgeable and friendly. So, if you ever need help, you can rest assured that you’ll get it from Surfshark’s customer representatives

To chat with Surfshark’s live chat support agents, open its official website and navigate to Resources > Help Center. Then, you can scroll to the bottom of the next page, and you’ll find options to send the provider an email or chat with its live agents. You can also submit a support ticket if you ever encounter any issues with your Surfshark VPN account. 

Like NordVPN, Surfshark also has written resources to help you with various tasks and issues. In the “Help Center,” you can find the provider’s guides, tutorials, and FAQs. Additionally, there’s a search bar that you can use to directly search for certain keywords. 

Who’s the Winner? – It’s a Tie!

Having someone to turn to when you’re experiencing issues with your VPN is crucial. Both Surfshark and NordVPN have excellent customer support systems in place. As a result, you can contact both providers whenever you need and get fast solutions to all your issues. 

If you get NordVPN, you’ll have access to a wealth of written resources. On the other hand, if you get Surfshark, you can find many video tutorials and new updates on its official YouTube channel. 

Pricing

Most people place Surfshark and NordVPN in the more expensive category of VPNs. However, after examining and testing the services, we believe they provide excellent value for their cost and are worth every cent. Here's how much you'll need to pay.

NordVPN (Score – 9/10)

STANDARD PLUS COMPLETE
2-Year Plan $2.99 per month $3.99 per month $4.99 per month
1-Year Plan $4.49 per month $5.49 per month $6.49 per month
1-Month Plan $12.99 per month $13.99 per month $14.99 per month
Features VPN Protection
Malware Protection
Tracking & Ad-Blocking
VPN Protection
Malware Protection
Tracking & Ad-Blocking
Password Manager
Data Breach Scanner
VPN Protection
Malware Protection
Tracking & Ad-Blocking
Password Manager
Data Breach Scanner
1 TB Cloud Storage
Next-Gen File Encryption
Get Standard Get Plus Get Complete

NordVPN has recently overhauled its offer and now offers three subscription plans: Standard, Plus, and Complete. The most affordable one (Standard) is priced at only $2.99 per month if you pick NordVPN's 2-year subscription. With that plan, you get VPN protection and the ability to block trackers and ads, and you also get malware protection.

More comprehensive plans include more features. For example, the Plus plan comes with a dedicated password manager, while the Complete plan comes with cloud storage. As you can see, there's no NordVPN lifetime subscription - you must pick a time-limited plan. You can learn more in our central guide that explains how much is NordVPN.

We'll also mention that no matter which plan you pick, you'll get to count on NordVPN's 30-day money-back policy. That said, here's how to cancel your NordVPN subscription and get a refund.

Surfshark (Score – 9/10)

STARTER ONE ONE+
2-Year Plan $1.99 per month $2.69 per month $3.99 per month
1-Year Plan $3.99 per month $4.09 per month $6.49 per month
1-Month Plan $13.99 per month $17.69 per month $19.99 per month
Features VPN Protection
Ad Blocker
Cookies Pop-Up Blocker
VPN Protection
Ad Blocker
Cookies Pop-Up Blocker
Private Search Engine
Antivirus Protection
Email Breach Alerts
VPN Protection
Ad Blocker
Cookies Pop-Up Blocker
Private Search Engine
Antivirus Protection
Email Breach Alerts
Data Removal Services
Get Starter Get One Get One+

Following the footsteps of NordVPN, Surfshark now offers all-new subscription plans as well. They're called Starter, One, and One+. The most affordable one is the Starter plan, priced at $1.99 per month. You get VPN protection and a tool to fight against trackers. However, unlike NordVPN, Surfshark doesn't offer anti-malware in the basic plan.

In general, Surfshark's plans are a bit more affordable than NordVPN - if you're willing to buy a long-term subscription. The situation changes when we look at the monthly plans, priced from $13.99 all the way up to $19.99 per month.

Also, let's not forget to mention that Surfshark also has a 30-day money-back policy. That means you'll have 30 full days to test-drive the VPN and ask for a refund if you change your mind.

Who’s the Winner? – NordVPN!

Even though it's a tad more expensive, we recommend you get NordVPN. It brings more value overall, as you'll pay just a little bit more than you'd pay for Surfshark, but you'll get anti-malware and other handy features that you'll find useful in your everyday life.

Surfshark vs. NordVPN – Which One Is Better?

Both Surfshark and NordVPN are excellent VPN providers. They are among the best VPNs and have proven to be fierce competitors. So, whichever VPN you choose, you can’t go wrong. However, there can only be one winner, and the winner in this Surfshark vs. NordVPN comparison is NordVPN.

To find out why NordVPN took the top prize, let’s compare both providers’ individual scores based on our reviews of the services. Check the following table to see the results.

  NordVPN Surfshark
Background, Jurisdiction & Reputation 8.5/10 9/10
Supported Platforms & Devices 10/10 10/10
Installation & Initial Configuration    10/10 10/10
Prominent Features       10/10 9/10
Server Count & Infrastructure    9/10 9/10
UI/UX Design & Ease of Use       10/10 9/10
Media Streaming & Torrenting Support             10/10 10/10
Security & Privacy          9.5/10 9/10
Speed & Performance    9/10 10/10
Customer Support         10/10 10/10
Pricing 9/10 9/10
Overall Score     9.5/10 9.5/10
Get NordVPN Get Surfshark

Even though it was a tight race until the end, NordVPN emerged victorious over its competitor, Surfshark. This is because NordVPN offers all the privacy, security, and other prominent features that a reliable VPN should have, and it’s easy to use. 

All in all, with NordVPN, you’ll get excellent value for your money. So, don’t waste any more time and sign up for NordVPN today. We’re sure you won’t be disappointed!

That’s all for our Surfshark vs. NordVPN comparison. If you have any questions or remarks, feel free to share them via the comments section below. Thanks for reading!



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