Surfshark and NordVPN are at the forefront of the steeply competitive VPN industry. Both offer excellent features, reliable servers, stable Internet connections, and overall great services. So, it comes as no surprise that it can be difficult to decide which VPN to use when comparing providers. Since these two are among the best VPN providers on the market, we’re here to help you choose between them with our detailed Surfshark vs. NordVPN breakdown.
First up, there’s Surfshark, an easy-to-use VPN provider known for its flexible plans, unlimited simultaneous connections and bandwidth, and servers in 99 countries. Then there’s NordVPN, which offers high-end privacy, top-notch security, and unlimited bandwidth.
Both providers offer an excellent range of impressive features to meet all your needs. So, before we start our in-depth NordVPN vs. Surfshark comparison, here is a shorter outline of their most prominent features so you can see how they rank in each category side by side.
In this detailed 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, installation processes, prominent features, ease of use, media streaming and torrenting support, performance, pricing, and more.
If you want to jump directly to a specific category, you can use the table of contents below. However, we recommend going through the whole comparison to help you make the right decision. And now, without further ado, let’s dive into Surfshark vs. NordVPN.
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 (Score – 8.5/10)
NordVPN is based in Panama, which is an excellent location for privacy. Panama 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 and will notify them if something is wrong.
Another great feature that NordVPN offers is its RAM-only servers that further ensure no data is kept on hard disks. 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 parent company of brands like 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? – Surfshark
Surfshark is the winner in this category thanks to its spotless reputation and extensive proof that it doesn’t log or collect users’ data. Even though Surfshark is based in a 5/9/14-Eyes Alliance member country, it still doesn’t collect any data and provides an air-tight no-logs policy. Overall, both providers offer high-end privacy and are very trustworthy.
However, we have to take into account the fact that NordVPN has been hacked once before. This is why we think you should get Surfshark if you want to be on the safe side.
Supported Platforms & Devices
You should have the flexibility to use whichever VPN you choose on multiple devices and platforms. Therefore, 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 (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 services. You can download the NordVPN app on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and multiple routers and smart TVs. Some gaming consoles that are compatible with NordVPN include PS5, PS4, PS3, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
You can also use NordVPN with Oculus Quest, Raspberry Pi, Chromecast, and Kindle Fire. It’s even compatible with dedicated streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV and Android TV.
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, Linux, Chrome OS, Android, iOS, numerous smart TVs, and dedicated streaming devices 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, and 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!
Even though NordVPN has been around the block a few more times than Surfshark, 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 multiple different devices simultaneously.
That said, we recommend you get Surfshark if you want unlimited connections. Alternatively, we recommend you get NordVPN if you're going to install a VPN on any device that supports OpenVPN.
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 (Score – 10/10)
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 website or your phone’s app store, download the VPN or install the app, sign into your account, and you’ll be ready to connect to a VPN server. (Keep in mind that you can download the app from the app store, but you must subscribe through their official website—not the app—to be eligible for NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee.)
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. However, to set them up, you must use alternative NordVPN applications and custom manual connections.
Surfshark (Score – 10/10)
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 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. 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.
Therefore, if you get Surfshark, everything will be ready to use in no time after a few simple clicks. The same goes if you get NordVPN, as the provider is beginner-friendly and offers an intuitive dashboard that is easy to navigate.
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.
NordVPN (Score – 9/10)
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. 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. You can also get a dedicated IP address with NordVPN.
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.
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.
Who’s the Winner? – It’s a Tie!
Once again, we’ve come to another tie. 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. With both Surfshark and NordVPN, you’ll get all the basic privacy features you need and some advanced ones that will significantly boost your security levels.
We recommend you get NordVPN if you want malware protection for your local files. The anti-malware software that NordVPN offers is free of charge for every user. On the other hand, we recommend you get Surfshark if you want access to its ad-free web search tool that can act as an alternative to Google and other search engines.
Server Count & Infrastructure
VPNs are supposed to help you unblock different content from all over the world, among other things. Once you connect to a server in a particular country, you’ll get an IP address from that country and will be able to unblock geo-restricted content. In order to do that, VPNs need to have servers in as many different countries as possible. So, let’s see how many servers both providers have and how many countries they cover.
NordVPN (Score – 9/10)
NordVPN has a vast server network with over 5,400 servers worldwide, which is much more than many other providers. However, it only covers 60 countries, which is much less than Surfshark’s 99. This means that NordVPN is more limited than its competitor in terms of how many countries’ content you can unblock.
That said, with more than 5,400 servers at your disposal, you can find the perfect one that delivers optimal performance based on your location to the server. However, NordVPN’s servers aren’t all-in-one, so you may want to select a specialized server that supports your intended activities, such as streaming or torrenting, instead of choosing a server based on location alone.
Surfshark (Score – 8/10)
Currently, Surfshark’s server network covers 99 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? – NordVPN!
NordVPN is the winner of this category 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 a whopping 99 countries worldwide. So, if the number of servers a VPN has is unimportant to you, you can also get Surfshark.
UI/UX Design & Ease of Use
Both providers in our Surfshark vs. NordVPN comparison are user-friendly and have simple interfaces that are easy to navigate. They are also compatible with all the most popular platforms and devices out there. So, let’s dig a little deeper and see if one is better than the other.
NordVPN (Score – 9/10)
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. However, NordVPN’s apps can be a bit challenging for new users, as they might not be familiar with some technical terms and icons.
Surfshark (Score – 8.5/10)
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, which is a bit of a disadvantage for Apple 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. If you want the most versatility in platforms and devices you can install your VPN on, you should get NordVPN.
You can always get Surfshark, too, especially if you’re an Android user, since the provider’s Android app offers better functionality and options than its iOS app.
Media Streaming, Torrenting & Gaming Support
As we mentioned previously, VPNs are not only used for privacy and data protection. They are 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 (Score – 9/10)
When it comes to streaming, NordVPN is an excellent choice. It can easily unblock all the popular streaming platforms. However, to have the ultimate streaming experience, you’ll need to find and connect to a streaming server. That might not seem like a big deal, but NordVPN’s best servers for streaming aren’t labeled like their other specialized servers, so you’ll have to try out dozens of servers before you find one optimized for streaming.
If you want to use NordVPN for torrenting, you’ll also have to find a server that is P2P-friendly. Once you do, you can use it with OpenVPN or WireGuard to protect your privacy.
You can also use NordVPN for gaming. However, if you do, we recommend you use nearby servers to keep ping low.
Surfshark (Score – 10/10)
Surfshark is also an excellent choice for those who want to unblock different streaming platforms and enjoy their favorite content without buffering. All of 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.
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? – Surfshark!
Surfshark won this category thanks to its multi-purpose servers suitable for all activities. It also offers fast Internet connections, making it ideal for those who want speedy downloads, seamless streaming, and fast gameplay.
Thus, if you want a great streaming, torrenting, or gaming experience, you should get Surfshark.
Security & Privacy
Security and privacy are two of the main reasons people use VPNs. Thus, you can imagine how important it is for a VPN to offer its users robust security and privacy features. Both Surfshark and NordVPN do an excellent job of protecting their users and keeping them safe online. So, let’s see what they offer.
NordVPN (Score – 9/10)
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.
NordVPN’s tunneling protocols are also safe and frequently tested, so you won’t have to worry about any data leaks.
Surfshark (Score – 9.5/10)
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.
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 others.
Who’s the Winner? – Surfshark!
Surfshark is the winner here because they take excellent care of their users’ privacy and security. It ensures that no one can track what you do online or get ahold of your data thanks to its double encryption option and many other great features. We recommend you get Surfshark if you want to have access to its excellent “Nexus” technology and all the benefits that come with it.
NordVPN also offers high-end privacy and security, making it a fantastic alternative. You should get NordVPN if you want to use the NordLynx protocol, since you won’t find it elsewhere.
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 (Score – 9/10)
NordVPN may not be the fastest VPN on the market, but it’s close. It has worked to improve the performance of its servers a lot and has become much quicker than it used to be.
As you can see from the table above, it slowed us down by 36.8% on average. Compared to Surfshark, it has less impressive performance, but not by much. With a good base connection, you’ll have no problem streaming in HD or even 4K. However, if you have a slower connection, you might have to turn to Surfshark to boost your performance.
During the tests, we used the OpenVPN protocol, but you can get a little extra speed boost using NordVPN’s proprietary NordLynx protocol instead.
Surfshark (Score – 9.5/10)
From the table above, we can clearly see that Surfshark performs better than NordVPN in all tested locations. Suffice it to say, Surfshark is the faster option of the two VPN providers. On average, it slowed us down by 21.3%. That might seem like a lot, but it really isn't when you look at the speeds its current competitors offer.
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, Surfshark 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. We used the OpenVPN protocol again to test Surfshark, and the provider outperformed its competitor by a significant margin.
Who’s the Winner? – Surfshark!
If you want faster performance and care about speed, you should get Surfshark. It is one of the fastest providers on the market and it provides stable connections across its network. No matter how far away your server is from you, you’ll get outstanding performance with this VPN.
This doesn’t mean that NordVPN is terrible, of course. On the contrary, it also holds its own in this category. However, it is slower on remote servers than Surfshark and needs optimization to reach the Internet connection speeds it’s truly capable of.
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 (Score – 10/10)
NordVPN’s live chat 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 informational 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, scroll to the bottom, and click on the “Help center” button. 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. Fortunately, 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. So let’s compare NordVPN vs. Surfshark in terms of price and see what kind of value they offer.
NordVPN (Score – 9/10)
With NordVPN, you can choose from a monthly, yearly, or 2-year plan. With NordVPN’s 1-year subscription, you’ll have to pay $59.88 upfront for the whole year. However, that offer is for the first year only, as it renews at $99.48 after the first term is over.
As for the longer-term plan, you’ll have to pay $100.56 upfront for the first two years and then $198.96 when the 2 years are up. With the 2-year plan, you’ll get a 59% discount compared to the monthly cost and either 3 free months of services or 1 year of extra subscription time. You can’t be sure which one of those gifts you’ll get, as they happen randomly. After you pay for your NordVPN subscription, you’ll get an email telling you which gift you received.
Surfshark (Score – 9/10)
Surfshark offers the same billing periods as NordVPN, so you can get a monthly, yearly, or 2-year plan. The 1-year plan will cost you $47.88 upfront for the whole year. After the first year, it will renew each year for $56.67.
The provider’s 2-year plan offers the best value out of all its plans. You’ll pay $59.76 upfront for 2 years, and you’ll get 2 free months of VPN services with it. That saves you 82% compared to Surfshark’s monthly price. After the initial 2 years and 2 months end, the plan renews annually at $56.76 per year.
Who’s the Winner? – It’s a Tie!
If you choose to get Surfshark, you’ll end up paying less than you would by choosing NordVPN. This will get you access to all-in-one servers with fast Internet connection speeds suitable for many purposes, including streaming, gaming, and torrenting. However, you’ll have access to fewer servers than with NordVPN.
If you want access to more servers and occasional special deals, you can get NordVPN. Also, if you’re in it for the long term, you’ll get a big discount with one of two amazing gifts.
Surfshark vs. NordVPN – Which One Is Better?
Both Surfshark and NordVPN are excellent VPN providers. They are among the best VPNs on the market 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 Surfshark.
To find out why Surfshark 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.
Even though it was a tight race until the end, Surfshark emerged victorious over its competitor, NordVPN. This is because Surfshark offers all the privacy, security, and other prominent features that a reliable VPN should have, and it’s easy to use.
Plus, Surfshark is more affordable than NordVPN and covers a lot more countries. All in all, with Surfshark, you’ll get excellent value for your money. So, don’t waste any more time and sign up for Surfshark 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!