NordVPN vs Surfshark Comparison
The combination of an increase in cybercrime and data theft with an upward trend in bring-your-own-device (BYOD) work policies have meant that many companies rely on VPN services. This has resulted in a growing market, but having so many options doesn’t make it any easier to find the best one, as it’s hard to distinguish what makes each service different.
NordVPN and Surfshark are both highly acclaimed VPNs, with the former having over ten years of experience and Surfshark over five. Interestingly, in 2022, NordVPN merged with Surfshark, but parent Nord Security keeps the businesses separate and intact.
Overview
Privacy protection
Platform
Platform extended
Other devices
Payment options
Customer service
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NordVPN
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Surfshark
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Read review
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Rating
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Bandwidth
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Unlimited
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Unlimited
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# connected devices
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10
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Unlimited
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Kill switch
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Countries
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U.S., DE, FR, ES, IT, NL, PT...
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US, UK, AU, HK, DE, CA, FR, ES…
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# countries
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100+
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100
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# servers
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6,500+
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3,200
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# IPs
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Overview comparison for
NordVPN, Surfshark
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Privacy protection |
NordVPN
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Surfshark
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Brand/logo
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SSL
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OpenVPN
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PPTP
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L2TP
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SSTP
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IPSec
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Privacy protection comparison for
NordVPN, Surfshark
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NordVPN
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Surfshark
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Brand/logo
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Platforms
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Web app
Mobile optimized
macOS
Linux
Android
Windows
iOS
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Web app
Mobile optimized
macOS
Linux
Android
Windows
iOS
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Platform comparison for
NordVPN, Surfshark
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Platform extended |
NordVPN
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Surfshark
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Brand/logo
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Platforms
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Web app
Mobile optimized
macOS
Linux
Android
Windows
iOS
PlayStation
Xbox
Apple TV
Chromebook
DD-WRT
Tomato
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Web app
Mobile optimized
macOS
Linux
Android
Windows
iOS
PlayStation
Xbox
Apple TV
Chromebook
DD-WRT
Tomato
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Platform extended comparison for
NordVPN, Surfshark
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Other devices |
NordVPN
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Surfshark
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Brand/logo
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Xbox One
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PlayStation
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Apple TV
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Chromebook
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DD-WRT
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Tomato
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Other devices comparison for
NordVPN, Surfshark
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Payment options |
NordVPN
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Surfshark
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Brand/logo
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Lowest price
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$3.99/mo
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$2.29/mo
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Free version
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Free trial
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7 days
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7 days
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Money-back guarantee
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30 Day(s)
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30 Day(s)
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Payment options
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Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Discover
PayPal
Wire Transfer
Check
Crypto
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Visa
Mastercard
American Express
Discover
PayPal
Wire Transfer
Check
Crypto
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Payment options comparison for
NordVPN, Surfshark
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Customer service |
NordVPN
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Surfshark
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Brand/logo
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24/7
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Live chat
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Email
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Phone
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Community
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FAQ
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Video tutorials
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Remote desktop
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Blog
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Facebook
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Instagram
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X
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YouTube
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Customer service comparison for
NordVPN, Surfshark
Many people may unquestioningly pick the company with more experience, but it’s never that simple. For example, while NordVPN offers more servers and a 6-device limit, Surfshark provides servers in more countries and no device limit. Each brings to the table its own distinct plans, trials, and prices.
NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most popular VPN providers in the world, offering 5,100 speedy servers in over 60 countries, and OpenVPN, IKEv2, or the company’s own fast and modern protocol, NordLynx.
Despite limiting accounts to six devices, NordVPN has aesthetically pleasing apps and extensions for the most popular operating systems and browsers, including a native app for Apple TV. Plus, it also supports Android-based smart TVs and even gaming consoles.
NordVPN offers vital tools like the kill switch, double VPN, obfuscated servers, and stringent no-logs policy, audited by Deloitte. While features like dedicated IP addresses and private data removal tools come at an additional cost, protection against malware and phishing, as well as ad and tracker blockers are included for no extra charge. We found NordVPN speeds steady, even when using its double VPN servers.
The company’s most affordable subscription costs $81.36 for two years. This is an outstanding 51% off its monthly plans, bringing the monthly cost down to only $3.99. Moreover, NordVPN offers a wide range of customer support channels, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a 7-day free trial for Android.
Interface
General settings
Double VPN
Surfshark
Surfshark may be a younger VPN service, but it still shines with over 3,200 servers in more than 100 countries, including uncommon options of Africa countries. It provides OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols, dynamic multihop, and NoBorders mode, which helps users access geo-blocked content.
One of Surfshark’s main highlights is that it conveniently doesn’t impose a limit on devices or bandwidth. In addition, this VPN offers P2P-optimized servers, dedicated IP addresses, ad and cookie pop-up blockers, and a no-logs policy that has been audited and validated by Deloitte.
Along with the classic kill switch, Surfshark offers Alternative ID, which provides added privacy and security through the creation of a new online persona. While we found the service’s server performance not up to par, it still manages to offer up a smooth and steady connection for a low price.
Surfshark’s 2-year subscription is the most affordable option for $2.29 per month ($59.54 in total), which includes four months for free. Furthermore, as well as a 7-day free trial for Android, iOS, and macOS, this provider has your back with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and around-the-clock customer support.
Interface
Protocols
Personas
Conclusion
Both NordVPN and Surfshark provide state-of-the-art security with the most acclaimed encryption protocols, such as WireGuard, kill switches, double VPNs, and independently audited no-logs policies. Plus, you can rely on their exceptional customer support resources and response times if any issue arises.
With a large number of servers, NordVPN offers consistent speeds, a 7-day free trial for Android, and attractive apps for most platforms, including one dedicated to Apple TV. Both VPN services are available on Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS devices.
Despite not delivering anywhere near the same number of servers, Surfshark offers more options geographically. Its 7-day free trial may not be available for Windows, but this true plug-and-play service offers unique features, such as Alternative ID and NoBorders mode – all for a budget-friendly price.
Sérgio F.
Saskia H.
