While there are many VPN services available on the market, Surfshark and NordVPN are two popular providers that have gained significant attention in recent years. Founded in 2018 and based in the Netherlands, Surfshark is popular for placing no cap on the number of simultaneous connections per subscription and a host of other unique features, like a private search engine and antivirus. NordVPN operates out of Panama and offers over 5,000 servers in 60 countries, with some advanced features like its Meshnet and dedicated IP address.
In this in-depth comparison, we will explore the features, performance, pricing and overall user experience of Surfshark vs. NordVPN to help you decide the most suitable option for your needs.
Jump to:
- Surfshark vs NordVPN: Comparison table
- Surfshark and NordVPN: Pricing
- Feature comparison: Surfshark vs NordVPN
- Surfshark pros and cons
- NordVPN pros and cons
- Methodology
- Should your organization use Surfshark or NordVPN?
Surfshark vs NordVPN: Comparison table
Here is a comparison table summarizing how NordVPN and Surfshark compare with each other.
| Features | Surfshark | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Server network | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | Over 5,683 in 60 countries |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes |
| DNS leak protection | Yes | Yes |
| Data breach alert | Yes | Yes |
| Simultaneous connections | Unlimited devices | Up to six devices to one account |
| Antivirus | Yes | No |
| Ad blocker | Yes | Yes |
| Multihop | Yes | Yes |
Surfshark and NordVPN pricing
Surfshark VPN offers pricing monthly and through 12-month and 24-month subscription tiers, with all plans offering a 30-day money-back guarantee. The table below summarizes the pricing plans.
| Plans | Monthly | 12-Month | 24-Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surfshark Start | $10.99/month per user. Notable | $3.99/month per user, billed $47.88 annually | $1.99/month per user, billed $55.72 for the first 28 months |
| Surfshark One | $13.99/month per user | $4.09/month per user, billed $49.08 annually | $2.49/month per user, billed $69.72 for the first 28 months |
| Surfshark One + | Starts at $21.99/month per user | $6.49/month per user, billed $77.88 annually | $3.99/month per user, billed $111.72 for the first 28 months |
NordVPN pricing is based on monthly, one-year and two-year subscriptions. Each subscription option has three plans — Standard, Plus and Complete. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
| Plans | Monthly | 1-year plan | 2-year plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $12.99/month | $4.49/month, plus 3 extra months, billed at $67.35 for the first year. | $2.99, plus 3 extra months, billed at $80.73 for the first two years. |
| Plus | $13.99/month | $5.49/month, plus 3 extra months, billed at $82.35 for the first year. | $3.99, plus 3 extra months, billed at $107.73 for the first two years. |
| Complete | $14.99/month | $6.49, plus 3 extra months, billed at $97.35 for the first year. | $4.99 plus 3 extra months, billed at $134.73 for the first two years. |
Feature comparison: Surfshark vs. NordVPN
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of NordVPN and Surfshark, focusing on six key features:
Server network
Both NordVPN and Surfshark have extensive networks spread across multiple countries. NordVPN has a larger network, with over 5,000 servers in 60 countries, while Surfshark offers over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. NordVPN’s larger server network may provide more options for users in terms of server locations and potential connection speeds. Surfshark, while having a slightly smaller network, still offers a substantial number of servers spread across more countries.
Security and privacy features
Both NordVPN and Surfshark prioritize security and privacy. They offer similar encryption protocols, including AES-256 encryption, as well as support for secure VPN protocols like IKEv2/IPSec. While both share similar security features, NordVPN breaks out with its secure file-sharing feature known as Meshnet. Once configured, Meshnet facilitates direct connections between devices in different locations. With this feature, users across different locations can easily carry out activities like file sharing, collaborative work efforts and high-latency multiplayer gaming sessions.
Surfshark provides antivirus protection as part of its comprehensive Surfshark One bundle, which also includes the Surfshark VPN, a data-breach alert system, and a private search engine. However, the antivirus software is not available for individual purchase; rather, it is integrated into the Surfshark One package.
Simultaneous connections
NordVPN allows you to connect up to six devices simultaneously with a single subscription. This means you can protect multiple devices, such as your smartphone, tablet and laptop, all at the same time. Surfshark offers even more generous simultaneous connections. With Surfshark, you can connect an unlimited number of devices with just one account, allowing you to secure all your devices without limitations. This makes Surfshark an excellent choice for users with multiple devices.
Ad blocking
NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature provides protection against malware, phishing attempts and intrusive advertisements. It helps block potentially harmful websites, malicious ads and other online threats. Surfshark also offers a similar feature called CleanWeb, which blocks ads, trackers and malware-infected sites to enhance your browsing experience and protect against threats. While NordVPN’s Threat Protection is bundled with the VPN, Surfshark’s CleanWeb comes with the VPN subscription.
User interface and ease of use
Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer user-friendly apps with intuitive interfaces for easy server location selection. Their apps are available on various platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and more. Surfshark’s interface is known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for less technical users. NordVPN’s interface is also user-friendly, although it offers more advanced customization options.
Surfshark pros and cons
Although Surfshark has many exciting features, it still has some weaknesses. Highlighted below are some of the pros and cons.
See our full review of Surfshark.
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription.
- CleanWeb feature for blocking ads, trackers and malware.
- Easy-to-use interface, suitable for beginners.
- Strong encryption and privacy features.
- 24/7 customer support.
- Comes with an antivirus feature.
Cons
- Smaller server network compared to NordVPN.
- May require trying different servers to access specific streaming content.
- Limited customization options compared to NordVPN.
- Occasional fluctuations in connection speeds.
NordVPN pros and cons
NordVPN, despite its many features, also has some drawbacks.
See our full review of NordVPN.
Pros
- Offers secure device-to-device connection through Meshnet.
- Available on multiple devices and browsers.
- Provides a dedicated IP.
- Offers over 5,000 NordVPN servers in 60 countries.
Cons
- Slightly higher pricing compared to Surfshark.
- Some advanced features may be overwhelming for casual users.
- Occasional slower connection speeds on certain servers.
Methodology
To present a fair comparison of both VPN products, we evaluated the key features each solution offers, their pricing structure and ease of use. We also studied reliable third-party reviews to determine how each product resonates with verified buyers.
Should your organization use Surfshark or NordVPN?
The choice between Surfshark and NordVPN for your organization depends on various factors and considerations, such as security capability, server network size, pricing and the number of connections each allows. Here are a few points to note when you have to pick between the two.
Security and privacy requirements
Assess your organization’s security and privacy needs. Both Surfshark and NordVPN offer strong security features, such as AES-256 encryption and secure tunneling protocols, threat detection and data breach alert capability. Also, consider if your organization requires specific security measures, such as multi-hop VPN connections, dedicated IP addresses or antivirus services, which may vary between the two providers.
Number of simultaneous connections allowed
You should consider how many simultaneous connections your organization requires. Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, which can be beneficial if you have multiple devices or employees who need VPN access. NordVPN offers a maximum of six simultaneous connections with a single subscription. While an unlimited simultaneous connection may sound exciting, you should note that when multiple users or devices are connected to a VPN simultaneously, it increases the overall network traffic and can lead to congestion. This congestion can result in higher latency, meaning that data packets take longer to travel between the VPN server and the connected devices.
Server coverage
Evaluate the server network of each provider in terms of size and geographical coverage. If your organization requires access to specific locations or regions, check if both Surfshark and NordVPN have servers in those areas. Questions like who covers more countries and how many servers should be posed and answered. NordVPN offers more servers than Surfshark but falls below Surfshark in terms of the number of countries covered. Also note that the closer the server location, the better the VPN performance.
Consider your budget and pricing
Compare the pricing plans offered by Surfshark and NordVPN. Consider your organization’s budget and evaluate which provider offers the best value for the features and capabilities required. At the time of review, NordVPN was slightly costlier than Surfshark.
Considering the factors outlined above, it’s expected that you can now make an informed decision between the two VPN solutions based on your unique needs and priorities.
