Best VPN 2024: Surfshark vs NordVPN

In this detailed Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison, we examine two of the most popular VPN services on the market to determine which one offers the best combination of security, speed, and value for your needs. Both VPNs boast strong privacy protections, extensive server networks, and advanced features designed to enhance your online experience, but choosing between them can be challenging. From analyzing encryption standards and logging policies to testing streaming capabilities and user interface ease, this guide provides a thorough evaluation to help you make an informed decision on which VPN is the right fit for your digital lifestyle.

Security and Privacy

In this detailed comparison of Surfshark vs NordVPN, we delve into the critical aspects of security and privacy—key factors for anyone considering a VPN service. Both VPNs are renowned for their robust security features, but how do they really stack up against each other?

Encryption and Protocols

Surfshark and NordVPN both utilize AES-256 encryption, the industry standard for data security, ensuring that your online activities are protected with the highest level of encryption available today. This encryption is coupled with a range of protocols:

• Surfshark offers IKEv2/IPsec and OpenVPN, which are known for their balance of speed and security, and has recently integrated WireGuard®, a newer protocol that promises faster speeds and improved security.
• NordVPN also supports IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, and has its own implementation of WireGuard® called NordLynx, designed to enhance user privacy and performance.

Logs and Privacy Policies

Privacy policies are where Surfshark and NordVPN reassure their users about data handling:

• Surfshark boasts a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not collect, track, or store your online activities, including connection logs, IP addresses, or browsing history. This policy has been independently audited, confirming their claims.
• NordVPN also offers a stringent no-logs policy, which has been audited multiple times by third-party auditors, further validating their commitment to user privacy. Additionally, being based in Panama helps NordVPN stay away from intrusive laws that could affect user privacy.

Additional Privacy Features

Both VPNs offer features that enhance user privacy:

• Surfshark has CleanWeb™, which blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts, and Camouflage Mode that ensures even your internet provider can’t tell you’re using a VPN.
• NordVPN features Double VPN, which routes your traffic through two VPN servers for double encryption, and Onion Over VPN for extra privacy.

Security Extras

For those looking for even more security, each service offers unique extras:

• Surfshark provides a GPS spoofing feature on Android, which allows you to match your GPS location to the IP address you are connected to.
• NordVPN has CyberSec technology, which offers further protection against malware and cyber threats, enhancing your security when online.

Logs and Privacy Policies

In our comparison of Surfshark vs NordVPN, a critical aspect for many users is how each VPN handles their data and privacy. Understanding the logging policies and privacy practices of each service is essential to ensuring that your online activities remain confidential.

Surfshark’s Privacy Policy

Surfshark maintains a strict no-logs policy, which means it does not collect or store any logs of your online activities. This includes browsing history, IP addresses, bandwidth usage, network traffic, and session information. Surfshark’s commitment to user privacy is further reinforced by its jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands, which does not have mandatory data retention laws and is not part of the “Fourteen Eyes” surveillance alliance.

NordVPN’s Privacy Policy

Similarly, NordVPN also adheres to a stringent no-logs policy. NordVPN does not track, collect, or share any private user information related to their network activity. Like Surfshark, NordVPN is based in a privacy-friendly location—Panama, which has no data retention laws and remains outside major international surveillance alliances. NordVPN has also subjected its service to multiple independent audits to verify its no-logs policy, further establishing its credibility and commitment to user privacy.

Transparency and Independent Audits

Both VPN providers have undergone independent audits to validate their claims regarding privacy and security:

• Surfshark was audited by Cure53, a reputable cybersecurity firm, which confirmed its security and privacy assertions.
• NordVPN has also been audited several times by PricewaterhouseCoopers AG, which verified the integrity of its no-logs policy and security measures.

Privacy Features Beyond Logging Policies

In addition to their basic privacy policies, both VPNs offer features that enhance user privacy:

• Surfshark includes a Camouflage Mode that ensures even your internet provider can’t tell you’re using a VPN and a Whitelister feature (split tunneling) that allows certain apps to bypass the VPN.
• NordVPN offers Double VPN, which routes your traffic through two separate VPN servers for added encryption, and Onion Over VPN for extra anonymity.

Concluding Thoughts on Privacy

When considering Surfshark vs NordVPN, both services provide robust privacy protections backed by solid no-logs policies and favorable jurisdictional advantages. The commitment of both providers to undergo external audits highlights their dedication to transparency and security, making them both trustworthy choices for privacy-conscious users.

Speed and Performance

When assessing Surfshark vs NordVPN, understanding how each VPN performs in terms of speed and overall performance is crucial for users who prioritize fast and reliable internet connectivity. Here, we’ll compare how both VPNs handle speed across different servers and under various network conditions.

Network Speed Surfshark vs NordVPN

Surfshark and NordVPN both offer a large selection of servers worldwide, which is instrumental in maintaining good speeds by connecting users to the nearest server location. Both VPNs utilize modern technology and infrastructure to optimize network speeds and provide stable connections:

• Surfshark boasts more than 3200+ servers in over 100 countries. It uses WireGuard®, a newer protocol known for its high-speed performance and efficiency.
• NordVPN has over 6000+servers in 111 countries and also supports NordLynx, a technology based on WireGuard® designed to enhance connection speeds without compromising security.

Speed Test Results

Conducting speed tests is a standard method to compare VPN performance. Generally, both Surfshark and NordVPN perform well in speed tests, with NordVPN often slightly outperforming Surfshark in some regions. However, performance can vary based on many factors, including the user’s base internet speed, the server chosen, and the time of day.

Download/Upload baseline speed – 500 Mbit/s

Streaming and Download Speeds

For users who stream video or download large files, VPN speed is particularly important. Both Surfshark and NordVPN offer specialized servers optimized for streaming and P2P downloads:

• Surfshark provides certain servers that are optimized for streaming, helping to bypass geo-restrictions while maintaining good speeds.
• NordVPN has dedicated servers for both P2P and streaming, which are specifically configured to handle high bandwidth requirements efficiently.

Consistency and Reliability

Both VPNs are known for their reliability:

• Surfshark offers a consistent performance across its network, with minimal speed drops even when connected to distant servers.
• NordVPN is noted for its stability and consistent speeds, making it a reliable choice for activities that require continuous connectivity, such as online gaming or video conferencing.

Features and Benefits

In this segment of the Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison, we examine the distinctive features and key benefits each VPN offers. Both providers are renowned for their extensive functionalities that cater to a broad range of user needs, from basic security enhancements to advanced privacy tools.

Unique Features of Surfshark

Surfshark stands out with several unique features that enhance user experience:

• CleanWeb: Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts, providing a cleaner and safer browsing experience.
• Whitelister: Also known as split tunneling, this feature allows certain apps or websites to bypass the VPN. It’s particularly useful for accessing local content or devices on your network while still protecting other traffic.
• MultiHop: Jump your internet connection through two different VPN servers for layered security, making it even harder for anyone to track your online activities.

Unique Features of NordVPN

NordVPN also offers specialized features that enhance its security offerings:

• Double VPN: Similar to Surfshark’s MultiHop, NordVPN’s Double VPN routes your traffic through two VPN servers, doubling the encryption and security.
• CyberSec: This feature automatically blocks suspicious websites, preventing malware and other cyber threats from infecting your devices.
• Onion Over VPN: For maximum privacy, NordVPN offers Onion Over VPN, which gives you all the advantages of The Onion Router (Tor) combined with an extra layer of security.

Streaming and Torrenting

Both VPNs are highly effective for streaming and torrenting:

• Surfshark optimizes certain servers for streaming, allowing you to access a plethora of content from geo-restricted libraries across platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
• NordVPN is also powerful for streaming, with dedicated servers that ensure you can stream your favorite shows in high definition without buffering.

Speed and Server Network

When it comes to speed and server availability:

• Surfshark offers high-speed connections with more than 3200 servers in 100 countries, providing ample options for fast and reliable connections.
• NordVPN boasts a larger network of over 6000 servers in 111 countries, enhancing its ability to provide stable and quick connections globally.

Ease of Use and Interface

Both VPNs feature user-friendly interfaces:

• Surfshark maintains a simplistic design that is easy for beginners to navigate, yet robust enough for advanced users.
• NordVPN features an intuitive interface that allows quick server selection and easy access to advanced functionalities.

Streaming and Torrenting

In this part of the Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison, we delve into their capabilities for streaming and torrenting, two popular activities for VPN users. Both Surfshark and NordVPN offer specialized features for these purposes, but there are nuances in performance and accessibility that can influence user choice.

Streaming Capabilities

Surfshark and NordVPN are both highly effective at bypassing geo-restrictions, which is crucial for accessing global content libraries from streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and others. Here’s how they stack up:

• Surfshark: Known for its reliable ability to unlock geo-restricted content, Surfshark provides consistent access to multiple Netflix libraries, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more. Its speed performance ensures that streaming is generally smooth with minimal buffering.
• NordVPN: NordVPN also excels in unlocking streaming services, often cited for its superior speed and reliability in accessing over 400 geo-restricted streaming services. Its SmartPlay technology automatically selects the best server for streaming, providing a seamless viewing experience.

Torrenting Support

Both VPNs support P2P file sharing, but they offer different optimizations and security features to enhance the torrenting experience:

• Surfshark: Allows P2P sharing on all its servers, and its CleanWeb feature blocks malware and ads that are common on torrent sites. The Whitelister tool can also be used to route only torrent traffic through the VPN, maintaining faster speeds for other online activities.
• NordVPN: Provides specialized P2P servers designed to optimize torrent download speeds while ensuring security. Its strict no-logs policy and strong encryption protect your privacy while you share files. NordVPN also includes a kill switch that prevents data exposure in case the VPN connection drops.

Security and Privacy

When streaming or torrenting, security and privacy are paramount. Both Surfshark and NordVPN offer AES-256 encryption and secure protocols to keep your activities private. Additionally, both have no-logs policies, ensuring that your usage data isn’t stored or shared.

Conclusion

Surfshark vs NordVPN — both services are top contenders for streaming and torrenting. Surfshark offers a slightly more flexible approach with all servers supporting P2P and strong capabilities for unblocking content. NordVPN, on the other hand, may appeal to users looking for specialized servers and perhaps a bit more consistency in speed during high-demand periods.

Ease of Use

When comparing Surfshark vs NordVPN, the ease of use is a crucial factor for users, especially those who may not be technically inclined. Both VPNs strive to provide a user-friendly experience, but they do so with different approaches and interface designs.

User Interface and Setup

Surfshark boasts a clean and minimalistic interface that makes it easy for new users to navigate. The main dashboard is straightforward, featuring a quick connect button that automatically selects the fastest server based on your location. Advanced settings are intuitively organized, making it simple to adjust features like the CleanWeb or MultiHop.

Surfshark macOS

NordVPN offers a slightly more detailed interface, which includes a map-based server selection tool. This visual approach helps users quickly find and connect to servers around the world. NordVPN also provides categorized lists for specialized servers, such as those optimized for P2P or Onion Over VPN, which can be beneficial for users who need specific types of connections.

NordVPN Windows interface

Mobile and Desktop Experience

Both Surfshark and NordVPN provide seamless experiences across desktop and mobile devices:

• Surfshark’s apps are consistent across platforms, maintaining the same design language and functionality whether you’re using Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android. This consistency ensures that once you learn to navigate one app, you can easily use Surfshark on any device.

Surfshark iOS

• NordVPN also ensures a uniform experience across different platforms but offers some platform-specific features that enhance usability. For example, its iOS app includes an additional widget for iOS 14, allowing users to connect to the VPN directly from the home screen.

NordVPN Android

Customer Support

Effective customer support is part of the overall ease of use, as it determines how quickly users can resolve any issues:

• Surfshark provides 24/7 live chat support, extensive FAQs, and a searchable knowledge base. New users will find helpful guides on setting up the VPN on various devices.
• NordVPN also offers 24/7 live chat and a robust help section with video tutorials and step-by-step guides, which can be especially useful for troubleshooting or configuring more complex settings.

Pricing and Plans

In the Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison, pricing and subscription plans are critical factors for users deciding which VPN provides the best value for their investment. Both VPNs offer a range of options to suit different budgets and needs.

Surfshark Pricing

Surfshark aims to offer competitive pricing with a focus on providing excellent value, especially for users willing to commit to longer terms:

• Monthly Plan: Surfshark’s monthly subscription is ideal for those who prefer not to commit long-term or wish to test the service before committing.
• Annual Plan: This plan offers a substantial discount compared to the monthly rate and is good for users who are satisfied with Surfshark and wish to extend their subscription.
• Two-Year Plan: Surfshark’s most economical option provides a significant cost reduction for a two-year commitment, making it one of the best value deals in the VPN market.

NordVPN Pricing

NordVPN offers a similar structure:

• Monthly Plan: Like Surfshark, NordVPN’s monthly plan is priced for flexibility but comes at a higher cost compared to longer subscriptions.
• Annual Plan: This plan provides a moderate discount, suitable for those who are happy with NordVPN’s service and want a longer commitment without locking in for multiple years.
• Two-Year Plan: NordVPN’s two-year plan offers a deeper discount, providing a balance between cost and commitment.

Prices as of 01/05/2024

Free Trials and Money-Back Guarantees

Both VPNs offer ways to test their services risk-free:

• Surfshark provides a 30-day money-back guarantee on all its plans, allowing users to try the service and opt for a full refund if not satisfied.
• NordVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring that users can get their money back if they decide not to continue with the service.

Additional Offers

Both providers occasionally run promotions and discounts, especially during holidays or special events like Black Friday, which can significantly reduce the cost further. Users looking to subscribe should keep an eye on these deals to get the best possible price.

Customer Support

In the ongoing comparison of Surfshark vs NordVPN, understanding the level of customer support each provides is essential for users who value accessible, helpful service in resolving any issues that might arise with their VPN.

Surfshark Customer Support

Surfshark offers comprehensive customer support options designed to assist users efficiently and effectively:

• 24/7 Live Chat: Surfshark provides around-the-clock live chat support, ensuring that users can get immediate help at any time of the day. This service is praised for its responsiveness and the expertise of the support staff.
• Email Support: For more detailed inquiries that may require thorough explanations or troubleshooting, Surfshark offers email support with a promise of timely responses.
• Extensive Help Center: Surfshark’s website features an in-depth help center that includes guides, FAQs, and articles on various topics. These resources are well-organized and easy to navigate, making it simple for users to find the information they need.

NordVPN Customer Support

NordVPN also emphasizes strong customer support, providing several avenues through which users can seek assistance:

• 24/7 Live Chat: Like Surfshark, NordVPN offers a live chat service available at all hours. The support team is known for being knowledgeable and friendly, capable of handling complex issues with ease.
• Email Support: NordVPN’s email support is comprehensive, with support agents skilled in addressing a range of technical problems and billing questions.
• Detailed Knowledge Base: NordVPN’s support portal contains a wealth of information, including troubleshooting articles, general advice, and setup tutorials. The portal is intuitively designed to help users quickly find solutions to common issues.

Accessibility and Response Times

Both Surfshark and NordVPN are recognized for their efficient customer service, particularly their quick response times in live chat, which typically resolve user queries within minutes. Each company’s commitment to providing continuous support ensures that users can rely on getting help when it’s needed, regardless of the time or nature of their request.

Pros and Cons

When choosing between Surfshark and NordVPN, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each service. This part of our Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison will help you understand the strengths and potential drawbacks of each VPN, aiding in making a well-informed decision based on your specific needs.

Pros of Surfshark

Affordability: Surfshark offers competitive pricing, particularly for its long-term plans, making it a more affordable option for many users.

Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: Unlike many other VPN services, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, which is a significant advantage for families or businesses.

Extensive Server Network: With over 3200 servers in 100 countries, Surfshark provides excellent coverage and reliability.

Innovative Features: Features like CleanWeb and MultiHop provide added security and functionality, enhancing user privacy and online safety.

Cons of Surfshark

Younger Brand: As a relatively newer player in the VPN market, Surfshark doesn’t have the same long track record as some competitors, which may concern some users.

Inconsistent Speeds: Some users report variability in connection speeds, especially on distant servers.

Pros of NordVPN

Robust Security Features: NordVPN offers advanced security features like Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and CyberSec, which enhance protection against online threats.

Large Server Network: With over 6000 servers across 111 countries, NordVPN provides one of the most extensive networks available, ensuring good speed and reliable connections.

Strong Reputation: NordVPN has a strong reputation and has been around longer than Surfshark, established with a proven track record in security and reliability.

Cons of NordVPN

No Unlimited Connections: NordVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, which may be limiting for users with many devices.

Occasional Software Glitches: Some users report occasional software glitches and connectivity issues, although these are generally quickly resolved.

Conclusion

In this comprehensive Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison, we’ve explored a range of factors from security and privacy to streaming capabilities and customer support. Both VPNs offer robust features and competitive pricing, making them top contenders in the VPN market. However, choosing between Surfshark and NordVPN will depend largely on your specific needs and preferences.

Surfshark stands out for its exceptional value, offering competitive pricing with unlimited simultaneous connections, making it an ideal choice for families or individuals with multiple devices. Its innovative features like CleanWeb and MultiHop add an extra layer of security and functionality, enhancing your online experience.

NordVPN, on the other hand, excels in providing a secure, reliable service with a slightly better track record in speeds and streaming capabilities. Its advanced security features, such as Double VPN and Onion Over VPN, offer additional layers of protection, making it a preferred option for users who prioritize their security and privacy above all else.

Key Takeaways:

• For Cost-Effectiveness: Surfshark is more budget-friendly, especially with its long-term plans.
• For Security Features: NordVPN has a slight edge with more established security features.
• For Streaming: Both VPNs perform well, but NordVPN often has the edge in speed and reliability.
• For Ease of Use: Both services offer user-friendly interfaces, but Surfshark’s simpler design might be more appealing to new VPN users.

Ultimately, both Surfshark and NordVPN provide excellent services that can cater to a wide range of user requirements. Whether you’re a casual browser, a serious streamer, or a privacy advocate, both VPNs offer the tools and features needed to secure your online activities effectively.

Choosing the right VPN is a personal decision that should be based on your specific needs, such as the number of devices you own, the type of content you access, and your concerns about privacy and security. We recommend trying both Surfshark and NordVPN, as they both offer money-back guarantees, to see which one better suits your internet habits and preferences.

FAQs

In this section of our Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison, we address some of the most frequently asked questions about both VPN services. This aims to clarify common queries and assist users in making an informed decision based on their needs.

Which VPN is better for streaming: Surfshark or NordVPN?

Both Surfshark and NordVPN excel in streaming, with strong abilities to bypass geo-restrictions and access a wide range of content from platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. However, NordVPN often has a slight edge in speed and reliability, especially on servers that are heavily optimized for streaming.

Can I use Surfshark and NordVPN for torrenting?

Yes, both VPNs support torrenting. Surfshark allows P2P sharing on all its servers, while NordVPN offers dedicated P2P servers. Both provide strong encryption and security features to ensure your torrenting activities are anonymous and safe from prying eyes.

Are Surfshark and NordVPN good for gaming?

NordVPN and Surfshark both offer low latency and fast server connections, which are crucial for gaming. However, NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol and the extensive server network may provide slightly better performance for gamers seeking the fastest possible connection.

Which VPN has better customer support: Surfshark or NordVPN?

Surfshark and NordVPN both provide excellent customer support with 24/7 live chat, extensive online knowledge bases, and email support. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference regarding the response time and the detail of the support received.

What are the key differences in their privacy policies?

Both Surfshark and NordVPN have strict no-logs policies, ensuring they do not store or track your online activities. However, NordVPN has a slightly longer track record, having undergone more frequent independent audits to verify its privacy claims.

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You can also read our detailed review of NordVPN and Surfshark

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