NordVPN vs Surfshark
By Itai Varochik | Updated 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner: NordVPN (4.7/5)
We tested NordVPN and Surfshark side-by-side. NordVPN comes out ahead overall, but Surfshark may be better for specific use cases.
Score Breakdown
| Criteria | NordVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Ease of Use | 9/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Value for Money | 9/10 | 9.5/10 |
| Customer Support | 8.5/10 | 8/10 |
| Overall | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | Yes | No |
| Threat Protection | Yes | No |
| Double VPN | Yes | No |
| Kill Switch | Yes | No |
| Streaming | Yes | No |
| Unlimited Devices | No | Yes |
| CleanWeb | No | Yes |
| MultiHop | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
NordVPN: From $3.09/month
Surfshark: From $2.19/month
NordVPN Pros & Cons
Pros
- Double-audited no-logs policy (PwC & Deloitte)
- 6,400+ servers in 111 countries
- Threat Protection Pro blocks ads, trackers, and malware
- Double VPN for extra encryption layer
- Excellent streaming access (Netflix, BBC, Hulu)
Cons
- Premium pricing compared to budget alternatives
- Occasional slow connection on distant servers
- Desktop app can be resource-heavy
- No free tier available
Surfshark Pros & Cons
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Lowest price among top-rated VPNs
- CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware
- Strong streaming performance
Cons
- Slower speeds than NordVPN and ExpressVPN
- Smaller server network
- Based in the Netherlands (EU jurisdiction)
Key Specifications
| Spec | NordVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Pricing | From $3.09/month | From $2.19/month |
| Year Founded | 2012 | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Panama | Netherlands |
| Employees | 2,000+ | 700+ |
| Servers | 6,400+ in 111 countries | 3,200+ in 100 countries |
| Protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard) | WireGuard |
| No-Logs Audit | PwC & Deloitte | N/A |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 | Unlimited |
Our Verdict
NordVPN wins overall. Choose NordVPN if you value Privacy-conscious users wanting audited no-logs. Choose Surfshark if you prioritize Families needing unlimited device connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NordVPN better than Surfshark?
Based on our testing, NordVPN scores higher with a rating of 4.7/5 compared to Surfshark's 4.5/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs.
What is the main difference between NordVPN and Surfshark?
NordVPN is known for: Premium VPN with double encryption, Threat Protection, and 6,400+ servers in 111 countries.. Surfshark is known for: Best budget VPN with unlimited devices, CleanWeb ad blocking, and strong streaming access..
Which is cheaper, NordVPN or Surfshark?
NordVPN pricing: From $3.09/month. Surfshark pricing: From $2.19/month.
Can I use NordVPN and Surfshark together?
While both tools serve similar purposes in the VPN Services category, some users do use complementary features from both platforms.
What are the pros of NordVPN?
Double-audited no-logs policy (PwC & Deloitte). 6,400+ servers in 111 countries. Threat Protection Pro blocks ads, trackers, and malware
What are the pros of Surfshark?
Unlimited simultaneous device connections. Lowest price among top-rated VPNs. CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware
Which vpn services should I choose?
Choose NordVPN if you value Privacy-conscious users wanting audited no-logs. Choose Surfshark if you prioritize Families needing unlimited device connections.