Surfshark vs NordVPN

Introduction

Choosing between Surfshark and NordVPN can be tough. Both are top‑tier VPN providers with excellent speed, strong encryption, and advanced features. In 2025, NordVPN still leads in performance and server coverage, while Surfshark offers unbeatable value and unlimited device support. This in‑depth Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison gives you everything you need — from security audits and protocols to streaming access, torrenting, privacy, and more — to make the right choice.

Surfshark vs NordVPN – Quick Overview

Feature	NordVPN	Surfshark
Server Count & Locations	~7,100+ servers in 118 countries	~3,200+ servers in 100 countries
Jurisdiction & Privacy	Panama; independent audits since 2018	Netherlands; no‑logs, GDPR regulated
Protocols	NordLynx (WireGuard), NordWhisper, OpenVPN, IKEv2	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
Device Limit	10 simultaneous devices	Unlimited devices
Speed & Latency	Slight performance edge, low latency	Excellent speeds, almost tied
Streaming & Unblocking	Reliable access to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ etc.	Works well with major streaming platforms
Torrenting / P2P	P2P‑designated servers, SOCKS5 proxy	P2P support across servers, requires manual search
Extra Features	Meshnet, Threat Protection Pro, Onion Over VPN, 30+ audits	CleanWeb ad/malware blocker, GPS spoofing, VPN Trust Initiative, antivirus bundle
Pricing (long‑term average)	Starts ~US$3.39/month	Starts ~US$1.99–2.19/month

Company Backgrounds & Jurisdiction

NordVPN

Based in Panama — a privacy‑friendly jurisdiction outside the Five/ Nine/14‑Eyes alliances. NordVPN has subject to multiple independent audits (PwC, Deloitte) validating its strict no‑log policy since 2018

Surfshark

Headquartered in the Netherlands — a GDPR‑governed EU country within the Nine Eyes alliance. Surfshark also enforces a no‑logs policy and regularly undergoes independent audits. The jurisdiction brings both regulatory oversight and some theoretical privacy trade‑offs .

Protocols & Security Features

NordVPN

• NordLynx: WireGuard‑based protocol optimized for speed and privacy. No IP retention on servers.
• NordWhisper: Added in 2025 to evade network filters by masking VPN traffic.
• Support for OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec.

Surfshark

• Supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, with user‑friendly interface.
• Features include Dynamic MultiHop (custom double VPN), obfuscation, CleanWeb (ad/malware blocker), IP Rotator, GPS spoofing, Split tunneling (Bypasser), and Pause VPN. Supports unlimited connections on RAM‑only servers.

Speed, Latency & Performance

Speed Tests

Multiple VPN review sites report NordVPN retaining around 94% of base download speed, compared to Surfshark’s 93%. Upload performance and latency slightly favor NordVPN, especially for gaming and large file transfers Surfshark.

Latency & Gaming

Tested latency values: NordVPN consistently performed lower pings (e.g. 6–77 ms) compared to Surfshark’s ~10–96 ms on similar routes — making NordVPN slightly better for gaming scenarios with minimal lag

Streaming & Torrenting Capabilities

Streaming

Both VPNs unblock major streaming services: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer. Some reports cite NordVPN’s broader IP pool gives it a slight edge at accessing stricter services like Disney+ with higher success rates

Torrenting (P2P)

• NordVPN offers clearly labelled P2P servers and SOCKS5 proxy support — tested to download ~4.3 GB 16% faster than Surfshark.
• Surfshark supports P2P across servers but requires manual search (“P2P”) to find optimized servers. Still fast, but slightly slower edge.

Features & Value‑Adds

NordVPN Extras

• Meshnet: virtual LAN feature for secure device‑to‑device networking.
• Threat Protection Pro: malware/ad blocking, tracking defense.
• Onion over VPN, Dark Web Monitor, Dedicated IP, and long track record of audits through 2024..

Surfshark Extras

• CleanWeb: built‑in DNS‑level ad, tracker and malware blocking.
• Alternative ID (alias generator) and optional virtual number add‑ons.
• Full Surfshark One bundle includes antivirus, breach alerts, private search.
• Member of VPN Trust Initiative and Global Encryption Coalition. Supports unlimited devices — excellent value.

Pricing, Trials & Refund Policies

• NordVPN: Long‑term pricing ~US$3.39/month; monthly higher. 30‑day money‑back guarantee, 7‑day Android free trial, in‑store cash payment options in select countries.
• Surfshark: Long‑term as low as US$1.99–2.19/month; unlimited devices. 7‑day free trials available across platforms plus 30‑day refund policy.

Privacy & No‑Logs Audits

• NordVPN, headquartered in Panama, is regularly audited by PwC and Deloitte from 2018 through 2024, with no logs breaches reported
• Surfshark, although in EU jurisdiction, enforces strictly audited no‑logs policies. Its servers delete IP connection data within minutes and are RAM‑only. Transparency reports reinforce trust.

Customer Support & Usability

• Both offer 24/7 live chat, responsive email support, extensive knowledge bases, setup guides, FAQs, and step‑by‑step tutorials. Support ratings are comparable — tie in responsiveness and satisfaction.
• Apps: Both support Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, FireTV, routers, browsers. NordVPN features map‑based server picker; Surfshark uses list‑based interface with manual filters. Both are intuitive and well‑rated

Use Cases — Which VPN Fits You Best?

Choose NordVPN if you:

• Prioritise max speed, low latency, and minimal lag for gaming or downloads.
• Want the widest server network and best streaming unblocking reliability.
• Prefer a provider in a strong privacy jurisdiction (Panama) with repeated independent audits.
• Appreciate advanced tools like Meshnet, Threat Protection, and Onion-over‑VPN.

Choose Surfshark if you:

• Want unlimited device connections under one subscription.
• Need the lowest-cost option with strong performance.
• Enjoy extras like GPS spoofing, CleanWeb, alias tools, antivirus bundle.
• Require a solution for families or small teams that want multi-user flexibility.

Downsides to Consider

• NordVPN is slightly more expensive and caps devices at 10.
• Surfshark’s Netherlands jurisdiction may raise concerns for stricter-privacy sensitive users; speed is marginally lower in some tests.
• Some advanced features (e.g. Meshnet, Threat Protection) are available only with NordVPN’s higher-tier plans.

Real-World Performance & Trust in 2025

Recent expert rankings place NordVPN as the best overall VPN of 2025 — citing strong security, speed, streaming, and value-added extras like eSIM data and Amazon gift cards. Surfshark follows closely, high on affordability and performance, especially with unlimited device access and budget‑friendly pricing.

Reports on age‑verification and censorship (e.g., in UK’s new regulations) reinforce VPN importance — highlighting NordVPN and Surfshark as top tools for maintaining online privacy while bypassing invasive checks.

FAQ Section

Q1: Which VPN is faster — NordVPN or Surfshark?
A: NordVPN holds a slight edge — retaining ~94 % of base download speed vs Surfshark’s ~93 %; upload and latency favor NordVPN especially in gaming or P2P environments .

Q2: Can Surfshark really support unlimited devices?
A: Yes — Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections per account, ideal for large households or multiple devices.

Q3: Does NordVPN offer more privacy because it’s based in Panama?
A: Yes, Panama is outside surveillance alliances, and NordVPN has been audited multiple times — offering strong legal guarantees and independent verification.

Q4: Which VPN is better for streaming access worldwide?
A: Both perform exceptionally well — NordVPN benefits from a larger server/IP pool for unblocking stricter platforms; Surfshark still reliably accesses most services.s.

Q5: What value-added privacy tools does Surfshark include?
A: CleanWeb ad/malware blocker, Dynamic MultiHop, GPS spoofing, IP Rotator, private alias generator (Alternative ID), antivirus in Surfshark One bundle — plus membership in VPN Trust Initiative and Global Encryption Coalition.

Conclusion

NordVPN and Surfshark remain two of the best VPNs available in 2025. NordVPN edges ahead in terms of speed, global server presence, gaming latency, and advanced privacy tools, backed by multiple independent audits. Surfshark delivers unbeatable value with lower pricing, unlimited connections, strong security features, and useful extras such as CleanWeb and private search.

Final recommendation:

• If you value speed, extensive server network, streaming reliability, and advanced extras — choose NordVPN.
• If you want a budget-friendly VPN that protects unlimited devices and includes privacy tools and antivirus features — choose Surfshark.

Either choice gets you top-notch encryption, strong privacy, and wide streaming access — so pick whichever fits your needs and wallet best.