Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Compare NordVPN and Surfshark, two leading VPN services. Ratings determined through comprehensive research place NordVPN with 83.5% ahead of Surfshark at 68.1%. Jurisdiction matters, NordVPN is stationed in Panama, offering preferable privacy terms compared to the Netherlands-based Surfshark exposed to the 14-Eye Alliance’s surveillance. Both provide wide server availability, but NordVPN’s 5,000 servers surpass Surfshark’s 3,200. However, Surfshark balances with better service in simultaneous connections, offering unlimited access while NordVPN allows only six devices. In terms of pricing, both are affordable; NordVPN costs $2.99/month for a 24-month subscription, and Surfshark undercuts slightly at $1.99/month. Overall, NordVPN stands out as the superior choice due to its non-14-Eyes location and wider server net.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: NordVPN vs Surfshark
| VPN Company | NordVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Panama | Netherlands |
| Cheapest Price | $2.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $1.99/mo |
| Monthly Price | $12.99 | $13.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec |
| Servers | 5,000 | 3,200 |
| Servers Countries | 59 | 100 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 6 devices | Unlimited devices |
| Works in China? | Yes, but unreliable | Partially |
| Smart DNS | Yes | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | Yes | Yes |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Deloitte | Cure53 and Deloitte |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Tie
For those on the hunt for a VPN that delivers both in terms of value and functionality, NordVPN and Surfshark are standout choices. NordVPN comes in at an appealing $2.99/mo, while Surfshark begins at just $1.99/mo. This pricing structure from both VPN services proves that securing top-notch online privacy and security does not necessitate a large expense. It’s clear that with these VPNs, affordability aligns seamlessly with quality.
Surfshark Plans
NordVPN Plans
Jurisdiction: NordVPN Better
When it comes to privacy, the jurisdiction of a VPN provider is key. NordVPN’s location in Panama, free from mandatory data retention laws, offers a significant privacy advantage over Surfshark, based in the 14-Eye Alliance country of Netherlands. This alliance, including the US, UK, and several European nations, is known for its extensive surveillance and data-sharing practices, potentially impacting user privacy.
In brief, for those dealing with sensitive data or in strict online environments, NordVPN represents a safer choice. Its non-14-Eyes location reduces the risk of surveillance and involuntary data sharing, making it a preferable option for privacy-conscious users.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Tie
NordVPN and Surfshark excel in server availability. NordVPN has a large network of 5,000 servers accross 59 countries. This means easy, fast connections from almost anywhere. Surfshark also has a wide reach – the VPN company operates 3,200 servers in 100 countries. Both offer reliable, speedy internet access.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
A standout aspect of both NordVPN and Surfshark is their dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction – which clearly reflected in their extensive money-back guarantees. Such policies are a bold testament to their confidence in the quality of their services, offering users a no-risk chance to fully engage with each VPN’s array of features. Whether it’s the extensive server network of NordVPN or the robust security features of Surfshark, customers can explore these services in depth before making a long-term commitment.
Simultaneous Connections: Surfshark Better
An important aspect to consider when comparing NordVPN and Surfshark is the number of simultaneous connections each service allows. NordVPN, while providing a robust and reliable VPN service, permits users to connect up to six devices at the same time. This is generally sufficient for individual users or small families – ensuring that multiple devices can be secured under one account.
However, Surfshark takes this a step further by offering unlimited simultaneous connections. This feature is particularly advantageous for larger households or businesses where numerous devices require VPN protection. It allows for a more flexible approach to securing online activity, without the need to prioritize which devices are protected.
For users with extensive connectivity needs, this difference in simultaneous connection capabilities might be a deciding factor in choosing Surfshark over NordVPN.
Bottomline
In conclusion, both NordVPN and Surfshark offer considerable value with distinctive strengths in privacy, pricing, and user-experience, the final choice will largely depend on the individual’s needs and preferences. While NordVPN offers superior privacy due to its Panama jurisdiction, Surfshark prevails in providing unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for families or businesses with multiple devices.
About NordVPN & Surfshark
Surfshark
Surfshark, established in 2018 by founder Vytautas Kaziukonis, is a notable VPN provider based in the Netherlands with additional offices in Lithuania and Poland. The company launched with an iOS VPN application and has since expanded its offerings. In 2022, Surfshark merged with Nord Security, the parent company of NordVPN, forming a significant entity in the cybersecurity space. Despite the merger, both brands continue to operate independently, maintaining their unique market presence and service offerings.
To learn more, read our Surfshark review.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service provider that has been in operation since 2012. The company has its headquarters in Panama, which is outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes intelligence alliances. NordVPN is the flagship product of Tefincom & Co. S.A., a company that focuses on providing internet privacy and security solutions.
NordVPN offers several features that make it a popular VPN choice for individuals and businesses alike. The company has over 5,000 servers in over 59 countries, which makes it easy for users to connect to the internet from almost anywhere in the world. NordVPN also offers its users unlimited bandwidth, which means that they can browse and download content without worrying about data caps.
NordVPN places a strong emphasis on security and privacy. The company uses military-grade encryption to protect user data, and it allows users to browse the internet anonymously by masking their IP addresses. NordVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not store any information about its users’ online activities.
To learn more, read our NordVPN review.