Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Surfshark and X-VPN are two notable VPN services, each with unique offerings. Both have similar overall ratings, with Surfshark slightly ahead at 68.1% compared to X-VPN’s 67.5%. Surfshark, based in the Netherlands, offers a cheaper price at $1.99 per month compared to X-VPN’s lowest price of $4.79 per month. Both offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark stands out with its no logging policy, unlimited simultaneous connections, and additional features such as ad blocking and double VPN. X-VPN, based in Hong Kong, has a larger server count and covers more countries, but does not support a no logging policy or unlimited simultaneous connections. Both VPNs offer AES-256 encryption and various protocols. From a user’s perspective, Surfshark appears to offer a more comprehensive package, especially with its additional features and unlimited device connections, despite having fewer servers than X-VPN.
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: X-VPN vs Surfshark
| VPN Company | X-VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Hong Kong | Netherlands |
| Cheapest Price | $4.79/mo over 12-month subscription | $1.99/mo |
| Monthly Price | $11.99 | $13.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | No | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, Everest Protocol | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec |
| Servers | 8,000 | 3,200 |
| Servers Countries | 65 | 100 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 5 devices | Unlimited devices |
| Works in China? | Unlikely | Partially |
| Smart DNS | No | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | Yes |
| Ads Blocking | No | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | No | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | – | Cure53 and Deloitte |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat & 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, X-VPN and Surfshark are standout choices.
Surfshark’s service begins at $1.99/mo for 24-month subscription. X-VPN costs $11.99 a month when you subscribe on month-by-month basis and costs just $4.79 per month when you go with annual subscription.
Surfshark Plans
X-VPN Plans
Jurisdiction: X-VPN Slightly Better
Comparing Hong Kong-based X-VPN and Netherlands-based Surfshark reveals significant privacy differences due to their different legal and surveillance environments.
Hong Kong, despite being a special administrative region of China, has its own legal system and offers a degree of internet freedom and privacy protection. Though, recent political changes and the imposition of new security laws have raised concerns about user privacy in the city.
On the other hand, Netherlands is part of an intelligence-sharing alliance (the 14-Eye). Companies based in Netherlands (ie. Surfshark) might face legal pressures to surrender user data to the government and its alliance members. This surveillance culture not only compromises personal privacy but also raises concerns about digital security, particularly with the push for encryption backdoors.
All in all, while Hong Kong-based X-VPN offered a slightly higher degree of privacy, changing political dynamics have blurred this advantage and placed them closer to the surveillance realities faced by VPNs in 14-Eyes countries. Hence, for those dealing with sensitive data and need maximum online privacy, you might want to look beyond these two VPNs.
| Aspect | X-VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction and Data Laws | Previously more privacy-friendly, but changing due to new security laws | Subject to extensive surveillance laws |
| Data Retention Policies | Potentially less stringent | Often more stringent due to legal requirements |
| Anonymity and User Information | Traditionally higher, depending on the company’s policy | Potentially lower due to regulatory requirements |
| Legal Obligations to Respond to Warrants | Increasingly complex and uncertain | More straightforward and often legally obligated |
| Global Surveillance Concerns | Growing concerns due to political changes | High due to intelligence-sharing agreements |
More About the 14-Eyes Alliance and Its Privacy Implications
The 14-Eyes Alliance, an expansion of the Five- and Nine-Eyes intelligence collaborations, includes countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and several European nations. These member states are known for their extensive surveillance activities, as highlighted by disclosures from figures like Edward Snowden (watch video below). Such surveillance extends to the sharing of collected data among member countries.
The presence of a VPN provider in a 14-Eyes country could mean legal obligations to surrender user data to government entities, with the potential for this data to circulate among the alliance members. This surveillance culture not only compromises personal privacy but also raises concerns about digital security.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: X-VPN Better
The server fleet size of X-VPN and Surfshark is a critical aspect where these two VPN providers diverge significantly. X-VPN stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 8,000 servers worldwide. This extensive coverage ensures that users almost anywhere can find a reliable and fast server connection.
In contrast, Surfshark maintains a more modest server presence, with only 3,200 servers across 100 countries. If you live in regions with fewer servers from Surfshark, this might translate to slower speeds and potentially less stable connections. The vast server network of X-VPN not only provides broader geographic reach but also typically allows for better performance and lower latency.
Why the Number of VPN Servers Matter?
The size of a VPN’s server fleet significantly impacts user experience in several key areas.
Firstly, a larger server network ensures a more evenly distributed user load, which translates to faster internet speeds and reduced risk of server overload. This is crucial for maintaining high-speed connections, especially important for streaming, downloading, and browsing. In contrast, a smaller server fleet might face challenges handling high traffic volumes – which often leads to slower speeds and longer connection times. Additionally, extensive server coverage offers users a wider choice of geographical locations, enhancing the ability to bypass geo-restrictions and access diverse content.
Additionally, extensive server coverage offers users a wider choice of geographical locations, enhancing the ability to bypass geo-restrictions and access diverse content. From a privacy standpoint, a larger server fleet can offer better anonymity, as user activities are dispersed across more servers, reducing the likelihood of tracking and data breaches.
Simultaneous Connections: Surfshark Better
An important aspect to consider when comparing X-VPN and Surfshark is the number of simultaneous connections each service allows.
X-VPN permits users to connect up to five devices at the same time – which is generally sufficient for individual users or small families. Surfshark, on the other hand, 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 X-VPN.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
Both X-VPN and Surfshark reassures its users with a lengthy money-back guarantee*, allowing ample time to test their services thoroughly. These guarantees are more than just policies; they are strong indicators of the confidence that both services have in the quality they offer. This assurance provides users with a risk-free opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse features of each VPN. From the vast server network of X-VPN to the advanced security protocols of Surfshark – you have the liberty to thoroughly evaluate each service before deciding on a long-term investment.
* According to our market study, the average money-back guarantee period in the industry is approximately 25.68 days.
Double VPN Feature: Surfshark Better
Surfshark stands out with its double VPN feature, something X-VPN lacks. If staying completely anonymous online is your top priority, then Surfshark is the better choice for you.
Double VPN is a special security feature not often seen in VPNs. Of the 96 VPNs we studied, only 26 have it. Usually, data goes through just one VPN server. But with double VPN, your data travels through two servers, adding more security and keeping you more anonymous. This means it’s much harder for hackers to get to your data, as it’s encrypted twice.
Ad Blocking Feature: Surfshark Better
A notable difference between X-VPN and Surfshark lies in their additional features – particularly blocking unwanted advertisement. Surfshark offers an integrated ad blocker, enhancing the browsing experience by eliminating unwanted ads and potentially harmful malware. On the other hand, X-VPN does not come with an ad blocking feature, which might be a drawback for users who prioritize a clean and uninterrupted browsing experience.
Bottomline
To sum up and conclude, X-VPN and Surfshark both offer robust VPN services, each excelling in different areas. Users seeking a larger server network and slightly better jurisdiction may opt for X-VPN, while those prioritizing unlimited simultaneous connections, double VPN, and ad blocking features may find Surfshark more suitable.
Pick What You Need
Our VPN recommendations and ratings are just a general guide and may not match your personal needs. Know what you need and pick a VPN that fits. It’s crucial to assess your personal requirements, whether it’s enhanced security, better privacy, faster speeds, or access to specific content. Use ourX-VPN and Surfshark comparison as a starting point, but ultimately, select a VPN that aligns with your unique needs. This approach ensures you get the most out of your VPN service.
About X-VPN & 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.
X-VPN
X-VPN is a virtual private network (VPN) company established in 2017. It was founded by Daniel Lee who has over 10 years of experience in the internet and security industry. The company headquarters is based in the Hong Kong, but it has operations worldwide. X-VPN provides a secure and private internet browsing experience for its users while preserving their anonymity and data privacy. X-VPN offers different subscription plans. The cheapest plan starts at $4.79/mo and require a 12-month commitment.
To learn more, read our X-VPN review.