Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
In comparing ZoogVPN and Surfshark, both VPNs offer competitive pricing at $1.99 per month. ZoogVPN, based in Greece, provides a more privacy-friendly jurisdiction than Surfshark’s Netherlands base. However, Surfshark surpasses ZoogVPN in server count and geographical coverage with over 3,200 servers worldwide, compared to ZoogVPN’s 71. Surfshark also offers a more generous 30-day money-back guarantee, compared to ZoogVPN’s 7-day policy. Both VPNs support unlimited simultaneous connections. Surfshark further distinguishes itself with a double VPN feature and integrated ad blocker, which ZoogVPN lacks. Considering these factors, Surfshark emerges as the better choice for users prioritizing extensive server coverage, longer trial periods, and additional security features.
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: ZoogVPN vs Surfshark
| VPN Company | ZoogVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Greece | Netherlands |
| Cheapest Price | $1.99/mo over 12-month subscription | $1.99/mo |
| Monthly Price | $9.99 | $13.99 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 7 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| Protocols | IKEv2/IPSec, Open VPN, and TLS VPN | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec |
| Servers | 71 | 3,200 |
| Servers Countries | 42 | 100 |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited devices | Unlimited devices |
| Works in China? | Partially | Partially |
| Smart DNS | No | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | No | 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 | 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
When it comes to finding a VPN that balances cost and performance, both ZoogVPN and Surfshark stand out as strong contenders. With ZoogVPN priced at a competitive $1.99/mo and Surfshark offering plans starting at $1.99/mo, these VPNs prove that enhanced online security and privacy can be achieved without stretching your budget. Both services underscore the principle that high-quality VPN protection need not come with a hefty price tag.
Surfshark Plans
ZoogVPN Plans
Jurisdiction: ZoogVPN Better
The jurisdiction of their VPN provider is a critical consideration for those who prioritize online privacy. Surfshark’s HQ is based in Netherlands, a 14-Eye country; ZoogVPN’s on the other hand is based in Greece.
Bound by the stringent General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union, Greece provides a robust framework for data protection. And, being a country outside of the 14-Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, Greece is less likely to share surveillance data with other countries. In contrast, Netherlands, a country within the 14-Eyes Alliance, have more invasive surveillance programs and data-sharing agreements, potentially compromising individual privacy to a greater extent.
Understanding 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, particularly with the push for encryption backdoors.
In result, Greece-base ZoogVPN ffers a lower risk of government-led surveillance and is likely the better choice in term of data privacy and security.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Surfshark Better
The server fleet size of ZoogVPN and Surfshark is a critical aspect where these two VPN providers diverge significantly. Surfshark stands out with its impressive network, hosting over 3,200 servers worldwide. This extensive coverage ensures that users almost anywhere can find a reliable and fast server connection. In contrast, ZoogVPN operates with a much smaller server fleet, consisting of just 71 servers in 42 countries.
The difference in server counts between the two VPNs might affect the performance and speed – especially if you are located in less covered regions. For users living in regions with fewer or no servers from ZoogVPN, this translate to higher latency (slower connection speeds). Also, the vast server network of Surfshark not only provides better speed performance, but also typically allows for broader geographic reach (ie. bypassing geo-restrictions in streaming platforms).
Money Back Guarantee: Surfshark Better
When comparing their customer refund policy – Surfshark offers a substantial sense of security with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This allows you plenty of time to evaluate Surfshark’s features and customer supports before jumping in long term.
Conversely, ZoogVPN proposes a much shorter duration (7 days) for its money-back guarantee. Although this briefer period still presents a chance to test the service, it could be a factor for users who prefer an extended trial to thoroughly try out the VPN services for their specific requirements.
Simultaneous Connections:Tie
Both Surfshark and Zoog offer a respectable large number of simultaneous connections – which makes both VPNs particularly advantageous for larger households or businesses where numerous devices require VPN protection.
Double VPN Feature: Surfshark Better
Surfshark stands out with its double VPN feature, something ZoogVPN 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 Zoog and Surfshark lies in their additional features – particularly ad blocking. Surfshark offers an integrated ad blocker, enhancing the browsing experience by eliminating unwanted ads and potentially harmful malware. On the other hand, ZoogVPN does not come with an ad blocking feature, which might be a drawback for users who prioritize a clean and uninterrupted browsing experience.
Bottomline
In conclusion, Surfshark and ZoogVPN both offer reliable VPN services with unique strengths. Users seeking extensive server coverage, double VPN security, and ad-blocking features should opt for Surfshark. However, those prioritizing a non-14-Eyes jurisdiction and competitive pricing might find ZoogVPN 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 ourZoogVPN 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 ZoogVPN & 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.
ZoogVPN
ZoogVPN is a virtual private network company that was established in 2013 by Zoog Services IKE company. The company is headquartered in Patras, Greece; and they specialize in providing secure and private internet connections to their clients.
To learn more, read our ZoogVPN review.