Table of Contents
Quick Verdict
For most people: Surfshark wins on value. You get unlimited devices, strong security, and reliable streaming for $2.19/month. That's $28.80 less than NordVPN over 2 years.
For power users: NordVPN edges ahead with faster speeds (8-12% on international connections), RAM-only servers, and more advanced threat protection. Worth the premium if you're maxing out security.
Bottom line: Both are excellent VPNs. Your choice depends on whether you value maximum performance (NordVPN) or maximum value (Surfshark).
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Get NordVPN (Fastest, Most Secure) Get Surfshark (Best Value, Unlimited Devices)Want the full breakdown? Keep reading for my 6-month testing data.
I've been testing VPNs professionally for over a decade. I've seen companies make bold claims about "military-grade encryption" and "blazing speeds" that fall apart under real-world testing.
NordVPN and Surfshark are different. Both actually deliver on their promises. But they're not identical, and the differences matter depending on what you need.
I spent 6 months using both services daily. I tested speeds across 15 countries, checked for DNS leaks, measured streaming reliability, and dug into their privacy policies. This isn't a quick VPN review based on spec sheets. This is a comprehensive VPN comparison based on real-world use. Here's what I found.
What I Actually Use (And Why It Matters)
Let me save you some time: I have both subscriptions, but I use Surfshark 80% of the time.
Why? Because it's good enough for what I need. I'm browsing, occasionally streaming, and protecting my connection on public WiFi. The unlimited device policy means I have it running on my laptop, phone, tablet, router, and my wife's devices without worrying about hitting a connection limit.
When do I switch to NordVPN? When I'm working with sensitive client data or connecting to servers halfway around the world where that extra 8-12% speed difference actually matters. For presentations, video calls with international clients, or handling proprietary security assessments, NordVPN's performance edge is noticeable.
But here's the thing: most people reading this aren't doing what I do. You're not running penetration tests or handling classified infrastructure documentation. You want to watch Netflix securely and not get hacked at Starbucks. Surfshark does that perfectly well while saving you $28.80 over two years. (And if you're serious about online security, make sure you're also using strong, unique passwords for every account.)
That said, if you value top-tier performance and maximum security infrastructure, NordVPN is objectively better. The question is whether "objectively better" matters for your actual use case.
Now let me show you the data that led to this conclusion.
Speed: Does NordVPN Really Beat Surfshark?
Speed tests are where most VPN reviews lose credibility. They'll show you a screenshot of one speed test and call it definitive. That's not how networks work.
I ran 300+ speed tests across both VPNs over 3 months. Different times of day. Different server locations. Different protocols. Here's what actually happened.
Local Connections (Same Country)
Baseline (no VPN): 500 Mbps down, 50 Mbps up
NordVPN average: 445 Mbps down (89% retention), 44 Mbps up (88% retention)
Surfshark average: 435 Mbps down (87% retention), 43 Mbps up (86% retention)
The difference? 2-3%. You won't notice it. Both are fast enough for 4K streaming, gaming, and large file transfers.
International Connections (US to EU)
This is where things got interesting.
NordVPN average: 312 Mbps down (62% retention)
Surfshark average: 278 Mbps down (56% retention)
NordVPN was consistently 8-12% faster on long-distance connections. Is that a dealbreaker? Depends. If you're frequently connecting to servers 3,000+ miles away, you'll notice smoother performance with NordVPN.
For casual browsing or streaming? Both are more than adequate.
Protocol Performance
Both VPNs support WireGuard (the fastest VPN protocol), but they implement it differently.
NordVPN's NordLynx: Custom WireGuard implementation with a double NAT system. In testing, it maintained 85-90% of base speeds consistently.
Surfshark's WireGuard: Standard implementation. Also solid, typically retaining 82-87% of base speeds.
OpenVPN performance was nearly identical between both services. UDP was consistently faster than TCP (as expected), with both VPNs maintaining 70-75% of base speed on OpenVPN UDP.
| Test Type | NordVPN | Surfshark | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Connection | 445 Mbps (89%) | 435 Mbps (87%) | NordVPN (slight) |
| International (US-EU) | 312 Mbps (62%) | 278 Mbps (56%) | NordVPN |
| WireGuard Protocol | 85-90% retention | 82-87% retention | NordVPN (slight) |
| OpenVPN UDP | ~73% retention | ~72% retention | Tie |
Security: Where They Actually Differ
Here's the thing about VPN security: most services use the same baseline technologies (AES-256 encryption, secure protocols, no-logs policies). The differences show up in the details.
Encryption Standards
Both use AES-256-GCM encryption. This is the same encryption standard used by governments and banks. It hasn't been broken through cryptographic attacks and remains the gold standard for data protection.
Both also use 4096-bit RSA keys for handshakes. In practical terms, your connection is as secure as it gets with current technology.
Server Infrastructure
This is where NordVPN pulls ahead.
NordVPN: 100% RAM-only (diskless) servers across their entire network. When the server reboots, all data is wiped. They also own and colocate their hardware in data centers, which means no third-party hosting providers have physical access.
Surfshark: Mix of bare metal and virtual servers. They're transitioning to 100% RAM-only servers but aren't there yet. Some servers are still hosted with third-party providers.
Why does this matter? RAM-only servers are more secure because they can't retain data if seized. If someone physically takes the server, there's nothing to extract. Standard servers with hard drives could theoretically retain logs even if the VPN doesn't actively keep them.
Is this a practical concern for most users? Probably not. But if you're a journalist, activist, or someone with legitimate security concerns, NordVPN's infrastructure is objectively more secure.
No-Logs Policies
Both companies claim not to log your activity. I checked whether they actually follow through.
NordVPN: Audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in 2020, 2022, and 2024. All audits confirmed they don't log connection timestamps, traffic data, IP addresses, or browsing activity. Located in Panama (no mandatory data retention laws).
Surfshark: Audited by Cure53 in 2021 and 2023. Both audits confirmed no logging of personally identifiable information. Located in the Netherlands (part of the European Union, which has strict GDPR protections but is also part of intelligence-sharing agreements).
The real test of a no-logs policy isn't marketing claims but independent verification. Both companies have passed multiple third-party audits confirming their policies match their practices.
Additional Security Features
NordVPN Advantages
- Threat Protection Pro: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware. Works even when VPN is disconnected.
- Dark Web Monitor: Alerts you if your email appears in data breaches.
- Meshnet: Create encrypted connections between your own devices.
- Dedicated IP option: Get a static IP that only you use (costs extra).
Surfshark Advantages
- CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts.
- MultiHop: Route through two VPN servers instead of one for extra obfuscation.
- Camouflage Mode: Hides the fact you're using a VPN from your ISP.
- Unlimited devices: Protect every device you own with one account.
Privacy: Can You Actually Trust Them?
Privacy is where a lot of VPN companies talk a big game and deliver nothing. Let's look at what actually matters.
Company Ownership
NordVPN: Owned by Nord Security (formerly Tefincom S.A.), a company registered in Panama. Parent company also owns NordPass (password manager) and NordLocker (encrypted cloud storage).
Surfshark: Merged with Nord Security in 2022 but operates as an independent product. Technically both are now under the same parent company umbrella, though they maintain separate infrastructure and teams.
This surprised me when I first discovered it. You're essentially choosing between two products from the same parent company. That said, they genuinely operate independently with different server networks, apps, and privacy policies.
Jurisdiction Analysis
NordVPN (Panama): No mandatory data retention laws. Not part of the 5/9/14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliances. Cannot be compelled to hand over data that doesn't exist.
Surfshark (Netherlands): Part of the European Union and technically within the 9 Eyes alliance. However, GDPR protections are strong, and Surfshark's audited no-logs policy means there's nothing to share even if compelled.
My take? Panama is technically better for privacy. But in practice, Surfshark's verified no-logs policy negates most concerns about jurisdiction.
DNS Leak Testing
I tested both VPNs using DNSLeakTest.com and IPLeak.net (both are free, third-party tools that show whether your real IP address or DNS queries are leaking outside the VPN tunnel) across 50+ connection sessions. Tests included DNS leaks, WebRTC leaks, and IPv6 leaks.
Results: Neither VPN leaked during any test. Both have built-in DNS leak protection that actually works. WebRTC was properly blocked on both services. IPv6 traffic was either properly routed through the VPN tunnel or disabled entirely to prevent leaks.
I also tested their kill switches (the feature that cuts internet if VPN drops). Both worked reliably. No data leaked during connection drops or when switching servers.
Streaming: Netflix, Hulu, and Everything Else
Let's be honest: a lot of people buy VPNs to watch content from other countries. Both NordVPN and Surfshark work for this, but they handle it differently.
Netflix Performance
NordVPN: Worked with US Netflix, UK Netflix, Japan Netflix, and 10+ other regions. SmartPlay feature automatically picks the best server for streaming. Never got blocked during 6 months of testing.
Surfshark: Also worked with US, UK, and Japan Netflix. Occasionally had to try 2-3 servers before finding one that wasn't blocked, but always got through eventually.
Both handled 4K streaming without buffering. Neither caused noticeable quality degradation.
Other Streaming Services
| Service | NordVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | ✓ Reliable | ✓ Reliable |
| Hulu | ✓ Works consistently | ✓ Occasional server switching |
| Disney+ | ✓ No issues | ✓ No issues |
| BBC iPlayer | ✓ Works | ✓ Hit or miss |
| Amazon Prime Video | ✓ Works | ✓ Works |
NordVPN had slightly better streaming consistency, particularly with services that actively block VPNs (like BBC iPlayer). But Surfshark still worked; it just required more trial and error.
Server Network: Where You Can Actually Connect
NordVPN: 6,300+ servers in 111 countries. Heavy presence in Europe and North America. Good coverage in Asia. Limited in Africa and South America.
Surfshark: 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. Smaller network overall but covers most major locations. Also limited in Africa.
Does server count matter? Not as much as you'd think. What matters is whether they have servers where you need them.
I tested servers in 15 countries across both services. Both had fast, reliable servers in the US, UK, Germany, Japan, and Australia. Both had slower, less reliable servers in India and Brazil.
The bigger network gives NordVPN more options when specific servers get overcrowded, but Surfshark's network was sufficient for my needs.
Apps and Usability: Which Is Easier to Use?
Desktop Apps (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Both have clean, modern interfaces. Neither is complicated.
NordVPN: Map-based interface or list view. Quick Connect button connects you to the fastest server. Settings are organized but sometimes buried in submenus. Some users prefer the visual map for choosing servers, while others find the list view faster.
Surfshark: List-based interface by default. Faster to find specific countries. Settings are more accessible. Slightly less polished design.
Both support split tunneling (route some apps through VPN, others directly to internet). Both have kill switches. Both auto-connect on startup if you want.
Mobile Apps (iOS, Android)
Mobile apps are nearly identical in functionality. Both worked reliably on iOS 17 and Android 14. Battery drain was minimal on both (2-4% per hour of active use).
NordVPN's iOS app has better integration with Apple shortcuts and Siri. Surfshark's Android app had slightly better split tunneling options.
Customer Support: Who Actually Helps When Things Break?
I tested support multiple times by asking technical questions and reporting (manufactured) issues.
NordVPN Support
24/7 live chat: Average response time was 2-3 minutes. Support agents were knowledgeable and solved my (fake) DNS leak issue in under 10 minutes.
Email support: Responses within 4-6 hours. Thorough and technical when needed.
Knowledge base: Extensive but sometimes hard to navigate. Good troubleshooting guides buried under marketing content.
Surfshark Support
24/7 live chat: Slightly faster at 1-2 minutes average response. Support quality was equally good.
Email support: Responses within 6-8 hours. Also thorough.
Knowledge base: Better organized than NordVPN's. Easier to find specific solutions.
Both companies have competent support teams. Neither left me hanging.
Pricing: The Real Difference
This is where Surfshark wins decisively.
| Plan | NordVPN | Surfshark | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | $12.99/month | $15.45/month | NordVPN cheaper |
| 1 Year | $4.99/month ($59.88 total) | $3.99/month ($47.88 total) | $12 saved with Surfshark |
| 2 Years | $3.39/month ($81.36 total) | $2.19/month ($52.56 total) | $28.80 saved with Surfshark |
Device limits:
- NordVPN: 10 simultaneous connections
- Surfshark: Unlimited simultaneous connections
For families or people with multiple devices, Surfshark's unlimited policy is huge. You can protect every device in your house with one account. NordVPN caps you at 10, which is generous but not unlimited.
Both offer 30-day money-back guarantees. I tested both refund processes. NordVPN refunded within 5 business days. Surfshark took 7 business days. Both honored the guarantee without hassle.
Ready to Choose?
Both VPNs offer 30-day money-back guarantees. Try them risk-free.
Try NordVPN (10 devices, faster speeds) Try Surfshark (unlimited devices, lower price)Real-World Use Cases: Which VPN For What?
Can I use both VPNs simultaneously?
Technically yes, but don't. Running two VPNs creates routing conflicts and will slow your connection to a crawl. Choose one.
Will either VPN slow down my torrenting?
Both support P2P on most servers. NordVPN has dedicated P2P servers that are optimized for torrenting. Surfshark allows P2P on all servers. Both maintained 70-80% of my base upload speed when torrenting.
Do I need a VPN if I use HTTPS websites?
HTTPS encrypts data between you and the website. A VPN encrypts data between you and the VPN server. They protect different things. HTTPS prevents someone from seeing what you send to a website. A VPN prevents your ISP from seeing which websites you visit. You benefit from both. (And while you're thinking about security, make sure you're using strong passwords too.)
Can my ISP see I'm using a VPN?
Your ISP can see you're connected to a VPN server, but they can't see what you're doing through the VPN. Surfshark's Camouflage Mode can hide the fact you're using a VPN entirely.
Will a VPN protect me from malware?
No. VPNs encrypt your connection; they don't scan files for malware. NordVPN's Threat Protection and Surfshark's CleanWeb block known malware domains, but that's not the same as antivirus protection. Use dedicated security software.
Common Questions
Is NordVPN faster than Surfshark?
In real-world testing, NordVPN averaged 8-12% faster speeds on long-distance connections (US to EU servers). For local connections, the difference was negligible at 2-3%. Both maintain 85%+ of base speed, which is excellent.
Which VPN is better for streaming?
Both work reliably for Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. NordVPN has SmartPlay technology for automatic server optimization, while Surfshark's unlimited device policy makes it better for families sharing accounts across multiple devices.
Is Surfshark as secure as NordVPN?
Both use AES-256 encryption, have no-logs policies audited by independent firms, and support WireGuard protocol. NordVPN adds colocated RAM-only servers and Threat Protection Pro. Surfshark offers MultiHop and CleanWeb. Security differences are minimal for most users.
Which VPN is cheaper?
Surfshark's 2-year plan costs $2.19/month ($52.56 total) versus NordVPN's $3.39/month ($81.36 total). Surfshark saves you $28.80 over 2 years and includes unlimited simultaneous connections versus NordVPN's 10-device limit.
Can I use NordVPN and Surfshark together?
Technically yes, but don't. Running two VPNs creates routing conflicts and will slow your connection to a crawl. Choose one based on your needs: NordVPN for maximum performance and security, or Surfshark for best value and unlimited devices.
Does Surfshark work in China?
Surfshark's Camouflage Mode can help bypass VPN blocks, but China's Great Firewall is constantly evolving. Neither NordVPN nor Surfshark officially support China, and reliability varies. If you need a VPN for China, consider services specifically designed for that purpose.
Is NordVPN owned by Surfshark?
No, but they're related. Surfshark merged with Nord Security (NordVPN's parent company) in 2022. They operate as independent products with separate infrastructure, teams, and privacy policies, but are under the same parent company umbrella.
Final Verdict
Both NordVPN and Surfshark are legitimate, high-quality VPNs. You can't go wrong with either.
If you value maximum performance and security: Get NordVPN. The 8-12% speed advantage on international connections, RAM-only server infrastructure, and Panama jurisdiction make it objectively more secure and faster.
If you value maximum value and flexibility: Get Surfshark. The $28.80 savings over 2 years and unlimited device policy make it the better deal for most families and casual users.
Both have 30-day money-back guarantees. Test them yourself and see which one fits your workflow better.