WanderUnlocked
Back to overviewComparison

NordVPN vs Surfshark: which VPN should you choose?

NordVPN and Surfshark are two of the biggest names in VPNs, at a similar price point but with different strengths: NordVPN emphasizes features and brand recognition, Surfshark unlimited devices and price.

Pricing

NordVPN's entry plan costs around $3.49/month on a two-year contract, Surfshark starts slightly lower at around $2.49/month. On a monthly plan without a long-term commitment, NordVPN at $12.99 is cheaper than Surfshark's $15.45.

Devices and features

Surfshark lets you connect an unlimited number of devices on a single subscription, NordVPN has a device limit per plan but offers extras like a password manager and 1TB of cloud storage on its pricier Plus and Complete tiers.

Speed and server network

NordVPN has a larger server network and typically scores slightly better on speed in independent tests, though Surfshark also performs well and the difference is barely noticeable for most users in practice.

What users say

Surfshark scores slightly higher on Trustpilot at 4.3 to 4.5 out of 5 compared to NordVPN's 4.1 out of 5, though NordVPN has considerably more reviews at 46,000 to 49,000 versus Surfshark's 27,000 to 30,000.

Conclusion: when to choose which?

  • Lots of devices in one household: Surfshark thanks to unlimited devices
  • Want extras like a password manager and cloud storage: NordVPN's Plus or Complete
  • Largest server network and most established name: NordVPN
  • Lowest entry price: Surfshark, as long as you check the auto-renewal terms carefully

Which VPN fits your trip?

Browse our VPN tips by use case.

See all VPN use cases