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. Prices as of writing, check current promotions and renewal rates.
Devices and features
Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, while NordVPN applies a fixed limit per account (10 devices). NordVPN's pricier Plus and Complete tiers add extra services like password management and, depending on the tier, additional security or storage features. Surfshark offers its own extras via CleanWeb and Alternative ID, including disposable email addresses for online signups.
Speed and server network
NordVPN has a very extensive server network and ranks among the fastest VPN services in many independent speed tests, while Surfshark also delivers good performance. Both providers offer servers across dozens of countries and provide plenty of coverage for most users.
What users say
As of writing, Surfshark has a slightly higher Trustpilot score than NordVPN (4.3 to 4.5 out of 5 versus 4.1 out of 5), while NordVPN has considerably more user reviews (46,000 to 49,000 versus 27,000 to 30,000 for Surfshark).
Conclusion: when to choose which?
- Lots of devices in one household: Surfshark thanks to unlimited simultaneous connections
- Want extras like a password manager: 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