NordVPN vs Surfshark
Last updated: 2026-08-18
Two top VPNs compared — speed, features, and value for money — pricing, features, and our verdict.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | popular NordVPN | best Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $3.09/mo | See website |
| Free trial | 30-day money-back guarantee | Check website |
| Best for | Overall best VPN — speed, security, and streaming | Various use cases |
| Free plan | ✗ | Check website |
| Starting price | $3.09/mo (2-year plan), $11.99/mo (monthly) | — |
| Servers | 5,000+ in 60+ countries | — |
| Protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2 | — |
| Devices | 10 simultaneous | — |
| No-logs policy | Audited (independently verified) | — |
| Streaming | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime | — |
| Kill switch | ✓ | — |
| Threat protection | Built-in (malware, ads, trackers) | — |
| Support | 24/7 chat + email | — |
| Pricing | — | See website |
NordVPN Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fast speeds — NordLynx protocol (WireGuard-based) is excellent
- 5,000+ servers in 60+ countries
- Audited no-logs policy (independently verified)
- Streaming-friendly — reliably unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu
- Threat protection (malware, ads, trackers) built in
- Up to 10 devices on one account
Cons
- No free plan (30-day money-back guarantee only)
- Map-based interface can be slow to load
- Some servers are slower during peak hours
- Double VPN is slower than regular connections
- Monthly plan is expensive ($11.99/mo) — best value is 2-year plan
Surfshark Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good feature set
- Active user community
- Regular updates
Cons
- Learning curve required
- Some limitations on lower tiers
Final Verdict
Both NordVPN and Surfshark are solid choices in the VPN space. The right pick depends on your budget, team size, and specific feature needs. We recommend trying both via their free plans or trials before committing.
Our pick: Surfshark
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for small businesses: NordVPN or Surfshark?
For small businesses, the better choice depends on your budget and specific needs. Surfshark generally offers better value for money, while NordVPN has more advanced features for growing teams.
Do NordVPN and Surfshark offer free trials?
Yes, both platforms offer ways to try before buying. 30-day money-back guarantee offers a trial, and Surfshark also offers a trial. We recommend trying both before committing.
Can I switch from NordVPN to Surfshark (or vice versa)?
Yes, most platforms offer data export tools. Contact lists, settings, and historical data can usually be migrated, though some manual setup will be required. Check each platform's migration documentation before switching.