Introduction: VPN Showdown in 2025 – Privacy Just Got Personal
Imagine this. You’re sipping your coffee at a cozy café, scrolling on your phone, connected to public Wi-Fi. You feel relaxed, but behind the scenes, your personal data might be exposed to lurking cyber snoops. This is exactly where a solid VPN becomes your digital bodyguard.
In the ever-expanding world of online privacy tools, NordVPN and Surfshark are two names that stand out like trusted superheroes. Whether you’re looking to unblock content, secure multiple devices, or just browse in peace, these two giants promise top-tier protection. But which one truly delivers the goods?
Better than NordVPN
In this Surfshark: NordVPN review, we’re going deep. We’ll cover performance, pricing, security, features, and even how many devices you can hook up. If you’re wondering which VPN fits your life better, by the end of this read, you’ll know exactly where to place your trust in 2025.
The Big Picture: Quick Snapshot of NordVPN vs Surfshark
Before we dive deeper, let’s glance at how Surfshark and NordVPN compare in key areas.
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ⭐ 4.9/5 | ⭐ 4.7/5 |
| Servers | 8000+ in 126 countries | 3200+ in 100 countries |
| Pricing (2-year plan) | $3.39/month | $1.99/month |
| Simultaneous Devices | 10 | Unlimited |
| Jurisdiction | Panama (Privacy-friendly) | Netherlands (Nine Eyes alliance) |
| Best For | Speed, advanced security tools | Budget, family/device flexibility |
From this table alone, you can already sense the different personalities of each VPN. NordVPN is like the ultra-secure vault. Surfshark is more like the clever multitasker—affordable and versatile.
Performance: Speed, Stability, and Server Power
Let’s be honest: nobody wants a VPN that turns their internet into a buffering nightmare. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or just surfing the web, performance matters.
In real-world tests, NordVPN consistently leads in speed. With over 8,000 servers in 126 countries, it spreads traffic more efficiently. It also uses its unique NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) to deliver blazing-fast connections—even on long-distance servers.
Surfshark, while slightly behind in speed, still delivers excellent performance for everyday use. Its 3,200+ servers in 100 countries are fast enough for Netflix, Zoom calls, and online games. Plus, you can use it on unlimited devices, which is a big win for families or people juggling phones, laptops, smart TVs, and tablets.
From personal experience, NordVPN feels snappier when switching servers or downloading large files. But when I needed to protect multiple devices while traveling, Surfshark’s unlimited connections saved the day—no juggling logins, no speed dips.
So if you’re a speed freak, go with NordVPN. But if you’re juggling lots of devices and want solid speed without the price tag, Surfshark delivers.
Security and Privacy: Who Keeps You Safer?
Let’s get to the meat of it—online safety. Both VPNs claim to offer military-grade encryption, zero-logs policies, and strong privacy features. But are they really equal?
NordVPN is based in Panama, which is outside of the Fourteen Eyes surveillance alliance. This makes it ideal for privacy purists. It also packs features like:
- AES-256 encryption + ChaCha20 for mobile
- Threat Protection Pro (blocks ads, trackers, and malware)
- Meshnet (secure device-to-device sharing)
- Independently audited multiple times
- RAM-only servers (no data stored)
Surfshark, on the other hand, is located in the Netherlands, part of the Nine Eyes alliance. That might sound scary, but hold on. They’ve never had a breach and have undergone independent audits by respected firms like Deloitte.
Surfshark’s unique features include:
- Webcam protection (yes, that creepy cam-covering tape might finally retire!)
- CleanWeb (ad and tracker blocker)
- MultiHop (double VPN routing)
- Kill switch and DNS leak protection
- RAM-only servers as well
So what’s the verdict? If jurisdiction matters to you—go with NordVPN. But if you want clever extra tools for a great price, Surfshark is still incredibly secure.
Price Matters: Which One Saves You More?
Here’s where Surfshark steals the spotlight. If you’re price-conscious (and who isn’t these days?), this VPN is hard to beat.
Let’s break down the cost:
- NordVPN 2-year plan: $3.39/month
- Surfshark 2-year plan: $1.99/month
- NordVPN 1-month plan: $12.99/month
- Surfshark 1-month plan: $15.45/month
Wait… Surfshark is more expensive monthly? Yup. But that’s just the short-term plan. Where Surfshark truly shines is in long-term deals. You can lock in a secure, fast, and feature-packed VPN for less than the price of a cup of coffee each month.
NordVPN gives more flexibility in payment methods though—accepting cash, gift cards, and even retail store purchases.
Both offer 30-day money-back guarantees, which is a must. If you’re unsure, take them both for a spin. I’ve done it myself. Cancelled both just to test the refund process—and it was smooth as butter.
So if you’re in it for the long haul and want the best value, Surfshark wins hands down.
Device Compatibility: One Account to Rule Them All?
We live in a multi-device world. Smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, smart TVs… you name it. So how many devices can you protect?
NordVPN allows 10 simultaneous connections, which is pretty generous. But Surfshark offers unlimited connections under one subscription. That’s right—unlimited.
This feature alone makes Surfshark a dream for families or remote teams. You can protect everyone without upgrading plans or managing multiple accounts.
Both VPNs work on:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- Android
- iOS
- Smart TVs
- Browser extensions (Chrome/Firefox)
I personally tested NordVPN while traveling solo and found its auto-connect feature flawless. But when I wanted to secure my entire home—five phones, two laptops, a smart TV, and a router—Surfshark’s unlimited device support made me grin like a kid on Christmas morning.
Unique Features: Small Tools That Make a Big Difference
It’s often the little things that create a big user experience. Both NordVPN and Surfshark come loaded with unique features that go beyond basic protection. And if you’re like me, you want those extra perks—especially when you’re paying for a premium service.
NordVPN packs a serious punch with its Meshnet feature. Imagine securely connecting all your personal devices—your phone, laptop, and desktop—even across countries. It’s a private, encrypted tunnel between your gadgets, perfect for file sharing or even LAN gaming. Pair that with Threat Protection Pro, and you’ve got real-time malware blocking without even connecting to a server. It works like a silent guardian.
On the flip side, Surfshark’s CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware—something you’ll notice right away when browsing. Their Webcam Protection is a real gem too. Ever get paranoid your webcam might be spying on you? This feature gives you peace of mind without the duct tape. MultiHop, which routes your connection through two VPN servers, adds another layer of stealth.
While both offer split tunneling, RAM-only servers, and kill switches, NordVPN feels like the high-end SUV of VPNs. Surfshark, meanwhile, is the techy friend who knows all the hacks and saves you money.
Background Check: Who’s Really Behind These VPNs?
In a world where data is gold, trust matters more than ever. Knowing who’s behind your VPN gives you insight into how seriously they take your privacy.
NordVPN was founded in 2012 by Tomas Okmanas and Eimantas Sabaliauskas. Headquartered in Panama, it’s intentionally placed outside any surveillance alliances. That means no forced data retention laws—your activity stays yours. Over time, NordVPN has matured into a cybersecurity powerhouse with products like NordPass (password manager) and NordLocker (cloud encryption).
They’ve even been through tough tests, like the 2018 server breach. What did they do? Not hide it. Instead, they shredded the compromised server, disclosed the issue, and beefed up their security protocols. That’s the kind of transparency you want from a security company.
Surfshark, born in 2018 under the guidance of Vytautas Kaziukonis, has quickly risen through the ranks. It started in the British Virgin Islands, then moved to the Netherlands. That move raised eyebrows due to the Nine Eyes alliance, but Surfshark quickly proved itself with no-logs policies and independent audits by firms like Deloitte.
In 2022, Surfshark merged with Nord Security, the parent company of NordVPN. They’re still run independently, but now benefit from shared research and cybersecurity muscle.
So, if you value a long-standing track record and absolute transparency, NordVPN is the veteran you can rely on. But if you love underdog stories with fast growth and innovation, Surfshark’s got heart—and hustle.
Privacy Jurisdiction: Panama vs Netherlands – Does It Matter?
Jurisdiction isn’t the most exciting topic—but it matters. A lot.
NordVPN is based in Panama, a country that doesn’t force companies to store user data. It’s completely outside the Fourteen Eyes intelligence-sharing network, which means no foreign government can knock on their door and demand your info. This alone makes NordVPN a favorite for journalists, whistleblowers, and privacy diehards.
Surfshark, however, calls the Netherlands home—a member of the Nine Eyes alliance. That’s not ideal. These countries collaborate on surveillance and intelligence sharing. But to be fair, Surfshark has never recorded or handed over user data. Their no-logs policy is independently verified. Plus, they pulled their servers out of India when privacy laws changed, showing they’re not pushovers.
So while Surfshark walks the walk, NordVPN’s location gives it a clear privacy edge for those who want maximum security without compromises.
Streaming, Torrenting, and Unblocking Content
Let’s face it, most of us use VPNs to unlock our favorite shows, beat geo-blocks, or download torrents safely. So how do these two compare?
NordVPN is a beast when it comes to unblocking streaming platforms. Whether it’s Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, or Disney+, it does the job without a hitch. Add to that fast speeds, and you’re binge-watching in HD without the spinning wheel of doom.
Surfshark is no slouch either. It gets you into Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more, though some users report needing to switch servers occasionally. Its Smart DNS is also handy for devices like smart TVs and consoles.
For torrenting, both support P2P traffic and keep your IP hidden. NordVPN offers specialized P2P servers, which can boost speed and reliability. Surfshark handles torrents on all servers, which simplifies things for beginners.
In short:
- Streaming? NordVPN wins on reliability.
- Torrenting? Both are great, but NordVPN is slightly faster.
- Ease of use? Surfshark’s simplicity is beginner-friendly.
Better than NordVPN
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Alright, here’s the moment of truth. You’ve read the features, prices, performance, and privacy details. So, who takes the crown?
✅ Choose NordVPN if:
- You prioritize top-tier privacy and speed
- You want advanced features like Meshnet and Threat Protection
- You prefer a provider with a longstanding reputation and global reach
- You’re fine with paying a little extra for premium quality
✅ Choose Surfshark if:
- You want the best bang for your buck
- You have lots of devices to protect
- You’re a casual streamer, traveler, or privacy enthusiast
- You love value-packed features without breaking the bank
Personally? I use both. NordVPN on my work laptop for secure communication and file sharing, and Surfshark at home to cover every family member’s device with a single subscription.
Whichever you pick, you’re getting one of the best VPNs in the world. Just match the strengths with your needs, and you can’t go wrong.
FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered
1. Which is more beginner-friendly: NordVPN or Surfshark?
Both are easy to use, but Surfshark’s interface is slightly more intuitive, especially for people new to VPNs.
2. Can I use NordVPN and Surfshark on my Smart TV?
Yes! Both offer Smart DNS and apps for platforms like Android TV, Fire TV, and even routers.
3. Is Surfshark safe, even though it’s in the Nine Eyes alliance?
Yes. Despite its location, Surfshark has never recorded logs, and their independent audits prove their commitment to privacy.
4. Which VPN is better for gaming?
NordVPN, due to lower latency and faster speeds, especially with its NordLynx protocol.
5. Do they work in China?
NordVPN has obfuscated servers designed to bypass censorship. Surfshark works too, but success may vary.
6. Do I need antivirus if I use a VPN?
A VPN like NordVPN or Surfshark offers protection, but an antivirus still adds an extra layer, especially for file downloads and malware.
7. Which VPN has better customer support?
Both have 24/7 live chat, FAQs, and email help. NordVPN’s support is slightly faster, based on our test.
8. Can I switch between NordVPN and Surfshark easily?
Yes! You can install both and switch depending on your needs—just don’t run both at the same time.