In today’s digital world, privacy is more than just a preference—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re working remotely, streaming international content, or just browsing social media at your local coffee shop, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can be your personal digital bodyguard. Two of the most buzzworthy VPNs right now are NordVPN and Surfshark. But with both offering serious muscle in security, speed, and features, how do you choose?
In this detailed NordVPN: Surfshark review, we’ll break things down in simple, friendly terms—no jargon, just facts and experiences. We’ll explore pricing, performance, security, streaming, and more to help you decide which VPN fits your lifestyle best in 2025.
Better than Surfshark
Why NordVPN and Surfshark Are Always in the Conversation
If you’ve been hunting for a VPN, these two names probably popped up more than once—and for good reason. NordVPN and Surfshark have both carved out reputations for being fast, secure, and user-friendly. But here’s the twist: they take different roads to get there.
- NordVPN is a veteran in the VPN space, known for blazing speeds, military-grade security, and top-tier performance.
- Surfshark is the scrappy underdog turned serious contender, offering excellent value, tons of features, and unlimited connections.
When I first started using VPNs, I was overwhelmed by the options. But after testing both of these daily for work, travel, and streaming, I can say confidently—they’re both worth it. Still, only one can be the best for you.
Plans & Pricing: Surfshark Wins on Long-Term Value
One of the first things people ask me is, “How much does it cost?” That’s fair—no one wants to overpay. Here’s the lowdown on what you can expect from both in 2025.
| Plan Type | Surfshark One Plan | NordVPN Plus Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $15.95 | $13.99 |
| 1-Year Plan | $47.85 (then ~$99/year) | $71.88 (then $179.88) |
| 2-Year Plan | $72.63 (then ~$99/year) | $107.73 (then $179.88) |
At first glance, Surfshark looks more expensive, especially on the monthly plan. But here’s where it gets interesting—Surfshark’s long-term pricing is far more budget-friendly. Over two years, you’ll spend significantly less with Surfshark than with NordVPN.
If you’re in it for the long haul (like I am), Surfshark is the clear winner in this category. It’s like buying in bulk—you get more for less.
Key Takeaways:
- Surfshark saves you money over time.
- NordVPN is better for short-term users who don’t want to commit.
- Both offer free trials and money-back guarantees—no risk in testing either.
Speed & Performance: NordVPN Is Lightning-Fast
Let’s be honest: no one wants to wait 10 seconds for a webpage to load. A VPN should protect your privacy, not kill your Wi-Fi speed. So how do these two stack up when it comes to performance?
After weeks of testing across multiple devices and servers, here’s what I found:
- NordVPN consistently delivered 72% of my base download speed and 80% of my base upload speed.
- Surfshark averaged 61% download and 70% upload.
That might not sound like a huge difference, but trust me—it adds up. When streaming 4K videos or video conferencing, NordVPN was noticeably smoother. Files downloaded faster, video calls were crystal-clear, and I barely noticed it running in the background.
Why is NordVPN so fast?
- It uses NordLynx, its own upgraded version of the WireGuard protocol.
- Its server network is huge—over 7,000 servers in 118 countries.
- It automatically connects you to the fastest server nearby.
Surfshark isn’t slow by any means. In fact, it outpaces many other VPNs on the market. But when it comes to top speed, NordVPN takes the trophy—no question.
Privacy & Security: NordVPN Has the Edge
When I travel or work in public spaces, security becomes my #1 concern. That’s where a VPN becomes a superhero. Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer industry-standard AES-256 encryption and no-logs policies, but there are a few things that set them apart.
NordVPN’s Strengths:
- Based in Panama, which is outside the 14 Eyes surveillance alliance.
- Conducts regular independent audits to verify its no-logs claims.
- Offers advanced features like Onion over VPN, Double VPN, and NordWhisper (secure file sharing).
Surfshark’s Strengths:
- Located in the Netherlands, a privacy-conscious country, but still part of the 14 Eyes.
- Also regularly audited and committed to a strict no-logs policy.
- Includes CleanWeb (ad/tracker blocker), antivirus, and real-time breach alerts.
Here’s my honest take: if government-level surveillance concerns you (say, you’re an activist or journalist), NordVPN’s location gives it an upper hand. For average users, both are more than secure enough.
Pro Tip: Both providers offer kill switches, leak protection, and strong protocol choices like WireGuard and OpenVPN. You’re safe either way, but NordVPN is just a little more… bulletproof.
Better than Surfshark
Streaming & Content Access: It’s a Tie
One of my favorite uses for VPNs is unlocking geo-blocked content. I travel often, and sometimes I just want to binge my favorite U.S. shows from Europe or Asia. This is where both NordVPN and Surfshark shine.
Tested streaming services:
- Netflix (multiple regions) ✅
- Hulu ✅
- Disney+ ✅
- Amazon Prime Video ✅
- BBC iPlayer ✅
- HBO Max ✅
Both handled these effortlessly. No buffering, no errors, no stress. Even better? Each provider has smartplay technology to switch servers automatically for better performance.
It honestly feels like magic when you’re watching “The Office” from a country where it’s not available. And in this area, it’s a clear tie. Either will work beautifully for streaming in 2025.
Simultaneous Connections & Device Support: Surfshark Wins Hands Down
Ever tried to connect too many devices to one VPN and got kicked out? I have—and it’s frustrating. If you live with roommates or have a big family, this next point is huge.
- Surfshark lets you connect unlimited devices at once. That’s right—unlimited.
- NordVPN caps you at 10 devices, which is still generous, but not quite as flexible.
In my home, we have four phones, three laptops, two tablets, and a smart TV—all connected at once. Surfshark handled it without a hiccup. With Nord, we had to be more strategic about what was connected when.
Server Network & Global Reach: NordVPN Has the Bigger Playground
If you’re like me, you enjoy exploring international content—news from the UK, anime from Japan, or cricket matches from India. In that case, the size and distribution of a VPN’s server network matter. It’s like having passport access to the internet worldwide.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Surfshark | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Total Servers | 3,200+ | 7,000+ |
| Countries Covered | 100+ | 118 |
NordVPN clearly has more to offer in this area. With over 7,000 servers across 118 countries, it means faster and more stable access, especially in high-traffic areas. During my testing, this translated into fewer slowdowns during peak hours, especially when connecting to popular regions like the U.S., UK, and Germany.
Surfshark is no slouch. It still offers global coverage and rarely gave me trouble with connectivity. But when I needed niche content from smaller countries or smoother service during international sports events, NordVPN had better options and better routing.
So if geographic flexibility is important for you, NordVPN gets the point.
User Interface & Ease of Use: Both Are Super Simple
VPNs used to be intimidating, especially for folks who aren’t tech-savvy. But both NordVPN and Surfshark have made huge strides in being user-friendly.
Here’s what I love about both:
- Clean, modern interfaces.
- One-click quick connect.
- Clear server location lists with filtering.
- Helpful tooltips and explanations for each feature.
Surfshark’s app feels more minimalist, which I personally liked when using it on my phone. It’s sleek, intuitive, and perfect for casual users. One standout feature is how easy it is to toggle security features—block ads, malware, and pop-ups with a single click.
NordVPN’s dashboard, especially on desktop, is more robust. You get a map-based view that shows where your server is located (great visual feedback), and advanced users will appreciate the deep customizations available in its settings.
If I had to pick based on looks and ease alone, I’d say Surfshark wins for mobile, while NordVPN is better for power users on desktop. But either way, setup is a breeze—you’ll be connected within minutes of installation.
Customer Support & Troubleshooting: NordVPN Is a Step Ahead
Let’s be real: even the best apps glitch sometimes. That’s when customer support becomes your best friend. I tested both VPNs’ support channels by simulating common problems—login issues, slow speeds, and changing billing cycles.
Here’s what I found:
- NordVPN has faster live chat response times. I usually got connected in under 30 seconds.
- The support team was knowledgeable, patient, and explained things clearly.
- Their knowledge base is vast—articles, videos, and FAQs cover almost everything.
Surfshark also offers 24/7 chat support, but occasionally I had to wait a few minutes to get through. Their support agents were helpful, though sometimes responses felt a bit scripted.
If customer support is important for your peace of mind (especially if you’re not very tech-savvy), NordVPN gets the edge here.
Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Which VPN?
We’ve covered a lot—speed, price, security, streaming, usability. Now here’s the ultimate question: Which VPN is better in 2025?
Honestly? It depends on your needs.
Choose NordVPN if:
- You want the fastest speeds on the market.
- You need extra security features and are concerned about global surveillance.
- You prefer a bigger server network for international browsing.
- You rely on responsive customer support.
Choose Surfshark if:
- You’re looking for the best value for your money, especially long-term.
- You have a lot of devices and want unlimited connections.
- You prefer a simpler, clean user interface.
- You still want strong security and great streaming capabilities.
My personal take? I keep both subscriptions. I use NordVPN on my work laptop and Surfshark on all the smart TVs and tablets around the house. That balance works perfectly for me.
FAQs – NordVPN: Surfshark Review 2025
1. Is Surfshark or NordVPN better for Netflix?
Both work great for unblocking Netflix in multiple regions. There’s no noticeable difference in performance.
2. Can I use these VPNs in countries with internet censorship?
Yes, both offer obfuscation tools that disguise VPN traffic. NordVPN’s obfuscated servers are especially strong in this area.
3. Do they work on routers and smart TVs?
Yes! Both Surfshark and NordVPN support routers, smart TVs, and even browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
4. Which one is better for beginners?
Surfshark has a cleaner, more user-friendly interface, making it slightly better for beginners.
5. Are there any free versions?
No, but both offer 30-day money-back guarantees, which is basically a free trial with no risk.
6. How do I cancel if I don’t like the service?
Just contact support via live chat. I tested it myself—both providers issued refunds within 2–3 business days.
7. Which is more secure overall?
NordVPN, thanks to its Panama jurisdiction, regular audits, and advanced tools like NordWhisper.
8. Can I switch from one to the other easily?
Absolutely. They don’t lock you in. You can cancel anytime and import your preferences to a new service.
Final Thoughts on This NordVPN: Surfshark Review
If you’re serious about online safety, global access, and high-speed connections, either NordVPN or Surfshark is going to be a solid pick. They’re like two top-tier smartphones—different styles, same premium feel.
In this nordvpn: surfshark review, we saw how NordVPN offers powerhouse performance and airtight privacy, while Surfshark wins big on affordability and flexibility. Choosing between them is about matching your needs, not just chasing features.