Hi guys! In this post, I’ll compare Surfshark vs. NordVPN, two highly popular VPN services. My goal is to provide a straightforward assessment of their performance, security, user-friendliness, and pricing, without any flashy language and from my own POV. Both NordVPN and Surfshark have their own unique features and claims, but I’ll focus on real-world usage to help you make an informed choice. Let’s dive into the details and see which VPN is the better option for everyday users like me.

Surfshark vs. NordVPN – Detailed Comparison

Summary of Findings: NordVPN vs. Surfshark

Let’s kick things off with a quick overview of the key aspects we’ll be delving into:

Aspect	NordVPN	Surfshark
Price and Plans	1-month: $12.99; 1-year: $4.99/month; 2-year (+3 months): $3.19/month 30-day refund option	1-month: $12.95; 1-year: $3.99/month; 2-year: $2.49/month 30-day refund option
Servers and Protocols	5500+ servers in 105 countries;IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, WireGuard (NordLynx)	3200+ servers in 100 countries; WireGuard®, IKEv2, OpenVPN
Streaming	Unlocks BBCiPlayer, Netflix, YT, HBO Max, Disney+	Unlocks BBCiPlayer, Netflix, YT, HBO Max, Disney+
Speed	Average speed 646.12 Mbit/sMax speed 1254.86 Mbit/s	Average speed 602.38 Mbit/sMax speed 1182.92 Mbit/s
Supported Apps	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TVHas a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft EdgePossible to install on router	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TVHas a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft EdgePossible to install on router
Security Features	AES 256-bit encryption, Double NAT system, Colocated servers, Kill Switch, No-logs	AES-256 GCM & ChaCha20 encryption, RSA 2048-bit keys, No-logs, Kill Switch
Simultaneous connections	Maximum 6 devices	Unlimited devices
Support	24/7 chat	24/7 chat

Pros and Cons

	NordVPN	Surfshark
Pros	– Large server count across 60 countries	– Extensive server locations across 100 countries
	– Strong encryption and security features	– Competitive pricing
	– Audited no logs policy	– Audited no logs policy
Cons	– Lack of server coverage in exotic locations	– Fewer total servers
	– Linux setup is tricky	– No split tunneling on iOS

Now, let’s delve into each key area to see how NordVPN vs. Surfshark stack up.

Pricing and Plans

Financial considerations are the backbone of any VPN decision. NordVPN’s extended two-year package, inclusive of three extra months, seems like a sweet spot between commitment and value. On the other hand, Surfshark’s economically-priced offerings, especially the two-year deal, are hard to overlook. Both guarantee quality with their 30-day refund policies.

Plan	NordVPN	Surfshark
1-month	$12.99	$12.95
1-year	$4.99/month	$3.99/month
2-year	$3.19/month (+3 months extra)	$2.49/month

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Servers, Protocols, and Speed

A VPN’s efficiency is largely determined by its servers and protocols. Surfshark, although having fewer servers (3200+), impresses with its reach across 100 countries, whereas NordVPN offers an impressive 5500+ servers spanning 105 countries. Both brands have top-notch protocols adopted by both signal speed and security. Yet, what I think is great is NordVPN’s NordLynx feature – technology based on a WireGuard® VPN protocol for a super fast VPN connection.

Feature	NordVPN	Surfshark
Servers	5500+ in 105 countries	3200+ in 100 countries
Server types	Standard, Double VPN, Onion over VPN, Dedicated IP, Obfuscated Servers, P2P Servers	Standard, Multihop, Static IP Servers, P2P Servers
Protocols	IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, NordLynx	WireGuard®, IKEv2, OpenVPN

Surfshark vs. NordVPN Use Cases

When comparing Surfshark vs. NordVPN, both of them provide users with an encrypted tunnel for internet traffic, ensuring that your personal data remains secure when accessing public Wi-Fi. These VPNs can also bypass geo-blocks and network restrictions, granting unrestricted access to websites and content, especially when traveling. Apart from this, I thought of a few additional use cases:

• Streaming: NordVPN and Surfshark excel in bypassing geo-restrictions, granting access to platforms such as HBO Max, Netflix, BBCiPlayer, and Disney+. Additionally, both VPNs have ensured smooth streaming experiences, free from buffering or intrusive pop-ups for me.
• Torrenting: Both NordVPN and Surfshark support peer-to-peer traffic, so it’s noteworthy that every Surfshark and NordVPN server is P2P-compatible, a definite plus for torrent enthusiasts like myself.
• Gaming: In addition to improving connection stability and bypassing geo-restrictions on certain game titles or DLCs, using Surfshark VPN or NordVPN can give you an edge in accessing limited releases faster or even benefit when gaming. For instance, I noticed that “Warzone” lobbies are typically less full in the mornings, so I’ve found it to be a good idea to use a VPN to connect to servers from nations where it will be at the beginning of the day. That way you will be more likely to be matched against less skilled opponents or even bots.

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Security

Security is the cornerstone of any VPN. NordVPN’s emphasis on AES encryption with 256-bit keys, colocated servers, and its thrice-audited no-log policy speaks volumes. Surfshark doesn’t lag, boasting AES-256 GCM and ChaCha20 encryptions, along with robust RSA encryption keys.What is nice about NordVPN too is that they have started the server colocation process, which means that the brand now has some servers that they manage themselves in a purpose-built data center.

Feature	NordVPN	Surfshark
Encryption	AES-256-CBC & ChaCha20	AES-256 GCM & Chacha20Poly1305
Server Infrastructure	Colocated/standard servers	Standard
No-log Policy	Yes (audited thrice)	Yes (audited twice)

Surfshark vs. NordVPN Additional Features Overview

NordVPN offers a wealth of features like:

• Split Tunneling – a feature that enables you to decide which applications can directly access the internet and which require virtual private network (VPN) protection.
• Dark Web Monitor – a cybersecurity tool created to stop people from using the account information that was exposed on the dark web.
• Meshnet – a NordVPN feature that enables users to access devices or encrypted private tunnels.Threat Protection – an antivirus feature that blocks potentially malicious ads, webpages and prevents intrusive ads.

Meanwhile, I think Surfshark isn’t far behind with Cleanweb (ad blocker, pop-up blocker, data breach alert, and malware alert) and Bypasser (a solution that enables you to manage your connectivity by selecting which programs or websites to route via VPN and which not).

Lastly in the Surfshark vs. NordVPN debate, is a must to note that both providers have an impressive 24/7 support system.

Conclusion

Both NordVPN and Surfshark present formidable offerings, making the choice quite tough. However, considering the extensive features, robust security measures, and vast server locations, for me NordVPN seems to have a slight edge over its competitor.

Remember, that the best VPN choice always aligns with personal needs and priorities but, hopefully, this will help to make an informed decision.

If you are really still on the fence, keep in mind that NordVPN and Surfshark both offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Therefore you could purchase both VPNs, test each service for a few weeks, and then cancel the one you don’t want for a full refund.

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