NordVPN vs. Surfshark: Which is the Best VPN for You?

Øyvind Bringedal

Last Updated: 13/11/25

Choosing the right VPN in 2025 isn’t easy—especially when the competition is this close. NordVPN and Surfshark are two of the most popular premium VPN providers today, offering strong privacy features, blazing speeds, and streaming access. But which one truly gives you more value?

In this in-depth comparison, we’ll break down everything you need to know: pricing, speed, streaming capabilities, privacy, features, and more.

🆚 Quick Comparison Table – NordVPN vs Surfshark

NordVPN vs. Surfshark: At a Glance

Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer reliable connectivity without slowing down one’s internet experience. For their annual plan, they charge under $70 with slight variations when it comes to device compatibility and plans offered. While Surfshark permits unlimited device connections, NordVPN limits users to eight devices simultaneously.

Best for Online Security

NordVPN

Overall score: 9.6

• 7,700+ servers available in 118 countries
• Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously
• Great security features
• Verified no-logs policy
• Unblocks streaming platforms

Try NordVPN

30-day money-back guarantee

Most Affordable Premium VPN

Surfshark

Overall score: 9.5

• 4,500+ servers in 100+ countries
• Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
• Integrates stealth mode
• Multihop feature available
• Webcam protection from unauthorized apps

Visit Surfshark

30-day money-back guarantee

💵 Price Comparison: Surfshark vs NordVPN

• NordVPN starts at $2.99/month on the 2-year plan.
• Surfshark starts at just $1.99/month on the 2-year plan.
• Both offer 30-day money-back guarantees.
• Surfshark allows unlimited devices—a big win for families or heavy users.

⬇️ See the full breakdown of the subscription plans & pricing for NordVPN & Surfshark ⬇️

NordVPN Price & Subscription Plans for 2025

✅ Features Included in All NordVPN Plans

• Servers in 118 countries
• Built-in threat protection
• No activity or connection logs
• Next generation encryption
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• 10 simultaneous device connections

*Pricing subject to change, visit the NordVPN site to consult the most up-to-date pricing & subscription plans.

Surfshark Price & Subscription Plans for 2025

✅ Features Included in All Surfshark Plans

• Servers in 100 countries
• Dynamic MultiHop to encrypt your data twice
• No activity or connection logs
• Antivirus + Ad-free search
• Personal data leak alerts
• Unlimited simultaneous device connections

*Pricing subject to change, visit the Surfshark site to consult the most up-to-date pricing & subscription plans.

✅ Verdict: Surfshark wins on affordability and device support.

🌍 Server Network & Locations

• NordVPN offers 7,700+ servers in 118 countries. This includes specialty servers like Double VPN and Onion over VPN, ideal for maximum privacy.
• Surfshark counters with 4,500+ servers in 100 countries. This makes it better for bypassing geo-blocks in less-common regions.

✅ Verdict: Surfshark wins for wider country coverage. NordVPN wins for specialty servers and raw server numbers.

⚡ Speed Performance – Surfshark vs NordVPN

Both VPNs use the high-speed WireGuard protocol (NordVPN calls it NordLynx), offering fantastic performance. In multiple 2025 speed tests:

• NordVPN had slightly higher average download speeds, especially in North America and Europe.
• Surfshark was a strong performer in Asia-Pacific and South America, with only marginally slower speeds.

✅ Verdict: NordVPN is faster on average, but both are fast enough for 4K streaming, gaming, and video calls.

🎬 Streaming & Unblocking

If you’re here for Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, or BBC iPlayer—good news:

• Both NordVPN and Surfshark reliably unblock major streaming platforms.
• Both support multiple regional libraries, including US, UK, Canada, and Japan.
• Surfshark often has less buffering on lower-speed connections thanks to its Smart DNS and unlimited devices.

✅ Verdict: Draw. Both VPNs are streaming powerhouses.

Get NordVPN & Unlock Netflix & More!

Try NordVPN

Stream HBO Max & More with Surfshark!

Visit Surfshark

🔐 Privacy & Security

• NordVPN is based in Panama (no data retention laws) and enforces a strict no-logs policy. It has undergone independent audits by PwC and Deloitte.
• Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, a 14-Eyes country, but also follows a zero-logs policy and has passed third-party audits.
• Both use AES-256 encryption, support RAM-only servers, and offer kill switch protection.
• Only NordVPN provides Meshnet (secure private tunneling between devices) and Threat Protection (blocks ads, trackers, and malware domains even outside the VPN).

✅ Verdict: NordVPN wins on privacy features and independent verification.

🛠️ Advanced Features

✅ Verdict: NordVPN wins for privacy-heavy users. Surfshark wins for casual users needing more convenience.

📱 Device Compatibility

• Both VPNs work on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Amazon Fire TV, and routers.
• Surfshark has native Smart TV apps and unlimited connections, which is ideal for households or power users.

✅ Verdict: Surfshark wins for flexibility and multi-device usage.

🔎 Customer Support

• 24/7 live chat and email support are available on both platforms.
• Knowledge bases, installation guides, and chatbot assistance are available.
• NordVPN has slightly faster average response times in 2025.

✅ Verdict: Draw—both offer reliable, helpful support.

🏆 Final Verdict: NordVPN vs. Surfshark – Which One Is Best in 2025?

✅ Choose NordVPN if you want top-tier security, advanced features like Meshnet and Threat Protection, and faster global speeds.

✅ Choose Surfshark if you want budget pricing, unlimited devices, and excellent streaming capabilities on a wide global network.

🙋‍♀️ FAQs: NordVPN vs. Surfshark