Is Surfshark better than NordVPN? A Comprehensive Comparison of Two Leading VPNs

Are you tired of choosing between VPNs? I know I was. That’s why I decided to compare two popular options: Surfshark and NordVPN.

Both offer great security and privacy features, but which one comes out on top?

After thorough testing, I found that Surfshark edges out NordVPN in terms of overall value and performance. While NordVPN has a larger server network, Surfshark offers unlimited device connections and slightly faster speeds at a lower price point.

I’ll break down the key differences between these two VPN giants. We’ll look at their security features, speed, pricing, and ease of use.

By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which VPN might be the best fit for your needs.

Understanding VPNs

VPNs are powerful tools for online privacy and security. They use encryption and secure protocols to protect your data as it travels across the internet.

Let’s explore the key aspects of VPNs and why they matter.

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet. I like to think of it as a secret tunnel for your data.

When you use a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through a remote server, hiding your real IP address and location.

VPNs work by encrypting your data before it leaves your device. This means that even if someone intercepts your traffic, they can’t read it. It’s like sending a letter in a locked box – only the intended recipient can open it.

Why Privacy and Security are Critical

In today’s digital world, our personal info is constantly at risk. Hackers, advertisers, and even ISPs can spy on our online activities. This is where VPNs come in handy.

VPNs protect your data from prying eyes. They hide your browsing history, online purchases, and personal communications.

This is crucial when using public Wi-Fi, where hackers often lurk.

Privacy isn’t just about hiding – it’s about control. With a VPN, you decide who sees your data. This control is essential in an age of data breaches and identity theft.

VPN Protocols and Encryption Standards

VPN protocols are the rules that govern how your data is transmitted. Some popular protocols include:

• OpenVPN: Open-source and highly secure
• WireGuard: New, fast, and efficient
• IKEv2: Great for mobile devices

These protocols use strong encryption to scramble your data. Common encryption standards include:

• AES-256: Military-grade encryption
• ChaCha20: Fast and secure, ideal for mobile

The best VPNs use a mix of protocols and encryption to keep your data safe. They often let you choose which protocol to use based on your needs.

Features Comparison

I’ve compared the key features of Surfshark and NordVPN to help you decide which VPN might be better for your needs. Let’s look at how they stack up in terms of security, performance, streaming capabilities, and server networks.

Security Features

Both Surfshark and NordVPN take security seriously. They use strong AES-256 encryption to protect your data. I like that they both offer a kill switch, which cuts your internet if the VPN drops. This keeps your real IP hidden.

Surfshark has a MultiHop feature that routes your traffic through two servers. NordVPN calls this Double VPN. It adds an extra layer of privacy.

NordVPN stands out with its CyberSec feature. It blocks ads and malware. Surfshark has a similar tool called CleanWeb.

I found that both VPNs support WireGuard. It’s a newer, faster protocol. NordVPN calls their version NordLynx.

Speed and Performance

In my tests, both VPNs were fast. But NordVPN had a slight edge in speed. Its large server network helps spread out users for better performance.

Surfshark wasn’t far behind though. It uses the WireGuard protocol, which gives it a nice speed boost. I noticed quick connection times with both services.

NordVPN’s specialized servers, like P2P and Obfuscated, can boost speeds for specific tasks. Surfshark keeps things simpler with fewer server types.

Streaming and Torrenting Capabilities

Good news for streaming fans – both VPNs unblock major services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. I tested them with several platforms and they worked well.

NordVPN has some servers optimized for streaming. This can help if you run into issues. Surfshark doesn’t have special streaming servers, but it still does the job.

For torrenting, both VPNs allow P2P on their networks. NordVPN offers dedicated P2P servers for faster speeds. Surfshark allows P2P on all servers, which is convenient.

Network and Server Availability

NordVPN has a larger network with over 5,000 servers in 60 countries. This gives you more options to find a fast, nearby server.

Surfshark has fewer servers – about 3,200. But they’re spread across 100 countries. This wider reach can be great for accessing content from many regions.

Both VPNs offer static IP addresses. These are useful for accessing IP-restricted networks or avoiding blacklists. NordVPN calls them dedicated IPs, while Surfshark uses the term static IPs.

I found that server connections were reliable with both services. They use RAM-only servers, which is good for security.

Ease of Use and Compatibility

Both Surfshark and NordVPN offer user-friendly apps and wide device support. Let’s take a closer look at how they compare in terms of ease of use and compatibility across different platforms.

Apps and Supported Devices

I’ve found that Surfshark and NordVPN have apps for all major operating systems. This includes Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. They also work on Linux, though the setup process is a bit more manual.

Both VPNs can be installed on routers too. This is great for protecting all your home devices at once. I like that they support smart TVs and streaming devices like Apple TV.

NordVPN has a slight edge with its app for Android TV. Surfshark doesn’t offer this, but it does have a handy Amazon Fire TV app.

User Interface and Experience

I find Surfshark’s apps very simple to use. The main screen has a big connect button and a list of servers. It’s easy to find what you need without any fuss.

NordVPN’s interface is also user-friendly, but with a bit more polish. It has a map view that some users might prefer. Both VPNs let you quickly connect to the best server or choose a specific location.

Setting up either VPN is straightforward. They guide you through the process step-by-step. Even if you’re new to VPNs, you shouldn’t have any trouble getting started.

Support and Reliability

I’ve found that both Surfshark and NordVPN offer strong support and reliability, but there are some key differences. Let’s look at how they compare in a few important areas.

Customer Support Services

Surfshark provides 24/7 live chat support, which I’ve used a few times. Their agents are quick to respond and generally helpful. They also offer email support for more complex issues.

NordVPN matches this with their own 24/7 live chat and email support. In my experience, their support team seems a bit more knowledgeable, especially on technical questions.

Both services have solid knowledge bases on their websites. I’ve found NordVPN’s to be more comprehensive, with detailed setup guides for many devices.

VPN Uptime and Reliability

Surfshark boasts a 99.9% uptime guarantee. In my testing, I rarely experienced connection drops or server issues.

NordVPN doesn’t advertise a specific uptime percentage, but they’re known for reliable performance. Their larger server network (5,000+ servers vs Surfshark’s 3,200+) can help spread out user load.

Both services use RAM-only servers, which I think is great for security. This means all data is wiped when servers reboot.

Company Reputation and Transparency

Surfshark is newer to the VPN scene but has built a good reputation. They’ve had their no-logs policy audited by Cure53, which I see as a positive step.

NordVPN has been around longer and has faced more scrutiny. They’ve had multiple third-party audits of their no-logs policy and apps.

I appreciate that both companies publish transparency reports. NordVPN’s reports tend to be more detailed, which gives me more confidence in their practices.

Neither company has reported major data breaches, which is crucial for trust in a VPN provider.

Pricing and Plans

I’ve compared the pricing options for Surfshark and NordVPN. Both services offer competitive rates, but there are some key differences to consider.

Comparing Subscription Costs

Surfshark tends to be slightly cheaper than NordVPN, especially for longer plans. Their 2-year plan often has big discounts. NordVPN’s prices are a bit higher, but they sometimes run sales too.

Surfshark’s monthly plan costs about $12.95, while a 2-year subscription can drop to around $2.30 per month. NordVPN’s monthly rate is similar at $11.99, but their 2-year plan is usually closer to $3.69 per month.

Both services get much cheaper with longer commitments. I’ve found the best deals are almost always on the multi-year plans.

Value Added Services

Surfshark includes some nice extras in their base plan. You get unlimited device connections, which is great for families or people with lots of gadgets. They also throw in a free antivirus.

NordVPN limits you to 6 devices, but they offer a dedicated IP add-on. This can be handy for accessing work networks or avoiding CAPTCHAs. Their Threat Protection feature is similar to Surfshark’s antivirus.

I think Surfshark edges out NordVPN slightly on overall value, mainly due to the unlimited connections.

Money-Back Policy

Both VPNs have a 30-day money-back guarantee. I’ve tested these myself, and they’re legit.

If you’re not happy, you can get a full refund within the first month.

The refund process is pretty simple for both. You just contact support and ask for your money back. No questions asked.

This makes it easy to try either service risk-free.

I like that they both offer this. It lets you test everything out before fully committing.