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Surfshark vs NordVPN (2025): Which VPN Wins? Full Breakdown

NordVPN or Surfshark? Compare speed, security, price, streaming, unique features, and more in our detailed 2025 VPN review. Find your match.

Written By: Matt Gonzales

Reviewed By: Ken Underhill

Aug 14, 2025

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Most VPNs make big promises. Only a few deliver.

On paper, Surfshark and NordVPN look almost identical, offering fast speeds, airtight security, and worldwide streaming access. But when I tested them, the results revealed a clear winner in some surprising categories.

In this guide, you will see where each VPN excels, where it falls short, and why the “obvious” choice might not be the best one for you. And if neither matches your needs, I will also cover other proven security tools like Bitdefender, Norton, and ESET that can keep your data safe.

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Good For
Core Features
Integrations

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Good For
Core Features
Integrations

Visit Website

Good For
Core Features
Integrations

Overview of Surfshark
NordVPN
Head-to-head: feature comparison
Other trusted security tools
My pick for the VPN crown…

Feature	Surfshark	NordVPN
Starting price	$2.29/mo	$3.39/mo
Servers & locations	3,200+ in 100 countries	6,300+ in 111 countries
Connections	Unlimited	10
Special features	Ad blocker, MultiHop, IP Rotator	Threat Protection, Double VPN, Onion Over VPN
Best for	Budget-friendly, many devices	Speed and advanced security
	Visit Surfshark	Visit NordVPN

Overview of Surfshark

Best for: Budget-friendly users who want unlimited device coverage

Surfshark has built a loyal following by offering unlimited simultaneous connections at one of the lowest long-term rates in the premium VPN space. Whether it’s your phone, work laptop, gaming console, or even your smart fridge (if that’s your thing), Surfshark lets you connect them all under one plan.

Its network covers over 100 countries, making it easy to bypass geo-restrictions when traveling. Features like CleanWeb ad blocking and MultiHop double encryption boost privacy, and the apps are beginner-friendly. The trade-off is that long-distance connections lag a bit compared to NordVPN.

Pros:

Unlimited devices per account
Affordable long-term pricing
Strong streaming support

Cons:

Slight speed dips on distant servers
Smaller server network than NordVPN

Pricing: Starts at $1.99/month for the Starter plan; $2.29/month for the Surfshark One plan; $3.99 for the Surfshark One+ plan

Pro tip: Surfshark’s unlimited device limit makes it perfect for households or friend groups who want to share a single subscription.

Final verdict: An excellent value pick with plenty of features, especially if you need to protect multiple devices without worrying about limits.

Visit Surfshark

NordVPN

Best for: Users who prioritize speed and advanced security features

NordVPN isn’t just fast. It’s “stream 4K on three devices while downloading a game and still have bandwidth” fast. The secret is its NordLynx protocol, which gives it a speed edge over most of the competition. With over 6,300 servers in 111 countries, you’ll rarely find yourself stuck in a slow lane.

Security is NordVPN’s calling card. Double VPN routes your traffic through two encrypted servers for extra protection, Onion Over VPN adds Tor-level privacy, and Threat Protection quietly blocks malware, ads, and trackers before you even notice they’re there.

The only downside? A 10-device limit means you can’t hook up every gadget in your home (sorry, smart toaster), and it’s a bit pricier than Surfshark.

Pros:

Excellent speeds
Expansive global server coverage
Strong extra privacy tools

Cons:

Higher starting price
Limited to 10 simultaneous connections

Pricing: Starts at $3.39/month for a two-year Basic plan; $4.39 for a Plus plan

Pro tip: Enable Threat Protection and enjoy cleaner, safer browsing without extra software.

Final verdict: NordVPN is the choice for users who want premium performance and aren’t willing to compromise on speed or security.

Visit NordVPN

Head-to-head: feature comparison

Speed and performance

In my speed tests, NordVPN consistently outranked Surfshark, especially for long-distance hops. Both easily handled HD streaming and large downloads, but NordVPN pulled ahead in the “no waiting around” category.

Security and privacy

Both use AES-256-GCM encryption, enforce a strict no-logs policy, and have passed independent audits. Surfshark’s MultiHop and NordVPN’s Double VPN both route your traffic through multiple servers for extra privacy. NordVPN’s Threat Protection adds a bonus layer by blocking malware, ads, and trackers before they even think about bugging you.

Streaming and geo-unblocking

Both VPNs breezed through Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu tests. Surfshark’s unlimited devices make it the better “family plan” option, while NordVPN’s faster speeds are perfect for binge-watchers who can’t stand the spinning buffer wheel.

Pricing and value

Surfshark starts at $2.29/month for a two-year plan, making it one of the best deals in the premium VPN market. NordVPN starts at $3.39/month for the same term, which is still solid value given its speed and extra perks.

Other trusted security tools

If neither Surfshark nor NordVPN feels like “the one,” or if you want to double up on protection, check out these other heavy hitters that offer VPNs or malware protection:

McAfee: Comprehensive suite with identity monitoring and secure VPN.
Norton: All-in-one security suite with built-in VPN and identity theft protection.
Bitdefender: Award-winning antivirus that’s tough on malware but light on your system.
ESET: Lightweight antivirus with sharp ransomware defenses.
Malwarebytes: Excellent at zapping stubborn malware and adware.
PC Matic: Uses a whitelisting approach to keep unknown threats out.
Avast: Free version available with real-time threat detection.
AVG: Free antivirus with strong phishing protection.

My pick for the VPN crown…

Both Surfshark and NordVPN are standout choices, but the best pick depends on what matters most to you.

If you want the fastest speeds, advanced security tools, and an ultra-reliable global network, NordVPN is the clear winner. If you value unlimited devices, great streaming performance, and a lower monthly cost, Surfshark gives you more bang for your buck.

Either way, a VPN is just the first step toward total online protection. Pairing it with trusted security tools like Bitdefender, Norton, or ESET will cover the gaps a VPN alone can’t fill, keeping your devices safe from malware, phishing, and other online threats. Think of it as building a digital security team that works 24/7 to protect you.

Bottom line: choose the VPN that fits your needs today, and you’ll thank yourself every time you go online.

Looking for VPN solutions designed for small teams? Check out our guide to the best VPNs for small businesses for expert picks tailored to company security.

Matt Gonzales

Matt Gonzales is the Managing Editor of Cybersecurity for eSecurity Planet. An award-winning journalist and editor, Matt brings over a decade of expertise across diverse fields, including technology, cybersecurity, and military acquisition. He combines his editorial experience with a keen eye for industry trends, ensuring readers stay informed about the latest developments in cybersecurity.