Surfshark vs NordVPN: Which VPN Should You Trust With Your Privacy?
In today’s digital world, staying safe online has never been more important. Whether you’re shopping, streaming, or just browsing your favorite websites, protecting your personal information should be a top priority. That’s where Virtual Private Networks—or VPNs—come into play. Two of the biggest names in the VPN world right now are **Surfshark** and **NordVPN**. But how do you know which one is right for you?
If you’re torn between these two giants, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down in a simple, clear way so you can make the best choice for your online privacy.
What Do VPNs Actually Do?
Think of a VPN as a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. It hides your real IP address and encrypts your data, making it nearly impossible for hackers, advertisers, or even your internet provider to track what you’re doing online. Handy, right?
Now, both Surfshark and NordVPN do this job well—but they each come with their own set of strengths.
Speed & Performance: Who’s Faster?
Nobody wants a slow internet connection, especially when watching movies or playing games online. Both Surfshark and NordVPN use fast, modern VPN protocols to keep things zipping along.
But in real-world tests, **NordVPN tends to be just a tad quicker**. Its custom-built NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) is optimized for speed, and it shows.
However, that doesn’t mean Surfshark drags its feet. On the contrary, it holds its own quite well—and unless you’re clocking download times with a stopwatch, you might not even notice the difference.
In short:
- NordVPN: Slight edge in speed
- Surfshark: Still fast and very reliable
Privacy & Security: Keeping Your Data Safe
When it comes to privacy, both VPNs are solid choices. They operate out of privacy-friendly jurisdictions—Surfshark is based in the Netherlands and NordVPN in Panama. This means they aren’t legally required to keep logs of your online activity.
Both also offer **AES-256 encryption**, the gold standard in cybersecurity. And both have features like **kill switches** (which cut your internet if the VPN disconnects) and **split tunneling** (so you can choose what apps use the VPN and what don’t).
But here’s where NordVPN stands out just a bit—it runs on **RAM-only servers**. That might sound technical, but here’s why it matters: RAM-only servers wipe all data every time they reboot. That means there’s literally no trace of your data stored. Surfshark is catching up here, though, and has also begun rolling out RAM-only servers in its network.
Bottom line:
- Both offer top-notch encryption
- NordVPN has more advanced server technology—for now
Streaming & Bypassing Geo-Restrictions
Are you tired of hitting that annoying “this content isn’t available in your region” message on Netflix or YouTube? A good VPN can help with that.
Both NordVPN and Surfshark are excellent choices if streaming is your main goal. They can both unlock popular platforms like:
- Netflix
- Hulu
- Disney+
- Amazon Prime Video
- BBC iPlayer
Having tested both, I personally noticed Surfshark had fewer issues with buffering when accessing content from international servers, while NordVPN was slightly faster to connect.
Winner?
- Tie: Both are excellent for streaming
User Experience: Which One is Easier to Use?
Let’s face it—nobody wants to wrestle with complicated apps or settings. Luckily, both Surfshark and NordVPN make things easy.
Surfshark’s interface is clean, modern, and super intuitive. Even if you’re brand new to VPNs, you’ll have no trouble figuring out how to get started.
NordVPN, on the other hand, offers more customization options and a cool map-based UI. It’s visually appealing but might feel a bit more “techy” to beginners.
Ease of use:
- Surfshark: Great for beginners
- NordVPN: Better for users who want more advanced options
Simultaneous Connections: More Devices, More Freedom
Here’s something you’ll love if you have a big household or lots of gadgets: **Surfshark allows unlimited device connections**. That means you, your spouse, the kids, and even your smart fridge (if you want) can all stay protected at once.
NordVPN limits you to just six simultaneous connections. That’s probably enough for most people, but if you’re a tech-savvy family or want to share your VPN with friends, Surfshark gives you more bang for your buck.
Pricing: Which Offers More Value?
Let’s talk dollars and cents. Most VPNs offer better deals the longer you subscribe.
Surfshark generally comes out as the more affordable option. Its two-year plan is often much cheaper than NordVPN’s for the same term. And considering that it allows unlimited devices, **Surfshark offers serious value for money**.
However, NordVPN often includes more bonus features in its plans—like dedicated IP addresses or encrypted cloud storage—so for some users, that could tip the scales.
Pricing Summary:
- Surfshark: More budget-friendly, especially for families or multi-device users
- NordVPN: Higher price, but packed with extras
Customer Support: Help When You Need It
If something goes wrong, good support can be a lifesaver.
Both Surfshark and NordVPN offer:
- 24/7 live chat
- Email support
- Extensive knowledge bases with guides and FAQs
From personal experience, I found both teams helpful and quick to respond. There’s very little to separate them here.
The Verdict: Surfshark or NordVPN?
Choosing between Surfshark and NordVPN really depends on your needs. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:
- Go with Surfshark if: You want a user-friendly, affordable VPN for lots of devices.
- Go with NordVPN if: You value lightning-fast speeds, advanced privacy features, and don’t mind paying a little more.
Both are excellent options and will keep you safe online. You can’t really go wrong with either.
Still not sure?
Many users try both thanks to their money-back guarantees (30 days). That way, you can see which one fits your lifestyle better—without any risk.
Because at the end of the day, the best VPN is the one that actually gets used.
So, which will you choose for your online privacy?
