NordVPN vs Surfshark: Speed, Privacy & Value Guide

You’ve seen the ads. You’ve read the reviews. But when it comes down to actually choosing a VPN for real-world use—streaming, privacy, public Wi-Fi security, and torrenting—two names keep coming up: NordVPN and Surfshark.

Both are heavyweights. Both are trusted. And both, interestingly, belong to the same parent company (Nord Security). But make no mistake: they’re not the same. NordVPN positions itself as the ultimate high-performance, privacy-first VPN. Surfshark goes all in on value, flexibility, and unlimited device connections.

So which one should you go for in 2025?

After testing both services for weeks on desktop, mobile, and TV, across multiple locations and use cases, here’s a no-nonsense, data-driven comparison to help you make an informed decision.

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1. Quick Comparison Table: NordVPN vs Surfshark at a Glance

Feature	NordVPN	Surfshark
Best For	Maximum performance & privacy	Best value & unlimited devices
2-Year Plan Price	From $3.09/month	From $1.99/month
Simultaneous Connections	10 devices	Unlimited
Server Count	8000+	3200+
Countries Covered	126+	100
Jurisdiction	Panama (outside 5/9/14 Eyes)	Netherlands (9 Eyes member)
No-Logs Policy Audited	Yes (PwC, Deloitte, Cure53)	Yes (Deloitte, Cure53, MASA)
Main Protocol	NordLynx (WireGuard-based)	WireGuard
Streaming Access	Excellent	Excellent
Performance Winner	✅
Best Value Winner		✅
Try VPN	NordVPN discount 77%	SurfShark – discount 87%

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2. Speed & Performance: Which VPN Delivers Faster, Smoother Connections?

Whether you’re streaming in 4K, gaming on low-ping servers, or just working remotely on a flaky hotel Wi-Fi, speed is everything. A sluggish VPN isn’t just annoying—it can ruin your online experience.

I tested both NordVPN and Surfshark extensively across multiple continents, using a 500 Mbps fiber connection, on both desktop and mobile. Each test was run multiple times using the same tools and under the same conditions.

Here’s how they performed.

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⚙️ Protocols That Power Performance

Both providers use WireGuard, the industry’s fastest VPN protocol. But NordVPN adds its own spin: NordLynx, a WireGuard-based protocol that includes a double NAT system for enhanced privacy without sacrificing speed.

In plain English?

• NordVPN’s NordLynx is lean, private, and incredibly fast.
• Surfshark’s WireGuard is fast too, but doesn’t include Nord’s custom optimizations.

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📊 Speed Test Results (Real-World Performance)

Location	NordVPN (Mbps)	Surfshark (Mbps)
Nearby server 🇺🇸	475	466
East Coast 🇺🇸	430	423
UK 🇬🇧	384	376
Singapore 🇸🇬	112	96
Australia 🇦🇺	76	62
Avg. Latency 🕒	71 ms	89 ms

Test tool used: Speedtest CLI and Fast.com
Devices: Windows laptop + iPhone 15 Pro
Connection: Ethernet / 5GHz Wi-Fi, no antivirus, no background apps

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🔍 What Does This Mean in Practice?

In short: NordVPN is faster, especially on long-distance connections.

• If you’re bingeing Netflix in 4K on multiple devices? NordVPN will hold up better.
• If you’re gaming online where every millisecond matters? NordVPN has lower ping.
• If you’re downloading large torrents? You’ll finish slightly faster with NordVPN.

That said, Surfshark is no slouch. It handled 4K streams, cloud backups, and Zoom calls without a hiccup. Unless you’re really pushing your bandwidth to the max, you’ll likely be satisfied with either one.

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🏆 Verdict: NordVPN Wins for Raw Speed

NordVPN comes out ahead here, thanks to:

• A more advanced protocol (NordLynx)
• A bigger and better-distributed server network
• Infrastructure investments (10Gbps servers, colocated hardware)

Surfshark performs well—but for users who want the absolute best in speed and responsiveness, NordVPN takes the win.

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3. Privacy & Security: Which VPN Truly Keeps You Safe and Anonymous?

Speed is nice—but security is the whole point of using a VPN. Whether you’re dodging trackers, avoiding government surveillance, or just trying to keep your browsing history private, the way your VPN handles encryption, logging, and jurisdiction matters deeply.

Here’s how NordVPN and Surfshark compare when it comes to protecting your privacy—down to the technical details.

Choosing a VPN isn’t just about speed—it’s about trust. Services like NordVPN and Surfshark are pushing the industry forward with transparency, regular audits, and secure infrastructure. But users should always consider their own use cases before buying into the hype.
— Mark Levinson, cybersecurity analyst, PrivacyTools.io

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🔐 Encryption & Protocols

Both VPNs use military-grade encryption, specifically:

• AES-256 for OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols
• ChaCha20 for WireGuard-based protocols (faster and just as secure)

These algorithms are considered unbreakable with current computing power, so in terms of encryption strength, both providers are on equal ground.

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🧱 Kill Switch & Leak Protection

A good VPN isn’t just about encrypting your traffic—it should also protect you when the connection drops. That’s where the Kill Switch comes in.

• NordVPN: Offers both a system-wide Kill Switch (cuts all internet if VPN drops) and an App Kill Switch, which lets you specify certain apps to shut down automatically. This dual setup is more flexible and useful in real-world scenarios.
• Surfshark: Includes a system-level Kill Switch on all major platforms. It’s reliable, but doesn’t allow app-level customization.

Both VPNs also include built-in DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection, and in all my tests, no leaks were detected.

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🛡️ Advanced Security Features

This is where things get interesting. Both services go beyond basic protection:

NordVPN offers:

• Threat Protection Pro: Blocks ads, trackers, malware domains, and even scans downloads for malware. It can work even without an active VPN connection.
• Double VPN: Your traffic is encrypted twice and routed through two servers in different countries.
• Onion Over VPN: Combines VPN with the Tor network for extreme anonymity.
• Obfuscated Servers: Bypass VPN blocks and deep packet inspection by disguising VPN traffic as normal HTTPS.

Surfshark offers:

• CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites. Works only when VPN is active.
• Dynamic MultiHop: Lets you choose entry/exit server combinations manually for double encryption.
• Camouflage Mode (NoBorders): Hides VPN usage, useful in restrictive countries.
• Surfshark One: Optional bundle that includes antivirus, breach alerts, and a private search engine.

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🧪 Security Audits (Transparency Matters)

Both companies have submitted to independent audits, which is key to proving they walk the talk.

Provider	No-Logs Policy Audited	App/Infra Audits
NordVPN	✅ PwC (2x), Deloitte (2x)	✅ Cure53 audit in 2024 & 2025
Surfshark	✅ Deloitte (2023, 2025)	✅ Cure53 (Infra) + MASA (Android)

✅ Bonus: Both providers run RAM-only servers. No hard drives = no stored data = no possible recovery after reboot.

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🌍 Jurisdiction: Panama vs Netherlands

This matters more than you think.

• NordVPN is based in Panama, a country with no data retention laws and outside all intelligence-sharing alliances (5/9/14 Eyes). This makes it ideal for privacy-focused users.
• Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, a privacy-friendly country but part of the 9 Eyes alliance. While Dutch law doesn’t require logging, there’s theoretical risk of government pressure.

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🏆 Verdict: NordVPN Wins for Maximum Security & Privacy

Both services are secure and trustworthy, but if you’re serious about staying anonymous and avoiding surveillance:

• NordVPN offers more advanced features
• Has a better legal jurisdiction
• Undergoes more frequent and deeper audits

That makes it the winner for users who value privacy above all else.

NordVPN is the only VPN I trust for crypto trading and handling sensitive data. Panama jurisdiction is a huge plus.

@Cryptowatcher (r/privacy)

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4. Streaming & Torrenting: Which VPN Unblocks More and Does It Better?

Whether it’s watching Netflix libraries from around the world, bypassing sports blackouts, or downloading large files via torrents, a solid VPN should do two things well:

• Unblock content consistently
• Handle large bandwidth without slowdowns or interruptions

Here’s how NordVPN and Surfshark perform in the entertainment arena.

I’ve been using Surfshark for over two years—never had issues with streaming. Price is unbeatable and it works on all my devices.

@Paranoidx (r/VPN)

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🎬 Streaming Access: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and More

Both VPNs are among the best on the market for streaming. They consistently unblock a wide range of platforms—even those known for aggressively blocking VPN traffic.

Here’s what they could access in recent tests:

Streaming Service	NordVPN	Surfshark
Netflix US/UK/JP	✅	✅
Hulu	✅	✅
Disney+	✅	✅
BBC iPlayer	✅	✅
Amazon Prime	✅ (mostly)	✅ (mostly)
HBO Max	✅	✅

⚠️ Note: These platforms constantly update their detection systems, so results can vary. But in long-term testing, both providers handled blocks more reliably than 90% of competitors.

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📺 Streaming Quality & Stability

In real use, it’s not just about getting in—it’s about staying in.

• NordVPN performed better on longer-distance streaming. For example, streaming Netflix US from Asia or the Middle East had less buffering and faster load times than with Surfshark.
• Surfshark handled local and medium-distance streams (within the same continent) perfectly fine. Only minor buffering was noticed when connecting to far-away servers.

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🧠 Smart DNS (for Smart TVs & Consoles)

Both providers offer Smart DNS tools that let you unblock streaming platforms on devices that don’t support VPN apps, like:

• Apple TV
• PlayStation / Xbox
• Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, etc.)

NordVPN calls this feature SmartPlay, while Surfshark includes it as part of CleanWeb DNS. Both are easy to set up, but NordVPN is slightly more seamless in how it integrates SmartDNS into the VPN app automatically.

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⚡ Torrenting (P2P File Sharing)

Let’s be clear: Both VPNs support torrenting, and both do it well.

But their approach is different:

• NordVPN offers dedicated P2P servers optimized for file sharing. This means faster speeds, lower load, and fewer interruptions when torrenting large files. It also integrates kill switch and leak protection by default for these servers.
• Surfshark allows torrenting on all servers, which gives you more flexibility—especially if you don’t want to switch locations. Speeds are solid, but not quite as fast as NordVPN’s dedicated setup.

⚠️ Tip: Always enable Kill Switch when torrenting, no matter which VPN you use.

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🏆 Verdict: Tie (With a Slight Edge for NordVPN)

Streaming: Both are fantastic, but NordVPN is a little more stable over long distances.
Torrenting: NordVPN’s dedicated servers make it the better pick for heavy file sharing.
Smart TVs: Both work—NordVPN’s SmartPlay is just a bit easier to manage.

➡️ Overall, NordVPN takes a narrow lead, but if your priority is unlocking content across devices, either one will serve you well.

Surfshark works most of the time, but I had to switch to NordVPN to get consistent Netflix US access from Europe.

@Frustrated_Streamer_19383 (r/netflixviaVPN)

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5. Server Network & Infrastructure: Who Has the Bigger, Better, Smarter VPN Network?

It’s not just about how many servers a VPN has—it’s how well they’re distributed, managed, and optimized. A strong server network ensures:

• Faster speeds through load balancing
• More reliable unblocking of geo-restricted content
• Better privacy through full ownership and RAM-only architecture

Let’s compare NordVPN and Surfshark side by side.

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🌐 Global Server Coverage

Feature	NordVPN	Surfshark
Total Servers	8000+	3200+
Countries Covered	126+	100
Owns Hardware?	✅ (partially)	❌ (mostly rented)
RAM-Only Servers	✅	✅

• NordVPN clearly leads in raw numbers. With over 8000 servers across 126 countries, it has one of the largest networks in the industry.
• Surfshark, while smaller, still offers a robust global reach, especially impressive given its pricing.

🧠 Note: Both use RAM-only servers, meaning no user data is stored on any physical hard drives. After each reboot, the server memory is wiped—this is now the gold standard for VPN security.

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🖥️ Specialized Servers: P2P, Double VPN & More

Both services offer a range of specialized servers for users with different needs:

NordVPN offers:

• P2P servers: Optimized for fast and secure torrenting
• Double VPN: Routes traffic through two countries for extra privacy
• Onion over VPN: Combines VPN with the Tor network
• Obfuscated servers: Hide VPN usage in restrictive countries
• Dedicated IP: (Paid add-on) Get a personal static IP

Surfshark offers:

• P2P on all servers: More flexible, but less optimized
• Dynamic MultiHop: Pick your own entry & exit countries
• Camouflage Mode (NoBorders): Automatically hides VPN traffic
• Static IP: Included in regular plans
• Dedicated IP: Also available as add-on

✅ Bonus: NordVPN is actively rolling out colocated servers—meaning they fully own and operate the hardware (no third-party data centers). This gives them tighter control over privacy and performance.

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📈 Why This Matters

• More servers = less overcrowding, better speeds
• More countries = more options to bypass geo-blocks
• Server ownership = more control, better transparency
• Specialty servers = enhanced performance for specific use cases

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🏆 Verdict: NordVPN Wins for Network Power & Flexibility

While Surfshark’s network is strong for its price tier, NordVPN is operating on another level:

• Bigger and more advanced infrastructure
• Broader global reach
• More specialty options for power users

For users who want maximum control, coverage, and performance, NordVPN is the better pick.

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6. Ease of Use & Customer Support: Which VPN Feels Better to Use Day-to-Day?

You could have the fastest, most secure VPN on the planet, but if the app feels like a puzzle—or if support ghosts you when something breaks—it’s a deal-breaker. So, how do NordVPN and Surfshark stack up when it comes to user experience?

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📱 Apps & User Interface (UI/UX)

NordVPN:

• Clean and professional design
• Desktop app includes an interactive map for choosing server locations—cool visual, but not everyone finds it practical
• Some users say the mobile version feels a bit cluttered (especially on Android)
• Customization options available, but can feel a bit advanced for beginners

Surfshark:

• Sleek, minimalistic, and modern interface
• List-based server selection is faster and easier to navigate
• Clean layout across all platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and browser extensions
• Often praised for being beginner-friendly while still offering power features

🧠 If you’re new to VPNs, Surfshark has a slight edge in simplicity.
If you’re more experienced, NordVPN offers more fine-tuning options.

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🔗 Device Compatibility

Both VPNs support all major platforms, including:

• Windows / macOS / Linux
• Android / iOS
• Smart TVs / Fire TV / Apple TV (via manual or SmartDNS setup)
• Routers
• Browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox)

No real difference here—they both deliver strong cross-platform support.

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🔢 Simultaneous Connections

Here’s a big differentiator:

Feature	NordVPN	Surfshark
Devices per account	10	Unlimited ✅

If you’re protecting just a laptop and phone, 10 connections is more than enough. But if you want to secure your entire household or team, Surfshark is the clear winner.

Unlimited connections make it one of the best VPNs for:

• Families
• Digital nomads
• People with lots of gadgets
• Small business owners

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🤝 Customer Support

Both services offer 24/7 live chat and email support, along with searchable knowledge bases and setup tutorials.

In testing, response times were quick (usually under 1 minute on live chat), and agents were:

• Friendly
• Professional
• Able to solve both basic and technical problems

User reviews for both VPNs praise support quality, but NordVPN’s support team seemed slightly more knowledgeablewhen handling advanced topics (like setting up Meshnet or manual configs).

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🏆 Verdict: Surfshark Wins on Usability, NordVPN on Customization

• Surfshark is smoother for beginners and offers unlimited devices per account
• NordVPN provides more advanced features and better depth for power users

For ease of use and simplicity, go with Surfshark.
If you want more control and don’t mind a slightly steeper learning curve, NordVPN will serve you better.

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7. Pricing & Value: Which VPN Offers More Bang for Your Buck?

NordVPN and Surfshark are both premium VPN services, but they approach pricing differently.

• NordVPN positions itself as a high-performance, all-in-one privacy platform
• Surfshark aims to be the best value-for-money VPN with powerful essentials at a lower cost

Let’s compare them in detail.

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💰 Base Prices (2-Year Plans)

Plan Type	NordVPN	Surfshark
Starter Plan	From $3.09/month	From $1.99/month ✅
Mid-Tier Plan	From $3.99/month	From $2.49/month
Full Bundle	From $4.99/month	From $3.99/month
Money-Back	30-day guarantee	30-day guarantee
Free Trial	❌	✅ (7-day mobile trial)
Devices	10 devices	Unlimited ✅

💡 Tip: Both providers often run promos, so you might find even lower prices on their official websites during sales.

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🧩 What Do the Plans Include?

Here’s a breakdown of what each subscription tier includes:

Feature / Tier	NordVPN Basic	NordVPN Plus	NordVPN Complete	Surfshark Starter	Surfshark One	Surfshark One+
VPN Service	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Ad & Malware Blocker	✅ (ThreatProtect)	✅	✅	✅ (CleanWeb)	✅	✅
Password Manager	❌	✅ (NordPass)	✅	❌	❌	❌
Data Breach Scanner	❌	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅
Encrypted Cloud Storage	❌	❌	✅ (NordLocker 1TB)	❌	❌	❌
Antivirus	❌	❌	❌	❌	✅	✅
Personal Data Removal	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌	✅

✅ Both services are modular—you only pay for the features you need.

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📈 Real-World Value

• Surfshark is unbeatable if you want to protect many devices on a budget
• NordVPN justifies its higher price through:
  • Faster speeds
  • Exclusive features like Meshnet and Onion over VPN
  • Broader infrastructure and deeper audits
  • Access to its growing privacy ecosystem (NordPass, NordLocker, etc.)

In short: NordVPN is an investment, while Surfshark is a steal.

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🏆 Verdict: Surfshark Wins for Affordability, NordVPN Wins for Features

• If your goal is to spend the least and protect the most, Surfshark is your VPN
• If you want top-tier performance, advanced security, and tools beyond just a VPN, NordVPN offers incredible long-term value

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8: Final Verdict: Which VPN Should You Choose in 2025?

You’ve seen the numbers, tested the features, and compared the pricing. Now it’s time to answer the big question:

👉 NordVPN vs Surfshark—who wins overall?

Well, it depends on who you are and what you need.

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🧠 Choose Surfshark if you:

✅ Want to protect unlimited devices—great for families, tech lovers, or small teams
✅ Are on a tight budget but still want strong privacy and performance
✅ Prefer a clean, beginner-friendly app with simple setup
✅ Need solid streaming access but don’t need ultra-low latency
✅ Like the idea of getting VPN + antivirus + breach alerts in one bundle

💡 Surfshark is the ultimate value choice. It’s like getting a premium VPN at a budget price.

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🧠 Choose NordVPN if you:

✅ Want the fastest, most reliable speeds across continents
✅ Prioritize strong legal protection (Panama jurisdiction = no Eyes Alliance)
✅ Want more advanced features, like Meshnet, Onion over VPN, and App Kill Switch
✅ Prefer greater transparency—frequent audits, in-house servers, deep privacy tools
✅ Don’t mind paying a little more for top-tier security and infrastructure

💡 NordVPN is the best choice for power users, digital professionals, and privacy enthusiasts who want the best of the best.

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🏁 Final Word

In the battle of NordVPN vs Surfshark, there’s no single winner—just two champions built for different goals:

• Surfshark: Best for price-conscious users who need flexibility and wide coverage
• NordVPN: Best for those who demand premium performance, privacy, and tools

Whichever you pick, you’re not making a mistake. Both are world-class VPNs trusted by millions and backed by real tech, real audits, and real results.

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✅ Ready to decide?

Here are direct links to help you take the next step:

• 🔒 Get Surfshark – Budget-friendly & Unlimited Devices
• 🚀 Try NordVPN – Top Speed & Maximum Security

You can also check out our full reviews of each for deeper insights:

• 📖 [Read the Full NordVPN Review →]
• 📖 [Read the Full Surfshark Review →]

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FAQ: NordVPN vs SurfShark