In the event you lookup the most effective VPNs accessible right now, likelihood is each Surfshark and NordVPN high the record. As two standard suppliers, each providers convey high quality VPN efficiency with their very own standout options.
Surfshark brings a ton of worth with its inexpensive pricing throughout its plans and the flexibility to attach a vast variety of units on the similar time. However, NordVPN brings constantly quick VPN speeds and a large 111-country server community.
On this article, we assist you determine which of the 2 VPNs is finest for you and your group.
- Surfshark: Finest for budget-conscious customers that desire a high quality VPN that may accommodate a vast variety of units
- NordVPN: Finest for many companies on the lookout for an all-around VPN, with quick efficiency, extra security measures, and a elegant person expertise
Semperis
Staff per Firm Measurement
Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Giant (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)
Enterprise (5,000+ Staff), Giant (1,000-4,999 Staff)
Enterprise, Giant
Options
Superior Assaults Detection, Superior Automation, Anyplace Restoration, and extra
ESET PROTECT Superior
Staff per Firm Measurement
Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Giant (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)
Any Firm Measurement
Any Firm Measurement
Options
Superior Menace Protection, Full Disk Encryption , Fashionable Endpoint Safety, and extra
Surfshark vs NordVPN: Comparability desk
Whereas each Surfshark and NordVPN have broad platform assist, they’ve key variations by way of their pricing and server community.
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Surfshark and NordVPN: Pricing
Each Surfshark and NordVPN have three subscription tiers, with various characteristic inclusions in every plan. As well as, each supply month-to-month, one-year, and two-year plan choices for every subscription tier.
SEE: Find out how to Run a Cybersecurity Threat Evaluation in 5 Steps (TechRepublic Premium)
Surfshark VPN pricing
Surfshark has three subscription tiers: Surfshark Starter, Surfshark One, and Surfshark One+. Starter consists of the primary VPN service, whereas One+ bundles in probably the most quantity of extra options.
Under is a abstract of pricing and have variations with every tier:
| Starter | One | One+ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Month-to-month | $15.45 monthly | $15.95 monthly | $17.95 monthly |
| 1 12 months | $2.99 monthly | $3.39 monthly | $6.09 monthly |
| 2 years | $2.19 monthly | $2.69 monthly | $4.29 monthly |
| Options | Consists of most important VPN and advert blocker | All Starter options plus masked electronic mail generator, antivirus, and real-time electronic mail breach alerts | All One options plus information elimination from firm databases and other people search websites |
Personally, I believe the Surfshark One subscription for one 12 months brings the most effective stability of worth and have set. At $3.39 monthly, it’s considerably extra inexpensive than NordVPN’s equal plan however nonetheless consists of nifty extras like antivirus and breach alert capabilities as nicely.
SEE: Surfshark vs CyberGhost (2024): Which VPN Is Higher? (TechRepublic)
Whereas I’d have liked it if Surfshark provided a free model, it thankfully has a seven-day free trial through iOS, Android, and macOS. It additionally has a 30-day money-back assure for all its subscription plans, supplying you with an opportunity to refund your preliminary subscription if you happen to really feel it isn’t a superb match.
If you wish to study extra, learn our full Surfshark VPN evaluation.
NordVPN pricing
NordVPN’s paid plans have three subscription tiers, specifically NordVPN Primary, Plus, and Full. Like Surfshark, all three NordVPN plans have a month-to-month, a yearly, and a two-year plan.
Under is an summary of pricing and have variations with every tier:
| Primary | Plus | Full | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Month-to-month | $12.99 monthly | $13.99 monthly | $14.99 monthly |
| 1 12 months | $4.99 monthly | $5.99 monthly | $6.99 monthly |
| 2 years | $3.09 monthly | $3.99 monthly | $4.99 monthly |
| Options | Consists of most important VPN | All Primary options plus Menace safety, anti-malware safety, advert blocker, and cross-platform password supervisor | All Plus options plus 1TB encrypted cloud storage |
For NordVPN, its one-year Plus subscription is what appeals to me probably the most. Even when it’s not as inexpensive as Surfshark’s One plan, I really feel like NordVPN Plus at $5.99 monthly nonetheless brings good worth contemplating it consists of the complete VPN and a full-fledged password supervisor bundled in. This may be perfect for people who desire a suite of safety instruments from a single software program supplier.
SEE: Personal Web Entry (PIA) vs NordVPN: Which VPN Is Higher? (TechRepublic)
Fortunately, NordVPN additionally has a seven-day free trial and a 30-day money-back assure for all its plans, enabling refunds after an preliminary buy. Sadly, the free trial is simply accessible through Android. To me, the perfect state of affairs is to not less than have the free trial accessible to each iOS and Android customers, in order that entry is honest no matter which smartphone ecosystem you utilize.
Fortunately, it’s pretty straightforward to check NordVPN on desktop after accessing the free trial on Android — which is how I examined one among NordVPN’s premium subscriptions.
If you wish to study extra, learn our full NordVPN evaluation.
Surfshark vs NordVPN: Function comparability
Right here’s a side-by-side comparability of NordVPN and Surfshark, specializing in seven key options:
Safety protocols and encryption
Winner: Tie
Each NordVPN and Surfshark embrace a strong mixture of VPN protocols that cowl each safety and velocity. To me, a high quality VPN ought to not less than have the security-centric OpenVPN protocol and the speed-oriented WireGuard protocol. All the things else is an additional.
Thankfully, NordVPN comes with OpenVPN and its proprietary NordLynx protocol that’s based mostly on WireGuard. On the flipside, Surfshark carries OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 VPN protocols.
SEE: Surfshark vs IPVanish (2024): Which VPN Ought to You Select? (TechRepublic)
By way of encryption, each providers make the most of the business normal AES-256 encryption algorithm. That is essential, as AES 256 is widely known as one of the crucial safe encryption algorithms right now, a lot in order that it’s utilized by some United States authorities entities to safe delicate information in opposition to prying eyes.
With this, our first spherical is a transparent tie, with each NordVPN and Surfshark hitting the mark in the case of safety protocols and encryption.
VPN server community and areas
Winner: NordVPN
NordVPN will get the win in the case of server networks and VPN areas. As of August 2024, NordVPN has 6,400+ servers unfold throughout 111 nations. In distinction, Surfshark VPN presently has 3,200+ servers in 100 nations inside its community.
Whereas NordVPN’s lead by way of precise server depend is important, I place extra weight on Nord having extra server/nation areas in comparison with Surfshark. Even when having 11 extra nations doesn’t appear to be a lot, it nonetheless means NordVPN offers a bit extra nation choices to its customers than Surfshark.
That isn’t to say that Surfshark’s 100-country server fleet isn’t strong. It’s — it simply so occurs NordVPN presently has a slight benefit country-wise. Given how one of many most important functions of a VPN is to unblock geo-restricted content material by altering IP areas, NordVPN’s 111-country server suite is a particular plus.
SEE: PureVPN vs NordVPN (2024): Which VPN Ought to You Select? (TechRepublic)
For companies which have unblocking as their most important precedence with a VPN, NordVPN is the higher selection.
Third-party audits and monitor report
Winner: Surfshark
So far as third-party testing and general monitor report go, I give the win to Surfshark. Whereas NordVPN technically has extra unbiased audits than Surfshark — having 4 in comparison with three — I recognize Surfshark giving the general public an precise abstract of their audit outcomes and entry to the complete report.
Surfshark’s most up-to-date unbiased audit was printed in 2023, the place Deloitte confirmed that Surfshark’s “IT systems and management of the supporting IT operations is properly prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with Surfshark’s description of its no-logs policy.”
In distinction, NordVPN has accomplished a powerful 4 unbiased audits of its no-logs coverage as of January 2024. Nevertheless, if we take a look at its most up-to-date audit, additionally performed by Deloitte, the outcomes are solely accessible for folks with a NordVPN account.
In accordance with NordVPN, this was executed “[d]ue to the extensive nature of the audit, excerpts from the report cannot be shared directly. This measure ensures the audit results are not taken out of context or misunderstood.”
Whereas I perceive the dangers of publishing a full audit report and the way findings could possibly be blown out of proportion, I recognize Surfshark’s extra accessible method to sharing its audit outcomes with the general public. That is particularly impactful if you happen to’re a potential person who doesn’t essentially have an current account in both service but.
SEE: The 5 Finest VPNs with Free Trials in 2024 (TechRepublic)
Regardless of giving the win to Surfshark, I do commend each VPNs for displaying full dedication to having their providers independently examined and evaluated.
Standout options
Winner: NordVPN
Trying into standout options, I give the purpose to NordVPN. On high of its VPN service, Nord features a ton of safety and privateness options that make for a formidable package deal. It features a devoted malware and advert blocker, a darkish net monitor, and even an possibility for encrypted cloud storage.
It additionally has a cool Meshnet characteristic that lets customers create their very own privateness encrypted networks, which they’ll use to share recordsdata or entry units extra securely.
My private favourite is the truth that a NordVPN Plus subscription really offers customers a NordPass account — Nord Safety’s personal password supervisor. That will get you each a VPN and a password administration service with one subscription. If you wish to study extra, take a look at our full NordPass evaluation right here.
In the meantime, Surfshark has noteworthy options of its personal. It has a built-in antivirus service with its Surfshark One plan, a masked electronic mail generator, and its CleanWeb advert blocker for a cleaner on-line looking expertise.
We get double VPN and break up tunneling performance from each NordVPN and Surfshark, in addition to RAM-only servers of their respective server fleets.
Total, I believe NordVPN offers a barely extra well-rounded characteristic suite, with the addition of the NordPass password supervisor being a selected spotlight for me.
Efficiency and velocity
Winner: NordVPN
For VPN velocity and efficiency, NordVPN takes the cake. In my expertise, each Surfshark VPN and NordVPN are in a position to present dependable and quick speeds for on a regular basis duties.
Throughout testing, I used each VPNs for my regular workflow as a author. This concerned going by way of a number of web sites for analysis, attending on-line video conferences, and streaming the occasional 1080p video on YouTube. Qualitatively, I had zero bother utilizing each VPNs speed-wise and might confidently suggest each if you happen to’re on the lookout for a fast-performing VPN.
Nevertheless, velocity testing is the place NordVPN takes the benefit over Surfshark. As VPNs add one other step to your site visitors, it’s anticipated that we see a lower in general velocity in comparison with your web service supplier.
Per my testing, NordVPN recorded glorious speeds — having solely a 5.8% lower in obtain velocity and a 16.2% lower in add in comparison with my ISP. In distinction, Surfshark had a 3.34% lower in obtain velocity and a extra important 72.1% drop in uploads.
With this, if your enterprise is strictly on the lookout for the quicker VPN service, my testing confirmed that NordVPN is the higher selection.
Ease of use and design
Winner: Tie
With ease of use, person expertise, and design, I discovered each Surfshark and NordVPN had polished and intuitive functions.
Taking every software one-by-one, we see that NordVPN brings a minimalist person interface that I discovered nice to make use of and navigate. Even with its breath of options, every part was neatly organized, and I had no bother utilizing its options and establishing a VPN connection.
The identical was true with Surfshark’s desktop app. It comes with the same, light-themed UI that’s well-organized and straightforward on the eyes. I significantly like how Surfshark offers customers a transparent board of stats on the appropriate of its most important interface, displaying connection time, connection standing, and which VPN protocol you’re utilizing (see under).
Each VPN apps additionally carried out fairly nicely, with no main points by way of activating options or establishing VPN connections. For me, ease of use and design are the place NordVPN and Surfshark present their polish in comparison with the competitors.
Whether or not you select Surfshark or NordVPN, you’ll get entry to a refined VPN person expertise that gained’t depart you irritated or confused.
Simultaneous system connections
Winner: Surfshark
For system connections, Surfshark takes the clear win. Surfshark permits customers to connect with a vast variety of units all on the similar time. This implies you possibly can have a handful of smartphones, laptops, computer systems, and different units linked to a VPN server with out worrying a few system restrict.
However, NordVPN presently permits a most of 10 simultaneous system connections. To be honest, 10 will almost certainly be sufficient for many particular person customers. Nevertheless, if you happen to’re a small enterprise that requires quite a few staff members to attach their units to a VPN, Surfshark’s limitless connections is your finest wager.
Personally, I discover Surfshark’s limitless simultaneous connections provides unimaginable worth to the VPN’s already inexpensive subscriptions. That is very true once we think about that NordVPN, even with its abundance of additional options, continues to be a bit costlier than Surfshark.
Surfshark execs and cons
Execs
- Limitless simultaneous system connections.
- Simple-to-use and well-designed interface.
- CleanWeb characteristic that blocks advertisements, trackers, and malware.
- Inexpensive subscription choices.
- Extra accessible third-party audit outcomes.
Cons
- Smaller server fleet in comparison with NordVPN.
- Much less constant velocity take a look at outcomes.
NordVPN execs and cons
Execs
- 111-country server fleet; 6,400+ servers.
- Polished desktop software.
- Quick and constant VPN speeds.
- Meshnet encrypted file sharing characteristic.
- NordVPN Plus subscription consists of NordPass password supervisor.
Cons
- Barely costlier in comparison with Surfshark.
- Solely permits for 10 simultaneous system connections.
- Third-party audit outcomes require a NordVPN account.
Ought to your group use Surfshark or NordVPN?
After a tricky match-up, I give NordVPN the win as my advice for many companies and people. It presents a large server fleet with 6,400+ servers throughout 111 nations, features a bunch of additional security measures, and offers constantly quick and dependable VPN speeds.
I significantly recognize NordVPN’s all-around high quality of service with its VPN, because it doesn’t skimp out on in-app expertise, safety capabilities, and VPN efficiency.
This isn’t to discredit Surfshark, nonetheless. Surfshark’s refined person expertise, strong 100-country server suite, and limitless simultaneous connections make it an excellent selection for extra budget-conscious customers or organizations.
To me, you actually can’t go flawed with both Surfshark or NordVPN, as they’re two of the most effective VPN providers accessible right now.
Methodology
My head-to-head comparability of Surfshark and NordVPN concerned an in-depth analysis of each VPNs’ options, real-world efficiency, and worth.
To evaluate every VPN, each providers have been scored on every part from their server networks to their pricing. Specifically, I took into consideration 5 most important pillars, every having corresponding weights:
- Pricing (20%).
- Core VPN options (30%).
- Ease of use (15%).
- Buyer assist (30%).
- Skilled evaluation (5%).
I additionally seemed into actual person testimonials and respected evaluations to spherical out my remaining suggestions for each Surfshark VPN and NordVPN.
For velocity and efficiency, I examined each VPNs on my private Home windows laptop and ran them by way of Ookla’s public Speedtest. Lastly, I thought-about which sorts of companies or particular person customers would finest profit from both Surfshark or NordVPN.