NordVPN verus Surfshark Price Speed and Security Compared

Jan 22 2026

You've landed on the digital battleground where two VPN giants clash: NordVPN vs Surfshark. Both promise top-tier security, blazing fast speeds, and the ability to unlock content from around the globe. But if you're trying to choose just one, the decision can feel like picking between two superheroes. Who wins in a head-to-head match?

In 2026, choosing the right VPN is more important than ever. It's not just about streaming; it's about protecting your privacy, keeping your data safe from hackers, and ensuring you get value for your money. This guide will dive deep into a NordVPN vs Surfshark comparison, breaking down their price, speed, security, features, and much more in simple, easy-to-understand language. By the end, you'll know exactly which VPN is the best fit for your needs.

NordVPN vs Surfshark: A Quick Glance (2026)

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here's a quick overview of how these two popular VPNs stack up:

Feature	NordVPN	Surfshark
Servers	6,000+ servers in 111 countries	3,200+ servers in 100 countries
Jurisdiction	Panama (Privacy-friendly)	Netherlands (Privacy-friendly)
No-Logs Policy	Audited (Verified)	Audited (Verified)
Simultaneous Connections	10 devices	Unlimited devices
Price (2-Year Plan)	Starts ~$3.39/month (Basic)	Starts ~$2.49/month (Starter)
Money-Back Guarantee	30 days	30 days
VPN Protocol	NordLynx (WireGuard-based), OpenVPN, IKEv2	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
Key Standout Feature	Extensive security bundle options, Meshnet	Unlimited devices, cheaper long-term plans

Price: Which VPN Gives You More for Less?

For many, the cost is the first thing they look at. Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer competitive long-term plans, but there are some key differences.

NordVPN Pricing

NordVPN has a tiered pricing structure: Basic, Plus, Complete, and Prime.

Monthly Plan: Usually the most expensive, around $12-$15.
1-Year Plan: Offers a significant discount over monthly, but less than the 2-year.
2-Year Plan (Best Value): This is where you find the biggest savings, with prices starting around $3.39/month for their Basic plan. As you add features like a password manager (Plus) or cloud storage (Complete), the price goes up.

Click here to check out NordVPN prices.

Surfshark Pricing

Surfshark keeps its pricing simpler with fewer tiers: Starter, One, and One+.

Monthly Plan: Similar to NordVPN, it's the most expensive.
1-Year Plan: Good value, but still not the best deal.
2-Year Plan (Best Value): Surfshark often comes out slightly cheaper than NordVPN for its basic VPN service, starting around $2.49/month for their Starter plan. Their bundles (Surfshark One, Surfshark One+) also add features like antivirus and identity theft alerts.

Click here to check Surfshark pricing.

The Verdict on Price:

If you're looking for the absolute cheapest VPN, Surfshark usually takes the lead, especially on its longest-term plans. However, NordVPN's tiered system means you can pick a bundle that includes features like password managers and cloud storage, potentially offering better overall value if you need those additional services.

Speed: Who Wins the Race?

Speed is crucial for streaming, gaming, and large downloads. Both VPNs are known for being fast, thanks to modern VPN protocols.

NordVPN Speed

NordVPN uses its own custom protocol called NordLynx, which is built on WireGuard technology.

Performance: Consistently ranks as one of the fastest VPNs on the market. In our tests, it maintains high speeds even when connecting to distant servers.
Streaming: Excellent for 4K streaming on services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. Minimal buffering.
Gaming: Low ping (latency) makes it a good choice for online gaming.

Surfshark Speed

Surfshark also uses WireGuard as its default and recommended protocol.

Performance: Very fast, often matching NordVPN on many servers. It’s a strong contender in the speed race.
Streaming: Also handles 4K streaming with ease and reliably unblocks major platforms.
Gaming: Performs well for gaming, with low latency on nearby servers.

The Verdict on Speed:

It's a very close call! Both VPNs offer excellent speeds for almost all online activities, especially when using their WireGuard-based protocols (NordLynx for NordVPN). You're unlikely to notice a significant difference in daily use.

Security & Privacy: Who Keeps You Safest?

This is where a VPN truly earns its keep. Both NordVPN and Surfshark prioritize your online safety.

NordVPN Security

1) Encryption: Uses AES-256-GCM encryption, the industry standard.

2) No-Logs Policy: Has a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don't track what you do online. This has been independently audited multiple times by external firms.

3) Jurisdiction: Based in Panama, a country known for its privacy-friendly laws with no data retention requirements.

4) Advanced Features:

Threat Protection Pro: Blocks ads, trackers, and scans for malware in downloads.
Double VPN: Routes your traffic through two VPN servers for extra encryption.
Obfuscated Servers: Hides the fact you're using a VPN, useful in restrictive countries.
Kill Switch: Automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops.
Dark Web Monitor: Alerts you if your email address appears in data breaches.
Meshnet: A unique feature allowing you to create a secure, encrypted network between your own devices, even if they're in different locations.

Surfshark Security

1) Encryption: Also uses AES-256-GCM encryption.

2) No-Logs Policy: Has a strict no-logs policy, independently audited by Cure53.

3) Jurisdiction: Based in the Netherlands. While part of the 9 Eyes Alliance, they maintain their no-logs policy has been verified.

4) Advanced Features:

CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
MultiHop (Double VPN): Similar to NordVPN's Double VPN.
Camouflage Mode (Obfuscation): Hides your VPN use.
Bypasser (Split Tunneling): Allows you to choose which apps use the VPN and which don't.
NoBorders Mode: Helps you use Surfshark in restrictive regions.
Alert (Identity Protection): Monitors your email addresses for data breaches.
Antivirus (in Surfshark One/One+): Full antivirus suite for your devices.

The Verdict on Security:

Both VPNs offer rock-solid security with industry-standard encryption, audited no-logs policies, and essential features like a Kill Switch. NordVPN's jurisdiction in Panama is often seen as slightly more advantageous for privacy. NordVPN's Meshnet is a truly unique feature for private network creation, while Surfshark offers a full antivirus in its bundles, which can be a huge bonus.

Servers & Global Reach

More servers and locations mean more options for unblocking content and finding fast connections.

NordVPN Servers

Network Size: Over 6,000 servers in 111 countries.
Variety: Offers a wide range of speciality servers, including P2P (torrenting), Double VPN, Obfuscated, and Dedicated IP servers.
Unblocking: Excellent at unblocking major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more.

Surfshark Servers

Network Size: Over 3,200 servers in 100 countries.
Variety: Also offers P2P, MultiHop, and static IP servers.
Unblocking: Very good at unblocking streaming services, consistently performing well with various regional libraries.

The Verdict on Servers:

NordVPN has a slightly larger network with more servers overall, giving you more options. However, Surfshark's network is still extensive and covers a wide range of countries. Both are highly effective for unblocking content globally.

Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited vs. 10 Devices

This is a clear differentiating factor.

NordVPN: Allows you to connect 10 devices simultaneously under one subscription. This is a good number for most households.
Surfshark: Offers unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can install and use Surfshark on every single device you own and even share it with family members without hitting a limit.

The Verdict on Connections:

Surfshark is the clear winner if you need to protect a large number of devices or want to share your VPN with a big family without buying multiple subscriptions.

User-Friendliness & Apps

Both VPNs offer sleek, intuitive apps across major platforms.

NordVPN Apps

Design: User-friendly apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and browser extensions. The map-based interface is intuitive.
Features: Easy access to all speciality servers and advanced security settings.
Customer Support: 24/7 live chat, email, and an extensive knowledge base.

Surfshark Apps

Design: Clean, minimalist, and very easy to navigate apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and browser extensions.
Features: All key features are easily accessible within the app.
Customer Support: 24/7 live chat, email, and a good support center.

The Verdict on User-Friendliness:

Both are exceptionally easy to use, even for beginners. It's a tie here, largely coming down to personal preference for app layout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can both NordVPN and Surfshark unblock Netflix?

Yes, both are highly effective at unblocking various Netflix libraries (US, UK, Canada, Japan, etc.) and other streaming services. If one server doesn't work, simply try another from the same country.

Which VPN is better for torrenting?

Both are excellent for torrenting. NordVPN has dedicated P2P servers, and Surfshark allows P2P on all its servers. Both offer strong security features like a Kill Switch to protect your identity.

Do they offer dedicated IP addresses?

Yes, both offer dedicated IP addresses as an optional add-on for an extra fee. This can be useful for avoiding CAPTCHAs or consistently accessing specific services.

What if I'm not happy with my choice?

Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can try them out risk-free for a month and get a full refund if you're not satisfied.

Which is better for travel to restrictive countries?

Both offer features like Obfuscated Servers (NordVPN) and Camouflage Mode/NoBorders (Surfshark) to help bypass VPN blocks in highly censored regions. Both are good choices, but always check their current status in specific countries.

Final Verdict: Which VPN Should You Buy?

Choosing between NordVPN and Surfshark is tough because both are top-tier VPNs that consistently deliver. However, their strengths lie in slightly different areas:

Choose NordVPN if:

You prioritize the largest server network and slightly more advanced security bundles like identity theft protection, Meshnet.
You want one of the absolute fastest VPNs available.
You prefer a company based in a privacy-ideal jurisdiction like Panama.
You need additional services like a password manager and cloud storage seamlessly integrated.

Choose Surfshark if:

You need unlimited simultaneous connections for all your devices (and friends/family).
You're looking for the lowest price point for a premium VPN service.
You want a simpler, slightly more minimalist app interface.
You like the idea of bundling in a full antivirus solution.

Ultimately, both NordVPN and Surfshark are excellent choices that will keep you safe online and unlock a world of content. Your final decision will likely come down to whether unlimited connections and a slightly lower price (Surfshark) or a slightly larger network, advanced bundles, and unique features like Meshnet (NordVPN) are more important to you.

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