NordVPN has 6,000+ servers across 111 countries, while Surfshark offers 3,200 servers in 100 countries. Surfshark lets you connect unlimited devices simultaneously, while NordVPN limits you to ten. Surfshark is cheaper across all plans. Let’s dive deeper into their features to distinguish between NordVPN Vs Surfshark.
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NordVPN
Surfshark
Base price (Annual subscription)
$4.59/ month
$2.79/month
Simultaneous connection
10
Unlimited
Servers
6300+ servers around 111 countries
3200 servers around 100 countries
Streaming service
Netflix, Amazon prime video, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Max, YouTube TV, DAZN
Netflix, Amazon prime video, Hulu, YouTube TV, Paramount, Apple TV, Fubo TV
Compatible platforms
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, ioS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android Tv, tvOS, others
macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, FireTV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge
VPN Protocols
WireGuard (NordLynx), OpenVPN, IKEv2
WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
No logs policy
No logs
No logs
NordVPN Vs Surfshark: Price
Surfshark is cheaper than NordVPN for both short-term and long-term subscriptions. Even with their 1-year and 2-year plans, Surfshark remains the more budget-friendly option.
Plan
NordVPN
Surfshark
Risk-free trial
7 days
7 days
1 year
$4.59/month
$2.79/month
2 years
$3.69/month
$2.19/month
Monthly price
$12.99
$15.45
The monthly subscription option is also the most expensive. NordVPN charges $12.99/month, whereas Surfshark charges a little more at $15.45/ month.
Choosing the longest two-year plan saves you the most money. NordVPN costs $3.69 per month, while Surfshark is even cheaper at $2.19 per month, which is a fantastic deal.
NordVPN vs Surfshark: Security
NordVPN and Surfshark both offer secure VPN connections to protect your online traffic from prying eyes. Here’s a detailed look at their main security features
NordVPN
Surfshark
Encryption
AES-256-CBC & chacha20
AES-256 GCM & chacha20poly1305
Server Infrastructure
Colocated/ standard servers
Standard
Antivirus
No logs policy
Jurisdiction
Panama
Netherland
Kill switch
Ad blocker
DNS leak protection
Malware scanner
Ram-only servers
Surfshark boosts security with Poly1305 authentication, along with AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption, unlike NordVPN. This addition can prevent tampering with data.
Another difference is their base locations: NordVPN is in privacy-friendly Panama. Surfshark is in the Netherlands, part of the 9-Eyes Intelligence Alliance. This alliance focuses on cybersecurity and counterterrorism, raising privacy concerns.
Overall, NordVPN and Surfshark share similar security and privacy features.
NordVPN VS Surfshark: Extra Features
MultiHop (Surfshark) vs Double VPN (NordVPN)
Both enhance security and privacy and route your traffic across 2 VPN servers instead of one.
When you connect to a MultiHop (Surfshark) or Double VPN (NordVPN) server, your traffic is encrypted and routed to one VPN server, then re-encrypted and routed to another VPN server before accessing the internet. This makes it far more difficult for others to track your internet activities.
Dedicated IP
Both NordVPN and SurfShark offer dedicated IP addresses for an additional fee. The number of locations may vary due to the limited availability of dedicated IP addresses. Having your own IP address can be beneficial if you’re frustrated with frequent captchas or constant VPN blocks.
Obfuscation server
An obfuscation server is a VPN server that hides VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, making it harder for ISPs, and governments to detect VPN use. This is especially handy in regions with heavy internet regulation or VPN restrictions.
NordVPN uses specialized obfuscation servers to mask the fact that you are using a VPN. These servers are especially useful in restricted areas where VPN usage is often blocked.
Surfshark calls it camouflage mode. This feature makes your connection appear to be a standard internet connection from the outside. It removes all VPN traces from your connection.
Web Filters
Both services offer similar basic functionalities such as blocking ads, trackers, and malware. However, NordVPN’s Threat Protection also includes more advanced features such as blocking pop-up advertising and can protect you from malware-infected downloads. It Works even if the VPN is not connected.
Kill Switch
Kill switch is an advanced feature. If the VPN connection fails, the kill switch will automatically disconnect the internet connection. This means your IP address or sensitive information will not be exposed.
Both NORDVPN and Surfshark provide a layer of security with the kill switch feature.
Split Tunneling
Split tunneling is a feature in virtual private network (VPN). It allows you to choose which parts of your internet traffic go through the VPN and which don’t.
NordVPN and Surfshark VPN both offer this feature in their services. You can route specific apps through the VPN or exclude certain ones from the VPN connection. This means you don’t have to disconnect the VPN to access the internet directly. Surfshark calls this feature “Bypasser.” To use it, go to the Settings section on the main Surfshark page, toggle on Bypass VPN, and then add the apps or websites you want to exclude from the VPN.
In the NordVPN app, find split tunneling in Settings. Enable it, then exclude or include specific sites and apps in VPN traffic.
DATA BREACH MONITORING
NordVPN and Surfshark both include dark web monitoring for data breaches as part of their premium subscriptions. To check for breaches, users must add their email addresses. You can track several email addresses. I prefer NordVPN’s Dark Web Monitor because it works right within the app, making it more easy. Surfshark requires you to open a web browser, which adds an unnecessary step to the process
Nordvpn extra features
Meshnet
Meshnet allows you safe access to other devices from anywhere in the world. Meshnet, once configured, acts like a secure local area network (LAN), connecting devices directly. This makes Meshnet an excellent choice for activities that need high speed, low latency, and sophisticated security, such as file sharing, active work collaborations, and intense multiplayer gaming.
ONION OVER VPN
NordVPN offers Onion Over VPN, a technology that combines the privacy features of the Tor network with the security of VPN. This arrangement adds an extra layer of anonymity and encryption, making it a good alternative for individuals who want complete privacy.
Cyber protection
With the NordVPN Ultimate plan, you can access scam recovery and online shopping fraud benefits in the UK. Additionally, you receive identity theft protection in the US. This plan provides added peace of mind.
surfshark extra features
Static IP
Only Surfshark provides Static IP servers, a feature not available with NordVPN. Users can select from six countries: Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Each location offers between five to ten servers, though the exact numbers may vary over time.
Rotating IP
Surfshark’s rotating IP feature will change your IP address frequently when you’re connected to the VPN. This tool claims to change your IP address every 5-10 minutes. However, it is not compatible with Static or Dedicated IP servers. When activated, the app’s home screen shows a countdown for the next IP change.
During testing, the IP and countdown didn’t always update accurately. Despite this inconsistency, the feature is effective for enhancing privacy.
Alternative ID
Surfshark provides Alternative ID, Which allows you to mask your identity online while protecting your data. You can create a new name, address, age, email, and phone number.
Once again, this feature is not available on the least Starter plan and must be upgraded to a higher tier. On the good side, NordVPN does not offer an analogous feature.
GPS spoofing
Surfshark’s GPS spoofing feature, available on its Android app, allows you to conceal your current GPS location by replacing it with a different one. This provides an additional degree of privacy by preventing apps and services from tracking your actual location via GPS. This functionality is convenient for remaining anonymous and accessing location-restricted content. Unlike Surfshark, NordVPN does not support GPS spoofing.