NordVPN vs Surfshark (2026): Which VPN Is Better?

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NordVPN and Surfshark are two of the most popular VPNs in the world, and they show up at the top of almost every “best VPN” list. Interestingly, they’re part of the same company: Surfshark and Nord Security merged in 2022, but the two VPNs still operate as separate products with their own apps, infrastructure and pricing.

So which one should you buy? We compared them on speed, security, privacy, streaming, features, ease of use and price.

Do you actually need a VPN?

Before comparing providers, it’s worth asking whether a VPN solves a problem you have. A VPN encrypts the connection between your device and the VPN server and hides your IP address from the websites you visit. That’s genuinely useful when you:

• Use public Wi-Fi in cafés, hotels and airports, where other people on the network could try to snoop on traffic.
• Travel abroad and want to access your home streaming libraries or banking apps that block foreign IPs.
• Want more privacy from your internet provider, which can otherwise see which sites you visit.
• Work remotely and need a stable, private connection on networks you don’t control.

A VPN does not make you anonymous, stop you from being tracked by accounts you’re logged into, or replace antivirus software and good passwords. Think of it as one layer of protection, not a magic shield.

Speed and performance

Both VPNs are fast enough for 4K streaming, gaming and large downloads on most connections. NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol, built on WireGuard, is consistently among the fastest in independent tests, especially on long-distance connections. Surfshark’s WireGuard implementation is also very fast, and the gap is small in everyday use.

Speed always depends on your internet plan, your distance from the server and server load. For the best results, connect to a nearby server and use the WireGuard/NordLynx protocol.

Winner: NordVPN (by a small margin).

Security and privacy

Both VPNs offer the security essentials:

• AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption
• A kill switch that blocks traffic if the VPN disconnects
• DNS leak protection and private DNS
• RAM-only servers that don’t store data on hard drives
• Strict no-logs policies that have been independently audited (both have been audited by Deloitte)

NordVPN offers some extra security options, like Double VPN, Onion over VPN, obfuscated servers for restrictive networks, and Threat Protection Pro, which blocks malware downloads, trackers, ads and phishing sites even when the VPN is off.

Surfshark counters with Dynamic MultiHop (choose your own two-server route), IP Rotator, which changes your IP regularly without disconnecting, CleanWeb ad blocking and Alternative ID, which generates a separate identity and email address for sign-ups.

Jurisdiction: NordVPN is based in Panama and Surfshark in the Netherlands. Both have audited no-logs policies, so in practice there’s little to log or hand over.

Winner: NordVPN, with more security extras.

Streaming

Both VPNs work well with major streaming services like Netflix (including multiple regional libraries), Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer and YouTube TV. Streaming services constantly block VPN IPs, so results can change, but both providers fix issues quickly.

Both also offer SmartDNS for devices that can’t run a VPN app, like some smart TVs and game consoles.

Winner: tie.

Devices and apps

This is where Surfshark shines. Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can protect every phone, laptop, tablet and TV in your household with one subscription. NordVPN allows up to 10 devices, which is enough for most individuals and couples.

Both have polished apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire TV, Apple TV and browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox and Edge. Both support split tunneling on most platforms, letting you choose which apps use the VPN.

Winner: Surfshark.

Extra features

*Bundles and plan names change often. Check each provider’s plan comparison page for what’s currently included.

Price and value

Both VPNs offer big discounts on two-year plans, and both cost much more if you pay monthly. In most promotions, Surfshark is cheaper than NordVPN on comparable plans, and with unlimited devices its value per device is unbeatable.

NordVPN costs a little more, but you get slightly better speeds and more security tools. Both offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test either one risk-free.

Winner: Surfshark.

Best settings for NordVPN and Surfshark

Both apps work well out of the box, but a few settings improve speed and privacy:

1. Use the WireGuard-based protocol. Choose NordLynx in NordVPN or WireGuard in Surfshark for the best balance of speed and security. Switch to OpenVPN (TCP) only if a network blocks WireGuard.
2. Turn on the kill switch. It blocks your internet if the VPN drops, so your real IP never leaks.
3. Enable auto-connect on untrusted Wi-Fi. Both apps can connect automatically whenever you join a public network.
4. Turn on the ad and malware blocker. Threat Protection (NordVPN) and CleanWeb (Surfshark) block many trackers and malicious sites.
5. Use split tunneling wisely. Exclude apps that don’t need the VPN, such as local banking apps or online games that need low latency.
6. Pick a nearby server for speed. Use distant servers only when you need a specific country.

How to get the best price

• Choose the 2-year plan if you’re sure you’ll use a VPN. It’s usually the cheapest per month by far.
• Avoid monthly billing unless you only need a VPN for a short trip.
• Skip bundles you won’t use. Password managers and antivirus add-ons are only worth it if they replace something you’d pay for anyway.
• Test within 30 days. Try streaming, speed and your important apps in the first week, so you have time to request a refund if needed.

Pros and cons

NordVPN

Get NordVPN →

Surfshark

Get Surfshark →

NordVPN vs Surfshark: final verdict

You can’t go wrong with either. NordVPN edges ahead on speed and security features, while Surfshark wins on price and device limits. If you’re still unsure, use the 30-day money-back guarantee to try one and switch if it doesn’t fit.

Keep exploring: running a website? A VPN protects your connection, but your site needs a secure host too. See our Hostinger review and our guide on how to start a blog with Hostinger. Want to work smarter online? Compare the top AI assistants in ChatGPT vs Claude vs Gemini.

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