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SurfShark VS NordVPN

Are you looking for a high-end VPN? Are you having trouble choosing between two top-tier VPN providers? Well, in this SurfShark VS NordVPN comparison, we’ll take a look at two industry leaders, and try to find the best possible option for you (out of those two, that is).

In order to compare and contrast the two VPNs in question, though, we should first establish some core criteria that any and all high-end VPNs should possess. That’s exactly what we’ll do at the beginning of this SurfShark VS NordVPN article - once we figure out those essential features, it’ll be much easier to talk about and compare both VPNs, and see which one suits you better.

NORDVPN SURFSHARK

Overall Score

9.8
8.6

Most Suitable For

All-round security Unlimited devices

Ease of Use

4.9 of 5.0

4.3 of 5.0

Latest Coupons

All NordVPN Coupons All Surfshark Coupons

Verdict

Industry leader. Super-safe, reliable and affordable. Unlimited device support. The best price in the industry.
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Table: SurfShark and NordVPN comparison introduction

We also have a shorter, more specific NordVPN VS SurfShark comparison, too - after reading this article, do make sure to check it out, so that all of the information would truly be clear to you.

SurfShark VS NordVPN: The Criteria

As noted in the introductory part of this SurfShark VS NordVPN comparison, while the reasons for why anyone would want to find a high-end VPN might differ, the core, essential features of any top-rated VPN are always going to remain the same.

When I say “high-end” VPN, I’m talking about well-rounded, reputable digital security tools that are great at each and every aspect that you might want to use it. It wouldn’t make any sense if you had to purchase one VPN for security reasons, and another one for accessing Netflix USA, now would it?

NORDVPN SURFSHARK

Number of Servers

5916 1000

Number of Countries

61 61

Simultaneous Connections

6 Unlimited

Offers OpenVPN

Speed

|
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very slow
average
very fast
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very slow
average
very fast
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Table: SurfShark and NordVPN features

With that being said, there are five big groups of features that can be seen in (more or less) all of the top-tier VPN providers - strict data logging policies, data leak protection, file sharing & content streaming, server speed & count, and ease of use. Let’s cover each of them in a brief, yet informative manner.

  • Data Logging Policies. Data logging happens when a VPN provider tracks your activity while you’re using their VPN. Whether it be this SurfShark VS NordVPN or any other VPN comparison out there, this is most commonly seen as an unforgivable offense. The reason behind it is pretty self-explanatory - you’re using a VPN in order to keep your data private and protected, and thus some corporation logging and then selling it to third-party advertising firms probably isn’t exactly what you’ve intended to sign up to, right?
  • DNS, IP & WebRTC Leaks. DNS, IP and WebRTC leaks all fall under the umbrella term “data leaks”. All of these units of information, if they fall into the hands of some malicious third parties, could cause you a whole lot of trouble. For example, if your IP leaks out to a hacker, they could then use it to obtain your personal home address, your social security number, your social media account information, and so on. As you can probably tell for yourself, it’s definitely not something to scoff at - user SurfShark VS NordVPN reviews would tell you the same.
  • File Sharing & Content Streaming. P2P file sharing is the act of sending and receiving (in other words - exchanging) files between two parties - say, you and your coworkers. While it can refer to workplace-based exchanges of information and data files, more often than not, the term is used to references something much simpler - torrenting. The same can be said about content streaming, too - while it can mean a whole lot of things, in the vast majority of cases, a VPN that’s good at streaming content is going to be one that unlocks the content found on Netflix USA to international users.
  • Server Speed & Count. All VPNs function by employing servers. You choose a server, and obtain a temporary fake IP address that’s dedicated to that specific server (well, the IP address isn’t actually “dedicated” to that server, and is just temporarily assigned to it, but the general idea still stands). In order to have a good experience with the VPN (no matter what it is that you intend on doing while it’s active), you’re likely going to need multiple servers from all around the world to choose from, and also for them to be fast, too. That’s something that is universal - it’s not just this SurfShark VS NordVPN comparison-exclusive.
  • Ease of Use. A VPN must be easy to use - end of story. While it may sound like I’m trying to be funny, I actually mean it wholeheartedly - if a VPN requires you to have been attending some PhD-leveled courses in networking and computer science simply to install and get it running, it’s probably not worth your time, in the first place. While that’s surely not the case in this SurfShark VS NordVPN comparison, I assure you - there are actual VPNs like that out there, and while they might be attractive to a niche group of people, the generic customer isn’t going to spend time trying to “solve” them.

Now that we’ve cleared up all of the essential features that any top-tier VPN should possess, we can move on to the actual NordVPN VS SurfShark comparison.

SurfShark VS NordVPN: The Comparison

To keep things clear and simple, we’ll be referencing the above-given mini-guide for this specific SurfShark VS NordVPN comparison, and taking it a single step at a time. With that said, first up on our list is the data logging policies of the two VPNs in question.

Data Logging

While this isn’t something that’s all that nice to admit, there are actual VPNs on the market that log the data of their users - some of them even do it completely shamelessly, too.

One of the most irksome reasons for why this is even an issue, in the first place, is simply because people pay money in order to keep their information protected and encrypted. Not only does this put the user in jeopardy (if, say, the data is handed over to the governmental agencies after being collected by the VPN provider), but it’s also an insult to the VPN industry, as a whole.

SurfShark VS NordVPN: SurfShark's verified security.

Well, no matter which VPN out of this SurfShark VS NordVPN comparison it is that you’re interested in, you can rest assured - neither of the two VPN providers log their user data. In other words, both VPNs are completely in the clear in that regard.

What these VPNs MIGHT keep track of, however, is your email address, billing information, technical data, app versions, and so on. In other words, information that’s relevant to providing you with the best experience possible - no more, no less.

Latest NordVPN Coupon Found:

DNS, IP & WebRTC Leaks

Information leaks can often pass unnoticed, but they can also be a huge issue, too. It all depends on whether or not you’ve got some malicious software or person (or group of people) after your sensitive, personal information.

Admittedly, data leaks are often unintentional. They happen because a VPN provider hasn’t enforced all of the necessary security features with their virtual private network - not ideal, to say the least. The fact that they are “unintentional” doesn’t really help, either - it’s not something that’s going to make you feel any better once your personal and private information has been stolen.

NORDVPN SURFSHARK

Data Logging

IP Leaks

DNS Leaks

WebRTC Leaks

Jurisdiction

Panama British Virgin Islands

Five/Nine/Fourteen Eyes

None None

Strongest Encryption

AES-256 AES-256

Kill Switch

Anonymous Payment Support

Email Email

P2P File Sharing

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Table: SurfShark and NordVPN security features

Yet again, however, as far as security is concerned, both of the VPNs in this SurfShark VS NordVPN comparison are golden - neither SurfShark, nor NordVPN leak any of their user data.

The reason for that is pretty simple, too - both Nord and SurfShark employ some top-tier data security features, such as the Open VPN protocol (in combination with AES 256-bit data encryption), killswitches, various other security protocols, and so on.

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File Sharing & Content Streaming

While it may not be as “hot of a topic” as those related to security, file sharing and content streaming are still two huge parts of any and all high-end VPN providers.

File sharing allows you to share various different files between yourself and another person (or group of people) without having to worry that your connection will be compromised. While this commonly refers to torrenting, it can also relate to much simpler things, too, such as the earlier-mentioned example of sharing some sensitive files among your coworkers.

NORDVPN SURFSHARK

Netflix

Torrenting Support

Tor

Operating Systems

Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
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Table: SurfShark and NordVPN P2P file-sharing and Netflix compatibility

Now, when it comes to content streaming, that’s pretty self-explanatory - Netflix, Firestick, HBO, and everything in between! Most of the time, however, if someone’s looking for a VPN for “content streaming purposes”, they simply want to access that latest Netflix show that’s only available in the US.

Well, whatever the case might be, no matter which VPN out of this SurfShark VS NordVPN comparison it is that you pick, you’ll be able to do both - share files and stream content at your own leisure. Both VPNs provide the necessary features and capabilities to do so - great!

Server Speed & Count

Now, server speed and their count is probably the first point of the SurfShark VS NordVPN comparison where the two VPNs in question are going to differ from one another.

Admittedly, in this regard, NordVPN has the upper edge both when it comes to server speed and their count. Speed-wise, Nord’s faster - while the differences might not be grandiose, they are still quite noticeable, and if you’re looking for a VPN to manage some bigger-sized files, then this is something that’ll definitely be important to you.

When it comes to server count, however, this is where NordVPN truly shines. While SurfShark has around 1000 servers to offer to the average user, Nord provides around 6000 of them - that’s quite a difference in server count!

SurfShark VS NordVPN: Nord's device compatibility.

Is the average user going to use or even need that many servers? No, not really. That said, it’s still good to know that the option to do so exists at any given point in time.

Servers are going to be an important topic, no matter what it is that you’re planning to do while being logged into the VPN. Whether it’s a game-changer or not, that depends solemnly on your own, personal wants and needs - that being the case, though, it’s still evident that, as far as this NordVPN VS SurfShark comparison goes, Nord’s got the upper hand.

Ease of Use

One thing that’s worth mentioning here is that ease of use is often seen as a very subjective feature - what is easy and straightforward for some, may appear quite complicated to others. Having said that, when I say “ease of use” in this SurfShark VS NordVPN comparison, I’m referring to how easy it is to use the VPN for your average, everyday person who has nothing to do with networking.

SurfShark VS NordVPN: SurfShark's content safety.

Now, same as with most other points in this comparison, both Nord and SurfShark are actually very similar in regards to how easy they are to use. The installation process for both of them takes but a few clicks, the interfaces are easy to navigate and use, server hopping is rather self-explanatory, too.

All in all, both VPNs are very simple and straightforward to use.

Price

To finish off this SurfShark VS NordVPN comparison, let’s take a look at the pricing options for both of the VPNs in question.

NORDVPN SURFSHARK

Money Back Guarantee

30 Days 30 Days

Cheapest Price

$2.99 $1.99

Free Trial

Free Plan

Number of Plans

4 3

Latest Coupons

All NordVPN Coupons All Surfshark Coupons
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Table: SurfShark and NordVPN pricing options

SurfShark’s prices are:

Nord’s price tags look like this:

Needless to say, SurfShark is surely in the lead here - the VPN has some of the best prices in the entire industry!

Conclusions

So - which of the two VPNs in this SurfShark VS NordVPN comparison is better?

While it’s surely a tough call, NordVPN does appear to be the better option.

While SurfShark has some unbelievable pricing options, and is quite similar to Nord in many different areas, NordVPN possesses some unbeatable numbers when it comes to server speed and their count. Since this is something that anyone and everyone who’ll use the VPN is going to appreciate, it’s only fair to proclaim Nord as the superior VPN in this comparison.

SurfShark VS NordVPN: Nord's features.

If you’d like to have some more information about both of the VPNs in question, you can check out a side-by-side comparison of both of them, too - perhaps it will make things a bit clearer and easier to understand?

With that, I thank you for reading!

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Recent User Reviews

Afordable

It's been a fun ride, NordVPN was fun but now I'm using Surfshark ? on my phone and there is nothing not to like! Pretty amazing features and fast browsing.

NO NEGATIVES

Personally Surfshark speed is okay, the number of servers is adequate, works with lots of different devices. So far, I don't have much negative insights to share.

Stream

I wanna stream my series but it says my country is blocked or something, looking forward to use one of the VPN you recommend

Excellent Product

Surfshark has greatly improved since the past few months is faster and cheaper.

It Works :O

I use surfshark mostly to confuse and annoy advertisers. :-) Also because it was competitively priced.

Best VPN I've tried ! !

Been with NORDVPN since 2017. great service and no issues!

It's my preferred vpn

I tried a few vpns in the past but stuck with nord just because they offered a good price and it worked with Netflix.

Need it!!

I can't use Facebook at school, I need a vpn to access please but need one free these are too expensive =(

I vouch for NordVPN

I've been able to access foreign streaming services successfully with NordVPN and reliably at least. Can't say for Surf Shark, though.

A solid vpn

Surfshark is the cheapest VPN I've tested. Very easy to use, and very useful!

Every show online

Found there are coupon codes to buy my VPN and I'm happy I found out about this! Will be a life changer to watch all the shows blocked in my country!

Low Price

There's no way I'm getting my data stolen !!!! I like these vpns and will give them a try but dont seem too good because they are too cheap

Absolutely amazing!

I love it! With Surfshark I can watch anything from ITV, Disney+ and Netflix.

Good vpn

Gotta admit that Nord is Very good and Easy to use, I have it installed on both PC and mobile and I think servers are fairly fast.

China user

I'm traveling to China and I was wondering if Cyberghost or Nord would work there, please update this info!

Very similar

I use Nord and Surfshark, both are great, I can't find which one is ¨faster¨ feels the same.

Amazed

I was hacked this week and I'm devastated, looking for a VPN that helps me, thanks for the lists ❤️

Good price

Nord VPN was definitely more expensive, I would switch to Surfshark if I was you! I'm paying much less and the service is almost the same

Superb!

Nordvpn has Fast and steady connections on overall every different countries' servers, love the size of server pool they manage.

Feel safe

It seems that the favorite is NordVPN but I want to try other ¨less known¨ names in the industry. I will definitely check Surfshark out.

Awesome

These VPN are the best to use with Netflix! Having used both I would recommend whatever is less costly for you

Bored

Cant find anything bad about NordVPN but I have been using it for such a long time I would like to try a new app.

Netflix in asia

Got all my series geoblocked and I'm using Nord VPN! Works ok but it's so expensive! I need a cheaper alternative

Good purchase!

Using Nord for about half a year already and I've never experienced any major issues, not sure how it compares with other vpns but i can say that i'm happy with my purchase.

To watch vids

Surfshark has been helpful to see videos that are blocked in my country but sometimes the connection is really bad and i dont like this, maybe theres a faster option

Excellent read

I was wondering which ones have a browser extension I'm not interesting on doing downloads I just want something that works with my browser for free, are these two options ok?

Useless waste of money

I was recommended Surf Shark by a friend who said it worked really well. I bought the two year deal and was then suckered into getting the extra year. What a mistake!

Cheapest

VPN Surfshark was really reliable, been using it for a year and the ad blocker works all the time! Seems like there is no cheaper option than this.

good vpn I use.

as far as VPN’s go, I think surfshark is a valuable tool in today’s Internet world! I recommend Surfshark to others every chance I get.

Glad that I chose Nord

I was looking for a VPN for Netflix and I was choosing between a couple of them, though eventually went for Nord thanks to top50vpn

torrenting better with ProtonVPN

Nord was okay for streaming Netflix, but my torrenting needs are better served by ProtonVPN imho.

Crashes!

I was a happy Surfshark VPN user but the Android App crashes all the time now and I don't know but it doesn't work well on my phone

really good

using the free trial on android and it unlocks netflix super easy!! im impressed, surfshark really surpassed my expectations

It is worth every penny ::)

I bought myself Nord almost a year ago. It was the best choice I ever made in my life!

newbie!

I am new to VPNs... very very new. The super easy-to-use interface of Nord has helped me a LOT.

Perfect service :joy:

NordVPN is the right choice, I am completely thankful for being a customer and for finding what to me is the perfect VPN.

explendid!

I rarely use NordVPN on my computer, mostly on both of my phones... it works really well on both!

My opinion

I think Surfshark its the best! The app for android works great for me and I wouldn't change it now.

GREAT

USING SURFSHARK ON IOS AND THE SECURITY IS GREAT, MY IP IS HIDDEN AND I'M ABLE TO VISIT ANY SITE WITH A FAST CONNECTION

Helpful!

Thanks for sharing this. I’ve been wondering about SurfShark and it's overall performance.

FAQ

Which of the SurfShark VS NordVPN is better?

While it's definitely a tough call to make, it would seem that NordVPN is the better alternative of the two. Nord offers users a huge number of different servers to pick from, while also having some of the best speed statistics in the entire industry. To put it simply, you can't really go wrong with Nord, even though it's a bit more expensive than SurfShark.

What are the main differences between SurfShark and NordVPN?

Both VPNs in question are quite similar in many different aspects - they are both secure, have all of the essential features in-check, and allow the user to access torrenting and content streaming, too. That being said, NordVPN possesses many more servers (and better server speed statistics), while SurfShark is the much more affordable alternative.

How do you decide which provider offers the best VPN?

Deciding which provider has the top VPN is not an easy task, but it sure is fun! We have a dedicated team of professionals who test each VPN from start to finish, measuring all of the most important features. We buy all the VPNs ourselves, use machine learning & data science algorithms, get opinions from hundreds of real users, MIT professors, internet security experts and more. The top VPN services are decided by measuring all these important metrics, and never by the request of the providers.

Is VPN legal & safe?

VPNs are totally legal, well, at least in 97% of the world. Some countries only allow government-approved VPNs, like: China, Iran, Oman, Russia, Turkey & United Arab Emirates.
Nonetheless, it’s completely legal in most countries. Usually, top VPN providers are really safe too, but to make sure, look for the information logging & DNS leak topics in our best VPN reviews. If the provider of your interest logs your personal data & doesn’t pass the DNS leakage test, you should look for a more safer VPN.

What are the benefits of using a VPN?

What top VPNs do is mask your real IP address to hide your current location. If the VPN has great quality, it won’t leak or log your personal information. You can freely roam around the internet not having to worry about the exposure of your privacy and information. Also, you can access geo-blocked content on Netflix, or other censored types of information. A VPN can also give you an extra layer of safety for Peer-to-Peer sharing function while using torrents. Every VPN has different pros and cons, so be sure to check them in our in-depth best VPN reviews.

Can VPNs be used to unblock content?

Yes, it can. The most popular content platform for top VPNs to unblock is Netflix. Even though it’s available almost everywhere, USA users have a much bigger content variety. That’s why a lot of people use VPNs to view that kind of content via USA-located servers. If the content you want to view is geo-blocked, you can look up which servers (in which regions) the top VPN providers possess and which ones are right for you. You can easily find this information for each best VPN service in our VPN reviews.