Surfshark VPN vs NordVPN: Which is Better in 2025?
A comprehensive comparison of two leading VPN services to help you make the best choice for your online privacy and security needs.
Introduction: Why You Need a Reliable VPN in 2025
In today's increasingly digital age, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become essential tools for protecting your privacy and securing your online communications. Among the dozens of VPN providers available, Surfshark VPN and NordVPN stand out as leading choices, each offering a robust set of features and excellent performance.
This comprehensive comparison aims to provide a detailed analysis of both services to help you make the best decision for your online security and privacy needs. We'll compare them in terms of speed, security, pricing, ease of use, and many other important factors that matter to users in 2025.
Key Features Comparison: Surfshark VPN vs NordVPN
| Feature | Surfshark VPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Server Network | 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries | 7,000+ servers in 118 countries |
| Simultaneous Devices | Unlimited | 10 devices |
| Connection Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | NordLynx (based on WireGuard), NordWhisper, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec |
| No-logs Policy | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes (Network Lock) |
| Split Tunneling | Yes (Bypasser) | Yes |
| Ad & Malware Blocking | Yes | Yes (Threat Protection Pro) |
| Dedicated Servers | No | Yes |
| Double VPN Servers | Yes (Dynamic MultiHop) | Yes |
| Password Manager | Yes (in One plans and above) | Yes (in Plus plans and above) |
| Free eSIM Data | Available in all plans | 1-10GB (depending on plan) |
| Identity Theft Insurance | No | Yes (in Prime plan) |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Customer Support | 24/7 | 24/7 |
Performance and Speed Comparison: Which VPN is Faster?
Speed is a crucial factor when choosing a VPN service, especially for users who stream high-definition video, download large files, or play online games.
Surfshark VPN Performance
- Average Download Speed: 61% of base speed
- Average Upload Speed: 70% of base speed
- WireGuard Protocol: Provides fast connections while maintaining high levels of security
- Connection Stability: Offers stable and reliable connections even when connecting to distant servers
- Geo-restriction Bypassing: Excellent performance in unblocking geo-restricted content for streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime
NordVPN Performance
- Average Download Speed: 72% of base speed
- Average Upload Speed: 80% of base speed
- NordLynx Protocol: Built on advanced WireGuard technology, providing ultra-fast connection speeds while maintaining high levels of security
- Connection Stability: Features stable connections with low ping times
- Geo-restriction Bypassing: Highly effective in accessing geo-restricted content
Performance Analysis: Both services offer excellent performance in terms of speed and stability. NordVPN with its NordLynx protocol provides slightly higher speeds in most locations, while Surfshark VPN with its WireGuard protocol offers a good balance between speed, stability, and security. Your choice depends on your personal priorities between maximum speed or more stable connections.
Pricing and Value Comparison: Which Offers a Better Deal?
When choosing a VPN service, price is an important factor for many. Let's compare the pricing plans of both providers to see which offers better value for money.
Surfshark VPN Plans and Pricing (as of June 2025)
| Plan | Monthly Price | Total Price | Additional Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter (2 years) | $2.19 | $59.13 (with 3 extra months) | VPN, Alternative ID |
| One (2 years) | $2.69 | $72.63 (with 3 extra months) | VPN, Alternative ID, Antivirus, Alerts, Secure Search |
| One+ (2 years) | $4.29 | $115.83 (with 3 extra months) | All One features plus Data Removal from databases |
NordVPN Plans and Pricing (as of June 2025)
| Plan | Monthly Price | Total Price | Additional Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (2 years) | $3.39 | $81.36 | 1GB of eSIM data |
| Plus (2 years) | $4.39 | $105.36 | 5GB of eSIM data, Threat Protection Pro, Password Manager |
| Complete (2 years) | $5.39 | $129.36 | 10GB of eSIM data, 1TB encrypted cloud storage |
| Prime (2 years) | $7.39 | $177.36 | 10GB of eSIM data, Identity monitoring, $1M identity theft insurance |
Pricing Analysis: Surfshark VPN offers more diverse options at relatively lower prices, especially for long-term plans. Surfshark's Starter plan is approximately 35% cheaper than NordVPN's cheapest plan. Additionally, Surfshark provides unlimited device connections, making it a better value-for-money option for users with multiple devices. However, NordVPN offers more advanced security features in its various plans, particularly in the Prime tier.
Security and Privacy Features Comparison: Which is More Secure?
Security and privacy are the primary goals of using a VPN. Let's compare how each provider handles these vital aspects.
Surfshark VPN Security Features
- Advanced Encryption: Next-generation AES-256 encryption to protect your internet traffic
- Kill Switch: Automatically cuts internet connection if VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks
- Split Tunneling (Bypasser): Allows you to specify which apps use VPN and which don't
- Dynamic MultiHop: Routes traffic through multiple VPN servers for an extra layer of encryption
- Private DNS: Prevents browsing information leaks and protects against DNS attacks
- No-logs Policy: No storage of any logs of your online activity
- Ad Blocker: Protects against ads and trackers
NordVPN Security Features
- TrustedServer Technology: Ensures no data is ever written to hard drives, as servers run from memory only
- Network Lock: Similar to Kill Switch, protects data when connection drops
- Private DNS: Private, encrypted DNS on every server for safer and faster connections
- Military-grade Encryption: AES-256 encryption to protect data
- No-logs Policy: No logging of any activity or connections
- Threat Protection Pro: Prevents your apps from communicating with tracking sites and malicious websites
- Ad Blocker: Blocks annoying ads and improves browsing experience
- Double VPN: Provides an additional layer of security
Security Analysis: Both services offer an exceptional level of security and privacy. NordVPN stands out with additional security features like TrustedServer technology and its Panama-based location (a privacy-friendly country), making it ideal for users seeking maximum protection. Surfshark distinguishes itself with its Dynamic MultiHop feature that allows users to choose multiple routes. Both adhere to strict no-logs policies, making them excellent choices for privacy-conscious users.
Ease of Use and Interface Comparison: Which is More User-Friendly?
User experience is an important factor, especially for beginners who may not be familiar with VPN technologies.
Surfshark VPN User Interface
- Intuitive Design: Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Quick Setup: Easy and fast installation and setup process
- Cross-platform Consistency: Consistent apps across all devices and systems
- Focus on Simplicity: Design focuses on simplicity and accessibility
NordVPN User Interface
- Intuitive Design: Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Interactive Map: Visual map design makes it easy to choose servers by geographic location
- Quick Setup: Easy and fast installation and setup process
- Cross-platform Consistency: Consistent user experience across all devices
- Advanced Options: Advanced customization options for experienced users
Ease of Use Analysis: Both services offer user-friendly interfaces, but Surfshark slightly excels in simplicity and straightforward design, making it ideal for beginners or users who prefer minimal complexity. NordVPN provides more customization options for advanced users who want fine-grained control over their VPN settings.
Device Compatibility Comparison: Which VPN Supports Your Devices?
Compatibility with various devices and systems is essential to ensure all your devices are protected.
Surfshark VPN Device Compatibility
- Device Count: Supports unlimited connected devices simultaneously
- Major Operating Systems: Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux
- Browser Extensions: Chrome, Firefox, Edge
- Routers: Compatible with routers
- Other Devices: Compatible with smart TVs and gaming consoles
NordVPN Device Compatibility
- Device Count: Supports up to 10 connected devices simultaneously
- Major Operating Systems: Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux
- Browser Extensions: Chrome, Firefox, Edge
- Routers: Compatible with routers
- Other Devices: Compatible with smart TVs and gaming consoles
Compatibility Analysis: Surfshark VPN excels in the number of simultaneous devices (unlimited vs 10), making it a better choice for large families or users with many devices. Both provide comprehensive coverage for most common systems and devices.
Customer Service and Support Comparison: Who Provides Better Help?
Good technical support is crucial, especially when you encounter connection issues or setup problems.
Surfshark VPN Customer Support
- Support Availability: 24/7 support
- Communication Channels: Support via live chat and email
- Self-help Resources: Comprehensive knowledge base
- Educational Content: Detailed articles and tutorials for various setups and uses
NordVPN Customer Support
- Support Availability: 24/7 support
- Communication Channels: Support via live chat and email
- Self-help Resources: Comprehensive knowledge base
- Educational Content: Detailed articles and tutorials for various setups and uses
Support Analysis: Both services provide excellent customer support with 24/7 availability and multiple communication channels. Both offer comprehensive self-help resources and detailed educational content. There is no clear winner in this category, as both provide a high level of support.
Conclusion: Which One is Right for You?
Both Surfshark VPN and NordVPN are excellent VPN services overall. Surfshark wins out when it comes to value due to its extremely affordable long-term plans and unlimited device connections. However, NordVPN snags wins in speed where it's noticeably faster, and privacy due to the fact that it's headquartered in privacy-friendly Panama.
Ultimately, which VPN you pick will depend on your own personal needs. If you want to save money and connect unlimited devices, go with Surfshark VPN. If speed, server network, and advanced security features are your biggest concerns, then you should opt for NordVPN. Either way, the differences between them are minor and probably won't make a significant difference for the average user. Both of these are stellar VPN services, but in the features that matter most, NordVPN narrowly edges out the win.