If you’ve already narrowed your search down to these two, you’re in good company — NordVPN and Surfshark are consistently the two highest-rated mainstream VPNs, and both do the fundamentals (encryption, no-logs policies, decent speeds) well. This is a closer, more detailed look at the two head-to-head. If you’re still comparing more broadly, our full VPN roundup covers ExpressVPN too and explains what a VPN can and can’t do for you.
Quick Verdict
- Choose NordVPN if: you want the largest server network and the edge in most independent speed tests, and 10 simultaneous devices is enough for your household.
- Choose Surfshark if: you need to cover more than 10 devices on one account, or you want the lowest ongoing price for comparable performance.
Everything below explains why.
Pricing Tiers
Both providers follow a similar pricing structure: a relatively high month-to-month rate, and steep discounts on longer commitments (typically 1-month, 1-year, and 2-year plans).
| NordVPN | Surfshark | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly plan | Higher | Higher, similar to Nord |
| 1-year plan | Mid-range | Slightly cheaper than Nord’s 1-year |
| 2-year plan | Best value tier, still slightly above Surfshark | Usually the lowest headline price of any major VPN |
The practical takeaway: Surfshark is very often the cheaper option on longer commitments, sometimes by a meaningful margin. NordVPN’s pricing has narrowed that gap over time with regular promotions, so it’s worth comparing current listed prices on both sites rather than assuming last year’s numbers still hold — both companies run frequent limited-time deals.
Simultaneous Device Limits
This is the single biggest practical differentiator between the two.
- NordVPN: 10 devices per account.
- Surfshark: Unlimited devices per account.
For a single user with a phone, laptop, and maybe a tablet, 10 is plenty. But for a household running a VPN on every family member’s phone, plus laptops, plus a smart TV or streaming box, plus a router-level connection — 10 can get tight. Surfshark removes the ceiling entirely, which is why it’s often recommended specifically for families or shared accounts.
Server Network and Count
NordVPN maintains a noticeably larger server fleet — generally in the range of 6,000+ servers across 100+ countries, compared to Surfshark’s roughly 3,200+ servers across 100 countries.
In practice, a larger network means:
- Less congestion on popular server locations during peak hours
- More granular city-level location choices in some regions
- A better chance of finding an uncrowded server nearby
Surfshark’s network is still large enough to cover the vast majority of use cases well, but if you frequently connect during peak times or need a wide spread of specific city locations, Nord’s larger footprint is a real advantage.
Speed Benchmarks
Both services are considered fast by current VPN standards — this isn’t a case of one being fast and the other being slow. In most independent, repeated speed tests, NordVPN comes out slightly ahead on average, particularly on longer-distance connections and during peak usage windows, thanks in part to its larger, less congested server network.
Surfshark is close behind in the same tests — the gap is usually a matter of single-digit percentage differences, not something most people would notice during normal streaming or browsing. If raw benchmark speed is your single deciding factor, Nord has a slight, consistent edge. If “fast enough for 4K streaming and quick downloads” is your bar, both clear it comfortably.
Security Track Record
Both NordVPN and Surfshark use industry-standard encryption (AES-256) and modern VPN protocols, and both have undergone independent third-party security audits of their infrastructure and no-logs claims over the years. Neither has a history of a major, confirmed user-data breach.
Rather than citing specific audit firms or dates here (audit cycles and auditors change over time), the more useful check is to look at each provider’s current transparency/security page directly before subscribing — reputable VPNs publish their most recent audit results publicly, and you can verify how recent the latest one is.
Streaming Service Unblocking
Both are widely used for accessing streaming platforms while traveling, with regularly updated server lists aimed at reliable access to major services. Neither is “better” in an absolute sense here — both providers actively maintain streaming-optimized servers, and reliability can vary by specific service, region, and even week, since streaming platforms regularly adjust their own detection methods.
If unblocking your own subscriptions while traveling is your main use case, both are reasonable choices; NordVPN’s larger server count gives it a slight edge in having more country/city options to try if one location has trouble on a given day.
Money-Back Guarantee Windows
Both providers offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on paid plans, giving you a full month to test real-world speed and reliability on your own network before committing. Always confirm the current guarantee terms on the provider’s own checkout page, since promotional terms can vary by plan length and region.
Final Verdict
- Go with NordVPN if: you want the biggest server network, the more consistent speed edge in independent testing, and 10 devices covers your needs.
- Go with Surfshark if: unlimited devices matters to you (especially for a family or shared plan), or you want the lower price point for very similar day-to-day performance.
Neither is a wrong choice — this is a genuinely close race between two of the strongest VPNs on the market, and the deciding factor for most people comes down to device count and price rather than any dramatic quality gap.
For the fuller picture, including how ExpressVPN stacks up and an honest look at whether you need a VPN at all, see our full VPN roundup. And if privacy while downloading is your goal, pair either provider with a legitimate understanding of the rules — start with is downloading YouTube videos legal and downloading YouTube videos in HD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper long-term?
Surfshark is usually cheaper on multi-year plans, sometimes by a meaningful margin, though both providers run frequent promotions that can narrow or shift the gap. Compare current listed prices on both sites before deciding, since neither company’s promotional pricing stays fixed for long.
Can I use either with a shared family plan?
Yes, but the experience differs: NordVPN caps you at 10 simultaneous devices per account, while Surfshark allows unlimited devices on one account, making it the more natural fit for larger households or shared family use.
Which works better for streaming abroad?
Both maintain streaming-optimized servers and are commonly used to access a traveler’s own home subscriptions abroad. Neither has a decisive, permanent advantage — NordVPN’s larger server count gives you more alternate locations to try if one connection has trouble on a given day.
Do either offer a free trial?
Both typically offer a 30-day money-back guarantee rather than a free trial, which functions similarly — you can subscribe, test the service fully on your own devices and network, and request a refund within the window if it doesn’t meet your needs. Always check the current terms on the provider’s checkout page, as guarantee length and eligibility can vary by plan.