Surfshark vs NordVPN: Battle of Titans | Productively

NordVPN has been going strong (and growing) since 2012 with an impressive network of 5,600+ VPN servers in 60 countries. But it’s not just about the quantity; these servers are some of the fastest around and offer incredible speeds for streaming and downloading. This is attested to by the estimated 14 million users that have NordVPN as their preferred VPN service.

Surfshark’s expansive network consists of more than 3,200 VPN servers, not quite up to NordVPN’s number, but still massive. However, these are spread across 100 countries, giving Surfshark a broader geographical reach than NordVPN.

If you are likely to be connecting in North America or Europe, NordVPN is the way to go due to its larger number of servers. However, if your connection needs will lead elsewhere – Africa, Central, and South America, for example – then Surfshark should be your preferred provider as it offers more server locations throughout these regions.

Both VPN services offer specialty servers optimized for specific tasks, such as P2P file sharing, double VPN encryption, and dedicated IP addresses. NordVPN has a broader range of specialty servers, including obfuscated servers for bypassing censorship and VPN over Tor.

Meanwhile, Surfshark offers a multi-hop VPN, which routes your traffic through two VPN servers for added security. I’ll go into more detail about the different tools and features shortly.

To score NordVPN vs. Surfshark for their VPN server network, I’d have to give the nod to NordVPN. Its larger selection of servers and more established network gives it a slight edge over Surfshark.

Winner: NordVPN

NordVPN and Surfshark VPN are two of the most feature-rich VPN service providers I’ve encountered. Both of them have an arsenal of tools, options, and settings that will keep even the most advanced user happy. Most of the tools and features for both serve similar purposes, albeit with different names, but some minor differences exist.

After evaluating both individually, I’ll then make a decision based on which one offers the better overall package.

I’m going to start with Surfshark, which offers a number of industry-leading features that confirm its status as one of the top VPN services.

Surfshark VPN Tools & Features

CleanWeb

I know firsthand how frustrating it can be to constantly deal with intrusive ads, malicious websites, and unwanted trackers while browsing the internet. That’s where CleanWeb comes in – it does a fantastic job when it comes to blocking harmful content and improving your overall online experience.

No more having to deal with the hassle of annoying ads and pop-ups that disrupt your browsing experience. Instead, you get the content you want to see. CleanWeb not only eliminates distractions, but it also helps to protect your device from potential threats by actively blocking malicious websites and unwanted trackers.

But that’s not all – CleanWeb also loads web pages faster, so you can enjoy a faster browsing experience. With CleanWeb, you can get to the content you want to see more quickly without having to wait for ads or other unwanted content to load.

Whitelister (Split Tunneling)

Another outstanding feature offered by Surfshark VPN is Whitelister, a split tunneling feature that allows users to customize which applications and websites pass through the VPN tunnel.

This means you get to choose specific apps or websites to connect directly to the internet without going through the VPN while keeping the rest of your activity secured. This functionality enables flexibility and optimization in bandwidth usage, perfect for users who require simultaneous access to private and public networks.

For example, if you need to use a work-related app or website while also accessing public networks, you can use Whitelister to connect directly to those resources without compromising your security.

Whitelister also enables you to maximize your internet speed by selectively routing traffic through the VPN. By bypassing the VPN for certain apps and websites, you’ll reduce latency and increase download and upload speeds.

GPS Override

Surfshark offers GPS spoofing for its Android app. You are probably aware that when you use your mobile device to browse the web, your physical location is revealed. This is handy when you want to take an Uber or browse local shops and restaurants, but it can also be used to track your activities.

GPS Override helps you bypass this issue by spoofing your GPS location. This way, any site that asks for your physical location will get inaccurate information, protecting your privacy and keeping your data safe from unwanted tracking.

NoBorders

NoBorders Mode functions by disguising VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, making it incredibly difficult for ISPs or governments to detect that you’re using a VPN. As a result, individuals can access blocked websites and content without fear of censorship with complete privacy.

If you reside in a country that restricts access to certain websites or content, NoBorders Mode can help you bypass these restrictions and access the internet without restrictions. The same applies to those traveling abroad – simply enable the mode, and you can access content as if you were at home.

However, NoBorders also enhances your online privacy and security. By hiding your VPN traffic under the guise of regular internet traffic, you can shield your online activity from being tracked by governments, ISPs, or hackers.

MultiHop

MultiHop is Surfshark’s Double VPN, which routes your internet traffic through two different VPN servers, effectively encrypting your data twice. This makes it much more challenging for anyone to track your online activity or gain access to your sensitive information.

Connecting to a regular VPN server requires the encryption of your internet traffic, which is then directed toward the chosen VPN server and on to its ultimate destination. However, with MultiHop technology, not only does this same process take place, but one extra step is added whereby your data is also sent through an additional VPN server before finally reaching its intended destination.

The advantage of this double VPN encryption is that it makes it much tougher for anyone to track you or gain access to your sensitive information. The added security can help protect against man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, where malicious individuals attempt to intercept and read your data as it travels between two points on the web.

And another benefit is that if one of the VPN servers were to be compromised, your data would still be encrypted by the second VPN server.

NordVPN Tools & Features

Surfshark VPN didn’t disappoint with its extensive selection of tools and features, but it’s time for NordVPN to come under the spotlight.

CyberSec

Like Surfshark’s CleanWeb, NordVPN’s CyberSec feature is a powerful tool that helps to ensure a safe and secure browsing experience. CyberSec works by blocking a range of online threats, including ads, trackers, and malware, to provide users with an ad-free and distraction-free browsing experience.

One of the primary benefits of CyberSec is its ad-blocking capabilities. Just like CleanWeb, CyberSec actively blocks ads from appearing on your screen, ensuring that your browsing experience is free from annoying and intrusive ads. You’ll benefit from a cleaner browsing experience and be protected from potential malware that is sometimes hidden in ads.

In addition to ad-blocking, CyberSec also blocks trackers that can monitor your online activity and collect your personal data.

And lastly, CyberSec protects you from malware that can harm your device and compromise your security. CyberSec automatically blocks malicious websites that can infect your device with viruses, ensuring you’re protected from online threats and malware.

Double VPN

This is just the same as Surfshark’s MultiHop, but they just market it as a Double VPN rather than give it a special name. The Double VPN routes your traffic through two VPN servers for enhanced privacy and security. By encrypting your internet traffic not once but twice, you gain an additional layer of protection for your internet connection.

Just like MultiHop, Double VPN makes it more difficult for anyone to track your online activity, as your data is passed through two separate VPN servers located in different countries. So, if one server becomes compromised, your data is still protected by the encryption of the second server.

Moreover, Double VPN adds an extra layer of privacy by masking your IP address twice. This helps to further obscure your online activity from prying eyes, making it harder for anyone to track your movements online.

If you require an extra level of protection for your online activities, handle sensitive information, or frequently use public Wi-Fi networks, you’ll benefit from the peace of mind this feature gives you.

Onion Over VPN

Onion over VPN is a great extra layer of security that can be used by those seeking the highest levels of anonymity online. Most casual internet browsers probably won’t need this function, but it’s still important to understand how Onion Over VPN works and why it may benefit some users.

At its core, Onion over VPN combines two secure networks – the Tor Network and NordVPN’s servers – to create an even more encrypted and anonymous connection when browsing online. As most of us know, Tor stands for “The Onion Router,” which means that its traffic is routed through multiple encrypted layers before reaching its destination. This makes it incredibly difficult for anyone to monitor or intercept your data while using this network, as all connections are hidden from third parties.

When you use NordVPN’s onion over VPN service, all your traffic will first be routed through their secure server, like with a regular VPN connection, before being passed on to the Tor Network. There it receives additional encryption and masking features that hide both your IP address given by NordVPN and the IP address given by Tor itself.

Even if someone could gain access to your activity logs (which isn’t likely), they wouldn’t know who you are or what you’re doing since both networks have added several layers of encryption, making tracing users virtually impossible.

Dedicated IP Address

NordVPN offers dedicated IP addresses for users who require a consistent, secure connection. This can provide numerous benefits in terms of privacy and security when accessing certain websites or networks. With a static address assigned to you alone, it’s far more difficult for potential attackers to gain access as they won’t be able to spoof your identity or view other users’ traffic on the same network.

And having your own static address instead of sharing it with many others helps sites verify who you are and significantly reduces fraud attempts on their end while also helping you avoid CAPTCHAs when accessing certain sites.

SmartPlay

SmartPlay is a built-in feature that automatically routes your traffic through NordVPN’s secure DNS servers for a faster, more reliable connection. This smart DNS feature ensures you’ll have the best possible streaming experience when connecting to websites such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or Hulu.

SmartPlay works in tandem with NordVPN’s servers to ensure you have a stable and fast connection when streaming. You’ll love this feature if you want to access your favorite streaming platforms without experiencing lags or buffering.

So there you go, just some of the features you’ll get if you sign up for one of these VPNs. Most of the features they share, Both NordVPN and Surfshark VPN, offer static IP servers and Smart DNS. I’m having a difficult job making my mind up on who I should declare the winner for the features and tools section of this comparison review.

Sorry guys, I’m on the fence, so my final decision is a tie.

Winner: Draw

There’s a fair bit of crossover regarding the features and tools I’ve already discussed, with many of them offering useful security features and privacy protection as well. But I’ve tried to provide some separation here to make for a more comprehensive and easier-to-understand comparison.

Encryption Standards

Surfshark and NordVPN both utilize the most secure digital encryption available – the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with a 256-bit key size. This military-grade cipher is used by governments, financial institutions, and other organizations that require heightened data security to protect their users’ web activity.

The experts say it’s even harder to crack than the lesser-used 128-bit keys, but seeing how that’s never been cracked either, that’s a moot point for now.

VPN Protocols

Surfshark and NordVPN both support multiple VPN protocols, essentially sets of rules that determine how data is transmitted and secured over a VPN connection.

Both Surfshark and NordVPN offer OpenVPN as a protocol option. Probably the most well-known protocol, it’s known for its strong security and compatibility with the majority of the most common devices and platforms.

WireGuard is a newer protocol that has gained popularity in recent years for its speed and simplicity. It is designed to be more lightweight and efficient than traditional VPN protocols while still providing strong security. Both Surfshark and NordVPN offer WireGuard as a protocol option.

IKEv2/IPsec is another widely used protocol known for its strong security and stability, especially on mobile devices. Surfshark and NordVPN offer IKEv2/IPsec as a protocol option.

NordVPN also offers its proprietary NordLynx protocol, which is based on WireGuard but has been optimized for improved speed and security. NordLynx is available on all of NordVPN’s apps and has been shown to provide significantly faster speeds than other VPN protocols while still maintaining strong security.

Kill Switch Functionality

Have you wondered what happens if your VPN connection drops and you are caught like a deer in headlights leaving your data exposed? That’s where the kill switch functionality comes into play.

A VPN kill switch is an essential backup feature that prevents your device from sending data over an unsecured connection if your VPN fails.

Unlike some other VPNs, these two services will always be running an always-on kill switch in the background when you are connected.

DNS Leak Protection

DNS leaks are a common issue with many VPNs. They occur when your DNS requests are routed through your ISP instead of the secure, encrypted connection established by the VPN service. Exposing your IP address and other private data makes it vulnerable to malicious actors or government surveillance.

Both NordVPN and Surfshark include built-in DNS leak protection that is enabled by default on all their apps. This ensures that no one can monitor or track your browsing activities as your internet traffic is routed through their secure servers rather than your ISP’s unsecured network. This extra layer of protection keeps you even safer while connected to either service.

No-logs Policy

I’m happy to report that both Surfshark and NordVPN have committed not to keep any logs of their user’s online activities.

Surfshark’s no-logs policy is straightforward and clear. They state on their website that they “do not collect IP addresses, browsing history, session information, used bandwidth, connection time stamps, network traffic, or other similar data” of their users. This means that even if Surfshark were subpoenaed or hacked, there would be no user data to hand over.

Similarly, NordVPN also has a strict no-logs policy that is outlined on its website. They confirm that they do not log “time stamps, traffic logs, IP addresses, browsing history, or any other data” that could be used to identify a user.

However, it’s important to remember that any VPN provider could claim to have a no-logs policy without actually following through on that promise. That’s why security audits are so important.

Audits

So, if you take your security seriously, it pays to see if your VPN company has been audited recently. I’m glad to report both NordVPN and Surfshark pass with flying colors. Surfshark has had its browser extensions and infrastructure audited by Cure53, a well-known security firm, in both 2018 and 2021.

What’s even more impressive is that Surfshark recently received a no-logs assurance report from Deloitte, one of the Big Four accounting firms, in late 2022.

NordVPN has also undergone a series of security audits to demonstrate its commitment to user privacy and security. PriceWaterhouseCoopers completed two no-logs policy audits in 2018 and 2020, while Deloitte completed the most recent assurance report in 2022.

In addition to these no-logs policy audits, NordVPN also underwent a comprehensive security audit of its apps by VerSprite in 2019.

RAM Only Servers

Both VPN companies have taken a big step forward in terms of security by introducing RAM-only servers. Since RAM-only servers do not retain data after powering off, they significantly reduce the risk of data leaks and unauthorized access. This feature is especially useful for VPN providers, like Surfshark and NordVPN, as they can ensure that no user logs or data are stored, adhering to their strict no-logs policies.

Jurisdiction

The jurisdiction of a VPN provider can impact your privacy. As NordVPN is Panama based, their data protection laws are relatively strong. NordVPN is exempt from any laws that would mandate companies to store and provide user data.

On the other hand, Surfshark was formerly based in the British Virgin Islands but is now in the Netherlands, part of the 9-Eyes alliance, meaning that they share data with the other eight states. While this does not imply Surfshark will necessarily be forced to share your data, it should be noted for those who are mindful of their privacy.

Again the security and privacy features of the two were a close competition. I felt that NordVPN has the advantage of being based in Panama, with stronger data protection, so they get the win.

Winner: NordVPN

Both of these VPNs offer blazing-fast speeds, with their servers located worldwide. I think speed isn’t always easy to quantify as it can come down to your internet and the distance from you to the server.

That being said, I did my own speed tests on both VPNs and found that NordVPN was consistently faster. The differences were only slight, and you’d hardly notice it in day-to-day use, but NordVPN still takes the lead on this.

And I’m not the only one to come to this conclusion, as independent speed tests have consistently ranked NordVPN above its competitors.

Winner: NordVPN

Both Surfshark VPN and NordVPN offer three separate plans: monthly, 1-year, and 2-year, with discounts increasing as the plan length increases. In most cases, when you are shopping for a VPN, it is likely to be a long-term commitment, as longer plans usually offer a more cost-effective solution. Luckily you’ve made the right decision and are doing your homework by comparing two of the top VPNs on the market today.

NordVPN Pricing Plans

Plan Duration	Monthly Price	Total Price
1 month	$11.95	$11.95
12 months	$4.99	$59.88
24 months	$4.19	$100.56

Surfshark Pricing Plans

Plan Duration	Monthly Price	Total Price
1 month	$12.95	$12.95
12 months	$3.99	$47.88
24 months	$2.49	$59.76

Note that prices may vary depending on region and promotional offers.

If you were going to compare them on the Monthly plan alone, NordVPN takes the win with its $11.99/month plan versus Surfshark’s $12.95/month offer. But once we look at the 1-year and 2-year plans, NordVPN’s offers are more expensive than Surfshark’s.

Surfshark has the edge here by offering its 2-year plan for a discounted price of $2.49 per month compared to NordVPN’s $$4.19 per month. Both VPN providers have a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you’re not satisfied with either service, which I’d say is highly unlikely, you can always request a refund.

Winner: Surfshark

Comparing the device compatibility of NordVPN and Surfshark, both services cover the usual suspects – Windows and Mac computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, as well as smart TV platforms. Both providers offer browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox too. If you are an avid gamer, you’ll be pleased to know that both providers also support gaming consoles such as Xbox and PlayStation.

NordVPN and Surfshark pretty much offer identical coverage across all major platforms, so there’s no winner in this area.

Winner: Draw

NordVPN supports up to 6 simultaneous connections on different devices so that you can share your subscription with family or friends. You can also install it on your router, and it will secure all the devices on your network. This just counts as one VPN connection from the six.

Surfshark beats this hands down, allowing unlimited simultaneous connections from one account – I’d guess if you have a large household with family members or housemates using lots of different devices, it will make Surfshark the better choice as a VPN provider.

Another thought that crossed my mind was that if your business needed a VPN connection, say for employees connecting from multiple locations, Surfshark would make a cost-effective solution.

Winner: Surfshark

Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer custom-built apps for the various platforms they support, which makes them very user-friendly. I’m a fan of the NordVPN app. In my opinion, it’s got to be one of the best-designed and most intuitive apps out there for a VPN.

Surfshark’s app is also super easy to use and has an attractive UI as well, but I feel that NordVPN edges it in terms of overall navigation.

I thought I’d compare their reviews in the Play Store and App Store to give an indication of what others think of their mobile apps. NordVPN has 4.4 stars on the Google Play Store, while Surfshark comes in just below at 4.3 stars. On the Apple App Store, Surfershark pips NordVPN to the post with a 4.8 rating compared to NordVPN’s 4.7 stars – but there are far fewer reviews on the App Store.

Winner: NordVPN

Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer a range of customer support options – live chat, email, and phone support, as well as extensive FAQs and knowledge bases. Both providers also offer 24/7 support, though you will initially be speaking to a chatbot. If the chatbox isn’t of help, you’ll get put through to a real person to deal with your query.

So at this stage, NordVPN and Surfshark are neck and neck in terms of customer support; for the decider, I tested out their live chat options. I found NordVPN’s customer support to be responsive and helpful, with queries answered quickly and accurately. Surfshark’s support was also up to par, they both were fast, but one was slightly quicker.

As it was so close, and basing the outcome on just one experience, seems a little unfair, I will declare this one a tie.

Winner: Draw

With NordVPN boasting such a vast server network, you have the freedom to stream services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer – say goodbye to geo-restrictions!

Surfshark may not have the extensive server network that NordVPN has. Still, they offer excellent streaming performance, with high-speed servers that can unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature blocks ads and trackers, making for a smoother and more enjoyable streaming experience.

In terms of torrenting, both NordVPN and Surfshark have features that make them excellent options for P2P file sharing. NordVPN offers servers that are specifically optimized for torrenting and P2P traffic. As I previously mentioned, they have a strict no-logs policy, so your torrenting activity will not be logged or monitored.

Surfshark also offers P2P-friendly servers and has a strict no-logs policy, making it a great choice for torrenting. Another unique feature Surfshark offers is “Camouflage Mode,” which encrypts your traffic so that even your internet service provider can’t see that you’re using a VPN for torrenting.

So once again, I have a hard decision to make. Personally, I’d go with NordVPN if I wanted the fastest streaming and Surfshark if I wanted the added security of Camouflage Mode. I tend to stream more than torrent, so my bias would skew toward NordVPN.

Winner: Draw