NordVPN vs Surfshark? Find the Best VPN for 2025

Are you looking for a reliable VPN but confused between NordVPN and Surfshark? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! These two VPN services are among the most popular in the world. Both have millions of users and offer amazing features. But which one is better for you? Let’s find out in this simple and detailed comparison.

We’ll cover everything you need to know about NordVPN vs Surfshark: speed, features, price, security, and more. By the end of this article, you’ll know which VPN is perfect for your needs.

What Are VPNs and Why Do You Need One?

Before diving into the comparison, let’s quickly understand what a VPN is. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) hides your online activities by encrypting your internet traffic. It also masks your IP address, keeping you safe from hackers and snoopers. With a VPN, you can:

• Access geo-blocked content, like Netflix shows from other countries.
• Stay secure on public Wi-Fi networks.
• Protect your privacy from advertisers and trackers.
• Bypass censorship and browse the internet freely.

For instance, imagine you’re travelling and want to watch your favourite show that’s only available in your home country. A VPN can make that possible by changing your virtual location. Whether you want more privacy or just access to global content, VPNs are an essential tool.

NordVPN vs Surfshark: Comparison In 2025

Now, let’s see how NordVPN and Surfshark stack up against each other.

Speed: How Fast Are They?

Nobody likes a slow internet connection, right? Speed is one of the most important factors when choosing a VPN. A slow VPN can ruin your streaming experience, online gaming, or large file downloads.

Here are the results from speed tests conducted on a 1,000 Mbps connection:

NordVPN wins here, with an average speed drop of only 14%. That’s excellent! Surfshark is fast too, but not as fast as NordVPN. When streaming in 4K or downloading large files, NordVPN consistently delivers.

If you play online games, NordVPN’s faster servers can reduce latency, giving you smoother gameplay. Surfshark’s speeds are good, but gamers and heavy streamers may notice a slight lag.

Winner: NordVPN

Features: What Do They Offer?

Both NordVPN and Surfshark come packed with features, making them suitable for various needs. Whether you want advanced security or a user-friendly experience, both VPNs deliver. Here’s a detailed comparison:

NordVPN’s unique features, like Onion over VPN, make it perfect for users who want extra privacy. It also offers Threat Protection, which blocks malware and phishing domains even when the VPN is not active.

Surfshark’s standout feature is GPS spoofing, which can make your device’s location match the server location. This is great for apps or services that track your physical location. Plus, Surfshark offers unlimited connections, making it ideal for large families or users with many devices.

Winner: Tie

Security and Privacy: Are They Safe?

Security is the heart of a VPN. Both NordVPN and Surfshark provide excellent security, ensuring your data stays private and protected from prying eyes.

Encryption

• NordVPN: Uses AES-256 encryption with HMAC SHA256 authentication, a gold standard in the industry.
• Surfshark: Uses AES-256 encryption with ChaCha20 for the WireGuard protocol, ensuring speed without compromising security.

No-Logs Policy

Both VPNs are audited by third-party firms to ensure they don’t log your data. NordVPN, however, has undergone more audits than Surfshark, which gives it an edge in transparency.

Jurisdiction

• NordVPN: Based in Panama, a privacy-friendly country with no data retention laws.
• Surfshark: Based in The Netherlands, another privacy-friendly country. However, it’s part of the EU, which has some data regulations.

For users who prioritize security, NordVPN’s jurisdiction in Panama offers peace of mind.

Winner: NordVPN

Price: Which One Is Cheaper?

Price matters, especially if you’re on a budget. Both VPNs are affordable, but Surfshark has a slight edge in terms of long-term plans. Here’s a comparison:

Surfshark’s two-year plan is one of the cheapest among premium VPNs. However, NordVPN often runs discounts and offers additional features like a password manager and encrypted cloud storage in its higher-tier plans.

If you want the best value for money, Surfshark is the clear winner. But if you’re willing to pay a bit more for faster speeds and advanced features, NordVPN is worth it.

Winner: Surfshark

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Streaming: Netflix and More

Both NordVPN and Surfshark are excellent for streaming. They can unblock:

• Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Canada, and other countries.
• Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer.

In our tests, both VPNs delivered smooth streaming with no buffering. NordVPN’s SmartPlay technology ensures you can access geo-restricted content easily, while Surfshark’s unlimited connections mean everyone in the house can stream at the same time.

For example, when I tested Netflix, NordVPN allowed me to switch between multiple regional libraries without any issues. Surfshark also worked well but occasionally required reconnecting to access certain libraries.

Winner: Tie

Customer Support: Who Helps Better?

Both VPNs offer 24/7 live chat and email support. I’ve reached out to their teams multiple times and always received quick, helpful responses. NordVPN’s support team helped me troubleshoot connection issues on my router, while Surfshark’s team guided me through setting up GPS spoofing on my phone.

Both VPNs also have extensive knowledge bases and tutorials, making it easy to find answers on your own.

Winner: Tie

NordVPN vs Surfshark: Which Is Better?

So, which is better: NordVPN or Surfshark? The answer depends on your specific needs and priorities.

If you’re looking for the fastest speeds, NordVPN is the clear winner. Its advanced technology, including NordLynx (their implementation of WireGuard), delivers exceptional performance for streaming, gaming, and downloading large files.

On the other hand, Surfshark stands out for its affordability and unlimited device connections. If you have a large household or multiple devices to protect, Surfshark’s unlimited connections make it an excellent choice. Additionally, features like GPS spoofing and its user-friendly interface appeal to many users.

Both VPNs excel in security and privacy, offering AES-256 encryption, no-logs policies, and RAM-only servers. NordVPN’s jurisdiction in Panama gives it a slight edge for privacy enthusiasts, but Surfshark’s base in the Netherlands is also strong.

Ultimately, if you’re asking, “NordVPN vs Surfshark: which is better?” the answer lies in your preferences. Need blazing-fast speeds and advanced privacy tools? Go for NordVPN. Want to save money and connect unlimited devices? Surfshark might be the better option for you.

After reviewing all the categories, here’s the winner for each:

Overall Winner: NordVPN

My Thoughts on NordVPN and Surfshark

I’ve used both NordVPN and Surfshark for over a year. Here’s what I think:

• NordVPN is my go-to for speed. Whether I’m downloading large files or streaming in 4K, it never disappoints. The connection is stable, and switching servers is quick and hassle-free.
• Surfshark is perfect for my family. With unlimited connections, everyone can stay protected, from my kids’ tablets to my smart TV. It’s affordable and user-friendly, making it great for beginners.

Do you value speed and extra features? Go for NordVPN. Want to save money and connect unlimited devices? Surfshark is your best bet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Surfshark VPN better than NordVPN?

Surfshark is better for those who need unlimited device connections and want a more affordable option. However, NordVPN offers faster speeds and advanced security features, making it a better choice for performance-focused users.

Which VPN is better than NordVPN?

While NordVPN is a top-tier VPN, Surfshark is a strong competitor due to its budget-friendly pricing and unlimited connections. Other alternatives like ExpressVPN also rival NordVPN in specific areas like ease of use and global server availability.

NordVPN vs Surfshark: Which is better for streaming?

Both NordVPN and Surfshark perform excellently for streaming and can unblock major platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. NordVPN has an edge in speed, ensuring smoother playback for high-quality streaming.

Is Surfshark good for torrenting compared to NordVPN?

Both VPNs support torrenting on all servers. NordVPN’s faster speeds make it ideal for downloading large files, while Surfshark’s unlimited connections allow multiple users to torrent simultaneously.

Are NordVPN and Surfshark easy to use?

Yes, both VPNs are beginner-friendly with intuitive apps for all major platforms. NordVPN’s map-based interface is unique, while Surfshark’s app is straightforward and streamlined for quick server selection.

Conclusion

Choosing between NordVPN and Surfshark comes down to your specific needs. If you value blazing-fast speeds, advanced privacy features, and a proven track record, NordVPN is the top choice. It consistently outperforms Surfshark in speed and privacy categories while offering a host of advanced features.