NordVPN is the clear winner when it comes to speed tests, a variety of features and strong security measures. It also follows a strict no-logs policy and offers a money-back guarantee.
Surfshark is affordable and allows unlimited simultaneous connections, while NordVPN has counterpunches for many of Surfshark features like Dark Web monitoring and alerts. Its GPS spoofing feature for Android devices is especially useful for bypassing geo-blocks.
1. Speed Tests
Both NordVPN and Surfshark provide good speed results, but NordVPN has a slight edge. This is likely because its network is larger, which can offset slowdowns due to higher traffic volume on a given server.
NordVPN also offers a proprietary protocol called NordLynx. Its speeds are impressive and it eliminates the privacy issues associated with the more popular OpenVPN.
The two VPNs also offer a variety of features to keep users secure and happy. Both allow a wide range of devices to be used with their service, have a robust selection of payment methods and offer a 30-day money back guarantee.
NordVPN and Surfshark offer multiple subscription options, including a yearly plan that saves you more money than paying month-to-month. Each offers a free trial and has excellent customer support. They also both have a large number of servers around the world, and their services work well in China. In addition, both support a variety of device platforms and have no data limits or restrictions on P2P.
2. Encryption
Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer strong encryption that protects your data from prying eyes. They also support a wide range of payment methods and include a 30-day refund guarantee. However, NordVPN edged out Surfshark in multiple categories and offered the most features that lead to a secure browsing experience.
Both offer a variety of security features such as kill switches, Dark Web monitoring, and a map interface. However, NordVPN has a much larger list of countries to choose from.
Both providers offer a decent number of servers and versatile locations. However, Surfshark VPN has the advantage of covering several countries that ExpressVPN does not including Russia and the United Arab Emirates. This is mainly because of the tumultuous political climate in those regions. Both services offer a number of other security features such as GPS spoofing and malware scanning. However, Surfshark has a more comprehensive suite of security that includes ad blocking and Camouflage mode.
3. Servers
NordVPN offers a nice range of security features including web filters that block intrusive ads, trackers and malware. It also has a feature called CleanWeb that does this for you on the websites you visit. NordVPN is one of the few VPN providers that offer a port forwarding service as well as zero-knowledge DNS.
Nord also has a nice server count of more than 5,200 physical VPN servers. This gives it a good geographical diversity. ExpressVPN doesn’t have as many servers but does offer a good variety of locations as well.
Both NordVPN and Surfshark have great client software with maps of the available server locations and easy to use layouts. They also support a good number of popular devices and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Both have solid customer support with email and live chat options. Surfshark also has an extensive YouTube channel with helpful videos demonstrating how to set up their service on various devices.
4. Pricing
Few VPN providers are called the best in the business as often as NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN. All three have excellent speeds and feature a wide variety of geo-restricted unblocking and security features.
Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer a variety of different subscription plans. They also both offer free trials so you can try them out before you commit to a full subscription.
Surfshark is the most affordable of the bunch and offers unlimited simultaneous connections for a low price. It is also compatible with a wide range of devices, including many streaming gadgets.
NordVPN is based in Panama, which means it can offer a true no-logging policy. It also allows you to create an account without a valid email address and supports Bitcoin payments. Both providers have excellent support teams, although ExpressVPN offers slightly faster response times. However, Surfshark has a more comprehensive knowledge base and makes it easier to find the information you need.