NordVPN vs Surfshark, which is the better VPN in 2026?
- Comparity Editorial Team
- Aug 26, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 9
A VPN is no longer just a luxury, it’s a necessity. Whether you want to protect your personal data, stay safe on public Wi-Fi, bypass censorship, or unlock streaming libraries from other countries, a VPN has you covered.
Among the many options available, two providers stand out: NordVPN and Surfshark. Both are highly rated, but they come with their own strengths and weaknesses. In this guide, we’ll compare them side by side to help you decide which one is right for you.
The Origins
it's the 2010s, and the internet is growing, but so are concerns about privacy. In 2012 , two childhood friends, Eimantas Sabaliauskas and Tomas Okmanas set out to change that. In a small startup incubator in Lithuania they founded NordVPN under the cybersecurity company Nord Security, supported by Tesonet.
Fast forward to 2018: Surfshark emerges, founded by Vytautas Kaziukonis from the British Virgin Islands, this challenger aimed to redefine affordability and privacy. By 2021, it merged under the umbrella of Nord Security but continued operating independently.
At the Core
NordVPN began by rolling out apps on Android and IOS in 2016, then expanded to Chrome extensions (2017), Android TV (2018) and tvOS in 2023. Its strategic move in 2019? Shutting down operations in Russia when pressured by censorship laws. Today it boasts roughly 7300 servers in 118 countries.
Surfshark quickly expanded in features: from introducing wireguard and RAM-only servers in 2020, to launching antivirus, private search, and data breach tools by 2021. It joined Nord Security and solidified its reputation with independent audits and awards.
Costumer Support
Both VPNs offer 24/7 live chat, email help, FAQs, and tutorials. According to independent tests, both deliver responsive and helpful support. A slight edge goes to NordVPN, whose agents tend to respond slightly faster, and whose documentation feels more exhaustive.
Speed and Performance
NordVPN powers its apps with NordLynx (a WireGuard-based protocol), delivering blistering speeds, averaging 196 Mbps in real world tests.
Surfshark goes further: unlimited device connections, plus abroad platform support including Fire TV. Its interface is often praised for being sleek and user-friendly.
Security and Privacy
NordVPN stands out with advanced features like Double VPN, Onion-over-VPN, Threath Protection, and Meshnet. Its no-logs policy has been audited multiple times, including by Deloitte up through 2024.
Surfshark counters with CleanWeb (ad and malware blocking), Multihop, Camouflage mode, Alternative ID, and solid audits (by Cure53 and Deloitte).
Streaming and Torrenting
Both VPNs excel at unblocking major services (Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer etc.). NordVPN's biggest server network often provides more reliable access across regions. Surfshark covers additional countries with similar performance.
Torrenting? Both allow it, but NordVPN provides optimized P2P servers, giving it a slight advantage for heavy downloaders.
Comparison Table
Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark |
Founding & Headquarters | Founded 2012 by Sabaliauskas & Okmanas; based in Panama/Lithuania/Netherlands | Founded 2018 by Kaziukonis; now Netherlands (under Nord Security) |
Server Network | ~7,300 servers in 118 countries | ~3,200 servers in 100+ countries |
Pricing (2-year plan) | ~$3.09 /mo for Basic; higher for Plus/Ultimate | ~$2.19 /mo (Starter); more for One and One+ |
Device Limits | 10 simultaneous connections | Unlimited devices |
Speed | ~196 Mbps via NordLynx | ~188 Mbps via WireGuard |
Security Features | Doubled encryption, Threat Protection, Meshnet, Tor-over-VPN | MultiHop, Camouflage, CleanWeb, Alternative ID, Antivirus/Incogni |
Privacy & Audits | Multiple audits by Deloitte, Cura53; strict no-logs policy | Audits by Cure53, Deloitte; strict no-logs policy |
Customer Support | 24/7 live chat, email, rich support documentation; slightly faster agents | 24/7 live chat, email, strong documentation |
Streaming Support | Excellent region-unblocking, large server access | Very good, more country reach but occasional trial/error |
NordVPN is the choice for performance enthusiasts and power users who value advanced security features, a massive server network and slightly faster service. It's the VPN for users who want precision tools and depth, even at a higher price.
Surfshark shines for budget-conscious individuals or familes who want excellent features at the lowest cost. With unlimited devices and robust security, it's a strong value play.
Dive in and Decide
Why not try them risk-free? Both services offer a 30-dat money-back guarantee. Choose NordVPN if you want top-tier speed, layered encryption, and advanced tools like Threat Protection and Meshnet. Prefer unlimited devices and unbeatable pricing? Go with Surfshark.
Start your VPN journey now by testing one risk-free, or try both and see which one fits your digital life best!
Click here for NordVPN
Click here for SurfShark