NordVPN vs. Surfshark: Which VPN is right for you?

Kerry Wan/ZDNET

When choosing a virtual private network (VPN) service, the options are endless. In a market flooded with promotions, deals, lists of features, different encryption standards, and varying device support, it can be easy to forget the core reason for using a VPN: you need a service that improves your online security and privacy. 

Also: The best VPN services: Expert tested and reviewed

But how can you make that decision wisely? It's always best to start with a VPN's reputation, especially when backed by extensive testing. The team at ZDNET has years of experience in this field. Out of the 50 or so branded commercial options available today, we've narrowed down our recommendations to a fraction of the whole, depending on different use cases. Two of our top choices crop up often: NordVPN and Surfshark. 

These VPNs are both trustworthy and provide a commendable service to customers today, and we would recommend either without any qualms. But this doesn't mean that they are the same -- one may be a better option for you than the other. 

This is how NordVPN and Surfshark compare. 

NordVPN and Surfshark, compared

You should pick Surfshark if...

June Wan/ZDNET

1. You want to save money

Surfshark is less expensive than NordVPN, and often by a good amount. Prices change regularly, but at the time of writing, Surfshark is about $25 less over two years. 

At the time of writing, Surfshark's cheapest deal is available for the equivalent of $1.99/month, whereas NordVPN -- due to holiday deals -- is $2.99/month. Typically, however, you will find that NordVPN plans start at around $3.40 - $3.60 per month. 

2. You want unlimited simultaneous devices

NordVPN only allows you to connect 10 devices at once to its VPN service, while Surfshark sets no limits at all. If you're traveling with just a few devices, that won't matter much. But the device count can add up if you're at home or in the office and have more than just a PC and mobile device you want to protect.

ZDNET writer David Gewirtz calls himself something of an "outlier" with four main computers, a few spare machines, three iPads, a phone, gaming consoles, and smart TVs to protect with a VPN. However, considering how many devices most of us now work with, he is not the only one -- and restrictions on simultaneous connections can be frustrating.  

However, with unlimited simultaneous connections, you don't have to worry. Surfshark's unlimited simultaneous connections perk is certainly a major advantage. 

3. You want a beginner-friendly VPN

Charlie Osborne/ZDNET

While Surfshark has a vast array of interesting, privacy-enhancing features to explore, including Dynamic MultiHop, IP Rotator, the CleanWeb ad and tracker remover, a NoBorders mode, and a LAN invisibility option, it is also extremely beginner-friendly. All of the settings you need as someone new to the world of VPNs are enabled by default, so you don't need to worry about diving deep into your VPN's configuration and settings. 

Furthermore, the default user interface displays everything important: your current connection status, recommended server options based on speed and latency, a button to disconnect, and a feature we particularly like -- the option to pause your VPN for five minutes, 30 minutes, or two hours. 

4. You want to explore Surfshark's service ecosystem

Surfshark offers a lot more than just a VPN. Granted, so does NordVPN, but many of Surfshark's extra solutions and features are geared toward consumers rather than the enterprise. 

You can sign up for additional services, solutions, and features -- many of which are available under Surfshark One+ plans -- including a personal information and email generator, an antivirus scanner, data security reports, a search engine, and the Incogni personal data removal service which tackles records stored by people search sites and company databases.  

Also: Delete yourself from the internet with the best online data removal services

You should pick NordVPN if...

June Wan/ZDNET

1. Speed is crucial

Over the years, the ZDNET team has performed hundreds of speed tests on dozens of VPNs. 

If speed is the most important factor for you, NordVPN is a better option than Surfshark. NordVPN is a very fast service with minimal speed loss, which is what you want to see when your online requests are routed through a VPN server network. 

This isn't to say that Surfshark is slow, however. As you can see below, our comparative download and upload speed tests conducted in December 2024 revealed Surfshark to be a great VPN. With some competitors, you may consistently see speed losses beyond 30%. 

It's worth balancing more factors than speed, but if this is your top concern, NordVPN is the better choice. Remember that speed results will differ depending on your ISP and the server (and its distance) to which you are trying to connect. 

Also: The fastest VPNs: Expert tested

2. You want to use a VPN for streaming or gaming

Charlie Osborne/ZDNET

If you mainly want a VPN to access streaming services, we recommend NordVPN over Surfshark. To prevent buffering problems, you want the best speeds and latency possible, and NordVPN has performed better than Surfshark in these areas during our tests. 

Both VPNs are successful and have few problems when used to access services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. So, your choice may result in a trade-off between streaming performance, speed, monthly cost, or other factors. 

Keep in mind that using a VPN to access streaming services is a legally gray area, and we don't condone potentially violating the streaming service provider's terms of service. 

Furthermore, you may find that while many streaming services have resigned themselves to customers using VPNs, rather than block them, they have instead limited content libraries to movies and TV shows available under a global license. 

Also: The best streaming VPNs: Expert tested

3. You want as many IP location choices as possible

While it's quite a close competition due to recent updates to its network, NordVPN offers more servers and location options than many rivals. NordVPN's network includes over 6,300 servers in 113 countries, whereas Surfshark provides around 3,200 servers in over 100 countries. 

4. You want business-oriented features or fixed IP addresses

NordVPN offers full business plans with team management, admin consoles, and everything you'd need to deploy a VPN for a full company or department under the NordLayer brand. If you don't want all the business and team management features of an enterprise VPN, and you just want a fixed IP to run a server or for remote access, that's also available for an additional fee. Just be aware that it's not available at all locations, so check before signing up.