NordVPN is slightly better than Surfshark, but both VPNs provide equally good value in most areas.
So I recommend reading through the whole comparison to see which provider best meets your needs.
The good news is both VPNs have other advanced security features, like RAM-only servers and perfect forward secrecy.
The former means all servers write data to RAM, so every server reset wipes all data.
Also, both providers come with OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec protocols theyre both secure and fast.
In addition, it also comes with a few more extras.
Also, each provider has obfuscation, which hides VPN traffic this provides better privacy.
Surfshark also comes with NoBorders, which provides you with access to specific servers that work on restrictive networks.
Its also great that both VPNs can block ads, third-party trackers, and shady sites.
Each VPN allows Tor traffic on all of its servers.
The VPNs have a very strict no-logs policy thats passed an independent security audit.
NordVPNs no-logs policy was audited in 2018, 2020, and 2022, and Surfshark conducted one in 2022.
Im a fan of how both VPNs have also undergone other security audits.
Its also great that both NordVPN and Surfshark accept cryptocurrency payments.
This allows users to remain more anonymous than using more standard payment methods such as credit cards.
Winner (Privacy): Its a tie
I couldnt pick a winner here.
Both providers use physical and virtual servers.
I know some people think virtual locations are unsafe, but this isnt true.
NordVPN has 100+ obfuscated servers in 15+ countries, while Surfshark supports obfuscation across all of its servers.
Whats more, both VPNs support double VPN connections.
Winner (Servers): Its a tie
I really like NordVPN and Surfsharks server networks.
NordVPN has servers in 118 countries, and Surfshark has servers in 100 countries.
NordVPN also has Onion Over VPN servers and offers dedicated IP addresses.
Speeds NordVPN Maintains Faster Speeds
In my tests, I had the fastest speeds with NordVPN.
I was really impressed with NordVPNs speeds on all servers.
Also, I downloaded the same 20 GB file in around 1922 minutes.
I dont recommend Surfshark for users who need to connect to distant servers.
Surfsharks speeds were also pretty fast on local servers, but the slowdowns were more noticeable on distant servers.
NordVPN works with 10+ streaming platforms, and Surfshark is compatible with 50+ streaming services.
Each provider consistently works with Netflix whats more, NordVPNs support staff confirmed its compatible with 10+ Netflix libraries.
Likewise, Surfsharks support staff confirmed it works with 15+ libraries.
Winner (Streaming): Its a tie
Theres no clear-cut winner for streaming.
Torrenting NordVPN Wins This One
NordVPN is better for torrenting.
But I like NordVPNs ad blocker more, as it can also prevent you from downloading malware-infected torrent files.
Winner (Torrenting):NordVPN
NordVPN is the clear winner here.
But both VPNs work with popular torrent clients and provide strong security and privacy while torrenting.
Winner (Bypassing Censorship): None
I dont recommend either VPN.
Instead, check outExpressVPN, as it consistently works in restrictive countries.
Plus, they also both support manual setups on many router models.
Plans & Pricing Surfshark Is More Affordable
Surfshark is one of the cheapest VPNs on the market.
TheStandardsubscription is the one I recommend it starts at IDR52,390 / month and provides access to all VPN features.
Both providers accept credit/debit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, and cryptocurrencies Surfshark also accepts Amazon Pay.
Also, each VPN backs all purchases with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Winner (Plans & Pricing):Surfshark
Surfshark offers budget-friendly plans and allows unlimited connections.
NordVPN offers competitive prices but only supports 10 connections.
Both providers accept multiple payment methods and cover all plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
They each have excellent 24/7 live chat and email support.
I tested the email support at random times of the day over the course of a week.
They each also provide in-depth and helpful support libraries.
They include resources such as frequently asked questions (FAQs), setup tutorials, and troubleshooting guides.
Even better, both providers include screenshots and video guides in their support articles.
Overall Winner:NordVPN
NordVPN has very strong security, great speeds, and reliable streaming support.
Surfshark offers strong security and supports unlimited simultaneous connections plus, it comes at a very affordable price.
It also hosts over 3,200 servers across more than 100 countries and is compatible with over 50 streaming services.
NordVPN has a slight edge over Surfshark.
Moreover, NordVPN provides faster speeds for all your online activities and has better torrenting support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better NordVPN or Surfshark?
This was a close one sinceboth VPNs are really good, but NordVPN is the winner.
Are NordVPN and Surfshark safe to use?
Yes,both providers come with very strong security features.
Which has better P2P support NordVPN or Surfshark?
Honestly,NordVPN is better for torrenting.
It has P2P servers in 110+ countries, while Surfshark has P2P servers in only 49+ countries.
But they both work with top P2P apps and you get excellent security and privacy features for torrenting.
Is NordVPN faster than Surfshark?
Yes,NordVPN performed better than Surfshark in my speed tests.
However, Surfshark had noticeable slowdowns on distant servers.
Which has better streaming support Surfshark or NordVPN?
Both VPNs are really good for streaming.
Read more about the best VPNs in 2025
