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Overview
Two leaders in the race for the best VPN provider, well known in 2024, are NordVPN and SurfShark. At a time when having a VPN is becoming more and more important for data security and personal information, it becomes hard for regular users to decide which of them would be the best fit for their needs. Throughout this review, we will dig deep into what NordVPN and SurfShark have to offer in terms of features, security, and price in order to see which of them can be the best VPN.
Key Takeaways
An In-Depth Comparison: VPN Providers on the Market
Here we will take a look at the background of both NordVPN and Surfshark, including how many users they have, their server network size and spread, the logging policies that they adhere to, and how these affect user privacy.
Company Background and User Base
NordVPN is amongst the pioneers in the VPN business. It’s been online since 2012 and is based in Panama. Since its inception, it has been focused on user privacy and user experience. The use of this VPN tool is spread across the globe. NordVPN has earned a lot of recognition.
Surfshark is one of the newer VPN services out there, started in 2018 and based in the British Virgin Islands. Like NordVPN, Surfshark offers strong privacy and security features. They have a smaller customer base than NordVPN, at the moment, but are quickly gaining traction because of their pricing and customer base.
Server Network Size and Distribution
NordVPN has a big presence in server networks with over 6040 servers situated in 61 countries. This large network guarantees high-speed connections and allows users to access content from anywhere in the world with no restrictions.
Surfshark, however, has a smaller network but boasts a commendable server count of over 3,200 spread across more than 100 countries. While the number of servers may be lower, Surfshark strategically distributes them to provide reliable and fast connections to users.
Logging Policies and User Privacy
“We strictly don’t keep any logs of our users,” NordVPN
NordVPN keeps your privacy their priority by having nothing to do with collecting or storing any personal information about you. By this strong commitment to protecting what you do online, ensures that confidentiality is maintained while ensuring security. Besides that, audits affirming their unwavering commitment are a testament to NordVPNs dedication to transparency and trust.
“We do not monitor or log any user activities,” Surfshark
Similarly, Surfshark does not keep logs meaning that they do not know what you are doing online. No matter how far you go online browsing knowing that your privacy is well cared for can never be underestimated particularly if you choose Surfshark.
| NordVPN | Surfshark | |
|---|---|---|
| Company Background | Established in 2012, based in Panama | Founded in 2018, based in the British Virgin Islands |
| User Base | Millions of users worldwide | Growing user base |
| Server Network Size | Over 6400 servers | Over 3,200 servers |
| Server Distribution | 61 countries | 100 countries |
| Logging Policy | No-logs policy, independently audited | No-logs policy |
Why You Should Choose NordVPN
Best Overall  9.8 / 10 | Outstanding | |
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Privacy 97% | Interface 96% | Speed 95% | Features 97% |
NordVPN is a premium service with streamlined apps that regularly rank first for security, speed, and having the largest global network of remote servers. Its customers rate it five stars. It’s a great choice if you’re serious about privacy, don’t suffer technical issues or get blocked by streaming sites, and want a seamless experience.
- Unparalleled security features, including military-grade encryption, double VPN, and advanced threat protection.
- Impressive server speeds and consistent performance across locations, ideal for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
- More than 6040 servers in 61 countries, keeping you humming along with content from anywhere in the world.
- Apps that are compatible with all platforms of use, with an automatic kill switch and split-tunneling features, as well as dedicated IPs.
- Strict no-logs policy and Panama-based jurisdiction, ensuring your online activities remain private and secure.
Why You Should Choose Surfshark VPN
Best For Value  9.4 / 10 | Excellent | |
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Privacy 95% | Interface 93% | Speed 93% | Features 94% |
Surfshark VPN is a relatively new and rapidly developing VPN service. It offers a strong set of features at a low cost. It becomes a perfect option for those who are concerned about the budget but looking for the same security and performance.
- Strong encryption and keeping no logs of your activities guarantee that you will be safe online.
- Allowing unlimited connections concurrently, so one subscription can protect any device you own.
- Its network counts over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, thus you may watch your favorite video wherever you go.
- Excellent unblocking capabilities are demonstrated on such popular streaming platforms as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
- Feature-laden applications with split tunneling, multi-hop connections, and an always-active kill switch
- There are affordable plans with longer subscriptions bringing huge discounts.
NordVPN vs Surfshark: Analyzing VPN Security
Now when it comes to cybersecurity and making your VPN connection safe, NordVPN and Surfshark have emerged as two options to consider from a vast pool of choices in the market. In this section, we will take a closer look at the security features these service providers provide so you can make an informed choice.
Advanced Encryption Techniques
Both NordVPN and Surfshark use strong encryption that protects your activity online using industry protocols such as AES 256 encryption. This type of data encryption is considered secure and safe from unauthorized access, thus ensuring the security and confidentiality of your information and traffic.
Security Protocols: OpenVPN vs WireGuard vs NordLynx
In terms of security protocols, users can choose between NordVPN and Surfshark options. NordVPN offers support for OpenVPN protocol, the most widely known for its strong security and flexibility, across all platforms. By contrast, Surfshark offers two protocols: OpenVPN and WireGuard, a more recent protocol which, compared with OpenVPN, promotes faster connection speeds and better performance.
That’s why NordVPN has created its own custom protocol – NordLynx, which is based upon WireGuard, too. By combining the speed and efficiency of the WireGuard protocol with enhancements that increase its security, users get an extra measure of protection.
Additional Security Features: Kill Switch and Split Tunneling
NordVPN and Surfshark also offer other security features to improve your online safety besides encryption and protocols.
A kill switch is a critical feature that ensures disconnection of your internet connection immediately if the VPN connection drops. This helps in preventing exposure of your actual IP address and data thereby preserving your anonymity as well as privacy all through. Both NordVPN and Surfshark have a dependable kill switch feature that safeguards you while using the internet.
Furthermore, these providers offer split tunneling. For example, some apps or websites that are important can be routed via VPN while others can be left untouched. With this option, one can better control their internet traffic thus boosting their browsing experience.
In this part, we discussed different methods of encrypting security protocols and additional safety measures provided by NordVPN as well as Surfshark. Understanding them will enable you to choose which VPN provider suits best for your security needs.
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Speed and Performance: VPN Speed Test Results
In this part of our article, we will compare the speed and performance of NordVPN and Surfshark. We will conclude our task of VPN testing by revealing what customers can expect in terms of speed and overall performance from these two VPN services.
The VPN speed test results revealed the following:
- NordVPN: Overall, we tested a fairly wide range of speeds connecting to different countries from all over the world and we must say that the speeds we got with NordVPN impressed us. From whatever server there was in the US, Europe, and Asia we got exceptional speeds and our web browsing, streaming, and download experience was fantastic.
- Surfshark: Similarly to NordVPN, Surfshark was also fast and performant in our tests. Surfshark’s servers delivered good connections and consistent streaming, gaming, and other online activity while web surfing.
In general, both NordVPN and Surfshark have shown themselves to be strong VPN providers in terms of speed and performance. Regardless of whether you opt for NordVPN or Surfshark, you can anticipate a fast and dependable VPN connection that improves your experience.
User Experience: VPN Apps and Ease of Use
When it comes to VPN apps, user experience is a crucial factor. NordVPN and Surfshark understand the importance of providing an intuitive and user-friendly interface that enhances the overall usability of their applications.
Interface Design and Usability
Both Surfshark and NordVPN provide aesthetically pleasing, easy-to-use VPN apps. We find their interfaces easy to navigate. When opening the app, you are presented with a clear picture explaining its purpose and led through the necessary steps to connect to a server. The apps integrate well with the device, benefiting from consistent UI elements across platforms. They also share a clean visual design with well-chosen color palettes that don’t distract from the experience.
Also, both service providers pay attention to the app UI or layout that’s user-friendly and simple for the users to use. The layout of the app could be convenient and understandable even for users who have not used any VPNs previously, letting them see and navigate the server locations, enabling the privacy settings, and getting access to the other functions easily and smoothly.
Device Compatibility and Simultaneous Connections
Usability is another integral element of user experience. With NordVPN and Surfshark, VPN applications are compatible with devices like Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and much more. This allows users to enjoy the VPN benefits on any device they use, no matter the operating system.
Similarly, both VPN services provide a one-subscription solution to your protect multiple devices. For instance, NordVPN allows you to connect up to 6 installed devices with one subscription while Surfshark goes a step further by allowing you to connect an unlimited number of devices at a time.
SmartDNS and Other Unique Features
In addition to the former, NordVPN and Surfshark have some extra features that improve users’ experience. One such is SmartDNS which enables one to access geographically restricted content as well as bypassing censorship without compromising internet speed. Henceforth SmartDNS works excellently for streaming enthusiasts since it allows them to enjoy their favorite shows and films irrespective of location.
The two VPN firms also provide remarkable functionalities like ad blockers, malware protection, and a double VPN option (NordVPN). These extra features make browsing more secure and user-friendly thereby ensuring a seamless online experience.
On the whole, both NordVPN and Surfshark offer user-friendly VPN apps designed for all levels of technical proficiency. They cater to this with their interface design and usability, device compatibility, simultaneous connection allowances, and unique features such as SmartDNS among others hence ensuring smooth and enjoyable VPN experiences for users.
| Interface Design | Device Compatibility | Simultaneous Connections | SmartDNS | Unique Features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Good | Android, iOS, Windows, SmartTV’s, Game consoles and many more | Up to 6 devices | ✔️ | Ad-blocking, double VPN, malware protection |
| Surfshark | Good | Android, iOS, Windows, SmartTVs, Game consoles and many more | Unlimited devices | ✔️ | Ad-blocking, multi-hop, NoBorders™ mode |
Streaming and Torrenting Capabilities
In this section, we will put the streaming and torrenting skills of streaming services to the test with the help of NordVPN and Surfshark. Both VPN vendors provide users with the opportunity to circumvent geo blocks to have fun while streaming and torrenting privately, securely, and fast.
Streaming Capabilities: NordVPN and Surfshark offer dedicated servers optimized for streaming highly popular content on Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and various others. These streaming servers are placed in specific countries to connect you to the best server available, as not all content is available in all countries.
Additionally, NordVPN and Surfshark have set up systems that allow them to bypass geo blocks and VPN-detection systems used by platforms having streaming content. This means you can watch movies, TV shows, and live sports from everywhere.
Torrenting Capabilities: Both NordVPN and Surfshark support torrenting quite well. That is one of the reasons the former is popular with P2P users. It spreads P2P traffic on its own obfuscated servers, which are specifically optimized for the task.
In addition, both NordVPN and Surfshark have SOCKS5 proxy and unlimited bandwidth to allow for seamless torrent downloads. To add more security when P2P is been done by users, they also have a strict no-log policy and advanced security.
“When it comes to streaming and torrenting, NordVPN and Surfshark are both reliable options. With dedicated servers and advanced technologies, they offer secure and efficient access to streaming platforms and support for P2P activities.”
Overall, NordVPN and Surfshark know what their users want as far as streaming and torrenting are concerned. They have put in place features and technologies that create an experience that is not only safe but also uninterrupted thus allowing you to stream or download through torrents without giving up your privacy or facing any restrictions.
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NordVPN vs Surfshark: Pricing and Value for Money
This part will discuss the pricing options provided by NordVPN and Surfshark in order to determine their worthiness. The aspect of price is important in selecting a VPN service as it determines both affordability and what you get from the provider.
Let’s take a closer look at the pricing plans of NordVPN and Surfshark:
| VPN Provider | 1-Month Plan | 1-Year Plan | 2-Year Plan | 3-Year Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | $12.95/month | $59.88/year (equivalent to $4.99/month) | $81.36 (equivalent to $3.99/month) | N/A |
| Surfshark | $10.99/month | $41.88/year (equivalent to $3.49/month) | $55.72 (equivalent to $1.99/month) | N/A |
Looking at the information given in the table, it can be seen that NordVPN and Surfshark have different plans available that can cater to users’ needs. For instance, NordVPN offers 1 monthly plan that begins from $12.95 per month while Surfsharks offers 1 month plan that starts slightly low at $10.99 per month.
Surfshark has cheap pricing options for long term plans. They are selling their 2 year plan for $55.72 hence you end up paying only $1.99/month.
The most important thing to remember is that one should not make a decision on a virtual private network based solely on its price tag. Besides, overall worth also depends on features and benefits presented by the provider. Both NordVPN and Sufshark provide such things as unbreakable encryption, diverse security protocols, and accessibility to an extensive server network among others.
Ultimately, which one will win your favor depends on your priorities and/or wallet: if you want to stay with one service for a while (there is also a best long-term plans page) and want to get that secure layer for the cheapest deal, Surfshark would be compelling. If your priorities lie elsewhere – maybe you want a feature that Surfshark doesn’t have, or you want a shorter time period – NordVPN would suit your purposes.
How to install NordVPN
This guideline gives easy-to-follow procedures on how to download and install the NordVPN app on different devices such as Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Android TV.
Every platform is handled separately with clear step-by-step instructions that will ensure an effortless installation process. It addresses all the necessary steps to start using NordVPN securely on their preferred gadgets, ranging from searching for the application in the respective application stores to logging in and connecting to a VPN server.
How to install Surfshark VPN
This guideline gives easy-to-follow procedures on how to download and install the Surfshark VPN app on different devices such as Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Android TV.
Conclusion
After examining NordVPN and Surfshark, it is clear that both VPN services offer a range of functionalities, strong security measures, and competitive pricing. However, when it comes to striking the right balance between features, security, and price there is an out-and-out victor.
Overall Winner: NordVPN
NordVPN emerges as the top VPN choice for users who want a complete package. Having a broad server network across many countries contributes to excellent server distribution by NordVPN which ensures stable connections.
As for security, NordVPN impresses with its use of advanced encryption technologies and offers OpenVPN, WireGuard, or NordLynx protocol options to meet different users’ security preferences.
In terms of price, NordVPN has a variety of cost-effective plans containing extra features like kill switch and split tunneling. These functionalities enhance user experience and privacy without digging into one’s pocket too deeply. This comparison makes it evident that with its commitment to providing a secure feature-packed solution at competitive rates; NordVPN takes the cake in this contest.
Final Recommendations for Users
Although NordVPN takes the overall win, Surfshark remains a strong contender for users with fewer funds: it has an easy and pleasant interface, supports multiple devices, allows you to connect as many devices as you want, and has the best streaming and torrenting capabilities.
All in all, the choice between NordVPN and Surfshark will depend on your own preferences, what is important to you, and what you are willing to pay for. If you are looking for a VPN that offers a wide variety of services, good security features, and a good price – then NordVPN is the service you need. On the other hand, if you need a cheap service that works great for streaming and torrenting, then Surfshark is likely a better match for your needs.
Therefore, to make a final decision users are advised to take the discussed above factors into consideration and think through their specific needs. The potential choice between NordVPN and Surfshark looks quite challenging – both companies are on the same level when it comes to provisioning reliable services of online security and freedom.
