Head-to-head

NordVPN vs Surfshark

The two most popular VPNs side by side: the established all-rounder against the sharply priced challenger with unlimited devices.

Our picks
NordVPN logoNordVPN
Nord Security

NordVPN

The complete package: fast, secure, and good at everything.

Our pick
Our picks
Surfshark logoSurfshark
Surfshark B.V.

Surfshark

Unlimited devices at a price that is hard to argue with.

NordVPNSurfshark
Our score4.7 / 54.6 / 5
PriceFrom $3.99/moFrom $2.49/mo
Free planNoNo
Best for10 devices at onceUnlimited devices
CategoryTop picksTop picks
ProviderNord SecuritySurfshark B.V.

Our verdict

NordVPN wins on speed and the more mature server network; in our tests more of the connection speed survived and streaming was just a touch more reliable. Surfshark wins on price and on unlimited devices, which lets a whole household share one subscription. If you want the best performance, pick NordVPN. If you want the best deal, pick Surfshark; the gap in quality is smaller than the gap in price.

We ran NordVPN for four weeks and it lived up to its reputation: high speeds, streaming worked everywhere, and the no-logs policy has been independently verified multiple times. On a two-year plan, the best all-round choice right now.Editorial team, on NordVPN
Unlimited devices for a few dollars a month is a combination nobody else matches. Speeds held up well in our tests and streaming worked fine. The best value in this lineup.Editorial team, on Surfshark