Head-to-head

Surfshark vs Proton VPN

The best deal on the market against the Swiss privacy specialist: two favorites with very different characters.

Our pick
Our picks
Surfshark logoSurfshark
Surfshark B.V.

Surfshark

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

Private
Proton VPN logoProton VPN
Proton AG

Proton VPN

Swiss privacy with a genuinely usable free plan.

SurfsharkProton VPN
Our score4.6 / 54.5 / 5
PriceFrom $2.49/moFree
Free planNo
Best forUnlimited devices10 devices at once
CategoryTop picksPrivacy-first
ProviderSurfshark B.V.Proton AG

Our verdict

Proton VPN brings strong credentials: Swiss jurisdiction, open source apps, and the only usable free plan without a data cap. Surfshark wins the duel on the things most people actually choose on: a lower price on a two-year plan, unlimited devices, and slightly smoother streaming in our tests. Start free at Proton if you want a taste; pick Surfshark if you want to cover the whole household right away.

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
The only serious free VPN without a data cap, and the paid Plus plan handled streaming just fine in our tests. Swiss, open source, and audited: solid on every front.Editorial team, on Proton VPN