Surfshark vs Proton VPN
The best deal on the market against the Swiss privacy specialist. Two favorites with very different characters.
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Surfshark
Unlimited devices at a price that is hard to argue with.
Proton VPN
Swiss privacy with a genuinely usable free plan.
Prices last checked on
| Feature | Surfshark | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 4.6 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Price | From $2.49/mo | From $2.99/mo |
| Free plan | No | |
| Best for | Unlimited devices | 10 devices at once |
| Category | Top picks | Privacy-first |
| Provider | Surfshark B.V. | Proton AG |
| Visit Surfshark | Visit Proton VPN |
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. 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 hold up well and streaming works 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 handles streaming just fine. Swiss, open source, and audited. Solid on every front.”Editorial team, on Proton VPN
Frequently asked questions
Should I pick Surfshark or Proton VPN?
Surfshark for most households. It costs less on a two-year plan, covers unlimited devices, and streaming is slightly smoother. Proton VPN's case rests on Swiss jurisdiction, open source apps and a free plan with no data cap, all of which matter if privacy is the main reason you want a VPN. Start free at Proton if you want a taste first.
Which is cheaper, Surfshark or Proton VPN?
Surfshark, by 50 cents a month on the long plan: $2.49 against $2.99 for Proton VPN Plus, so $29.88 versus $35.88 for a year (US dollars, prices last checked August 2026). Both are two-year commitment rates rather than what a single month costs, and Surfshark by the month is $15.45. Proton's free tier costs nothing at all.
How many devices does each one cover?
Surfshark has no limit, Proton VPN Plus allows ten at once. Ten is enough for almost anyone, so this only settles the duel for households with a lot of hardware. The free Proton plan is a different story. One device, a handful of countries and no streaming. Treat that one as a trial, not as a household solution.
Which is better if privacy is my main reason for using a VPN?
Proton VPN. It sits under Swiss jurisdiction, all its apps are open source, and its no-logs policy has been independently verified. Surfshark's no-logs policy has been independently verified too, so this is a matter of degree rather than a pass or fail. If you want to be able to inspect the code yourself, only Proton lets you.