When comparing the various aspects of both VPN services – NordVPN and Surfshark, we can assess them according to specified criteria: location, servers, privacy, speed, security, technical support, as well as additional features and pricing policy.
Location
NordVPN: The company is based in Panama, a country known for strong privacy protections and no legal obligation to retain data. This is significant because it means they do not have to adhere to any data retention laws that could compromise user privacy.
Surfshark: Surfshark is registered in the British Virgin Islands, which also have good privacy laws and do not require data retention. Like Panama, the British Virgin Islands are not part of the so-called “14 Eyes” – a group of countries that share intelligence data.
Servers
NordVPN: NordVPN offers over +5500 servers in 60 countries worldwide . Servers are strategically located to allow users to access the service from any location. Many of these servers are optimized for specific uses, such as streaming, P2P, and more.
Surfshark: Surfshark has fewer servers than NordVPN – about +3200 in over 100 countries. Despite the fewer number of servers, the larger number of countries means they have broader geographical coverage.
Privacy
NordVPN: NordVPN employs a no-logs policy, meaning they do not log user activity when using the service. In addition, they offer several privacy-enhancing features such as Double VPN, which routes internet traffic through two VPN servers for an extra layer of privacy.
Surfshark: Like NordVPN, Surfshark also employs a no-logs policy, retaining no details about user activity. Surfshark also offers a MultiHop feature (Double VPN), which further enhances user privacy.
Speed
NordVPN: NordVPN is a well-known leader in VPN speed. Thanks to advanced technology such as NordLynx (based on the WireGuard protocol), it provides very fast and stable connections.
Surfshark: Surfshark also offers good speeds, although they don’t always match up to NordVPN’s speeds. Like NordVPN, Surfshark also supports WireGuard.
Security
NordVPN: NordVPN is one of the most secure VPN providers on the market. It offers advanced security features such as double VPN encryption, support for OpenVPN and NordLynx protocols, as well as Onion Over VPN servers for Tor users.
Surfshark: Surfshark also has high security standards. It offers features like CleanWeb (ad and malware blocker), MultiHop (Double VPN), and support for OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols.
Technical Support
NordVPN: NordVPN provides 24/7 live chat support, as well as an extensive knowledge base on their website. There are also installation guides for various devices and operating systems available.
Surfshark: Like NordVPN, Surfshark also offers 24/7 live chat support as well as detailed guides and FAQs on their website. Surfshark also offers support via email.
Additional Features
NordVPN: NordVPN offers several unique features like CyberSec, a technology that prevents phishing attacks, automatically blocks ads, and other malicious threats.
Surfshark: Surfshark offers the Whitelister feature, which allows users to bypass the VPN for selected apps or websites. It also has a Camouflage Mode feature that makes your VPN connection invisible even to your internet provider.
Pricing Policy
NordVPN: NordVPN offers various pricing plans, including monthly, yearly, and two-year plans. The prices are competitive, and NordVPN often offers promotions and discounts.
Surfshark: Surfshark has a very competitive pricing structure, with plans for one month, one year, and two years. For long-term plans, Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPN providers on the market.
Device Compatibility
NordVPN: NordVPN is compatible with a wide range of platforms and devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS operating systems. There are also extensions available for Chrome and Firefox browsers, as well as support for routers and other devices such as smart TVs.
Surfshark: Similar to NordVPN, Surfshark offers support for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Surfshark also provides extensions for Chrome and Firefox browsers, as well as support for routers and smart TVs.
Maximum Number of Devices
NordVPN: NordVPN allows for 6 simultaneous connections on a single account. This is enough for most users, but some may need more.
Surfshark: Unlike NordVPN, Surfshark has no limit on the number of simultaneous connections. This provides users with greater flexibility and is a big plus for those with many devices or large families.
User-Friendliness
NordVPN: NordVPN’s interface is simple and intuitive, making it easy to use even for beginners. All features are easily accessible, and switching servers is quick and easy.
Surfshark: Surfshark’s interface is also user-friendly, with easily accessible features and a straightforward server selection process.
In conclusion, NordVPN and Surfshark are two solid, reliable, and secure VPN services. The choice between them largely depends on individual preferences and needs. NordVPN may offer more servers and better speeds, while Surfshark provides a larger number of countries and unlimited simultaneous connections. Both services offer high standards of security, excellent user support, and are located in privacy-friendly jurisdictions.
