NordVPN vs. Surfshark Review

NordVPN again takes on a worthy competitor but still emerges as the winner based on a few important factors.
NordVPN
  • pro
    Monthly price: $11.99/mo.
  • pro
    Number of devices: 6
Surfshark
  • pro
    Monthly price: $12.95/mo.
  • pro
    Number of devices: Unlimited
John Brandon
Mar 22, 2022
Icon Time To Read2 min read

In comparing several high-profile VPN providers, the one theme that quickly emerges is that the best options are quite similar. That’s true with a NordVPN and Surfshark comparison. They both cost similar per month, offer about the same number of countries available and provide a clean and consistent interface for finding features.

However, NordVPN is a better pick for several reasons. One is that it provides far more servers for the connection. NordVPN is also rated higher because the website is so extensive and the interface is easier to use. There’s a sense when using NordVPN that you are in slightly more capable hands.

But Surfshark is also rather easy to use, and we really like that it lets you connect an unlimited number of devices.

NordVPN vs. Surfshark: Prices

NordVPN is a few bucks cheaper than Surfshark for the monthly plan.

Both VPN providers cost similarly for the monthly plan, but you'll pay slightly less for NordVPN, but you will be capped at 6 devices, Surfshark may be a few bucks cheaper, but you have the option for unlimited devices. 

If you choose to sign up for the annual plan or two-year plan, you will pay a bit less for Surfshark. The price continues to get cheaper per month for both VPN's the longer you commit. 

NordVPN vs. Surfshark price comparison
Brand
Price (1 mo.)
Price (12 mo.)
Price (24 mo.)
Devices
Servers
Details

NordVPN

$11.99/mo.

$4.99/mo.

$3.29/mo.

6

5,000+

Surfshark

$12.95/mo.

$3.99/mo.

$2.30/mo.

Unlimited

3,200+

Data effective 3/22/2022. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.

We’ll tell you upfront that we think NordVPN is the better value even if it does cost more. NordVPN offers a few thousand extra servers for your connection compared to Surfshark, so you’re getting more bang for your buck.

NordVPN vs. Surfshark: Number of servers

NordVPN has far more servers available than Surfshark.

NordVPN offers 5,000+ servers, compared to only about 3,200+ from Surfshark. Not many VPN providers can boast this many servers. In fact, CyberGhost is the only one that we know of that offers more, with over 6,000+ servers worldwide.

One clear advantage of more servers is that you can do a speed test and pick which server helps you download or stream faster for that service. It also means you can find a way to bypass the restrictions for a server you want to use in another country a bit easier when you have so many options to choose from.

NordVPN vs. Surfshark: Number of countries

Surfshark leads with a few more countries offered.

Both of these popular VPN clients have almost the same number of countries available—60 for NordVPN and 65 for Surfshark.

With that many countries from either service, you can connect to a favorite streaming media site or download files from a server in another country. It also means if you travel frequently, you can almost always find a secure connection no matter where you go.

NordVPN vs. Surfshark: Number of devices

Surfshark offers unlimited connections from your devices.

For power users, there is no contest when you compare the number of devices you can use for one account. NordVPN limits the devices to only six, which is actually not bad. (Most VPN companies only allow five connections.)

Still, Surfshark lets you connect from every device you own and doesn’t impose any restrictions. You can connect with multiple smartphones, laptops, televisions, routers, and other gadgets.

Recap: Which is better, NordVPN or Surfshark?

We picked NordVPN because of the clean interface, extensive website, and the higher number of servers you can connect to. But Surfshark is still a good deal, especially if you need to connect lots of devices.

  • Pricing: Surfshark has a cheaper annual plan, but when it comes to the monthly price, NordVPN is cheaper.
  • Number of servers: NordVPN offers a couple thousand servers more than Surfshark. More servers equals more options.
  • Number of countries: Surfshark has slightly more country connections available, but not by much.
  • Number of devices: NordVPN still beats out the industry average with a limit of six devices, but you can’t beat Surfshark’s unlimited device connections.

Still unsure about which VPN to use?

John Brandon
Written by
John Brandon is a contributor at Reviews.org covering TV apps, services, and devices. He also covers the VPN market currently. He has a long history as a journalist and author. His articles have appeared in many magazines including Wired, Popular Mechanics, FoxNews.com, Inc. Magazine, Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Relevant Magazine. His hobbies include disc golf, reading books, and watching obscure Netflix documentaries. Contact him at john.brandon@reviews.org

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