With online privacy, digital freedom, and unrestricted access to content more important than ever in 2025, using a VPN is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. Among the top contenders in the market, NordVPN and Surfshark stand out as two of the best VPN services available today.
Both offer military-grade encryption, robust global unblocking capabilities, and a suite of advanced security features. But when it comes to real-world performance — including speed, usability, streaming reliability, and overall value — which one truly deserves the title of Best VPN for your needs?
This in-depth comparison breaks it all down to help you make the right choice.
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In this side-by-side breakdown, we pit NordVPN vs Surfshark across seven critical categories to help you decide.
1. Privacy & Security
| Feature | Surfshark | NordVPN | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Netherlands (outside 14 Eyes) | Panama (non-14 Eyes, very privacy-safe) | ||
| No-Logs Policy | Audited and verified | Audited and verified | ||
| RAM-Only Servers | Yes | Yes | ||
| VPN Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | NordLynx (WireGuard-based), OpenVPN | ||
| Extra Privacy Tools | MultiHop, GPS Spoofing, CleanWeb | Onion over VPN, Double VPN, Threat Protection |
Winner (Privacy): Tie
Both VPNs are privacy-first and highly secure. NordVPN offers advanced tools like Onion over VPN and malware protection, while Surfshark adds GPS spoofing and built-in ad blocking.
2. Speed & Performance
In 2025, speed is essential for streaming, gaming, and browsing. Both VPNs use WireGuard or similar tech — Surfshark with the standard version, NordVPN with its optimized NordLynx protocol.
Speed Test Results (2025):
NordVPN was consistently 10–15% faster than Surfshark over long distances.
Surfshark performs well but may show variability on busy servers.
Winner (Speed): NordVPN
NordVPN remains one of the fastest VPNs available today, with consistent low latency and great international performance.
3. Streaming & Unblocking
| Platform/Feature | Surfshark | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix (US, UK, JP, etc.) | Yes | Yes |
| BBC iPlayer / Hulu / Prime | Yes | Yes |
| Smart DNS Support | Yes | Yes |
Streaming Stability Occasional IP refreshes needed Stable and consistent
Winner (Streaming): NordVPN
With its SmartPlay technology, NordVPN handles stubborn platforms like BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime more reliably and with smoother playback.
4. Server Network
| VPN | Server Count | Country Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Surfshark | 3,200+ | 100+ countries |
| NordVPN | 6,200+ | 111+ countries |
Winner (Server Network): NordVPN
With a larger global footprint and more than double the servers, NordVPN leads in flexibility, P2P optimization, and specialized servers.
5. Device Compatibility & Usability
| Feature | Surfshark | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous Devices | Unlimited | Up to 10 |
| App Quality | Sleek and simple | Modern and fast |
| Browser Extensions | Chrome, Firefox, Edge | Chrome, Firefox |
Winner (Usability): Surfshark
Unlimited device support makes Surfshark ideal for multi-device users, families, and smart homes.
6. Pricing & Value (2025 Plans)
| Plan Type | Surfshark Price | NordVPN Price |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $15.45 | $12.99 |
| 1-Year | ($3.19/month) | ($4.99/month) |
| 2-Year | ($1.99/mo) | ($3.09/mo) |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
Winner (Value): Surfshark
More affordable long-term plans and unlimited device connections give Surfshark the edge on value for money.
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7. Customer Support
| Support Feature | Surfshark | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Live Chat | Yes | Yes |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes |
| Help Center | Detailed guides and FAQs | Detailed guides and FAQs |
Winner (Support): Tie
Both VPNs offer fast, friendly 24/7 support, well-written help articles, and responsive email systems.
Overall Winner: Surfshark
Surfshark takes the top spot in 2025 with better speed, privacy tools, and streaming performance. It’s the go-to VPN for users who want an all-in-one package.
FAQ – NordVPN vs Surfshark (2025)
Is Surfshark or NordVPN better for Netflix?
Both are great, but NordVPN performs more consistently on platforms like BBC iPlayer and Prime Video.
Which VPN works better in China or the UAE?
NordVPN, due to its obfuscated servers and stronger censorship evasion features.
Is Surfshark secure even though it’s cheaper?
Yes. Surfshark uses the same encryption standards and has been independently audited to ensure user privacy.
Which VPN is better for torrenting and gaming?
NordVPN offers faster speeds, lower ping, and a better experience for long-distance gaming and P2P sharing.