In this digital-driven world, the importance of a VPN can certainly not be neglected at any stage. We spend the majority of our time browsing the Internet and hence using a VPN tool becomes a must to keep our digital privacy intact. Once you establish a secure connection over the web via a VPN, the cybercriminals and website trackers won’t be able to snoop in or track your online activities. A VPN masks your IP address and protects your identity while you browse the Internet.
When talking of the best VPN services available online, Surfshark and NordVPN are worth a mention. Confused about which one to pick between Surfshark VS NordVPN?
In this post, we have covered a detailed comparison between the two VPN services highlighting basic factors including features, privacy, pricing, encryption methods, speed, and more.
Surfshark vs NordVPN in 2023
Let’s compare these two VPN services on various parameters so that you can pick the best one for you!
Also read: What Is A VPN Tunnel & How Does It Work
1. Server Database
As we’re all pretty much aware of the basic concepts of how a VPN works, let’s compare Surfshark VS NordVPN based on server databases. NordVPN has a wide server database including more than 5200 servers spread across 52+ countries. On the other hand, Surfshark features 3200+ servers across 65 countries?
Does the number of servers matter?
Well, the number of servers a VPN service owns can strangely benefit your Internet browsing experience. The more the number of servers, the better reachability it offers in a region. A VPN server located close to your geographic location will certainly offer better speed and performance, compared to the one located to a far-off destination.
Also read: NordVPN Not Connecting: 10 Ways Fix it Now
2. Features
Let’s compare Surfshark VS NordVPN based on various security features they offer:
IP Address Masking: NordVPN follows a shared IP address strategy that strengthens your online privacy. The disguised IP address that is used for surfing is also shared with other NordVPN users that make it difficult to trace back. NordVPN also offers a dedicated IP address for popular websites like Gmail, eBay, and PayPal. On the other hand, Surfshark uses the same IP address as a disguise while replacing your original IP addresses which kind of becomes obvious for the hackers to figure out that you’re connected to a VPN service.
Encryption Methods: Both Surfshark and NordVPN offer top-notch security using AES-256 standard encryption to encrypt the web traffic. Hence, both these alternatives are equally safe if you’re concerned about privacy.
Kill Switch: The Kill Switch feature acts as a safety net when the network suddenly drops, or if the connection breaks due to any reason. Both NordVPN and Surfshark include the Kill Switch feature so that your sensitive data is not exposed on the network when the connection inevitably drops.
Split Tunneling: Well, this is one factor where Surfshark surpasses NordVPN. Split-Tunneling allows a VPN to reroute some of the network traffic or devices via an encrypted tunnel, while the rest of the traffic and devices have direct access to the web. Split tunneling is considered a smart approach to channel the network traffic where you can manually choose selected devices or applications that flow through the VPN service. SurfShark offers the Split Tunneling feature whereas NordVPN uses the all or nothing approach to redirect the network traffic via an encrypted tunnel.
Also read: Slow VPN Connection? Tips to Speed Up a VPN Connection
3. Security
Both NordVPN and Surfshark compete beyond expectations when it comes to security. Be it DNS leaks or WebRTC leaks on Chrome, both the VPN services are excellent in terms of performance and keeping your digital information secure. So, if you’re concerned about security, you can pick either of these two VPN contenders to make the most of your browsing experience.
Also read: What Is Double VPN & Should You Use It
4. Speed and Performance
The speed and performance of VPN services depend on a variety of factors, including server location, type of device, or whether you’re using Windows or macOS, etc.
When NordVPN and Surfshark were tested on various levels on both Windows and Mac devices, both of the VPN services offered a stable speed and none of them slowed down while streaming content or while playing games. Although, if talking specifically about Windows, Surfshark fared over NordVPN and performed exceptionally well in comparison.
5. Pricing and Subscription Plans
Nord VPN
- 1-month: $11.95/ per month subscription cost.
- 1-year: $4.92/per month.
- 2-year plan: $3.67/per month
Surfshark
Surfshark VPN packages start at a mere cost of $1.99 per month bundled along with a variety of additional features that include unlimited connections, a no-log policy, anonymous web browsing, kill switch, split tunneling, and other security perks.
- 1-month plan: $12.95/per month.
- 6-month plan: $6.49/per month.
- 1-year plan: $2.49/per month.
Both Surfshark and NordVPN offer a 30-day money-back guarantee and can be used to set up multiple connections at once.
Also read: 5 Unexpected Ways To Save Money With VPN That Will Blow Your Mind!
Faqs
Is Surfshark better than NordVPN?
Confused between Surfshark VS NordVPN? Yes, Surfshark is better than NordVPN for a variety of reasons. Surfshark allows you to set up connections on an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. Also, in terms of speed and performance, pricing, and other factors, Surfshark has a better edge over NordVPN.
Also read: Review: Surfshark – A Feature-Packed VPN Service
Is Surfshark VPN any good?
Surfshark offers a plethora of features and comes with an affordable price tag that makes it undeniably one of the best VPN services of 2021. It allows you to set up unlimited connections simultaneously, follows strong AES-256 encryption, and features a wide range of more than 3200+ servers in 65 countries. So, yes, it is worth a shot!
Is NordVPN the best?
NordVPN has been in the league for a long time! NordVPN is a reliable VPN service that allows you to establish a secure connection on up to 6 devices at once. You can also use NordVPN for streaming content on various platforms like Netflix, HBO, Disney+, Hulu, and more while bypassing geo-restrictions.
What is the Best VPN Alternative to Surfshark and NordVPN?
Looking for the best VPN alternative that you can use in 2021? Download and install Systweak VPN on your Windows PC without a doubt! Systweak VPN offers 100% online anonymity, masks your IP address info, and allows you to browse through an unlimited range of entertainment without any restrictions.
Systweak VPN is fully compatible with all versions of Windows and the pricing plans start at a mere cost of $9.9/ per month.
Also read: Systweak VPN VS NordVPN Vs PureVPN – Which is the Best VPN for Windows
Conclusion
So, folks here comes the decision-making time! What’s your pick between Surfshark VS NordVPN? After analyzing both the VPN services on various factors, including security, features, speed, and performance, our vote goes to Surfshark. Surfshark is slightly better than NordVPN, only because it allows you to establish connections on an unlimited number of devices at once. On the other hand, in terms of the number of servers and reliability, NordVPN is an ideal pick! So, yes, now you can make your call as per your need and requirement.
Do let us know which VPN service you use for browsing the Internet. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments space.