Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Server count | 6,300+ in 111 countries | 3,200+ in 100 countries |
| Price (2-year plan) | ~$3.99/mo | ~$2.49/mo |
| Price (monthly) | ~$12.99/mo | ~$15.45/mo |
| Simultaneous devices | 6 | Unlimited |
| Protocols | NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Jurisdiction | Panama | Netherlands |
| No-logs audit | Deloitte (multiple) | Deloitte (2023) |
| Kill switch | Yes | Yes |
| Ad/tracker blocking | Threat Protection (advanced) | CleanWeb (basic) |
| Obfuscation | Obfuscated servers (separate selection) | Camouflage Mode (automatic on all servers) |
| Split tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Streaming (Netflix US) | Reliable | Reliable |
| Parent company | Nord Security | Nord Security (same owner) |
Our Picks
- 6,300+ servers — largest network
- NordLynx delivers consistent speeds
- Advanced Threat Protection (DNS + file scanning)
- Multiple Deloitte audits
- Meshnet feature for private device networks
- 6 device limit per subscription
- Slightly higher price than Surfshark
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Cheapest price of any major premium VPN
- Camouflage Mode obfuscation on all servers
- CleanWeb ad/tracker blocking included
- Audited no-logs (Deloitte)
- 3,200 servers vs NordVPN's 6,300+
- Netherlands jurisdiction (EU)
- CleanWeb less advanced than NordVPN Threat Protection
The Unlimited Devices Advantage
Surfshark's most compelling differentiator is its unlimited simultaneous connections policy. NordVPN allows 6 devices per subscription. Surfshark allows as many as you want — install it on every phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, and browser in the household under one subscription. For a family of four with 12–16 devices, Surfshark eliminates the juggling of which devices are currently covered.
NordVPN's 6-device limit is sufficient for most individuals. If you are shopping for a household plan and cost-per-device matters, run the math: Surfshark's 2-year plan at ~$2.49/month for unlimited devices is a significantly better value than two NordVPN subscriptions.
Speed and Protocols
Both NordVPN and Surfshark use WireGuard as their primary protocol (NordLynx for NordVPN; WireGuard directly for Surfshark). In independent speed tests, both produce 5–15% overhead on fast connections. NordVPN's larger server count means you are more likely to find a less congested server close to your geographic location, which translates to better speeds in practice in regions with fewer Surfshark servers.
Surfshark's Camouflage Mode automatically obfuscates all traffic on all servers, which is useful in restricted networks (school WiFi, corporate networks) without needing to manually select obfuscated servers. NordVPN requires you to specifically select obfuscated servers from a separate list.
Streaming Performance
Both reliably unblock Netflix US, UK, Japan, and major streaming libraries. Surfshark has been slightly less consistent than NordVPN with BBC iPlayer historically, though this varies by server and changes frequently. For Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, both perform well. Neither has had significant issues with the major US streaming platforms. Use the dedicated streaming servers in each app for the best results rather than generic country servers.
Privacy: Same Owner, Independent Operations
NordVPN and Surfshark merged under Nord Security in 2022. Both companies have stated that the services operate independently with separate infrastructure, apps, and data practices. Both have Deloitte-audited no-logs policies. The Netherlands jurisdiction for Surfshark is an EU member state with GDPR obligations — a different legal framework than NordVPN's Panama jurisdiction. For most users, this distinction is academic. For users with specific concerns about EU data retention laws, NordVPN's Panama incorporation may be preferable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are NordVPN and Surfshark the same company?
They share a parent company — Nord Security — which acquired Surfshark in 2022. However, both services operate independently with separate apps, infrastructure, server networks, and pricing. Buying one does not include access to the other. The merger has not resulted in any visible product merging as of 2026.
Does Surfshark really allow unlimited devices?
Yes. Surfshark's subscription allows installation and simultaneous use on an unlimited number of devices. This is a genuine unlimited policy with no documented enforcement of a device cap. You can install it on every device in your household and run them all simultaneously.
Which is better for streaming, NordVPN or Surfshark?
Both reliably unblock Netflix US, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and most major streaming services. NordVPN has a slight edge for BBC iPlayer reliability. For most streaming use cases, either VPN performs well — the streaming quality depends more on choosing a dedicated streaming server within the app than on which VPN you choose.
Is Surfshark safe since it merged with NordVPN's parent company?
Yes. Surfshark maintains independent infrastructure and a separately audited no-logs policy (Deloitte, 2023). The merger has not changed Surfshark's privacy practices or data handling. Both companies publish transparency reports and have never been documented sharing user data.
Which is faster, NordVPN or Surfshark?
On equivalent connections, both deliver similar speeds using their WireGuard implementations. NordVPN's larger server pool means lower average server load in many regions, which can translate to more consistent speeds. In regions with limited Surfshark coverage, NordVPN may deliver noticeably better performance.