VPN comparison — As a small business owner or freelancer, protecting your online identity and accessing geo-restricted content is crucial. With numerous VPN options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. In this review, we’ll compare two popular VPNs, Surfshark and NordVPN, to help you make an informed decision.
⚡ Quick Verdict
Both Surfshark and NordVPN offer excellent streaming and privacy features, but they differ in pricing, server locations, and user interface. After testing both VPNs for two weeks, we found that Surfshark offers better value for money, while NordVPN excels in terms of server coverage and advanced security features.
PickTheApp Rating: ★★★★★ (8.0/10)
📊 Specs & Pricing
| Feature | Surfshark | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $2.49/month | $3.71/month |
| Free Plan | No | No |
| Best For | Streaming, torrenting, and online security | Advanced security, online privacy, and streaming |
| Key Feature | Unlimited devices, CleanWeb ad blocker | Double VPN, Onion Over VPN |
| Support | 24/7 live chat, email support | 24/7 live chat, email support, tutorials |
What is Surfshark and Who is it For?
Surfshark is a popular VPN service that offers a range of features, including unlimited devices, CleanWeb ad blocker, and Camouflage Mode. It’s ideal for individuals who want a user-friendly VPN for streaming, torrenting, and online security.
What is NordVPN and Who is it For?
NordVPN is a well-established VPN service that provides advanced security features, including Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and a large server network. It’s suitable for individuals who require high-level online protection, such as businesses, remote workers, and journalists.
Key Features We Tested
- Streaming: We tested both VPNs with popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. Surfshark performed well, but NordVPN had a slight edge in terms of server coverage and streaming quality.
- Speed: We conducted speed tests using various servers and found that Surfshark had faster speeds, while NordVPN had more consistent speeds across different servers.
- Security: Both VPNs offer robust security features, including AES-256 encryption, kill switch, and DNS leak protection. However, NordVPN’s Double VPN and Onion Over VPN features provide an extra layer of security.
- User Interface: Surfshark’s user interface is more intuitive and user-friendly, while NordVPN’s interface is more feature-rich and customizable.
- Customer Support: Both VPNs offer 24/7 live chat and email support, but NordVPN’s support team is more responsive and knowledgeable.
- Server Locations: NordVPN has a larger server network, with over 5,000 servers in 60 countries, while Surfshark has around 1,700 servers in 63 countries.
- Pricing: Surfshark is more affordable, with a starting price of $2.49/month, while NordVPN starts at $3.71/month.
✅ Pros and ❌ Cons
✅ What We Liked
✓ Unlimited devices with Surfshark
✓ CleanWeb ad blocker and Camouflage Mode
✓ Fast speeds and reliable connections
✓ User-friendly interface and easy setup
❌ What Could Be Better
✗ Limited server locations compared to NordVPN
✗ No free plan or trial period
✗ Some users may experience occasional connection drops
How Does it Compare?
| Feature | Surfshark | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Server Locations | 1,700 servers in 63 countries | 5,000 servers in 60 countries |
| Streaming Quality | Good, but some buffering issues | Excellent, with minimal buffering |
| Speed | Faster speeds, but some inconsistency | Consistent speeds, but slightly slower |
| Security Features | AES-256 encryption, kill switch, DNS leak protection | AES-256 encryption, Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, kill switch, DNS leak protection |
| Pricing | $2.49/month (starting price) | $3.71/month (starting price) |
| Customer Support | 24/7 live chat, email support | 24/7 live chat, email support, tutorials |
Surfshark Rating
★★★★★ (8.0/10) — We were impressed with Surfshark’s unlimited devices, CleanWeb ad blocker, and fast speeds, making it an excellent choice for streaming and online security.
NordVPN Rating
★★★★★ (8.5/10) — NordVPN’s advanced security features, large server network, and consistent speeds make it a top-notch VPN for individuals who require high-level online protection.
Who Should Buy This? (And Who Shouldn’t)
✅ Buy it if: You’re looking for a user-friendly VPN for streaming, torrenting, and online security, and you don’t mind a smaller server network. You can try Surfshark or NordVPN to see which one works best for you.
❌ Skip it if: You’re looking for a free VPN or a VPN with a large server network. You may want to consider other options, such as free SEO tools or other VPN services.
🏆 Our Final Verdict
After testing both Surfshark and NordVPN, we can conclude that both VPNs are excellent choices for streaming and online security. However, Surfshark offers better value for money, while NordVPN excels in terms of server coverage and advanced security features.
🏆 PickTheApp Rating: ★★★★★ (8.0/10)
💰 Best For: Small business owners, freelancers, and individuals who require online security and streaming capabilities.
💵 Starting Price: $2.49/month (Surfshark) or $3.71/month (NordVPN)
Sources & Tools Mentioned
- Source: nordvpn.com — Visit NordVPN
- Source: surfshark.com — Visit Surfshark
This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.