# Surfshark VPN vs NordVPN – Complete Comparison Guide (2024)
This detailed guide compares Surfshark VPN vs NordVPN to determine which service is best for you.
Surfshark VPN and NordVPN are two of the most popular VPN Providers available today for many reasons. Currently, Surfshark ranks #1 on the TROYPOINT VPN Rankings list while NordVPN sits in the #3 spot, respectively.
What’s important to note here is that NordVPN acquired Surfshark in early 2022, meaning the two Providers are owned by the same company. However, they still operate as separate entities and have varying aspects and features when it comes to VPN service.
In this breakdown, we will compare all aspects of these services including price, speeds, application, compatibility, and more. Millions of users trust Surfshark and NordVPN to provide secure VPN connections on all of their favorite Internet-connected devices, including streaming devices such as the Amazon Firestick, Fire TV, Android TV boxes, PCs, Macs, phones, tablets, and more. For those new to VPNs, a virtual private network (VPN) will encrypt your connection to the Internet so that all activity from your connected devices is unreadable.
This will ensure that your Internet service provider (ISP), hackers, developers, website operators, and other bad actors can’t monitor what you are accessing. There are numerous factors to consider when determining which VPN is best for you, and we compare all of them for each Provider. We also provide speed tests for both services to determine which provides a faster connection on our end.
# Surfshark vs NordVPN – The Basics
While NordVPN owns Surfshark, these two VPN services are not the same. While many aspects of each are similar, both also have high-quality features that vary from one another.
## Surfshark VPN Highlights
- Low introductory pricing with Special Discount
- Fast Server Speeds
- Zero Log Policy
- Ad/Malware Blocker
- Kill Switch capabilities
- Unlimited Device Connections
- Unblocks streaming services including Netflix & Prime Video
- Split Tunneling capabilities
- Popular VPN Protocols
- Cooperative with Real-Debrid
- Over 3200 Servers in 95 countries
- 30-day money-back guarantee
## NordVPN Highlights
- Obfuscated Servers
- Zero Log Retention Policy
- Ad/Malware Blocker
- Kill Switch Capabilities
- Dedicated IP Address
- Double VPN Feature
- Fast Server Speeds
- Real-Debrid Friendly
- Over 5000 servers in 59 countries
- Split Tunneling
- VPN Protocol Options
- 30-day money-back guarantee
While Surfshark and NordVPN have many similarities, there are some notable differences that will play a factor in determining which is best for you. Continue reading our complete Surfshark vs NordVPN breakdown to see the key contrasts of these two providers.
## No Log Policy
Both NordVPN and Surfshark VPN have a strict no-log retention policy. This means you will never have to worry about your data or internet history being saved or stored, ensuring your privacy. While other Providers may sell data and information to 3rd parties, Surfshark and Nord both have strict rules against this.
## Surfshark vs NordVPN Speed Tests
Speed is likely one of the most important factors to consider when searching for a VPN Provider, especially for those streaming content including Movies, Shows, and Live TV on various devices. We tested Surfshark and NordVPN on a Fire TV Stick 4K Max as well as a Windows PC. You can find the results below. Although there are hundreds of Internet speed tools available, for this example I am using the Analiti Speed Test App. Analiti is available on Firestick/Android devices which you can install through both Amazon App Store and Google Play. The following speed test was conducted on a 200 Mbps max Internet plan.
Through the ASUS AC3100 Router which is about 20 feet away from the device.
Firestick VPN Speeds
After installing both VPN apps on our Firestick, we conducted several speed tests for comparison.
As mentioned earlier, we utilized Analitit Speed Test and connected quickly to the server in the USA by default.
Surfshark Fastest Server
Wi-Fi: 121 Mbps download & 13 Mbps upload
Below is the same speed test while using the fastest server option.
NordVPN Fastest Server
Wi-Fi: 98 Mbps download & 6 Mbps upload
Our results display that internet speed is considerably faster on Surfshark when comparing Surfshark vs NordVPN.
Windows VPN Speed Tests
We tested both VPNs on a Windows PC and will share the results below.
Surfshark Fastest Server
Wi-Fi: 112 Mbps download & 11 Mbps upload
NordVPN Fastest Server
Wi-Fi: 76 Mbps download & 6 Mbps upload
Similarly to our Firestick speed test, Surfshark delivered higher download speeds when connected to the fastest server option on a PC.
Server Breakdown – Surfshark vs NordVPN
Servers act as the backbone of VPN Services and are crucial when deciding the best fit for you.
NordVPN Obfuscated Servers
A highlight of Nord is its obfuscated servers not commonly found in other VPN Services.
Nord’s Obfuscated Servers can conceal VPN usage, allowing access to services and websites that typically block VPNs, maintaining your privacy.
NordVPN Servers
- 5,200+ Servers
- 59 Countries
Surfshark Servers
- 3,200+ Servers
- 95 Countries
We recommend reviewing each Provider’s complete Server list to identify useful locations based on your needs.
Servers and their locations are pivotal considerations when selecting a VPN Provider.
Pricing
While Free VPNs exist, TROYPOINT suggests avoiding these services.
Typically, quality aligns with cost, and VPNs are no exception.
Free VPN Services often resort to selling user data to third parties to generate income, defeating the VPN’s purpose.
Do Not Trust Free VPN Services
Both Surfshark and NordVPN offer a hassle-free 30-day money-back guarantee if dissatisfied with the service for any reason.
Pricing varies, but the current prices for each Provider are detailed below. For updated pricing, we recommend using the official site links:
Surfshark VPN Pricing
- $2.30/month + 2 month Free for 2-year plan
- $3.99/month for 1-year plan
- $12.99/month for monthly plan
NordVPN Pricing
- $5.89/month + 3 months Free for 2-year plan
- $7.19/month for 1-year plan
- $14.19/month for monthly plan
NOTE: The 2-Year Plan options are shown below. Please visit the official site for yearly and monthly plan options.
When observing the provided details, it’s clear that Surfshark’s pricing is more budget-friendly than that of NordVPN, and it comes with additional perks as well.
Surfshark vs NordVPN Device Connections
This factor is significant in the comparison of Surfshark and NordVPN.
Having a sufficient number of device connections provided by a VPN service is crucial to ensure the security of all your devices.
NordVPN currently allows 6 simultaneous connections with their service.
Conversely, Surfshark offers unlimited device connections, meaning your privacy remains protected on all your preferred devices at all times.
This distinction is one of the reasons why Surfshark stands out from NordVPN and is considered the Best VPN for Firestick.
Unblock Streaming Services
Many VPN Services enable users to bypass geo-restrictions by connecting to servers worldwide.
However, not all are effective with popular apps and services like Netflix, Prime Video, and others.
Upon testing, Surfshark efficiently worked with Netflix, DAZN, and Prime Video.
On the other hand, NordVPN struggled to bypass Netflix’s restrictions, leading us to favor Surfshark in this comparison.
If your goal is to unblock streaming services with a VPN, we recommend choosing Surfshark VPN.
Purchase Surfshark VPN with Discount
Block Ads/Malware
Both Surfshark and NordVPN offer an ad/malware blocker as notable features included with their service.
Nord’s Threat Protection feature prevents cyber threats, trackers, and intrusive ads from infiltrating your device.
Similarly, Surfshark’s feature, CleanWeb, blocks annoying ads and malware while ensuring protection against attacks.
An important distinction is that Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature is compatible with streaming devices like Firestick and more.
In contrast, Nord does not provide Threat Protection for these devices within their VPN App, further establishing Surfshark’s superiority over NordVPN in our VPN Provider rankings.
Kill Switch
Having a Kill Switch is crucial for maintaining a secure online connection.
With the Kill Switch feature enabled, you can have peace of mind knowing that if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly, your internet access will be terminated.
Both NordVPN and Surfshark VPN offer Kill Switch capabilities; however, Surfshark has an additional advantage.
The Surfshark App on Firestick/Android TV includes Kill Switch capabilities, a feature not commonly found in most VPN Apps.
While most VPN services claim it’s challenging to provide a kill switch feature on Fire TV and Android TV devices, Surfshark has successfully implemented it!
This feature is highly sought-after, aiding users in selecting the best VPN Provider for their needs.
Real-Debrid Capabilities
Many individuals who have cut the cord utilize various Apps and APKs for streaming Movies and TV Shows.
The optimal method for streaming VOD content through these applications is by integrating real-debrid for accessing high-quality links.
Both Surfshark and Nord are designated as Cooperative with the real-debrid service, ensuring a secure internet connection while streaming high-quality links, including 1080p and 4K.
Surfshark with Real-DebridIntegration
Surfshark vs NordVPN – VPN Applications
We tested the VPN Application of each provider on numerous devices to determine which service provided a better overall experience.
The Surfshark App stands head and shoulders above Nord in this category with a fabulous VPN App on tons of devices.
There are tons of settings and features within Surfshark App that others do not provide, including NordVPN.
The NordVPN App seems pretty lackluster in comparison, with only various country options to choose from and minimal features.
Pictured below is the user interface for Surfshark VPN on a Firestick.
Now, here is a screenshot of the user interface for NordVPN on a Firestick.
As you can see, the updated interface Surfshark provides is much more user-friendly than Nord’s application.
Surfshark vs NordVPN Final Verdict
The features stated above are some of the most important aspects to consider when looking for a VPN Provider.
While there are other factors you may want to look at, the items listed above are vital for ensuring a quality VPN service.
Surfshark stands above Nord in nearly all categories listed above, which is why we have chosen it as our #1 VPN Provider choice.
Having unlimited device connections is a huge advantage in today’s world, where most households have upwards of a dozen internet-connected devices at any given time.
While Nord’s Obfuscated Servers are a great benefit, they are not a deal-breaker for most who are looking for a VPN Service.
Using a VPN will always decrease your internet speed; however, Nord speeds decreased much more drastically in our comparison.
Another key aspect Surfshark provides that is missing within the NordVPN App is the Kill Switch on streaming devices such as Firestick/Fire TV and Android TV systems.
Having this option is perfect for those who use torrent links for streaming to ensure your information is never exposed.
Last but not least, Surfshark’s prices are much more affordable when you lock in an extended membership with the service.
In fact, Nord is likely more than double the price of Surfshark for a much less beneficial service in our opinion.
In conclusion, we recommend choosing Surfshark over NordVPN for all reasons listed above and more.
Purchase Surfshark VPN with Discount
Surfshark vs NordVPN Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surfshark better than NordVPN?
Our detailed guide above compares all aspects of Surfshark vs NordVPN to determine which is better for your VPN needs.
Is Surfshark cheaper than NordVPN?
Currently, Surfshark offers cheaper subscription plans than NordVPN, which we show in the pricing breakdown above.
What is the Best VPN?
The Best VPN for Firestick and Fire TV is Surfshark for numerous reasons, including unlimited connections, Kill Switch capabilities, and more.
Is Surfshark faster than NordVPN?
As shown in our speed tests above, Surfshark was faster than NordVPN on both the Fire TV Stick 4K Max as well as PC.
Surfshark vs NordVPN on Firestick – Which is better?
We have concluded that overall, Surfshark is a better VPN for cord-cutters and streamers for many reasons listed above.