Choosing a VPN in 2026 is about more than simply finding a service that hides your IP address. Speed, privacy features, server coverage, device limits, streaming compatibility, pricing and ease of use can all affect which VPN fits your needs.
Two of the most established options are NordVPN and Surfshark. Both offer encrypted connections, multiple VPN protocols, large server networks and 30-day money-back guarantees, but there are meaningful differences between them.
NordVPN vs Surfshark at a glance
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Server network | 9,400+ servers, 167+ countries* | 4,500+ servers, 100 countries |
| Simultaneous connections | Up to 10 | Unlimited |
| Main protocols | NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Double VPN | Yes | Yes, MultiHop |
| Split tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Ad/tracker blocking | Threat Protection | CleanWeb |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Platform support | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, tvOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, tvOS |
*Server and country counts can change over time. Current provider information lists different totals depending on the comparison page and methodology.
What is NordVPN?
NordVPN is a Panama-based VPN service offering encrypted connections, its NordLynx protocol, Double VPN, Threat Protection and a large international server network.
Its current comparison information lists more than 9,400 servers and more than 167 server countries, while independent testing has also found strong performance and consistent latency.
NordVPN supports up to 10 simultaneous devices under one account. For an individual user with a laptop, phone, tablet, television and other devices, that can be sufficient.
NordVPN features
Some of the notable features include:
- NordLynx VPN protocol
- Double VPN
- Threat Protection
- Dark Web Monitor
- Split tunneling
- Dedicated IP option
- Obfuscated servers
- Meshnet
- 10 simultaneous connections
NordVPN’s higher-tier packages also bundle additional privacy and security services.
What is Surfshark?
Surfshark is another major VPN provider, with a strong focus on allowing users to protect multiple devices under a single subscription.
One of its biggest differences from NordVPN is its unlimited simultaneous connections policy. That can be particularly useful for households with many phones, computers, tablets, smart TVs and other connected devices.
Surfshark operates servers in 100 countries and currently lists more than 4,500 servers. It supports WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2, with additional protocol and privacy features depending on the platform and subscription.
Surfshark features
Key features include:
- WireGuard
- MultiHop
- CleanWeb
- Bypasser split tunneling
- Alternative ID
- Surfshark Alert
- Dedicated IP option
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Security and privacy
Both services provide modern VPN encryption and have published independent audit information concerning their privacy practices. Surfshark’s current comparison page lists a 2025 Deloitte audit, while NordVPN also lists a 2025 Deloitte audit.
The two services approach advanced privacy features somewhat differently.
NordVPN offers Double VPN, which routes traffic through two VPN servers. Surfshark offers MultiHop, including customizable server combinations. Surfshark’s approach gives users more control over the entry and exit locations.
For everyday browsing, either service can provide the basic benefit expected from a VPN: encrypting the connection between your device and the VPN server and masking your IP address.
Speed and performance
VPN performance depends on factors such as your internet connection, distance to the VPN server, protocol, device and network congestion.
Independent testing in 2026 has produced somewhat different results depending on methodology. RTINGS found the two services generally similar in performance while noting more consistent latency from NordVPN.
Gizmodo’s September 2026 testing also found NordVPN retained more speed across its tested devices, while Surfshark remained competitive and performed well in its own tests.
This means it is better to treat individual speed-test numbers as snapshots rather than guarantees of the exact performance you will experience.
Which VPN supports more devices?
This is one of the clearest differences.
NordVPN: up to 10 simultaneous connections.
Surfshark: unlimited simultaneous connections.
For a single person, 10 devices may already be more than enough. For a family or household with many connected devices, Surfshark’s unlimited policy can be more convenient.
However, “unlimited” does not necessarily mean that every possible use or account-sharing arrangement is permitted. Users should check the provider’s current terms before sharing an account outside their household.
Streaming
VPNs are frequently used to access streaming services while travelling or to connect through servers in other regions. However, streaming platforms actively change their VPN detection systems, so compatibility can change.
Recent independent testing by Gizmodo found that NordVPN accessed all 14 streaming services tested, while Surfshark accessed 13 of 14. Surfshark nevertheless had an advantage in that test for Disney+ through its desktop app.
Therefore, if streaming is your main reason for buying a VPN, check compatibility with the specific services you use rather than relying on a permanent list of “unblocked” platforms.
Ad and malware protection
A VPN and an antivirus program are not exactly the same thing, but both NordVPN and Surfshark provide additional web-protection features.
NordVPN offers Threat Protection, which can help block malicious websites and certain unwanted online content. Higher tiers provide additional Threat Protection functionality.
Surfshark offers CleanWeb, designed to block ads, trackers and malicious websites.
Surfshark’s current comparison information also highlights its Alert and Alternative ID tools, which extend beyond conventional VPN functionality.
Pricing
Pricing is one area where the difference can be significant, but VPN companies frequently run promotions.
Surfshark currently advertises a lowest long-term price of around $2.49 per month, while NordVPN lists a lowest price around $3.49 per month, according to Surfshark’s current comparison page. Both offer 30-day money-back guarantees.
Independent reviews also show that promotional prices and renewal prices can differ substantially. For example, Gizmodo’s September 2026 comparison listed different renewal costs for the entry-level plans.
For that reason, don’t compare only the introductory monthly price. Check:
- The total amount charged upfront
- Subscription length
- Renewal price
- Taxes
- Included features
- Number of simultaneous connections
NordVPN vs Surfshark for gaming
For gaming, latency can be more important than maximum download speed.
NordVPN’s more consistent latency in RTINGS’ testing may be relevant for gamers who prioritize stable connections.
Surfshark, meanwhile, offers features such as GPS override on supported platforms, which may appeal to certain mobile users.
Neither VPN can guarantee lower ping because the result depends heavily on your location, game server and selected VPN server.
NordVPN vs Surfshark for travel
Both VPNs can be useful while travelling, particularly when connecting to public Wi-Fi in hotels, airports or cafés.
NordVPN offers a larger server network according to current provider figures, while Surfshark’s unlimited-device policy can be convenient if you travel with multiple devices.
Travellers should also remember that a VPN does not automatically make every online activity anonymous or protect against every form of cyberattack.
Which one should you choose?
The answer depends largely on what you value most.
NordVPN may suit you if you prioritize:
- A larger server network
- Consistent performance
- Up to 10 simultaneous connections
- NordLynx
- Double VPN
- Threat Protection
- A broad selection of advanced VPN features
Surfshark may suit you if you prioritize:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Lower long-term promotional pricing
- Customizable MultiHop connections
- CleanWeb
- Alternative ID
- A VPN for many household devices
These are differences in features and use cases rather than a universal ranking. Independent testing also produces different results depending on the methodology used.
Final thoughts
NordVPN and Surfshark are both established VPN services with extensive feature sets. NordVPN currently has the larger advertised server network and a 10-device limit, while Surfshark stands out for unlimited simultaneous connections and a generally lower long-term advertised starting price.
If you are choosing between them, focus on the things that matter most for your particular setup: number of devices, server locations, speed, streaming requirements, privacy tools and total subscription cost.
Because VPN pricing, server networks and streaming compatibility can change, it is worth checking the providers’ current terms and pricing immediately before subscribing.
