NordVPN vs SurfShark

Overview

In this article, we will compare NordVPN vs SurfShark. We will also look at their differences and how they both work as VPNs.

How did VPNs start? During the early days of the internet, many people took advantage of its worldwide reach and connection. Alongside its rise, the need for solid security also rose. Dangerous threats like viruses and hackers began lurking on many websites.

 

To solve these initial hurdles, apps like antiviruses became common. They prove to be effective in preventing damage to our devices. However, people realized that what we need to secure is the connection itself. That is how VPNs came into existence. NordVPN vs SurfShark shows us that they are both dependable VPN services.

Additionally, they are both solid and reliable VPNs with excellent features! They both help us hide all the information we send on the web. On the flip side, both these VPNs might share some similarities yet still have different traits. You might now be scratching your head, wondering what their differences might be.

Cast your worries aside! We will now compare NordVPN vs SurfShark and expose all the crucial differences between each of them.

 

NordVPN vs SurfShark: Key Differences

Pitting NordVPN vs SurfShark at first glance, we now see they both sport impressive traits while securing our total internet traffic. But neither of them are similar if we look at some of their features. You see, not all VPNs run in the same manner. Looking at a fight between NordVPN vs SurfShark, neither VPN service in the market presents operating standards.

 

Price Tag

NordVPN justifies its pricing by ensuring to conceal every activity you perform online. Its 2-year plan costs $95.76 in total, making it quite expensive. Yes, it might seem like a high cost, but NordVPN features some of the latest VPN protocols that are strong and efficient. You can also access US Netflix and other streaming providers with NordVPN!

 

SurfShark’s pricing options can be confusing to read! Let us now simplify it for you. SurfShark’s 24-month plan equals a 2-Year plan. It costs $59.76, which is $36 cheaper than NordVPN. However, we don’t suggest SurfShark’s monthly plan since it runs at $12.95. It is more expensive than NordVPN’s monthly price, which costs $11.99. Furthermore, we recommend NordVPN since it does not have a history of DNS Leaks.

Protocols

Every VPN uses various protocols to give us a secure connection. NordVPN takes the frontier with its original NordLynx protocol. Let us remind you that both NordVPN and SurfShark utilize OpenVPN along with IKeV2/IPSec. These are protocols that users will expect to run with current VPN services.

The NordLynx protocol reinforces Wireguard with Double NAT. Wireguard might be a new open-source VPN protocol, but it is weak when ensuring total protection. NordVPN fixes this flaw by adding Double NAT. SurfShark also uses Wireguard but does not add extra protocols to enhance its overall security.

 

DNS Leak Protection

You might be wondering what DNS Leak is all about. In short, a DNS Leak occurs when your internet traffic returns to its default DNS Server (typically your ISP) instead of going through your VPN’s digital tunnels. As a result, your ISP detects using a VPN and will throttle your connection.

NordVPN’s DNS Leak Protection method relies on establishing a solid connection with its private servers and your device. On the other hand, SurfShark uses its apps for creating a virtual connection that prevents DNS Leaks. Still, they might be similar in using their encrypted tunnels to avoid server leaks from happening.

 

Special Features

Each VPN has unique features to share with its users.

NordVPN provides a multi-factor authentication feature that acts as an additional shield against third parties. It also has an IP Masking feature handy if you want to hide your IP address. With NordVPN, you can also change your IP address twice with its Double Protection suite.

SurfShark has many special features you won’t find with other VPN services while offering us a lower price. It has the original SurfShark One part. It is an all-in-one package with an optional antivirus, identity monitoring, and secure Search Engine. SurfShark also has an adblocker that is called CleanWeb.

 

Torrenting Support

Both NordVPN and SurfShark are excellent VPNs to use while performing Peer-to-Peer File Transfers (P2P). You can download as many torrent files as you like! However, SurfShark claims that all its servers support P2P, but some users complain that some SurfShark servers do not permit it.

 

Speed Enhancement

Our VPNs come in handy if we want a reliable and quick internet speed. NordVPN can increase your overall speed at a rate of 369 Mbps. SurfShark though presenting several rare features and tools, fall behind this trait. It is only capable of increasing your overall speed with 89 Mbps. However, note that not all VPNs can boost our internet speeds since their true purpose is to encrypt our entire internet traffic.

 

Number of Servers, IP Addresses, and Server Locations

NordVPN has 5,400 servers in 59 countries worldwide. On top of that, it shares more than 2,590 anonymous IP addresses with its users. SurfShark stacks up 3,200 IP addresses with its 3,200 servers in 65 locations worldwide.

 

Kill Switch

A VPN Kill Switch will immediately cut your internet access if you lose connection to its services. Having a Kill Switch helps avoid a data leak.

There are two kill switches you can use with NordVPN. Its Internet Kill Switch handles the connection between your device and the internet. As a backup, you can also activate the local App Kill Switch. SurfShark presents its kill switch as a built-in feature. However, it is up to the user to activate its kill switch.

 

Country of Origin

NordVPN originates from the country of Panama. It does not fall under the Five Eyes jurisdiction, which ensures that they cannot share your data if they have any records. SurfShark is from the isolated British Virgin Islands, a private place for VPN creators. The services of SurfShark also do not fall under any jurisdictions making it one of the safest VPNs you can get.

 

Customer Support

You can contact NordVPN’s customer support services through live chat: (https://nordvpn.com/contact-us/). Also, email NordVPN: (support@nordvpn.com). SurfShark also provides similar customer support with 24/7 live chat and email. You can contact SurfShark by visiting: (support@surfshark.com)

 

Number of Devices

Both NordVPN and SurfShark work well with your Android, PC, and gaming consoles. You can install both of them on your Apple TV or Fire TV device. The total number of devices you can connect with NordVPN is only six devices in all. You can use one SurfShark account with any version of its app. It does not limit the number of devices you can connect with one account.

 

Install Surfshark on Firestick

Best Surfshark Deal

 

Features of NordVPN and SurfShark

Let us now visit each feature of NordVPN and SurfShark so you can look at all the details.

 

NordVPN Features

Pricing

• 2-Year Plan: $USD 3.99/Month
• 1 -Year Plan: $USD 4.99/Month
• 1-Month: $USD 11.99
  

 

Money-Back Guarantee

NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

 

Log Policy

NordVPN enforces a Strict No Logs Policy.

 

Protocols

OpenVPN

• Military-Grade Encryption
• Uses AES-256 bit with 256 keys for encrypting data

 

Next-Gen IKEv2/IPsec

• IKeV2 provides a secure channel for authorizing a connection with IPSec.
• Features Cryptographic Algorithm & Keys.
• IKEv2/IPsec provides a VPN with excellent security, stability, and speed.

 

NordLynx

• High-speed protocol.
• NordLynx features the Wireguard® VPN Protocol with 4000 lines of code.
• Double NAT (Network Address Translation) reinforces Wireguard
  (Since Wireguard® does not ensure complete user privacy, NordVPN
  creates Double NAT as its backbone to complement Wireguard.)
  

 

DNS Leak Protection

Pitting NordVPN vs SurfShark shows us which VPN has reliable protection against DNS leaks.

NordVPN’s Private DNS Servers ensures you connect with NordVPN’s global DNS Servers to avoid DNS Leaks.

 

Does it support P2P File Transfers?

Yes. NordVPN supports P2P File transfers and torrenting procedures.

 

Speed Enhancement

NordVPN increases your speed at a rate of 369 Mbps.

 

Data Cap

NordVPN has a limitless data capacity.

 

Number of Servers

NordVPN has 5,400 Servers in 59 different countries all around the globe.

 

Total Number of IP Addresses

There are 2,590 and more NordVPN IP addresses that can make you anonymous on the web.

 

Kill Switch Feature

• Internet Kill Switch
• App Kill Switch

 

Country of Origin & Jurisdiction

NordVPN operates from Panama.

 

Customer Support

• Help Center: https://nordvpn.com/contact-us/
• Live Chat: https://nordvpn.com/contact-us/
• Email: support@nordvpn.com
  

 

Compatible Devices

• Android
• Firestick
• Xbox
• Playstation
• Nintendo Switch
• Raspberry Pi
• Chromebook
• Chromecast
• Kindle Fire
  

 

Operating Systems Compatible with NordVPN

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux
• Android
• iOS
• Chrome
• Firefox
• Microsoft Edge
• Android TV
• Fire TV
  

 

Routers Compatible with NordVPN

• DD-WRT
• Netgear
• Linksys
• Asus-WRT
  

 

Number of Devices you can Connect with NordVPN:

NordVPN can support a total of six devices at the same time.

Pros and Cons of NordVPN

Pros

• NordVPN helps you stream content from Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more!
• High-levels of protocol and encryption.
• NordVPN can increase your overall speed with its vast network of servers.
• Zero-Logs and no IP or DNS leaks.
• It supports torrenting on most servers.
• Acts as an excellent Firestick app and Smart DNS tool.
• Cheaper than other top VPNs on the market.

 

Cons

• Does not accept wire payments from PayPal
• The NordVPN Android app does not feature a kill switch.
• In 2018, NordVPN suffered a server breach.

SurfShark Features

 

Pricing

• 24 Months (2-Year Plan): $USD 2.49/Month
• 12 Months (1 -Year Plan): $USD 3.99/Month
• 1-Month: $USD 12.95

 

Money-Back Guarantee

SurfShark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

 

Log Policy

SurfShark applies a Strict No Logs Policy.

 

Protocols

OpenVPN

• Military-Grade Encryption
• Uses AES-256 bit with 256 keys for encrypting data

 

IKEv2/IPsec

• IKeV2 authorizes a connection between your device and your VPNs IPSec protocol.
• It is famous among mobile users due to its high speed, performance, and ability to quickly switch between networks.
• Open source protocol that many routers naturally support.

 

Wireguard®

• It performs faster and easier than its predecessors.
• Wireguard contains 4,000 lines of code.
• Less susceptible to security vulnerabilities while being easier to modify, scale, and manage.

 

DNS Leak Protection

SurfShark uses its apps to block all the DNS requests your device is making and direct them through a safe, encrypted tunnel. It is why we want to see a comparison between NordVPN vs SurfShark, we now know that SurfShark has many app versions that prevent DNS leaks!

 

Does it support P2P File Transfers?

Yes. NordVPN supports P2P File transfers and torrenting procedures.

 

Speed Enhancement

SurfShark increases your overall speed by 89 Mbps.

 

Data Cap

SurfShark’s VPN service features a limitless data cap.

 

Number of Servers

The SurfShark VPN service has more than 3,200 DNS servers in 65 countries.

 

Total Number of IP Addresses

SurfShark has 3,200 anonymous IP addresses to share with us.

 

Kill Switch Feature

• Built-in Kill Switch feature

 

Country of Origin & Jurisdiction

SurfShark operates from the British Virgin Islands. It does not fall under the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes jurisdiction. SurfShark does not have the responsibility to submit user data to third-party factions.

 

Customer Support

• Email: 
• Live Chat: 
  

 

Compatible Devices

• Android
• PC
• Xbox
• Playstation
• Firestick
• Apple TV

 

Operating Systems Compatible with SurfShark

• Windows
• Mac OS
• Android
• iOS
• Web browsers

 

Routers Compatible with SurfShark

• DD-WRT
• Linksys
• ASUS
• Roqos
• NetGear

 

Number of Devices you can Connect with SurfShark:

• One SurfShark account is usable on all user devices.

 

Pros and Cons of SurfShark

Pros

• No limit to connecting all devices with one SurfShark account.
• Rare multi-hop and split tunneling tools
• App features an excellent design
• Subscription includes static servers
• Only collects logging information with its website cookies.

 

Cons

• Users might experience a delay connecting to some SurfShark servers.
• SurfShark does not enable its kill switch feature by default.
• Suffers from IPv6 address leaks
• No port forwarding feature.

 

A VPN Ensures Privacy!

Since the internet took off, many online threats have tried to infiltrate our devices. Some device users opt for antivirus apps and anti-malware software. These apps are only effective in preventing damage to our portable gadgets.

While comparing NordVPN vs SurfShark, each of their features presents different VPN capabilities on the table!

The only solution we suggest is by using a magnificent VPN like NordVPN! It has many special features to share with its users:

• • NordVPN has a multi-factor authentication feature adding a new layer of security.
  • Conceals everything you do on the internet.
  • It increases your speed by 369 Mbps.
  • NordVPN lets you bypass geo-restrictions with its robust VPN protocols.
  • Access exclusive media content with geo-blocks.
  • It prevents buffering and stuttering on Android, Kodi, and the Amazon Fire TV stick.

 

Note: For more information about NordVPN, please read our NordVPN REVIEW.

Note: For more information about Surfshark, please read our Surfshark Review.

 

Grab your subscription now!

Click here to get the lowest price on Surfshark through our exclusive limited-time offer.

 

How to Install Surfshark VPN on Firestick

If your Firestick still has the older interface, read this article to learn how to update it: Update Firestick Interface.

Follow our screenshots below to install the SurfShark VPN app on your Fire TV stick.

1. Go to the Home screen of your Firestick.

 

2. Navigate towards the Find tab. Press the Search button from the resulting dropdown.

 

3. Type in the keyword of SurfShark and select from the suggestions that will appear.

 

4. Click the official SurfShark icon from your search results.

 

5. Press the Download (You own it) button.

 

6. The SurfShark VPN installer will download on your device.

 

7. SurfShark VPN’s app will automatically install itself on your Fire TV stick.

 

8. Press the Open button after completing SurfShark VPN’s installation process.

 

9. Please wait for the SurfShark VPN to load its user interface.

 

10. You can now log in with your SurfShark VPN account credentials.

Learn more about Surfshark and Grab the Best Surfshark Deal Now!

 

Install Surfshark on Firestick

Best Surfshark Deal

 

 

For more VPN discounts, go to ReviewVPN Deals and purchase the best VPN for you.

Click here to get the lowest price on Surfshark through our exclusive limited-time offer.

 

FAQs

Why do VPNs have many servers worldwide?

A VPN uses several private DNS Servers in various worldwide locations to create a virtual private network. The network encrypts your entire internet traffic by passing them through secure connections. When you connect to a VPN server, you can access online media content from any area in the world.

Taking a look at NordVPN vs SurfShark, we now know that both of them have many worldwide server locations.

 

What are Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes?

Also famous as FVEY, it is a collaborative allegiance between many Western nations for exchanging sensitive data through secure methods. Researching for our topic NordVPN vs SurfShark shows us the importance of these types of jurisdictions and where both of them belong.

 

Check these articles out!

• NordVPN Review – Is It The Best VPN in 2022?
• SurfShark VPN Review
• NordVPN on a Firestick – Installation Guide and Review

 

Our Verdict

NordVPN vs SurfShark shows us that each of them has special features to share while being different with their payment plans! Seeming expensive at first look, NordVPN justifies its price tag with robust protocols and excellent performance history. You can access content from famous streaming providers while using NordVPN. If you like a VPN with many rare tools while keeping your private, then SurfShark might fit your needs.