Head to head
NordVPN vs Surfshark
NordVPN vs Surfshark is the most common VPN matchup in 2026: NordVPN wins for most people who want a battle-tested all-rounder, while Surfshark wins when unlimited devices and a lower from-price matter more.
Compared by the BestVPNOnline editorial team
Prices checked Nov 12, 2026How we rate
Strong all-rounder with a large global network.
From$3.18/mo · 2-year plan (+3 months)
Wins 2 of 9 categories
30-day money-back guarantee
Unlimited devices at a budget-friendly from-price.
From$2.49/mo · 2-year plan (+3 months)
Wins 2 of 9 categories
30-day money-back guarantee
Winner by category
Level on published specs: 2 wins each, 4 tied. Every row uses each provider’s published figures.
| Category |  NordVPN |  Surfshark | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Editorial score | 9.4/10 | 9.1/10 | NordVPN |
| From price | $3.18/mo | $2.49/mo | Surfshark |
| Server countries | 150 | 100 | NordVPN |
| Simultaneous devices | 10 | Unlimited | Surfshark |
| Money-back window | 30 days | 30 days | Tie |
| Platforms with apps | 9 of 9 | 9 of 9 | Tie |
| Free plan | No | No | Tie |
| No-logs audit | Published | Published | Tie |
| Jurisdiction | Panama | Netherlands | Your call |
Verdict
Pick NordVPN for the best overall mix of network size and features. Pick Surfshark if every phone and TV in the house needs to connect under one plan.
Choose NordVPN if…
- You want our top overall editorial ranking
- Ten devices is enough
- You prefer Nord’s specialty server/feature set
Choose Surfshark if…
- You need unlimited simultaneous connections
- You want a lower published from-price
- You prefer a simpler household plan
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Comparing NordVPN, Surfshark
From / month
$3.18
2-year plan (+3 months)
- Server countries
- Most150
- Devices
- 10
- Money-back
- 30 days
- Jurisdiction
- Panama
- No-logs audit
- Streaming
- Torrenting (P2P)
- Free plan
- Router support
30-day money-back guarantee
From / month
$2.49
2-year plan (+3 months)
- Server countries
- 100
- Devices
- MostUnlimited
- Money-back
- 30 days
- Jurisdiction
- Netherlands
- No-logs audit
- Streaming
- Torrenting (P2P)
- Free plan
- Router support
30-day money-back guarantee
| Head to head2 VPNs | Editor’s choiceNordVPN#1 overall | Surfshark#2 overall |
|---|---|---|
| Score & value | ||
Editorial score 9.4 out of 10Top score | Editorial score 9.1 out of 10 | |
$3.182-year plan (+3 months) | $2.492-year plan (+3 months)Lowest | |
30 days | 30 days | |
| Network | ||
150Most | 100 | |
10 | UnlimitedMost | |
| Jurisdiction | Panama | Netherlands |
| Privacy & use | ||
| No-logs audit | ||
| Streaming | ||
| Torrenting (P2P) | ||
| Free plan | ||
| Apps | ||
| Linux app | ||
| Fire TV app | ||
| Router support | ||
| Verdict | ||
| Best for | Most peopleStreaming | FamiliesBudget |
| Ready to choose?Every plan has a money-back window. |
Prices are the lowest USD per-month figure on each provider’s own pricing or checkout page, before VAT or sales tax, checked Nov 12, 2026. They include promotions running at the time and change often. * CyberGhost only showed us euro pricing (2.19 €/mo), so the USD figure may differ slightly.
Frequently asked questions
Is Surfshark owned by Nord Security?
Surfshark and Nord Security publicly announced a merger in 2022, but they still run as separate brands with their own apps, plans and pricing. Compare them on their features, not their ownership.
NordVPN vs Surfshark · Higher ranked
Go with NordVPN, or try Surfshark
Strong all-rounder with a large global network. From $3.18/mo (2-year plan (+3 months)) · 30-day money-back guarantee.
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Back to the best VPN rankings or read the NordVPN review and Surfshark review.