NordVPN vs Surfshark vs Proton VPN 2026 comparison

NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN are all some of the strongest VPN services available in the industry, each with its own strengths:

• NordVPN ranks highly for its industry-leading speeds and security features
• Surfshark stands out for offering unlimited simultaneous connections at a low cost
• Proton VPN is known for its privacy-first approach and vast server network

Though NordVPN and Surfshark are longstanding market-leading VPN services, Proton VPN has rapidly gained popularity and closed the gap thanks to its focus on privacy, robust free version, and huge server fleet. So, in my NordVPN vs Surfshark vs Proton VPN comparison, which VPN is the best service in 2026?

To determine the best provider, I worked with the VPNpro research team, thoroughly testing speeds, servers, security, apps, and more across all three VPNs.

Following my tests, one VPN stood out: NordVPN took the win, beating Surfshark and Proton VPN thanks to faster connections, better streaming and torrenting support, and more robust security features. Read on for a more detailed comparison:

Surfshark is the best affordable VPN and Proton VPN is the best for privacy, but NordVPN offers better performance and security tools, plus the fastest speeds for streaming, torrenting, and online gaming.

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Key differences between NordVPN, Surfshark and Proton VPN

My extensive tests have revealed that NordVPN is better than Surfshark and Proton VPN for online entertainment and security. For streaming, torrenting, and gaming, it has the fastest speeds, plus streaming optimized servers. In terms of security, NordVPN also has built-in malware protection features that are second to none.

However, Surfshark is suitable for families, offering unlimited simultaneous connections, while NordVPN and Proton VPN support up to 10 devices each. With the most affordable pricing, it’s also geared toward users on a budget who still want a premium VPN experience.

Proton VPN is suitable for privacy-conscious users, with cash-only subscriptions, Swiss jurisdiction, multi-hop VPN connections, and more. It also offers a free version for those wanting to test the service without commitment, unlike NordVPN and Surfshark, which do not provide free plans.

Here are the main differences between NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN:

• Surfshark VPN is cheapest ($1.99/month), while Proton VPN is a little more expensive ($2.99/month), and NordVPN is priciest but offers the best value for money ($3.09/month).
• NordVPN has stronger device security (Threat Protection) than both Surfshark (CleanWeb) and Proton VPN (NetShield), offering system-level malware protection.
• Proton VPN has the largest server fleet with 20,075+ servers compared to NordVPN’s 9,300+ servers and Surfshark’s 4,500+ servers.
• Surfshark supports unlimited device connections, while NordVPN and Proton VPN both allow up to 10 simultaneous devices per account.
• NordVPN has the fastest speeds in my most recent tests (benchmarked at 810 Mbps), Surfshark came in second (764 Mbps), and Proton VPN in third (738 Mbps).
• Proton VPN supports full anonymity with Swiss jurisdiction, an audited no-logs policy, and open source apps, while NordVPN is based in Panama and Surfshark is in the Netherlands, both with audited no-logs guarantees.

Our verdict: NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN are all excellent choices, but NordVPN excels beyond the competition in 2026 owing to the fastest speeds, more advanced security features, and the best value for money. This makes it the best all-around choice for most users, whether browsing, torrenting, streaming, or gaming. Surfshark is a close second with unbeatable subscription prices and unlimited connections, while Proton VPN comes in a close third with privacy-friendly open-source apps, a vast server fleet, and a completely free version.

Pricing comparison: Surfshark vs NordVPN vs Proton VPN 2026 deals

Surfshark is the cheapest VPN overall when compared to both NordVPN and Proton VPN. Its monthly subscription cost is the highest, at $15.45/month ($12.99/month for NordVPN and around $9.99/month for Proton VPN), but Surfshark’s long-term pricing is among the most affordable. These three VPNs are best for people who want long-term affordability, as none are among the cheapest monthly VPNs.

Surfshark’s 1-year plan starts at ~$3.19/month (~$4.99/month for NordVPN and ~$3.99/month for Proton VPN). However, Surfshark’s best deal is its 2-year plan, at $1.99/month, which is much lower than NordVPN’s 2-year plan ($3.09/month) and Proton VPN’s equivalent plan ($2.99/month). This makes Surfshark the best choice for users on a budget or wanting long-term savings.

Each of these premium VPNs includes essential features that include military-grade encryption, a built-in kill switch, split tunneling, and thousands of secure servers. However, NordVPN and Surfshark stand out by offering built-in ad-blocking and malware protection, while Proton VPN has the largest server network in the industry (20,075+ servers) that’s twice the size of NordVPN’s fleet (9,300+ servers). However, NordVPN also offers strong value for money, with advanced security tools and its proprietary NordLynx protocol that offers the fastest speeds.

NordVPN and Surfshark offer a free trial for mobile devices, while Proton VPN has a completely free version for risk-free testing. You get a 30-day money-back guarantee from all of these providers too.

Our verdict: Following my in-depth tests and research, Surfshark offers the best price and value, with the cheapest long-term plans and unlimited simultaneous connections. With its 7-day free trial on mobile, it’s well-suited to budget-conscious users. NordVPN costs a little more, but it’s justified by advanced features like Threat Protection and NordLynx. Proton VPN is more costly without these features, but stands out for strong privacy, open-source apps, and a completely free plan. Overall, Surfshark leads on affordability, while NordVPN offers the best balance of performance and features, and Proton VPN is the top choice for privacy-focused users.

VPN server coverage: Which has the most countries and servers?

Proton VPN has the most servers, with more than 20,075 servers in 145+ countries. NordVPN comes in second place, with 9,300+ servers in 137+ countries. Surfshark has 4,500+ servers in 100 countries. Conversely, NordVPN has the strongest US presence, with 2,000+ servers in major cities. Proton VPN has 1,000+ US servers, while Surfshark offers 400+ US servers.

Having access to more servers gives you better load balancing, and reduces the chance of congestion caused by many users connecting to the same server. This is an area in which Proton VPN excels with its massive server fleet of 20,075+ servers. Meanwhile, having access to more country locations means that you have better geographical coverage, allowing you to access region-locked content in different locations.

All three VPNs offer specialty servers, but NordVPN has the widest range, including Double VPN, Onion over VPN, obfuscated servers, and streaming-optimized servers. Proton VPN offers Secure Core servers (double VPN), Tor over VPN, and P2P servers. Surfshark has double VPN, obfuscated servers, and P2P-optimized servers.

Our verdict: NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN all offer a strong range of servers, with Proton VPN clearly excelling in terms of sheer server count. However, simply having the largest number of servers doesn’t automatically make a provider the top choice. With a vast range of specialized servers and over 9,000+ worldwide connections, NordVPN is the best provider for its range and breadth of server options.

Which VPN is more secure: Proton VPN, NordVPN or Surfshark?

NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN are among the most-secure VPN services available, each boasting powerful encryption (AES-256 or XChaCha20), kill switches, independently audited no-logs policies, and other security tools. However, NordVPN stands out as the most secure VPN thanks to advanced anti-malware and other security features.

NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature blocks malware downloads, phishing websites, trackers, and ads. Surfshark offers a similar CleanWeb tool, but it only blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites. Similarly, Proton VPN’s NetShield filters out malware and ads. While Surfshark and Proton VPN’s tools are effective, NordVPN’s broader system-level protection gives it an edge in security.

NordVPN, Proton VPN, and Surfshark are all highly secure, with no DNS or IP leaks, strong encryption, and secure VPN protocols. Proton VPN stands out for its open-source apps and privacy-first approach, while Surfshark has its CleanWeb feature and audited no-logs policy, though it is based in a 9/14-Eyes country . Overall, NordVPN is the most secure solution, with RAM-only infrastructure, more extensive specialty servers, and its advanced Threat Protection suite.

Our verdict: NordVPN, Proton VPN, and Surfshark are all solid picks if you’re looking for a highly secure VPN. Each offers robust protocols, powerful encryption, and safeguards against malicious websites, plus ad and tracker blocking. However, with advanced system-level malware protection, NordVPN takes the lead with better overall security.

Privacy protections tested: in-house VPN results

NordVPN is located in privacy-friendly Panama, while Proton VPN's jurisdiction is in Switzerland. Both countries offer strong privacy protections, with lax data retention laws. Meanwhile, Surfshark is located in the Netherlands, which is a 9/14 Eyes country. This alliance allows international data sharing and has data retention expectations, which slightly increases risk. However, Surshark still maintains an audited no-logs policy and RAM-only servers, offering reassurance that no data will be stored about you personally.

For this VPN comparison, I tested NordVPN, Proton VPN, and Surfshark for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, as they can reveal your true location and disclose your identity. Thankfully, none of these three VPNs suffer from any such issues, with built-in protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC data leaks.

Finally, NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN all have respectable no-logs policies that can be trusted. The hallmark of such trust is when a VPN provider has a third-party company audit its guarantee. All three services have been independently audited, with Deloitte and PwC approving NordVPN's policy, Securitum vetting Proton VPN's policy, and Deloitte and Cure53 approving Surfshark's policy.

While all three VPN services are closely matched on security, Surfshark loses points for its jurisdiction in a 9/14 Eyes country. Between NordVPN and Proton VPN, NordVPN takes the edge owing to its longer record of independent audits and the fact that these audits have been completed by such respectable entities as Deloitte and PwC.

Features compared: What sets NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN apart?

NordVPN offers slightly more features than Surfshark or Proton VPN, including a greater range of specialized servers and more advanced malware protection tools. NordVPN can scan files pre-download to determine whether they’re a threat to your device, and its NordLynx protocol is based on WireGuard and brings the fastest speeds available. However, to make it a fair assessment, I tested each VPNs features in detail side by side.

Kill Switch

All three VPNs include a kill switch, and in my tests, all of them worked as expected to stop IP or DNS leaks when the connection dropped. NordVPN has a system-wide and app-level kill switch. Surfshark also includes a kill switch (Everlink), but it’s a little less flexible. However, it does automatically recover your connection after a dropout. Proton VPN provides a reliable system-level kill switch that’s easy to use but less customizable. Overall, NordVPN edges ahead for flexibility.

Split Tunneling

Split tunneling lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t. NordVPN offers app-based split tunneling on Windows and Android, and Surfshark also supports split tunneling, called Bypasser, allowing both app and website support. Proton VPN has split tunneling on select platforms, but it’s more limited in my opinion. If you need fine control over things like excluding banking apps or routing only a browser through the VPN, Surfshark and NordVPN are the stronger options.

Double VPN

Double VPN routes your traffic through two servers instead of one, adding an extra layer of encryption. NordVPN offers dedicated Double VPN servers, which I found easy to locate in the app and optimized for privacy. Surfshark provides a similar feature called MultiHop, which lets me manually choose entry and exit locations in my tests. Proton VPN achieves a similar effect with Secure Core servers, routing traffic through Swiss servers before reaching the internet. In practice, NordVPN is the most user-friendly, but Surfshark offers the most customizable option. Proton VPN is the most privacy-focused, but all three implementations feel well-balanced.

Specialized servers

NordVPN has the most extensive range of specialty servers, including P2P, obfuscated, double VPN, and Onion over VPN. These are clearly labeled in the dashboard and easy to use, which makes them my preference. Proton VPN focuses more on privacy-oriented servers, with Secure Core and Tor over VPN options designed for anonymity instead of performance. Surfshark has the essentials, including P2P, obfuscated servers, and MultiHop, but it doesn’t go as deep as NordVPN. In my tests, NordVPN offered the best balance of usability and variety, especially for streaming, torrenting, and bypassing blocks.

Ad & Malware Blocker

NordVPN’s Threat Protection is the most advanced of the three implementations, blocking ads, trackers, phishing domains, and even malware downloads at a system level. It also works outside the VPN tunnel on some platforms. Surfshark’s CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites well, but it doesn’t go as deep into file-level scanning. Proton VPN’s NetShield focuses on DNS-level filtering for ads and malware, but it’s more basic.

Obfuscated servers

Obfuscated servers hide the fact that you’re using a VPN, which is needed in restrictive regions or school and work networks. NordVPN has dedicated obfuscated servers that worked well in my tests, and Surfshark includes obfuscation through its NoBorders mode. Proton VPN also supports obfuscation, but it’s less easy to use and not as clearly labeled. NordVPN provides the most reliable experience overall based on my experiences.

Multi-hop routing

Multi-hop routing directs your traffic through multiple VPN servers for added privacy. NordVPN offers preconfigured double VPN options, which are simple to use but less customizable. Surfshark’s MultiHop stood out for me, as it allows you to choose both entry and exit servers, giving more control over your connection path. Proton VPN’s Secure Core works similarly but focuses on routing through high-security locations first, like Switzerland.

Dedicated IP available

All three providers offer dedicated IP addresses as a paid add-on. NordVPN provides dedicated IPs in multiple locations and integrates them into its app. Surfshark also offers dedicated IPs at a good price, typically around $2.50/month after discounts on long-term plans. Proton VPN supports dedicated IPs on higher-tier plans, but availability is more limited. In my experience, NordVPN and Surfshark are more accessible options.

GPS Spoofing

GPS spoofing is a less-needed but still-useful feature for mobile users, especially when apps use your location data for certain purposes, like mobile game payments or specific mobile app content. Surfshark includes built-in GPS spoofing on Android, which worked well in my tests and is useful for accessing location-restricted apps. NordVPN doesn’t offer native GPS spoofing, and Proton VPN also lacks a dedicated GPS spoofing feature.

Streaming performance: NordVPN vs Surfshark vs Proton VPN

Streaming requires a fast connection to avoid lag and buffering, and NordVPN is the best VPN for streaming of the three VPNs, benchmarked at an average of 810 Mbps in my latest tests. This involved comparing speeds on 10 international VPN servers to calculate an average while using my 900 Mbps baseline connection.

Meanwhile, Surfshark achieved 764 Mbps with the same benchmarking approach. Proton VPN delivered average speeds of up to 738 Mbps. However, Proton VPN was the strongest of the three services for upload speeds, which matter in online gaming and seeding while torrenting.

In my streaming tests, all three VPNs were able to reliably unblock major streaming platforms, but there are some differences.

• NordVPN performed best overall, consistently unblocking multiple Netflix libraries, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.
• Surfshark also handled most platforms well, including Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer, though it stuttered with Amazon Prime Video in some regions.
• Proton VPN successfully unblocked Netflix on multiple regional libraries and other major services like Disney+, but its free plan does not support streaming at all.

Overall, NordVPN offers the most reliable all-round streaming access as the fastest VPN, and Surfshark is a strong budget-friendly alternative. Proton VPN also performs well, though there’s little reason for me to choose it over NordVPN.

Netflix uses anti-VPN software to detect and block VPNs, so it can be difficult for VPNs to reliably unblock international Netflix content. However, NordVPN successfully bypassed Netflix restrictions in multiple regions during my tests, including Japan, the US, UK, and Singapore, making it the best Netflix VPN. Surfshark did well with Netflix too, though I occasionally struggled to unblock libraries in Asian locations like Japan and Hong Kong. Proton VPN was less reliable, though it could still unblock Netflix in the most popular regions such as the UK and US.

Our verdict: With unbeatable reliability for unblocking any streaming service, NordVPN wins for streaming on any platform, especially given its leading speeds that guarantee lag-free connections. Surfshark and Proton VPN are also both strong choices for streaming, though depending on your server and the location you’re trying to unblock, you may encounter issues on services like Prime Video, Netflix, or Hulu.

Torrenting: which VPN is best for safe and fast downloads?

NordVPN was the best VPN for torrenting in my tests. It managed the best balance between speed, reliability, and built-in tools that improve P2P experiences. On its dedicated P2P servers, I saw fast download speeds with no drops, even with larger files. The SOCKS5 proxy also made a difference in speed when configuring torrent clients.

Surfshark was the simplest to use for torrenting since it allows P2P traffic on all servers, but that advantage came with slightly less consistency in speeds. While good overall, I noticed more variation depending on the server.

Proton VPN did well with its dedicated P2P servers and port forwarding, which are great for optimizing connections and improving seeding, so it’s no surprise it had the strongest upload speeds.

Our verdict: When torrenting, NordVPN performs better than both Surfshark and Proton VPN thanks to a combination of faster speeds, dedicated P2P servers, and free SOCKS5 proxy. Surfshark is the runner-up for affordability and flexibility without sacrificing speed, while Proton VPN is best suited for users who want privacy over speed or simplicity.

Ease of use: comparing apps and user experience across VPNs

All three VPNs were quick to install for my tests, with native apps on desktop and mobile devices. NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN all support Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, as well as smart TVs, routers, and browser extensions.

Setting up Surfshark was the easiest as the interface adjusts itself to your experience level, which I liked. NordVPN takes a slightly more typical approach but offers more advanced options early on, which could be overwhelming to beginners. I particularly liked NordVPN’s extensive router installation guide section on its website, which makes it simple to set up a VPN connection for all your household devices. Proton VPN sits somewhere in the middle, but it’s easier to get lost once logged in due to the myriad of security features.

Customer support is strong across all three, but NordVPN and Surfshark come out ahead for overall support. Both offer 24/7 live chat with fast, helpful responses, making them the easiest to rely on for troubleshooting. Surfshark’s guides are clear, though NordVPN feels slightly more polished overall. Proton VPN also provides good support, but live chat is more limited and less accessible, so it’s better suited to non-urgent issues.

Our verdict: Overall, Surfshark is the most beginner-friendly, Proton VPN offers a clean but slightly more technical experience, and NordVPN strikes a good balance, though it leans more toward power users thanks to a broader feature set.

What Reddit users say about NordVPN, Surfshark and Proton VPN in 2026

Reddit is a reliable source of feedback when choosing a VPN provider, as there are communities dedicated to discussing features, pricing, and other aspects of the service. As a result, I scour Reddit with each VPN comparison that I write so that I can compare my experience to that of other users. Generally speaking, Reddit users are very positive about NordVPN and its status as a leading provider in speed and security.

However, many users are increasingly recognizing Proton VPN’s developing service, which puts up strong competition for NordVPN in terms of privacy and speed. Recently, Proton VPN’s pricing even became more affordable, putting it more in line with NordVPN, though Surfshark remains the most affordable.

In summary, opinions, as ever, are split on Reddit, though many users continue to prefer NordVPN’s service due to speed and security advantages. For a more detailed look at Reddit sentiment, check out our article on the best VPNs according to Reddit.

NordVPN vs Surfshark vs Proton VPN recap

In conclusion, while all NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN are all solid, premium VPNs, NordVPN edges ahead in most core areas, making it the overall best choice for most users unless looking for more affordable long-term plans.

Which should you choose?

Choose NordVPN for consistently fast speeds, reliable streaming support, and strong torrenting performance. In addition to offering more security features, it’s the best choice if you want a VPN that works for any purpose without needing to tweak settings.

Choose Surfshark if you’re looking for long-term value and simplicity or you’re a budget-conscious user. It covers all the essentials, including unblocking streaming, torrenting, and everyday browsing, while still offering unlimited device connections.

Choose Proton VPN if you’re a privacy-focused user who wants customization and ultimate privacy. Its open-source apps, Swiss jurisdiction, and features like Secure Core make it a reliable choice if transparency and data protection are important, but it’s less consistent for streaming.

• NordVPN: Best Overall — strongest all-around performance and feature choice
• Surfshark: Best Value — affordable long-term plans and good for multiple devices
• Proton VPN: Best for Privacy — reliable security, and privacy-first, open-source apps

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FAQ

Can Proton VPN compete with top paid VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark?

Yes, Proton VPN competes well with VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark, with a huge server fleet, fast speeds, streaming support, and strong privacy protections. With Swiss jurisdiction, a solid free tier, and built-in security features, it’s a strong choice. However, NordVPN still excels in providing more advanced anti-malware tools and faster servers worldwide.

Is Proton VPN more private than NordVPN or Surfshark?

Yes, Proton VPN is generally thought to be more secure and private than NordVPN or Surfshark. While all three VPNs have solid privacy and security features, including audited no-logs policies, Proton VPN excels thanks to its Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps, and cash-only subscriptions that require no personal information.

Is Surfshark cheaper than NordVPN and Proton?

Yes, Surfshark is cheaper than both NordVPN and Proton VPN when you opt for a long-term subscription, with 2-year plans from $1.99/month. Surfshark’s the most affordable VPN when you subscribe to longer plans, and you’ll often receive 3 months extra free too. However, on rolling monthly subscriptions, Surfshark is more expensive than Proton VPN or NordVPN.

Which is better, Proton VPN or Surfshark?

Surfshark and Proton VPN are both leading premium VPNs, with Surfshark offering better value for money with unlimited devices and low prices, while Proton VPN excels in privacy-first protection, Swiss jurisdiction, and open-source apps. Our Surfshark vs Proton VPN comparison explores the differences between these providers in more detail.

Which is better, NordVPN or Surfshark?

NordVPN is overall fastest, more secure, and offers more specialized server options, making it our overall better VPN of the two. However, Surfshark offers more affordable long-term plans and unlimited simultaneous connections, making it a strong choice for budget-conscious users. Read our Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison to explore the differences in more detail.

Which is better, NordVPN or Proton VPN?

NordVPN is the stronger choice over Proton VPN, with faster speeds, anti-malware tools, and specialized servers. That said, Proton VPN is a good choice for privacy-first users, offering open-source apps, secure Swiss jurisdiction with Secure Core servers, and cash-only subscriptions. We tested and compared NordVPN vs Proton VPN in detail if you want to find out more.