Surfshark vs NordVPN 2025: Which Budget VPN is Better?
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When it comes to choosing a VPN in 2025, two names consistently stand out: Surfshark and NordVPN. Both are among the most popular VPN services globally, but they cater to different needs and budgets. Surfshark is known for its aggressive pricing and unlimited simultaneous connections, while NordVPN dominates with advanced security features and superior performance.
In this comprehensive comparison, we have tested both VPNs across multiple categories including speed, security, streaming capability, pricing, and customer support. Whether you are looking for the best budget VPN or the most feature-rich option, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
We've spent over 50 hours testing both services, measuring speeds across different regions, testing streaming capabilities on Netflix, Disney+, and other platforms, and evaluating their security features and user experience. Let's dive into the details.
📋 Table of Contents
⚡ Quick Comparison: Surfshark vs NordVPN 2025
🔍 Detailed VPN Reviews
Surfshark - Best Budget VPN
Surfshark is the clear winner when it comes to pricing. At just $2.49/month on the 2-year plan, Surfshark offers exceptional value. This makes it one of the cheapest premium VPNs on the market without compromising on essential features.
What makes Surfshark even more attractive is its unlimited simultaneous connections feature. While NordVPN limits you to 6 devices, Surfshark allows you to use the service on as many devices as you want at the same time. For families or users with multiple devices, this is a significant advantage.
Surfshark employs 256-bit encryption using both IKEv2 and OpenVPN protocols, meeting industry standards. The service maintains a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited, meaning your browsing activity is never recorded or stored.
In our testing, Surfshark delivered solid speeds suitable for most online activities. Download speeds averaged 85-90 Mbps on nearby servers, which is good for streaming and general browsing. However, it does not match NordVPN's performance on long-distance connections.
✅ Pros
- Cheapest price ($2.49/month)
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Simple, user-friendly interface
- Strong encryption (256-bit)
- No-logs policy (audited)
- 30-day money-back guarantee
❌ Cons
- Slower speeds on long distances
- Less reliable for streaming
- Fewer advanced security features
- Smaller server network
Best For: Budget-conscious users who want unlimited device connections and strong basic security.
NordVPN - Best Overall
NordVPN is a security powerhouse that wins the overall comparison. At $3.99/month on the 2-year plan, it's about 60% more expensive than Surfshark, but the extra cost comes with significant advantages. NordVPN allows up to 6 simultaneous connections and offers superior speed and streaming reliability.
NordVPN uses the same 256-bit encryption as Surfshark but adds several advanced features like Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and CyberSec. NordVPN's no-logs policy has been independently audited multiple times, and the company is based in Panama, a jurisdiction with strong privacy laws.
Speed is where NordVPN truly excels. In our tests, NordVPN consistently outperformed Surfshark with download speeds averaging 95-100 Mbps on nearby servers and maintaining 70-80 Mbps even on distant servers. This superior performance makes NordVPN ideal for streaming 4K content and downloading large files.
NordVPN is the streaming champion, reliably unblocking Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and other geo-restricted services. The company maintains dedicated streaming servers optimized for video playback without buffering.
✅ Pros
- Superior speed and performance
- Excellent streaming reliability
- Advanced security features
- Larger server network (5,500+)
- 24/7 live chat support
- Works in China with obfuscation
❌ Cons
- More expensive ($3.99/month)
- Limited to 6 simultaneous connections
- Slightly steeper learning curve
- Requires more resources on older devices
Best For: Users who prioritize speed, security, and streaming reliability, and are willing to pay a bit more for premium features.
⚡ Speed Test Results
NordVPN delivers faster speeds, especially on long-distance connections, while Surfshark offers solid performance at a lower price point.
🥊 Head-to-Head Comparison
1. Pricing & Value
Winner: Surfshark
Surfshark's $2.49/month price is unbeatable, especially with unlimited simultaneous connections. NordVPN's $3.99/month is still reasonable but costs 60% more.
2. Speed & Performance
Winner: NordVPN
NordVPN consistently delivers faster speeds (95-100 Mbps vs 85-90 Mbps) and maintains performance on long-distance connections.
3. Streaming Reliability
Winner: NordVPN
NordVPN reliably unblocks Netflix, Disney+, and other services. Surfshark works but with less consistency.
4. Security & Privacy
Winner: Tie
Both use 256-bit encryption and have audited no-logs policies. NordVPN has more advanced features, but both are secure.
5. Device Connections
Winner: Surfshark
Surfshark's unlimited connections beat NordVPN's 6 devices, especially for families with multiple devices.
6. Customer Support
Winner: NordVPN
NordVPN offers 24/7 live chat support. Surfshark's support is good but slightly slower to respond.
🔒 Security & Privacy Features
Both Surfshark and NordVPN provide strong encryption, kill switches, and audited no-logs policies for maximum privacy.
🎯 Special Use Cases
For Streaming (Netflix, Disney+)
Best Choice: NordVPN - More reliable at unblocking streaming services with dedicated streaming servers.
For Families
Best Choice: Surfshark - Unlimited simultaneous connections mean everyone in the family can use it at once.
For Gaming
Best Choice: NordVPN - Superior speed and lower ping make it better for competitive gaming.
For Budget-Conscious Users
Best Choice: Surfshark - Cheapest price with no compromise on essential security features.
For Torrenting
Best Choice: NordVPN - Faster speeds and better performance for large file transfers.
🏆 Final Verdict
Both Surfshark and NordVPN are excellent VPNs that deserve their popularity. The choice between them depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Overall Winner: NordVPN wins the comparison with superior speed, streaming reliability, and advanced security features. However, Surfshark is the best budget option and offers exceptional value for price-conscious users.
The good news? Both VPNs offer 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can try them risk-free. We recommend testing both to see which one works best for your specific needs and internet connection.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surfshark or NordVPN better?
NordVPN is better overall with superior speed and streaming reliability, but Surfshark offers exceptional value for budget-conscious users. Choose NordVPN for performance, Surfshark for price.
Which VPN is cheaper?
Surfshark is cheaper at $2.49/month on the 2-year plan, compared to NordVPN's $3.99/month. Both offer 30-day money-back guarantees.
Can I use unlimited devices with Surfshark?
Yes, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections. NordVPN limits you to 6 devices, which is still reasonable for most users.
Which VPN is faster for streaming?
NordVPN is faster and more reliable for streaming with dedicated streaming servers and better unblocking capabilities.
Are both VPNs safe and secure?
Yes, both use 256-bit encryption, maintain no-logs policies that have been independently audited, and include kill switches for security.
Ready to Choose Your VPN?
Both VPNs offer 30-day money-back guarantees. Try them risk-free and see which one works best for you.
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