As someone who’s extensively tested both VPN services for my corporate clients and personal use, I want to share my insights about NordVPN and Surfshark. Despite their 2022 merger under Nord Security, these VPNs maintain separate operations and distinct features. Let me break down exactly what you get with each service.
During my testing of both services, I’ve noticed significant differences in their server infrastructure:
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Number of servers | 7100+ | 3200+ |
| Covered countries | 118 | 100 |
| Lowest monthly price | $3.39 with a two-year plan | $2.19 with a two-year plan |
| Simultaneous connections | 10 | Unlimited |
| AI-based phishing protection | Yes | No |
| Antivirus | No | Yes |
| GPS Spoofing | No | Yes |
Server Network and Global Coverage
NordVPN:
- 7,100+ servers (I’ve personally tested servers across multiple continents)
- Coverage in 118 countries
- More server options in popular locations
- Consistently stable connections in my experience
Surfshark:
- 3,200+ servers
- Presence in 100 countries
- Smaller but well-distributed network
- Strong performance despite fewer servers
Pricing and Value Comparison
Let’s talk about what matters to many users – the cost. I’ve maintained subscriptions to both services, and here’s the current pricing breakdown:
NordVPN:
- 2-year plan: $3.39/month
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Higher initial price point
- Regular promotional offers
Surfshark:
- 2-year plan: $2.19/month
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- More budget-friendly option
- Frequent special deals
Pro tip: I’ve found that both providers often offer better deals during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.
Security Features and Privacy
Having conducted extensive security testing on both platforms, here’s what stands out:
NordVPN Exclusive Features:
- AI-based phishing protection (I’ve found this particularly useful for avoiding sophisticated scams)
- Meshnet for secure local network connections
- More dedicated IP locations
- Regular third-party security audits
Surfshark Exclusive Features:
- Built-in antivirus functionality
- GPS spoofing capabilities
- Unlimited device connections
- CleanWeb feature for ad blocking
Both services share these essential security features:
- AES-256 encryption
- Strict no-logs policy
- RAM-only servers
- Independent security audits
Performance and Speed
In my recent speed tests across multiple locations:
NordVPN:
- Lower local server ping times
- Excellent performance on nearby servers
- Consistent speeds across long-distance connections
- Better gaming performance in my tests
Surfshark:
- Comparable overall speeds
- Strong performance on local connections
- Slightly higher ping times
- Great streaming performance
Extra Features and Tools
Both services go beyond basic VPN functionality. Here’s what each offers:
NordVPN Additional Features:
- Advanced threat protection
- Split tunneling
- Smart DNS
- Dedicated IP options (more locations)
- Double VPN
Surfshark Additional Features:
- Antivirus integration
- GPS spoofing
- Smart DNS
- Split tunneling
- Unlimited device connections
Which One Should You Choose?
Based on my experience with both services, here’s my recommendation:
Choose NordVPN if you:
- Need the largest server network
- Want AI-based phishing protection
- Prefer slightly faster gaming connections
- Need specific dedicated IP locations
Choose Surfshark if you:
- Want the most budget-friendly option
- Need unlimited device connections
- Want integrated antivirus protection
- Require GPS spoofing capabilities
Conclusion
While both NordVPN and Surfshark are excellent VPN services, your choice should depend on your specific needs. NordVPN offers a larger network and some unique security features, while Surfshark provides better value and unlimited connections. Despite their merger, they maintain distinct identities and continue to innovate independently.
Remember, both services offer money-back guarantees (I’ve tested them – they’re legitimate), so you can try either one risk-free. For the best deals, keep an eye out for special promotions and seasonal sales, which can significantly reduce the subscription costs.
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