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How we tested
We used each tool over 3 months with real accounts. We evaluated signup flow, core features, support responsiveness, and pricing transparency. We never accept payment for positive reviews.
Read our full methodology →NordVPN and Surfshark are the two most-recommended VPNs on the internet. They’re owned by the same parent company, which makes the comparison even more interesting — they’re siblings fighting for the same customers.
So which one should you pick? It depends on what you value most.
What we tested
We used both VPNs for three months across three locations: a home office with fiber internet, a hotel Wi-Fi network, and a café with spotty public Wi-Fi. We tested speed, streaming reliability, connection stability, and support responsiveness.
Quick Verdict
Choose NordVPN if you want the fastest speeds and the most polished experience. It’s the better choice for streaming and power users.
Choose Surfshark if you want unlimited device connections at a lower price. It’s the better value for families and anyone with a lot of devices.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Fastest in our tests | Fast, but slightly behind |
| Device Limit | 10 devices | Unlimited devices |
| Price (2-year plan) | ~$3.99/month | ~$2.49/month |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Server Locations | 6,000+ servers, 60+ countries | 3,200+ servers, 100+ countries |
| Streaming | Excellent | Very Good |
| Best For | Speed and reliability | Value and families |
NordVPN: The Speed King
NordVPN is consistently the fastest VPN we’ve tested. In our home office test, NordVPN averaged 412 Mbps on a 500 Mbps connection — only a 17% drop. If you’re streaming 4K video or downloading large files, that speed matters.
Pros:
- Fastest speeds in our testing
- 6,000+ servers across 60+ countries
- Excellent streaming support (Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more)
- Strong security with independent audits
Cons:
- Only 10 devices on one account
- Slightly more expensive than Surfshark
Who it’s for: Power users, streamers, and anyone who prioritizes speed above all else.
Surfshark: The Value Champion
Surfshark’s headline feature is simple: unlimited devices on one account. For a family with phones, laptops, tablets, and smart TVs, that’s a genuine advantage.
In our hotel Wi-Fi test, Surfshark held a steady connection for the full four-hour work session. NordVPN dropped twice in the same period. For reliability on unstable networks, Surfshark was the winner in that specific scenario.
Pros:
- Unlimited devices on one account
- Lower price point
- Servers in 100+ countries
- Clean, easy-to-use apps
Cons:
- Slightly slower than NordVPN
- Streaming support is good, but not quite as reliable
Who it’s for: Families, people with many devices, and anyone who wants solid protection without paying extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are NordVPN and Surfshark owned by the same company? Yes. Both are owned by Nord Security. However, they operate as separate products with separate apps, servers, and pricing.
Which VPN is faster, NordVPN or Surfshark? NordVPN was faster in our tests, averaging 412 Mbps on a 500 Mbps connection. Surfshark averaged 358 Mbps.
Which is better for families? Surfshark, because it offers unlimited device connections on a single account. NordVPN limits you to 10 devices.
Do both offer money-back guarantees? Yes. Both offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test either one risk-free.
The Bottom Line
Both VPNs are excellent, and you genuinely can’t go wrong with either. The decision comes down to one question: do you need more than 10 devices?
- If yes, go with Surfshark.
- If no, and you want the fastest possible speeds, go with NordVPN.
Either way, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test both risk-free.
About the author: Dawood is the Founder & Lead Reviewer of StackCompare.Learn more about our testing process →