2026

NordVPN vs Surfshark

NordVPN and Surfshark compared side by side: protection, performance, pricing, and features. Which antivirus suits you better?

NordVPN

9.1

/ 10

NordVPN is one of the most recognized VPN providers worldwide, offering over 6,000 servers in 111 countries. The software delivers high speeds via the NordLynx protocol, strict no-logs policy, and advanced features like Double VPN and Threat Protection. Particularly suited for streaming, gaming, and privacy-conscious users. The 2-year plan offers the best monthly rate.

1st Year PriceCHF 71.90 RenewalCHF 142.90 PlatformsWindows, Mac, Android, iPhone / iPad

Protection 9.6

Performance 9.3

Best for 9.1

First-year price 8.5

Key features 9.5

Support 8.8

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Surfshark

9.1

/ 10

Surfshark stands out with unlimited simultaneous connections – ideal for families and shared households. The Surfshark One suite combines VPN, antivirus, search engine, and alert system. Speeds are very good and the server network spans over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. The value proposition is among the best on the market, especially on the 2-year plan.

1st Year PriceCHF 59.90 RenewalCHF 119.90 PlatformsWindows, Mac, Android, iPhone / iPad

Protection 9.2

Performance 9.0

Best for 9.2

First-year price 9.4

Key features 9.1

Support 8.5

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Our Verdict

NordVPN and Surfshark are evenly matched.

Both products are evenly matched – the decision depends on your personal requirements.

Our verdict

NordVPN and Surfshark come out tied at 9.1 out of 10 in our rating. The decision should not hinge on overall score but on your concrete needs.

On price, NordVPN currently sits at CHF 72 in year one, Surfshark at CHF 60. Watch the renewal price closely: both are transparently listed in the table above and matter more long-term than the introductory price.

Strength profiles: NordVPN scores highest on protection, Surfshark on price-performance. If you care most about one of those dimensions, the choice is clear. For all-round needs, either product is a safe pick.

Feature-by-feature comparison

Criterion	NordVPN	Surfshark
Real-time protection	Yes	Yes
Built-in VPN	No	No
Password manager	No	No
Anti-tracking / anti-phishing	No	No
Parental controls	No	No
Identity protection	No	No
Low system impact	No	No
Platforms	Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone / iPad	Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone / iPad
Number of devices (standard licence)	10	999
System impact in daily use	Very low	Very low

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Frequently asked questions about NordVPN vs Surfshark

Which scores higher on protection, NordVPN or Surfshark?

Both reach top scores in AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives – the differences are small. The exact scores are in the comparison table above.

Which is cheaper in year 1 and on renewal – NordVPN or Surfshark?

Look at the price columns above: year-one price and renewal price are stated transparently side by side. The renewal delta is often the bigger cost factor over 3 years.

Which is better for families, NordVPN or Surfshark?

Both offer family plans for 5–10 devices. What matters: does the product have a dedicated parental-controls mode, screen-time management and a smooth setup. Details in the feature table.

Do I get better Mac/mobile support with NordVPN or Surfshark?

Platform support is listed in the comparison above. Generally: macOS performance is best with Bitdefender and Intego; Android protection is most mature with Bitdefender, Norton and Kaspersky.