Surfshark vs ProtonVPN: Best VPN for Your Needs in 2026

Picking the right VPN depends on your specific needs and budget. Surfshark vs ProtonVPN represents a choice between unlimited device flexibility at lower costs versus Swiss-based privacy with transparent open-source code. Both services protect your online activity with strong encryption and no-logs policies. This comparison breaks down every major difference to help you match features with your priorities.

What is the Main Difference Between Surfshark and ProtonVPN?

The main difference between Surfshark and ProtonVPN is that Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous device connections at a lower price point, while ProtonVPN focuses on Swiss-based privacy with a free tier and stronger emphasis on security infrastructure built by the same team behind ProtonMail.

What is Surfshark and What is ProtonVPN?

Surfshark is a VPN service founded in 2018 and headquartered in the Netherlands. It has quickly grown into one of the most popular VPN providers. The service operates over 3,200 servers across 100 countries. Surfshark stands out for its budget-friendly pricing and unlimited device policy. It uses RAM-only servers that wipe data on every reboot.

ProtonVPN launched in 2017 from the team behind ProtonMail. It operates under Swiss jurisdiction, known for strong privacy laws. ProtonVPN runs about 4,000+ servers in 91 countries. The company offers a free tier with no data limits. ProtonVPN places heavy emphasis on transparency and open-source code. All apps have been independently audited.

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Key Differences Between Surfshark and ProtonVPN

1. Device Connections: Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections while ProtonVPN caps connections at 10 devices on paid plans.
2. Headquarters Location: Surfshark operates from the Netherlands while ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland with stricter privacy protections.
3. Free Plan Availability: ProtonVPN offers a functional free tier with unlimited data while Surfshark has no free version.
4. Server Network Size: ProtonVPN maintains over 4,000 servers while Surfshark runs approximately 3,200 servers worldwide.
5. Pricing Structure: Surfshark typically costs less per month on long-term plans compared to ProtonVPN’s premium tiers.
6. Open-Source Status: ProtonVPN apps are fully open-source and audited while Surfshark keeps its code proprietary.
7. Secure Core Feature: ProtonVPN routes traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries while Surfshark uses standard MultiHop.
8. Company Background: ProtonVPN comes from CERN scientists focused on privacy while Surfshark emerged as a commercial VPN startup.
9. Payment Options: Surfshark accepts more cryptocurrency options while ProtonVPN accepts Bitcoin and cash payments.

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Key Similarities Between Surfshark and ProtonVPN

1. No-Logs Policy: Both providers maintain strict no-logs policies and have undergone independent audits to verify these claims.
2. Kill Switch Feature: Both services offer automatic kill switches that block internet traffic if the VPN connection drops.
3. Split Tunneling: Both Surfshark and ProtonVPN allow users to choose which apps use the VPN and which connect directly.
4. WireGuard Protocol: Both providers support WireGuard protocol for faster speeds alongside OpenVPN and IKEv2 options.
5. Ad and Malware Blocking: Both offer built-in blockers—Surfshark has CleanWeb while ProtonVPN has NetShield.
6. Streaming Support: Both services can bypass geo-restrictions on major streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer.
7. Money-Back Guarantee: Both offer 30-day money-back guarantees on all paid subscription plans.

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Features of Surfshark vs Features of ProtonVPN

1. Surfshark CleanWeb vs ProtonVPN NetShield: Both block ads and malware but NetShield offers more granular control.
2. Surfshark MultiHop vs ProtonVPN Secure Core: Both route through multiple servers but Secure Core uses hardened infrastructure.
3. Surfshark Whitelister vs ProtonVPN Split Tunneling: Both allow app-based VPN bypass with similar functionality.
4. Surfshark Camouflage vs ProtonVPN Stealth: Both disguise VPN traffic to bypass detection and blocking.
5. Surfshark Rotating IP vs ProtonVPN Random NAT: Different approaches to IP address privacy enhancement.
6. Surfshark Alert vs ProtonVPN Sentinel: Surfshark offers breach monitoring while ProtonVPN focuses on blocking malicious sites.
7. Surfshark Search vs ProtonVPN Integration: Surfshark has private search while ProtonVPN integrates with Proton ecosystem.

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Pros of Surfshark Over ProtonVPN

1. Unlimited Devices: Connect as many devices as you want on a single subscription without restrictions.
2. Lower Cost: Monthly and annual plans generally cost less than equivalent ProtonVPN tiers.
3. GPS Spoofing: Android app can override GPS location data, not just IP address.
4. Rotating IP Feature: Automatically changes your IP address at set intervals for added privacy.
5. Camouflage Mode: Hides VPN usage from your ISP by disguising VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic.
6. Browser Extensions: Offers Chrome and Firefox extensions with independent functionality from the main app.
7. NoBorders Mode: Automatically activates special servers in restrictive regions to bypass censorship.

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Cons of Surfshark Compared to ProtonVPN

1. No Free Tier: You must pay to use any Surfshark features while ProtonVPN offers a free option.
2. Netherlands Jurisdiction: Located in an EU country with data retention directives unlike Switzerland.
3. Closed Source Code: Apps are not open-source so independent code review is limited.
4. Newer Company: Less established track record compared to the ProtonVPN team’s history.
5. Smaller Server Network: Fewer total servers than ProtonVPN’s infrastructure.
6. No Secure Core Equivalent: MultiHop exists but lacks the privacy-focused routing of Secure Core servers.
7. Customer Support Hours: Live chat is not always available 24/7 depending on demand.

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Pros of ProtonVPN Over Surfshark

1. Swiss Jurisdiction: Benefits from Switzerland’s strong privacy laws outside EU and US surveillance alliances.
2. Free Tier Available: Offers unlimited bandwidth free plan with servers in three countries.
3. Open-Source Apps: All applications are open-source and have been independently audited.
4. Secure Core Servers: Routes traffic through hardened servers in Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden first.
5. Tor Over VPN: Built-in support for accessing Tor network directly through VPN servers.
6. ProtonMail Integration: Seamless integration with other Proton privacy services like email and calendar.
7. Physical Security: Secure Core servers are housed in bunkers and underground data centers.

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Cons of ProtonVPN Compared to Surfshark

1. Device Limits: Maximum of 10 devices on highest tier versus Surfshark’s unlimited connections.
2. Higher Price: Premium plans cost more than Surfshark’s equivalent offerings.
3. Smaller Country Coverage: Available in 91 countries versus Surfshark’s presence in 100 countries.
4. Limited Free Plan: Free tier only accesses servers in Netherlands, Japan, and United States.
5. No GPS Spoofing: Cannot override device GPS data on mobile apps.
6. Fewer Browser Features: Browser extensions have less functionality than Surfshark’s offerings.
7. Slower Free Servers: Free tier servers can be congested and slower during peak times.

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Situations When Surfshark is Better Than ProtonVPN

1. Large Households: Families with many devices benefit from unlimited simultaneous connections.
2. Budget-Conscious Users: Those wanting premium VPN features at lower monthly costs.
3. Gaming on Mobile: GPS spoofing helps access region-locked mobile games.
4. Living in Censored Regions: NoBorders mode automatically adapts to restrictive networks.
5. Browser-Only Protection: Users who want full-featured browser extension without desktop app.
6. Frequent IP Changes: Those needing rotating IPs for web scraping or privacy enhancement.
7. Small Business Use: Companies can protect all employee devices on one subscription.

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Situations When ProtonVPN is Better Than Surfshark

1. Privacy Purists: Users who prioritize Swiss jurisdiction and open-source transparency.
2. Testing Before Buying: Those who want to try a VPN without payment commitment.
3. Tor Users: People who regularly access the Tor network for anonymous browsing.
4. Proton Ecosystem Users: Those already using ProtonMail or Proton Drive services.
5. High-Risk Users: Journalists or activists who need Secure Core server protection.
6. Security Researchers: Those who want to audit the VPN code themselves.
7. Corporate Security: Organizations needing audited, transparent security infrastructure.

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Setting Up Your VPN for Maximum Protection

Getting your VPN configured correctly matters for your online safety. A few simple adjustments can make a big difference in how well your privacy stays protected.

Choosing the Right Protocol

Each VPN protocol has different strengths. WireGuard offers the fastest speeds and modern encryption standards. OpenVPN remains the most battle-tested option with years of security scrutiny behind it.

Your choice should depend on your priorities. Pick WireGuard for streaming and gaming. Choose OpenVPN if you need maximum compatibility with older systems.

Configuring Kill Switch Settings

The kill switch prevents data leaks if your VPN drops unexpectedly. Both Surfshark and ProtonVPN include this feature in their apps. Enable it immediately after installation.

Some users disable the kill switch for convenience. This creates a risk window where your real IP could leak. Keep it active at all times for consistent protection.

Testing Your Connection

After connecting, verify your VPN is working properly. Use IP checking websites to confirm your location has changed. DNS leak tests reveal if your queries are properly protected.

Run these tests periodically, not just at setup. VPN connections can sometimes fail silently. Regular testing catches issues before they expose your data.

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Optimizing VPN Performance for Daily Use

Speed and reliability affect how often you actually use your VPN. Poor performance leads many users to disable protection at the worst times.

Server Selection Strategies

Distance impacts speed significantly. Choose servers geographically close to your actual location for routine browsing. Switch to specific country servers only when you need that location.

Both providers show server load percentages. Avoid heavily loaded servers during peak hours. Less popular locations often provide better speeds than major city servers.

Balancing Security and Speed

Higher encryption levels reduce connection speeds. Most users can rely on default settings without adjustment. Only reduce security if you have specific performance requirements.

Streaming typically works fine on standard settings. Large file downloads may benefit from switching to WireGuard protocol. Gaming often requires the lowest latency servers available.

Managing Battery and Resources

VPN apps consume battery and processing power. This matters most on mobile devices and older laptops. ProtonVPN’s free tier works well for light mobile use.

Close the VPN app completely when not needed on battery-powered devices. Both services offer auto-connect features that restart protection when you return. This balances security with device longevity.

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Understanding VPN Encryption Standards

Encryption protects your data from interception during transmission. Both Surfshark and ProtonVPN use industry-standard methods that have proven reliable over time.

AES-256 Encryption Explained

AES-256 is the encryption standard used by governments and financial institutions. Both providers use this for their OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols. No practical attacks against AES-256 currently exist.

This encryption level converts your data into unreadable code. Only your device and the VPN server hold the keys to decrypt it. Third parties see only scrambled information.

WireGuard’s ChaCha20 Implementation

WireGuard uses ChaCha20-Poly1305 instead of AES. This cipher performs better on devices without hardware AES acceleration. Most mobile devices benefit from this implementation.

ChaCha20 offers equivalent security to AES-256. The main advantage is speed on certain hardware types. Both ciphers resist all known cryptographic attacks.

Perfect Forward Secrecy

Both services implement perfect forward secrecy. This generates new encryption keys for each session. Past sessions remain protected even if future keys get compromised.

This feature limits damage from potential security breaches. Attackers cannot decrypt historical traffic. Your browsing history stays protected regardless of future vulnerabilities.

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Comparing Mobile App Experiences

Mobile usage differs significantly from desktop VPN use. App design and battery efficiency matter more than raw feature counts on smartphones.

Android App Differences

Surfshark’s Android app includes GPS spoofing. ProtonVPN lacks this feature entirely. This matters for location-based apps and games.

Both apps support split tunneling on Android. You can exclude banking apps or specific services from the VPN tunnel. This reduces conflicts with apps that block VPN connections.

iOS App Limitations

Apple restricts certain VPN features on iOS. Neither provider can offer GPS spoofing on iPhones. Split tunneling options are also more limited.

ProtonVPN’s iOS app includes all core features despite restrictions. Surfshark’s iOS app works similarly to its Android version minus GPS features. Both connect reliably and quickly.

Widget and Quick Settings Support

Both providers offer widgets for faster connections. Surfshark has home screen widgets on Android and iOS. ProtonVPN supports quick settings tiles for one-tap activation.

These shortcuts make consistent VPN use more practical. Reducing friction encourages regular protection habits. Find the activation method that fits your daily routine.

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FAQs

Is Surfshark or ProtonVPN faster for streaming?

Speed varies by server location and current load. Generally, Surfshark performs slightly better for streaming due to optimized servers specifically labeled for media platforms. ProtonVPN Plus tier also handles streaming well, but free tier users will experience slower speeds due to server congestion. Test servers near your location for best results with either provider.

Can I use the ProtonVPN free tier for Netflix?

ProtonVPN’s free tier does not support streaming services. Netflix and other platforms are only accessible on paid Plus and Unlimited plans. The free tier provides basic privacy protection but blocks access to streaming-optimized servers. Upgrading unlocks servers in more countries and removes streaming restrictions.

Does Surfshark work in China?

Surfshark’s NoBorders mode helps bypass the Great Firewall of China. Success rates vary depending on current censorship levels. Connect to NoBorders servers before entering China for best results. The service actively maintains servers that work in restricted regions, though no VPN guarantees 100% reliability there.

Which VPN has better customer support?

Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat support on its website. ProtonVPN provides email-based support with detailed response times depending on your plan tier. Surfshark generally responds faster to immediate issues. ProtonVPN’s support knowledge tends to be more technically detailed for complex problems.

Are both VPNs safe for torrenting?

Yes, both allow P2P file sharing on designated servers. Surfshark permits torrenting on most servers worldwide. ProtonVPN restricts P2P to specific server locations marked in the app. Both provide kill switches and leak protection needed for safe torrenting activities.

Can I pay anonymously for either service?

Both accept cryptocurrency payments for increased privacy. Surfshark accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other coins through payment processors. ProtonVPN accepts Bitcoin directly and even cash payments mailed to their Swiss office. Anonymous payment prevents financial records linking to your VPN account.

Do these VPNs work on routers?

Both services support router installation. This protects all devices on your home network including smart TVs and gaming consoles. Surfshark and ProtonVPN provide setup guides for popular router firmware. Router installation counts as one device connection on your account.

Which service updates more frequently?

ProtonVPN maintains a regular update schedule with transparent changelogs. Surfshark also updates frequently but with less detailed public documentation. Both have improved significantly over the past year. ProtonVPN’s open-source nature means updates can be verified by anyone.

Is WireGuard available on both services?

Yes, both Surfshark and ProtonVPN support WireGuard protocol. Surfshark uses WireGuard as default on most platforms. ProtonVPN enables WireGuard in settings across all apps. Both implementations provide faster speeds than older protocols.

Surfshark vs ProtonVPN Summary

Surfshark and ProtonVPN both deliver solid VPN protection with different strengths. Surfshark wins on value with unlimited devices and lower pricing. ProtonVPN leads in transparency with open-source apps and Swiss privacy laws. Budget users and large families benefit most from Surfshark. Privacy advocates and Proton ecosystem users should choose ProtonVPN. Both services handle streaming, torrenting, and basic privacy needs effectively. Your final choice depends on whether you prioritize cost savings or maximum transparency in your VPN provider.

Surfshark vs ProtonVPN Comparison Table

Aspect	Surfshark	ProtonVPN
Device Limit	Unlimited	10 devices max
Starting Price	~$2.49/month	~$4.99/month
Free Plan	No	Yes
Server Count	3,200+	4,000+
Countries	100	91
Jurisdiction	Netherlands	Switzerland
Open Source	No	Yes
Kill Switch	Yes	Yes
WireGuard Support	Yes	Yes
Split Tunneling	Yes	Yes
Ad Blocker	CleanWeb	NetShield
Multi-Hop	Yes	Secure Core
GPS Spoofing	Android only	No
Streaming Support	Yes	Yes (paid only)
Tor Integration	No	Yes
Money-Back Period	30 days	30 days