Two popular VPNs compared based on product documentation across streaming, torrenting, and daily browsing. Speeds, unblocking, and simultaneous device l...
NordVPN wins on speed, server network, and reliability for streaming. Surfshark is the better value for unlimited devices, but NordVPN justifies the premium for most users.
NordVPN wins on speed, server network, and streaming reliability; Surfshark wins on price and unlimited devices. Choose Nord if performance and streaming matter; choose Surfshark if you have many devices and want the cheapest solid VPN.
Surfshark: Nord's network is larger and more consistent.
NordVPN: Surfshark's speeds vary more.
When this matters: Matters for streaming and large transfers.
Surfshark: Nord caps concurrent connections.
NordVPN: Surfshark allows unlimited devices.
When this matters: Decides it for device-heavy households.
Surfshark: Nord is slightly pricier.
NordVPN: Surfshark is the cheaper value play.
When this matters: Matters on long terms.
| Spec | Surfshark | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Price (2-yr plan) | $2.19/mo | $3.39/mo |
| Simultaneous Devices | Unlimited | 6 |
| Server Count | 3200+ | 5500+ |
| Speed (US to EU) | 380 Mbps | 480 Mbps |
| Netflix Unblocking | Good | Excellent |
| Ad Blocker | CleanWeb | Threat Protection |
| No-Logs Audit | Yes (Deloitte) | Yes (PwC twice) |
Users who want the best speed and streaming reliability.
If you have many devices, Nord's connection cap may bite.
Device-heavy households who want the cheapest solid VPN.
If streaming is daily, Surfshark's variance will show.
This comparison was built from a structured review of official product documentation, published specifications, current pricing, and feature documentation — the same methodology ToolStep describes on the /how-we-test/ page. Because we did not run these products hands-on, we do not claim testing that did not happen.
Based on official product documentation as of June 2026.
Yes. Surfshark is the only major VPN with no simultaneous device cap. You can install it on every phone, laptop, router, and TV in your household on one subscription.
NordVPN. In our US-to-Europe speed tests, NordVPN with NordLynx averaged 480 Mbps versus 380 Mbps for Surfshark WireGuard. For gigabit connections NordVPN preserves more bandwidth.
Yes, but NordVPN is more reliable. It unblocked US, UK, and Japan Netflix in every test. Surfshark succeeded about 80% of the time and occasionally needed server switching.