Surfshark vs NordVPN: Same Company, Fake Competition
Table of Contents
You’re searching “Surfshark vs NordVPN” because you want to choose between two popular VPNs.
Here’s the problem: They’re both owned by the same company (NordSec since 2022). You’re comparing two products from the same owner pretending to compete. It’s marketing theater.
My recommendation hierarchy:
- Mullvad - No email, no account system, €5/mo forever
- ProtonVPN - Swiss jurisdiction, open source
- Surfshark - If you must choose one (unlimited devices, cheaper)
- NordVPN - Better for streaming, but same owner as Surfshark
This comparison will expose the NordSec shell game, then present actually independent alternatives that are better.
⚡ Quick Verdict: Surfshark vs NordVPN
TL;DR: Both owned by NordSec. Surfshark wins on price and unlimited devices. NordVPN wins on streaming and speed. Mullvad wins on privacy and independence.
Surfshark vs NordVPN
| Feature | Surfshark | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | NordSec | NordSec |
| Monthly Price | $15.45/mo | $12.99/mo |
| 2-Year Intro | $1.99/mo | $3.09/mo |
| Renewal | $4.98/mo | $12.99/mo |
| Renewal Increase | 150% | 320% |
| Devices | Unlimited* | 10 |
| Port Forwarding | No | No |
| Netflix Libraries | 15+ libraries | 30+ libraries |
| Been Hacked | No | Yes (2018) |
| Open Source | No | No |
| Latest Audit | Deloitte (2025) | Deloitte (2024) |
Winner: Neither - they’re the same company. Here is a map of the VPN landscape But if forced to choose: Surfshark for price/devices, NordVPN for streaming.
Why: NordSec owns both since their 2022 merger. This isn’t competition - it’s one company with two brands targeting different markets. NordVPN for premium users who want streaming, Surfshark for budget users who want unlimited devices.
The real alternative: Mullvad is actually independent, has no affiliate program, and charges €5/mo forever with no email required.
Full Disclosure: My Rankings
Mullvad (#1):
- No email required, no affiliate program, proven no-logs in police raid, actually independent
ProtonVPN (#2):
- Swiss jurisdiction, open source, port forwarding
Surfshark (#3):
- Cheaper than NordVPN, unlimited devices, but same owner (NordSec)
NordVPN (#4):
- 2018 breach they hid for a year, Panama marketing theater, closed-source apps, same owner as Surfshark
You shouldn’t trust me blindly. Verify everything I claim using the sources linked throughout this article.
The NordSec Shell Game: Same Company, Different Logos
The 2022 Merger Nobody Talks About
February 2, 2022: Nord Security and Surfshark finalized a merger agreement. The combined company operates as “Cyberspace” under Netherlands jurisdiction.
What this means:
- NordVPN, Surfshark, and AtlasVPN all owned by NordSec
- “Independent operations” with separate infrastructure (for now)
- Same corporate ownership deciding both products’ futures
- Fake competition to dominate search results
Why they claim “independence”:
Both companies claim to operate independently with separate infrastructures and product roadmaps. But they have the same owner making strategic decisions for both brands.
The strategy:
- Own multiple VPN brands
- Keep separate branding and websites
- Create illusion of competition
- Dominate “Surfshark vs NordVPN” search results
- Either way you choose, NordSec wins
Source: Surfshark merger announcement, NordVPN merger announcement
My take: This is the same playbook as in web hosting, where Newfold Digital owns Bluehost and HostGator. You’re not choosing between competitors - you’re choosing between product lines from the same company.
Surfshark vs NordVPN: The Direct Comparison
Pricing: Surfshark Wins on Value
Surfshark Pricing
Advertised pricing:
- “Starting at $1.99/month!”
Actual pricing:
- Month-to-month: $15.45/mo
- 2-year intro: $1.99/mo (requires 24-month prepayment = $48 upfront)
- Renewal: $4.98/mo (150% increase from intro)
- Annual cost after renewal: $60/year
Hidden reality:
- First term: $48 for 2 years ($1.99/mo)
- Renewal: $60/year ($4.98/mo)
- Renewal price not clearly displayed during checkout
- They email you 1 month before renewal
Source: Surfshark official pricing
NordVPN Pricing
Advertised pricing:
- “Starting at $3.09/month!”
Actual pricing:
- Month-to-month: $12.99/mo
- 2-year intro: $3.09/mo (requires 24-month prepayment = $74 upfront)
- Renewal: $12.99/mo (320% increase from intro)
- Annual cost after renewal: $156/year
Source: NordVPN official pricing
Pricing Winner
On intro pricing: Surfshark wins ($1.99 vs $3.09/mo)
On renewal pricing: Surfshark wins dramatically ($4.98 vs $12.99/mo)
On long-term cost: Surfshark saves $96/year after renewal ($60 vs $156/year)
Winner: Surfshark - significantly cheaper at every price point
Performance: NordVPN Wins on Speed
Surfshark Performance
Server network:
- ~3,200 servers in 100 countries
- Supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
- RAM-only servers
Documented performance:
- Good speeds for most connections
- Slightly slower than NordVPN in direct tests
- Consistent performance, fewer disconnects than NordVPN reports
NordVPN Performance
Server network:
- ~7,900 servers in 118 countries
- NordLynx protocol (WireGuard-based)
- RAM-only servers
Documented performance:
- Average speed: Up to 892 Mbps on fast connections
- Generally faster than Surfshark in testing
- Some Reddit users report random disconnects on iOS/Mac
Performance Winner
On speed: NordVPN is faster On server count: NordVPN has more servers (~7,900 vs ~3,200) On reliability: Surfshark has fewer reported disconnect issues
Winner: NordVPN for raw performance
Streaming Services & Connected Devices
Surfshark Streaming & Devices
Streaming services that work:
- Netflix: 15+ libraries (US, UK, Mexico, Japan, etc.)
- Disney+: Works
- Amazon Prime Video: Works
- Hulu: Works
- HBO Max: Works
- BBC iPlayer: Struggles (gets blocked more often than Nord according to Reddit)
- 50+ streaming platforms supported
Simultaneous connections: Unlimited (with practical limit ~50 devices before auto-suspension for verification)
Supported platforms:
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- iOS, Android
- Android TV, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV
- Smart TVs
- Routers
- Browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
Streaming verdict: Works with most services but Netflix library count lower than NordVPN
NordVPN Streaming & Devices
Streaming services that work:
- Netflix: 30+ libraries (US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Japan, Australia, India, Italy, etc.)
- Disney+: Works reliably
- Amazon Prime Video: Works
- Hulu: Works (US servers)
- HBO Max: Works with obfuscated servers
- BBC iPlayer: Works (400+ UK servers in 4 cities)
- SmartPlay technology: Auto-bypasses geo-blocks
Simultaneous connections: 10 devices
Supported platforms:
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- iOS, Android
- Android TV, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV
- Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, etc.)
- Gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
- Routers
- Browser extensions
Streaming verdict: Best streaming VPN - unlocks 30+ Netflix libraries vs Surfshark’s 15+
Streaming & Devices Winner
Winner: NordVPN for Netflix variety (30+ vs 15+ libraries)
However: Surfshark wins on device count (unlimited vs 10)
Trade-off: Choose Surfshark if you have many devices, NordVPN if you want more Netflix regions.
Torrenting & P2P: Both Suck (No Port Forwarding)
Surfshark Torrenting
P2P support:
- Allows torrenting on all servers
- No port forwarding (explicitly removed for “security reasons”)
- Can’t seed effectively without port forwarding
- Good for casual downloaders, bad for power seeders
DMCA policy:
- Netherlands jurisdiction (where Cyberspace/NordSec is based)
- No-logs policy verified by Deloitte 2025
- Can’t identify users from legal requests
Speeds:
- Decent for downloading
- Slow/impossible for seeding (no port forwarding)
Verdict: Casual torrenting only, no seeding.
NordVPN Torrenting
P2P support:
- Allows torrenting on dedicated P2P servers
- No port forwarding (removed for security reasons)
- Can’t seed effectively without port forwarding
- Good for casual downloaders, bad for power seeders
DMCA policy:
- Panama jurisdiction = no DMCA compliance required
- No-logs policy verified by Deloitte 2024
- Can’t identify users from legal requests
Speeds:
- Fast for downloading
- Slow/impossible for seeding (no port forwarding)
Verdict: Casual torrenting only, no seeding.
Source: Surfshark port forwarding, NordVPN no port forwarding
Torrenting Winner
Winner: Neither - both removed port forwarding
If you seed torrents or need port forwarding, use ProtonVPN (has port forwarding) or Mullvad (also has port forwarding).
Customer Support: NordVPN Wins on Availability
Surfshark Support
Live chat:
- 24/7 availability
- Response time: Under 1 minute connection to agent
- Quality: Generally helpful
Refund policy:
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Full refund within 30 days (not prorated)
- Only applies to first purchase (renewals not refundable)
- Excludes: Prepaid cards, gift cards, certain resellers
How to get refund:
- Contact live chat (fastest)
- Request refund within 30 days
Support score: 8/10 (24/7 live chat, fast responses, full refund)
NordVPN Support
Live chat:
- 24/7 availability
- Response time: Usually within 2-3 minutes
- Quality: Helpful and accurate according to reviews
Refund policy:
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Full refund within 30 days (not prorated)
- Only applies to first purchase (renewals not refundable)
How to get refund:
- Contact live chat
- Request refund within 30 days
Support score: 8/10 (24/7 live chat, fast responses, full refund)
Source: Surfshark refund policy, NordVPN refund policy
Support Winner
Winner: Tie - both have 24/7 live chat and full 30-day refunds
Security & Privacy: Both Closed Source
Surfshark Security
Apps: Closed source (you can’t verify the code)
Latest audits:
- Deloitte (June 2025): Verified no-logs claim
- Cure53 (2018, 2021): Server infrastructure audits
Privacy features:
- Kill switch
- DNS leak protection
- CleanWeb (ad-blocker)
- MultiHop (double VPN)
- Camouflage Mode (obfuscation)
Logging policy: No logs (verified by Deloitte 2025)
No breach history
NordVPN Security
Apps: Closed source (you can’t verify the code)
Latest audits:
- Deloitte (November-December 2024): Verified no-logs claim
- Cure53 (June-August 2024): Penetration test and source code review
Privacy features:
- Kill switch
- DNS leak protection
- Split tunneling
- Double VPN
- Onion over VPN
- NordWhisper (obfuscation)
Logging policy: No logs (verified by audits, proven in 2018 breach)
2018 breach: Expired TLS key compromised, no user data leaked, but hid breach for 18 months
Security Winner
Winner: Surfshark (no breach history)
NordVPN’s 2018 breach disclosure delay is still a trust issue. Surfshark has clean history.
However: Both are closed-source (can’t verify), both lack port forwarding. ProtonVPN and Mullvad are open source.
Why Both Are Wrong for You
You searched “Surfshark vs NordVPN” because:
- Both advertise privacy and no-logs
- Both have audits and certifications
- YouTubers recommend both (for the $40-100 commissions)
Here’s what they’re not telling you:
About the NordSec merger:
- Both owned by same company since 2022
- “Independent operations” is marketing spin
- Fake competition to dominate search results
- Same owner decides both products’ futures
About both VPNs:
- Closed-source apps (can’t verify what they do)
- No port forwarding (useless for seeding)
- Neither is Swiss or Swedish (just registered there)
- Both have affiliate programs driving recommendations
The better question: “What VPN is actually independent and doesn’t pay commissions?”
What You Should Actually Use Instead
If You Need Hardcore Privacy
Don’t use: Surfshark or NordVPN - both owned by NordSec, both closed-source
Use instead: Mullvad
Why:
- No email required: Random 16-digit account number
- No affiliate program: Actually independent
- Pay with cash: Mail €5 in an envelope (or crypto, cards)
- €5/month forever: No intro discount, no renewal increase
- Open source: Apps verifiable on GitHub
- Port forwarding: Available for torrenting/seeding
- Proven no-logs: 2023 Swedish police raid found nothing
- Actually independent: Not owned by NordSec or anyone else
If You Need Streaming + Privacy
Don’t use: Mullvad (doesn’t try to unblock streaming)
Use instead: ProtonVPN
Why:
- Swiss jurisdiction with real privacy laws
- Open-source apps (verifiable)
- Port forwarding for torrenting
- Works with 10 Netflix libraries + major streaming services
- No breach history
- Actually independent (not owned by NordSec)
If You Must Choose Between Surfshark and NordVPN
Choose Surfshark if:
- You need unlimited devices (vs NordVPN’s 10)
- You want lower renewal price ($4.98 vs $12.99/mo)
- You don’t care about Netflix library variety (15+ is enough)
Choose NordVPN if:
- You want more Netflix libraries (30+ vs 15+)
- You need slightly faster speeds
- You only need 10 devices max
But honestly: Both are owned by NordSec. You’re choosing between product lines from the same company.
Real User Experiences: Reddit Reality
Surfshark User Complaints
From Reddit (2024-2025):
Common issues:
- BBC iPlayer often blocked (more than NordVPN)
- Streaming services block Surfshark more often than NordVPN
- P2P sessions can leak true IP without proper torrent client configuration
- Unlimited devices has practical limit (~50) before account suspension for verification
Positive feedback:
- Affordable pricing
- Unlimited device policy appreciated
- Good for basic privacy needs
Pattern: Users appreciate the value but complain about streaming reliability compared to NordVPN.
NordVPN User Complaints
From Reddit (2024-2025):
Common issues:
- Removed worldmap server selection (users miss this feature)
- Billing issues during promo periods (slow support response)
- 2018 breach trust issues persist among privacy-focused users
- Random disconnects on iOS/Mac reported
- High monthly price ($12.99/mo)
Positive feedback:
- Fast speeds for streaming
- Netflix works reliably
- Better streaming than Surfshark
Pattern: Users trust performance but question whether it’s worth 2.6x Surfshark’s renewal price.
The Common Thread
Both VPNs share these issues:
- Owned by NordSec (fake competition)
- No port forwarding (useless for seeding)
- Closed-source apps (can’t verify)
- Affiliate marketing drives recommendations
The Bottom Line: Surfshark vs NordVPN
Direct comparison verdict:
Surfshark vs NordVPN is choosing between two product lines from the same company (NordSec).
If you must choose between them: Surfshark offers better value (lower renewal price, unlimited devices). NordVPN offers better streaming (30+ Netflix libraries vs 15+).
But honestly? You’re not choosing between competitors. You’re choosing between marketing brands from the same owner.
What you should actually do:
- Need hardcore privacy? → Mullvad (€5/mo, no email)
- Need streaming + privacy? → ProtonVPN (Swiss jurisdiction, open source)
- Forced to choose? → Surfshark (better value than NordVPN, but still NordSec-owned)
Verify This Yourself
Want to see the raw data behind my claims? Check out the data spreadsheets - technical details, ownership records, pricing, and more.
Don’t trust me. Verify everything:
NordSec merger claims:
- Surfshark announcement: Surfshark-Nord merger
- NordVPN announcement: Nord Security joins Surfshark
Surfshark claims:
- Pricing: Surfshark official pricing
- 2025 audit: Deloitte no-logs verification
NordVPN claims:
- Pricing: NordVPN official pricing
- 2018 breach: Official response
- 2024 audit: Deloitte audit announcement
My commission claims:
- Surfshark affiliate program exists (verified)
- NordVPN affiliate program exists (verified)
- Mullvad has no affiliate program: Verify on their site
Better alternatives:
- Try Mullvad for €5 (no email, no commitment)
- Try ProtonVPN with 30-day money-back guarantee
- Read independent reviews on NYTimes/WireCutter and Wired
Legal Note: This comparison contains both documented facts (linked to sources) and my personal opinions based on those facts. All opinions are clearly marked as such.
Affiliate disclosure: I make money from affiliate links to ProtonVPN and NordVPN, and nothing from Mullvad because they don’t have an affiliate program. I’m ranking Mullvad highest despite no commission, and exposing that Surfshark and NordVPN are owned by the same company.
Top Comments (6)
Do you mean things like Netflix, HBO, Amazon etc?
If so then mullvad is not an option. Get Proton or even Nord instead since mullvad does not provide streaming support while Proton and Nord do.
Also if you torrent, Proton may be better option since they have port forwarding and mullvad removed port forward support a while ago.
When you sign up for an account you just get given an account number. You don't have to give them any details about yourself, not even an e-mail address, and there are ways of paying anonymously.
From what I've read elsewhere on this sub, some people do have issues with stability but personal...