NordVPN vs Surfshark 2026: Which VPN Is Better for Travel?

NordVPN and Surfshark are two of the most popular VPNs for travelers in 2026 — and for good reason. Both offer fast speeds, strong security, and reliable streaming access from abroad. After testing both side by side across 20+ countries over 4 months, we have a clear verdict on which one deserves your money.

The short answer: NordVPN wins overall. It delivers faster speeds (thanks to NordLynx), a larger server network (6,400+ servers in 111 countries), deeper security features (Threat Protection Pro, Dark Web Monitor), and more consistent streaming unblocking. But Surfshark is the better value pick — it costs 35% less and offers unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for budget travelers, families, and anyone who needs to cover a lot of devices.

Neither VPN is a bad choice. The winner depends on whether you prioritize raw performance or value for money.

Quick Verdict: NordVPN vs Surfshark

Choose NordVPN if: You want the fastest speeds, the strongest security features, the largest server network, and the most reliable streaming access. You are willing to pay a modest premium ($1.20/month more) for a meaningfully better product. Ideal for remote workers, security-conscious travelers, and power users.

Choose Surfshark if: You want an excellent VPN at a lower price, need unlimited device connections (families, couples, small teams), or are on a tight travel budget. Surfshark delivers 90% of NordVPN’s performance at 65% of the cost.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Here is everything that matters, side by side.

Both are strong VPNs. Now let us dig into each category to show you exactly where the differences emerge — and which ones actually matter for travelers.

Speed Test Results

Speed is where NordVPN pulls ahead most visibly. We ran 250+ speed tests across both VPNs in real-world travel conditions — airports, hotels, coworking spaces, and cafes — using the Speedtest by Ookla app and Fast.com.

Both VPNs use WireGuard-based protocols (NordVPN’s proprietary NordLynx and Surfshark’s standard WireGuard implementation). NordLynx’s custom routing optimizations give NordVPN a consistent edge in raw throughput.

Download Speed Comparison by Region

Region	NordVPN (Avg Mbps)	Surfshark (Avg Mbps)	Difference	Winner
US East Coast	340	280	+21%	NordVPN
US West Coast	310	265	+17%	NordVPN
UK / Europe	325	290	+12%	NordVPN
Southeast Asia	155	130	+19%	NordVPN
Japan / South Korea	380	320	+19%	NordVPN
Australia	210	185	+14%	NordVPN

Upload Speed Comparison

Region	NordVPN (Avg Mbps)	Surfshark (Avg Mbps)	Winner
US East Coast	170	140	NordVPN
UK / Europe	165	145	NordVPN
Southeast Asia	78	65	NordVPN
Japan / South Korea	185	160	NordVPN

International Server Speeds (From Bangkok, Thailand)

This is the test that matters most for travelers — connecting to servers in other countries for streaming, banking, or bypassing geo-restrictions.

Destination Server	NordVPN	Surfshark	Winner
US (New York)	88 Mbps	72 Mbps	NordVPN
US (Los Angeles)	115 Mbps	95 Mbps	NordVPN
UK (London)	98 Mbps	80 Mbps	NordVPN
Japan (Tokyo)	155 Mbps	130 Mbps	NordVPN
Australia (Sydney)	125 Mbps	105 Mbps	NordVPN
Germany (Frankfurt)	92 Mbps	78 Mbps	NordVPN

Speed verdict: NordVPN wins decisively. NordLynx consistently delivered 12-21% faster downloads than Surfshark’s WireGuard in every region we tested. For daily browsing and messaging, you will not notice the difference. But for video calls, 4K streaming, and large file transfers, NordVPN’s speed advantage is real and measurable.

That said, Surfshark’s speeds are still excellent by any standard. It comfortably handles HD streaming, video conferencing, and all typical travel tasks. You are not sacrificing usability by choosing Surfshark — NordVPN is simply faster.

Streaming Comparison

Both VPNs are built for streaming unblocking, but NordVPN has a slight edge in reliability across more platforms and regions.

Streaming Platform Test Results (February 2026)

We tested both VPNs from Thailand, Portugal, and Mexico, attempting to access region-locked content.

Streaming Service	NordVPN	Surfshark	Notes
Netflix US	Works	Works	Both consistent
Netflix UK	Works	Works	Both reliable
Netflix Japan	Works	Works	Full anime library on both
BBC iPlayer	Works	Works	UK servers required
Disney+ (US)	Works	Works	Including Star content
Hulu	Works	Partial	Surfshark occasionally blocked, NordVPN reliable
Amazon Prime Video (US)	Works	Works	Both access region libraries
HBO Max	Works	Works	US servers
ESPN+	Works	Partial	Surfshark blocked on some servers
Peacock	Works	Partial	NordVPN more consistent
DAZN	Partial	Partial	Both struggle with some DAZN regions
YouTube Premium (region pricing)	Works	Works	Both access regional content

NordVPN’s SmartPlay technology — built into every server — automatically handles the DNS and routing needed to access geo-restricted streaming platforms. You do not need to hunt for specific servers or change settings. Surfshark requires occasional server switching when a particular server gets blocked by a streaming service.

Streaming verdict: NordVPN wins by a small margin. Both unblock the major platforms (Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video) reliably. NordVPN pulls ahead on secondary platforms like Hulu, ESPN+, and Peacock, where Surfshark’s access is inconsistent. If streaming is a top priority, NordVPN is the safer bet.

For a deeper analysis of each VPN’s streaming capabilities, see our full NordVPN review and Surfshark review.

Security and Privacy

Both NordVPN and Surfshark take security seriously. Both use AES-256 encryption, operate RAM-only servers (no data written to disk), and maintain independently audited no-logs policies. But NordVPN offers a deeper security stack.

Security Features Comparison

Feature	NordVPN	Surfshark
Encryption	AES-256	AES-256
Protocol	NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
RAM-Only Servers	Yes	Yes
No-Logs Audits	4 (Deloitte, 2022-2025)	2 (Deloitte, 2023-2024)
Kill Switch	App-level + System-level	System-level only
Ad/Tracker Blocker	Threat Protection Pro (advanced)	CleanWeb (basic)
Malware Scanning	Yes (file download scanning)	No
Dark Web Monitor	Yes (Plus plan)	Yes (Surfshark Alert, One plan)
Double VPN	Yes (Double VPN servers)	Yes (MultiHop)
Obfuscated Servers	Yes (dedicated servers)	Camouflage Mode (all servers)
Onion over VPN	Yes	No
DNS Leak Protection	Yes	Yes
Meshnet	Yes (device networking)	No
Headquarters	Panama	The Netherlands

Kill Switch

Both VPNs include a kill switch that blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. NordVPN offers two modes — an app-level kill switch (only kills internet for selected apps) and a system-level kill switch (kills all traffic). Surfshark only offers the system-level option.

For travelers, NordVPN’s app-level kill switch is a practical advantage. You can protect your browser and banking apps through the VPN while letting local apps (maps, rideshare, food delivery) connect directly without VPN overhead.

Threat Protection vs CleanWeb

NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro is a full security suite: it blocks ads, trackers, known malware domains, and actively scans downloaded files for threats. It works even when you are not connected to a VPN server.

Surfshark’s CleanWeb is lighter — it blocks ads and known malicious domains but does not scan files or offer the same depth of tracking protection. It is adequate but not as comprehensive.

For travelers constantly encountering unfamiliar websites — local restaurant menus, transport booking sites, regional services — NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro adds a meaningful extra layer of safety.

Jurisdiction

NordVPN is based in Panama, which has no mandatory data retention laws and sits outside the 5/9/14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliances. Surfshark is based in The Netherlands, which is a member of the 9 Eyes alliance. In practice, both companies have proven their no-logs claims through independent audits, so the jurisdiction difference is more theoretical than practical. But privacy purists may prefer Panama.

Security verdict: NordVPN wins. More no-logs audits, a more flexible kill switch, deeper threat protection, and a privacy-friendlier jurisdiction. Surfshark’s security is still strong — you are well protected with either VPN — but NordVPN’s security stack is the deeper and more mature of the two.

Server Network

A larger server network means more options, less congestion, and better performance in more locations.

Metric	NordVPN	Surfshark
Total Servers	6,400+	3,200+
Countries	111	100
Specialty Servers	P2P, Double VPN, Obfuscated, Onion over VPN	MultiHop, Static IP

NordVPN’s 6,400+ servers are roughly double Surfshark’s count. In practice, this means:

• Less server congestion — More servers to distribute user load, resulting in more consistent speeds during peak hours
• More location options — 111 vs 100 countries. The difference is small, but NordVPN covers a few additional destinations that matter for niche travel (certain African and Central Asian countries)
• Specialty server diversity — NordVPN’s obfuscated servers are on dedicated infrastructure, which makes them more reliable in censored countries. Surfshark applies its Camouflage Mode across all servers, which is simpler but can be less effective against advanced blocking

For most travel destinations — Europe, Southeast Asia, the Americas, Japan, Australia — both VPNs have extensive server coverage. The difference shows up at the margins: specific African countries, smaller island nations, and specialty server reliability.

Server network verdict: NordVPN wins. More servers, more countries, and dedicated specialty server infrastructure. Surfshark’s network is adequate for most travelers but cannot match NordVPN’s breadth.

Device Compatibility and Connections

This is where Surfshark takes a decisive lead.

Feature	NordVPN	Surfshark
Simultaneous Connections	10	Unlimited
Platforms	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Fire TV, smart TVs, browser extensions	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Fire TV, smart TVs, browser extensions, gaming consoles
Router Support	Yes (manual setup or FlashRouters)	Yes (manual setup or FlashRouters)
Browser Extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge

NordVPN recently increased its connection limit from 6 to 10 simultaneous devices — enough for most solo travelers (phone, laptop, tablet, maybe a smart TV). But Surfshark’s unlimited connections are genuinely compelling for:

• Couples and families — One subscription covers every device in the household, no compromises
• Device-heavy travelers — Phone, laptop, tablet, e-reader, streaming stick, smartwatch, backup phone — all covered
• Small teams — Share one Surfshark account across a remote work team without hitting limits

If you travel solo with 2-3 devices, NordVPN’s 10-device limit is plenty. If you travel with a partner, have a family, or simply own a lot of connected devices, Surfshark’s unlimited policy is a clear win.

Device compatibility verdict: Surfshark wins. Unlimited connections is a significant differentiator that NordVPN cannot match. Platform support is effectively identical.

Pricing Comparison

Surfshark is the more affordable VPN. Here is the full pricing breakdown as of February 2026.

Plan Pricing

Plan Duration	NordVPN (Basic)	NordVPN (Plus)	Surfshark (Starter)	Surfshark (One)
1 Month	$12.99/mo	$13.99/mo	$15.45/mo	$17.95/mo
1 Year	$4.59/mo	$5.49/mo	$2.99/mo	$3.49/mo
2 Years	$3.39/mo	$4.39/mo	$2.19/mo	$2.69/mo

Total Cost Comparison (2-Year Plans)

VPN	Monthly Cost	Total (2 Years)	Savings vs Monthly
NordVPN Basic	$3.39	~$81	74%
NordVPN Plus	$4.39	~$105	69%
Surfshark Starter	$2.19	~$53	86%
Surfshark One	$2.69	~$65	85%

The math is straightforward: Surfshark costs $1.20/month less than NordVPN on equivalent 2-year plans. Over two years, that is roughly $28 in savings — meaningful if budget is a priority, though not life-changing.

Both VPNs offer 30-day money-back guarantees on all plans, so you can try either one risk-free. Neither offers a free tier — if you need a free VPN, ProtonVPN is the only reputable option with a limited free plan.

Which plan tier should you pick?

• NordVPN Plus ($4.39/month, 2-year) is our recommendation. Threat Protection Pro is genuinely useful for travelers and worth the $1/month uplift over Basic.
• Surfshark Starter ($2.19/month, 2-year) is the sweet spot for budget travelers. The One plan adds Surfshark Alert (data breach monitoring) and antivirus, but most travelers can do without these.

Pricing verdict: Surfshark wins. It is 35% cheaper on comparable plans. Both offer 30-day money-back guarantees. NordVPN justifies its higher price with better features, but Surfshark is the undeniable value pick.

For Travelers Specifically

Both VPNs work well for travel, but let us break down the specific scenarios travelers face.

Airport and Hotel WiFi

Public WiFi at airports, hotels, and cafes is the single most common attack surface for travelers. Both VPNs encrypt your traffic and protect against man-in-the-middle attacks on these networks.

NordVPN advantage: Auto-connect triggers on untrusted networks, and Threat Protection Pro adds malware/phishing protection that works independently of the VPN tunnel. The app-level kill switch lets you keep maps and local transit apps running unprotected while securing your browser and banking apps.

Surfshark advantage: Unlimited connections mean you can protect every device simultaneously without counting. If you are traveling with family, everyone gets VPN protection from the same subscription.

Censored Countries

If your travel plans include countries that restrict internet access — China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, the UAE — VPN reliability becomes critical.

NordVPN uses dedicated obfuscated servers designed specifically to evade deep packet inspection (DPI). In our testing in Turkey and the UAE, NordVPN’s obfuscated servers connected reliably within 10-15 seconds.

Surfshark uses Camouflage Mode, which applies obfuscation across all servers rather than routing through dedicated obfuscated infrastructure. It works in most restricted countries but tends to be less reliable than NordVPN in heavily censored environments.

For China specifically: Neither VPN guarantees access behind the Great Firewall. NordVPN has a marginally higher success rate based on community reports (~60-70% reliability vs ~50-60% for Surfshark). If you need reliable VPN access in China, download and configure your VPN before entering the country, and consider carrying ExpressVPN as a backup.

eSIM Compatibility

Both VPNs work seamlessly alongside eSIMs — a common setup for travelers who use services like Airalo or Holafly for mobile data abroad. There are no conflicts between VPN apps and eSIM data connections on either iOS or Android.

Mobile App Quality

Both apps are polished and travel-friendly. NordVPN’s app offers more granular control (specialty server selection, app-level kill switch, Meshnet). Surfshark’s app is slightly simpler and more beginner-friendly. Battery impact is comparable — roughly 4-7% additional drain per hour of active VPN use on modern smartphones.

Banking and Financial Access Abroad

Both VPNs reliably route your traffic through your home country’s server, preventing your bank from flagging foreign IP addresses. We tested accessing Chase, Bank of America, Wise, and PayPal through both VPNs from Thailand — both worked without triggering security locks.

NordVPN Pros and Cons

Surfshark Pros and Cons

Who Should Choose NordVPN

NordVPN is the right choice if:

• You are a remote worker or digital nomad — The fastest speeds and most reliable connections mean fewer interruptions during video calls, faster file uploads, and smoother collaboration tools
• Security is your top priority — Four independent audits, Threat Protection Pro, app-level kill switch, Meshnet, and Panama jurisdiction offer the deepest security stack available
• You stream heavily abroad — SmartPlay technology delivers the most consistent unblocking across the widest range of platforms
• You travel to censored countries — Dedicated obfuscated servers are more reliable than Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode for bypassing DPI in Turkey, the UAE, and similar environments
• You want the best VPN available and are willing to pay for it — NordVPN is our top VPN pick for travel for a reason

Get NordVPN — $3.39/month →

Who Should Choose Surfshark

Surfshark is the right choice if:

• You are on a budget — At $2.19/month, Surfshark delivers premium VPN quality at the lowest price in the category. That is $28 saved over 2 years compared to NordVPN
• You travel with a partner or family — Unlimited connections mean everyone gets VPN protection from one subscription, no device counting, no compromises
• You need to cover many devices — Phone, laptop, tablet, e-reader, streaming stick, smart TV, router — all protected simultaneously
• You want a simple, no-fuss VPN — Surfshark’s app is slightly more streamlined and beginner-friendly. Connect and forget.
• You do not need advanced security features — If Threat Protection Pro, Meshnet, and app-level kill switch do not appeal to you, there is no reason to pay extra for NordVPN

Get Surfshark — $2.19/month →

Final Verdict

After 4 months of head-to-head testing across 20+ countries, NordVPN is the better VPN overall. It wins on speed (12-21% faster), security depth (4 audits, Threat Protection Pro, app-level kill switch), server network (6,400+ vs 3,200+), and streaming reliability. For remote workers, security-conscious travelers, and anyone who wants the best VPN available, NordVPN justifies its modest price premium.

Surfshark is the better value VPN. It delivers roughly 90% of NordVPN’s performance at 65% of the cost, and its unlimited simultaneous connections make it unbeatable for couples, families, and device-heavy travelers. If budget matters more than marginal performance gains, Surfshark is an excellent choice.

Both are top-tier VPNs. You genuinely cannot go wrong with either one. The question is whether the extra $1.20/month for NordVPN’s advantages is worth it to you.

For more VPN recommendations, see our guide to the Best VPNs for Travel in 2026 or explore our complete VPN guides.

Get NordVPN — Best Overall → Get Surfshark — Best Value →

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We tested NordVPN and Surfshark with our own subscriptions across 20+ countries between October 2025 and February 2026. This article contains affiliate links — if you purchase through our links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our recommendations. See our affiliate disclosure for details.