VPN Comparison 2026
ProtonVPN vs Surfshark
Comprehensive comparison of features, pricing, speed, and security to help you choose the best VPN for your needs.
ProtonVPN
Rating: 4.5/5
Best Price:$2.49/mo
Servers:15,000+
Countries:120
Speed Score:88%
Surfshark
Rating: 4.6/5
Best Price:$1.99/mo
Servers:4,500+
Countries:100
Speed Score:90%
Based on our comprehensive testing, Surfshark comes out ahead overall.
Last updated: February 2026
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | ProtonVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
Overall Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.6/5 |
Monthly Price | $9.99/mo | $15.45/mo |
Best Price (2yr plan) | $2.49/mo | $1.99/mo |
Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
Free Tier | ||
Total Servers | 15,000+ | 4,500+ |
Countries | 120 | 100 |
Simultaneous Devices | 10 | Unlimited |
Speed Score | 88% | 90% |
Security Score | 99% | 95% |
Streaming Score | 80% | 92% |
Protocols | WireGuardOpenVPNIKEv2 | WireGuardOpenVPNIKEv2 |
Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
Kill Switch | ||
No-Logs Policy | ||
Netflix Support | ||
Torrenting Support | ||
| Get Started |
Pros and Cons
ProtonVPN
Pros
- Free tier available (no data limits)
- Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
- Open source and audited
- Secure Core servers
- Integrates with ProtonMail
Cons
- Free tier has limited servers
- Streaming support is inconsistent
- Fewer server locations
Surfshark
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Very affordable long-term plans
- Good streaming support
- CleanWeb ad blocker included
- Camouflage mode for extra privacy
Cons
- Smaller server network
- Speeds can vary
- Based in the Netherlands (14 Eyes)
Final Verdict
Surfshark comes out ahead in this comparison with a higher overall rating of 4.6/5 compared to ProtonVPN's 4.5/5. Best value VPN with unlimited device connections.
Choose ProtonVPN if:
- You need stronger security (99%)
- You want more server options (15,000+ servers)
Choose Surfshark if:
- You prioritize faster speeds (90%)
- You're looking for better value ($1.99/mo)
ProtonVPN
4.5/5 Rating$2.49/mo
Surfshark
4.6/5 Rating$1.99/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ProtonVPN better than Surfshark?+
Surfshark is rated higher overall with a score of 4.6/5 compared to ProtonVPN's 4.5/5. Surfshark Best value VPN with unlimited device connections. However, both VPNs have their strengths, so your best choice depends on your specific needs.
Which is cheaper, ProtonVPN or Surfshark?+
Surfshark is the more affordable option at $1.99/mo on a 2-year plan, compared to ProtonVPN at $2.49/mo. Surfshark offers better value on long-term plans, though both services frequently run promotional discounts.
Which is faster, ProtonVPN or Surfshark?+
Surfshark achieves a higher speed score of 90% in our tests, compared to ProtonVPN's 88%. Surfshark uses modern VPN protocols that minimize speed loss, making it the better choice for bandwidth-heavy activities like 4K streaming and large file downloads.
Does ProtonVPN or Surfshark have more servers?+
ProtonVPN has a larger server network with 15,000+ servers, compared to Surfshark's 4,500+ servers. More servers generally means less congestion and more location choices, giving you better connection reliability and more options for bypassing geo-restrictions.
Which VPN is better for streaming, ProtonVPN or Surfshark?+
Surfshark scores higher for streaming at 92% compared to ProtonVPN's 80%. Surfshark reliably unblocks popular streaming platforms and maintains fast enough speeds for HD and 4K content without buffering.
Compare More VPNs
Not sure yet? Check out our full VPN comparison tool or read detailed reviews of each service.