Looking for a Surfshark alternative? While Surfshark is an excellent budget VPN with unlimited devices, it's not the only option—and depending on your priorities (speed, server count, specific features), another VPN might be a better fit.
In this guide, we'll explore the top 5 Surfshark alternatives for 2026, comparing their features, pricing, and performance to help you make an informed decision.
Why Look for Surfshark Alternatives?
Surfshark is a solid VPN, but there are several reasons you might want to explore other options:
- Speed: Surfshark is fast, but NordVPN and ExpressVPN are faster
- Server Network: 3,200 servers vs NordVPN's 6,000+
- Customer Support: Response times can vary
- Advanced Features: Some competitors offer more specialized tools
- Jurisdiction: Netherlands (EU) vs privacy-friendly jurisdictions like Panama or British Virgin Islands
Top 5 Surfshark Alternatives
1. NordVPN — Best Overall Alternative
Why choose NordVPN over Surfshark:
- Faster speeds — NordLynx protocol delivers ~92% speed retention (vs Surfshark's ~85%)
- Larger server network — 6,000+ servers in 111 countries (vs 3,200 in 100)
- More audits — independently audited by Deloitte, VerSprite, and PwC
- Advanced features — Threat Protection Pro, Meshnet, Dark Web Monitor Pro
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Price (2-year) | $3.99/mo | $2.19/mo |
| Devices | 6 | ♾️ Unlimited |
| Servers | 6,000+ | 3,200+ |
| Speed | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Streaming | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Excellent |
Best for: Users who prioritize speed and server count over unlimited devices
2. ExpressVPN — Best for Ease of Use
Why choose ExpressVPN over Surfshark:
- Fastest speeds — Lightway protocol is blazing fast
- Most user-friendly — simplest interface, one-click connect
- Best customer support — 24/7 live chat with instant responses
- Router app — dedicated app for routers (easier than manual setup)
| Feature | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Price (2-year) | $6.67/mo | $2.19/mo |
| Devices | 8 | ♾️ Unlimited |
| Servers | 3,000+ | 3,200+ |
| Speed | 9/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Ease of Use | 10/10 | 8/10 |
Best for: Beginners who want the simplest, most reliable VPN (and don't mind paying more)
3. Proton VPN — Best for Privacy
Why choose Proton VPN over Surfshark:
- Switzerland-based — strongest privacy laws in the world
- Open-source — fully auditable code
- Secure Core — routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries first
- Free plan — unlimited data (vs Surfshark's no free plan)
| Feature | Proton VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Price (2-year) | $4.99/mo | $2.19/mo |
| Devices | 10 | ♾️ Unlimited |
| Servers | 6,500+ | 3,200+ |
| Free Plan | ✅ Unlimited data | ❌ |
| Open-Source | ✅ | ❌ |
Best for: Privacy purists who want Swiss jurisdiction and open-source code
4. CyberGhost — Best for Streaming
Why choose CyberGhost over Surfshark:
- Streaming-optimized servers — dedicated servers for Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer
- Larger server network — 11,000+ servers in 100 countries
- Longer money-back guarantee — 45 days (vs Surfshark's 30)
- Cheaper long-term — $2.03/mo on 2-year plan
| Feature | CyberGhost | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Price (2-year) | $2.03/mo | $2.19/mo |
| Devices | 7 | ♾️ Unlimited |
| Servers | 11,000+ | 3,200+ |
| Streaming Servers | ✅ Dedicated | ❌ |
| Money-Back | 45 days | 30 days |
Best for: Streamers who want dedicated servers for specific platforms
5. Mullvad VPN — Best for Anonymity
Why choose Mullvad over Surfshark:
- No email required — sign up with just an account number
- Anonymous payment — accepts cash by mail
- Fixed pricing — €5/month, no discounts or upsells
- Open-source — fully auditable code
- Sweden-based — strong privacy laws
| Feature | Mullvad | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €5/mo (~$5.40) | $2.19/mo (2-year) |
| Devices | 5 | ♾️ Unlimited |
| Servers | 900+ | 3,200+ |
| Anonymity | 10/10 | 7/10 |
| Payment | Cash, crypto | Card, PayPal, crypto |
Best for: Users who want maximum anonymity and don't care about streaming
Comparison Table
| Feature | Surfshark | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Proton VPN | CyberGhost | Mullvad |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (2-year) | $2.19/mo | $3.99/mo | $6.67/mo | $4.99/mo | $2.03/mo | €5/mo |
| Devices | ♾️ | 6 | 8 | 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Servers | 3,200+ | 6,000+ | 3,000+ | 6,500+ | 11,000+ | 900+ |
| Speed | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Streaming | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅✅ | ⚠️ |
| Privacy | 8/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 10/10 | 7/10 | 10/10 |
| Free Plan | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
How to Choose the Right Surfshark Alternative
Choose NordVPN if you want:
- ✅ Fastest speeds (NordLynx protocol)
- ✅ Largest server network (6,000+)
- ✅ Advanced security features (Threat Protection Pro, Meshnet)
Choose ExpressVPN if you want:
- ✅ Easiest interface (one-click connect)
- ✅ Best customer support (instant live chat)
- ✅ Router app (simplest router setup)
Choose Proton VPN if you want:
- ✅ Maximum privacy (Swiss jurisdiction, open-source)
- ✅ Free plan with unlimited data
- ✅ Secure Core (extra privacy layer)
Choose CyberGhost if you want:
- ✅ Dedicated streaming servers
- ✅ Largest server network (11,000+)
- ✅ Longest money-back guarantee (45 days)
Choose Mullvad if you want:
- ✅ Maximum anonymity (no email, cash payment)
- ✅ Open-source code
- ✅ Simple, honest pricing (no discounts or tricks)
Detailed Comparison by Use Case
Best for Streaming
Winner: CyberGhost
- Dedicated servers for Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer
- Consistently unblocks all major platforms
- 11,000+ servers provide reliable alternatives if one is blocked
Runner-up: NordVPN
- SmartPlay technology for streaming
- Fast speeds for 4K content
- Works with most streaming services
Best for Privacy
Winner: Mullvad
- No email required, anonymous account numbers
- Accepts cash payments by mail
- Open-source apps, independently audited
- Sweden-based (strong privacy laws)
Runner-up: Proton VPN
- Swiss jurisdiction (strongest privacy laws)
- Secure Core routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries
- Open-source, independently audited
Best for Speed
Winner: NordVPN
- NordLynx protocol delivers ~92% speed retention
- 10 Gbps servers in major locations
- Consistently fastest in independent tests
Runner-up: ExpressVPN
- Lightway protocol optimized for speed
- TrustedServer technology (RAM-only servers)
- ~90% speed retention
Best for Beginners
Winner: ExpressVPN
- Simplest interface in the industry
- One-click connect, no configuration needed
- 24/7 live chat with instant responses
- Excellent setup guides
Runner-up: NordVPN
- User-friendly map interface
- Quick Connect feature
- Comprehensive help center
Best for Budget
Winner: CyberGhost
- $2.03/mo on 2-year plan (cheapest)
- 45-day money-back guarantee (longest)
- 7 simultaneous connections
Runner-up: NordVPN
- $3.99/mo on 2-year plan
- Best value for features offered
- 6 simultaneous connections
Final Recommendation
Surfshark is still excellent — especially if you need unlimited devices and want the lowest price. But if you're looking for alternatives:
- Best overall: NordVPN (faster, more servers)
- Easiest to use: ExpressVPN (worth the premium)
- Most private: Proton VPN or Mullvad (Swiss/Swedish jurisdiction, open-source)
- Best for streaming: CyberGhost (dedicated servers)
Our top pick: NordVPN — it's only $1.80/mo more than Surfshark, but you get significantly faster speeds, double the servers, and more advanced features. The only downside is 6 devices instead of unlimited.
FAQs
Is Surfshark better than NordVPN?
Surfshark wins on: Price ($2.19 vs $3.99), unlimited devices
NordVPN wins on: Speed (~92% vs ~85%), server count (6,000+ vs 3,200+), audits
What's the cheapest Surfshark alternative?
CyberGhost at $2.03/mo (2-year plan) — slightly cheaper than Surfshark's $2.19/mo.
Which VPN is faster than Surfshark?
NordVPN (~92% speed retention) and ExpressVPN (~90%) are both faster than Surfshark (~85%).
Is there a free alternative to Surfshark?
Proton VPN offers a free plan with unlimited data (but limited to 3 countries and 1 device). It's the best free VPN available.
Can I switch from Surfshark without losing my passwords?
Yes. Most VPNs don't store passwords — you just install the new app and log in. Your saved passwords are in your browser or password manager, not the VPN.
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