← All comparisonsCOMPARISON · Verified 2026-07-13
Surfshark vs NordVPN
An official-source comparison for households, travellers, and users in Korea choosing between two global VPN services. KSubHub has not run independent speed or streaming tests.
VPN
Surfshark
A VPN service considered for travel, public Wi-Fi, and multi-device protection.
Best for
- Travellers using public Wi-Fi
- Households protecting many devices
Pricing note
KSubHub does not publish a fixed price here because promotions and renewal terms can change. Verify the total, renewal price, and refund terms on the official site.
Full profile →VPN
NordVPN
A VPN service for encrypted connectivity on home, travel, and public networks.
Best for
- Travellers securing connections on public networks
- People comparing broad platform support and privacy tools
Pricing note
Promotional term length, renewal pricing, and the final prepaid total can change. Verify all checkout terms and the official refund policy before purchase.
Full profile →Decision criteria
Facts below are attributed to current provider documentation. They are not KSubHub performance-test results.
Devices and platforms
Count the devices that must be connected at the same time, then check that every required platform has an official app or setup path.
Surfshark
- Surfshark says the seven-day trial permits up to three devices and the paid service permits unlimited simultaneous connections after the trial.
- Its support materials cover Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, smart TVs, and browser use; exact protocol availability varies by app.
NordVPN
- NordVPN documents apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, tvOS, Android, Android TV, Fire TV, and browser extensions.
- NordVPN states a 10-device simultaneous connection limit; its router setup can cover additional devices.
Official sources: Surfshark trial and device policy ↗ · NordVPN apps and device setup ↗
Protocols and network conditions
Protocol choice can matter on hotel, airport, campus, and other restricted networks, but availability differs by operating system and app version.
Surfshark
- Surfshark documents WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, plus a newer Dausos option in limited supported conditions.
- Its official protocol page lists app-specific availability, so verify the current app for your device.
NordVPN
- NordVPN describes NordLynx as its WireGuard-based protocol and also provides OpenVPN on supported platforms.
- Do not assume either provider will work on every restricted network; network operators and local rules can interfere.
Official sources: Surfshark protocols ↗ · NordLynx protocol ↗
Privacy and security evidence
Both providers publish no-logs claims. These are provider claims supported by named external assurance work, not a guarantee about every future operation.
Surfshark
- Surfshark publishes an ISAE 3000 assurance report concerning its no-logs policy.
- Read the report scope and period; an assurance engagement describes the controls examined at that time.
NordVPN
- NordVPN publishes its no-logs position and lists repeated independent assessments, including Deloitte work.
- Read the current statement and assessment scope rather than treating the label alone as proof.
Official sources: Surfshark no-logs assurance report ↗ · NordVPN no-logs statement and assessments ↗
Trials and refunds
Trial availability and refund eligibility depend on purchase channel, subscription history, and timing.
Surfshark
- Surfshark currently documents a seven-day website trial for eligible new 12- or 24-month purchases using supported payment methods.
- It also states a 30-day money-back guarantee; cancellation and refund are separate actions, so review the official steps.
NordVPN
- NordVPN says its website does not offer a free trial; eligible Android users may receive one through Google Play under store terms.
- Its 30-day guarantee applies to eligible initial purchases. Renewals and third-party purchases can follow different rules.
Official sources: Surfshark trial conditions ↗ · NordVPN trial conditions ↗ · NordVPN refund policy ↗
Streaming and travel caveats
A VPN subscription does not guarantee access to a particular streaming catalogue or service while travelling.
Surfshark
- Surfshark documents streaming troubleshooting, but platforms can change detection and access policies without notice.
- Confirm the destination country's rules and the streaming service's current terms before travel.
NordVPN
- NordVPN promotes streaming support, but availability can change by service, location, server, and device.
- Neither provider should be treated as a universal bypass for network restrictions or service terms.
Official sources: Surfshark streaming troubleshooting ↗ · NordVPN feature information ↗
Plans, promotions, and renewal pricing
Compare the full prepaid amount and the renewal price—not only a headline monthly equivalent.
Surfshark
- Surfshark promotions and plan bundles change. KSubHub does not freeze a promotional price in this comparison.
- Check term length, included products, tax, automatic renewal, and the post-promotion price at checkout.
NordVPN
- NordVPN documents one-month, one-year, and two-year options and notes that longer plans are prepaid.
- Check the initial total, included Nord products, tax, automatic renewal, and the displayed renewal price before paying.
Official sources: Surfshark official site ↗ · NordVPN plans and prices ↗
Bottom line
Surfshark's stated unlimited post-trial connections suit households with many devices. NordVPN's stated 10-device limit may suit users who prefer its app range and NordLynx option. Confirm the current checkout total, renewal terms, local availability, and service-specific access before deciding.
This comparison is editorial and independent. Affiliate status is disclosed on each tool profile; pending programmes use official non-tracking links.