← All comparisonsCOMPARISON · Verified 2026-07-15
Surfshark vs Proton VPN
A source-backed comparison for Korea-based and global users choosing between unlimited paid-device connections and a privacy-focused service with a permanent Free entry plan. KSubHub has not run independent speed or streaming tests.
EDITORIAL METHOD
How this comparison was prepared
Reviewed on 15 July 2026 using current official Surfshark and Proton product, support, pricing, policy, server, and audit pages. Provider claims are attributed to the provider. KSubHub did not benchmark speed, test streaming catalogues, or receive payment for the conclusion. Surfshark's affiliate application is pending; KSubHub is not enrolled in Proton's available partner programme. Both destinations remain official non-tracking links.
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
Proton VPN
An open-source VPN service with a no-data-limit Free plan and paid plans for selectable locations, more devices, streaming support, and advanced privacy features.
Best for
- People who want a long-term free VPN for basic privacy without a data cap
- Users who value public source code, published audits, and a paid option with selectable Korean servers
Pricing note
Proton Free provides one VPN connection and system-selected free servers with no data limit. Paid plans add up to 10 simultaneous connections and selectable Plus locations. Promotions, billing cycles, tax, renewal prices, and third-party store terms can change; verify the complete checkout and renewal total. KSubHub is not enrolled in Proton's affiliate programme and uses the official non-tracking URL.
Full profile →Decision criteria
Facts below are attributed to current provider documentation. They are not KSubHub performance-test results.
Free access, paid plans, and budget
A permanent free entry plan and a limited paid trial solve different problems. Compare the usable plan, full prepaid total, renewal amount, and refund eligibility—not a headline monthly equivalent.
Surfshark
- Surfshark does not document a permanent free VPN plan. Its eligible website trial is tied to a new 12- or 24-month purchase and supported payment method.
- Promotions and bundles change. Check the initial total, tax, included products, automatic renewal, and post-promotion price at checkout.
Proton VPN
- Proton Free provides one VPN connection, no data limit, and system-selected free servers; switching is random and subject to a cooldown.
- Paid-plan promotions and billing terms can change. Check the complete initial and renewal amounts rather than relying on a temporary displayed discount.
Official sources: Surfshark trial conditions ↗ · Proton VPN plans ↗ · Proton Free server changes ↗
Devices, platforms, and household fit
Count simultaneous connections and confirm that each required operating system supports the features and protocols you need.
Surfshark
- Surfshark states that its paid service permits unlimited simultaneous connections after the eligible trial.
- Its support materials cover major desktop, mobile, TV, and browser environments; feature and protocol parity varies by app.
Proton VPN
- Proton Free permits one VPN connection; paid VPN Plus supports up to 10 simultaneous devices. A compatible router can cover additional household devices as one connection.
- Proton documents Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS/iPadOS, TV platforms, browser extensions, and router configurations, with platform-specific differences.
Official sources: Surfshark device policy ↗ · Proton VPN plans ↗ · Proton VPN product lifecycle ↗ · Proton VPN router setup ↗
Privacy, open source, and audit evidence
Published code and external assurance add evidence, but neither is a guarantee of every future configuration or security outcome. Read the scope and date.
Surfshark
- Surfshark publishes an ISAE 3000 assurance report concerning its no-logs policy, with a defined examination scope and period.
- The report supports the controls examined at that time; it should not be read as a universal security guarantee.
Proton VPN
- Proton says its mature VPN apps are open source and publishes application audit links.
- Proton's 2026 update links a fifth consecutive annual external audit of the VPN infrastructure's no-logs policy. The finding applies to the audited scope and period.
Official sources: Surfshark no-logs assurance report ↗ · Proton VPN open-source apps and audits ↗ · Proton VPN no-logs audit ↗
Korea, protocols, and restricted networks
A Korean exit location and an anti-censorship protocol are product options, not guarantees that every hotel, workplace, campus, or national network will allow the connection.
Surfshark
- Surfshark documents WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and limited Dausos availability; exact support varies by app.
- Verify current Korean and nearby locations in the app before purchase and check the rules of every network and country you use.
Proton VPN
- Proton documents paid Plus servers in South Korea. Free users cannot select a Korean server.
- WireGuard, Stealth, Smart Protocol, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 availability varies by platform. Stealth is designed to disguise VPN traffic but cannot guarantee access on every restricted network.
Official sources: Surfshark protocols ↗ · Proton VPN Korea servers ↗ · Proton VPN protocol availability ↗ · Proton VPN protocol settings ↗
Streaming and travel caveats
Provider compatibility pages can help with planning, but catalogues, detection, service terms, locations, servers, and device behavior can change without notice.
Surfshark
- Surfshark publishes streaming troubleshooting guidance, but this is not a guarantee for every service, catalogue, location, or device.
- Confirm the destination country's rules and the streaming service's current terms before travel.
Proton VPN
- Proton's official streaming support is for paid plans; the Free plan is not offered with streaming compatibility support.
- Its guide currently lists supported services and warns that Secure Core is not optimized for streaming. KSubHub does not guarantee continued access.
Official sources: Surfshark streaming troubleshooting ↗ · Proton VPN streaming guide ↗
Cancellation, refunds, and support
Cancellation and a refund request may be separate actions. Purchase channel, timing, prior refunds, payment method, and store terms can change eligibility.
Surfshark
- Surfshark states a 30-day money-back guarantee and documents exclusions and request steps on its support page.
- Review the current policy before purchase, especially for renewals, app stores, gift cards, and alternative payment methods.
Proton VPN
- Proton documents a 30-day guarantee for eligible first purchases; its terms include timing, payment-method, prior-use, and third-party-store conditions.
- All users can use the knowledge base and support form; Proton documents live chat for paid VPN users.
Official sources: Surfshark refund policy ↗ · Proton VPN cancellation and refunds ↗ · Proton terms ↗ · Proton VPN live chat support ↗
Bottom line
Start with Proton Free when one connection, no data cap, and system-selected locations meet your needs. Consider Proton's paid plan when public audit material, up to 10 devices, and selectable Korean servers are priorities. Consider Surfshark when a paid household needs unlimited simultaneous connections. For either service, confirm current app support, checkout and renewal totals, local network conditions, and streaming availability before paying.
This comparison is editorial and independent. Affiliate status is disclosed on each tool profile; pending programmes use official non-tracking links.