Surfshark vs ProtonVPN
Surfshark and ProtonVPN take very different approaches. Find out which one fits your needs — unlimited streaming or ironclad privacy from Switzerland.
Surfshark
Best value VPN with unlimited devices
ProtonVPN
Privacy-first VPN from the makers of ProtonMail
What makes this matchup interesting is how differently these two approach the VPN market. Surfshark is all about maximum features at minimum price. ProtonVPN is built by the same team behind ProtonMail, and privacy is baked into everything they do — Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps, and a genuinely useful free tier. I've been using both on and off for months, and they serve very different audiences. Let me break it down.
Head-to-Head: Surfshark vs ProtonVPN
| Category | Surfshark | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.6/5✓ | 4.3/5 |
| Starting Price | $2.49✓ | $4.99 |
| Servers | 3,200 | 3,200✓ |
| Countries | 100✓ | 71 |
| Max Devices | Unlimited✓ | 10 |
| Speed | 4.5/5✓ | 4/5 |
| Streaming | 5/5 platforms✓ | 0/5 platforms |
| Privacy | 6 features | 6 features✓ |
Surfshark is the better choice for most users thanks to its streaming support, speed, and lower price.
Surfshark vs ProtonVPN: Pros & Cons
Surfshark Pros
- +Unlimited simultaneous connections
- +Very affordable long-term pricing
- +Great streaming unblocking ability
- +Clean UI across all platforms
ProtonVPN Pros
- +Free tier with no data caps (best in class)
- +Strong privacy pedigree — based in Switzerland
- +Open-source apps and publicly audited
- +Secure Core servers protect against network attacks
Verdict: Which Is Better?
This one is easy if you know what you need. If you want a VPN primarily for streaming, torrenting, and everyday use — and you want it cheap — get Surfshark. If your main concern is privacy above all else, and you're willing to sacrifice some speed and streaming ability for it, ProtonVPN is your pick. ProtonVPN's free tier is also the best in the business, so it's worth grabbing regardless. For a paid VPN though, Surfshark delivers more for less.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ProtonVPN as fast as Surfshark?
No. ProtonVPN's paid plans are decent but Surfshark is consistently faster, especially on distant servers. ProtonVPN's free servers are noticeably slower.
Which VPN is better for privacy?
ProtonVPN wins on privacy. Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps, and Secure Core servers provide stronger protection than Surfshark. Both have no-logs policies, but ProtonVPN's is backed by Swiss law.
Does ProtonVPN work with Netflix?
Not reliably. ProtonVPN's focus on privacy means streaming unblocking isn't a priority. Surfshark consistently unblocks Netflix, Disney+, and other platforms.