Surfshark vs Proton VPN: which one should you pick?
Surfshark is the stronger all-round pick right now if you want one VPN for streaming, travel, everyday security, and general privacy. Proton VPN can still make more sense if its price, device policy, or overall feel is a better fit for the way you use a VPN. The main question is price, device limits, travel, and day-to-day reliability.
The differences that actually matter between Surfshark and Proton VPN
Both are capable VPNs, so the choice usually comes down to a handful of concrete differences. Here is how Surfshark and Proton VPN line up on the details people weigh most before they buy.
Surfshark's best long-term offer ($1.99/mo) comes in about 33% below Proton VPN's ($2.99/mo) on the plans listed here.
Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, while Proton VPN caps you at 10 devices at once.
Proton VPN advertises around 20,000+ servers, more than Surfshark's 4,500+ on current pages.
Surfshark is based in Netherlands, while Proton VPN operates from Switzerland. Jurisdiction is worth weighing if data-retention rules are part of your decision.
Surfshark leads with WireGuard, while Proton VPN uses WireGuard + Stealth — both are modern, but the default connection experience differs.
Who wins for streaming, gaming, and privacy
Surfshark is the stronger all-round pick, but the better choice can shift by use case. Here is who comes out ahead in each scenario for Surfshark vs Proton VPN.
Most people should start with Surfshark.
Pick Surfshark if you want the stronger overall fit for overall right now. Pick Proton VPN if its pricing, device policy, or overall approach feels better for the way you actually plan to use a VPN.
Choose Surfshark if…- Unlimited-device support stands out immediately for families and shared households
- 4,500+ RAM-only, 10Gbps servers in 100 countries
- Good speed profile for streaming and everyday browsing
Choose Proton VPN if…- 20,000+ servers in 140+ countries on current Proton VPN Plus pages
- Swiss base, open-source apps, and public audits add useful transparency
- Stealth protocol helps when VPN traffic gets blocked
The decision usually comes down to these details.
The key numbers side by side
| Metric | Surfshark | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly plan | Monthly plan: $15.45/mo | VPN Plus monthly: $9.99/mo |
| Best long-term offer | Starter long-term offer from $1.99/mo | VPN Plus long-term from $2.99/mo |
| Devices | Unlimited | 10 |
| Network | 4,500+ servers · 100 countries | 20,000+ servers · 140+ countries |
| Countries | 100+ | 140+ |
| Refund | 30-day money-back guarantee | 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Jurisdiction | Netherlands | Switzerland |
| Protocol | WireGuard | WireGuard + Stealth |
| Anti-blocking | Camouflage Mode | Stealth protocol |
| Audit / privacy note | No-logs claims supported by a Deloitte assurance engagement | Open-source apps, annual no-logs audits, and Swiss transparency reporting |
| WireGuard | ||
| Kill switch | ||
| Split tunneling | ||
| Audited no-logs | ||
| Score for overall | 8/10 | 8/10 |
Want to test it on your own devices?
The quickest way to settle a shortlist is to check the official deal page, install the apps you actually use, and lean on the refund window if it is not the right fit.
Questions about Surfshark vs Proton VPN
These are the questions people usually ask once they are down to these two names.
Between Surfshark and Proton VPN, which VPN is better overall?
Surfshark comes out ahead for overall in the current scoring. Proton VPN is still worth a look if its pricing, device policy, or overall feel matches you better.
Which has the lower offer, Surfshark or Proton VPN?
Surfshark has the lower displayed long-term offer in the current provider data used here. Monthly prices and renewal terms can differ, so it still makes sense to compare devices, refund terms, and the features you care about most.
Which one is better for multiple devices?
Surfshark is the better fit for multiple devices in this matchup because it allows Unlimited simultaneous connections.
Is Surfshark or Proton VPN better for streaming?
Surfshark edges ahead for streaming in the current scoring (9/10 vs 8/10), thanks to its location coverage and speed profile. Proton VPN can still work well depending on the services you watch.
Which is the stronger privacy choice, Surfshark or Proton VPN?
Proton VPN scores higher for privacy here (9/10 vs 8/10) based on audits, jurisdiction, and transparency. Surfshark remains a solid option if other factors matter more to you.
Does the order matter if I search for Proton VPN vs Surfshark instead?
No. Whether you searched for Surfshark vs Proton VPN or the other way around, the practical decision is the same: compare price, device limits, refund terms, and the strengths that matter for overall.
Where these facts came from
- Pricing, guarantee, and server coverage (surfshark.com)
- Server list (surfshark.com)
- Homepage (surfshark.com)
- About us / Netherlands HQ (surfshark.com)
- Pricing and VPN Plus features (protonvpn.com)
- Proton VPN plans explained (protonvpn.com)
- VPN servers (protonvpn.com)
- No-logs policy (protonvpn.com)
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Want to keep narrowing the shortlist?
Jump back to the wider comparison hub, read the matching guide, or open the best VPN page for this use case.