Surfshark vs Proton VPN: which one should you pick?
Proton VPN is the stronger privacy-focused pick right now if audits, jurisdiction, and protocol options matter most to you. Surfshark can still be the better choice if you want a different value balance or app experience. The main question is jurisdiction, audits, leak protection, and how comfortable you feel with the provider’s overall privacy posture.
Most people should start with Proton VPN.
Pick Proton VPN if you want the stronger overall fit for privacy right now. Pick Surfshark if its pricing, device policy, or overall approach feels better for the way you actually plan to use a VPN.
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
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
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 privacy | 8/10 | 9/10 |
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 for privacy?
Proton VPN comes out ahead for privacy in the current scoring. Surfshark 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.
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 privacy.
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.