Proton VPN vs NordVPN vs Surfshark - Best VPN Comparison 2026
We tested a lot of VPNs and these three stood out. One is great for privacy, another is fast, and the third gives the best value. They all hide your IP and work well on phones, computers, and public Wi-Fi.
| Feature | Proton VPN | NordVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company headquarters | Switzerland. Based outside the EU and US, which is generally better for privacy. | Panama. No mandatory data retention laws. | Netherlands. Operates under EU laws and GDPR. |
| Number of servers | About 13,500 servers. Physical bare-metal servers with full-disk encryption. | Around 7,800 servers, all running on RAM-only infrastructure. | Roughly 3,200 servers, also using RAM-only technology. |
| Server countries | Servers available in 122 countries. | Servers available in 118 countries. | Servers available in 100 countries. |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and Stealth for restrictive networks. | NordLynx (WireGuard-based) and NordWhisper. | OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. |
| Data encryption | AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption. | AES-256 encryption. | AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption. |
| Kill Switch | System-wide kill switch with an always-on option. | System-wide and app-level kill switch. | System-wide kill switch on all major apps. |
| RAM-disk servers | No. Uses full-disk encryption instead of RAM-only servers. | Yes. Entire network runs on RAM-only servers. | Yes. Uses RAM-only servers across the network. |
| Log policy | No identifying logs. Policy has been independently audited. | No identifying logs. Audited multiple times. | No identifying logs. Audited by Deloitte. |
| Security audits | Audited by Securitum. Apps are open-source. | Audited by Deloitte and Cure53. | Audited by Deloitte. |
| Tor Over VPN | Yes. Dedicated Tor over VPN servers. | Yes. Onion over VPN servers. | Yes, but without dedicated Onion servers. |
| Split tunneling | Yes. Works for apps and IP addresses. | Yes. App-level split tunneling. | Yes. Available for apps and websites. |
| Leak protection | Protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. | Protection against DNS, IP, and WebRTC leaks. | Protection against DNS, IP, and WebRTC leaks. |
| Streaming support | Works with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and similar services. | Very reliable for Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and YouTube. | Works well with Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and others. |
| P2P / Torrent support | Yes. Dedicated P2P servers with port forwarding. | Yes. Dedicated P2P servers. | Yes. P2P allowed on most servers. |
| Maximum simultaneous connections | Up to 10 devices. | Up to 10 devices. | Unlimited devices. |
| Support | Live chat and email support. | 24/7 live chat and email support. | 24/7 live chat and email support. |
| Bitcoin payment | Yes. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. | Yes. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. | Yes. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. |
| Best in categories | Privacy and security, open-source software, journalists and activists, transparency, large server network | Streaming, speed, gaming, torrenting, overall performance and reliability | Best value, unlimited devices, families and teams, easy everyday use |
| Best deal: | Proton VPN | NordVPN | Surfshark |
Proton VPN vs NordVPN vs Surfshark Overview
Proton VPN provides very limited data collection and a clear privacy policy. Free users get unlimited browsing, but server locations are few, mostly in the US, Japan, and the Netherlands. Paid plans expand server access and usually give faster connections. Speeds can slow when free servers are crowded. Apps are simple and work on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. Proton VPN does not sell user data and avoids logging browsing activity.
NordVPN has a large network of servers across dozens of countries. Connections are generally fast and stable, suitable for video streaming and online work. Some servers provide double encryption or are specialized for Tor access. Apps are available on most devices, including routers and Linux. Logs are minimal, only for account management, and traffic is encrypted with AES‑256. NordVPN performs well for users who need consistent speed and access from different locations.
Surfshark allows unlimited devices on a single account. Servers are spread across many countries, with usually stable speeds. Apps are simple and work on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and some smart TVs. Features include blocking ads, malware, and split tunneling. Surfshark is convenient for households or groups where multiple devices need protection at the same time. Traffic is encrypted, and the company keeps minimal logs, mainly for connection troubleshooting.
Which One is the Best?
- Proton VPN: Best for users who want privacy and minimal tracking, especially on free plans.
- NordVPN: Best for consistent speed, many server locations, and streaming from different countries.
- Surfshark: Best for households or users needing many devices protected at once.
All three VPNs encrypt traffic and stop casual monitoring. Proton VPN focuses on strict privacy. NordVPN focuses on speed and network coverage. Surfshark focuses on usability and multi-device support.
Proton VPN vs NordVPN vs Surfshark Frequently Asked Questions
Which VPN protects privacy the most?
A: Proton VPN collects almost no data and does not log browsing activity. NordVPN and Surfshark keep only minimal connection logs for troubleshooting and account purposes.
Which VPN is the fastest?
A: NordVPN usually gives the most stable and fastest connections. Surfshark is reliable, but speed can vary by server. Proton VPN is slower on free servers and limited locations.
Can these VPNs stream videos?
A: NordVPN and Surfshark work with most streaming platforms. Proton VPN can stream, but free servers may be limited and slower.
Do they allow torrenting?
A: NordVPN and Surfshark allow torrenting on most servers. Proton VPN allows torrenting only on certain paid servers.
How many devices can I use at once?
A: Surfshark supports unlimited devices. Proton VPN and NordVPN limit devices depending on the plan.
Are these VPNs easy to use?
A: Proton VPN and Surfshark have simple apps. NordVPN has more options, which may take longer to set up for beginners.
Do they work on phones and computers?
A: All three have apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. NordVPN and Surfshark also support Linux and some routers.
Do they include a kill switch?
A: Yes, all three stop internet traffic if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly.
Which VPN is best for travel?
A: NordVPN and Surfshark maintain stable connections in multiple countries. Proton VPN is reliable, but free servers can be limited while abroad.
Are these VPNs safe on public Wi-Fi?
A: Yes. All encrypt traffic and reduce the risk of monitoring or interception on public networks.
Can I pay anonymously?
A: Surfshark and NordVPN accept cryptocurrency. Proton VPN allows some anonymous payment options depending on the plan.
Do these VPNs have ad or malware blocking?
A: Surfshark includes basic ad and malware blocking. NordVPN and Proton VPN do not include this on standard plans.
Which VPN works best on multiple devices?
A: Surfshark supports unlimited devices, NordVPN and Proton VPN restrict device connections based on the plan.
Which VPN is most beginner-friendly?
A: Surfshark and Proton VPN are simple to set up. NordVPN offers more options, which may require learning for first-time users.
Do they support split tunneling?
A: Surfshark and NordVPN allow certain apps to bypass the VPN. Proton VPN does not have split tunneling.
Which VPN has the most server locations?
A: NordVPN has the largest number of server locations, followed by Surfshark. Proton VPN has fewer servers, mainly in major countries.
Which VPN is cheapest for multiple devices?
A: Surfshark provides the best value for protecting many devices under one subscription. Proton VPN and NordVPN cost more when adding devices.
Are free and paid plans different?
A: Proton VPN free gives unlimited data but fewer servers. NordVPN and Surfshark do not have free unlimited plans. Paid plans offer more servers, higher speeds, and extra features.