Surfshark vs ProtonVPN: Which Should You Buy in 2026?
Surfshark is the better deal for a household. ProtonVPN is the better choice for privacy, open-source code and a real free tier. The prices are close, but the renewal math and device limits change the answer.
Direct answer
- Choose Surfshark for unlimited devices, a lower intro price and a lower renewal than ProtonVPN. It is $2.19/month on a two-year plan.
- Choose ProtonVPN for open-source apps, Swiss jurisdiction, Secure Core and the best free tier. It is $2.99/month on a two-year plan.
- If you are unsure: start with ProtonVPN Free. If you need more devices, switch to Surfshark and use the 30-day refund window.
Surfshark vs ProtonVPN at a glance
| Feature | Surfshark | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 4.4/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Best for | Families, unlimited devices, value | Privacy, open source, free tier |
| Price (2-year) | $2.19/mo | $2.99/mo |
| Upfront | $59.13 for 27 months | $71.76 for 24 months |
| Renewal | $119.52 / 2 years | $83.88/year |
| Servers | 4,500+ | 20,000+ |
| Countries | 100 | 140+ |
| Devices | Unlimited | 10 |
| Throughput retained | 86% | 88% |
| Jurisdiction | Netherlands | Switzerland |
| No-logs audit | Deloitte | Securitum |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
1. Price and renewal
Winner: Surfshark on price, ProtonVPN on renewal predictability. Surfshark is cheaper at $2.19/month and renews at $119.52 every two years, which works out to about $4.98/month. ProtonVPN is $2.99/month and renews at $83.88/year, about $6.99/month. Surfshark is still cheaper over a second term, but the gap narrows.
Surfshark's intro term includes 27 months for $59.13. ProtonVPN's includes 24 months for $71.76. If you only need one year, Surfshark does not offer a one-year plan as cheaply; ProtonVPN's one-year plan is $3.99/month.
2. Speed and performance
Winner: ProtonVPN by a small margin. ProtonVPN retained 88% of baseline throughput in our October test; Surfshark retained 86%. The difference is small on nearby servers. On long-distance routes, ProtonVPN's VPN Accelerator often closes the gap, while Surfshark is more consistent on nearby European servers.
Both are fast enough for 4K streaming, video calls and large downloads. If you need the absolute fastest, NordVPN is the better choice, but it costs more.
3. Privacy and transparency
Winner: ProtonVPN. ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, publishes its apps as open source, and uses Secure Core to route traffic through hardened servers. Its no-logs policy is independently audited. Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, has a Deloitte-audited no-logs policy and RAM-only servers, but its apps are not open source.
If you want code you can inspect and a jurisdiction outside the EU, ProtonVPN wins. If you want a well-audited mainstream option at a lower price, Surfshark is fine.
4. Streaming
Winner: Surfshark for consistency, ProtonVPN for Netflix and BBC. Surfshark worked with Netflix, BBC iPlayer and Disney+ in our tests, but it was less consistent with Hulu. ProtonVPN worked well with Netflix and BBC iPlayer, and less consistently with Hulu and some regional libraries.
Both are good, neither is the best. NordVPN was the most consistent overall in our October test. If streaming is your main use, read our streaming VPN guide before choosing.
5. Features and devices
Winner: Surfshark for devices, ProtonVPN for privacy features. Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, which is the best family plan in the group. It includes CleanWeb for ad blocking, MultiHop and a rotating IP. ProtonVPN allows 10 devices and includes Secure Core, NetShield, Tor over VPN and a free tier.
If you have more than 10 devices, Surfshark is the practical choice. If you want the strongest privacy toolset, ProtonVPN is better.
6. Ease of use
Winner: tie. Both apps are polished and easy to install. Surfshark's app is slightly simpler; ProtonVPN exposes more privacy controls, which is a feature for some users and a distraction for others. Both support Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers and browser extensions.
The verdict
| You should choose… | Because |
|---|---|
| Surfshark | You want unlimited devices, the lowest price and a simple app for a household. |
| ProtonVPN | You want open-source code, Swiss jurisdiction, Secure Core and a real free tier. |
| NordVPN | You want the fastest speeds and the most consistent streaming, and you are willing to pay more. |
Both are good VPNs. The choice is about what you value: Surfshark is the family value pick; ProtonVPN is the privacy pick. Our overall rankings put NordVPN first, but these two are close behind for different reasons.
Frequently asked questions
Is Surfshark or ProtonVPN faster?
ProtonVPN retained 88% of baseline throughput in our October 2026 test; Surfshark retained 86%. The difference is small, and both are fast enough for 4K streaming.
Which is better for privacy?
ProtonVPN. It is based in Switzerland, its apps are open source, and it uses Secure Core. Surfshark is well audited, but its apps are not open source.
Which is cheaper?
Surfshark is cheaper at $2.19/month and renews at $119.52 every two years. ProtonVPN is $2.99/month and renews at $83.88/year. Surfshark is still cheaper over a second term.
Which has more devices?
Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous devices. ProtonVPN allows 10. If you have a large household, Surfshark is the practical choice.
Does ProtonVPN have a free plan?
Yes. ProtonVPN Free offers unlimited data, one device and servers in a handful of countries. It does not sell your data or show ads.
Which is better for Netflix?
Both work with Netflix, but ProtonVPN was slightly more consistent with Netflix and BBC iPlayer in our tests. Surfshark was better with Disney+ and some regional libraries. NordVPN was the most consistent overall.
Keep reading
- Surfshark Review - full test results and pricing.
- ProtonVPN Review - privacy, Secure Core and free tier.
- Best Cheap VPN - the best budget picks.
- VPN Pricing Index - intro vs renewal prices.
- Best VPN for Streaming - Netflix, Hulu and Disney+ results.
- Best VPN 2026 - the overall rankings.
Our family value pick
Surfshark covers unlimited devices at $2.19/month, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Get Surfshark →Price checked 1 November 2026. Affiliate disclosure.