ProtonVPN vs Surfshark
Head-to-head comparison of two popular vpn tools. See which one is right for your needs.
Last updated: March 2026
Quick Verdict
ProtonVPN has a higher rating (4.5/5) compared to Surfshark (4.4/5). Plus, ProtonVPN offers a free tier while Surfshark does not.
ProtonVPN
4.5ProtonVPN is a privacy-focused VPN from the makers of ProtonMail, based in Switzerland. It offers a genuine free tier with no data limits, open-source apps, and Secure Core servers that route through privacy-friendly countries. ProtonVPN is ideal for privacy-conscious users.
Pricing
Free / $4.49/month
Key Features
- Free Tier
- Secure Core
- NetShield Ad Blocker
- P2P Support
- Tor over VPN
- Kill Switch
- Open Source Apps
- No Logs
Pros
- + True free tier
- + Swiss privacy laws
- + Open source
- + Strong security focus
Cons
- − Slower free servers
- − Smaller server network
- − Fewer streaming features
Surfshark
4.4Surfshark is a feature-rich VPN offering unlimited simultaneous connections at affordable prices. It includes ad blocking, malware protection, and alternative ID features. Surfshark provides excellent value for families or users with many devices.
Pricing
$2.19/month
Key Features
- 3,200+ Servers
- 100 Countries
- Unlimited Devices
- CleanWeb Ad Blocker
- MultiHop
- NoBorders Mode
- Camouflage Mode
- Alternative ID
Pros
- + Unlimited connections
- + Very affordable
- + Feature-rich
- + Good speeds
Cons
- − Inconsistent speeds sometimes
- − Newer company
- − Some servers slow