The short answer
Start with your devices and your budget. Surfshark is worth considering if you need more than ten simultaneous connections. NordVPN allows ten, which may already cover everything you use. Neither device count nor a promotional price tells you which service will perform best on your connection.
This is a comparison of published information, checked on September 8, 2026. We have not run hands-on speed, streaming, or privacy tests, so we do not award performance scores or name an overall winner.
At a glance
| What matters | NordVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous VPN connections | Up to 10 | Unlimited, subject to terms |
| Current pricing | Check official offer ↗ | Check official offer ↗ |
| Our performance testing | Not yet tested | Not yet tested |
Device-count sources are linked below. Compare the same billing period and currency at checkout.
Devices: count what you actually use
NordVPN’s support documentation specifies up to ten devices connected at the same time. The important word is “simultaneous”: consider the devices using the VPN together, rather than every device you own.
Surfshark’s device documentation describes unlimited simultaneous connections. Its terms of service still apply, including restrictions on abusive use. Unlimited VPN connections also does not mean every bundled product has unlimited device coverage.
Price: compare the amount due today
A monthly equivalent is useful for comparing plans of the same length. It is less useful if one plan requires a much longer upfront commitment.
Before you choose, record four things from each checkout:
- The exact plan and included products.
- The total charge today, in the same currency, including applicable taxes.
- The full initial subscription period, including any bonus months.
- The renewal amount and renewal period.
Offers vary by location and change over time. We link to the official NordVPN pricing page and the official Surfshark pricing page instead of presenting an unverified deal as current. Compare their entry-level VPN plans first, then decide whether you need extras.
Refunds: read the eligibility details
Surfshark states that eligible first purchases made through its website can be refunded within 30 days. See its refund policy for the conditions. Do not assume a renewal or a purchase through a third party has the same refund process.
For either provider, check the terms shown for your purchase before paying. A money-back guarantee requires payment first; it is not the same as a free trial.
Which should you consider?
Consider Surfshark if simultaneous device coverage is the deciding factor, especially when you have more than ten devices to connect. Verify that the plan and its terms fit your use.
Consider NordVPN if ten connections are enough and its current plan, app support, and total cost match your needs. A higher advertised discount is not by itself a reason to choose it.
Keep comparing if you have a particular performance or accessibility requirement. Check support for your operating system and use the provider’s applicable refund window to evaluate it on your own network. We cannot predict that result from a feature list.
For distro requirements and the choice between a desktop app and terminal commands, read our OS and Linux compatibility guide.
Before you subscribe
Save the checkout terms and set a reminder before renewal. For help comparing different commitments, read our monthly versus long-term plan guide. For the billing math, see what a monthly VPN price really means.