Surfshark vs ProtonVPN (2026)
We test both VPNs across speed, privacy, streaming, and pricing so you can pick the right one without guessing.
Best Free
ProtonVPN
★★★★4.5/5
The best VPN for privacy — with a genuine free tier
Free / $3.99/mo
Get ProtonVPNFeature
Surfshark
ProtonVPN
Servers
3,200+
6,500+
Countries
100
112
Simultaneous Devices
Unlimited
10
Protocol
WireGuard / IKEv2
WireGuard / OpenVPN
Logs Policy
No logs (audited)
No logs (audited, open-source)
Money-Back Guarantee
30-day
30-day
Our Verdict
Both Surfshark and ProtonVPN are strong choices, but they suit different users. Surfshark is better rated overall (4.6/5) and is our top recommendation if you want budget. ProtonVPN wins on privacy and is priced at Free / $3.99/mo. Check our full reviews below for the detailed breakdown.
Surfshark vs ProtonVPN: Common Questions
Which is cheaper, Surfshark or ProtonVPN?▼
Surfshark is the cheaper option. Surfshark is priced at $2.19/mo while ProtonVPN is priced at Free / $3.99/mo. Prices shown are for the best long-term plan.
Which has more servers, Surfshark or ProtonVPN?▼
ProtonVPN has the larger server network. Surfshark has 3,200+ servers and ProtonVPN has 6,500+ servers.
Which is better for streaming, Surfshark or ProtonVPN?▼
Surfshark is the stronger streaming choice. It is specifically optimised for platforms like Netflix and Disney+. ProtonVPN is not primarily focused on streaming.
What is the main difference between Surfshark and ProtonVPN?▼
Surfshark positions itself as "best value vpn — unlimited devices". ProtonVPN takes a different focus: "the best vpn for privacy — with a genuine free tier". The right choice depends on which of these priorities matters most to you.