AirVPN vs Surfshark: A Head-to-Head Breakdown

Struggling to pick between AirVPN and Surfshark for your online privacy? You’re not alone! Deciding on the right VPN can feel like navigating a maze, especially with so many options out there promising top-tier security and blazing speeds. If you’re looking for a service that balances user-friendliness with powerful features, Surfshark generally comes out ahead, offering a robust package that’s great for streaming, torrenting, and everyday browsing without being overly complicated. AirVPN, on the other hand, is a strong contender for the more tech-savvy user who loves to tweak every setting and prioritizes absolute control, even if it means a less polished experience. We’re going to break down everything you need to know about both so you can make an informed choice that perfectly fits your digital life.

Choosing a VPN isn’t just about finding the cheapest option. it’s about protecting your digital footprint, accessing content freely, and maintaining peace of mind. Both AirVPN and Surfshark aim to do just that, but they approach it from very different angles. Surfshark has quickly become a household name, known for its extensive server network, unlimited device connections, and a suite of additional security tools. Think of it as the versatile, all-rounder that’s constantly innovating. AirVPN, while perhaps less flashy, has built a loyal following among privacy advocates and power users, focusing on open-source transparency, advanced configurations, and strong, no-nonsense security measures. It’s like comparing a high-performance sports car with a customizable, rugged off-roader – both get the job done, but the journey and experience are quite distinct. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of AirVPN vs Surfshark and see which one truly wins for you.

When you’re comparing AirVPN vs Surfshark, it’s helpful to look at them side-by-side across key categories. This isn’t just about raw numbers. it’s about what those numbers mean for your daily online activities. I’ll walk you through the important stuff, from how they protect your data to how smoothly they handle your favorite shows.

Privacy and Security Showdown

This is probably the most crucial part of any VPN comparison, right? We all want to know our data is safe. Both AirVPN and Surfshark take privacy seriously, but their approaches have some differences worth noting.

Logging Policies and Jurisdiction

Let’s talk about no-logs policies, which are basically a VPN’s promise not to keep records of your online activities.

Surfshark has a crystal-clear no-logs policy. They explicitly state they don’t collect information like your visited IP addresses, browsing history, session details, bandwidth used, or connection timestamps. What they do store temporarily, like user ID and/or IP address and connection timestamps, is automatically deleted within 15 minutes after you disconnect. This is super reassuring. Their headquarters are in the Netherlands, which is part of the 14-Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. Now, that might raise an eyebrow for some, but Surfshark emphasizes that their strict no-logs policy, confirmed by independent audits, means there’s simply no data to share even if requested. Deloitte, a well-known firm, has audited and confirmed Surfshark’s no-logs policy twice, first in 2023 and again more recently.

AirVPN, on the other hand, is based in Italy, which is also a 14-Eyes country. However, AirVPN has a strong reputation among privacy enthusiasts. They also maintain a strict zero-logs policy, stating that activity traffic, content, or IP addresses of customers are not inspected, logged, or stored on any mass storage device. They do handle some technical data strictly necessary for service functioning, but only in RAM and only for the time needed to provide the service, without using it to identify users. AirVPN was founded by a group of Italian “hacktivists” back in 2010, and their commitment to open-source transparency is a big part of their appeal. They even suggest using disposable email addresses and cryptocurrency for payments to boost anonymity. Surfshark vpn affiliate

My Take: Both claim no-logs, which is excellent. Surfshark’s external audits by Deloitte add a layer of verifiable trust, which is a big deal. AirVPN’s strong privacy ethos and open-source nature are compelling for those who prefer to “trust but verify” the technology itself. For many, Surfshark’s audited no-logs might feel more comforting due to independent verification.

Encryption and Protocols

How these VPNs scramble your data is key to staying safe.

Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption, which is pretty much the industry standard and considered practically impenetrable. They offer robust protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. WireGuard, in particular, is known for its speed and security, making it a great choice for everyday use. They also boast features like Private DNS on each server and built-in leak protection to prevent your IP address from being exposed.

AirVPN also uses strong encryption, specifically AES-256-GCM. They heavily lean on the OpenVPN protocol, considered highly secure, and also offer WireGuard. A standout feature for AirVPN is its “Perfect Forward Secrecy,” which means it regularly refreshes encryption keys every 60 minutes or even more frequently if you set it. This ensures that even if one session’s key is somehow compromised, past sessions remain secure. They also provide obfuscation options like running OpenVPN over TCP port 443 making it look like regular SSL traffic and even VPN over SSL and SSH bridges, which can be super useful in restrictive countries to bypass blocks.

My Take: Both are incredibly secure with top-tier encryption. Surfshark’s use of WireGuard is fantastic for speed, while AirVPN’s dedication to Perfect Forward Secrecy and its advanced obfuscation techniques VPN over SSL/SSH, Tor integration might appeal more to those dealing with heavy censorship or who are deeply technical and prioritize granular control over their connection. Is Surfshark VPN Down? Your Ultimate Guide to Troubleshooting and Understanding Surfshark’s Reliability

Speed and Performance: Who’s Faster?

Nobody wants a slow internet connection, even with a VPN on. Speed is a huge factor, especially if you’re into streaming, gaming, or downloading large files.

Surfshark has consistently shown impressive speed test results. In recent tests as of 2025, it maintained high speeds across global servers with minimal drops, averaging around a 17-21% speed loss from the baseline, particularly when using the WireGuard protocol. Some tests even recorded peak WireGuard speeds over 950 Mbps, maxing out the connection line. This means you can expect fast downloads, buffer-free HD streaming, and smooth browsing. Surfshark also has a “FastTrack” technology, primarily on macOS right now, which aims to optimize traffic and improve speeds by up to 70% by routing through multiple servers.

AirVPN‘s speed performance is a bit more mixed. Some users have reported significant speed drops, with connections of over 100 Mbps being reduced to 40 Mbps, or even 915 Mbps dropping to 82 Mbps. However, other users on Reddit have reported minimal speed loss, sometimes as low as 3-5% when using WireGuard, especially with optimized settings. The service itself aims for up to 1 Gbps bandwidth on its servers. Overall, while it can be fast, it seems less consistently fast than Surfshark, and its performance might require more tweaking from the user side. Surfshark VPN Aanbieding: Jouw Ultieme Gids voor de Beste Deals en Topbeveiliging

My Take: For consistent, out-of-the-box fast speeds, Surfshark seems to have the edge. It’s built for speed and regularly delivers. AirVPN’s speeds can be good, but it might depend more on the specific server, your configuration, and potentially your location. If speed is a top priority without much fuss, Surfshark is likely the better bet.

Server Network and Global Reach

A larger server network generally means more options for bypassing geo-restrictions, better speeds less congestion, and more reliable connections.

Surfshark boasts an extensive network of over 3200 servers in 100 countries. This is a massive global footprint, with servers spread across Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. Many countries even have multiple city-level server options, which is fantastic for finding a less congested server close to you for optimal performance. This wide distribution makes it an excellent choice for accessing content from various regions.

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AirVPN operates a significantly smaller network, with around 240 to 261+ servers in 21 to 23 countries. Most of these servers are concentrated in Europe, with some in the US, Canada, and Hong Kong. While they do offer a live status page showing server load to help you pick the best one, this smaller network can limit options, especially for users outside of Europe or North America, and might lead to more congestion during peak times.

My Take: This is a clear win for Surfshark. Its vast server network provides far more options for speed, unblocking content, and finding a server that meets your needs. AirVPN’s smaller network might be sufficient for some, but it simply doesn’t compare in terms of global reach and variety.

Features That Matter

Beyond the basics, both VPNs offer extra features that can enhance your online experience.

Common Features Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, P2P

• Kill Switch: Both have this essential safety net. AirVPN calls it “Network Lock,” and it’s quite robust, disabling all traffic not going through the VPN tunnel. Surfshark also includes a reliable kill switch that disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing accidental data leaks.
• Split Tunneling: This lets you choose which apps or websites use the VPN and which bypass it. AirVPN offers split tunneling, referring to it as “Routes,” where you can set hostnames or IP addresses. Surfshark calls its version “Bypasser” and it’s available on Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS, which is impressive given Apple’s restrictions on VPN split tunneling.
• P2P/Torrenting: Both VPNs are friendly to torrenting. AirVPN explicitly allows P2P traffic on all its servers and even supports port forwarding, which can be great for torrenting. Surfshark also supports P2P on all its servers and is known for its good speeds for downloading large files.

Unique and Advanced Features

Surfshark’s unique features:

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• Dynamic MultiHop Double VPN: This routes your traffic through two VPN servers instead of one, adding an extra layer of encryption and making it much harder to trace your activity.
• CleanWeb: An excellent ad, tracker, and malware blocker that makes your browsing cleaner and potentially faster.
• Rotating IP: Regularly changes your IP address while you stay connected to the VPN, further enhancing anonymity.
• NoBorders mode: Designed to help users connect in restrictive regions by detecting and bypassing geo-restrictions.
• Smart DNS: Allows you to access geo-restricted content on devices that don’t natively support VPN apps, like some smart TVs or gaming consoles.
• Static IP servers: While shared not dedicated, these allow you to have an IP address that remains the same each time you connect, useful for accessing secure networks that require a consistent IP.
• Surfshark One: This is a bundle that includes the VPN along with additional tools like antivirus software, identity theft protection Alert, and a private search engine Search.
• Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: A huge selling point! You can use Surfshark on as many devices as you want with a single subscription.

AirVPN’s unique features:

• VPN over SSL/SSH: As mentioned, this is a powerful obfuscation tool to make your VPN traffic look like regular HTTPS or SSH traffic, useful for bypassing deep packet inspection and VPN blocks in countries with heavy censorship.
• Tor integration: You can route your VPN traffic through the Tor network for an added layer of anonymity, although this will significantly slow down your connection.
• Port Forwarding/DDNS: Great for specific use cases like torrenting, hosting game servers, or accessing devices remotely securely.
• Highly customizable client “Eddie”: AirVPN’s client offers an extensive range of settings and configurations, letting advanced users fine-tune their VPN connection to a degree rarely seen in other VPNs.
• IPv6 support: AirVPN is one of the few VPNs to offer full support for IPv6 traffic, and it prevents IPv6 leaks by default.

My Take: Surfshark is packed with user-friendly features that enhance privacy and convenience for a broader audience, especially the unlimited connections and ad blocker. AirVPN excels in offering highly technical, privacy-focused features like advanced obfuscation and Tor integration, making it a specialist’s tool. If you want more control and understand the technicalities, AirVPN has a lot to offer. For general use and ease of a comprehensive security suite, Surfshark is hard to beat.

Pricing: Bang for Your Buck?

Price is always a factor, and both VPNs offer different subscription models. Can You Really Cancel ProtonVPN Anytime? Here’s the Real Deal!

Surfshark is generally considered one of the most affordable premium VPNs, especially if you commit to a longer plan.

• Monthly plans: These are usually the most expensive, around $15.45 per month for the Starter plan.
• Long-term plans: This is where Surfshark shines. For a 24-month plan, with additional free months often included, the cost can drop to around $1.99 – $2.49 per month, billed as a lump sum e.g., $53.73 for 27 months.
• Renewal prices: It’s worth noting that renewal prices often jump after the introductory period, so always check those terms.
• Money-back guarantee: They offer a generous 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans, letting you try it risk-free.
• Bundles: Surfshark One and One+ are more expensive but include additional security features like antivirus and identity protection.

AirVPN offers a more granular pricing structure, billed in Euros.

• Short-term plans: They have a very flexible range, including a 3-day plan for €2 approx. $2.36 and a one-month plan for €7 approx. $8.26.
• Long-term plans: Longer subscriptions offer discounts, with a one-year plan costing around €4.83 ~$5.70 per month, billed at €29. However, some reviews suggest that while short-term plans are competitive, their longer-term plans might not offer the same comparative value as other VPNs.
• Money-back guarantee: AirVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, but with a condition: you must not have used more than 5 GB of data during that time. This is a more restrictive policy than Surfshark’s.

My Take: For long-term value, Surfshark generally provides more features and unlimited connections at a highly competitive per-month price. AirVPN’s short-term flexibility is nice, but its money-back guarantee is more limited. If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest long-term deal for a feature-rich service, Surfshark typically wins.

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Ease of Use and Apps

A powerful VPN is only good if you can actually use it without tearing your hair out.

Surfshark is known for its sleek, intuitive, and user-friendly applications across all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux GUI, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, and routers. Its interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it ideal for beginners and casual users. You can download the app, connect with a single click, and easily access features without a steep learning curve.

AirVPN is a different beast entirely. Its client, called “Eddie,” is often described as “techy,” “clunky,” “outdated,” and “unintuitive”. While it offers immense customization options, this comes at the cost of simplicity. It’s built by and for tech experts, which means it doesn’t hold your hand. Setting it up can require some patience and a willingness to dig into technical details. While apps are available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS, the Linux client also has a GUI, but the overall experience is less polished than consumer-focused VPNs.

My Take: This category is a clear win for Surfshark. If you value a smooth, easy-to-use experience, Surfshark is the way to go. AirVPN is best suited for those who enjoy tinkering with settings and have a good understanding of VPN technology. How to Cancel Your VPN Account: A No-Fuss Guide

Streaming and Torrenting Performance

For many of us, a VPN is also about accessing geo-restricted content or safely downloading files.

Surfshark is an excellent choice for streaming. It consistently unblocks a wide range of popular international streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. Its fast and consistent speeds, especially with WireGuard, ensure buffer-free, high-definition streaming. For torrenting, Surfshark supports P2P on all its servers and provides optimal speeds for downloading large files.

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AirVPN also states it works with popular streaming platforms like Netflix US, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, and fully supports P2P and torrenting on all servers. However, some reviews suggest its streaming performance can be “hit-or-miss at best” for Netflix. While it’s great for torrenting, especially with its port forwarding feature, its unblocking capabilities for streaming might not be as consistently reliable as Surfshark’s.

My Take: Surfshark is the undisputed champion here for streaming. Its ability to reliably unblock major services with fast speeds makes it ideal for entertainment. AirVPN is strong for torrenting due to its features like port forwarding, but for consistent, hassle-free streaming, Surfshark takes the lead.

Customer Support and Reliability

Even the best VPNs can sometimes have a hiccup, so good customer support is crucial.

Surfshark offers 24/7 customer support through live chat and email. Their help center also has more than 250 articles covering various topics, which is great for self-help. Users generally report prompt responses and helpful assistance, even with complex issues.

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AirVPN‘s customer support options are more limited. They primarily offer support via email and have an active user forum. However, they do not provide 24/7 live chat, which can be a drawback if you encounter an urgent issue. Their support can sometimes feel less immediate, typical for a more community-driven, tech-focused service.

My Take: For quick, readily available assistance, Surfshark‘s 24/7 live chat is a huge advantage. AirVPN’s support is functional, especially if you’re comfortable using forums or email, but it lacks the immediacy that many users prefer.

Which VPN is Right for You?

So, who wins the AirVPN vs Surfshark battle? It really depends on what you value most in a VPN.

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• Choose Surfshark if:

  • You want a user-friendly, intuitive experience across all your devices.
  • You need reliable and fast access to streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu.
  • You want to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously.
  • You appreciate extra features like an ad blocker CleanWeb, MultiHop, and Rotating IP.
  • You prefer strong security that’s independently audited.
  • You want 24/7 live chat support for immediate help.
  • You’re looking for excellent long-term value in terms of pricing.

• Choose AirVPN if:

  • You are a highly technical user or privacy advocate who loves to tinker with advanced settings.
  • You prioritize open-source transparency and a strong commitment to privacy, even with a less polished interface.
  • You need specialized features like VPN over SSL/SSH obfuscation or Tor integration for extreme censorship circumvention.
  • Port forwarding is a crucial feature for your specific use cases like advanced torrenting or gaming.
  • You don’t mind a smaller server network, mainly concentrated in Europe.
  • You’re comfortable with email/forum-based customer support.

In summary, Surfshark is the clear winner for most everyday users. It offers a fantastic balance of speed, security, features, and ease of use, making it a versatile choice for streaming, torrenting, and general browsing on unlimited devices. Its extensive server network and 24/7 support solidify its position as a top-tier consumer VPN.

AirVPN, while highly secure and transparent, caters to a niche audience of technically proficient users who demand granular control and advanced privacy tools, often at the expense of user-friendliness and broad streaming capabilities. If you identify as a “hacktivist” at heart and value deep customization over simplicity, AirVPN could be your ideal companion. Otherwise, for a smooth, powerful, and accessible VPN experience, Surfshark is the way to go. How to Skillfully Cancel That VPN Free Trial (and Avoid Unwanted Charges!)

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between AirVPN and Surfshark?

The main difference lies in their target audience and approach. Surfshark is known for its user-friendly interface, extensive global server network 3200+ servers in 100 countries, unlimited simultaneous connections, and a broad feature set suitable for streaming, torrenting, and general use. AirVPN, on the other hand, targets tech-savvy users, offering highly customizable settings, advanced privacy features like VPN over SSL/SSH, Tor integration, and port forwarding, but with a smaller server network around 240-261 servers in 21-23 countries and a less intuitive interface.

Is Surfshark better than AirVPN for streaming Netflix and other services?

Yes, Surfshark is generally considered better for streaming Netflix and other services. It consistently unblocks major streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu, and provides fast, buffer-free streaming thanks to its optimized servers and WireGuard protocol. While AirVPN states it works with some streaming services, its performance for these platforms can be hit-or-miss and less reliable.

Which VPN is faster: AirVPN or Surfshark?

Surfshark typically offers more consistent and faster speeds, especially when using the WireGuard protocol. It generally shows minimal speed loss around 17-21% from baseline internet speeds, with some tests reaching over 950 Mbps. AirVPN’s speeds can be good but are more variable, with some users reporting significant speed drops depending on the server and configuration. How to Get Your Money Back from NordVPN: A Simple Guide

Does Surfshark or AirVPN offer more server locations?

Surfshark offers significantly more server locations. It has over 3200 servers in 100 countries. AirVPN has a much smaller network, with roughly 240 to 261+ servers in 21 to 23 countries. This makes Surfshark much better for bypassing geo-restrictions and finding less congested servers globally.

Can I use AirVPN or Surfshark for torrenting?

Yes, both AirVPN and Surfshark are good for torrenting. AirVPN supports P2P on all its servers and includes port forwarding, which is a valuable feature for torrenting. Surfshark also allows P2P on all its servers and provides good speeds for downloading large files.

Which VPN has a better privacy policy, AirVPN or Surfshark?

Both VPNs maintain strict no-logs policies. Surfshark is based in the Netherlands and has had its no-logs policy independently audited by Deloitte twice, adding a strong layer of verifiable trust. AirVPN, based in Italy, also has a zero-logs policy and is known for its open-source transparency and focus on advanced privacy features like Perfect Forward Secrecy. For those prioritizing third-party verification, Surfshark might feel more reassuring, while AirVPN appeals to those who trust open-source scrutiny.

Does Surfshark offer unlimited simultaneous connections like some other VPNs e.g., IPVanish vs Surfshark?

Yes, Surfshark is one of the few premium VPNs that offers unlimited simultaneous connections with a single subscription, meaning you can protect all your devices and share it with your household. AirVPN allows up to 5 simultaneous connections.

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