Choosing a VPN can feel like navigating a maze, especially when you’re trying to figure out if Proton VPN or Surfshark is the right fit for your online life. I remember my first time trying to pick a VPN, it was so confusing with all the technical jargon. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you break it down. Both Proton VPN and Surfshark are big names in the VPN world, offering strong security and features that can seriously boost your online privacy. Each has its own strengths, whether you’re prioritizing super-tight security, blazing-fast speeds, or a budget-friendly option for the whole family. In this guide, we’re going to put them head-to-head, looking at everything from their privacy policies and speeds to their pricing and unique features. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which VPN will serve you best, so you can make an informed decision and get back to browsing, streaming, or working online with peace of mind.

Table of Contents

Privacy and Logging Policies

When it comes to VPNs, privacy is a huge deal, and a strict no-logs policy is the bedrock of that trust. You want a service that doesn’t keep tabs on what you’re doing online. Both Proton VPN and Surfshark clearly state they have no-logs policies, but let’s poke around a bit to see how they stack up.

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Proton VPN’s Privacy Stance

Proton VPN is well-known for its strong privacy focus, and for good reason. It’s based in Switzerland, a country famous for its robust data protection and privacy laws. This is a massive plus because Swiss law doesn’t force VPN providers to retain user data. Proton VPN emphasizes that it doesn’t log your browsing history, connection logs, IP addresses, or even session lengths.

They take transparency seriously. Proton VPN’s applications are open-source, meaning anyone can review their code, which helps build trust in the cybersecurity community. Plus, their no-logs policy has been verified by an independent security audit from Securitum. In a real-world scenario, their no-logs policy was tested in a legal case in 2019 where they were unable to provide user logs because they simply didn’t exist. Their servers also use full-disk encryption, adding another layer of security even in the unlikely event of a physical breach.

Surfshark’s Privacy Stance

Surfshark also boasts a strict no-logs policy, which is crucial for protecting your online activities. They state that they don’t track, log, or store your browsing history, data transfers, or anything else you do online. Surfshark operates out of the Netherlands, a country that also has no data retention laws, which supports their no-logs claim. Problems with Surfshark VPN: Your Go-To Troubleshooting Guide

A big confidence booster for Surfshark is their use of RAM-only servers. This means that all data on their servers is wiped clean every time they’re powered off, making it impossible for any long-term storage of user information. Surfshark’s no-logs policy has been independently audited by Deloitte, a “Big Four” auditing firm, not once, but twice, confirming that they don’t monitor or track your online activity. This kind of independent verification really shows their commitment to user privacy.

The Verdict on Privacy

Both VPNs are solid choices when it comes to privacy. Proton VPN benefits from Switzerland’s strong privacy laws and its open-source applications, along with a verified no-logs policy. Surfshark, with its RAM-only servers and multiple independent audits by Deloitte, also offers a very trustworthy no-logs guarantee. If you’re a privacy purist, you’ll feel secure with either.

Security Features

A VPN’s job is to keep your online activity secure. Let’s dig into the specific security features that Proton VPN and Surfshark bring to the table. Both offer industry-standard encryption, but they also have some unique tricks up their sleeves.

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Proton VPN’s Security Arsenal

Proton VPN comes packed with robust security features:

Strong Encryption: They use AES-256 encryption, which is considered unbreakable by modern standards. They also deploy Perfect Forward Secrecy PFS, which changes the encryption key every session, ensuring that even if one key is compromised, past sessions remain secure. For network traffic, they use AES-256 or ChaCha20, along with strong VPN protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN.
Secure Core: This is a standout feature for Proton VPN. It routes your internet traffic through multiple servers, specifically through hardened data centers in privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden, before it even leaves their network. This adds an extra layer of protection against sophisticated attacks.
VPN Accelerator: This is a set of unique technologies designed to increase connection speeds by up to 400% by optimizing VPN protocols and reducing latency.
Kill Switch and Always-on VPN: These features are essential. If your VPN connection drops unexpectedly, the kill switch immediately blocks all internet traffic, preventing your real IP address from being exposed. The always-on VPN feature automatically tries to re-establish the connection.
NetShield Ad-blocker: This DNS filtering feature helps protect you from malware, blocks ads, and stops website trackers, which can also speed up your browsing by preventing unnecessary content from loading.
DNS Leak Protection: Proton VPN ensures that your DNS queries are routed through the encrypted tunnel and resolved on their own servers, preventing common DNS leaks that could expose your browsing activity.
Tor over VPN: For those who need maximum anonymity, Proton VPN offers specialized servers that route your traffic through the Tor network, adding another layer of privacy.
Open-Source Apps: All Proton VPN applications are open-source and regularly audited by independent security experts, enhancing transparency and trust.

Surfshark’s Security Arsenal

Surfshark isn’t slouching in the security department either:

Strong Encryption: Like Proton VPN, Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption to protect your data. They also support secure protocols like WireGuard which is known for being fast, OpenVPN, and IKEv2.
CleanWeb: This feature acts as an ad blocker, malware blocker, and phishing attempt deterrent. It’s similar to Proton VPN’s NetShield, keeping your browsing experience cleaner and safer.
MultiHop Double VPN: Surfshark offers this feature, which routes your connection through two different VPN servers instead of just one. This adds an extra layer of encryption and makes it even harder to trace your online activities.
Camouflage Mode: This is Surfshark’s obfuscation technology. It makes your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic, which is super useful in countries with strict internet censorship or on restrictive networks.
NoBorders Mode: If you’re struggling to connect in restrictive regions, NoBorders Mode automatically detects network restrictions and suggests the best servers to bypass them, helping you get around geo-blocks and censorship.
IP Rotator: This unique feature automatically changes your IP address every few minutes without disconnecting you from the VPN, making it even harder for anyone to track your online behavior.
Kill Switch: Essential for preventing data leaks if your VPN connection drops.
RAM-Only Servers: As mentioned before, all Surfshark servers run on RAM, which means no data can be permanently stored on them. This significantly enhances privacy and security.

The Verdict on Security

Both services provide excellent security. Proton VPN stands out with its Secure Core architecture and open-source nature, appealing to users who prioritize extreme privacy and transparency. Surfshark impresses with its MultiHop, Camouflage Mode, and the unique IP Rotator, making it a great choice for bypassing censorship and enhancing anonymity with dynamically changing IPs.

Speed and Performance

Nobody wants a VPN that slows down their internet to a crawl. When you’re picking a VPN, speed is definitely a factor, especially for streaming, gaming, or large downloads. Surfshark VPN Price in the Philippines: Your Ultimate Buying Guide

Proton VPN’s Speed

Proton VPN has made significant improvements in speed, often being cited as one of the fastest, sometimes the fastest, depending on the region. They claim their VPN Accelerator technology can increase speeds by up to 400%. Proton VPN uses high-speed servers with a minimum of 1 Gbps bandwidth, and many utilize 10 Gbps connections, even with strong encryption.

In real-world tests, Proton VPN’s speeds can be quite good. One test showed download speeds of 75.59 Mbps on a US server and 87.09 Mbps on a UAE server. While some older reports or specific server clusters might show variance, overall user experience often points to stable and fast connections for browsing, streaming, and downloading. However, some users have noted that speeds can be underwhelming compared to competitors like NordVPN or Surfshark, especially on long-distance servers, and the free tier might have “medium speeds”. Secure Core and Tor over VPN connections will naturally be slower due to the extra routing.

Surfshark’s Speed

Surfshark is generally known for delivering consistently fast speeds, especially when using the WireGuard protocol. In comparisons with other top VPNs like ExpressVPN, Surfshark has often come out on top for consistent speed performance.

Their server network, with over 3200 servers across 100 countries, helps in maintaining lower server loads, which contributes to better speeds. Surfshark’s RAM-only servers also play a role in optimizing performance. While specific speed test results can vary, many reviews highlight Surfshark as one of the fastest VPNs available. It’s often compared favorably to NordVPN in terms of consistent high speeds. Surfshark VPN Price: How Much Does This Top VPN Really Cost?

The Verdict on Speed

Surfshark seems to have a slight edge in overall consistent speed performance, especially with its WireGuard protocol. Proton VPN has excellent features like VPN Accelerator and high-bandwidth servers, making it very competitive, but some real-world tests suggest more variance depending on the server. If raw, consistent speed is your absolute top priority, Surfshark might just barely win this round.

Server Network and Locations

A vast and well-distributed server network is important for a VPN because it affects connection speeds, ability to bypass geo-restrictions, and overall reliability. More servers usually mean less congestion and more options for optimal connections.

Proton VPN’s Server Network

Proton VPN has been rapidly expanding its network. As of recent reports, they offer over 14,900 servers in 122 countries. Other sources indicate over 8,500 servers across 112 countries or 12,061 servers in 117 countries. This is a substantial network, providing plenty of choices for users looking for servers close to home or in specific locations to unblock content. Proton VPN focuses on high-speed servers and has many optimized for P2P and Tor over VPN.

Surfshark’s Server Network

Surfshark boasts a robust network with over 3200 servers in 100 countries. While the raw number of servers is lower than Proton VPN’s latest reported figures, Surfshark’s geographical spread is impressive for a relatively newer provider. Their servers are distributed across Europe 56 countries, the Americas 18 locations, Asia Pacific 27 locations, and the Middle East and Africa 9 locations. Many countries host servers in multiple cities, such as the US, UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and India, which is great for finding specific locations. All of Surfshark’s servers are P2P-friendly, which is a big plus for torrenting.

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The Verdict on Server Network

Proton VPN appears to have a larger absolute number of servers and covers more countries. However, Surfshark’s server distribution is also excellent, and its “unlimited simultaneous connections” policy means that their network handles a lot of traffic effectively. If sheer volume and slightly more country options matter, Proton VPN takes the lead. If you value broad global coverage with consistent performance and unlimited device connections, Surfshark is still a very strong contender.

Pricing and Plans

Price often plays a big role in deciding which VPN to go with. Both Proton VPN and Surfshark offer various plans, but their pricing structures and what you get for your money can differ quite a bit.

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Proton VPN’s Pricing

Proton VPN offers a free plan, which is a huge draw. It gives you unlimited data, no artificial speed limits, and access to servers in 5 countries including the US, Netherlands, and Japan, though it’s limited to one device and doesn’t support streaming or P2P. This free tier is considered one of the most generous in the market, making it an excellent option for basic, secure browsing without commitment.

For paid plans, Proton VPN generally has a three-tier structure:

VPN Plus: Offers faster speeds, access to all servers over 120 countries, 15000+ servers, Secure Core, NetShield, streaming support, P2P, and up to 10 simultaneous connections. The annual subscription for VPN Plus has been around $4.99/month, while a 2-year plan can bring it down to $3.59/month. A one-month plan is more expensive, around $9.99.
Proton Unlimited: This is a bundled plan that includes Proton VPN Plus features along with other Proton services like Proton Mail Plus, Proton Drive Plus, and Proton Calendar Plus. This is geared towards users who want a complete privacy ecosystem. The annual billing for Unlimited is around $9.99/month, with a 2-year plan at $7.99/month.

Proton VPN sometimes offers seasonal discounts, like Black Friday promotions. While its monthly prices can be higher than some competitors, long-term plans offer better value, especially considering the robust features.

Surfshark’s Pricing

Surfshark is generally known for being a more budget-friendly option, especially with its longer-term plans. One of its most attractive features is unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can use it on as many devices as you want with a single subscription, making it great for families or people with lots of gadgets.

Surfshark offers different tiers, often starting with a Starter plan that provides core VPN features. While the exact pricing fluctuates with promotions, long-term plans e.g., 24 months can be significantly more affordable, often starting around $1.99/month. Their 1-month plan is typically more expensive but still competitive. Surfshark also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it risk-free. Beyond the basic VPN, Surfshark also has “Surfshark One” which bundles the VPN with antivirus, a secure search engine, and a data breach alert system. Mastering Your Surfshark VPN: Usernames, Passwords, and Seamless Login

The Verdict on Pricing

If you need a free VPN for basic use, Proton VPN’s free tier is hard to beat with its unlimited data and no-logs policy. For paid plans, Surfshark generally offers better value for money, especially for longer subscriptions and with its unlimited simultaneous connections. If you have many devices or a large household, Surfshark’s unlimited connections can be a must. Proton VPN’s Plus plan is competitive, especially if you bundle it with their other privacy services.

Streaming and Torrenting Capabilities

A lot of people use VPNs for streaming content from different regions or for secure file-sharing torrenting. How well do Proton VPN and Surfshark handle these activities?

Proton VPN for Streaming and Torrenting

Streaming: Proton VPN has significantly improved its streaming capabilities. It works well with many popular streaming platforms, including Netflix various libraries like US, UK, Canada, HBO Max, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. They have servers optimized for streaming, making it easier to access geo-restricted content. However, it’s worth noting that the free plan does not support streaming. Unlocking Paramount Plus Anywhere: Your Guide to Using Surfshark VPN

Torrenting: Proton VPN is considered a solid VPN for torrenting. It has many P2P-optimized servers, which are crucial for performance in this area. They also support port forwarding, which can sometimes help with torrenting speeds. Being based in Switzerland, a country with a good attitude towards torrenting, also adds a layer of comfort. Again, the free tier does not support P2P traffic.

Surfshark for Streaming and Torrenting

Streaming: Surfshark is generally excellent for streaming. It consistently unblocks major streaming services and is a strong choice for watching content online. While some specific platforms might occasionally detect it one test noted Hulu detecting Surfshark on a Fire TV Stick but working on other platforms, it generally performs well across most major services.

Torrenting: Surfshark is also a strong contender for torrenting. A major advantage is that all of Surfshark’s servers are P2P-friendly. This means you don’t have to hunt for specific servers, making the process much simpler. In speed tests, Surfshark has shown high download speeds for torrenting, often outperforming competitors in this regard. Its robust security features also ensure your IP isn’t leaking and your ISP can’t track your activity while torrenting.

The Verdict on Streaming and Torrenting

Both VPNs are good for streaming and torrenting, but with a few differences. Surfshark might have a slight edge for torrenting due to all its servers being P2P-friendly and its consistently fast download speeds. For streaming, both perform well, but Proton VPN requires a paid plan for this functionality, while Surfshark generally handles it across its paid service.

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User Experience and Apps

A great VPN isn’t just about features. it’s also about how easy and enjoyable it is to use. The design, intuitiveness, and overall functionality of the apps play a big role.

Proton VPN’s User Experience

Proton VPN’s apps are generally user-friendly and intuitive, with a modern, streamlined interface that emphasizes clarity. They offer dedicated apps for all major devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux with a full GUI app, which is a big plus!, iOS, Android, and Android TV. They also have browser extensions.

Users often praise the straightforward options and settings. While some feel it might be a bit overwhelming for absolute beginners due to the depth of options, it balances simplicity for casual users with enough customization for advanced users. The app includes features like a server list and an interactive map, making server selection easy. However, some users have noted a confusing design oversight with the kill switch on macOS. There have also been mentions of occasional issues with connecting to working servers.

Surfshark’s User Experience

Surfshark is widely praised for its clean, modern, and easy-to-navigate interface. Its apps are available across a broad range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Fire TV Stick. One of the biggest advantages is that it’s designed to be simple for anyone to pick up and use.

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The app is often described as more customizable and flexible than some rivals. It allows users to easily switch servers and access features within the same window, which contributes to a smooth experience. Features like CleanWeb and MultiHop are integrated seamlessly. Surfshark’s user reviews generally highlight the ease of use and attractive design.

The Verdict on User Experience

Both VPNs offer good user experiences, but Surfshark often gets the nod for being slightly more intuitive and polished, especially for beginners. Its clean design and easy access to features make it a joy to use. Proton VPN has excellent apps, particularly its GUI for Linux, but some find it a bit more feature-rich, which could be overwhelming for some users.

Customer Support

Good customer support can make a huge difference if you ever run into a problem or have a question.

Proton VPN’s Customer Support

Proton VPN offers support primarily through email and a comprehensive help center. While their support team is generally knowledgeable, some users have noted that response times can sometimes be slower compared to other top VPN services. They do not currently offer 24/7 live chat support for free users. Does Surfshark Have Onion Over VPN?

Surfshark’s Customer Support

Surfshark excels in customer support, offering assistance 24/7 through live chat and email. Many users find the live chat feature to be quick and efficient, with responsive and knowledgeable agents ready to assist with a variety of topics. If you prefer written communication or need to send detailed explanations or attachments, email support is also available, with the team typically responding within 24 hours. In addition to direct support, Surfshark provides an extensive help center with over 250 articles, guides, and FAQs, which is great for self-help and troubleshooting common issues.

The Verdict on Customer Support

Surfshark clearly takes the lead here with its 24/7 live chat support, which is often a lifesaver for immediate issues. While Proton VPN’s support is capable, the lack of instant live chat can be a drawback for some users.

Unique Features

Beyond the core VPN functionalities, both Proton VPN and Surfshark offer some distinct features that set them apart.

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Proton VPN’s Unique Features

Secure Core: This multi-hop architecture routes traffic through super-secure servers in privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden before going to your final destination. It’s designed to protect against advanced network attacks.
VPN Accelerator: A proprietary technology to boost VPN connection speeds, especially over long distances, by optimizing protocol performance.
Open-Source and Audited: All their apps are open-source and regularly audited by independent experts, fostering a high level of transparency and trust.
Proton Ecosystem: For those deeply invested in privacy, Proton VPN is part of a larger ecosystem that includes Proton Mail encrypted email, Proton Drive encrypted cloud storage, and Proton Calendar, offering a comprehensive secure suite.

Surfshark’s Unique Features

Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: This is a major selling point. You can use Surfshark on an unlimited number of devices simultaneously with one subscription, which is fantastic for households or individuals with many gadgets.
IP Rotator: Automatically changes your IP address every few minutes, making it incredibly difficult to track your online movements.
NoBorders Mode & Camouflage Mode: These features are specifically designed to help users bypass internet restrictions and censorship in highly restrictive regions by making VPN traffic appear as regular internet traffic.
MultiHop Double VPN: Routes your traffic through two VPN servers for enhanced security and anonymity, adding an extra layer of encryption.
Surfshark One: A bundled service that includes the VPN, antivirus, a secure search engine, and an alert system for data breaches, offering a more complete cybersecurity package.

The Verdict on Unique Features

Proton VPN’s Secure Core and its open-source nature highlight its commitment to deep privacy and transparency. Surfshark’s unlimited connections, IP Rotator, and powerful obfuscation tools NoBorders & Camouflage Mode offer incredible flexibility and utility, especially for large families or users in censored areas. If you’re looking for an all-encompassing privacy ecosystem, Proton is great. If you need a VPN for many devices and robust geo-restriction bypassing, Surfshark shines.

Jurisdiction

The country where a VPN company is legally based can impact its ability to protect your privacy, especially concerning data retention laws and intelligence-sharing alliances.

Proton VPN’s Jurisdiction

Proton VPN is headquartered in Switzerland. As I mentioned earlier, Switzerland has some of the strongest data protection and privacy laws globally. Crucially, Swiss law does not mandate data retention, meaning Proton VPN is not legally obligated to keep logs of user activity. This jurisdiction is highly regarded by privacy advocates and places Proton VPN outside the reach of major surveillance alliances like the 5, 9, and 14 Eyes. Surfshark or vpn

Surfshark’s Jurisdiction

Surfshark is based in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is a country that generally respects privacy, and like Switzerland, it currently has no data retention laws that would force Surfshark to log user activities. This is a good privacy jurisdiction. However, it’s worth noting that the Netherlands is part of the 9 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. While Surfshark’s strict no-logs policy and RAM-only servers are designed to mitigate any potential concerns from this, some users with extreme privacy needs might consider a jurisdiction outside any intelligence alliance more ideal.

The Verdict on Jurisdiction

Proton VPN has a slight advantage here due to its base in Switzerland, which is known for its exceptionally strong privacy laws and is outside any major intelligence-sharing alliances. While the Netherlands Surfshark’s base also has no data retention laws, its involvement in the 9 Eyes alliance might be a minor consideration for the most privacy-sensitive users. However, Surfshark’s RAM-only servers and audited no-logs policy significantly reduce this concern.

Who Should Choose Which VPN?

So, after looking at all these details, which VPN is right for you? It really boils down to your personal needs and priorities. Which is Better: NordVPN or Surfshark VPN? (2025 Ultimate Showdown)

Choose Proton VPN if:

You prioritize extreme privacy and transparency: With its Swiss jurisdiction, Secure Core architecture, open-source apps, and independent audits, Proton VPN is built for serious privacy advocates.
You want a truly free VPN: Its free tier is one of the best out there, offering unlimited data without ads, making it perfect for basic secure browsing.
You’re already in the Proton ecosystem: If you use Proton Mail or other Proton services, Proton VPN integrates seamlessly into that secure environment.
You need a dedicated GUI for Linux: Proton VPN stands out by offering a full graphical user interface for Linux users, which isn’t common among VPNs.
You value a proven track record against data requests: Their real-world test in 2019 proved their no-logs policy holds up under legal pressure.

Choose Surfshark if:

You need to protect many devices or a large family: Its standout feature of unlimited simultaneous connections makes it incredibly cost-effective for multiple users and devices.
You’re on a tighter budget for a premium VPN: Surfshark generally offers more affordable long-term plans compared to Proton VPN.
You need to bypass strict censorship or geo-blocks regularly: Features like NoBorders Mode, Camouflage Mode, and IP Rotator are specifically designed to handle restrictive networks and continuously changing IPs.
You value 24/7 live chat support: If you prefer instant help when issues arise, Surfshark’s always-available live chat is a big plus.
You want consistently fast speeds for streaming and torrenting: Surfshark is often noted for its consistent speed performance and having all servers P2P-friendly.

Both Proton VPN and Surfshark are top-tier VPNs, and you really can’t go wrong with either. Your choice will simply depend on which features align best with how you use the internet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Proton VPN truly free, and what are its limitations?

Yes, Proton VPN offers a genuinely free plan that includes unlimited data, no artificial speed limits, and a strict no-logs policy. However, the free version is limited to servers in 5 countries, one device connection, and does not support streaming services or P2P/torrenting. It’s great for basic, secure browsing.

Does Surfshark really offer unlimited device connections?

Yes, absolutely! One of Surfshark’s most appealing features is that it allows for an unlimited number of simultaneous connections with a single subscription. This makes it a fantastic option for families or individuals who need to protect many devices at once.

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Which VPN is better for unblocking streaming services like Netflix?

Both Proton VPN paid plans and Surfshark are generally good at unblocking streaming services. Proton VPN has optimized servers for streaming and works with various Netflix libraries, HBO Max, and Hulu. Surfshark also performs well with major streaming platforms. Some comparisons note that NordVPN a competitor to both might unblock more Netflix libraries than Proton VPN. Overall, both are strong, but always remember that streaming access can be a cat-and-mouse game between VPNs and content providers.

How do their no-logs policies compare in terms of verification?

Both VPNs have strict no-logs policies that have been independently audited. Proton VPN’s no-logs policy is backed by its Swiss jurisdiction and has been verified by an independent security audit from Securitum. Surfshark’s no-logs policy is also verified by independent audits from Deloitte, a “Big Four” auditing firm, and is further strengthened by its use of RAM-only servers that wipe data upon reboot.

Which VPN is faster: Proton VPN or Surfshark?

Both VPNs offer fast speeds, but Surfshark often gets a slight edge in terms of consistent high speeds, especially when utilizing its WireGuard protocol. Proton VPN has its VPN Accelerator technology to boost speeds, and it performs very well, but some tests suggest more variability. For overall consistent performance, Surfshark tends to be a bit faster.

Is Surfshark’s jurisdiction Netherlands a privacy concern due to intelligence alliances?

Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is part of the 9 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. While this is a point of consideration for some extreme privacy advocates, Surfshark mitigates this concern significantly through its strict, audited no-logs policy and the use of RAM-only servers, which physically cannot store user data long-term. So, for most users, it’s not a major concern.

Does either VPN offer an ad blocker or malware protection?

Yes, both do. Proton VPN offers NetShield, which is a DNS filtering feature that blocks ads, malware, and trackers. Surfshark provides CleanWeb, which acts as an ad blocker, malware blocker, and phishing deterrent. Both help provide a cleaner and safer browsing experience.

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