Choosing the right VPN can be challenging with so many options available. Two top contenders, Proton VPN and Surfshark, offer robust features and impressive speeds. This in-depth comparison analyzes their strengths and weaknesses to help you determine which VPN best suits your needs.
A Head-to-Head Comparison: Proton VPN vs. Surfshark
Both Proton VPN and Surfshark are leading VPN providers, offering fast speeds and comprehensive features for enhanced online privacy and security. Let’s break down their key specifications:
| Feature | Proton VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Simultaneous Devices | 10 | Unlimited |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat | 24/7 Live Chat |
| Free Version | Yes | No |
Pricing and Subscription Plans
Proton VPN Plus pricesProton VPN Plus offers affordable pricing with minimal price increases upon renewal.
Proton VPN Plus offers a monthly subscription for $10. Significant savings are available with longer-term commitments: an annual plan costs $60 (equivalent to $5/month), while a two-year plan offers the best value at $108 ($4.50/month). Renewal prices for the annual plan increase to $80 per year ($6.67/month). Proton VPN frequently offers sales, especially during events like Black Friday.
Surfshark subscription optionsSurfshark’s best deals are available with long-term subscriptions.
Surfshark’s monthly plan is priced at $15. However, substantial discounts are available with longer subscriptions. A 16-month plan (including a 4-month bonus) costs $48 ($3/month), while the two-year plan (also with a 4-month bonus) is $56 ($2/month). Renewal prices increase to $60 annually ($5/month).
Proton VPN also offers a free version with no data caps or speed restrictions. However, it only provides access to 136 servers in three countries: the U.S., the Netherlands, and Japan.
Feature Comparison
Proton VPN Plus speed test resultsProton VPN Plus delivers excellent speeds, particularly with nearby servers.
Both Proton VPN Plus and Surfshark offer a comprehensive suite of features, including browser extensions, dedicated apps for various devices, stealth modes, kill switches, split tunneling, and ad-blocking.
In speed tests, Proton VPN Plus performed admirably. While connected to an Australian server, the slowest download speed recorded was 255Mbps. Speeds reached as high as 504Mbps when connected to a closer server.
Surfshark speed test resultsSurfshark demonstrates consistently high speeds across various server locations.
Surfshark consistently outperformed Proton VPN Plus in speed tests. Download speeds reached 728Mbps for a nearby server and remained above 579Mbps on European servers. Even when connected to an Australian server, speeds only dipped slightly to 306Mbps. Both services offer reliable performance, but Surfshark provides a slight edge in terms of speed.
Customer Support
Surfshark customer supportSurfshark provides efficient and friendly customer support through 24/7 live chat.
Proton VPN offers live chat support 15 hours a day (midnight to 3 p.m. PT). While their support team is responsive and helpful, the limited availability might be inconvenient for some users. Their help center provides articles and troubleshooting guides for assistance outside of live chat hours.
Surfshark excels with 24/7 live chat support. Their initial chatbot interaction is surprisingly effective, and connecting with a human agent is seamless. Support responses are prompt and helpful.
Privacy and Security
Both Proton VPN and Surfshark adhere to strict no-log policies, which have been independently audited. They utilize end-to-end encryption to protect user data, and both services accept cryptocurrency payments for enhanced anonymity. Neither company has experienced any known security breaches.
Making the Right Choice: Which VPN is Best for You?
Both Proton VPN and Surfshark are excellent choices, but Surfshark edges out the competition with lower initial pricing, faster speeds, unlimited simultaneous connections, and affordable malware protection. Proton VPN’s free version is a viable option for basic needs, but its limited server selection might become restrictive.
Proton VPN Plus includes a malware blocker with its subscription, while Surfshark offers a similar add-on (Surfshark One) for a small monthly fee. Surfshark One also includes a virus scanner and real-time protection.
For families or users requiring multiple simultaneous connections, Surfshark’s unlimited device allowance is a significant advantage over Proton VPN Plus’s 10-device limit. While Proton VPN Plus offers robust privacy protection, Surfshark’s superior speeds, unlimited connections, and affordable add-on features make it the ideal choice for most users.
