Chances are that if you’re looking for a Surfshark alternative, then Surfshark doesn’t quite meet what you’re looking for in a Virtual Private Network (VPN). While it offers very fast speeds, a couple of the alternatives covered in this post offer significantly more. Whatever the reason you’re looking for a Surfshark alternative, you’ll find it here.

The best Surfshark alternatives are those that offer many of the same benefits while adding a few other advantages of their own. Some will have servers in different countries, not keep any connection logs, or provide a more affordable month-to-month plan. While they’re not all necessarily better than Surfshark, we believe they’re the best alternatives to be found. With any luck, you’ll find a VPN that better fits your specific needs.

You can read reviews of the best Surfshark alternatives a little further down. First, here’s a quick rundown of each in case you don’t have time to read the full post:

  • NordVPN: The best Surfshark alternative. Offers more servers (5,000+) and comparable speeds. Specialty P2P and Onion Over VPN servers. No-logs VPN with 24/7 support. Also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • ExpressVPN: Another great Surfshark alternative. 3,000+ servers in 94 countries. Particularly fast and offers quality live chat and email support, 24/7. CyberGhost: One of the largest server networks (9,000+ in 90+ countries). Fastest speeds tested. Strict no-logs policy.
  • IPVanish: Averaged faster speeds than Surfshark in our speed tests. Also offers unlimited simultaneous connections per account.
  • PrivateVPN: Provides equally strong unblocking and good overall speeds. Just as easy to use with apps for desktop and mobile.
  • Atlas VPN: Servers in dozens of countries. Fast and unblocks many popular streaming services. Unlimited devices and even includes a malware blocker.
  • Hotspot Shield: Global server network and good speeds. Like Surfshark, it works in China. Secure with encryption as well as automatic wifi protection.

Best Surfshark alternatives

You might be wondering how a VPN makes our list of the best Surfshark alternatives. After all, there’s an ever-increasing number of VPN services competing for attention. We looked for VPNs that, at a minimum, are able to provide the following:

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

  • Servers across dozens of countries worldwide
  • Fast speeds coupled with unlimited bandwidth
  • Plenty of security features including encryption
  • Strict no-logs policy to protect your privacy
  • Live chat and email support 24 hours a day
  • Money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free

Here’s our list of the best Surfshark alternatives:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is the best Surfshark alternative thanks to its larger server network and faster speeds. Overall, it has more than 5,000 servers (approximately 2,000 more than Surfshark), available in nearly 60 countries. Speeds averaged 369 Mbps in our most recent tests which was marginally faster than Surfshark’s average of 324 Mbps. NordVPN is equally capable when it comes to bypassing content restrictions such as those of streaming services like Netflix.

With NordVPN, you’ll have access to various specialty servers including those that are optimized for P2P. Onion Over VPN servers provide you with even greater security should you need it. However, there are plenty of security features including 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. NordVPN operates a strict no-logs policy, which has even been independently audited by PwC Switzerland. Need help? 24/7 support is available.

BEST SURFSHARK ALTERNATIVE:NordVPN is our top pick. It has over 5,000 servers in all and offers fast, unthrottled connections. Option of Onion Over VPN and P2P specialty servers. No-logs service with 24-hour support. You can even try it risk-free thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • 5,000+ servers (more than 2,000 than Surfshark in all)
  • Slightly faster server speeds according to our most recent tests
  • Consistent unblocking of streaming services such as Prime Video
  • Specialty servers including P2P and Onion Over VPN
  • No-logs policy independently audited by PwC
  • 24-hour support via live chat and email

Cons:

  • No kill switch available on Android

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. ExpressVPN

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

Your online security is assured with ExpressVPN’s use of 256-bit AES encryption and kill switch feature. It doesn’t keep any identifying logs of users and protects you from DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. You can use ExpressVPN on five devices at the same time. Like most high-quality VPNs, it provides 24-hour live chat and email support. This support is particularly fast and knowledgeable, making it easy to troubleshoot issues.

BEST VALUE VPN:ExpressVPN has a network of 3,000+ servers covering 94 countries. No bandwidth throttling and works well with Netflix. Beginner-friendly apps and excellent 24-hour support. No identifying logs and uses encryption. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Very good server speeds coupled with unlimited bandwidth

  • Similar number of servers to Surfshark (over 3,000)

  • Can also be used to stream the likes of Netflix

  • Quality customer support around the clock

  • Like Surfshark, it doesn’t keep any identifying logs

  • One of the more expensive VPNs on this list

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

3. CyberGhost

CyberGhost offers far more servers than Surfshark and indeed any other Surfshark alternative. Its network exceeds 9,000 servers in over 90 countries. The advantage of this is that there’s always a server close to your physical location for faster speeds. Speaking of speed, CyberGhost is the fastest VPN we’ve tested. It averaged an impressive 548 Mbps, so it’s easy to stream Netflix content in 4K without having to contend with lag or buffering.

This is a highly secure service. Aside from 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS leak protection, it has a strict no-logs policy. Similar to Surfshark, CyberGhost offers a Windows antivirus as part of its Windows security suite. However, one key difference is that CyberGhost also offers its own private browser. As part of your account, you’ll have access to 24/7 live chat and email support. You can also connect seven devices at once.

FASTEST SPEEDS:CyberGhost has some 9,000 servers — far more than Surfshark. It’s also the fastest VPN we’ve tested and works with Netflix US. No-logs service with a Windows security suite and 24/7 support. Use it on 7 devices at once. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Largest server network (over 9,000 servers in 90+ countries)

  • Fastest server speeds tested — ideal for streaming

  • Works well with streaming services such as Netflix US

  • Connect up to seven of your devices simultaneously

  • Extras include a Windows security suite with antivirus

  • Unable to bypass restrictions in China

Read our full CyberGhost review.

4. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish sets itself apart from Surfshark and indeed most VPNs when it comes to server speed. Averaging 488 Mbps in our tests, only CyberGhost was faster. If you require high-speed connections for 4K streaming or online gaming, IPVanish is more than capable. It includes unlimited bandwidth and is compatible with multiple Netflix libraries, Netflix US included. It’s also worth noting that IPVanish lets you connect as many devices as you like at the same time.

This VPN includes live chat and email support, which is available 24 hours per day. IPVanish has a zero-logs policy, which means that your IP address, browsing history, and the like stay private. As expected from a major VPN, IPVanish also offers 256-bit AES encryption and protection from DNS leaks. Should the VPN connection drop, the kill switch feature cuts your internet traffic. This is particularly useful if you’re on public wifi and want to minimize the risk of data exposure.

NO CONNECTION LIMIT:IPVanish is one of the fastest VPNs you can use and now has more than 2,000 servers and 40,000 IP addresses available. It allows unlimited simultaneous connections per account and 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • One of the faster VPNs you can use

  • No limit to the number of devices you can connect

  • Customer support 24/7 via live chat and email

  • Zero-logs policy to protect your privacy

  • Operates out of the US which is a Five Eyes member

  • Doesn’t offer an app for Linux

Read our full IPVanish review.

5. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN can be used for accessing all kinds of geo-blocked content. This includes streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max. Its servers cover dozens of countries while connection speeds are both fast and consistent thanks to unlimited bandwidth. Streaming is free from lag and buffering. PrivateVPN has also recently increased its connection limit. You can now use it on as many as 10 devices at once.

You don’t need to provide much personal information to sign up with PrivateVPN — only an email address. Furthermore, there’s the option to pay anonymously in Bitcoin. This highly secure VPN service uses 256-bit AES encryption and has DNS leak protection and a kill switch. There’s live chat support, while the email support only takes a few minutes to reply on average. While Surfshark temporarily keeps some connection logs, PrivateVPN doesn’t.

ONLINE ANONYMITY:PrivateVPN has strong unblocking and reliable connections for streaming and torrenting. Easy to use thanks to beginner-friendly apps and quality customer support. No-logs policy and anonymous Bitcoin payment. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Very strong unblocking ability (Netflix, Disney+, and more)

  • Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections per account

  • Good server speeds so you can stream lag and buffer-free

  • Replies to emails in minutes which is far faster than many VPNs

  • Smaller network of around 200 servers

  • Live chat isn’t offered around the clock

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

6. Atlas VPN

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.atlasvpn.com

Atlas VPN offers around 700 servers in several dozen countries. This includes servers in half a dozen US cities for securely accessing American Netflix as well as Hulu and Prime Video. Thanks to its use of the WireGuard protocol, Atlas VPN has some very fast speeds, allowing you to continue all online activities as normal, be it streaming in high definition or gaming with low ping. Better still, there’s no limit to the number of devices you can connect.

Online security comes in the form of 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. However, Atlas VPN offers a number of extras that many other VPN’s don’t. In particular, there’s MultiHop servers which route via two locations for twice the level of encryption. You’ll also have access to a malware and tracker blocker. A no-logs service, Atlas VPN offers live chat and email support should you require any assistance.

SECURITY EXTRAS:Atlas VPN works well with many streaming platforms and doesn’t impose a limit on the number of devices you can connect simultaneously. Fast with lots of security features including encryption, MultiHop, and a malware blocker. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Like Surfshark, it’s compatible with Netflix, HBO Max, and more

  • Fast server speeds and doesn’t throttle your bandwidth

  • Connect as many devices as you like at the same time

  • Lots of extra security features such as MultiHop servers

  • Not the largest server network (around 700 servers)

  • States that it doesn’t provide support for routers

Read our full Atlas VPN review.

7. Hotspot Shield

Website: www.Hotspotshield.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

                    Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.

Hotspot Shield currently has over 1,800 servers. Better still, these servers are spread across more than 80 countries, which is far more than most rival VPNs. As such, you should be able to access a variety of geo-restricted content while traveling abroad, streaming platforms included. While not the fastest VPN on this list, its speeds are more than fast enough for streaming as well as online gaming. Hotspot Shield offers unlimited bandwidth.

You shouldn’t have too many issues with what is a user-friendly service. Regardless, 24-hour live chat and email support is at hand should anything arise. Once signed up with Hotspot Shield, you can secure five of your devices with one account. Security comes in the form of 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. The auto-protect feature ensures Hotspot Shield connects automatically when you use public wifi. Last but not least, it doesn’t keep identifying logs of its users.

GENEROUS GUARANTEE:Hotspot Shield has a network covering over 80 countries. Speeds are fast enough for streaming and you can connect five devices at once. Secure with encryption and kill switch feature. Includes a particularly lengthy 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Provides servers in as many as 80 countries

  • Unlimited bandwidth for seamless streaming and torrenting

  • Doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified

  • Can be set to automatically connect when you’re on public wifi

  • No anonymous payment options such as Bitcoin

  • Slower speeds and fewer servers than Surfshark

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

How to use a Surfshark alternative VPN

A VPN may sound a little technical, particularly if it’s your first time using one. Fortunately, the best Surfshark alternatives make it very easy for you to connect to a server.

Here’s how you can use the best Surfshark alternatives:

  • Sign up with one of the best Surfshark alternatives. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
  • Download and install the VPN app on your device. This shouldn’t take more than a minute or two.
  • Open the VPN app and connect to a server in your preferred location. For example, a server in the US if you need a US IP address.
  • You can now go to the website or service you’re trying to access. It should now be unblocked regardless of where you are.
  • Didn’t work? Clearing your cookies often fixes the problem. Otherwise, you should try a different server or ask your VPN’s customer support for further guidance.

Methodology: How we found the best Surfshark alternatives

It goes without saying that not every VPN can be considered the best Surfshark alternative. After all, there are hundreds of services available, many of which are found to be lacking in key aspects, be it security or speed. Below, we’ve laid out our methodology which helped us find the right VPNs to recommend.

  • Servers worldwide: We don’t know which country you’re from or where you’re traveling to, but we do know that having access to a global network of servers helps. The VPNs we recommend have networks covering dozens of countries including the US, Canada, and the UK. This makes it easier to access content and find a fast nearby server.
  • Speed: A VPN should allow you to continue your online activities as normal, albeit with an extra layer of security. Unfortunately, some VPNs throttle your bandwidth, preventing you from streaming or torrenting. To find the fastest VPNs, we carried out speed tests. Most of those we recommend use the WireGuard protocol and offer unlimited bandwidth.
  • Unblocking: Your VPN’s unblocking becomes all the more important when you travel abroad, be it for work or vacation. All of the sudden, various websites and services become limited or completely off-limits. Fortunately, a VPN can help you bypass such restrictions, although some VPNs (such as those listed) are better at this than others.
  • Security: For starters, a VPN should encrypt your data with 256-bit AES encryption. This ensures that hackers and snoopers can’t see your data. We also look for VPNs that, at a minimum, offer DNS leak protection and a kill switch. Some of the best Surfshark alternatives offer extras including Double VPN servers.
  • Privacy: If you want your browsing activity to remain private, many VPNs (particularly free VPNs) are best avoided. The reason for this is that some keep logs to sell to third parties. However, you don’t need to worry about this with a no-logs VPN service. We’ve looked at 140 VPN logging policies to find the most privacy-friendly.
  • Ease of use: Not all VPN apps are easy to use. The good news is that in reviewing a VPN, we test its apps ourselves. Not only do we look for VPNs with user-friendly apps, we also check that they offer customer support. In the case of the best Surfshark alternatives, live chat and email support is offered day and night.
  • Value for money: The challenge is to find VPNs that offer all of the above while remaining affordable. In many cases, we found that VPNs only ticked a few boxes yet worked out to be more expensive. The best Surfshark alternatives come with money-back guarantees and you can save extra with our VPN discount coupons.

Our VPN testing methodology, allows us to fully assess a VPN service and everything it has to offer, providing you with information that’s accurate and up-to-date.

Keep in mind that we also don’t recommend free VPNs as an alternative to Surfshark because they may put you at risk. Some fail to properly encrypt your data while others choose to log your data and sell it to the highest bidder. Needless to say, many free VPNs simply can’t be trusted. Surfshark and the best Surfshark alternative all use military-grade encryption to secure your information. They also operate no-logs policies, ensuring the protection of your privacy.