If you are looking for a Surfshark alternative, chances are that Surfshark does not tick all your VPN boxes. Though recognized as one of the best VPN services, the VPN market offers plenty of options that might better suit your needs. So, are you ready to find your next VPN? Check out our list of the best Surfshark alternatives below!
TLDR: The Best Alternatives to Surfshark
- PureVPN – Best streaming alternative
- NordVPN – Most secure alternative
- ExpressVPN – Fastest alternative
- Private Internet Access – Budget-friendly alternative
- Windscribe – Free alternative
Reasons to Explore Surfshark Alternatives
- Surfshark is a top-rated VPN service, but it might not meet what you are looking for in a VPN provider.
- While Surfshark delivers impressive connection speeds, a few of the VPNs listed below are faster.
- You want to gain access to a much larger server network than what Surfshark currently offers.
5 Best Surfshark Alternatives
The alternatives we have listed below offer many of the same advantages as Sufshark while adding a few of their own. Here is a quick rundown of each in the table below.
PureVPN NordVPN ExpressVPN PIA Windscribe Yes No No No No 6000+ 5700+ 3000+ 35000+ 500+ Yes Yes Yes Yes No From $2.14/month From $5.79/month From $6.67/month From $2.11/month Free No Yes Yes Yes No 10 6 8 Unlimited Unlimited Yes No No No No
1. PureVPN
PureVPN | Surfshark | |
Unblock all major streaming platforms | Yes | Yes (with occasional issues) |
Uses 20 Gbps servers | Yes | No |
Offers Popular Websites functionality | Yes | No |
PureVPN boasts over 6,000 servers spread across 65 countries. It is the only VPN service following an always-on audit mechanism, enhancing user trust through transparency. With 20 Gbps servers, you get fast speeds for seamless streaming and downloading.
Furthermore, PureVPN comes packed with plenty of features like quantum-resistant encryption keys, obfuscated servers, DNS leak protection, and an internet kill switch to keep you secure and private at all times.
If you are a streaming enthusiast, PureVPN reliably unblocks a multitude of streaming platforms for uninterrupted binge-watching. And to top it off, the VPN service has user-friendly apps for all devices, including Apple TV.
Pros:
- User-friendly Apple TV VPN app
- Audited no-log policy
- Port forwarding and dedicated IP add-ons
Cons:
- No SmartDNS
Also read: PureVPN vs Surfshark: Which is better in 2024?
2. NordVPN
NordVPN | Surfshark | |
Protects against malware, trackers, and ads | Yes | Yes |
Allows you to route your traffic through two VPN servers | Yes | Yes |
Scans the dark web for data breaches | Yes | No |
NordVPN, with more than 5700 servers in 60 countries, offers global coverage. With multiple successful no-log audits, it emphasizes a commitment to user privacy. The VPN service offers some of the industry’s fastest speeds, ensuring a smooth online experience.
When it comes to security, NordVPN is second to none. Users have access to a wide array of features to protect themselves online, such as Threat Protection, Dark Web Monitor, Double VPN and Onion over VPN.
In addition, NordVPN works with a majority of streaming platforms, ensuring uninterrupted entertainment. The best part of all, it uses a RAM-only server infrastructure – this means that all data is wiped after every reboot.
Pros:
- Robust security
- Based in the privacy-friendly Panama
- SmartPlay Technology (VPN with built-in SmartDNS)
Cons:
- Command-line Linux client
Related Read: The Best NordVPN Alternatives
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN | Surfshark | |
Delivers consistently fast speeds | Yes | Yes (with occasional issues) |
Comes with unlimited bandwidth | Yes | Yes |
Lets you choose custom protocol for speed | Yes | No |
ExpressVPN has a growing network of over 3,000 servers across 94 countries, giving users plenty of connection options to choose from. It is one of the most trustworthy VPNs on the market, boasting an audited no-log policy.
As far as features go, ExpressVPN offers Threat Manager to stay safe from trackers on apps and websites, while MediaStreamer allows unblocking on non-VPN devices. Plus, its TrustedServer Technology eliminates the risks involved with traditional disk-based servers.
Furthermore, the connection speeds offered by ExpressVPN are the fastest you will come across, making it perfect for streaming and downloading. Moreover, with its custom Lightway protocol, users can expect a blend of rapid performance and top-tier security.
Pros:
- SmartDNS support
- Ultra-fast connection speeds
- Easy-to-use clients
Cons:
- Pricier than other alternatives
Also read: ExpressVPN vs Surfshark: Which VPN is Better
4. Private Internet Access
PIA | Surfshark | |
Offers a court-proven no-log policy | Yes | No |
Gives users open-source apps | Yes | No |
Allows a customizable VPN experience | Yes | Yes |
PIA offers over 35,000 servers across 91 countries, one of the largest networks in the industry. It boasts a no-log policy that has been validated in court on several occasions, giving users peace of mind regarding their privacy.
Furthermore, PIA’s dedication to transparency is commendable. Its open-source VPN apps can be scrutinized by anyone, ensuring no hidden pitfalls. Additionally, the MACE feature amplifies security by blocking ads, trackers, and malicious websites.
SOCKS5 and multi-hop further refine the user experience, offering advanced tools for the tech-savvy. And with PIA’s recent move to allow unlimited device logins on a single account, users can secure every device they own without hassle.
Pros:
- Unlimited multi-logins
- Budget-friendly plans
- Proven no-log policy
Cons:
- Does not work with some streaming services
Also read: Surfshark vs PIA: Is There a Third Better Alternative?
5. Windscribe
Windscribe | Surfshark | |
Gives users both free and paid versions | Yes | No |
Enables you to build your own plan | Yes | No |
Guarantees an ad-free experience | Yes | Yes |
Looking for a reliable free alternative to Surfshark? Many free VPNs fall short in areas like security, speed, and reliable logging practices. However, the same cannot be said about Windscribe’s free version.
Its free plan provides users with up to 15 GB of data every month and access to servers in 10 countries. Impressively, it holds its ground in terms of speed and security against some paid VPNs.
For those who desire an unrestricted VPN experience, Windscribe offers a paid version. You can opt for their monthly or yearly subscriptions, or customize your own plan by selecting server locations at just a buck each.
Pros:
- Flexible pricing
- Trustworthy free VPN
- Impressive speeds
Cons:
- 3-day refund policy (for paid version)
Also read: Surfshark vs Windscribe: Is There a Third Better Alternative
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Surfshark not working?
Surfshark may not be working due to various reasons like network issues, software conflicts, or server overload.
To fix this, try connecting to another server, updating your app, deactivating any conflicting firewall or software settings, and reinstalling the VPN client.
If you are still unable to get Surfshark up and running, contact Surfshark support for further assistance or get a Surfshark alternative.
Final Word
If you are in the market for Surfshark alternatives, the VPN services we have discussed above are good options worth trying out – they are backed by money-back guarantees as well!