Surfshark vs NordVPN vs PureVPN: Why is PureVPN Better?

When it comes to VPN providers, Surfshark, NordVPN, and PureVPN are among the top contenders in the market. However, which one should you choose? In our comparison of Surfshark vs NordVPN vs PureVPN, we will analyze these popular services based on factors like security, privacy, features, and pricing to help you decide which one is best suited for your needs.

Surfshark vs NordVPN vs PureVPN – Speed

Baseline speed: 2 Gbps

	PureVPN	Surfshark	NordVPN
Average download speeds	371 Mbps	299 Mbps	401 Mbps
Average upload speeds	325 Mbps	328 Mbps	315 Mbps

In a test connecting to three countries (the US, UK, and Canada) using WireGuard, the speeds delivered by the three VPN providers were recorded. In terms of download speed, Surfshark showed an average speed of 299 Mbps, NordVPN had an average of 401 Mbps, and PureVPN achieved an average speed of 371Mbps.

For upload speed, Surfshark recorded an average of 328 Mbps, NordVPN achieved an average of 315 Mbps, and PureVPN delivered an average of 325 Mbps. Since speed can vary based on several factors, such as server location, distance, network congestion, and individual internet connections, individual experiences may differ.

Who tops this category? NordVPN because it delivers the fastest speeds, followed by PureVPN, and then Surfshark.

Surfshark vs NordVPN vs PureVPN – Server Locations 

	PureVPN	Surfshark	NordVPN
Servers	6,000+	3,200+	5,700+
Countries	65	100	60

Surfshark’s server infrastructure is ever-growing, consisting of 3,200 servers strategically located in 100 countries. This extensive server network offers widespread coverage and gives users a vast array of options to connect to.

NordVPN has an impressive number of servers in 60 countries, providing good coverage across key locations. This makes it an ideal choice for users who value a wide range of server options.

PureVPN excels in terms of sheer numbers, offering over more servers than Surfshark and NordVPN across 65 countries. This wide server network ensures high availability and gives users a comprehensive selection of server locations to choose from.

Who tops this category? PureVPN takes first position, Surfshark second (due to its country coverage), and NordVPN third.

Surfshark vs NordVPN vs PureVPN – Security 

	PureVPN	Surfshark	NordVPN
Encryption used	AES 256-bit	AES 256-bit	AES 256-bit
Protocol selection	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, IPSec	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard	OpenVPN, IKEv2, NordLynx
Private DNS	Yes	Yes	Yes
RAM-based servers	No	Yes	Yes
Quantum-resistant	Yes	No	No

Surfshark prioritizes user security by implementing strong encryption with AES 256-bit. It offers multiple protocol options, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. Surfshark also utilizes private DNS servers to enhance privacy and operates RAM-based servers for added security. 

NordVPN provides strong security with its use of AES 256-bit encryption. Users can select from multiple protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and NordLynx (based on WireGuard), allowing flexibility. With the inclusion of private DNS and RAM-based servers, NordVPN enhances privacy and data protection.

PureVPN boasts robust security measures, employing AES 256-bit encryption. It lets you choose from a diverse range of protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and IPSec. While PureVPN uses its own network of DNS servers, it does not provide RAM-based servers. Unlike Surfshark and NordVPN, PureVPN is quantum-safe.

Who tops this category? It is a three way tie! Both Surfshark and NordVPN maintain RAM-based servers, whereas PureVPN sets itself apart through the use of quantum-resistant encryption keys.

Surfshark vs NordVPN vs PureVPN – Privacy 

	PureVPN	Surfshark	NordVPN
Base of operation	British Virgin Islands	Netherlands	Panama
Audited no-logs policy	Yes	Yes	Yes
Always on-audit	Yes	No	No

Surfshark operates out of the Netherlands, a country that is part of the Nine Eyes alliance surveillance network. However, Surfshark has a Deloitte-audited no-logs policy, ensuring that it does not store any user data or activity.

NordVPN maintains a strong stance on privacy with its headquarters in Panama, a country not affiliated with the 5/9/14 eyes alliances. It offers a PWC-audited no-logs policy, providing assurance that it does not store user activity logs. 

PureVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, ensuring a favorable privacy environment. It follows a Well known audit firm-audited no-logs policy, affirming that it does not retain user activity logs. What distinguishes PureVPN is its implementation of an always-on audit mechanism, providing an additional layer of transparency and accountability.

Who tops this category? PureVPN takes this one due to its always-on audit structure. 

Surfshark vs NordVPN vs PureVPN – Unblocking

	PureVPN	Surfshark	NordVPN
Netflix	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hulu	Yes	Yes	Yes
Max	Yes	No	No
BBC iPlayer	Yes	No	No
Disney+	Yes	No	Yes

Surfshark boasts strong unblocking capabilities with access to popular streaming platforms. It successfully unblocks Netflix and Hulu, allowing users to enjoy a wide range of content. Unfortunately, Surfshark failed to access Max, BBC iPlayer, or Disney+ during our tests.

NordVPN also excels in unblocking popular streaming services. It provides access to Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. However, similar to Surfshark, it does not currently unblock Max or BBC iPlayer.

PureVPN offers comprehensive unblocking capabilities, making it a suitable choice for streaming enthusiasts. It successfully unblocks Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Users can enjoy a diverse range of content from these platforms without restrictions.

Who tops this category? PureVPN takes first position, NordVPN second, and Surfshark third.

Surfshark vs NordVPN vs PureVPN – Pricing 

	PureVPN	Surfshark	NordVPN
Monthly	Standard ($10.95), Plus ($16.95), Max ($20.95)	Starter ($12.95), One ($17.95), One+ ($22.95)	Standard ($12.99), Plus ($13.99), Complete ($14.99)
1-year	Standard ($3.74/month), Plus ($5.82/month), Max ($6.24/month)	Starter ($3.99/month), One ($4.49/month), One+ ($8.29/month)	Standard ($4.99/month), Plus ($5.99/month), Complete ($6.99/month)
2-year	Standard ($1.96/month), Plus ($3.21), Max ($3.85/month)	Starter ($2.49/month), One ($3.49/month), One+ ($6.49/month)	Standard ($3.49/month), Plus ($4.49/month), Complete ($5.49)

Surfshark offers flexible pricing with three tiers that provide different capabilities: Starter, One, and One+. Customers can choose a plan according to their needs, whether it is monthly, 1-year, or 2-year.

NordVPN gives individuals a variety of pricing options to choose from, including monthly, 1-year, and 2-year plans. Within each plan, NordVPN offers three different tiers that come with varying features: Standard, Plus, and Complete.

PureVPN caters to diverse user needs through its array of pricing tiers. Subscribers can opt for monthly, 1-year, or 2-year plans, with three different tiers available that offer unique benefits: Standard, Plus, and Max. 

Who tops this category? PureVPN stands out due to its reasonable pricing and overall value. Surfshark and NordVPN are tied for second place.

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Surfshark vs NordVPN vs PureVPN – Features

	PureVPN	Surfshark	NordVPN
Kill Switch	Yes	Yes	Yes
Split Tunneling	Yes	Yes	Yes
Obfuscation	Yes	Yes	Yes
DNS Leak Protection	Yes	Yes	Yes
IPv6 Leak Protection	Yes	No	Yes

Surfshark offers SmartDNS for instant access to geo-restricted content and multi-hop servers that let you connect to two VPN servers at the same time. Besides that, it comes with an antivirus, ad and pop-up blocker (aka CleanWeb 2.0), data breach detector, and a private search engine for an extra price.

NordVPN stands out with its diverse feature set, like SmartDNS for seamless streaming, Double VPN servers for added encryption layers, Onion over VPN for improved anonymity, and Threat Protection for safety against online threats. NordVPN also provides additional features such as a password manager, data breach scanner, and file encrypter, which can be added for an additional price.

PureVPN offers impressive features with its 20 Gbps servers, providing fast and reliable connections. Users can also opt for paid add-ons like dedicated IP and port forwarding for enhanced customization. Additionally, PureVPN offers a range of bundled products like a password manager (PureKeep), file encrypter (PureEncrypt), and privacy auditor (PurePrivacy), which can be purchased alongside the VPN service.

Who tops this category? NordVPN since it offers a long list of useful features. PureVPN and Surfshark are tied for second position.

Surfshark vs NordVPN vs PureVPN – Compatibility

	PureVPN	Surfshark	NordVPN
Available apps	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Huawei, Android TV, Fire Stick	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, Fire Stick	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, Fire Stick
Browser extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Multi-logins	10	Unlimited	6

Surfshark supports macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Fire Stick, along with browser extensions for Firefox, Chrome, and Edge. What sets Surfshark apart from NordVPN and PureVPN is the unlimited multi-logins feature, allowing you to connect as many devices as you want under one subscription.

NordVPN is compatible with macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Fire Stick, covering a wide range of devices. It has browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. With support for up to 6 multi-logins, users can secure multiple devices with a single NordVPN account.

PureVPN offers broad compatibility with apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Huawei, Android TV, and Fire Stick. It also provides browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Supporting up to 10 simultaneous multi-logins, PureVPN allows users to connect multiple devices simultaneously.

Who tops this category? Surfshark because, unlike many other VPN providers in the industry, it offers unlimited multi-logins with just one account.

Surfshark vs NordVPN vs PureVPN – Customer Support

	PureVPN	Surfshark	NordVPN
Live chat	Yes	Yes	Yes
Email	Yes	Yes	Yes
Knowledgebase	Yes	Yes	Yes
In-app support	Yes	Yes	Yes

Surfshark, NordVPN, and PureVPN all provide a diverse range of customer support options to ensure users have various channels to seek assistance and receive prompt support. These options include live chat, email support, knowledgebase resources, and in-app support features.

Who tops this category? It is a three-way tie as each VPN service provides the must-have customer support options.

Surfshark vs NordVPN vs PureVPN – Which is the Best?

	PureVPN	Surfshark	NordVPN
Pricing	1st	2nd (Tie)	2nd (Tie)
Speed	2nd	3rd	1st
Server locations	1st	2nd	3rd
Security	Tie	Tie	Tie
Privacy	1st	3rd	2nd
Unblocking	1st	3rd	2nd
Features	2nd (Tie)	2nd (Tie)	1st
Compatibility	2nd	1st	3rd
Customer support	Tie	Tie	Tie

PureVPN secures the first-place position with competitive pricing, extensive server locations, strong privacy measures, effective unblocking, rich features, broad compatibility, and reliable customer support.

NordVPN ranks second, excelling in features, security, unblocking, and customer support, offering a well-rounded VPN experience. Surfshark takes the third-place position with strong security, decent server locations, and extensive compatibility.

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Frequently asked questions  

Is Surfshark faster than NordVPN and PureVPN?

Not really. Based on our test results, Surfshark is the slowest of the three. PureVPN offers the second fastest speeds, whereas NordVPN is the fastest.