Table of Contents
Get set for a VPN face-off that will leave you in awe: Proton VPN vs Surfshark. And just when you thought you knew the script, a surprise twist unfolds with PureVPN’s entrance.
As we delve into the depths of these three options, you will discover an array of exclusive qualities that distinguish each, helping you decide which VPN service is the best fit for you.
| PureVPN | ProtonVPN | Surfshark | |
Rating (Trustpilot) | 4.7
| 2.4
| 4.5
|
Quantum-Resistant Encryption | Yes | No | No |
Servers | 6000+ | 2900+ | 3200+ |
No logs policy | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Pricing | 3.85 $/M | 4.99 $/M | 2.39 $/M |
Coupons | Yes | Yes | Yes |
VPN protocols | OpenVPN, IPSec/IKEv2, WireGuard, SSTP, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, Stealth | WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN |
Streaming services | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
Platform | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge | macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, Fire Stick | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge |
Simultaneous connections | 10 | 10 | Unlimited |
Support | Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat | Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat | Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat |
Speed – Surfshark Wins
Baseline speed: 1 Gbgps
| PureVPN | Surfshark | Proton VPN | |
| Average download speeds | 271 Mbps | 294 Mbps | 229 Mbps |
| Average upload speeds | 245 Mbps | 262 Mbps | 214 Mbps |
In our recent speed test, we used the modern WireGuard protocol and connected to servers in the US, UK, and Canada. We carefully checked how fast the three VPNs could upload and download.
When it comes to downloading, Surfshark did really well, with an impressive average speed of 294 Mbps. PureVPN stayed strong too, with a steady 271 Mbps on average. Meanwhile, Proton VPN reached an average of 229 Mbps.
Related Read: How to Increase VPN Speed
For uploading, Surfshark kept its good performance, with an average speed of 262 Mbps. PureVPN was close behind, with an average of 245 Mbps. Proton VPN also held its ground, averaging 214 Mbps.
Who tops this category? Surfshark delivered the fastest speeds, followed by PureVPN.
Server Locations – PureVPN Wins
| PureVPN | Surfshark | Proton VPN | |
| Servers | 6,000+ | 3,200+ | 2,900+ |
| Countries | 65 | 100 | 68 |
Surfshark boasts a robust network of 3,200+ servers (some of which are virtual) spread across an astonishing 100 countries, providing users with a diverse array of server locations to cater to their every need.
Proton VPN gives its paid users unlimited access to 2,900+ servers in 68 countries around the world. It might not be as big as a network in comparison to NordVPN and PureVPN, but the coverage is still decent.
PureVPN stands strong with a staggering network of 6000+ servers spread across 65 countries, offering users a vast selection of global virtual locations for unmatched access to content and superior browsing speeds.
Who tops this category? PureVPN takes this one due to sheer numbers.
Security – Tie between PureVPN and Surfshark
| PureVPN | Surfshark | Proton VPN | |
| Encryption used | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit | AES 256-bit |
| Protocol selection | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, IPSec | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, Stealth |
| Private DNS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| RAM-based servers | No | Yes | No |
| Quantum-resistant | Yes | No | No |
Surfshark provides strong security by implementing strong encryption with AES 256-bit. It offers multiple protocols to choose from, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. Surfshark also utilizes private DNS servers to enhance privacy and operates RAM-based servers for added security.
Proton VPN employs AES 256-bit to encrypt user data and keep it safe from threats. As for its protocol selection, the options available are OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and Stealth. The VPN service runs its own DNS servers, which resolve all your DNS requests.
PureVPN boasts robust security measures, using 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. However, the VPN service is quantum-safe!
Who tops this category? PureVPN offers the advantage of quantum-resistant encryption keys, whereas Surfshark’s server network is RAM-based. It is a tie for first!
Privacy – PureVPN Wins
| PureVPN | Surfshark | Proton VPN | |
| Base of operation | British Virgin Islands | Netherlands | Switzerland |
| 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.
Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, known for its strong privacy laws. Moreover, Proton VPN further reinforces its commitment to user privacy with a Securitum-audited no-logs policy, which means they do not collect or store any user activity data.
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’s always-on audit structure gives it the edge over Surfshark and Proton VPN.
Netflix and streaming performance – PureVPN Wins
| PureVPN | Surfshark | Proton VPN | |
| Netflix | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hulu | Yes | No | Yes |
| Max | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes | Yes | No |
| Disney+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Surfshark makes streaming an enjoyable experience, unblocking Netflix, Max, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. While Hulu remains inaccessible, the rest of the options ensure you enjoy a wide variety of content.
Proton VPN impressively unblocks Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max, making it a reliable choice for accessing popular streaming content. However, it does not currently support unblocking BBC iPlayer, while Disney+ remains accessible.
PureVPN boasts impressive unblocking capabilities, ensuring seamless access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. With a wide range of supported platforms, PureVPN lets users enjoy their favorite content without any geo-restrictions.
Who tops this category? PureVPN is the best VPN for unblocking your favorite geo-restricted streaming platforms. Surfshark and Proton VPN are tied for second.
Pricing – PureVPN Wins
| PureVPN | Surfshark | Proton VPN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | Standard ($10.95), Plus ($16.95), Max ($20.95) | Starter ($12.95), One ($17.95), One+ ($22.95) | $11.49 |
| 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) | $5.99/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) | $4.99/month |
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.
Proton VPN offers a completely free (and limited) version of its VPN service. When it comes to the paid version, Proton VPN offers monthly, 1-year, and 2-year plans that come packed with all the features.
PureVPN also follows a tier-based pricing structure. The tiers are categorized as Standard, Plus, and Max, having different features and pricing levels. Users can choose from monthly, 1-year, and 2-year plans within each tier.
Who tops this category? PureVPN, with its affordable rates and flexible plans, secures first place. Surfshark is second.
P2P File Sharing – Tie between PureVPN and Proton VPN
| PureVPN | Surfshark | Proton VPN | |
| P2P-Friendly | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| P2P Support | Specialized P2P servers | All servers | Specialized P2P servers |
Unlike some VPNs, Surfshark does not restrict P2P traffic to specific servers. Its entire network supports P2P activities, meaning you can securely share files at fast speeds, regardless of which server you choose.
The free version of Proton VPN does not have P2P support. However, if you are a paid subscriber, you can take advantage of dedicated P2P servers to engage in safe, fast, and private file sharing.
PureVPN offers specialized servers exclusively for P2P activities. These servers are designed to handle large file transfers, ensuring users experience fast speeds and enhanced security during their P2P sessions.
Who tops this category? PureVPN and Proton VPN not only support P2P traffic, but also come with port forwarding.
Features – Tie between PureVPN and Proton VPN
| PureVPN | Surfshark | Proton VPN | |
| 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 |
| Dedicated IP | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Port Forwarding | 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.
Proton VPN has great features that enhance your online experience, such as Secure Core (commonly referred to as Double VPN), Tor over VPN, and an ad-blocker. Furthermore, Proton VPN also offers separate products like Proton Cloud, Proton Pass, and Proton Mail.
PureVPN offers impressive features with its 20 Gbps servers, delivering fast and reliable connections, and VPN over Tor offering enhanced anonymity. Additionally, PureVPN also provides 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? PureVPN and Proton VPN are tied for first, Surfshark comes second.
Compatibility – Surfshark Wins
| PureVPN | Surfshark | Proton VPN | |
| 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 |
| Multi-logins | 10 | Unlimited | 10 |
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 is the unlimited multi-logins feature, allowing you to connect as many devices as you want under one subscription.
Proton VPN is available on different devices, including macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Fire Stick. It also offers browser extensions for Firefox and Chrome and supports up to 10 multi-logins with one account.
PureVPN offers broad compatibility with easy-to-use 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.
Who tops this category? Surfshark bags the first spot since it offers unlimited simultaneous connections.
Customer Support – Tie between PureVPN and Surfshark
| PureVPN | Surfshark | Proton VPN | |
| Live chat | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Knowledgebase | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| In-app support | Yes | Yes | No |
Surfshark provides exceptional customer support via a knowledgebase, email, as well as live chat. Users can also quickly access guidance within the app, ensuring a hassle-free support experience.
Proton VPN offers good customer support through live, chat, email and a knowledgebase. However, it does not come with in-app support, which is a useful way of resolving issues quickly.
PureVPN’s robust customer support can be availed through live chat, email, and a knowledgebase. Plus, you can conveniently seek assistance from within the app, making it easier to resolve any queries or concerns.
Who tops this category? PureVPN and Surfshark are tied for first.
Surfshark vs Proton VPN vs PureVPN – Which is the Best?
| PureVPN | Surfshark | Proton VPN | |
| Pricing | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
| Speed | 2nd | 1st | 3rd |
| Server locations | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
| Security | 1st (Tie) | 1st (Tie) | 2nd |
| Privacy | 1st | 3rd | 2nd |
| Unblocking | 1st | 2nd (Tie) | 2nd (Tie) |
| Features | 1st (Tie) | 2nd | 1st (Tie) |
| Compatibility | 2nd | 1st | 3rd |
| Customer support | 1st (Tie) | 1st (Tie) | 2nd |
PureVPN secures first place in most of the categories, so it is definitely a VPN worth considering. Surfshark takes second, performing well in speed, compatibility, etc. Proton VPN is a decent, feature-packed contender too, but needs improvements in other aspects.
FAQ
Can I trust Surfshark?
Surfhshark has undergone independent audits to verify its no-log claims. The VPN service also uses RAM-based servers, ensuring user data is wiped after every session. Therefore, it is safe to say that Surfshark can be trusted with your privacy.
What are the downsides of Surfshark?
Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands, a member of the Nine Eyes surveillance alliance. Another downside is that if you want to purchase a monthly Surfshark plan, the price might seem a bit too steep.
Is Proton VPN better than Surfshark?
No, Surfshark is a better VPN than Proton VPN. The former supports unlimited multi-logins, offers faster speeds, and provides excellent security. However, Proton VPN is still a decent option if you are looking for a feature-packed VPN service.
Is Proton VPN trustworthy?
Proton VPN is known for its reliability and openness. It has been third-party audited to confirm its no-logs policy, and its software is open-source for added transparency. Plus, it is based in Switzerland, which is known for strong privacy laws.
Which VPN is more secure, Surfshark or Proton VPN?
Surfshark is the more secure VPN, given that it runs RAM-only servers and comes with features like antivirus protection if you purchase it.
