ProtonVPN vs Surfshark
- ✦ Open source
- ✦ Swiss jurisdiction
- ✦ Tor over VPN
- ✦ Unlimited simultaneous connections
- ✦ CleanWeb ad blocker
- ✦ NoBorders mode
ProtonVPN and Surfshark are both VPN tools. ProtonVPN starts at $9.99/mo, Surfshark at $15.45/mo. Compare features, pricing, and ratings below to find the best fit for your team.
When to Choose ProtonVPN vs Surfshark
The question that matters: “In what situation will I regret choosing A over B after 3 months?”
Secure Core masks location and ISP metadata through hardened Swiss servers, while Tor over VPN protects access to encrypted tip lines in hostile jurisdictions.
CleanWeb strips ads and trackers before they reach browsers, cutting suspicious-redirect support tickets by 40% across remote workforces without any per-user configuration.
MultiHop exits through two servers in separate countries, preventing ISPs and passive observers from correlating traffic timing to the real destination server.
Unlimited simultaneous connections let QA engineers run phones, tablets, laptops, and VMs concurrently without per-device caps or extra license fees.
Pricing Comparison & PlansHigh· Verified May 30, 2026
ProtonVPN Plans
Free tier available
Free
FreeBest for: You get 3 server locations, 1 device, No logs, No bandwidth limit
- ✓100+ servers in 5 countries
- ✓1 device connection
- ✓Strict no-logs policy
- ✓Unlimited bandwidth and data
- ✓No ads
VPN Plus
$9.99/moBest for: 9000+ servers, 10 devices, P2P, Streaming, Tor over VPN
- ✓8600+ servers in 110+ countries
- ✓10 simultaneous device connections
- ✓NetShield Ad-blocker & Malware protection
- ✓High-speed streaming support
- ✓P2P/BitTorrent support
Proton Unlimited
$13/mo- ✓All VPN Plus features
- ✓500 GB total storage
- ✓Proton Mail (15 email aliases)
- ✓Proton Calendar (20 calendars)
- ✓Proton Drive (secure cloud storage)
Surfshark Plans
Paid plans only
Surfshark Starter
$15/moBest for: This entry level plan provides core VPN features
- ✓Secure VPN connection
- ✓Ad & tracker blocker
- ✓Alternative ID
- ✓Unlimited devices
- ✓No-log policy
Surfshark One
$18/moBest for: This mid-tier plan adds more security features beyond just VPN
- ✓All Starter features
- ✓Antivirus protection
- ✓Alert (data breach monitoring)
- ✓Private search engine
- ✓Webcam protection
Surfshark One+
$21/moBest for: The top-tier plan offers the most comprehensive security suite
- ✓All One features
- ✓Incogni data removal service
- ✓Identity restoration reimbursement
- ✓Mental health counseling
- ✓Licensed identity theft investigator
Capability Breakdown
5 differences found across 15 standardized features
- •Open source
- •Swiss jurisdiction
- •Tor over VPN
- •Secure Core servers
- •No-logs policy
- •Free tier
- •NetShield
- •Kill switch
- •Unlimited simultaneous connections
- •CleanWeb ad blocker
- •NoBorders mode
- •Camouflage mode
- •MultiHop
- •Kill switch
- •No-logs policy
- •Antivirus
- •GPS Spoofing
- •Static IP
- •Dedicated IP
- •Alarm System
- •Search Ad Free
- •Whitelister Tool
- •Split Tunneling
- •Speed Boost
- •Bypasser Feature
- •IP Rotator
- •Dynamic IP
- •Smart DNS
- •Emergency Alert
Strengths & Limitations
Evaluative strengths and weaknesses: not feature lists
- +Based in Switzerland with strong privacy laws
- +Independently audited, open-source apps build trust
- +Secure Core routes traffic through multiple servers
- +Generous free plan with no data limits or ads
- +NetShield blocks malware, ads, and trackers
- −Free plan servers can be slow and congested
- −No 24/7 live chat support, only email/ticket system
- −Smaller server network than top competitors (4,900+ vs 6,000-10,000+)
- −Connection speeds can be inconsistent on some servers
- −Premium plans are more expensive than many rivals
- +Unlimited simultaneous device connections on a single plan
- +Dynamic MultiHop routes traffic via two servers for added privacy
- +CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware domains
- +Nexus technology rotates your IP address without disconnecting
- +One of the most affordable long-term subscription plans available
- −P2P-optimized servers are not clearly labeled in the app
- −Kill switch can be less reliable on Windows than top competitors
- −Short-term monthly plans are significantly more expensive
- −Based in The Netherlands, a Nine Eyes Alliance country
- −Some advanced features like dedicated IP cost extra
At a Glance
Recent Price History
Surfshark raised "Surfshark Starter" from $2.49/mo to $15.45/mo (+520%)
Price change · May 30, 2026
Surfshark raised "Surfshark One+" from $5.99/mo to $20.85/mo (+248%)
Price change · May 30, 2026
Surfshark raised "Surfshark One" from $3.39/mo to $17.95/mo (+429%)
Price change · May 30, 2026
ProtonVPN raised "VPN Plus" from $4.99 to $9.99/mo (100%)
Price change · May 21, 2026
ProtonVPN added a new "Proton Unlimited" plan at $12.99/mo
Plan added · May 21, 2026
Surfshark removed the "One+" plan
Plan removed · May 21, 2026
Surfshark removed the "One" plan
Plan removed · May 21, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
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