Choosing the right VPN in 2025 is more important than ever. With cyber threats on the rise and digital privacy becoming a priority for everyone — from students to business owners — having a reliable VPN is a must. In this updated comparison, we take a fresh look at Surfshark and ProtonVPN, two industry favorites. Which one offers the best speed, privacy, and value today? Let’s find out.
✅ Updated for 2025: We’ve reviewed the latest features, pricing updates, and security tools offered by both VPNs to help you make an informed decision.
1. Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Surfshark VPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | Netherlands | Switzerland |
| Logging Policy | No-logs (audited) | No-logs (audited) |
| Encryption | AES-256, ChaCha20 | AES-256, ChaCha20 |
| Servers | 3,200+ in 100+ countries | 3,000+ in 85+ countries |
| Streaming & Torrenting | Yes, optimized servers | Yes, but fewer dedicated options |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes (called “VPN Split”) |
| Simultaneous Devices | Unlimited | 10 (on paid plans) |
| Pricing (Annual) | Starts at ~$2.49/month | Starts at ~$4.99/month |
Now, let’s dive deeper into the details.
2. Security & Privacy
Both VPNs prioritize security and user privacy, but their approaches differ slightly.
Surfshark VPN Security
- ✅ Uses AES-256 encryption with ChaCha20 for modern devices.
- ✅ Has a strict no-logs policy, audited by independent firms.
- ✅ Offers MultiHop (Double VPN) for extra security.
- ✅ RAM-only servers (wipes data after every reboot).
- ✅ Based in Netherlands, a country with decent privacy laws.
Proton VPN Security
- ✅ Uses AES-256 encryption with Secure Core (extra server protection).
- ✅ No-logs policy, independently audited.
- ✅ Based in Switzerland, a country with some of the world’s best privacy laws.
- ✅ Open-source apps (more transparency).
- ✅ Offers Tor over VPN for added anonymity.
Winner: Proton VPN – If you’re extremely privacy-conscious, Proton VPN’s Swiss jurisdiction and Secure Core feature offer an edge.
3. Speed & Performance
A VPN’s speed depends on server network, infrastructure, and protocols.
Surfshark VPN Performance
- ✅ Uses WireGuard protocol for high-speed connections.
- ✅ Wide server network (100+ countries).
- ✅ Ideal for streaming and gaming with minimal lag.
Winner: Surfshark VPN – With more servers and WireGuard, Surfshark offers better speeds for most users.
Proton VPN Performance
- ✅ Also supports WireGuard but has fewer servers than Surfshark.
- ✅ Offers VPN Accelerator technology for faster speeds.
- ✅ Can be slower on some servers due to Secure Core routing.
4. Streaming & Torrenting
Many users get a VPN for unblocking streaming services or secure torrenting.
Surfshark VPN for Streaming
- ✅ Unblocks Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.
- ✅ Has dedicated streaming servers for smooth performance.
- ✅ Works reliably even in countries with VPN restrictions.
Proton VPN for Streaming
- ✅ Unblocks streaming services but is less optimized for streaming.
- ✅ Fewer dedicated servers, so sometimes buffering occurs.
Winner: Surfshark VPN – If streaming is your priority, Surfshark is the better option.
5. Pricing & Value
Price matters when choosing a VPN, especially if you need a long-term plan.
Surfshark VPN Pricing
- 2-Year Plan: ~$2.49/month
- 1-Year Plan: ~$3.99/month
- 1-Month Plan: ~$12.95/month
Proton VPN Pricing
- 2-Year Plan: ~$4.99/month
- 1-Year Plan: ~$5.99/month
- 1-Month Plan: ~$9.99/month
- Free Plan Available (limited features)
Winner: Surfshark VPN – More affordable, especially for long-term plans.
6. Extra Features
Surfshark VPN
- ✅ Unlimited devices (great for families or sharing).
- ✅ CleanWeb (blocks ads, trackers, and malware).
- ✅ Rotating IP (enhanced anonymity).
Proton VPN
- ✅ Secure Core (extra security by routing traffic through ultra-secure servers).
- ✅ Tor over VPN (easy access to the dark web securely).
- ✅ Privacy-focused ecosystem (integrates with Proton Mail, Proton Pass, and Proton Drive).
Final Verdict: Which VPN Should You Choose?
🔹 Choose Surfshark VPN if you want:
- ✔️ Fast speeds for streaming & gaming.
- ✔️ Affordable long-term pricing.
- ✔️ Unlimited device connections.
🔹 Choose Proton VPN if you want:
- ✔️ Maximum privacy & Swiss-based protection.
- ✔️ Secure Core & Tor over VPN for extra anonymity.
- ✔️ Integration with other Proton services.
Ultimately, both VPNs are excellent choices, and it depends on what you value more: speed & affordability (Surfshark) or privacy & security (Proton VPN).
Which VPN do you prefer? Let us know in the comments!
