Surfshark VPN has established itself as one of the most popular choices for users seeking a balance of privacy, security, and affordability. Known for its unlimited device connections, user-friendly interface, and powerful features like the WireGuard protocol and CleanWeb ad-blocker, Surfshark delivers a reliable and versatile VPN experience. However, no single VPN can meet every user’s unique needs, and as digital threats and privacy concerns evolve, many are exploring a Surfshark VPN alternative. 

Some users seek providers based in jurisdictions with stronger privacy protections than the Netherlands, avoiding countries in the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances. Others prioritize faster long-distance speeds, dedicated streaming servers, or advanced security tools like multi-hop routing, anonymous account creation, and private networking features such as Meshnet. Choosing a Surfshark alternative is not about replacing a great service; it’s about finding a VPN that aligns more closely with your specific priorities, whether that’s ultimate privacy, superior speed, or specialized functionality. 

This guide explores the top alternatives, helping users discover VPNs that provide enhanced security, performance, and features beyond what Surfshark currently offers, ensuring the best fit for every digital need.

What is Surfshark VPN?

Surfshark VPN is a high-end consumer-oriented VPN software company that was established in 2018 and is based in the Netherlands. It has more than 3200 servers and runs in 100 countries, and has enjoyed a mass following due to its continued ability to compete with the best hardware value proposition in the market. 

The essence of Surfshark is the simplicity and central security features: 

1. Unlimited Devices: It is the most glamorous because it allows one subscription to cover an unlimited number of devices at the same time, which is perfect when saving money on a family or joint account. 
2. WireGuard and CleanWeb: It is powered by the very efficient, quick WireGuard protocol, as well as CleanWeb (built-in ad/malware blocker), making the browsing process smoother. 
3. Jurisdiction Weakness: Surfshark has a no-logs policy, which has been audited; however, the company is located in the Netherlands, which is a member of the 9 Eyes surveillance alliance. This leaves its data theoretically susceptible to intelligence-sharing demands by allied governments, and privacy-maximalists are thus looking to other places with safer laws such as Switzerland or Panama. 
4. Speed Trade-off: It is fast but the performance of its long-distance speeds is sometimes lower compared to that of services based on proprietary protocols, such as NordLynx or Lightway, which allows some high-bandwidth users to prefer it.

Core Criteria for Evaluating Alternatives

In substituting a VPN that is discussed as value-based (Surfshark), substitutes will have to demonstrate their worth either by purporting to provide much better features or responding to the real structural deficiencies of Surfshark. 

1. Privacy and Jurisdiction Zero-Tolerance: The alternative should provide a confirmed no-logs policy with an independent audit, and, preferably, should be outside the inter-jurisdictions of the 5/9/14 Eyes intelligence (i.e., it must be in Panama, Switzerland, BVI). This deals with the legal risk of the Netherlands base of Surfshark. 

2. Performance Optimization: The VPN should be able to use the most effective protocols (NordLynx, Lightway) to retain speed better and be more stable over long-distance networks compared to Surfshark, which is essential to high-quality 4K streaming or transferring files to the country. 

3. Unique Value Proposition (UVP): Surfshark has won the battle on unlimited connections and cheap price, so the alternative has to win on a different UVP: Anonymity 

1. Safety: Anonymous registration and payment. 
2. Security: Multi-hop routing using hardened and dedicated servers (Proton VPN Secure Core). 
3. Features: Special enterprise-scale features or integration functionality (NordVPN Meshnet).

List of Top 10 Secure Surfshark VPN Alternatives

These providers are also superior in speeds, with special security structures, or more convenient jurisdiction of privacy, which directly questions the value leadership of Surfshark. 

1. ExpressVPN 

• Website: https://www.expressvpn.com/
• Pricing: $6.67

ExpressVPN is the gold standard of lean stability and the highest speed in VPN Services. It is registered in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), which is a better privacy jurisdiction. Its proprietary Lightway protocol and TrustedServer Technology (RAM-only) are audited and industry-dominant, faster and more stable than Surfshark, especially when making long-range server connections or stable geo-unblocking.

Key Features: 

• Lightway Protocol
• RAM-only Servers
• Network Lock (Kill Switch).

Pros: 

• Unmatched stability 
• Fast speed
• Superior privacy jurisdiction (BVI)

Cons: 

• Highest price point
• Limits connections to 8 devices

2. NordVPN 

• Website: https://nordvpn.com/
• Pricing: $3.79

One of the best options for Surfshark VPN alternative is NordVPN, which is best suited when the user is interested in high security standards and pure speed. It is headquartered in Panama and uses proprietary NordLynx protocol (implemented with WireGuard), and in long-distance connections, throughput is always maintained more than Surfshark. It is also accompanied by such exclusive advantages as Threat Protection (malware and ad blocking) and Meshnet, which is a secure use of private networking, making the value an influential, richly featured alternative. 

Key Features: 

• NordLynx Protocol
• Threat Protection
• Meshnet
• RAM-only Servers

Pros: 

• Fastest tested speeds
• Excellent integration 
• Security features

Cons: 

• Limits connections to 10 devices
• High renewal price

3. Proton VPN 

• Website: https://protonvpn.com/
• Pricing: $4.49

Proton VPN is the one that should be used when the main priority of people is the ethics of privacy and security. It is located in Switzerland, the privacy jurisdiction, which has the greatest credibility in the industry. It is completely open-source and contains such advanced features as Secure Core (one-fusing with hardened servers) and a dedicated Stealth protocol to deep obfuscation. Proton VPN does have a better legal and ethical structure than the Netherlands-based offering by Surfshark. 

Key Features: 

• Secure Core
• Open-source
• NetShield
• Unlimited Free Tier

Pros: 

• Unrivaled security ethics (Swiss jurisdiction)
• Best free tier (unlimited data)

Cons: 

• Higher price point than Surfshark
• The free tier is not suitable for streaming

4. CyberGhost 

• Website: https://www.cyberghostvpn.com/
• Pricing: $2.19

A good Surfshark VPN alternative that is environmentally competent in terms of specialization and ease of usage is CyberGhost, especially as a reliable VPN For Android. The list of its consumers includes server-name-tagged specialized streaming servers that are customized to particular platforms and a huge server network of more than 11,000 servers. This does away with guesswork amongst the users. CyberGhost is a good match in terms of offering a larger risk-free trial period than Surfshark due to its 45-day money-back guarantee, even though users would prefer established, pre-configured access to consume media.

Key Features: 

• 11,000+ Servers
• Dedicated Streaming Servers
• 45-day money-back guarantee

Pros: 

• Largest server network
• Dedicated streaming servers simplify use

Cons: 

• Slower upload speeds than market leaders
• Connection limit of 7 devices

5. Private Internet Access (PIA)

• Website: https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/
• Pricing: $2.03

PIA is the best choice for power users and personalisers who value transparency and control. It includes unlimited simultaneous connections, which is equal to the major feature of Surfshark, but it also provides better technical capability, such as enabling Port Forwarding and much more configuration of encryption options. The no-logs policy of PIA has been tested in court on numerous occasions, and the policy provides a verifiable privacy guarantee that will attract users who seek good legal support for their privacy claims. 

Key Features: 

• Unlimited connections
• Port Forwarding
• MACE Ad Blocker
• Court-proven no-logs

Pros: 

• Essential port forwarding support
• Proven no-logs policy

Cons: 

• Slower speed tests than the market leaders
• Clients can be complex for new users

6. Mullvad VPN 

• Website: https://mullvad.net/en/
• Pricing: $5.40 

Mullvad VPN is the needed upgrade to users who require maximum anonymity, which is many notches higher than the privacy model of Surfshark. Mullvad lets users create accounts without an email and pay either with cash or crypto using a personal account number, which completely avoids a connection with any personal data. It runs fully audited and open-source servers, and ensures unparalleled security and openness of operation, an unadulterated privacy solution. 

Key Features: 

• Anonymous account creation (cash payment)
• RAM-only servers
• Fixed pricing

Pros: 

• Unmatched anonymity (no personal data required)
• Transparent
• Open-source apps

Cons: 

• Higher effective monthly cost
• Only 5 simultaneous connections

7. IPVanish 

• Website: https://www.ipvanish.com/
• Pricing: $3.33

IPVanish is a powerful performance option that offers unlimited simultaneous connections and, in terms of network control, can even be more robust than Surfshark. The company maintains close control over its network performance, as it owns and manages all of its server infrastructure, which helps stabilize ping and minimize jitter, an advantage for streaming and light gaming. With a complete ownership model and an independently audited no-logs policy, IPVanish stands out as a reliable and fast Surfshark VPN alternative, especially for users who need stable performance across multiple devices.

Key Features: 

• Unlimited connections
• Self-owned infrastructure
• WireGuard Protocol

Pros: 

• Full ownership enhances stability
• Unlimited device protection is standard

Cons: 

• Based in the US (5 Eyes country)
• The App interface is visually simple

8. Hide.me

• Website: https://hide.me/en/
• Pricing: $2.49

The most transparent and secure alternative is the Hide.Me, which is located in privacy-friendly Malaysia. Its service is compatible with the fast WireGuard protocol, it has a reliable Kill Switch, and dynamic port forwarding, a feature not common in many services but is handy during high-speed torrenting. As a strong VPN for Chrome, Hide.me is audited and has a good free option with a 10GB bandwidth limit, which gives it a secure option with excellent features to people who hate surveillance and data leaks.

Key Features: 

• 10GB Free Tier
• Dynamic Port Forwarding
• Audited no-logs policy

Pros: 

• Audited privacy policy and transparency
• Strong torrenting features (port forwarding)

Cons: 

• Based in the US (5 Eyes country)
• The App interface is visually simple

9. Windscribe 

• Website: https://windscribe.com/
• Pricing: $4.99

Windscribe is another user-friendly option that excels in customization and ad-blocking. Its features include R.O.B.E.R.T., a powerful DNS-based ad, malware, and tracker blocker, as well as a Stealth protocol that enhances security and privacy. Windscribe offers a generous free plan with 10GB of data, and its paid plan allows unlimited device connections, similar to Surfshark. With its strong security features and flexible plans, Windscribe is a reliable and feature-rich Surfshark VPN alternative.

Key Features: 

• R.O.B.E.R.T. (Ad/Malware Blocker)
• Unlimited connections
• Stealth Protocol

Pros: 

• Excellent integration 
• Ad/malware blocking
• Strong customization/stealth options

Cons: 

• High price for the short-term plans
• Based in Canada (5 Eyes country)

10. PrivateVPN 

• Website: https://privatevpn.com/
• Pricing: $2.00

The alternative is a more affordable option called PrivateVPN that boasts excellent geo-unblocking and streaming capabilities, not always less reliable than select larger providers when it comes to particular regional access. Although it has fewer networks, PrivateVPN turns out to be very effective in reliably providing access to large services. The clients have a dedicated Stealth VPN mode, and PrivateVPN comes with exceptionally low pricing, which is best suited to those customers who have limited resources and whose main purpose is to access region-locked content.

Key Features: 

• Excellent streaming unblocking ability
• Stealth VPN mode
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Pros: 

• Highly effective at unblocking difficult libraries
• Very affordable long-term pricing

Cons: 

• Small server network (fewer than 200 servers)
• Lacks native WireGuard support on all platforms

Comparative Analysis

VPN Provider	Protocols & Performance	Device Connections	Unique Features	Pros	Cons
ExpressVPN	Lightway Protocol, TrustedServer RAM-only; very fast & stable	8	Network Lock (Kill Switch)	Unmatched stability, superior privacy, high speed	Expensive, limited to 8 devices
NordVPN	NordLynx (WireGuard), RAM-only; high long-distance throughput	10	Threat Protection, Meshnet	Fastest speeds, excellent security integration	High renewal price, device limit
Proton VPN	Open-source, Secure Core, Stealth protocol	Unlimited (free tier limited)	NetShield ad/malware blocker, unlimited free tier	Best privacy ethics, secure, free unlimited data option	Higher cost, free tier not ideal for streaming
CyberGhost	Large server network, dedicated streaming servers	7	11,000+ servers, 45-day money-back guarantee	Specialized servers, the largest network	Slower upload speeds, device limit
Private Internet Access (PIA)	WireGuard/OpenVPN, port forwarding	Unlimited	Court-proven no-logs, MACE ad blocker	Full port forwarding, verifiable privacy	Slower speeds, complex client for new users
Mullvad VPN	WireGuard, RAM-only	5	Anonymous account creation, crypto payments	Maximum anonymity, transparent, open-source	Higher effective monthly cost, limited devices
IPVanish	WireGuard, self-owned servers	Unlimited	Full infrastructure control	High stability, unlimited devices	US jurisdiction (5 Eyes), basic app interface
Hide.me	WireGuard, dynamic port forwarding	10	Audited no-logs, 10GB free tier	Audited privacy, torrent-friendly	Limited free tier, some UI complexity
Windscribe	Stealth Protocol, R.O.B.E.R.T. ad/malware blocker	Unlimited	Free 10GB plan, highly customizable	Excellent integration & ad-blocking	High short-term price, Canada jurisdiction
PrivateVPN	Stealth VPN mode	6	Excellent streaming unblocking, 30-day money-back	Affordable, good for geo-unblocking	Small server network, no full WireGuard support

Conclusion: Trading Risk for Guaranteed Security

In conclusion, while Surfshark VPN remains a strong contender for users seeking affordability, unlimited device connections, and reliable security, it is not the ultimate solution for every digital need. Factors such as jurisdiction, long-distance speed performance, and advanced privacy features may prompt users to explore a Surfshark VPN alternative. VPNs like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Proton VPN offer superior privacy protections, faster protocols, and specialized features such as multi-hop routing, Meshnet, or anonymous account creation. Choosing the right VPN ultimately depends on individual priorities—whether that’s maximizing privacy, achieving the fastest possible speeds, or accessing specialized functionality. By considering these alternatives, users can find a VPN that aligns perfectly with their unique security, performance, and usability requirements.

FAQs

1. Is Surfshark VPN still Good in 2026?

Yes—Surfshark remains a strong choice thanks to its unlimited device support, WireGuard protocol, and built-in ad blocking. However, some users look for alternatives with stronger privacy jurisdictions, faster long-distance speeds, or expanded security features.

2. Which VPN is Better Than Surfshark For Privacy?

Services like Proton VPN, Mullvad, and ExpressVPN are preferred by privacy-focused users because they are based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions and include advanced privacy tools such as Secure Core or anonymous payments.

3. What is the Best Surfshark VPN Alternative for streaming?

ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and PrivateVPN are excellent for streaming since they offer optimized servers and stronger geo-unblocking capability across platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Prime Video.

4. Which VPN Offers Unlimited Device Connections like Surfshark?

VPNs such as Private Internet Access (PIA), IPVanish, and Windscribe also support unlimited simultaneous devices, making them suitable replacements if that feature is essential.

5. Is There a Free Surfshark VPN Alternative?

Yes. Proton VPN and Windscribe offer solid free tiers with reliable speeds and security. However, free plans often come with limitations such as reduced server options and restrictions on streaming.