Proton VPN vs Surfshark
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Proton VPN is a security-focused VPN from Proton (of Proton Mail fame), featuring a strong no-logs policy, open-source apps, and a genuinely usable free tier. It is Swiss-based with a privacy-first reputation.
Surfshark is a value-oriented VPN offering unlimited simultaneous connections, a no-logs policy, and extras like ad blocking, at a lower price than premium rivals. It punches above its weight on features per dollar.
Free tier with unlimited data; paid plans add more servers/features.
No free tier; plans around $2.49–$15.45/month depending on term.
- Strong privacy reputation
- Open-source apps
- Real free tier
- Swiss jurisdiction
- Unlimited devices
- Great value
- Useful extras
- Good speeds
- Free tier has limited servers
- Slower than premium on free
- Fewer servers than giants
- No free tier
- Best price needs long commitment
- Younger brand than incumbents
What reviewers say
Proton VPN Reviews
4.3 (4)Recommend Proton VPN
Proton VPN has been part of our stack. Real free tier. Minor gripe: free tier has limited servers. Would recommend.
Solid choice
We rolled out Proton VPN last quarter. Strong privacy reputation. Minor gripe: fewer servers than giants. Would recommend.
Great vpn
Been using Proton VPN for a while. Swiss jurisdiction. No real complaints. Would recommend.
Surfshark Reviews
4.5 (2)Great vpn
We rolled out Surfshark last quarter. Unlimited devices. No real complaints. Would recommend.
Solid choice
Tried Surfshark recently. Great value. Minor gripe: younger brand than incumbents. Would recommend.
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Proton VPN
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Alternatives to Surfshark
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataSurfshark offers the cheapest paid VPN with unlimited devices, while Proton VPN provides a free tier and open‑source, privacy‑focused apps.
Key differences
- •Surfshark has unlimited simultaneous device connections; Proton VPN limits devices per account.
- •Proton VPN offers a free tier with unlimited data; Surfshark has no free option.
- •Proton VPN apps are open‑source and audited; Surfshark’s software is closed source.
- •Surfshark’s lowest price requires a long‑term commitment; Proton VPN’s paid plans are month‑by‑month.
Pricing & value
Surfshark’s plans start around $2.49/month, far cheaper than Proton’s paid tiers; Proton’s free tier adds extra value.
Ease of use / learning curve
Both provide desktop apps for the same platforms with similar UI complexity; no clear advantage.
Features & depth
Proton offers Secure Core multi‑hop routing, audited no‑logs, and open‑source clients; Surfshark lacks these.
Integrations & ecosystem
Proton provides an API and open‑source apps, enabling custom integrations; Surfshark has no API.
Scalability
Surfshark supports unlimited simultaneous devices, ideal for large households; Proton limits device count per account.
Security & privacy
Proton’s audited no‑logs policy, Swiss jurisdiction, and multi‑hop routing give stronger privacy guarantees.
Support
Neither fact sheet mentions support quality; cannot determine a winner.
Choose Proton VPN if…
Privacy‑focused users who want open‑source software, a free tier, and stronger jurisdictional protections.
Choose Surfshark if…
Large household or budget‑focused users needing many devices on a low monthly cost.
Common questions
Can I try a VPN for free before paying?
Proton VPN offers a free tier with unlimited data; Surfshark has no free tier.
How many devices can I connect at once?
Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous devices; Proton VPN limits the number of devices per account.
Is the software open source and auditable?
Proton VPN’s apps are open source and its no‑logs policy is audited; Surfshark’s software is closed source.