Proton VPN vs Surfshark
Proton VPN and Surfshark are both strong VPN providers focused on privacy and security, but they differ in jurisdiction, server network, and simultaneous connection limits. Proton VPN operates from privacy-friendly Switzerland with Swiss privacy laws backing it, while Surfshark offers broader device coverage and more affordable pricing with unlimited simultaneous connections.
Proton VPN
Swiss-based VPN service owned by Proton AG, emphasizing privacy through its jurisdiction and open-source infrastructure. Known for strong encryption and integration with Proton Mail ecosystem.
Jurisdiction
Switzerland
Server Count
3,000+ servers across 70+ countries
Simultaneous Connections
10 (Plus plan)
Encryption Standard
AES-256-GCM
Starting Price
$9.99/month or ~$3.99/month (annual)
Pros
- Swiss jurisdiction with no data retention laws
- Open-source client code for transparency and auditing
- Secure Core feature routes traffic through multiple countries for added protection
Cons
- Only 10 simultaneous connections on highest-tier plan
- Smaller server network than competitors
- Premium plans are more expensive than Surfshark
Surfshark
Dutch-based VPN with a user-friendly interface and unlimited simultaneous connections. Known for competitive pricing and robust privacy features without warrant canaries.
Jurisdiction
Netherlands (5-Eyes alliance)
Server Count
3,200+ servers across 100+ countries
Simultaneous Connections
Unlimited
Encryption Standard
AES-256-GCM
Starting Price
$2.99/month (promotional) or ~$4.99/month (regular)
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections across all plans
- Lower pricing and frequent promotional discounts
- Large server network with good global coverage and obfuscation features
Cons
- Dutch jurisdiction subject to 5-Eyes alliance legal requests
- No open-source code audit (closed-source client)
- Less transparent privacy track record than Proton
Proton VPN wins
Proton VPN's Swiss jurisdiction, open-source code, and superior privacy track record give it a stronger overall security posture for users prioritizing maximum protection and transparency, though Surfshark is a solid alternative for those valuing affordability and device flexibility.
Proton VPN
Privacy-conscious users, journalists, activists, and those requiring strong legal jurisdiction protection.
Surfshark
Budget-conscious families or teams needing unlimited simultaneous connections and broader server coverage.
Security & Privacy Comparison
Encryption Strength
Both use military-grade AES-256-GCM; equivalence in cryptographic standard.
Jurisdiction & Legal Protection
Proton benefits from Swiss privacy laws outside 5-Eyes; Surfshark is subject to Dutch and 5-Eyes legal demands.
Code Transparency
Proton publishes open-source client code for independent auditing; Surfshark uses closed-source proprietary code.
Privacy Track Record
Proton has published warrant canaries and demonstrated no-log commitment; Surfshark less transparent in historical audits.
Device Connection Flexibility
Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections; Proton caps at 10 on highest tier.
Feature & Service Comparison
| Aspect | Proton VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 (Plus plan) | Unlimited |
| Server Network Size | 3,000+ servers across 70+ countries | 3,200+ servers across 100+ countries |
| Kill Switch | Yes, with Secure Core routing option | Yes, with CleanWeb ad-blocking |
| No-Log Audit | Yes (independently audited) | Yes (independently audited) |
| Split Tunneling | Yes (Advanced plan) | Yes (all plans) |
| Price (Annual Plan) | ~$3.99/month | ~$2.99/month (or $4.99 regular) |
Privacy Architecture Differences
Proton VPN's advantage lies in its Swiss jurisdiction, which provides stronger legal protection against surveillance demands compared to Surfshark's Dutch base within the 5-Eyes alliance. Proton also publishes its source code for community review and maintains transparent warrant canaries, whereas Surfshark relies on closed-source infrastructure. However, both services maintain no-log policies and have passed independent security audits.
When to Prioritize Each VPN
Choose Proton VPN if maximum legal jurisdiction protection and code transparency are critical for your threat model. Choose Surfshark if you need to connect many devices simultaneously or prioritize lower cost without sacrificing fundamental security; its larger server count also benefits geolocation flexibility.
Who should choose which
Frequently Asked Questions
Proton VPN generally has stronger privacy protection due to its Swiss jurisdiction (outside 5-Eyes) and open-source code for transparency. Surfshark is subject to Dutch law and 5-Eyes requests but still maintains solid no-log policies and has independent audits. Your choice depends on whether jurisdiction and code transparency are critical to your threat model.
Surfshark is typically cheaper, starting at $2.99/month on promotional pricing or ~$4.99/month regular, while Proton VPN costs ~$3.99/month on annual plans or $9.99/month month-to-month. Surfshark also offers unlimited simultaneous connections on all plans, while Proton caps at 10.
Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections on any plan, making it ideal for households or teams. Proton VPN limits connections to 10 on its highest-tier Plus plan, which may constrain larger device setups.
Sources & references
Suggested sources to verify product details, pricing, reviews, and specifications.
- OfficialSurfshark Official Privacy Policy
Dutch jurisdiction, unlimited simultaneous connections, and no-log audit details.
- ReferenceProtonVPN Review: The Most Secure VPN Tested (2026)
ProtonVPN ships with WireGuard, OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), and a Stealth protocol that disguises VPN traffic on restrictive netw
- ReferenceProton VPN Review - 2026 Test Results (Pros and Cons)
No IP/DNS leaks were detected with Proton VPN connected to a random server · The Windows and Android apps also offer a S