Vpn services: Surfshark VPN 2025 vs. Proton VPN 2025

Quick Verdict

Both Surfshark and Proton VPN offer robust features and security, but they cater to different needs. Surfshark stands out with its unlimited simultaneous connections and dedicated IP option, while Proton VPN excels with a larger server network, VPN Accelerator, and a free plan. The choice depends on the user's priorities, such as the number of devices to be connected, the need for a dedicated IP, or the desire for a free VPN option.

Proton VPN offers more servers and a wider range of server locations compared to Surfshark.
Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, while Proton VPN allows up to 10.
Both VPNs support WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols, but Proton VPN also offers a Stealth protocol.
Both VPNs have a no-logs policy that has been independently audited.
Surfshark offers dedicated IP options, which are not available with Proton VPN.
Proton VPN provides a free plan with limited features, which Surfshark does not.
Surfshark's split tunneling feature is available on more platforms than Proton VPN's.
Proton VPN has a VPN Accelerator feature for enhanced connection stability and speed.
Surfshark experienced a 21% speed loss in 2025 tests.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Surfshark VPN 2025	Proton VPN 2025
Server Locations (Number of Countries)	100	117
Number of Servers	3200+	11,000+
Simultaneous Connections Allowed	Unlimited	10
VPN Protocols Supported	WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2	WireGuard, OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), IKEv2/IPsec, and Stealth
Encryption Standard	AES-256 (ChaCha20 with WireGuard)	AES-256 with OpenVPN and IKEv2, and ChaCha20 with WireGuard
No-Logs Policy (Audited?)	Yes, audited by Deloitte	Strict no-logs policy, independently audited by Securitum
Kill Switch Feature	Yes	Includes a kill switch
Split Tunneling Feature	Yes, "Bypasser" on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS	Available on Windows, Android, and via browser extensions. Coming to macOS and Linux.
Dedicated IP Option	Yes, in multiple countries	Not available
Streaming Support	Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, Max, and Amazon Prime Video	Unblocks Netflix and many other major streaming services
Torrenting Support	Yes, on all servers, with P2P-optimized servers available	Restricts torrenting to P2P servers, but nearly every server is P2P-enabled
Price (Monthly)	$15.45	Free plan available. Plus Plan: $9.99. Proton Unlimited: $12.99
Price (Yearly)	$47.85 for the first 15 months (then $79 annually)	Plus Plan: $59.88 ($4.99 per month). Proton Unlimited: $119.88 ($9.99 per month)
Price (2 years)	$59.13 for the first 27 months (then $79 annually)	Plus Plan: $81.36 ($3.39 per month). Proton Unlimited: $191.76 ($7.99 per month)
Overall Rating	Not available	Not available
Performance Rating	21% speed loss in 2025 tests	Not available

Overall Comparison

Surfshark: 3200+ servers, unlimited connections, 21% speed loss. Proton VPN: 11,000+ servers, 10 connections, VPN Accelerator feature.

Pros and Cons

Surfshark VPN 2025

Pros:

Reliably bypasses geo-restrictions
User-friendly apps
Offers advanced security features like double VPN and obfuscated servers

Cons:

Customer support responsiveness not explicitly mentioned
Battery life impact on mobile devices not explicitly mentioned

Proton VPN 2025

Pros:

Fast torrenting speeds
VPN Accelerator feature for enhanced connection stability and speed
Reliably bypasses geo-restrictions for streaming services
User-friendly apps across different platforms
Responsive customer support
Advanced security features like Secure Core (double VPN), Tor over VPN, and obfuscated servers (Stealth protocol)
Split tunneling is easy to set up and use, especially on Windows and Android
No significant security issues were uncovered in the most recent security audit of all Proton apps

Cons:

No major disadvantages reported.

User Experiences and Feedback

Surfshark VPN 2025

What Users Love

Speeds are generally consistent across protocols, platforms, and server locations
Kill switch prevents data leaks during connection drops
Split tunneling feature, \"Bypasser,\" is easy to set up and use

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

Proton VPN 2025

What Users Love

Maintains fast torrenting speeds.
VPN Accelerator feature for enhanced connection stability and speed.
Reliably bypasses geo-restrictions for streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
Apps are generally user-friendly across different platforms (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android).
Apps have been redesigned for a more intuitive experience.
Offers responsive customer support via email, helpful support articles, and live chat (not 24/7).
Offers advanced security features like Secure Core (double VPN), Tor over VPN, and obfuscated servers (Stealth protocol).
Split tunneling is easy to set up and use, especially on Windows and Android.

Common Complaints

Speeds can fluctuate depending on server load or distance.
Live chat customer support is not 24/7.
Battery life impact information is not available.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.