Surfshark (founded 2018, based in the Netherlands) and NordVPN (founded 2012, based in Panama) both sit within the Nord Security group, operated as independent brands. NordVPN has the longer and more frequent named-firm no-logs audit trail (six assurance engagements, most recently Deloitte, December 2025) and a no-retention jurisdiction; Surfshark adds a SecuRing infrastructure audit (January 2026) and is often noted for unlimited simultaneous connections. The honest split is jurisdiction (Panama vs the 9 Eyes Netherlands) and audit depth — we publish no speed claims we have not tested.
VPN comparison
Surfshark vs NordVPN: an honest side-by-side comparison
By Editorial Team · Last updated 23 June 2026
Surfshark vs NordVPN: the verified facts
| VPN | Trust & certifications | pricing | money-back | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surfshark Since 2018 | Independent infrastructure audit (SecuRing, 2026) | — | — | |
| NordVPN Since 2012 | Independent no-logs audit (Deloitte, 2025) | — | — |
Only fields we can verify (certifications, confirmed specs, launch year) are shown.
How do they compare on the facts?
Both are audited, mature brands within the same group, so the comparison is about emphasis, not a clear winner. NordVPN is based in Panama (no mandatory data retention, outside 5/9/14 Eyes) and has six independent no-logs assurance engagements, the most recent by Deloitte in December 2025. Surfshark is based in the Netherlands (inside the 9 Eyes alliance), with no-logs audits in 2023 and 2025 plus a SecuRing infrastructure audit published January 2026 and MASA app certification.
The key honest fact for this pairing is the shared parent: Nord Security merged with Surfshark in February 2022, so choosing between them does not diversify ownership. The table below shows only fields we can confirm — we publish no speeds or ratings until tested.
Who suits whom?
Lean NordVPN if you weight jurisdiction (Panama over the 9 Eyes Netherlands) and the longest, most frequent named-firm no-logs audit trail in this pairing. Its Deloitte assurance cadence is a strong, repeatedly-renewed signal.
Lean Surfshark if its broader audit mix (no-logs plus a recent SecuRing infrastructure audit and MASA app certification) and features such as unlimited simultaneous connections fit your needs — confirm current device terms on Surfshark's own site, as they change. Remember both share the Nord Security group, so if avoiding common ownership is part of your threat model, neither helps there — look outside the group. Trial whichever you pick within the money-back window.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Surfshark or NordVPN?
Neither is universally better, and both sit within the Nord Security group. NordVPN has the stronger jurisdiction (Panama vs the 9 Eyes Netherlands) and the longer named-firm no-logs audit trail (six engagements, most recently Deloitte, December 2025). Surfshark adds a SecuRing infrastructure audit (January 2026) and is noted for unlimited connections. Decide on jurisdiction and audit emphasis, and test speeds yourself.
Are Surfshark and NordVPN owned by the same company?
Yes, in effect — both sit within the Nord Security group following a February 2022 merger, and are run as independent brands. Choosing between them does not diversify ownership. If avoiding common ownership matters to your threat model, you would need to look at a provider outside the Nord Security group.
Are both Surfshark and NordVPN no-logs audited?
Yes. NordVPN's no-logs posture has six independent assurance engagements (most recently Deloitte, December 2025). Surfshark has published no-logs audits (2023, 2025) plus a SecuRing infrastructure audit (January 2026) and holds MASA app certification. Read each report's scope and date on the provider's own site.
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