Surfshark Alternatives in 2026: 8 VPNs Compared

NordVPN is the most complete alternative to Surfshark for most users. It offers a large network across many countries, fast speeds on its WireGuard based protocol, and extra tools such as threat protection, a password manager on higher plans, and dedicated IP options. Streaming support is also strong, which matters if you use a VPN to watch shows while traveling.

The main trade-off versus Surfshark is devices. NordVPN allows a set number of simultaneous connections, while Surfshark allows unlimited devices, so a large household may need to count devices. Renewal prices are also higher than introductory deal prices, so check the renewal rate before you commit to a long plan. For most single users and small households, NordVPN is our first pick.

ExpressVPN is the premium simplicity choice. Its apps are clean and consistent on phones, computers, routers, and TVs, and connections are quick to start, which helps users who do not want to tweak protocols or server settings. Streaming reliability is a particular strength, and ExpressVPN has a long history of independent audits for its no logs policy and server technology.

Price is the catch. ExpressVPN usually costs more than Surfshark on a comparable long term plan, and it also has a device limit rather than unlimited devices. If you want the easiest VPN experience and you are willing to pay more for it, ExpressVPN is a strong Surfshark alternative. If price and unlimited devices matter most, NordVPN or Private Internet Access may fit better.

Proton VPN is the best free Surfshark alternative, and also a strong paid choice. Its free plan offers unlimited data, which is rare, though speeds and server choices are limited. Paid Plus plans add faster speeds, streaming support, more countries, and more devices. Proton is based in Switzerland, its apps are open source, and its no logs policy has been audited, which gives privacy focused users extra confidence.

The free plan will not match a paid VPN for streaming or speed, so treat it as a solid everyday privacy tool, not a full replacement for a paid plan if you stream a lot. For users who want to try a VPN without paying, or who want a privacy first company, Proton VPN is an excellent starting point.

CyberGhost is a good choice for beginners, and it is also relevant if you were searching for CyberGhost alternatives, since it shows what a beginner friendly VPN looks like. Servers are labelled for streaming, torrenting, and gaming, so you do not need to guess which server to pick. Apps are simple, and long plans often include a longer refund window than many rivals, which gives you more time to test the service.

CyberGhost allows fewer simultaneous devices than Surfshark, and speeds can vary more by server, so test your usual locations during the refund window. If you want a VPN that is easy to use, clearly labelled, and priced for long term plans, CyberGhost is a strong alternative to Surfshark, especially for streaming.

Private Internet Access, often called PIA, is the closest match to Surfshark on devices, since it also allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Its apps are open source, its no logs policy has been audited, and advanced users can adjust protocols, encryption, port settings, and split tunneling in detail. That control appeals to users who want to tune a VPN to their own setup.

Beginners may find the settings overwhelming, and streaming support is less consistent than ExpressVPN or NordVPN, so test the services you watch most. If you want unlimited devices, a lower long term price, and open source apps, Private Internet Access is one of the best Surfshark alternatives for power users.

Mullvad takes a different approach to privacy. You get an account number instead of creating an account with an email address, you can pay with cash or other anonymous methods, and the price is flat per month, with no discount games for long plans. That simplicity is refreshing if you dislike introductory deals that jump at renewal.

Mullvad is not a streaming VPN first. It works for privacy, browsing, and general use, but streaming services may block some servers, and it does not offer the extra bundles found in NordVPN or Surfshark. If privacy and honest pricing matter more than streaming and device count, Mullvad is a strong, focused alternative.

IPVanish matches Surfshark on unlimited devices, which is a key reason to consider it. It offers a large network, apps for phones, computers, TVs, and routers, and support that is easy to reach. For a household with many devices, or a user who does not want to count connections, IPVanish removes that friction at a price that is often lower than premium rivals.

Streaming is the weaker point. IPVanish can unblock some services, but results vary by server and over time, so test it during any trial or refund period if streaming matters to you. If your main needs are privacy, unlimited devices, and a straightforward app, IPVanish is a practical Surfshark alternative.

Windscribe is a flexible choice for light users and for people who want to test a VPN before paying. Its free plan includes a monthly data allowance, which is enough for browsing and occasional use, though not for heavy streaming. Paid plans remove the data cap, and a build a plan option lets you pay for only the locations you need, which can lower the cost for a single country user.

The network is smaller than NordVPN or CyberGhost, and free speeds and server choices are limited. Still, Windscribe is a useful alternative if you want a free start, a flexible plan, or a browser extension for quick use. For heavy, always on use, a full paid plan from NordVPN, Proton VPN, or Private Internet Access will be more reliable.