Nowadays, we face a range of threats whenever we go online. From viruses and malware to sensitive information leaks, it’s important to make sure that you’re protected no matter what you’re doing online. 

The good news is that there is an easy way to keep your personal information protected. Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) helps to keep your data secure while browsing, whether at home or abroad. There are many different VPN products on the market, but two are very popular: Surfshark and NordVPN. 

So, which one should you choose? In this guide, you’ll pit these two VPN giants against each other and give you all the information you need to make an informed choice.

TL;DR

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• There are many VPNs on the market but Surfshark and NordVPN are two of the most popular. They are known for their strong security features, speed, and their ease of use. 
• Surfshark is a great choice because of its affordability, range of features, and the fact you can use simultaneous connections. 
• NordVPN is popular worldwide for its large server network, speed, and advanced security features.
• Both Surfshark and NordVPN have strong encryption, no-log policies, and they have excellent customer support. All of this makes them an excellent choice for Australians seeking a VPN. 
• When choosing between NordVPN and Surfshark, consider your specific needs, your budget, and any specific features that stand out to you.

Criteria Breakdown

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To help us fairly compare Surfshark and NordVPN Australia, we looked at several criteria. We focused on security features, pricing, server network, user experience, customer support, and performance in particular. We believe these elements will help you identify the best VPN for your needs.

Surfshark

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What Surfshark is Best Known For

Surfshark is a popular VPN choice and that’s mainly because it’s quite budget-friendly. However that doesn’t mean it lacks in performance or its range of features. This VPN allows unlimited simultaneous connections, which is ideal if you use several devices or you share a subscription with family members. 

As far as features go, Surfshark has some unique ones to consider, including a Rotating IP, which changes your IP address every so often. This allows for extra privacy. Additionally, GPS Spoofing is ideal for hiding your physical location, although it only works on Android devices. 

Surfshark Description

Established in 2018, Surfshark is a popular VPN that was initially based in the British Virgin Islands, and later moved to the Netherlands. Known for its budget-friendly approach, it also offers many features to help focus on privacy and security while surfing the web. With strong encryption protocols, Surfshark also has a no-logs policy, which means it doesn’t store any information about your online activities. 

Surfshark Features

Considering its low price, Surfshark has some high-quality features that suit many different needs, including: 

• Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: If you have several devices you need to use your VPN with or you share a subscription, Surfshark is a good choice. With just one subscription, you can connect as many times as you like, on as many devices as you prefer. 
• MultiHop (Double VPN): Multihop is a security feature that allows you to send your Internet traffic through two different VPN servers. The end result is greater privacy because you’re adding an extra layer of encryption. 
• Camouflage Mode (Obfuscation): Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode allows you to get around any VPN restrictions or censorship. It will mask your VPN traffic and make it appear the same as any other regular Internet traffic. 
• CleanWeb Ad and Tracker Blocker: There is nothing worse than annoying ads while you’re surfing the web, and this feature is ideal for avoiding that. It blocks trackers, ads, and any malware from affecting your privacy and security. 
• Bypasser (Split Tunneling): With this feature, you can decide which apps or websites will be using the VPN connection and which will bypass it. Basically, this gives you more control and flexibility over your online activities.
• GPS Spoofing (Android): Although you can only use this feature with an Android device, it allows you to mask your physical location. As such, apps cannot track your GPS coordinates. 

Surfshark Pros

Affordable Pricing

In the Surfshark vs NordVPN battle, Surfshark really shines in terms of cost. It offers competitive pricing, which makes it an ideal option if you’re on a budget. The 2-year plan costs just $2.49 per month.  

Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

As mentioned above, another one of Surfshark’s major advantages is the fact you can connect as many times as you like, on as many devices as you choose. Its unlimited simultaneous connections feature means you can share one subscription with family or colleagues. 

Robust Security Features

While it might be an affordable choice, Surfshark doesn’t scrape by on their security features. It offers industry-standard encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch that protects your data if the VPN is disconnected for any reason. 

User-Friendly Interface

Surfshark is very easy to use. If you’ve never used a VPN before, you won’t struggle to find your way around the app and you can easily customise it to your needs. 

Strong Streaming and Torrenting Support

Surfshark is a great Netflix VPN as it unblocks the popular streaming site, along with Amazon, Hulu, and Prime Video. It also allows torrenting on all servers. 

Surfshark Cons

Fewer Server Locations

Surfshark has a large number of servers in more than 100 countries but compared to some other top VPNs, its network is quite small. This can occasionally limit connection options and speeds in specific areas. 

Limited Advanced Features

Surfshark offers a range of standard features but it lacks some of the advanced features offered by other VPN providers. When comparing Surfshark VPN vs NordVPN, the latter would win in this category. 

Jurisdiction Concerns

Surfshark was initially based in the British Virgin Islands, which is known for its privacy-friendly policies. However, it has recently moved its jurisdiction to the Netherlands. The country is part of the 5-Eyes intelligence alliance, which means it may share information. This may or may not be a concern for you. 

Limited Router Support

Compared to other VPNs, Surfshark has limited router support. If you want to secure your entire home with your VPN, this may cause problems for you. 

Surfshark Criteria Evaluation

Pricing: 4/5

Without a doubt, Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market. As mentioned earlier, the 2-year plan costs just $2.49 per month. Despite that, if you opt for the monthly or yearly plan, you will pay more than some other VPN providers. 

Server Network: 3/5

As mentioned earlier, Surfshark has a range of servers across 100 countries but that is still a small network compared to some other VPN providers. This could give you less choice of connections and lower speeds depending on where you want to connect to. 

Security and Privacy: 5/5

Surfshark is an excellent VPN for security and privacy overall. As we talked about above, it offers strong encryption, a no-logs policy, a kill switch, and it also has some advanced features, including Camouflage Mode. 

Performance and Speed: 4/5

Considering its low monthly price, Surfshark offers high speeds and good performance, however this can vary depending on location and server load. 

Streaming and Torrenting: 5/5

If you want to use a VPN for streaming and/or torrenting in particular, Surfshark is a great choice. It can unblock popular streaming services and supports torrenting on all servers. 

User Experience: 4/5

The Surfshark app is simple to use.

Customer Support: 4/5

With 24/7 live chat and email support, Surfshark has fantastic support options. 

Surfshark Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations

Surfshark is a popular choice with users and experts due to its affordability, features, and excellent privacy and security. Here are some of notable comments from users and experts alike: 
“Surfshark is a solid VPN option that ticks all the right boxes. It’s affordable, secure, and packed with features that cater to diverse user needs. The MultiHop (Double VPN) feature is a standout addition for those seeking an extra layer of privacy.” – Tom Johnson, VPN Expert at TechRadar

Surfshark Price

We’ve already mentioned that Surfshark is one of the most popular VPNs on the market. In fact if pricing is your main concern and you’re comparing Surfshark or NordVPN Australia, Surfshark would win. Here are the pricing options: 

Monthly Plan: $12.95 per month

6-Month Plan: $6.49 per month, which is billed at $38.94 every 6 months

2-Year Plan: $2.49 per month, which is billed at $59.76 every 2 years

There is also a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you have time to decide whether this is the right VPN for you, without losing money. 

Where to Find Surfshark

You can find the VPN here. On the official website you can find out more information about pricing plans and the service in general. You can also download the Surfshark app on the App Store, Google Play Store, and Microsoft Store. For a more detailed overview of Surfshark, check out our in-depth Surfshark Australia review.

NordVPN

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What NordVPN is Best Known For

To help you choose between NordVPN or Surfshark Australia, let’s now turn our attention to NordVPN. 

NordVPN is a very popular and recognized VPN; in fact, it’s an industry leader. It’s known for its strong security features, fast speeds, and large server network. It offers some fantastic advanced security features, including Double VPN, which allows you to route your traffic through two VPN servers. 

As far as everyday use goes, NordVPN is highly rated for its easy to use apps and great customer service. It is also a very transparent service, conducting regular independent audits to ensure quality of service.

NordVPN Description

NordVPN was founded in 2012 and its headquarters are located in Panama, which is a very privacy-friendly region. It offers a large number of features that are focused on ensuring security and privacy online, with servers in over 60 countries. NordVPN offers extremely fast speeds, so it’s a great choice for streaming, secure browsing, and torrenting. 

This product really shines because of its advanced security features. It has robust VPN protocols, a strict no-logs policy, and provides features such as a double VPN and Onion over VPN, giving you extra layers of protection. 

Additionally, its apps are super easy to use and can be customised for your personal needs.  

NordVPN Features

NordVPN has a large range of very impressive features, including: 

• Double VPN: This feature allows you to route your Internet traffic through two different VPN servers. Overall, this gives you even more protection and an extra layer of encryption.
• Onion over VPN: Just like an onion and its many layers, this feature gives you another layer of protection.
• Threat Protection: This feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware domains, enhancing your online security and privacy.
• Split Tunnelling: NordVPN’s split tunnelling feature allows you to decide which traffic goes through the VPN and which go past it. This feature gives you extra flexibility and control, while speeding up your browsing experience. 
• Obfuscated Servers: This is a server that hides the fact you’re using a VPN at all. As a result, you can bypass any restrictions on VPN use and it will simply look like you’re using the Internet in a regular way. 
• Dedicated IP Servers (Paid Add-on): NordVPN offers dedicated IP servers, which gives you a static IP address for extra security and privacy. You will need to pay extra for this feature but it’s a good thing to consider. 
• P2P Servers: If you want to use a VPN for torrenting or file sharing (P2P), NordVPN has specialised servers that are optimised for these specific needs. 

NordVPN Pros

Vast Server Network

When comparing Nordvpn vs Surfshark Australia, NordVPN wins in terms of the number of servers it offers. You can choose from 5,400 servers over 60 countries, which all give fast speeds and reliable connections.  

Advanced Security Features

Alongside standard security features, NordVPN offers some advanced options, including Double VPN, obfuscated servers, and Onion over VPN. These all give you extra peace of mind when using the Internet. 

Fast and Consistent Speeds

Without a doubt, VPN offers fast speeds and the service in general is very reliable. If you’re using this VPN for heavy activities, like streaming or torrenting, you won’t struggle. 

User-Friendly Apps

NordVPN offers easy to use apps that can be customised easily depending upon your specific needs. 

Excellent Streaming and Torrenting Support

NordVPN can easily unblock popular streaming sites, such as Hulu, Netflix, Amazon, and Prime Video. It’s also ideal for torrenting as it has dedicated servers. 

NordVPN Cons

Limited Simultaneous Connections

Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer several connections at any one time, but Surfshark wins here with its unlimited amount. However, NordVPN does offer six simultaneous connections, which is still quite a large amount. 

Slightly Higher Pricing

NordVPN offers competitive pricing but it isn’t the cheapest on the market and is slightly higher than some other comparable VPNs. This is particularly the case for its long-term plans. 

Limited Dedicated IP Locations

Dedicated IP servers are available on NordVPN, but the number of locations is limited if you compare it to some of its competitors. This can restrict your options if you need a dedicated IP. 

No GPS Spoofing Feature

If you want to completely mask your physical location on your mobile devices, NordVPN isn’t the one for you. This is because it doesn’t have a dedicated GPS spoofing feature. 

NordVPN Criteria Evaluation

Pricing: 4/5

NordVPN offers competitive pricing, and its 2-year plan costs just $3.71. However, if you want a monthly or yearly plan, you’ll find these are a little higher in price compared to other VPN providers.  

Server Network: 5/5

When we’re looking at Surfshark vs NordVPN speed, the latter wins out. With a huge server network that spans more than 60 countries, you can expect reliable and fast speeds. 

Security and Privacy: 5/5

With a large range of security features, NordVPN is an excellent choice. It has very strong encryption, a no-logs policy, kill switch, along with advanced features, such as Double VPN and Onion over VPN. 

Performance and Speed: 5/5

You can rely upon NordVPN as far as speed and reliability are concerned. 

Streaming and Torrenting: 5/5

Streaming and torrenting are data-heavy tasks and NordVPN handles them with ease. It is also able to unblock popular streaming platforms and has dedicated servers for torrenting.  

User Experience: 4/5

The NordVPN apps are very easy to use and navigate, even if you’ve never used a VPN before. The only downside is that you are limited to six simultaneous connections, which may be a drawback if you’re sharing a subscription with family members. 

Customer Support: 5/5

NordVPN has excellent customer support. It offers live chat and email support 24/7, and you can look at educational resources on the site to learn more, including video tutorials. 

NordVPN Community Reviews and Expert Recommendations

With great reliability and a large number of features, it’s no surprise that NordVPN receives high praise from both users and experts. Here are some reviews: 

“NordVPN is my go-to choice for a reliable and secure VPN service. Their Double VPN feature is a game-changer for privacy, and the speeds are consistently fast, even on long-distance connections.” – Sarah Johnson, Technology Blogger

“I’ve been using NordVPN for years, and it never disappoints. The vast server network ensures I can always find a fast and reliable connection, and the obfuscated servers are a lifesaver for bypassing VPN blocks.” – John Smith, Reddit User“NordVPN is a top-tier VPN provider that ticks all the right boxes. It offers advanced security features, lightning-fast speeds, and excellent streaming and torrenting capabilities. The Onion over VPN feature is a standout addition for those seeking an extra layer of anonymity.” – Tom Wilson, VPN Expert at TechRadar

NordVPN Price

There are several pricing plans available for different budgets. NordVPN offers: 

Monthly Plan: $11.95 per month

1-Year Plan: $4.92 per month which is billed at $59.00 every year

2-Year Plan: $3.71 per month which is billed at $89.00 every 2 years

NordVPN’s monthly and yearly plans are a little higher in price if you compare them to other VPN providers. However, its monthly plan is certainly very competitive at $3.71 per month. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try before you commit. 

Where to Find NordVPN

You can find NordVPN here. The official website contains a large amount of information about the service in general, its pricing plans, and all compatible devices. You can also find the app on the App Store, Google Play Store, and Microsoft Store. 

Additionally, you can purchase a NordVPN subscription through stores like Best Buy and Walmart, where you can pay with cash or a gift card.

Alternative Options

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ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a popular VPN which is renowned for its fast speeds and strong security features. It is a good choice for anyone who wants to stream or use the VPN for torrenting. This VPN is a little more expensive than both NordVPN and Surfshark, but it’s one of the best around. If you’re happy to pay more, you’ll find its features to be high quality. 

Private Internet Access (PIA)

PIA, or Private Internet Access is a great VPN for those on a budget. It offers good speeds, torrenting support, and a range of security features. The only downside is that PIA has its jurisdiction in the US, and is therefore part of the Five Eyes alliance. This could be an issue for you if you’re concerned about data sharing. 

CyberGhost

Another popular VPN service is CyberGhost that is easy to use and has a range of features. It offers great streaming abilities and is also a good choice for torrenting. This VPN is based in Romania, which is quite privacy-friendly. Therefore, it’s a good choice for anyone who is concerned about information sharing.

FAQs

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Is it legal to use a VPN like Surfshark or NordVPN?

In most countries, VPNs like Surfshark and NordVPN are legal, and that includes Australia. However, there are some countries that place restrictions on VPN use. It’s also important to note that while using a VPN might be legal, engaging in illegal activities still makes them illegal. Remember to check laws and regulations wherever you are. 

Do Surfshark and NordVPN keep logs of my online activities?

Both NordVPN and Surfshark both have no-log policies, which means they don’t record any of your online activities. Both claim to have had these independently verified by third-party firms. However, while they have no-log policies, they may collect some information for technical reasons, although this will be deleted very quickly. 

Which VPN is faster, Surfshark or NordVPN?

In our NordVPN vs Surfshark VPN review, we found that NordVPN was consistently faster across a range of different activities. For instance, upload and download speeds. However, it’s important to remember that actual speed depends on many factors. These include your location, your Internet service provider, and the server load at any particular time. 

Furthermore, even though NordVPN was faster, Surfshark still offers considerable speeds and high quality. 

Can I use Surfshark or NordVPN for streaming and torrenting?

You can use both Surfshark and NordVPN Australia for both streaming and torrenting. Both of these VPNs perform very well for both activities, and can unblock popular streaming platforms with good speeds. Surfshark supports torrenting on all its servers, and NordVPN has dedicated servers optimised for torrenting in particular.  

Which VPN is more user-friendly, Surfshark or NordVPN?

Both NordVPN and Surfshark have easy to use apps that can be customised to specific needs. They’re also easy for beginners to learn, so, as we stated above, you shouldn’t have any issues, even if you’ve never used a VPN before. However, Surfshark’s interface is just slightly better, with a more intuitive and straightforward design. The other plus point is that Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, whereas NordVPN offers only six.

Final Thoughts

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At the end of our Surfshark Vs. NordVPN Australia review, it’s clear that both offer strong privacy and security features for users, along with fast speeds and reliability. This is a major advantage because our constantly evolving and digitalized world requires us to be even more careful of our online safety. 

Surfshark offers great affordability and unlimited simultaneous connections, which makes it ideal for those on a budget or those using many devices. It also has some unique security features, like Rotating IP and GPS Spoofing. However, it has some downsides, including a limited server network and its jurisdiction being in the Netherlands. 

Next, we reviewed NordVPN, which has a huge server network, reliably fast speeds, and advanced security features, such as Double VPN and Onion over VPN. However, it does cost more than both Surfshark and some of its other competitors, which is something to consider if you’re on a budget. 

At the end of the day, choosing between Surfshark and NordVPN comes down to you. Think carefully about what you need your VPN to do as well as your budget. If you prefer affordability and simultaneous connections, go for Surfshark. However, if advanced security features and fast speeds are your priority, it’s NordVPN all the way. 

Here at Privacy Australia, we understand your concerns about online privacy. Our aim is to empower you with all the knowledge and resources you need to keep both you and your family safe in the digital world. We believe that VPNs are an indispensable part of your armoury against online threats, and we hope that this review has given you food for thought. 

Ultimately, the choice over which VPN to use is down to you, but always remember that online privacy is your right, and protecting it is vital.

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