ToolsRanks

The best Surfshark alternatives in 2026

Quick answer: The strongest Surfshark alternatives are NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Proton VPN. NordVPN is the closest match for most users; the others trade off on price, features or focus. All 6 are compared below on pricing, strengths and best use case.

Surfshark is a solid vpn tool — Unlimited simultaneous devices on one subscription, low long-term price and CleanWeb ad/tracker blocking. But whether it's cost, a missing capability, or just due diligence. Here are the strongest alternatives worth a look, with what sets each apart.

Each option below works in the same broad space as Surfshark; the right swap depends on which trade-off matters most to you.

Alternatives at a glance

AlternativePricingBest for
NordVPN~$3-5/mo on 2-year plan, ~$12.99/mo monthlystreaming
ExpressVPN~$6.67/mo on annual plan, ~$12.95/mo monthlystreaming
Proton VPNFree tier; ~$4.99/mo on 2-year Plus planprivacy
CyberGhost~$2.03/mo on 2-year plan, ~$12.99/mo monthlystreaming
Private Internet Access~$2.03/mo on multi-year plan, ~$11.95/mo monthlytorrenting
IPVanish~$2.19/mo on 2-year plan, ~$13.99/mo monthlytorrenting

The alternatives in detail

NordVPN VPN

Largest server network with NordLynx (WireGuard) speeds, Threat Protection malware blocking and audited no-logs policy. Worth a look for streaming.

One of the most frequently audited no-logs VPNs paired with consistently top-tier WireGuard speeds.

Stands out for:

Pricing: ~$3-5/mo on 2-year plan, ~$12.99/mo monthly · Best for: streaming, privacy

Full NordVPN overview

See NordVPN plans →

ExpressVPN VPN

Premium speeds, Lightway protocol, TrustedServer RAM-only infrastructure and strong unblocking reputation. A good swap when you care most about streaming.

The most audited consumer VPN, with every server running diskless RAM-only via TrustedServer.

Stands out for:

Pricing: ~$6.67/mo on annual plan, ~$12.95/mo monthly · Best for: streaming, ease-of-use

Full ExpressVPN overview

See ExpressVPN plans →

Proton VPN VPN

Swiss-based, open-source audited apps, genuinely usable free tier and Secure Core multi-hop routing. Consider it if privacy is your priority.

The only major VPN combining fully open-source apps, Swiss jurisdiction and a no-data-cap free tier.

Stands out for:

Pricing: Free tier; ~$4.99/mo on 2-year Plus plan · Best for: privacy, free-tier

Full Proton VPN overview

See Proton VPN plans →

CyberGhost VPN

Streaming/torrenting-optimized servers, beginner-friendly apps and a long 45-day money-back guarantee. A good swap when you care most about streaming.

Purpose-built streaming and torrenting server profiles with an unusually long 45-day refund window.

Stands out for:

Pricing: ~$2.03/mo on 2-year plan, ~$12.99/mo monthly · Best for: streaming, torrenting

Full CyberGhost overview

See CyberGhost plans →

Private Internet Access VPN

Huge US server footprint, fully open-source apps, proven no-logs in court and deep configurability. Worth a look for torrenting.

The most court-tested no-logs VPN, with 100% open-source apps and deep configurability.

Stands out for:

Pricing: ~$2.03/mo on multi-year plan, ~$11.95/mo monthly · Best for: torrenting, configurability

Full Private Internet Access overview

See Private Internet Access plans →

IPVanish VPN

Owns its server network, unlimited connections and torrent-friendly with no connection caps. A good swap when you care most about torrenting.

Unlimited connections on a largely self-owned network, now backed by repeat no-logs audits.

Stands out for:

Pricing: ~$2.19/mo on 2-year plan, ~$13.99/mo monthly · Best for: torrenting, unlimited-devices

Full IPVanish overview

See IPVanish plans →

FAQ

What is the best Surfshark alternative?

NordVPN is our pick for most users looking to move on from Surfshark, though the best fit depends on your needs.

Is there a free Surfshark alternative?

Several alternatives above offer a free tier or trial, so you can test them without upfront cost.

Why switch from Surfshark?

Common reasons are pricing, a specific feature, or a workflow that another tool handles more naturally.