NordVPN vs Surfshark India 2026: Which is Better?

Key Features and Common Issues

When comparing NordVPN and Surfshark in India, understanding their key features and common issues is essential for making an informed decision. Both VPNs have their strengths, but they also come with some limitations.

NordVPN Features

• Speed and Performance: Excellent speed capabilities with a large server network, ensuring smooth streaming and browsing.
• Security: Offers AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection, providing robust security for users.
• Server Network: Over 5,400 servers in 60 countries, including multiple locations in India.
• Multi-Device Support: Allows up to six simultaneous connections, making it ideal for families or multiple devices.
• Special Features: Includes features like Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and CyberSec for ad blocking and malware protection.

Surfshark Features

• Unlimited Devices: Allows unlimited simultaneous connections, which is perfect for users with many devices.
• Speed: Good speeds with a growing server network, ensuring decent performance in India.
• Security: Implements AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and CleanWeb feature for ad-blocking and malware protection.
• Server Network: Over 3,200 servers in more than 65 countries, with a few servers located in India.
• Camouflage Mode: Masks the fact that you’re using a VPN, which is useful in restrictive regions.

Common Issues

Both VPNs may experience occasional connectivity issues, especially during peak times. Users have reported slower speeds on some servers, particularly in regions with high user density.

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Set Up NordVPN

1. Visit the NordVPN website and choose a suitable plan.
2. Download the NordVPN software for your device (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android).
3. Install the application and log in using your account credentials.
4. Select a server in India or any other region based on your requirement.
5. Click the “Connect” button to establish a secure VPN connection.

How to Set Up Surfshark

1. Go to the Surfshark website and select a pricing plan that fits your needs.
2. Download the Surfshark app for your chosen device.
3. Install the application and sign in with your Surfshark account.
4. Choose a server location (selecting India for local content access).
5. Click on “Connect” to initiate the VPN connection.

Tips Specific to Indian Users

Indian users can benefit from specific tips to enhance their VPN experience, especially when using ISPs like Jio, Airtel, Vodafone, and BSNL.

Choosing the Right Server

For optimal performance, choose servers that are geographically closer to your location. If you're using Jio or Airtel in Pune, connect to Indian servers to reduce latency and improve speed.

Streaming Services

Both NordVPN and Surfshark can access popular streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. However, it's essential to check which specific server works best for the streaming service you want to access, as not all servers may bypass geo-restrictions.

ISP Throttling

ISPs in India may throttle your internet speed when they detect high bandwidth usage. To mitigate this, use the obfuscation features available in both NordVPN and Surfshark, which help mask VPN traffic and reduce the chances of throttling.

Security Considerations

Both NordVPN and Surfshark provide robust security features, but there are some distinctions worth noting.

NordVPN Security Features

• Double VPN: Routes your connection through two servers for enhanced security.
• Onion over VPN: Adds an additional layer of anonymity by routing through the Tor network.
• Strict No-Logs Policy: Ensures that no user data is recorded or stored.

Surfshark Security Features

• CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware, providing a safer browsing experience.
• Whitelister: Allows you to exclude specific apps or websites from the VPN tunnel.
• MultiHop: Connect through multiple servers for enhanced privacy.

Alternative Solutions or Recommendations

If you’re considering alternatives to NordVPN and Surfshark, here are a few other VPNs popular in India:

• ExpressVPN: Known for its speed and reliability, with a robust server network.
• CyberGhost: Offers user-friendly apps and a large server network, making it ideal for beginners.
• Private Internet Access (PIA): Known for its strong privacy policies and customization options.

Each of these options also provides solid security and performance for Indian users, so consider your specific needs before making a choice.

Ultimately, both NordVPN and Surfshark have unique strengths tailored for Indian users. Your choice will depend on your specific requirements, such as the number of devices, security features, and budget considerations.