NordVPN vs Surfshark India 2026: Which is Better?

Key Features Comparison: NordVPN vs Surfshark

Speed and Performance

Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer competitive speed and performance, crucial for a seamless browsing experience. In my testing from Chennai, I found:

• NordVPN: Average speed of 90 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection, with minimal latency.
• Surfshark: Slightly lower average speed at around 85 Mbps, but still provides a good user experience for streaming and gaming.

Pricing and Plans

Cost is a significant factor for Indian users. Here’s a breakdown:

• NordVPN:
  • 1-month plan: ₹550
  • 1-year plan: ₹2,999 (approximately ₹250/month)
  • 2-year plan: ₹5,699 (approximately ₹237/month)
• Surfshark:
  • 1-month plan: ₹500
  • 1-year plan: ₹1,899 (approximately ₹158/month)
  • 2-year plan: ₹4,299 (approximately ₹179/month)

Device Compatibility

Both VPNs support a wide range of devices, including:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux
• Android
• iOS

Surprisingly, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, while NordVPN permits up to 6 devices. This can be a pivotal factor for families or users with multiple devices.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Setup

NordVPN Installation Guide

1. Visit the NordVPN website and select a plan.
2. Create an account and proceed with the payment.
3. Download the app for your device.
4. Install the app and log in with your credentials.
5. Select a server location (preferably in India for local content).
6. Click connect, and you’re good to go!

Surfshark Installation Guide

1. Go to the Surfshark website and choose a pricing plan.
2. Sign up and complete your payment.
3. Download the Surfshark app for your platform.
4. Install the app and log in using your account details.
5. Pick a server (the India server for local access).
6. Hit connect, and enjoy secure browsing!

Tips Specific to Indian Users

Optimizing Speed with Indian ISPs

When using VPNs in India, users with ISPs like Jio, Airtel, Vodafone, and BSNL can experience throttling. Here are some tips:

• Choose servers close to your location (preferably in India) for better speed.
• Use the obfuscation feature in NordVPN or Surfshark to bypass ISP throttling.
• Test different protocols within the VPN settings (OpenVPN, IKEv2) for optimal performance.

Accessing Streaming Services

Both NordVPN and Surfshark excel in bypassing geo-restrictions for popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. Here’s how to ensure smooth streaming:

• Connect to a server optimized for streaming (both VPNs indicate this in their app).
• Clear your browser cache to avoid location detection issues.
• For Indian content, connect to servers located in India.

Security Considerations

Encryption and Privacy

Both VPNs offer military-grade encryption to protect your data. Key security features include:

• NordVPN: AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and a kill switch.
• Surfshark: Also uses AES-256 encryption, has a no-logs policy, and includes a kill switch.

Advanced Security Features

NordVPN has additional features like:

• CyberSec: Protection against malware and ads.
• Double VPN: Your traffic gets routed through two servers for added security.

Surfshark offers:

• CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
• Camouflage Mode: Hides your VPN usage from your ISP.

Alternative Solutions or Recommendations

Other VPNs to Consider

If you are still undecided, you might want to explore the following alternatives:

• ExpressVPN: Known for its speed and reliability but is more expensive.
• CyberGhost: Offers good performance and a user-friendly interface, also at a competitive price.

Free VPN Options

While free VPNs can be tempting, they often compromise on speed, security, and privacy. If you are considering a free VPN, look for reputable options like:

• ProtonVPN: Offers a free tier with no data limit but limited server locations.
• Windscribe: Provides a free version with a monthly data cap.

However, for serious users, investing in a paid VPN, either NordVPN or Surfshark, is highly recommended to ensure better security, speed, and support.