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PrivateVPN vs Surfshark: 163 Highlights & 83 Differences — So, Which VPN Actually Works Better

Explore key differences in features like audit transparency, device support, and trial availability between PrivateVPN and Surfshark. We compared PrivateVPN and Surfshark for people who care about intended use, regulatory compliance statement, connection logs & metadata logs and time-saving tools. Here’s what to know before committing.

62 Points
PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN
83 Points
Surfshark
Surfshark
Surfshark
Surfshark
vs

Highlights 175

No extras. Just what matters.
62 Points
vs
83 Points

Why is PrivateVPN better than Surfshark ?

Scroll down for more facts

PrivateVPN vs Surfshark: Which VPN Brings the Ultimate Online Security and Performance?

Choosing between PrivateVPN and Surfshark means looking at two VPNs that both prioritize privacy, security, streaming, gaming optimization, and P2P support, all while adopting a cloud-based deployment to serve individual families and businesses. 

Both boast strict no-logs policies and an unlimited bandwidth capacity, ensuring uninterrupted user experiences. However, their differences lie in compliance reach, audit transparency, feature sets, and user management capabilities, which can significantly influence your VPN choice.

PrivateVPN's Strong Suit: Simplicity and Extended Trial Access

For those who appreciate straightforward security with uncomplicated features, PrivateVPN stands out. It meets essential security needs through a comprehensive key exchange system employing Diffie-Hellman, RSA, and ECDHE, and offers a dependable kill switch to prevent unintended data leaks. Although it lacks third-party audits, it maintains a solid reputation with a clean legal track record and a credible no-logs stance.

PrivateVPN's accommodation for longer trial periods of 30 days is ideal for those wanting ample time to test the service risk-free. It supports major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, plus routers and smart TVs, covering common device needs. However, it doesn't extend compatibility to IoT devices or offer advanced tools like automation scripts. It's perfect for users and small businesses wanting budget-friendly, trustworthy protection without the fuss of features like mesh networking or per-app rules.

Surfshark's Edge: Advanced Functionality and Transparent Security

Surfshark positions itself as a feature-packed VPN with transparency at its core. It not only complies with multiple regulations (GDPR, CCPA, UK GDPR) but also undergoes third-party audits with periodic reviews, enhancing trust among privacy-conscious users. Surfshark's hybrid server ownership and Tier III data centers power network reliability alongside remarkable peak speeds of 550 Mbps and a low latency impact of 15ms.

Beyond speed, Surfshark supports multiple platforms with an inclusive command-line interface and browser extensions. Its capabilities extend to IoT devices, automation scripts, mesh networking, customizable DNS, and per-app rules. Account management is robust, featuring multi-user profiles and sub-account functionality, which enhances session and access control. It offers extensive support options through live chat, email, and ticketing, alongside a community forum; a clear win for users valuing interaction and real-time assistance.

Quick Take

PrivateVPN offers an accessible, no-frills VPN experience with a strong emphasis on privacy and an exceptionally generous 30-day trial. Surfshark excels with high-speed performance, detailed audit transparency, and a suite of advanced features catering to tech-savvy users and businesses who demand flexible account management and broader device coverage.

Bottom Line Recommendation

If you're looking for a full-featured VPN backed by consistent third-party audits, steeped in transparency, and loaded with advanced functions including IoT compatibility and automation, Surfshark is your best bet. It combines excellent speed, thorough customer support, and comprehensive management options to satisfy even demanding power users and organizations.

However, if budget constraints, ease of use, or a longer trial period are top priorities, PrivateVPN remains a commendable choice, granting solid privacy protection and reliable core features without overwhelming you with extras.

Verdict

  • Winner - Surfshark: Offers robust, audited security, faster speeds, and an elaborate feature set including advanced account management and broader device support.
  • Runner-up - PrivateVPN: Presents a simpler, budget-friendly VPN with a long trial period, suitable for users who prefer straightforward privacy protections and standard VPN essentials.

Comparisons 26

Two enter. One leaves your cart.

Price comparisons

(✱) Prices may be changed at any time without further notice.

Related comparisons 26

Because one duel is never enough.

Comparisons & Facts 175

Side by side. The numbers. The features. No drama.

Don’t waste time on demos — this side-by-side comparison covers all you need to know about PrivateVPN vs Surfshark in the world of vpn.

General Information 12

Intended Use

What is this VPN mainly used for?

54 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Privacy, Security, Streaming, P2P, Gaming

57 Surfshark 0 Votes Privacy, Security, Streaming, P2P, Gaming

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
Intended Use

Both PrivateVPN and Surfshark support Privacy, Security, Streaming, P2P, and Gaming uses equally, making them comparable choices for these purposes.

Describes the main use cases supported.

Regulatory Compliance Statement

What regulations does it comply with?

84 PrivateVPN 0 Votes GDPR

82 Surfshark 0 Votes GDPR, CCPA, UK GDPR

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
Regulatory Compliance Statement

PrivateVPN complies with GDPR regulations, while Surfshark complies with GDPR, CCPA, and UK GDPR, indicating Surfshark meets more comprehensive regulatory standards. Surfshark is thus better for users needing diverse compliance.

Stated compliance with data protection regulations.

Service Model

What service model does the VPN use?

64 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Subscription-Based

67 Surfshark 0 Votes Subscription-Based

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

The service model is Subscription-Based, meaning access is delivered through recurring payments rather than a one-time license.

Surfshark
Surfshark

The service operates on a subscription-based model, which means users pay periodically to maintain access and updates.

Business and access model used to provide the VPN service.

VPN Service Type

What type of VPN service is offered?

24 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Consumer VPN

27 Surfshark 0 Votes Consumer VPN

Surfshark
Surfshark

The VPN service type is consumer-focused, designed primarily for individual and household use.

Indicates the primary service classification.

Release Year

When was this VPN first released?

44 PrivateVPN 0 Votes 2009

87 Surfshark 0 Votes 2018

Surfshark
Surfshark

The VPN service was released in 2018, indicating experience and a matured product.

Year the VPN service was first released.

Supported Devices Count

How many devices are supported?

64 PrivateVPN 0 Votes 7–10 Devices

97 Surfshark 0 Votes Unlimited Devices

Surfshark
Surfshark

The VPN supports unlimited devices per account, accommodating users with many gadgets.

Maximum number of devices supported per account.

Simultaneous Connections

How many simultaneous connections are allowed?

54 PrivateVPN 0 Votes 8–10 Connections

97 Surfshark 0 Votes Unlimited

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

The plan allows 8–10 Connections simultaneously, supporting multiple devices or household members under one account.

Number of devices that can connect at the same time.

Account Sharing Policy

Is account sharing allowed?

44 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Restricted

97 Surfshark 0 Votes Allowed

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
Account Sharing Policy

PrivateVPN restricts account sharing, but Surfshark allows it, making Surfshark more flexible for users who wish to share accounts across devices or users.

Defines rules around sharing accounts.

Platform Category

Which platform categories are supported?

62 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Desktop, Mobile, Router

71 Surfshark 0 Votes Desktop, Mobile, Browser, Router

Indicates supported platform categories.

Target User

Who is this VPN designed for?

65 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Individual, Family, Team, Business

62 Surfshark 0 Votes Individual, Family

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
Target User

PrivateVPN targets Individual, Family, Team, and Business users, providing a broader user base, whereas Surfshark focuses only on Individual and Family users. This wider scope makes PrivateVPN more versatile for varying user groups.

Identifies the primary audience.

Deployment Type

What is the deployment type?

84 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Cloud-Based

87 Surfshark 0 Votes Cloud-Based

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
Deployment Type

Both PrivateVPN and Surfshark utilize Cloud-Based deployment types, indicating similar infrastructure approaches that benefit scalability and ease of access.

How the VPN infrastructure is deployed and managed.

Service Availability

Where is the service available?

94 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Global

97 Surfshark 0 Votes Global

Geographic scope where the VPN service is available.

Security & Encryption 24

Kill Switch

Is a kill switch available?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
Kill Switch

Kill Switch is enabled on both PrivateVPN and Surfshark, ensuring users maintain security if the VPN connection drops. Both services are equally reliable for connection safety.

Blocks traffic if VPN connection drops.

Stealth Mode

Is stealth mode available?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
Stealth Mode

Both PrivateVPN and Surfshark provide Stealth Mode, enhancing user privacy by obfuscating VPN use. They are equally strong choices for users wanting stealth capabilities.

Hides VPN usage from detection systems.

Encryption Strength

What encryption strength is used?

84 PrivateVPN 0 Votes AES-256

87 Surfshark 0 Votes AES-256

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

Encryption strength is AES-256, offering high-grade symmetric encryption suitable for privacy-sensitive use.

Surfshark
Surfshark

Encryption strength uses AES-256, a robust encryption cipher standard for secure VPN connections.

Level and type of encryption used to secure data.

VPN Protocols Supported

Which VPN protocols are supported?

68 PrivateVPN 0 Votes OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, L2TP

79 Surfshark 0 Votes OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

Supported protocols include OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, L2TP, PPTP, and IPSec, providing a balance of modern secure choices and legacy compatibility.

Surfshark
Surfshark

Supported VPN protocols include OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2, covering a range of compatibility, security, and performance options.

Lists all supported VPN protocols.

Default Protocol

What protocol is used by default?

74 PrivateVPN 0 Votes OpenVPN

97 Surfshark 0 Votes WireGuard

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

The default protocol is OpenVPN, a secure and broadly compatible choice though sometimes slower than newer options like WireGuard.

Surfshark
Surfshark

The default VPN protocol is WireGuard, favored for its speed and modern encryption.

Protocol used by default.

Encryption Standard

What encryption standard is used?

64 PrivateVPN 0 Votes AES

72 Surfshark 0 Votes AES, ChaCha20

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

The encryption standard used is AES, a widely trusted symmetric cipher family commonly used in VPNs.

Specifies the primary encryption algorithms used.

Perfect Forward Secrecy

Is perfect forward secrecy supported?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

Perfect Forward Secrecy is supported, which rotates session keys to limit the impact if a long-term key is compromised.

Ensures past sessions remain secure if keys are compromised.

Firewall Integration

Does it integrate with a firewall?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Surfshark
Surfshark

Firewall integration enables the VPN to work seamlessly with existing firewall setups for enhanced protection.

Integrates firewall rules for traffic control.

Obfuscation Technology

Is traffic obfuscation supported?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Surfshark
Surfshark

Obfuscation technology conceals VPN traffic to evade censorship and VPN blocks.

Masks VPN traffic to bypass censorship.

Multi-Hop VPN

Is multi-hop VPN supported?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Surfshark
Surfshark

Multi-hop VPN chains user traffic through multiple servers for enhanced privacy and anonymity.

Routes traffic through multiple servers.

Third-Party Audit Availability

Are third-party audits available?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 1 Votes Surfshark

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
Third-Party Audit Availability

PrivateVPN does not offer Third-Party Audit Availability, while Surfshark does, providing users with more verified security assurance through external audits. Surfshark is better for those prioritizing verified security.

Availability of external audit reports.

Surfshark wins the audit game with third party checks which is pretty reassuring if you care about transparency and legit security.

See more

Key Exchange Method

How are encryption keys exchanged?

71 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Diffie-Hellman, RSA, ECDHE

77 Surfshark 0 Votes ECDHE, RSA

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
Key Exchange Method

PrivateVPN supports Diffie-Hellman, RSA, and ECDHE key exchange methods, offering broader cryptographic flexibility. Surfshark supports ECDHE and RSA only. Thus, PrivateVPN offers slightly more diverse encryption options.

Describes how encryption keys are securely exchanged.

Privacy & Logging Policy 18

RAM-Only Servers

Are RAM-only servers used?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
RAM-Only Servers

PrivateVPN has no data on RAM-Only Servers, whereas Surfshark uses RAM-Only Servers, which enhances security by ensuring no data is stored persistently. Surfshark has an edge for advanced privacy features.

Indicates use of volatile memory servers.

Connection Logs

Are connection logs stored?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

No 0 Votes Surfshark

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
Connection Logs

Neither PrivateVPN nor Surfshark logs Connection Logs, maintaining strong privacy for user connections. Both are equally dependable for log-free usage.

Indicates logging of connection metadata.

Metadata Logs

Are metadata logs collected?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

No 0 Votes Surfshark

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
Metadata Logs

Metadata Logs are not collected by either PrivateVPN or Surfshark, which is excellent for preserving user anonymity. Both services are comparably strong in this regard.

Indicates logging of metadata beyond traffic.

Jurisdiction Country

Which country is the jurisdiction?

79 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Sweden

82 Surfshark 0 Votes Netherlands

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

The service is based in Sweden, which affects applicable local laws and potential data‑access obligations.

Country where the VPN company is legally registered.

Data Retention Period

How long is data retained?

94 PrivateVPN 0 Votes No Logs

97 Surfshark 0 Votes No Logs

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

The data retention stance is No Logs, indicating a claim that user activity is not stored by the provider.

Length of time user data is retained.

Anonymous Account

Are anonymous accounts supported?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

An anonymous account option is offered, allowing signup with minimal or no personally identifying information to reduce linkability.

Allows account creation without personal info.

Privacy Certification

Does it have privacy certifications?

0 PrivateVPN 0 Votes None

47 Surfshark 0 Votes ISO 27001, TRUSTe

Surfshark
Surfshark

Privacy certifications include ISO 27001 and TRUSTe, indicating adherence to internationally recognized privacy and security standards.

Privacy or security certifications held by the provider.

Logging Policy Type

What is the logging policy type?

94 PrivateVPN 0 Votes No-Logs

97 Surfshark 0 Votes No-Logs

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
Logging Policy Type

Both PrivateVPN and Surfshark maintain a No-Logs policy, which is vital for user privacy. Both are equally suited for privacy-conscious users.

Describes the overall logging stance.

Activity Logs

Are activity logs stored?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

No 0 Votes Surfshark

Indicates whether user activity is logged.

IP Address Logging

Are IP addresses logged?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

No 0 Votes Surfshark

Indicates whether IP addresses are logged.

Timestamp Logging

Are timestamps logged?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

No 0 Votes Surfshark

Indicates logging of session timestamps.

Bandwidth Usage Logging

Is bandwidth usage logged?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

No 0 Votes Surfshark

Indicates logging of bandwidth usage.

Network & Server Infrastructure 20

Server Ownership

Who owns the servers?

34 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Rented

67 Surfshark 0 Votes Hybrid

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
Server Ownership

PrivateVPN uses rented servers, while Surfshark uses a hybrid server ownership model, combining rented and owned servers. Surfshark’s approach may offer better control and potentially enhanced security.

Describes who controls the servers.

Bandwidth Capacity

What is the bandwidth capacity?

94 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Unlimited

97 Surfshark 0 Votes Unlimited

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
Bandwidth Capacity

Bandwidth Capacity is Unlimited on both PrivateVPN and Surfshark, which is excellent for users requiring unrestricted data transfer.

Overall bandwidth capability of the network.

Total Server Count

How many servers are available?

24 PrivateVPN 0 Votes 100–500

97 Surfshark 0 Votes 3000+

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

Total server count is in the 100–500 range, signaling moderate geographic coverage without being a very large-scale provider.

Surfshark
Surfshark

Total server count exceeds 3000, indicating a large network with many options for users worldwide.

Approximate total number of servers available.

Total Country Coverage

How many countries are covered?

74 PrivateVPN 0 Votes 60–90

97 Surfshark 0 Votes 90+

Surfshark
Surfshark

Total country coverage extends beyond 90 countries, providing worldwide server options and global access.

Number of countries with server presence.

Total City Coverage

How many cities are covered?

14 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Under 20

87 Surfshark 0 Votes 200+

Surfshark
Surfshark

Total city coverage exceeds 200 cities, ensuring extensive geographic reach and more options for optimal performance.

Number of cities with VPN servers.

Server Location Type

Are server locations physical or virtual?

94 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Mixed

97 Surfshark 0 Votes Mixed

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

Server location type is Mixed, meaning the network includes a combination of physical and virtual server deployments.

Indicates how server locations are implemented.

P2P Servers

Are P2P servers available?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

P2P servers are available, permitting torrenting and other peer-to-peer traffic on designated endpoints.

Servers optimized for P2P traffic.

Data Center Tier

What data center tier is used?

Who knows? 0 Votes PrivateVPN (Help us out by suggesting one!)

47 Surfshark 0 Votes Tier III

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
Data Center Tier

No Data Center Tier info is available for PrivateVPN, but Surfshark operates on Tier III data centers, reflecting higher standards of reliability and infrastructure. Surfshark stands out for infrastructure robustness.

Indicates data center reliability level.

Load Balancing

Is load balancing supported?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Distributes traffic evenly across servers.

Smart Location Selection

Is smart location selection available?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Automatically selects optimal servers.

Specialized Servers

Are specialized servers offered?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Indicates presence of purpose-built servers.

Streaming Optimized Servers

Are streaming servers available?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Servers optimized for streaming platforms.

Performance & Speed 14

Peak Speed Performance

What is the peak speed performance?

Who knows? 0 Votes PrivateVPN (Help us out by suggesting one!)

550 Mbps 1 Votes
Surfshark

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
Peak Speed Performance

PrivateVPN does not provide Peak Speed Performance data, but Surfshark boasts a peak speed of 550 Mbps, suited for high-bandwidth needs. Surfshark is more suitable for speed-demanding users.

Maximum achievable speed under ideal conditions.

Surfshark's peak speed hits like a boss at 550 Mbps. For smoother streaming and gaming, it's clearly ahead of PrivateVPN which doesn't list peak speeds.

See more

Latency Impact

How much latency does the VPN add?

Who knows? 0 Votes PrivateVPN (Help us out by suggesting one!)

15 ms 0 Votes
Surfshark

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
Latency Impact

PrivateVPN does not provide Latency Impact data, whereas Surfshark reports a latency impact of 15 ms, which suggests minor performance delay. Surfshark gives more transparency to users concerned about latency.

Additional latency introduced by the VPN.

Smart Routing

Is smart routing used?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
Smart Routing

Both PrivateVPN and Surfshark offer Smart Routing to optimize network traffic paths, enhancing speed and reliability equally across both.

Routes traffic through optimal paths.

Regional Speed Optimization

Is regional speed optimization supported?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
Regional Speed Optimization

Both PrivateVPN and Surfshark support Regional Speed Optimization, ensuring faster regional connections. Both provide excellent performance optimization.

Optimizes speeds by geographic region.

Speed Consistency

How consistent are the speeds?

94 PrivateVPN 0 Votes High

97 Surfshark 0 Votes High

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

Speed consistency is rated High, indicating relatively stable throughput across typical usage and server selection.

Surfshark
Surfshark

Speed consistency is rated high, indicating stable and reliable connection speeds over time.

Stability of speeds over time.

Average Download Speed

What is the average download speed?

Who knows? 0 Votes PrivateVPN (Help us out by suggesting one!)

480 Mbps 0 Votes
Surfshark

Surfshark
Surfshark

Average download speed of 480 Mbps provides fast data transfer, supporting HD streaming and bulk downloads.

Typical downstream speed when connected to the VPN.

Average Upload Speed

What is the average upload speed?

Who knows? 0 Votes PrivateVPN (Help us out by suggesting one!)

420 Mbps 0 Votes
Surfshark

Surfshark
Surfshark

The average upload speed is 420 Mbps, suitable for high-quality video calls and fast file uploads.

Typical upstream speed when using the VPN.

Speed Throttling

Is speed throttling applied?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

No 0 Votes Surfshark

Indicates whether speeds are artificially limited.

Protocol Speed Optimization

Are protocols optimized for speed?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Optimizes protocol choice for speed.

Auto Server Selection Speed

Does it auto-select the fastest server?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Automatically selects fastest servers.

Speed Test Tool

Is there a built-in speed test?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Built-in tool for measuring VPN speed.

Performance Analytics

Are performance analytics available?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
Performance Analytics

PrivateVPN lacks Performance Analytics, while Surfshark offers this feature, allowing users to monitor and optimize VPN performance. Surfshark is better for users needing detailed performance insights.

Provides performance monitoring insights.

Platform & Device Support 13

Browser Extension

Are browser extensions available?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 1 Votes Surfshark

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
Browser Extension

PrivateVPN lacks a Browser Extension, whereas Surfshark provides one, enhancing ease of use for users seeking quick browser-based VPN control. Surfshark is more convenient in this aspect.

Indicates availability of browser extensions.

Having browser extensions on Surfshark just makes life easier for quick VPN toggling on the fly. PrivateVPN doesn't offer that convenience so Surfshark wins here for accessibility.

See more

CLI Support

Is CLI support available?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
CLI Support

CLI Support is unavailable on PrivateVPN but is offered by Surfshark, catering better to advanced users and system administrators who prefer command-line interfaces.

Indicates command-line interface availability.

IoT Device Compatibility

Are IoT devices compatible?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
IoT Device Compatibility

PrivateVPN does not support IoT Device Compatibility, while Surfshark does, offering better coverage for smart home devices. Surfshark is preferable for IoT users.

Indicates compatibility with IoT devices.

OS Version Compatibility

Which OS versions are supported?

75 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Router

78 Surfshark 0 Votes Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Router

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
OS Version Compatibility

Both PrivateVPN and Surfshark support Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Router OS versions, ensuring a wide range of device compatibility equally.

Operating systems and platforms supported.

Browser Types Supported

Which browsers are supported?

Who knows? 0 Votes PrivateVPN (Help us out by suggesting one!)

85 Surfshark 0 Votes Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera

Surfshark
Surfshark

Browser types supported include Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera, enabling VPN use directly through popular browsers.

Lists supported browser types.

Device Management Dashboard

Is there a device management dashboard?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

No device management dashboard is available, so there is no centralized vendor console for administering multiple devices. Admins will need to manage each client individually or use third-party tooling.

Centralized device management interface.

Smart TV

Are smart TVs supported?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

PrivateVPN
vs
Surfshark
Smart TV

Smart TV support is offered by both PrivateVPN and Surfshark, catering well to users wanting VPN protection on TV platforms.

Indicates support for smart TV platforms.

Gaming Console

Are gaming consoles supported?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Indicates compatibility with gaming consoles.

Manual Configuration

Is manual configuration supported?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Allows manual VPN setup.

App Interface Consistency

Is the app interface consistent?

94 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Consistent

97 Surfshark 0 Votes Consistent

Consistency of UI across platforms.

Cross-Platform Sync

Is cross-platform sync available?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Syncs settings across devices.

ARM Architecture

Are ARM devices supported?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Indicates support for ARM-based devices.

Features & Functionality 24

API Access

Is API access available?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Surfshark
Surfshark

API access is available, facilitating integration with other software or automated management of the VPN service.

Provides programmatic API access.

Custom DNS

Can custom DNS be configured?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Allows use of custom DNS resolvers.

Automation Scripts

Are automation scripts supported?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Allows use of automation scripts.

Per-App Rules

Can rules be set per app?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Applies VPN rules per application.

Port Forwarding

Is port forwarding supported?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

Port forwarding is supported, useful for hosting services or improving connectivity for certain P2P and gaming scenarios.

Enables inbound connections through the VPN.

SOCKS5 Proxy

Is a SOCKS5 proxy available?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

A SOCKS5 proxy is provided, enabling protocol-agnostic proxying useful for torrent clients and certain application-level routing needs.

Provides SOCKS5 proxy access.

LAN Access

Is LAN access allowed?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Surfshark
Surfshark

LAN access when connected allows users to interact with devices on the local network behind the VPN.

Allows access to local network devices.

Custom Routing Rules

Can routing rules be customized?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Surfshark
Surfshark

Custom routing rules allow users to define specific paths for traffic, enhancing control and performance optimization.

Allows advanced routing customization.

Automation Support

Is automation supported?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Surfshark
Surfshark

Automation support allows users to integrate VPN usage with other automated workflows and scripts.

Supports automation via integrations or scripts.

Split Tunneling

Is split tunneling supported?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Allows selective routing of traffic outside the VPN.

App-Based Split Tunneling

Can split tunneling be set per app?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Allows split tunneling by application.

URL-Based Split Tunneling

Can split tunneling be set by URL?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Allows split tunneling by website or domain.

Streaming, Gaming & P2P Support 9

Streaming Platform Support

Which streaming platforms are supported?

81 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video

84 Surfshark 0 Votes Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

The service lists support for Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video, indicating capability to access major streaming platforms.

Surfshark
Surfshark

Streaming platforms supported include Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video, ensuring broad access to popular services securely through the VPN.

Streaming platforms that the VPN can reliably unblock and support.

Cloud Gaming

Does it support cloud gaming?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

Cloud gaming is supported, which typically implies optimizations or low-latency routes suitable for interactive streaming.

Indicates compatibility with cloud gaming services.

4K Streaming

Is 4K streaming supported?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Indicates support for 4K streaming quality.

Streaming Reliability

How reliable is streaming access?

94 PrivateVPN 0 Votes High

97 Surfshark 0 Votes High

Consistency of streaming access over time.

HD Streaming

Is HD streaming supported?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Indicates support for HD streaming quality.

Gaming Latency Optimization

Is gaming latency optimized?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Optimizes routing for low gaming latency.

P2P File Sharing

Is P2P file sharing allowed?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Indicates allowance of P2P file sharing.

Torrenting Policy

Is torrenting allowed?

94 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Allowed

97 Surfshark 0 Votes Allowed

Defines torrenting rules.

Port Selection for P2P

Can ports be selected for P2P?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Allows port selection for P2P traffic.

Account, Access & Management 10

Sub-Account

Are sub-accounts supported?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 1 Votes Surfshark

Allows creation of sub-accounts with limited access.

Surfshark lets you create sub-accounts which is perfect for families or teams. PrivateVPN feels limited without this so big plus for Surfshark on account management.

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Multi-User Profiles

Can multiple user profiles be created?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Allows multiple user profiles under one account.

Login History Visibility

Is login history visible?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Shows login and access history.

Team or Family Plans

Are team or family plans available?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

Team or family plans are offered, allowing multiple users to be grouped under one subscription with shared billing.

Indicates availability of shared plans.

Session Management

Can active sessions be managed?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 1 Votes Surfshark

Allows viewing and managing active sessions.

Managing sessions on Surfshark is a breeze with session management features. PrivateVPN doesn't have this so if you want control over access, Surfshark is the way to go.

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User Account Dashboard

Is there a user account dashboard?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Provides a central interface for managing the account.

Access Control Levels

Are access control levels available?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Supports different permission levels.

Device Revocation

Can devices be revoked remotely?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Allows removal of connected devices remotely.

Password Policy

How strong is the password policy?

64 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Strong

67 Surfshark 0 Votes Strong

Rules for password complexity and security.

Two-Factor Authentication

Is two-factor authentication available?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Adds an extra layer of account security.

Customer Support & Documentation 8

Support Channels

What support channels are available?

54 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Email

64 Surfshark 0 Votes Live Chat, Email, Ticket

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

Support is provided via Email, so users should expect asynchronous assistance rather than instant live chat or phone support.

Lists available customer support channels.

Knowledge Base

Is there a knowledge base?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Indicates presence of a self-help knowledge base.

Response Time SLA

What is the response time SLA?

64 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Within 24 Hours

67 Surfshark 0 Votes Within 24 Hours

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

The response time SLA is Within 24 Hours, which sets expectations for support ticket turnaround.

Expected support response time.

Setup Guides

Are setup guides available?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Provides step-by-step setup instructions.

Video Tutorials

Are video tutorials available?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Indicates availability of video-based tutorials.

API Documentation

Is API documentation available?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Provides documentation for API usage.

Support Language Coverage

What support languages are available?

14 PrivateVPN 0 Votes English

52 Surfshark 0 Votes English, Multi-language

Languages supported by customer service.

Community Forum

Is there a community forum?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Indicates presence of a user community forum.

Billing, Plans & Trials 12

Trial Duration

How long is the free trial?

30 days 1 Votes
PrivateVPN
7 days 0 Votes
Surfshark

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

Trial duration is 30 days, providing a month-long evaluation period before committing to a paid plan.

Length of the free trial period.

I like how PrivateVPN gives a 30 day trial that lets you really test things out before deciding. That long trial period is super chill for anyone cautious about signing up.

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Free Trial Availability

Is a free trial available?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

No 0 Votes Surfshark

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

A free trial is available, allowing prospective users to evaluate the service before purchasing a subscription.

Indicates whether a free trial is offered.

Subscription Length Options

What subscription lengths are available?

54 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Monthly, Quarterly, Yearly

64 Surfshark 0 Votes Monthly, Yearly, Multi-Year

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

Subscription options include Monthly, Quarterly, and Yearly plans; choosing longer terms typically lowers the effective monthly cost.

Available subscription durations.

Payment Methods Supported

What payment methods are supported?

64 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Credit Card, PayPal, Cryptocurrency

60 Surfshark 0 Votes Credit Card, PayPal, Cryptocurrency, Gift Card

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

Accepted payment methods include Credit Card, PayPal, and Cryptocurrency, covering both mainstream and privacy-minded options.

Supported payment methods.

Plan Flexibility

How flexible are the plans?

44 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Moderate

97 Surfshark 0 Votes High

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

Plan flexibility is Moderate, indicating some ability to change plans or billing, but with potential restrictions or conditions.

Ease of changing plans.

Money-Back Guarantee

Is there a money-back guarantee?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Indicates availability of a refund guarantee.

Refund Period

What is the refund period?

64 PrivateVPN 0 Votes 30 Days

67 Surfshark 0 Votes 30 Days

Time window for requesting refunds.

Anonymous Payment

Are anonymous payments supported?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Allows anonymous payment methods.

Auto-Renewal

Is auto-renewal enabled?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Indicates whether subscriptions auto-renew.

Plan Change Policy

What is the plan change policy?

94 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Allowed Anytime

97 Surfshark 0 Votes Allowed Anytime

Policy governing whether users can upgrade or downgrade their subscription plans.

Family Plan Availability

Are family plans available?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Indicates availability of family plans.

Business Plan Availability

Are business plans available?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Indicates availability of business plans.

Reliability, Trust & Reputation 11

Public Reputation

What is the public reputation?

54 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Good

97 Surfshark 1 Votes Excellent

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

Public reputation is Good, suggesting generally positive user feedback and industry perception.

Overall public perception.

Public reputation counts to me and Surfshark's is rated excellent versus PrivateVPN's good. That higher rep just gives more confidence when picking a VPN.

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Independent Security Audits

Are independent audits conducted?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Undergoes third-party security audits.

Audit Transparency

Are audit reports public?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Publishes full audit reports.

No-Log Claim Credibility

Is the no-logs claim credible?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Credibility of no-logs claims.

Service Uptime

What is the service uptime?

99 % 0 Votes
PrivateVPN
99.9 % 0 Votes
Surfshark

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN

At that level, expected downtime is roughly 7.2 hours per month, so critical services should consider higher‑SLA options if needed.

Average service availability over time.

Downtime Transparency

Are downtimes disclosed?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Discloses outages and maintenance publicly.

Company Transparency

Is company ownership transparent?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Discloses ownership and leadership.

Jurisdiction Clarity

Is jurisdiction clearly stated?

Yes 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Clearly states legal jurisdiction.

Transparency Reports

Are transparency reports published?

No 0 Votes PrivateVPN

Yes 0 Votes Surfshark

Publishes government request reports.

Third-Party Review Presence

Does the VPN have third-party reviews?

54 PrivateVPN 0 Votes Moderate Presence

97 Surfshark 0 Votes Strong Presence

Indicates whether the VPN service is actively reviewed on independent third-party platforms.

Surveys

Because hot takes deserve votes.

Performance

How would you rate the overall performance of this VPN?

Very fast — Under 2 hours
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Fast — 2 to 4 hours
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Average speed — 4 to 6 hours
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Slow — 6 to 10 hours
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Very slow — Over 10 hours
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark

Ease of Setup

How easy is it to set up this VPN?

Very easy — Takes under 5 minutes
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Easy — Takes 5 to 10 minutes
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Average — Takes 10 to 15 minutes
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Hard — Takes 15 to 30 minutes
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Very hard — Takes over 30 minutes
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark

User Interface

How would you describe the usability of this VPN's interface?

Very intuitive — Easy to navigate and use
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Easy to use — Clear and simple interface
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Average — Some features may be difficult to navigate
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Hard to use — Complex layout, hard to understand
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Very hard to use — Frustrating interface
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark

Connection Stability

How stable is the connection when using this VPN?

Very stable — Rare disconnections
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Stable — Occasional disconnections
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Average stability — Frequent minor disconnections
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Unstable — Regular disconnections
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Very unstable — Almost always disconnects
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark

Security Features

How would you rate the security features of this VPN?

Top-notch security — Includes features like 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and kill switch
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Great security — Includes strong encryption and basic protections
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Average security — Standard encryption, basic protections
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Weak security — Limited encryption and few protections
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Poor security — No encryption or protections
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark

Device Compatibility

How well does this VPN work across different devices?

Excellent compatibility — Works on all devices without issues
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Good compatibility — Works on most devices with few issues
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Average compatibility — Works on some devices, limited support
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Poor compatibility — Works only on specific devices
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Very limited compatibility — Works on very few devices
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark

Speed During Use

How fast is your internet connection when using this VPN?

Very fast — No noticeable decrease in speed
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Fast — Slight decrease in speed
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Average speed — Moderate decrease in speed
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Slow — Significant decrease in speed
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Very slow — Extremely slow, hard to use
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark

Customer Support

How would you rate the customer support for this VPN?

Exceptional — Quick responses, helpful solutions
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Good — Support is helpful and timely
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Average — Support is okay but may take some time
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Poor — Long wait times and incomplete solutions
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Very poor — No helpful support, slow responses
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark

Design Appeal

How would you rate the design appeal of this VPN's interface?

Very appealing — Modern, clean, and visually pleasing
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Appealing — Simple and easy on the eyes
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Average — Nothing special, functional but basic
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Unappealing — Outdated and unattractive
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Very unappealing — Difficult to look at
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark

Pricing

How would you rate the price of this VPN compared to its features?

Great value for money — Worth every penny
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Pretty good price — Good balance of features and cost
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Fair deal — Reasonable for the features provided
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Kinda pricey — Higher cost than expected
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark
Crazy expensive — Far too expensive for what it offers
0 Votes
PrivateVPN
0 Votes
Surfshark

Reviews 0

The good, the bad, and the brutally honest.

Average Rating

PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN
0 / 5 0 Reviews
Surfshark
Surfshark
Surfshark
Surfshark
0 / 5 0 Reviews

Discussions 0

Thoughts, takes, and hot debates.

Awards 2

Only the best made it here.
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Treasures You’ve picked. No fluff, all fun.

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