Surfshark vs Proton VPN: Which Budget VPN Protects Privacy Better?

Surfshark markets itself as an affordable VPN with unlimited device connections. Proton VPN prioritizes transparency with open-source code and Swiss privacy laws. Both are budget-friendly options, but which one actually protects your privacy better?

In this comparison, we'll examine Surfshark vs Proton VPN on privacy policies, jurisdiction, transparency, features, and value to help you choose the right VPN.

Privacy & Jurisdiction

Surfshark: Netherlands Concerns

Surfshark is registered in the Netherlands, which is part of the 9 Eyes surveillance alliance. While Surfshark claims a no-logs policy, the Netherlands can compel companies to hand over data and, critically, to not disclose that they've been ordered to do so.

Surfshark has been audited by Cure53, which found no logging, but the jurisdiction creates inherent concerns for privacy-focused users. The Netherlands is not an ideal location for a privacy-focused VPN.

Proton VPN: Swiss Privacy by Design

Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, which has constitutional privacy protections and is outside surveillance alliances. Swiss law actually prohibits data retention unless legally required for a specific investigation.

Switzerland's strong privacy framework and track record of defending user rights makes it one of the best jurisdictions for a VPN. Proton publishes transparency reports showing exactly what data they can provide under Swiss law (spoiler: very little).

Open Source vs Closed Source

This is perhaps the biggest difference. Surfshark's apps are closed source proprietary software. You must trust their audits and marketing claims without being able to verify the code yourself.

Proton VPN is fully open source. Security researchers, privacy advocates, and anyone can audit the code to verify there are no hidden logging mechanisms or backdoors. This provides trust through verification.

Feature Comparison

Unique Features

Surfshark's Standouts

Surfshark's biggest selling point is unlimited simultaneous device connections, which is great for families or power users. They also offer CleanWeb (ad and malware blocker), MultiHop (double VPN), and Camouflage Mode (obfuscates VPN traffic).

Surfshark also bundles Surfshark Search (private search engine) and Surfshark Alert (data breach monitoring) in their One package, though these add to the cost.

Proton VPN's Standouts

Proton VPN offers Secure Core, which routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries (Switzerland, Iceland, Sweden) before exiting. This provides extra protection against network surveillance.

Proton also offers NetShield ad-blocker and can be bundled with Proton Mail, Drive, and Pass for a complete privacy ecosystem. The open-source code is a feature in itself for transparency.

Speed & Performance

Both VPNs offer good speeds using WireGuard protocol. Surfshark tends to be slightly faster in independent speed tests, while Proton VPN's speeds are very competitive, especially on Plus servers.

For streaming, both work well with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other services. Surfshark has more servers which can provide more options for unblocking content.

Pricing Comparison

Surfshark is cheaper on long-term plans ($2.69/month for 2 years vs $4.99/month). However, Proton VPN offers a truly free plan with no data caps, while Surfshark requires payment from day one.

Trust & Corporate Structure

In 2022, Surfshark merged with Nord Security (the company behind NordVPN) under a new parent company called Cyber space. While both VPNs claim to operate independently, this consolidation raises concerns about VPN market concentration.

Proton VPN is independent, founded by CERN scientists, and operates as part of the Proton privacy ecosystem. They're not owned by a larger conglomerate, which some users find more trustworthy.

Who Should Choose Surfshark?

Surfshark makes sense if you need unlimited device connections for a large household and want the absolute cheapest long-term price. The extra servers and countries can be useful for specific use cases.

It's a solid budget VPN with good features, but the Netherlands jurisdiction and closed-source code are significant trade-offs for privacy-focused users.

Who Should Choose Proton VPN?

Proton VPN is the better choice for users who prioritize verifiable privacy over rock-bottom pricing. The open-source code, Swiss jurisdiction, and transparency reports provide trust that Surfshark's closed-source apps cannot match.

The free plan is also perfect for casual users who want privacy without commitment. For privacy-conscious users, journalists, activists, or anyone who values transparency, Proton VPN's additional $2.30/month is worth it for the peace of mind.

Final Verdict

Surfshark wins on price and unlimited devices. Proton VPN wins on transparency, jurisdiction, open-source code, and the free plan.

If you need unlimited devices and want the absolute lowest price, Surfshark is a good budget option. But if you value verifiable privacy and trust through transparency, Proton VPN's open-source approach and Swiss jurisdiction are worth the modest price difference.

For privacy-conscious users, the choice is clear: Proton VPN's transparency and better jurisdiction make it the smarter investment in your privacy.