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Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through our NordVPN or Surfshark links, we may earn a small fee at no extra cost to you. Proton VPN links below are editorial references to official docs.
Surfshark, NordVPN, and Proton VPN are easiest to compare when you start with three simple questions: how many devices you want to connect at once, which operating systems you use, and how you prefer to pay. Each service targets a distinct type of buyer.
This guide compares the published device rules, plan tiers, privacy policies, and billing structures of all three VPNs so you can pick the right fit.
1. Compare the Actual Plans and Device Limits
A brand name alone does not tell you what you get at checkout. In particular, Proton VPN Free and Proton VPN Plus work like two separate products. Here are the published link limits:
| Service or Tier | Active Links. | First Question to Ask. |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Up to 10 devices. | Do you want Threat Safety, Meshnet, and 10 device slots? |
| Surfshark | Unlimited devices. | Do you need to cover more than 10 phones, laptops, and TVs at once? |
| Proton VPN Free | 1 device. | Do you just need basic coded browsing on one screen at a time? |
| Proton VPN Plus | Up to 10 devices. | Do you want Swiss privacy laws, NetShield, and port forwarding? |
Official sources: NordVPN Feature Overview, Surfshark Device Support, and Proton VPN Plan Guide.
2. Match the App to Your Devices
Write down every laptop, phone, tablet, and TV stick that needs VPN access at the same time. Then check the app tools on each system:
- NordVPN: Offers Double VPN, obfuscated servers, and Meshnet private links across major desktop and mobile platforms.
- Surfshark: Lets you connect all your devices to the VPN, though Bypasser split tunneling is limited to Windows and Android, and bundled Antivirus in Surfshark One caps at 5 devices.
- Proton VPN: Its free tier gives you unlimited data on a single device across selected nations. Meanwhile, paid Plus plans add video support, NetShield ad blocking, Secure Core multi-hop servers, and up to 10 devices.
3. Read the Privacy Policy Beyond the Slogan
When a VPN advertises “no logs,” check what data groups the policy actually covers: web browsing traffic, temporary session rules, and account billing records.
For example, Surfshark’s official privacy policy confirms that it never stores your browsing history. It notes that temporary session details (user ID, IP address, and link time) are cleared within 15 minutes after you drop. Both NordVPN and Surfshark publish third-party no-logs assurance summaries from Deloitte. Meanwhile, Proton VPN operates under Swiss privacy law and publishes open-source app audits.
4. Compare Upfront Price and Renewal Rules Separately
Always compare VPN quotes across the exact same time window. Write down the total charged today, how many months it covers, the renewal date, and the renewal rate after your first term ends. A low monthly headline on a two-year deal requires paying upfront for all 24 months.
Use our cheap VPN cost and renewal checklist to compare multi-year deals side by side before entering your card details.
5. Which VPN Should You Pick?
- For large homes (11+ devices): Pick Surfshark for its unlimited active VPN links and low two-year starter price.
- For up to 10 devices with advanced routing tools: Pick NordVPN for NordLynx speeds, Meshnet, and Threat Safety Pro. See our full NordVPN review.
- For a free single-device VPN or Swiss open-source apps: Start with Proton VPN Free for one device, or compare Proton VPN Plus if you want 10 devices and port forwarding.
Ready to check current plans? You can compare NordVPN plans here or check Surfshark deals here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which VPN is fastest: Surfshark, NordVPN, or Proton VPN?
All three support modern WireGuard-based rules (NordLynx on NordVPN, WireGuard on Surfshark and Proton VPN) that keep local speed loss minimal. Test the servers nearest your home during the 30-day refund window to see which routes perform best on your ISP.
Which VPN is better for family video?
Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer native apps for Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, and Google TV. Read our Surfshark vs. NordVPN video test for a full breakdown of TV setup and device limits.
Signature collective de la rédaction. Les articles sont préparés avec l aide d outils d IA.
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