Surfshark and NordVPN are two of the most popular VPNs in the world right now.
Both are fast, secure and packed with features – but which one is better for you in Australia?
In this comparison, we’ll look at:
- speed
- security & privacy
- streaming performance
- features
- price and value
…and give you a clear verdict at the end.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Surfshark | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Devices | Unlimited | Up to 6 |
| Price | Cheaper | Slightly more expensive |
| Speed | Very fast | Fastest overall |
| Streaming | Excellent | Excellent |
| Best for | Value + many devices | Max performance + advanced features |
Speed & performance
Both VPNs are fast, but NordVPN usually has a small advantage thanks to its NordLynx protocol and huge server network.
- If you want absolute top speed, NordVPN wins.
- If you want speed that’s still great for streaming and browsing, Surfshark is more than enough
For everyday use in Australia (Netflix, browsing, YouTube, social media), you won’t notice a big difference between them.
Security & privacy
Both services offer:
- AES-256 encryption
- Kill switch
- DNS leak protection
- Modern VPN protocols
- No-logs policy
NordVPN adds:
- Double VPN
- Onion over VPN
- Extra security tools for advanced users
Surfshark adds:
- MultiHop (double encryption)
- CleanWeb (ad + tracker blocker)
- Unlimited devices on a single subscription
Overall, both are excellent for privacy.
NordVPN has more advanced options, while Surfshark focuses on value and simplicity.
Streaming & unblocking
Both Surfshark and NordVPN work very well with:
- Netflix
- Disney+
- Prime Video
- Hulu
- BBC iPlayer
If your main goal is streaming in Australia, both are strong choices.
- Surfshark is great if you want many devices streaming at the same time.
- NordVPN is great if you want maximum speed + advanced security together.
Price & value
This is where Surfshark clearly wins.
- Surfshark offers one of the lowest prices among premium VPNs.
- You can use it on unlimited devices.
NordVPN is more expensive, but:
- gives you slightly better performance
- has more advanced security tools
Which one should you choose?
Choose Surfshark if:
- you want the best value for money
- you have many devices at home
- you want a simple, powerful VPN that “just works”
Choose NordVPN if:
- you want the fastest performance possible
- you like advanced security options
- you’re OK paying a little more for premium features
Final verdict
You can’t go wrong with either Surfshark or NordVPN.
- For most people in Australia, Surfshark offers the best balance of price, features and performance.
- If you want the absolute top performance and extra security tools, NordVPN is still one of the best VPNs in the world.
IN THE END:
- Value & unlimited devices → Surfshark
- Raw speed & advanced features → NordVPN