Surfshark markets itself as an affordable VPN with unlimited device connections. Proton VPN prioritizes transparency with open-source code and Swiss privacy laws. Which one actually protects your privacy better?
Privacy & Jurisdiction
Surfshark: Netherlands Concerns
Surfshark is registered in the Netherlands, which is part of the 9 Eyes surveillance alliance. The Netherlands can compel companies to hand over data — and to not disclose that they've been ordered to do so.
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.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Surfshark | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (unlimited) |
| Device Limit | Unlimited | 10 devices (Plus) |
| Open Source | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Jurisdiction | Netherlands (9 Eyes) | Switzerland |
| Transparency Reports | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Pricing Comparison
| Plan | Surfshark | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Free | None | $0 (unlimited) |
| Monthly | $15.45/month | $9.99/month |
| 2-Year | $2.69/month | $4.99/month |
In 2022, Surfshark merged with Nord Security (parent of NordVPN), raising concerns about market concentration. Proton VPN is independent, founded by CERN scientists.
Surfshark Pros
- Unlimited device connections
- Very cheap long-term ($2.69/month)
- 3200+ servers in 100 countries
Surfshark Cons
- Netherlands jurisdiction (9 Eyes)
- Closed source code
- No free plan
- Merged with NordVPN
Proton VPN Pros
- Fully open source
- Free plan (unlimited)
- Swiss jurisdiction
- Independent company + transparency reports
Proton VPN Cons
- 10 device limit (not unlimited)
- More expensive long-term
Final Verdict
Surfshark wins on price and unlimited devices. Proton VPN wins on transparency, jurisdiction, open-source code, and the free plan. For privacy-conscious users, Proton VPN's better jurisdiction and transparency make it the smarter choice.