Surfshark vs VyprVPN 2024: Speed or Security — Which Matters Most?

Uncover whether Surfshark's blazing speed and unlimited connections or VyprVPN's stringent security protocols best suit your VPN needs.
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Best security features

4.9
Learn More
On Surfshark's website

Surfshark
  • Its cheapest plan is about half the price of VyprVPN's
  • Allows for unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Its headquarters are in a Nine Eyes alliance country

Best for bypassing restrictions worldwide

4.6
Learn More
On VyprVPN's website

VyprVPN
  • Its Chameleon protocol helps bypass censorship and restrictions
  • Operates its own servers and hardware
  • Had significantly lower speeds than Surfshark

Due to modern cyberthreats and consistent concerns about online privacy, having a suitable virtual private network (VPN) cannot be understated. If you’ve narrowed down your choices to Surfshark and VyprVPN, we’ll help you gauge which one is better​​ by comparing their features, pricing, and speeds.

In this article
Surfshark vs. VyprVPN at a glance
Surfshark vs. VyprVPN: prices
Surfshark vs. VyprVPN: features
Surfshark vs. VyprVPN: internet speeds
Surfshark vs. VyprVPN: compatibility and ease of use
Surfshark vs. VyprVPN: customer service
Surfshark vs. VyprVPN FAQs
Surfshark vs. VyprVPN: which is better?

Surfshark vs. VyprVPN at a glance

From the outside, it’s clear that both Surfshark VPN and VyprVPN offer suitable solutions; however, their strengths lie in different areas.

Surfshark is a budget-friendly provider that doesn’t compromise on performance or its security features. This makes it suitable if you’re looking to save money on a VPN and get advanced features at a reasonable cost.

In contrast, VyprVPN offers a proprietary Chameleon protocol that is excellent for bypassing censorship and restrictions all over the world. It’s an excellent choice for users who want to access unrestricted internet content reliably.

  • Surfshark: Best security features
  • VyprVPN: Best for bypassing restrictions worldwide

How do Surfshark and VyprVPN compare?

Surfshark
Our Pick
VyprVPN
Price From $1.99/mo From $5.00/mo
Max # of connected devices Unlimited 10
24/7 customer support
Compatibility Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Fire TV Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, ChromeOS, Fire TV, routers
# of servers 3,200+ 700+
VPN protocol WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN WireGuard, IPsec, OpenVPN, Chameleon
No-logs policy No logs No logs
Unblocks Netflix?
Get Surfshark

Read Surfshark Review

Get VyprVPN

Read VyprVPN Review

Prices as of 05/24/2023.

Surfshark is a more budget-friendly option compared to VyprVPN. A Surfshark subscription starts as low as $1.99/mo for a two-year plan, while VyprVPN’s cheapest offering is $5.00/mo for a one-year plan. In terms of the maximum number of devices that can be connected to the VPN, Surfshark allows for unlimited connections, while VyprVPN only allows 10.

Both VPNs offer compatibility with many popular devices and platforms, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. However, Surfshark has a much larger server network. Surfshark offers 3,200-plus servers in over 100 countries, while VyprVPN offers significantly fewer, with 700-plus servers in over 70 countries.

Surfshark vs. VyprVPN: prices

Surfshark
Our Pick
VyprVPN
Price range $1.99–$19.99/mo $5.00-$10.00/mo
Best value plan Surfshark Starter 24 Months for $1.99/mo 1-year plan for $5.00/mo
Money-back guarantee Yes — 30 days Yes — 30 days
See Full Pricing Details See Full Pricing Details

Prices as of 05/24/2023.

Surfshark’s pricing plans start at $1.99/mo for a two-year plan with one month free. Its pricing ranges from $1.99–$19.99/mo depending on the length of your subscription. Surfshark offers plans for month-to-month, annual, and biennial payments.

In contrast, VyprVPN only offers two plans – a 12-month plan, which works out at $5.00/mo, and the month-by-month plan, which costs $10.00/mo. If you’d prefer to pay month-to-month, VyprVPN is a better price.

Both VPN providers offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test out the services before fully committing.

Winner: Surfshark wins for pricing. While both providers offer a similar money-back guarantee, Surfshark offers far better plan options, with two of them being lower than VyperVPN’s lowest.

Surfshark vs. VyprVPN: features

Feature Surfshark
Our Pick
VyprVPN
Number of servers 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries 700+ servers in 70+ countries
No-logs policy No logs No logs
VPN headquarters The Netherlands Switzerland
Encryption AES-256 AES-256
VPN protocol WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN WireGuard, IPsec, OpenVPN, Chameleon
Kill switch
Split tunneling
Netflix support
Torrenting support
Double VPN
Smart DNS
Blocks ads and trackers
Get Surfshark

Read Surfshark Review

Get VyprVPN

Read VyprVPN Review

Prices as of 05/24/2023.

Reviewed by Ryan L. Clancy
“VyprVPN offers a proprietary Chameleon protocol that is excellent for bypassing censorship and restrictions all over the world. It’s an excellent choice for users who want to access unrestricted internet content reliably.”

In terms of server count and distribution, Surfshark operates 3,200-plus servers in over 100 countries, whereas VyprVPN runs 700-plus servers spread across over 70 countries.

Both VPN providers adhere to a strict no-logs policy, so you can rest assured your data is being kept secure. Surfshark had its no-logs policy audited by Deloitte, while VyprVPN was audited by Leviathan Security.

Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands, a country where the government “handles your personal data with the utmost care.”[1] Data is protected under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which ensures personal data is handled responsibly and securely. However, the Netherlands is part of the Nine Eyes alliance, which is a group of countries that have entered intelligence-sharing agreements and can collect and store your internet activity.

VyprVPN is headquartered in Switzerland, another country regarded for robust privacy. Switzerland has a reputation for neutrality, the country is not part of any Eyes alliances, and, in fact, it has some of the strongest privacy laws in the world.[2] For example, Swiss data protection laws are built around granting individuals more control over their personal information and ensuring that organizations protect that data. VyprVPN has the upper hand here over Surfshark since Switzerland is outside of the Eyes alliances.

Both VPNs offer a variety of protocols, including WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN. They also include important features like a kill switch, which cuts your internet should your VPN connection drop, and split tunneling, which lets you choose which websites and applications go through the VPN. Both providers support Netflix and torrenting, offer Smart DNS for easier streaming device setup, and include features that aid in blocking ads and trackers.

However, there are some differences in their features. Surfshark has a double VPN feature to provide an extra layer of security, but VyprVPN does not. Surfshark also has its CleanWeb feature, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware while connected.

A screenshot of the Surfshark VPN settings menu with the CleanWeb ad blocker option highlighted

On the other hand, VyprVPN comes with its proprietary Chameleon protocol, which helps bypass the strictest of VPN blocking so you’re invisible to governments, corporations, and internet service providers. Other security features that come with VyprVPN include AES 256-bit encryption and DNS protection. Moreover, VyprVPN operates its own servers and hardware, meaning no third parties have access to customer data. All of these features ensure secure online activity and full privacy control for all Vypr’s users.

The VyprVPN app open on the page with all of its available VPN protocols.

Surfshark vs. VyprVPN: streaming support

Platform Surfshark
Our Pick
VyprVPN
Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
Hulu
BBC iPlayer
Disney+
HBO Max

One of the main reasons people use VPNs is to access geo-blocked content on streaming services. Both Surfshark and VyprVPN perform well in this regard. Surfshark is known to unblock Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and HBO Max. VyprVPN also unblocks these services, but it's worth noting that the success rate may vary based on the server location and the streaming platform's VPN detection capabilities.

Winner: Surfshark has the edge. Given the variables involved in bypassing geo-restrictions, it's hard to say definitively which VPN is the best for streaming. Both Surfshark and VyprVPN demonstrate a strong ability to unblock popular platforms. However, Surfshark's larger network and additional features, such as double VPN, give it the win.

Surfshark vs. VyprVPN: internet speeds

Internet speed is a critical factor when selecting a VPN. Your internet speed can be significantly affected when you connect to a VPN. Reduced speeds happen because user data is encrypted by the VPN and sent to a special server before reaching its final destination.

We conducted thorough speed tests for both Surfshark and VyprVPN to ensure the results are applicable to a wide range of users.

Surfshark vs. VyprVPN speed test results 

Server location Surfshark
Our Pick
VyprVPN
Speed % difference with US server
  • Download: 17%
  • Upload: 0%
  • Download: 16.94%
  • Upload: -19.1%
Speed % difference with EU server
  • Download: 30%
  • Upload: 2%
  • Download: -12.32%
  • Upload: -56.16%
Speed % difference with AU server
  • Download: 33%
  • Upload: 24%
  • Download: 1.92%
  • Upload: -128.98%
Get Surfshark

Read Surfshark Review

Get VyprVPN

Read VyprVPN Review

The speed test results reveal a significant contrast between Surfshark and VyprVPN. While connected to the European and Australian server locations, Surfshark outperformed VyprVPN with significantly higher download and upload speeds. Their U.S. servers had similar download performance but, again, Surfshark had much better upload speeds.

Surfshark vs. VyprVPN latency comparison

Server location Surfshark
Our Pick
VyprVPN
Latency % difference with US server 20% -156.41%
Latency % difference with EU server 92% -178.14%
Latency % difference with AU server 114% -180.68%

Latency, often referred to as ping, is the amount of time it takes for data to travel from a user's connected device to the internet server and back. This is especially important for gaming or video calls, as every millisecond can make a significant difference. Both VPNs showed vastly different latency results, with Surfshark once again having faster ping in all locations.

Winner: Considering both speed and latency, Surfshark emerges as the clear winner. It offers superior download and upload speeds across all tested server locations, which is important if you prioritize fast, smooth internet connectivity.

Surfshark vs. VyprVPN: compatibility and ease of use

Surfshark VyprVPN
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Linux
Router
Smart devices

Both Surfshark and VyprVPN offer broad device compatibility, including operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux, mobile apps for Android and iOS, routers, and more. With either option, you can browse the internet and stream across a wide array of devices.

Both VPNs have user-friendly interfaces, with the settings being clearly labeled and easy to navigate, allowing for a seamless experience. However, some subtle differences might sway you. Surfshark offers multiple settings pages, while VyprVPN condenses most of its features into a single page. Additionally, Surfshark allows you to quickly switch between servers using categories like Static IP and MultiHop, while VyprVPN lets you search through a fully alphabetized list or sort by region or speed. Ultimately, both VPNs have clean interfaces that make it easy for you to find what you need.

Winner: It's a draw between Surfshark and VyprVPN for compatibility and ease of use. Both provide extensive device compatibility along with user-friendly interfaces.

Surfshark vs. VyprVPN: customer service

Surfshark
Our Pick
VyprVPN
24/7 live chat
Phone
Email
Support forums
Online guides

When selecting the right VPN service for you, customer support can be essential in case you need help with setup or troubleshooting. Both VPN providers offer a wide range of customer support options, except for phone support. However, both offer 24/7 live chat in case you’re in need of accessible support at any hour of the day.

Customer support efficiency and effectiveness can vary depending on when you reach out and the complexity of your issue. However, Surfshark’s and VyprVPN’s customer service has been positive, with both offering prompt and helpful responses to our queries.

Surfshark vs. VyprVPN: payment options

Surfshark and VyprVPN both offer a variety of payment options, allowing you to choose what best suits your needs.

Surfshark payment options

  • Credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
  • PayPal
  • Google Pay
  • Cryptocurrencies bitcoin, ether, and more)

VyprVPN payment options

  • Credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
  • PayPal
  • Alipay
  • UnionPay

Winner: When considering both customer support and payment options, Surfshark edges ahead slightly. It provides a broader range of payment methods, such as supporting multiple cryptocurrencies, which can offer users an additional layer of privacy.

Surfshark vs. VyprVPN FAQs


+

Does Surfshark slow your internet?

Just like any VPN, Surfshark can slow down your internet speed. Surfshark sends data to the VPN server in order to encrypt it, and this server could be anywhere in the world. However, the speed impact can often be unnoticeable.


+

Is there a VyprVPN Netflix workaround?

You can connect your device to VyprVPN to access geo-restricted Netflix content. The effectiveness can vary due to Netflix’s ongoing efforts to block VPNs; however, VyprVPN’s proprietary Chameleon protocol has been designed to bypass the strictest of VPN blockers.


+

Can Surfshark be hacked?

It’s best to adopt the mindset that no VPN is 100% safe from hacking. However, Surfshark does use advanced encryption and security protocols that make it increasingly difficult for hackers to breach. It also has an audited no-logs policy, ensuring no user data or activity is accessed, even if there is a hack.


+

What are the cons of VyprVPN?

One of the cons of using VyprVPN in comparison to other VPN providers is that it may potentially slow down internet connection speeds due to its limited framework. Its cost and lack of subscription plans may also be a con if you’re looking for affordability and flexibility.

Surfshark vs. VyprVPN: which is better?

Both Surfshark and VyprVPN have significant strengths. Surfshark is known for its speed, large network of servers, and affordability, making it an excellent option for those who require high-speed connections and a vast selection of server options. Additionally, Surfshark's ability to support unlimited simultaneous connections makes it stand out for users with multiple devices or large households.

On the other hand, VyprVPN shines in the area of security with its proprietary Chameleon protocol and a public third-party audit that attests to its no-logs policy. This makes VyprVPN a solid choice for those who prioritize privacy and security.

Overall, while both VPNs have their merits, Surfshark emerges as the more well-rounded option due to its exceptional speed, affordable pricing, and ability to connect unlimited devices. However, for users specifically seeking robust security features who aren't as concerned about speed or price, VyprVPN would be the superior choice.

4.9
Limited-time offer: 82% off + 4 months free
Learn More
On Surfshark's website

Surfshark
  • VPN technology offering stability and speed
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Works with Netflix and other streaming services
  • Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance
Author Details
Ryan Clancy is a freelance writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand.

Citations

[1] Privacy declaration

[2] Swiss Privacy Laws in 2023: The Best in the World?