VPN · Head to head
Proton VPN vs Surfshark: which is better?
Short answer
Surfshark costs less in the first year ($53.88 vs $29.88). Pick Proton VPN for privacy-first VPN with a free tier; pick Surfshark for cheap VPN with unlimited devices.
| Fact | Proton VPN | Surfshark | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Privacy-first VPN with a free tier | Cheap VPN with unlimited devices | — |
| Free plan | Yes, unlimited data, limited servers | No | Proton VPN |
| Entry plan | VPN Plus: $4.49 / mo | Starter: $2.49 / mo | Surfshark |
| Mid plan | Proton Unlimited: $9.99 / mo | One: $2.49 / mo | Surfshark |
| Top plan | Proton Unlimited: $9.99 / mo | One+: $3.99 / mo | Surfshark |
| 1st year | $53.88 | $29.88 | Surfshark |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension, Firefox extension | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Firefox extension | Proton VPN |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which is cheaper, Proton VPN or Surfshark?
Surfshark costs less in the first year ($53.88 vs $29.88).
| 1st year | Proton VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $53.88 | $29.88 |
| Mid | $119.88 | $29.88 |
| Top | $119.88 | $47.88 |
Which has the better free plan, Proton VPN or Surfshark?
Proton VPN: Yes, unlimited data, limited servers.
Should you pick Proton VPN or Surfshark?
Pick Proton VPN if
- you want privacy-first VPN with a free tier
- the free plan is enough (unlimited data, limited servers)
Pick Surfshark if
- you want cheap VPN with unlimited devices
- you can pay $2.49 / mo from day one
Sources
| Vendor page | URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Proton VPN pricing | protonvpn.com/pricing | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Surfshark pricing | surfshark.com/pricing | 27 Oct 2026 |
Prices in USD as published by each vendor, billed yearly where offered. How we compare