Surfshark's main advantage is unlimited connections, but the service has no permanent Free plan or port forwarding. If broader geography, free access, a different account model, or a card-free trial matters more, there are better-suited options. Below we compare five Surfshark alternatives.
In Brief: What to Choose Instead of Surfshark
NordVPN — for broader server geography.
Proton VPN — if you need a permanent Free plan with no traffic limit.
PIA — for port forwarding and unlimited connections.
Mullvad — for an account without an email and a fixed price.
CyberGhost — for a trial without a card on Windows and macOS.
Surfshark and the Alternatives in Numbers
| VPN | Key difference | Price | Devices | Free / trial | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surfshark | The original service | $2.49/mo for 27 months | Unlimited | 7 days, up to 3 devices | 4500+ servers, 100 countries |
| NordVPN | Broader geography | $3.49/mo for 27 months | Up to 10 | Android via Google Play | 8400+ servers, 167+ countries |
| Proton VPN | Permanent Free | Free; Plus from $2.99/mo on the 2-year plan | Free — 1; Plus — up to 10 | Free | 20,000+ servers, 140+ countries |
| PIA | Port forwarding | $2.03/mo for 39 months | Unlimited | 7 days with the annual plan | 91 countries, 154 locations |
| Mullvad | Account without email | €5/mo regardless of term | Up to 5 | No | About 570 servers, 50 countries |
| CyberGhost | Card-free trial on a computer | $2.19/mo for 26 months | Up to 7 | 24 h Windows/macOS; 3 days Android; 7 days iOS | 100 countries, 125 locations |
The data and prices were verified in September 2026 against the services' official websites and may change.
5 Best Surfshark Alternatives
1. NordVPN — for Broader Server Geography
NordVPN is a good fit if the choice of countries matters more: 8400+ servers in 167+ countries versus 4500+ in 100 for Surfshark. The trade-off is up to 10 connections and a higher long-term price: $3.49 versus $2.49 per month. If the goal of switching is to pick a service outside the same corporate group, NordVPN doesn't solve that: Surfshark and Nord Security merged into one group in 2022, though they continue to operate independently with separate infrastructures.
Learn more: NordVPN vs Surfshark.
2. Proton VPN — if You Need a Permanent Free Plan
Proton VPN Free works without a traffic limit or a bank card, supports one connection, and offers servers in 10 countries. Plus offers up to 10 connections and 20,000+ servers in 140+ countries. Surfshark has no permanent Free plan.
Learn more: Surfshark vs Proton VPN.
3. PIA — for Port Forwarding and Unlimited Connections
PIA supports port forwarding on selected servers and, like Surfshark, doesn't limit the number of connections. The long-term price is lower — $2.03 versus $2.49 per month — but the geography is narrower: 91 countries versus 100.
Learn more: Surfshark vs PIA.
4. Mullvad — for an Account Without Email
Mullvad doesn't require an email or password: a random account number is used instead. The price is fixed — €5 per month regardless of term. The trade-off is up to 5 devices and a network in 50 countries.
Learn more: Surfshark vs Mullvad.
5. CyberGhost — for a Card-Free Trial on a Computer
CyberGhost gives 24 hours without a card on Windows and macOS, 3 days on Android, and 7 days on iOS. The long-term price is $2.19 per month for the first 26 months, but you can connect up to 7 devices at once.
Learn more: Surfshark vs CyberGhost.
How to Choose a Surfshark Alternative
For a permanent Free plan, choose Proton VPN; for broader geography, NordVPN; for port forwarding without a device limit, PIA. Mullvad is appealing for its fixed price and email-free account, CyberGhost for its card-free trial. If Surfshark's main advantage for you is unlimited connections, the closest replacement here is PIA.
Want to Test a Surfshark Alternative Without Paying?
VolnaLink gives 8 hours of full access without a bank card and locations in 100+ countries. You can test the countries, sites, and apps you need before buying a subscription.
See also: NordVPN vs ExpressVPN · NordVPN vs Proton VPN · Proton VPN vs ExpressVPN · NordVPN vs CyberGhost · NordVPN vs Surfshark · Surfshark vs ExpressVPN · Surfshark vs Proton VPN · Surfshark vs CyberGhost