Surfshark or NordVPN: Who Wins the Speed Battle?

In the world of online security, two names always come up — Surfshark and NordVPN. Both are powerful, secure, and packed with advanced features. But when it comes to speed, which one truly dominates the VPN battlefield?

In this detailed VPN Comparison, we’ll explore how both VPNs perform in real-world speed tests, what affects their performance, and which one is worth your money in 2025.

1. Why VPN Speed Matters

Speed is one of the most important factors when choosing a VPN. No one wants lag while streaming, gaming, or browsing. A fast VPN ensures:

• Smooth streaming in HD or 4K

• Quick downloads and uploads

• Stable video calls

• Seamless gaming without ping spikes

A slow VPN can ruin your experience, making even basic browsing frustrating. That’s why testing speed is a top priority for VPN users — and why VPN CompareNow conducts regular performance tests to bring you accurate results.

2. What Affects VPN Speed?

Before we jump into the numbers, it’s important to understand what impacts VPN performance.

Key factors include:

• Server Distance: The farther the VPN server, the slower the speed.

• Server Load: Busy servers cause congestion and lag.

• Encryption Level: Stronger encryption can reduce speed slightly.

• Protocol Used: Modern protocols like WireGuard are faster than older ones like OpenVPN.

• Internet Connection Quality: Your base connection affects final VPN speed.

With these in mind, let’s see how Surfshark and NordVPN perform when tested under identical conditions.

3. Testing Setup and Methodology

To make this test fair and transparent, VPN CompareNow used the following setup:

• Base Internet Speed: 500 Mbps (Fiber)

• Location: Central Europe

• Test Tools: Ookla Speedtest & Fast.com

• Protocols Used: WireGuard for Surfshark and NordLynx (NordVPN’s WireGuard version)

• Servers Tested: US, UK, Germany, and Australia

Each VPN was tested three times per region, and the average result was calculated.

4. Surfshark Speed Results

Surfshark has improved significantly in recent years, especially with its WireGuard implementation.

Average Speed Results:

• US Server: 420 Mbps

• UK Server: 430 Mbps

• Germany Server: 440 Mbps

• Australia Server: 380 Mbps

Overall Average:

~418 Mbps (83.6% of base speed)

Performance Highlights:

• Fast connection times (under 2 seconds)
• Stable speeds across multiple regions
• Consistent performance for streaming and downloads

Surfshark is ideal for users who stream 4K content or use multiple devices. It delivers reliable speeds even when connected to faraway servers.

5. NordVPN Speed Results

NordVPN, on the other hand, has long been known for its impressive performance. Its custom NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) is one of the fastest in the VPN industry.

Average Speed Results:

• US Server: 450 Mbps

• UK Server: 460 Mbps

• Germany Server: 470 Mbps

• Australia Server: 410 Mbps

Overall Average:

~448 Mbps (89.6% of base speed)

Performance Highlights:

• Lightning-fast speeds on nearby and distant servers
• Excellent stability for gaming and live streaming
• Minimal drop in latency and ping

NordVPN outperformed Surfshark slightly in all regions, especially on European servers, making it a top choice for speed-focused users.

6. Streaming and Gaming Performance

Surfshark:

• Works flawlessly with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and others.

• Supports unlimited devices, perfect for families or shared accounts.

• Minor buffering during 4K streaming on distant servers.

NordVPN:

• Unlocks 20+ regional Netflix libraries smoothly.

• Excellent for low-latency gaming, especially on nearby servers.

• Consistent 4K playback with zero lag.

✅ Winner: NordVPN — It offers a smoother, faster experience for both streaming and gaming enthusiasts.

7. Download and Upload Speeds

When it comes to large file transfers or uploads to the cloud, performance can vary depending on encryption and routing.

While both perform excellently, NordVPN’s upload speed and lower latency make it better for video creators, remote workers, and gamers.

8. Speed Stability Over Time

Speed consistency is just as important as top speed. A VPN that drops performance randomly can ruin your online experience.

• Surfshark: Average variation of 8% between tests.

• NordVPN: Average variation of only 4%.

✅ Winner: NordVPN — More stable across sessions and locations.

9. Impact of Server Load

During peak hours, VPN speeds can drop due to high user load. Here’s how each VPN handles traffic congestion:

• Surfshark: Automatically switches to less crowded servers but can slow slightly during global peaks.

• NordVPN: Uses Smart Load Balancing, maintaining higher speeds even during heavy traffic.

✅ Winner: NordVPN — Handles load better thanks to its advanced server management technology.

10. Security vs Speed Balance

A fast VPN isn’t useful if it compromises security. Luckily, both Surfshark and NordVPN balance speed with top-tier protection:

Both VPNs maintain solid encryption while delivering impressive speeds. However, NordVPN’s custom NordLynx protocol provides slightly better efficiency.

11. Real-World Usage Insights

Surfshark:

Perfect for:

• Households with multiple devices

• Budget-conscious users

• Those who prioritize simplicity and unlimited connections

NordVPN:

Perfect for:

• Gamers and streamers

• Businesses and remote workers

• Users needing top performance and stability

✅ Overall Winner for Speed: NordVPN

12. Which VPN Should You Choose?

If speed is your top priority, NordVPN leads by a small but consistent margin.
If you value affordability and unlimited connections, Surfshark offers great value.

Ultimately, both VPNs deliver excellent results — your choice depends on what balance you want between price, performance, and features.

13. Final Verdict — Speed vs Value

Verdict:
If you want the fastest VPN, choose NordVPN.
If you want a great balance of speed and price, choose Surfshark.

Both are among the top recommendations by VPN CompareNow for 2025.

Conclusion

Speed is where both Surfshark and NordVPN shine, but NordVPN edges ahead with better stability and slightly higher throughput. However, Surfshark remains an incredible option for users seeking fast, secure, and affordable protection for unlimited devices.

For more in-depth VPN reviews, speed tests, and comparisons, visit the Home Page of VPN CompareNow — your trusted source for unbiased VPN insights and performance testing.