Proton VPN vs Surfshark
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
Secure VPN with a genuinely free tier.
The verdict
Both Proton VPN and Surfshark are credible vpn tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Proton VPN if you want a lower starting price (free – $9.99/mo) and a free plan to start on. Secure VPN with a genuinely free tier.
Surfshark — Affordable VPN with unlimited devices.
Proton VPN vs Surfshark: side by side
| Dimension | Proton VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free – $9.99/moWinner | From $2.50/mo |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Subscription |
| Best for | Privacy Conscious, Budget Conscious | Budget Conscious, Families |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android | Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android |
| Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
Proton VPN key facts
- Vendor
- Proton
- Pricing
- Freemium — Free – $9.99/mo
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Privacy Conscious, Budget Conscious
- Editor rating
- 4.6 / 5
- Founded
- 2017
- Headquarters
- Geneva, Switzerland
Surfshark key facts
- Vendor
- Surfshark
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $2.50/mo
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Windows, Mac, Linux, Ios, Android
- Best for
- Budget Conscious, Families
- Editor rating
- 4.4 / 5
- Founded
- 2018
- Headquarters
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
Frequently asked questions
Is Proton VPN better than Surfshark?
Neither is universally better — Proton VPN edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Proton VPN or Surfshark cheaper?
Proton VPN is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free – $9.99/mo. Proton VPN starts at free – $9.99/mo; Surfshark starts at from $2.50/mo.
Can Proton VPN replace Surfshark?
Yes for most teams — both are vpn tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.