Why people look for Surfshark alternatives
People look for Surfshark alternatives because they want a different app, privacy focus, refund window, renewal price or feature, even though Surfshark is a solid VPN service. It allows unlimited simultaneous devices and lists more than 4,500 servers in 100 countries on its pricing page, with a 30-day money-back guarantee on each plan. The most common reasons to choose another VPN are these:
- They want a different app or interface.
- They prefer a provider with a different privacy focus or a free tier.
- They want a longer refund window to test a service.
- They expect the price to rise at renewal and want to compare long-term cost.
- They need a feature for one task, such as torrenting or gaming.
Knowing which of these applies to you makes it much easier to pick the best alternative to Surfshark, because no single provider wins on every point.
What to look for in Surfshark alternatives
Compare the options on the same short list of criteria rather than on headline server counts. Server numbers vary between sources and are rarely a deciding factor.
- Price at renewal. Intro prices on long plans are low, but the renewal rate is what you pay in year two. ExpressVPN, for example, lists its Basic plan at $3 per month for the first 28 months and renewing at $99.95 per year.
- Refund window. A 30-day guarantee is the norm. CyberGhost offers 45 days on plans of six months or longer.
- Device limits. Surfshark has no cap. Most rivals set one, such as 10 devices on ExpressVPN Basic.
- Free tier. Only some providers have one. Proton VPN’s free plan allows one device and has unlimited data.
- Use case. Streaming, torrenting and gaming each favor different providers.
Prices change often, so check the provider’s page before you buy.
The best Surfshark alternatives to compare
NordVPN
NordVPN is the most common first recommendation on ranking pages that cover Surfshark alternatives, usually because of its security reputation. It backs every plan with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Published prices and server counts differ between sources, so check its pricing page for current numbers. It is the natural choice if you want a mainstream, full featured service and are not bothered by a device limit.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the polished, premium option. It says it has servers in 113 countries, and it sells three tiers: Basic, Advanced and Express Pro, with 10, 12 and 14 devices respectively. A dedicated IP is an add-on on the lower two tiers and is included in Express Pro. It costs more than Surfshark on most plans, and it also carries a 30-day guarantee for new users.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN suits people who put privacy first or want to try a free plan. The free plan covers servers in 10 countries, selected at random for you, with one device and unlimited data. Paid Plus plans list 20,000+ servers in 140+ countries, up to 10 devices and features such as NetShield ad blocking, P2P support, Secure Core and split tunneling. Paid plans have a 30-day refund window.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is the pick for anyone who wants a long time to decide. It offers a 45-day money-back guarantee on plans of six months or longer, and 14 days on the monthly plan. It has no free tier. Some reviewers recommend it for gaming.
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access is often recommended for torrenting. Reviewers describe it as dependable but behind the leaders for streaming and speed. Its server and connection figures vary widely by source, so confirm them on its site.
IPVanish
IPVanish is the closest match to Surfshark on devices, since it allows unlimited simultaneous connections. It offers a 30-day guarantee, but which plans qualify is reported inconsistently, so read the refund terms before buying a monthly plan.
How to switch from Surfshark to an alternative
Switching takes about ten minutes if you avoid paying for two services at once.
- Check your Surfshark renewal date in your account. Cancel auto-renewal before that date, but keep the subscription active until your new VPN is working.
- Pick the replacement and buy a plan that carries a money-back guarantee. Pay with a method that supports refunds, since subscriptions bought through Apple or Google app stores follow the store’s refund rules.
- Install the new app on every device you use and sign in.
- Connect and test it with the sites and apps you rely on, such as streaming services, work tools and torrent clients.
- Within the refund window, confirm you are happy. If not, request a refund and try the next option.
- Uninstall the Surfshark app once the new one is running everywhere. Turn off any kill switch or auto-connect settings in the old app first so they do not conflict.
If you are leaving Surfshark mainly because of the device limit on rivals, count the devices in your household before you buy. A cap of 10 is plenty for most people, but a family with many phones, laptops and TVs can reach it.
Surfshark alternatives FAQs
What is the best alternative to Surfshark?
NordVPN is the best all round alternative for most people. It appears first on several ranking pages, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee, and it covers streaming, privacy and everyday use. If your priority is different, such as a free plan or a longer refund window, Proton VPN or CyberGhost may fit better.
Is there a free alternative to Surfshark?
Yes, Proton VPN has a free plan. It allows one device, has unlimited data and gives you servers in 10 countries chosen for you. It lacks the paid features such as streaming and P2P support, so it suits light use.
Which Surfshark alternative allows unlimited devices?
IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous devices, in the same way Surfshark does. Most other providers cap connections, for instance at 10 on ExpressVPN Basic and on Proton VPN Plus. One review suggests accounts with 50 or more devices might be flagged on IPVanish.
Which Surfshark alternative has the longest refund period?
CyberGhost has the longest, at 45 days on plans of six months or longer. Its monthly plan gets 14 days. Surfshark, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Proton VPN and Private Internet Access all list 30 days.
Which VPN is better for torrenting than Surfshark?
Private Internet Access is the alternative that reviewers most often name for torrenting. Proton VPN also supports P2P on its paid plans. Check each provider’s current terms on torrenting before you commit.
Is it cheaper to leave Surfshark?
Usually not on the headline price. Surfshark’s two year plans start at a low monthly rate, and several rivals cost more per month. Compare the renewal price rather than the first term, since that is what you pay long term.
Can I get my money back if the new VPN does not work out?
Yes, within the guarantee period. All of the providers above offer one, but terms vary by plan and by where you bought. Purchases made through app stores follow the store’s refund rules, so buy directly from the provider’s site if you want its guarantee to apply.
