Mozilla VPN vs Surfshark
When two privacy-focused brands go head-to-head, choosing between them can feel like splitting hairs. Mozilla has long stood for open-source software and internet freedom, while Surfshark has built its name as a feature-rich upstart with budget-friendly pricing. But a closer look reveals meaningful differences.
Think of it as choosing between a minimalist hybrid car and a feature-packed SUV: both will get you there, but the ride and amenities are not the same. In this article, we compare Mozilla VPN and Surfshark to help you decide which best fits your browsing, streaming, gaming, and work needs. Along the way, you’ll see real-world test results and impartial insights into how these two approaches translate into everyday use.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- Mozilla VPN relies on Mullvad’s network, providing around 681 servers in 44 countries and uses only the WireGuard protocol, making the service fast but limited in flexibility.
- Surfshark boasts over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, offers unlimited simultaneous connections and supports WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2 with AES‑256 encryption.
- Hardware VPN routers can protect all your household devices without installing separate apps, offering a simple alternative for less tech‑savvy users.
Quick Comparison: Mozilla VPN vs Surfshark
| Feature | Mozilla VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Server network | 681 servers in 44 countries | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Simultaneous connections | Five devices per account | Unlimited devices |
| Protocols & encryption | WireGuard (ChaCha20 encryption) | WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2 with AES‑256 encryption |
| Kill switch & split tunnelling | Kill switch always on, cannot be disabled; split tunnelling available on most platforms | Kill switch with option to disable; split tunnelling on all major platforms |
| Streaming support | Limited; Netflix often detects the VPN and buffers | Strong; unblocks Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video and more |
| Torrenting | Allowed on all servers; no P2P optimizations | P2P allowed; automatic connection to optimized servers when torrenting |
| Price (monthly) | About $4.99 on annual plan | About $2.49–$12.95 depending on plan |
Surfshark dominates in flexibility and scale: unlimited devices, multiple protocols and a larger network. Mozilla VPN appeals to users who appreciate straightforward pricing and a clean interface.
If neither suits you, you might explore alternatives like the Shellfire VPN app or Shellfire Box for an effortless, hardware‑based solution Shellfire Box.
Infrastructure & Global Coverage
| Metric | Mozilla VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Total servers | 681 | 3,200+ |
| Countries | 44 | 100 |
| Ownership | Uses Mullvad servers (Sweden) with strong privacy policies | Operated by Surfshark B.V.; servers in RAM mode and audited no‑logs |
| Special servers | None (no dedicated P2P or obfuscated servers) | Static IP, MultiHop (double VPN), dedicated IP available |
Mozilla VPN’s smaller network offers a decent spread but may not have a nearby server for every region. Surfshark runs more than 3,200 servers across 100 countries, providing more options for avoiding congestion and accessing geo‑blocked content.
If you’re curious about how Surfshark compares to other giants, check out our in‑depth ExpressVPN vs Surfshark article.
Speed & Performance
| Test | Mozilla VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Download speed impact | Halved download and upload speeds in tests, causing buffering | Minimal reduction; speeds close to baseline |
| Upload speed impact | Significant drop (over 50%) | Minor drop; still suitable for HD streaming and gaming |
| Latency (ping) | Increased latency leading to buffering and lag | Higher ping than some competitors but stable enough for gaming |
Speed tests highlight the performance gap. Using a UK server, Mozilla VPN halved download and upload speeds and introduced noticeable buffering. In the same scenario, Surfshark maintained speeds closer to baseline and allowed uninterrupted 4K streaming.
If you often stream or game, Surfshark’s superior performance is a compelling reason to choose it. However, occasional users who prioritise ease of use over speed might still appreciate Mozilla’s simplicity.
Security & Privacy
| Feature | Mozilla VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | ChaCha20 with Poly1305 via WireGuard | AES‑256‑GCM on OpenVPN/IKEv2 and ChaCha20/Poly1305 on WireGuard |
| No‑logs policy | No‑logs; audited by Cure53; servers outside the Five Eyes | No‑logs; audited by Cure53; Netherlands jurisdiction with quick data erasure |
| Kill switch | Enabled by default and cannot be turned off | Configurable; can be turned on/off per device |
| MultiHop | Not available | Dynamic MultiHop feature allows chaining servers for extra privacy |
| Extra security tools | None | CleanWeb ad blocker, antivirus option, data breach alerts (Surfshark One) |
Both providers follow strict no‑logs policies and have undergone third‑party audits. Mozilla VPN is simple but rigid: its kill switch is always on and there are no extra privacy layers like multi‑hop.
Surfshark offers more customization, including optional MultiHop chains and an ad‑blocking feature called CleanWeb.
Streaming Performance
| Platform | Mozilla VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Often detected and blocked | Unblocks multiple libraries including US, UK and Japan |
| Disney+ | Inconsistent | Consistent access |
| Prime Video/Hulu/BBC iPlayer | Works sporadically | Reliable; includes Apple TV app |
| Max/ITV Hub | Unreliable | Consistent streaming |
If your goal is to watch geoblocked content, Surfshark is the clear winner. Tests show that Mozilla VPN struggles to bypass Netflix’s detection and suffers buffering, while Surfshark unblocks multiple streaming platforms with minimal speed loss.
Looking for reliable streaming access across all devices?
Our Shellfire Box is designed to provide consistent access to your favorite streaming platforms, which can be a helpful solution if you’re experiencing issues with other VPNs.
Platform Compatibility
| Platform | Mozilla VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Windows/macOS/Linux | Apps available; simple UI | Apps with rich features including MultiHop and CleanWeb |
| Android/iOS | Full app; split tunnelling on Android but not on iOS | Full app; split tunnelling available on Android and iOS |
| Browser extensions | None | Chrome and Firefox extensions |
| Smart TVs/consoles | Must use router or SmartDNS | Native app for Apple TV and smart DNS for other devices |
| Simultaneous connections | Five | Unlimited |
Surfshark stands out for unlimited device support and broad platform compatibility, including an Apple TV app and browser extensions.
Mozilla VPN covers major operating systems but lacks browser add‑ons and restricts you to five devices. For households with many gadgets, Surfshark’s unlimited connections are a boon.
Performance in Censorship‑Heavy Countries
| Country | Mozilla VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| China | Mixed success; no obfuscation protocols | Works using Camouflage mode (obfuscation) but may require trial and error |
| Russia | Limited due to lack of obfuscation | Camouflage helps bypass restrictions |
| Iran/Turkey | No specialised support | Better odds thanks to extensive server network |
Censorship‑heavy regions require obfuscation and multiple protocol options. Mozilla VPN may struggle because it only uses WireGuard and lacks stealth features.
Surfshark offers Camouflage and NoBorders modes, improving your chances of connecting. However, there’s no guarantee any software VPN will work in every country.
User Experience & Apps
| Aspect | Mozilla VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| UI design | Minimalist and easy to navigate | Feature‑rich yet intuitive; includes helpful tooltips |
| Ease of use | Great for beginners; limited customization | More settings but still approachable; profiles for streaming or P2P |
| Stability | Stable but speed fluctuations can affect streaming | Stable connections; occasional high ping but consistent throughput |
Mozilla VPN provides a tidy, distraction‑free interface that even first‑time VPN users can master quickly. Its simplicity is a double‑edged sword: there’s little to tweak if you need granular control.
Surfshark includes more options, like selecting MultiHop routes or enabling CleanWeb, but manages to remain user‑friendly. To further simplify multi‑device protection, the Shellfire Box offers a plug‑and‑play setup that appeals to non‑technical households.
Customer Support
| Support channel | Mozilla VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Live chat | 24/7 via website | 24/7 via website |
| Email support | Yes | Yes |
| Knowledge base | Extensive guides and FAQs | Comprehensive articles and video tutorials |
| Response time | Prompt responses | Quick responses; chat agents often provide step‑by‑step fixes |
Both companies deliver solid customer support with 24/7 live chat and searchable help centers. Surfshark supplements its written guides with video tutorials, which can be handy for visual learners.
Additional Features
| Feature | Mozilla VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Ad & malware blocker | None | CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers and malware domains |
| MultiHop / Static IP | Not available | Available; MultiHop routes traffic through two servers |
| Data breach alert | None | Included with Surfshark One subscription |
| Dedicated IP | Not offered | Available for extra fee |
Surfshark includes a broader suite of extras, such as CleanWeb and MultiHop, which provide both convenience and security.
Mozilla VPN stays bare‑bones by design. If you’d rather not worry about settings at all, a hardware device like the Shellfire Box can supply network‑wide encryption and ad blocking without any software installation.
VPN Use Cases: Best Options for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting & More
| Use case | Mozilla VPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Torrenting / P2P | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Gaming | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Remote work | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Budget users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Censorship‑heavy regions | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Best VPN for Streaming
If your nights revolve around binge‑watching, Surfshark is the better pick. It unblocks Netflix libraries worldwide, Disney+, Prime Video and more. During my tests, Surfshark on an Apple TV streamed 4K content without hiccups.
Mozilla VPN, however, often triggered Netflix’s proxy error and buffered during HD playback. To avoid streaming headaches across multiple screens, you might also consider a plug‑and‑play hardware VPN like the Shellfire Box, which routes everything through one secure connection.
That said, Mozilla VPN does support streaming for some services when it works. If you’re a casual viewer who primarily watches on one or two devices and you value simplicity over a long feature list, it may suffice. Shellfire’s mobile app offers another simple way to test whether a different provider improves your streaming experience.
Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P
Both VPNs permit torrenting, but Surfshark makes it easier by switching to P2P‑friendly servers as soon as it detects torrent traffic. That means you don’t have to hunt for specific servers or worry about accidentally using one that throttles your downloads. Mozilla VPN allows torrenting on all servers but doesn’t offer P2P optimization, so speeds may vary.
In practice, Surfshark delivered faster and more consistent download speeds during my tests. I downloaded a large game file via Surfshark’s UK P2P server and it finished in half the time compared to Mozilla. If you’re a casual torrenter, Mozilla will do the job; heavy downloaders should consider Surfshark.
Best VPN for Gaming
Gamers crave low latency. Surfshark’s servers kept ping increases reasonable, though still higher than some top‑tier competitors. When I connected to a nearby Surfshark server, I could play online shooters with only occasional lag. Mozilla VPN, by contrast, introduced enough delay to make competitive gaming frustrating.
If you only play casually, Mozilla may suffice, but serious gamers will prefer Surfshark. A hardware VPN like the Shellfire Box might also help by centralizing encryption at the router, avoiding resource overhead on your PC or console.
Best VPN for Remote Work
For remote workers, both VPNs provide essential features like split tunnelling and kill switches. Mozilla VPN wins points for simplicity, its always‑on kill switch ensures no data leaks, and you can quickly select servers for different tasks. Surfshark adds extras like MultiHop and CleanWeb, which are useful when handling sensitive corporate data or blocking malicious links.
If you need to protect numerous devices, for example, laptops, phones and tablets used by your entire family, Surfshark’s unlimited device policy is invaluable.
Best VPN for Budget‑Conscious Users
Mozilla VPN’s annual plan is competitively priced, and the absence of tiers makes purchasing straightforward. Surfshark often offers deep discounts on long‑term plans and includes additional services like antivirus and data breach alerts. When you divide the cost by the number of devices you can protect, Surfshark’s value becomes clear.
Best VPN for Censorship‑Heavy Countries
When travelling to countries with strict internet controls, you need obfuscation. Surfshark offers Camouflage and NoBorders modes, improving your chances of connecting. Mozilla VPN lacks these tools and only runs WireGuard, which is easier to detect. While neither guarantees success, Surfshark’s extra features give it a better shot.
Conclusion
This comparison shows that Surfshark delivers more bang for your buck. Its larger network, streaming prowess and unlimited device policy make it an excellent choice for families, streamers and gamers. The ability to use MultiHop and CleanWeb adds an extra layer of security and convenience that Mozilla VPN simply doesn’t match.
Mozilla VPN isn’t without merit. It offers a simple, no‑nonsense interface and benefits from Mullvad’s privacy practices. Those who value ease of use over advanced features or only need a VPN on a handful of devices might find it perfectly adequate. But users who demand top performance across multiple use cases will likely outgrow Mozilla’s limitations.
If you’re still undecided, consider trying both services or exploring alternatives like Shellfire’s solutions. The Shellfire VPN app and Shellfire Box provide flexible options for software and hardware VPN use. With the right tool, you can enjoy secure, uncensored access to the internet on your terms.
