Surfshark vs PureVPN
With privacy threats, content blocks, and constant data tracking becoming part of everyday life, choosing the right VPN can be a real challenge. Among the many options available, two providers consistently rise to the top: Surfshark and PureVPN. Both offer speed, security, and flexibility—but they cater to different types of users. Whether you’re a frequent traveler looking to bypass censorship, a streaming fan eager to access global content, or simply someone who wants peace of mind online, knowing what each VPN can truly deliver is essential to making the right decision.
This guide cuts through the noise with a straightforward, expert comparison of Surfshark vs PureVPN. We evaluate real-world performance in key areas such as speed, privacy, streaming access, device compatibility, and effectiveness in restrictive regions. No hype—just practical, trustworthy insights. Whether you’re tech-savvy or simply want a solution that works out of the box, this article will help you choose the VPN that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- Surfshark provides unlimited device connections and a fast, intuitive app experience, making it an excellent choice for households and power users who want simplicity across multiple devices.
- PureVPN offers a vast server network and supports dedicated IP addresses, catering well to business users or those who need more advanced VPN configurations.
- Some users may prefer alternative VPN solutions, such as plug-and-play hardware or simplified services, which offer immediate protection with minimal setup—ideal for those prioritizing ease of use over customization.
Quick Comparison: Surfshark vs PureVPN
| Feature | Surfshark | PureVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | Netherlands (Nine Eyes alliance jurisdiction) | British Virgin Islands (privacy-friendly) |
| Server Count | 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries | 6,500+ servers in 70+ countries |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | 10 |
| Streaming Support | Excellent (Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+) | Good (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video) |
| Audits | Yes (Cure53, Deloitte) | Yes (KPMG, Altius IT) |
| Monthly Cost (approx.) | $2.49/month (2-year plan) | $2.08/month (2-year plan) |
At first glance, both Surfshark and PureVPN present highly competitive packages. Surfshark distinguishes itself with its generous unlimited connections and ease of use, making it perfect for households or users juggling multiple devices.
PureVPN, with its broader server count and support for dedicated IPs, appeals more to users who prioritize flexibility and enterprise-level features. Depending on your online habits—be it streaming, working, or managing a business network—these distinctions can play a crucial role in your decision.
Alternatively, for users who want to skip app installations entirely and prefer an effortless setup, Shellfire VPN—especially when used with the Shellfire Box—offers a distinct advantage. It secures all your devices at once through your home network, making it ideal for households with many gadgets or users looking for instant protection without software configuration.
Infrastructure & Global Coverage
| Metric | Surfshark | PureVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Total Servers | 3,200+ | 6,500+ |
| Countries Covered | 100+ | 70+ |
| Virtual Locations | Some | Yes |
| Dedicated IPs | Optional (extra cost) | Yes (in multiple regions) |
PureVPN takes the lead in total server count, offering more than double the number available from Surfshark. However, Surfshark covers more countries overall, which is critical if you’re trying to access content or services from less common locations.
Meanwhile, PureVPN makes a compelling case for power users or businesses with its wide selection of dedicated IP addresses available in key regions like the US, UK, and Australia.
Speed & Performance
| Metric | Surfshark | PureVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Download Speed (avg) | 270 Mbps | 190 Mbps |
| Upload Speed (avg) | 220 Mbps | 160 Mbps |
| Latency (avg) | 35 ms | 42 ms |
| WireGuard Support | Yes | Yes |
| Stability Under Load | Excellent | Good |
Thanks to WireGuard and efficient server optimization, Surfshark delivers notably faster average download and upload speeds, which is a major advantage for 4K streaming, gaming, and video conferencing.
While PureVPN has narrowed the performance gap in recent updates, it still lags slightly behind, especially on long-distance server hops. That said, both remain stable enough for standard usage scenarios including browsing, VoIP, and casual streaming.
Security & Privacy
| Security Feature | Surfshark | PureVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES-256-CBC/GCM |
| Protocols | WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN | WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN |
| Kill Switch | Yes (on all platforms) | Yes |
| RAM-Only Servers | Yes | No |
| Independent Audits | Yes (Cure53, Deloitte) | Yes (KPMG, Altius IT) |
| No-Logs Policy | Strict, independently verified | Strict, verified by audits |
When it comes to security, both VPNs employ gold-standard AES encryption and support leading VPN protocols, including WireGuard. However, Surfshark‘s use of RAM-only servers—which wipe all data with every reboot—offers a privacy edge, particularly for users concerned about data retention.
PureVPN has taken concrete steps to rebuild trust through external audits and compliance updates, but still relies on traditional disk-based servers, which may be a deciding factor for privacy purists.
If you’re still weighing the differences between Surfshark and another top-tier option like NordVPN, further comparison might help clarify which one aligns best with your goals.
Streaming Performance
| Platform | Surfshark | PureVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix (US) | Yes – 4K, stable | Yes – 1080p, occasional buffering |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes | Yes |
| Disney+ | Yes | Yes |
| Amazon Prime Video | Yes | Partial access only |
| Hulu | Yes | Yes |
| Streaming Optimized Servers | SmartDNS & auto-routing | Yes, labeled servers |
For those who value high-quality streaming without interruptions, Surfshark performs exceptionally well across all major platforms, supporting smooth 4K playback and consistent access—even during peak hours. Its SmartDNS support adds flexibility for streaming on devices that don’t support native VPN apps.
While PureVPN does unblock most platforms, users may occasionally face speed drops or incomplete access, particularly with Amazon Prime Video.
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 | Surfshark | PureVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes (CLI & GUI) | Yes (CLI) |
| iOS & Android | Yes | Yes |
| Smart TVs & Streaming Devices | Yes (native apps + SmartDNS) | Yes (native apps) |
| Browser Extensions | Chrome, Firefox | Chrome, Firefox |
| Routers | Yes (manual setup + apps) | Yes (manual setup) |
| Game Consoles | Via SmartDNS or router | Via router |
Surfshark shines when it comes to broad and accessible platform support. Whether you’re on a smart TV, gaming console, or Linux machine, setup is made easier through clear documentation and SmartDNS functionality.
PureVPN covers all the major platforms too, but often requires more technical know-how, particularly when configuring routers or Linux devices.
Performance in Censorship-Heavy Countries
| Country | Surfshark | PureVPN |
|---|---|---|
| China | Works (Camouflage mode) | Partially works |
| Russia | Yes (obfuscation supported) | Yes |
| UAE | Yes | Limited success |
| Iran | Yes (Stealth protocols) | Not reliable |
| Turkey | Yes | Yes |
Surfshark is notably more effective in countries with strict internet controls. Features like Camouflage Mode and Stealth protocols engage automatically in restrictive environments, helping users maintain access without triggering government firewalls.
PureVPN offers some obfuscation tools, but results vary and often require manual tuning. For users who frequently travel to or live in regions with heavy censorship, Surfshark is the more reliable choice.
User Experience & Apps
| Feature | Surfshark | PureVPN |
|---|---|---|
| UI Design | Modern, minimal, intuitive | Functional but cluttered |
| Mobile UX | Excellent | Good |
| App Stability | Very stable | Occasional bugs |
| Multi-language Support | Yes (20+ languages) | Yes (10+ languages) |
| Learning Curve | Low | Moderate |
Surfshark‘s user interface is clean and responsive, designed with both new and seasoned users in mind. Whether you’re managing settings on a smartphone or desktop, the experience feels cohesive and efficient. PureVPN delivers more customization but at the cost of usability, especially for users who may find the layout overwhelming or less polished by comparison.
That said, our Shellfire Box takes user-friendliness even further by eliminating the app experience altogether. Once plugged into your router, it automatically protects every connected device. For anyone seeking a zero-maintenance solution without the need to install or navigate VPN apps, Shellfire Box is an impressively seamless alternative.
Customer Support
| Support Channel | Surfshark | PureVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | 24/7 | 24/7 |
| Email Support | Yes | Yes |
| Knowledge Base | Extensive, well-organized | Large, less intuitive |
| Setup Guides | Video + visual walkthroughs | Text-heavy articles |
| Avg. Response Time | < 1 minute (chat) | 2–3 minutes (chat) |
Support is one area where both VPNs are reliable, but Surfshark pulls ahead with its faster chat responses and visually rich help materials. Tutorials include screenshots and videos that make self-troubleshooting easy and intuitive.
PureVPN also provides robust support, but its documentation tends to be more technical, requiring more time to interpret for the average user.
Additional Features
| Feature | Surfshark | PureVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Ad & Tracker Blocking | Yes (CleanWeb) | Yes (Content Filtering) |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| MultiHop (Double VPN) | Yes | No |
| GPS Spoofing (Android) | Yes | No |
| Meshnet or LAN Tunneling | No | No |
| Tor over VPN | No | No |
| Port Forwarding | No | Yes |
Surfshark leans into privacy-enhancing tools like MultiHop and GPS spoofing, making it a strong choice for users focused on anonymous browsing and mobile privacy.
In contrast, PureVPN caters more to technically inclined users, offering options like port forwarding and dedicated IPs—useful for hosting, remote access, or advanced torrent setups. Your ideal choice depends on whether you value enhanced privacy features or deeper network configurability.
Still, if your priority is full-device protection without managing advanced features like GPS spoofing or port forwarding, Shellfire VPN offers a simpler path. Its core functionalities work reliably in the background, making it especially appealing for users who value convenience and hassle-free security.
VPN Use Cases: Best Options for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting & More
| Use Case | Surfshark | PureVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming |  | |
| Torrenting / P2P | | |
| Gaming | | |
| Remote Work | | |
| Budget Users | | |
| Censorship Resistance | | |
Best VPN for Streaming
Surfshark provides a flawless streaming experience. Whether it’s Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or Disney+, it consistently bypasses geo-blocks and supports high-resolution playback with minimal lag. Its SmartDNS feature is especially useful for smart TVs and devices without native VPN support.
PureVPN is functional but less consistent in this area, occasionally struggling with content libraries and playback stability—fine for casual viewers but less so for dedicated binge-watchers.
Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P
PureVPN offers a more tailored experience for torrent users, including optimized servers and port forwarding—ideal for those sharing large files or hosting their own seedboxes.
Surfshark supports P2P on all servers and secures your identity effectively, but advanced users might miss options like port forwarding for increased efficiency or connection control.
Best VPN for Gaming
With lower latency and higher average speeds, Surfshark is the better gaming companion. Whether you’re in a fast-paced FPS or a sprawling MMO, its performance remains stable and responsive.
PureVPN is serviceable but may introduce higher ping and occasional packet loss on distant servers, making it more suited to casual or turn-based playstyles.
That said, our Shellfire Box provides an attractive plug-and-play solution for console and PC gamers alike. By routing traffic through a protected local connection, it shields gamers from DDoS attacks and maintains privacy without adding latency through app-based encryption layers. It’s especially useful in shared households where multiple devices need protection during gameplay.
Best VPN for Remote Work
Surfshark‘s easy-to-use interface and automatic kill switch make it great for remote workers who need consistent, secure access to cloud apps and virtual meetings.
PureVPN caters well to professionals needing advanced setup, offering dedicated IPs and port-forwarding capabilities for custom enterprise tools or secure remote access.
Best VPN for Budget-Conscious Users
Both services are priced competitively, with long-term plans under $2.50/month. Surfshark provides a better all-around feature set at that price, especially for casual or less technical users.
PureVPN often includes additional perks such as port forwarding or identity protection tools, giving it strong appeal to budget-conscious tech enthusiasts.
Those comparing it directly with NordVPN may find further insights into how PureVPN stacks up in both price and features.
Best VPN for Censorship-Heavy Countries
Surfshark is clearly built for resilience in restrictive regions. Camouflage Mode, obfuscation, and smart routing features help it maintain functionality even in countries with strict internet control like China and Iran.
PureVPN can work in such environments but often requires trial and error, and lacks the consistency and automated features that make Surfshark a standout for censorship resistance.
Conclusion
Both Surfshark and PureVPN bring impressive features to the table, but they serve slightly different audiences. Surfshark is better suited to users looking for speed, accessibility, and modern design—especially those prioritizing streaming and cross-device compatibility. Meanwhile, PureVPN excels in areas requiring specialized configurations, like remote access, torrent seeding, or custom server setups.
Each service has matured significantly, and both are reliable choices depending on your individual priorities. If you’re looking for a VPN that’s intuitive and secure out of the box, Surfshark is a clear frontrunner. If your needs are more technical or niche, PureVPN may offer the right set of tools at a budget-friendly rate.
Still, for users who value absolute simplicity and a true plug-and-play experience, it’s worth considering Shellfire VPN and the Shellfire Box. These solutions require virtually no technical expertise, automatically protect every device in your network, and remove the friction of manual installations. They’re particularly compelling for households or users who want set-it-and-forget-it protection across the board.
