<top10vpns>

Windscribe vs Surfshark

Head-to-head comparison based on real testing data — February 2026

Winner: Surfshark wins in 6 out of 7 categories

Windscribe logo
Windscribe
8.2/10
Good
$5.75/mo
annual
VS
WinnerSurfshark logo
SurfsharkBEST PRICE
9.2/10
Excellent
$1.99/mo
27mo plan
// BREAKDOWN

Category-by-Category

CategoryWindscribeSurfshark
Speed8.3vs9.4
Privacy8.6vs9.0
Streaming8.8vs9.3
Security8.2vs9.1
Price$5.75/movs$1.99/mo
Servers480+vs3,200+
DevicesUnlimitedvsUnlimited
Windscribe0
Surfshark6
Ties1
// PERFORMANCE

Speed Comparison

Windscribe8.3
Surfshark9.4

Windscribe has a -11% speed drop while Surfshark shows -6%. Surfshark takes this category with faster real-world performance. Speed data is based on independent benchmarks across multiple protocols and server locations.

SPEED Winner: Surfshark
// PRIVACY

Privacy Comparison

Windscribe8.6
Surfshark9.0

Windscribe is based in Canada while Surfshark operates from Netherlands. Surfshark edges ahead in privacy with a stronger overall privacy profile. Scores are based on no-logs policies, audit history, jurisdiction, encryption standards, and leak protection.

PRIVACY Winner: Surfshark
// STREAMING

Streaming Comparison

Windscribe8.8
Surfshark9.3

Windscribe unblocks 5 streaming services while Surfshark unblocks 5. Surfshark wins this category with more reliable streaming access across platforms. Streaming compatibility is evaluated across multiple platforms and server locations.

STREAMING Winner: Surfshark
// SECURITY

Security Comparison

Windscribe8.2
Surfshark9.1

Both Windscribe and Surfshark offer AES-256 encryption and kill switch protection. Surfshark scores higher in security due to additional features and infrastructure hardening. Security scores are based on encryption, protocol implementation, DNS/IP leak protection, kill switch reliability, and server infrastructure.

SECURITY Winner: Surfshark
// SPECS

Full Specification Comparison

FeatureWindscribeSurfshark
ProtocolsWireGuard, OpenVPN, Stealth, WStunnelWireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
EncryptionAES-256AES-256
Kill SwitchYesYes
Split TunnelingYesYes
Multi-hopNoYes
Ad BlockerYesYes
JurisdictionCanadaNetherlands
Simultaneous ConnectionsUnlimitedUnlimited
Server Count480+3,200+
Country Count69100
Speed Drop-11%-6%
Lowest Price$5.75/mo$1.99/mo
Plan Lengthannual27mo plan
Streaming ServicesNetflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon PrimeNetflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime
Or read our full reviews:Windscribe Review|Surfshark Review