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Surfshark alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Surfshark: best prices need a multi-year commitment, and speeds vary more between locations than top rivals. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Surfshark, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Private Internet Access currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Private Internet Access logoPrivate Internet AccessPaidNoWindows, macOS, Linux +35 of 566.5
2NordVPN logoNordVPNPaidNoWindows, macOS, Linux +33 of 362.6
3Windscribe logoWindscribeFree plan + paidYesWindows, macOS, Linux +35 of 559.6
4Proton VPN logoProton VPNFree plan + paidYesWindows, macOS, Linux +35 of 557.2
5CyberGhost VPN logoCyberGhost VPNPaidNoWindows, macOS, Linux +36 of 655.3
  1. Private Internet Access logo

    1. Private Internet AccessTop pick

    Best for: Tinkerers who want port forwarding and fine-grained settings on unlimited devices

    PaidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension

    66.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from Surfshark

    Also allows unlimited devices, with more advanced settings and open-source apps.

    Pros

    • Unlimited simultaneous devices
    • Port forwarding and detailed connection settings
    • Open-source desktop and mobile apps

    Cons

    • Monthly plan is expensive compared with long terms
    • Busy interface for beginners
    • Owned by a group that also runs several rival brands
    Visit Private Internet Access Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.3100
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Private Internet Access a good Surfshark alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Monthly price
    $11.95/month
    Checked Oct 25, 2026privateinternetaccess.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    30 days
    Checked Oct 25, 2026privateinternetaccess.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Devices per account
    Unlimited
    Checked Oct 25, 2026privateinternetaccess.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Server countries
    113
    Checked Oct 25, 2026privateinternetaccess.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
    Checked Oct 25, 2026privateinternetaccess.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. NordVPN logo

    2. NordVPN

    Best for: People who want a mainstream VPN that works for streaming, travel and everyday privacy

    PaidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension

    62.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Surfshark

    Sister service with a larger network and Meshnet, at a somewhat higher price.

    Pros

    • Large server network with consistently good speeds
    • Apps for desktop, mobile, browsers and TV devices
    • Meshnet links your own devices without extra software

    Cons

    • Renewal prices are much higher than the first term
    • Apps push bundled add-ons and upsells
    • Desktop and mobile apps are closed source
    Visit NordVPN Compare with SurfsharkDetails and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is NordVPN a good Surfshark alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, browsers, TV
    Checked Oct 25, 2026support.nordvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Owner
    Nord Security
    Checked Oct 25, 2026support.nordvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Linux client licence
    GPL-3.0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
  3. Windscribe logo

    3. Windscribe

    Best for: Budget users who want a decent free plan or to pay only for the locations they use

    Free plan + paidOpen sourceWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension

    59.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Surfshark

    Unlimited connections too, plus a usable free plan and build-your-own pricing.

    Pros

    • Free plan with a monthly data allowance
    • Build-a-plan pricing per location
    • Customisable ad and tracker blocking

    Cons

    • Free plan has limited data and locations
    • Smaller network than the biggest providers
    • Interface style can feel cluttered
    Visit Windscribe Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Windscribe a good Surfshark alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Pro monthly price
    $9/month
    Checked Oct 25, 2026windscribe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Pro yearly price
    $69/year
    Checked Oct 25, 2026windscribe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Build A Plan
    $1 per location per month
    Checked Oct 25, 2026windscribe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Server countries
    69+
    Checked Oct 25, 2026windscribe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Desktop app licence
    GPL-2.0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
  4. Proton VPN logo

    4. Proton VPN

    Best for: Privacy-focused users, and anyone who needs a free VPN they can trust

    Free plan + paidOpen sourceWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension

    57.2

    score / 100

    Why switch from Surfshark

    Open-source apps and a free tier with no data cap.

    Pros

    • Free plan with no data cap and no ads
    • Open-source, audited apps on every platform
    • Secure Core multi-hop routing on paid plans

    Cons

    • Free plan allows only one device and fewer locations
    • Full price is high without a long commitment
    • Some streaming and P2P features are paid only
    Visit Proton VPN Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.369
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Proton VPN a good Surfshark alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Free plan
    Yes, $0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free plan limits
    1 device, no data cap, no ads
    Checked Oct 25, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Devices on VPN Plus
    10
    Checked Oct 25, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    30 days
    Checked Oct 25, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Open source
    Yes, apps open source and audited
    Checked Oct 25, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
  5. CyberGhost VPN logo

    5. CyberGhost VPN

    Best for: Beginners who mainly want streaming access with a long trial period

    PaidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension

    55.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from Surfshark

    Similar budget-friendly consumer VPN with long refund windows.

    Pros

    • Servers labelled by use case, such as streaming and torrenting
    • 45-day refund window on longer plans
    • Large server network

    Cons

    • Monthly plan has only a 14-day refund window
    • Linux app is command-line only
    • Fewer advanced settings than rivals
    Visit CyberGhost VPN Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.363
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is CyberGhost VPN a good Surfshark alternative?

    Verified facts

    6 of 6 verified
    Monthly price
    $12.99/month
    Checked Oct 25, 2026cyberghostvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Refund window (monthly)
    14 days
    Checked Oct 25, 2026cyberghostvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Refund window (long plans)
    45 days
    Checked Oct 25, 2026cyberghostvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Simultaneous devices
    7
    Checked Oct 25, 2026cyberghostvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Server countries
    100
    Checked Oct 25, 2026cyberghostvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, some Linux
    Checked Oct 25, 2026cyberghostvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Surfshark alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Private Internet Access logo

Best Surfshark alternative for most people

Private Internet Access

Also allows unlimited devices, with more advanced settings and open-source apps.

Windscribe logo

Best Surfshark alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Windscribe

Unlimited connections too, plus a usable free plan and build-your-own pricing.

Proton VPN logo

Best Surfshark alternative for open source

Proton VPN

Open-source apps and a free tier with no data cap.

NordVPN logo

Best Surfshark alternative for Mac

NordVPN

Sister service with a larger network and Meshnet, at a somewhat higher price.

CyberGhost VPN logo

Best Surfshark alternative for Windows

CyberGhost VPN

Similar budget-friendly consumer VPN with long refund windows.

Private Internet Access logo

Best Surfshark alternative for Linux

Private Internet Access

Also allows unlimited devices, with more advanced settings and open-source apps.

Private Internet Access logo

Best Surfshark alternative for iPhone and Android

Private Internet Access

Also allows unlimited devices, with more advanced settings and open-source apps.

Surfshark alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Surfshark?

Private Internet Access ranks first right now. Also allows unlimited devices, with more advanced settings and open-source apps. NordVPN and Windscribe follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Surfshark?

Yes. Windscribe (free plan + paid) and Proton VPN (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Surfshark?

Yes: Windscribe and Proton VPN.

Which Surfshark alternatives work on Linux?

Private Internet Access, NordVPN, Windscribe, Proton VPN and CyberGhost VPN run on Linux.

Why do people switch from Surfshark?

The complaints we hear most: best prices need a multi-year commitment; speeds vary more between locations than top rivals; bundles push extra security products.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Surfshark, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.