Real Speed Test Between Surfshark and NordVPN – Which One Wins for Streaming?

In 2025, fast internet speed is everything. Whether you’re streaming Netflix, gaming online, or attending virtual meetings, you need a VPN that keeps up with your connection — not slows it down. Among the top VPN providers, Surfshark and NordVPN have emerged as the leading contenders.

In this detailed VPN comparison by VPN Compare Now, we’ll run an in-depth speed test between these two VPN giants and reveal which one truly wins for streaming, gaming, and everyday browsing.

1. Why Speed Matters in VPNs

A VPN adds encryption to your internet connection, which slightly affects speed. However, a high-quality VPN minimizes this impact through optimized servers and smart routing technology.

When testing Surfshark and NordVPN, we looked at three core aspects:

• Download Speed – How fast you can stream or download files.

• Upload Speed – Essential for gamers, content creators, and video calls.

• Ping (Latency) – A key factor for real-time online gaming and streaming responsiveness.

2. Test Setup and Methodology

To make this test fair, we conducted the comparison under identical conditions:

• Base connection speed: 500 Mbps fiber internet

• Location: United States (East Coast)

• Test servers: UK, Germany, Japan, and the US

• Tools used: Speedtest.net, Fast.com, and the VPN Compare Now internal performance analyzer

Each VPN was tested three times per region to ensure accuracy and consistency.

3. Speed Test Results Overview

Here’s a breakdown of our findings:

✅ Winner: NordVPN — slightly faster across all locations.

However, Surfshark wasn’t far behind and showed impressive consistency, especially for short-distance connections.

4. Streaming Performance

Streaming is where speed and stability matter most. Both VPNs were tested on popular platforms like:

• Netflix US & UK

• Amazon Prime Video

• Hulu

• BBC iPlayer

• Disney+

NordVPN:

• Unblocked every major streaming site with ease.

• Ultra HD playback worked smoothly, even on 4K streams.

• Minimal buffering, even on distant servers (like Japan to the US).

Surfshark:

• Also unblocked all major streaming platforms.

• Slight buffering on 4K content, but excellent for HD.

• Outstanding performance on nearby servers.

🎬 Verdict: NordVPN takes the lead for seamless 4K streaming, while Surfshark performs exceptionally well for HD streaming on a budget.

5. Server Network and Coverage

• NordVPN: 6,300+ servers in 110+ locations

• Surfshark: 3,200+ servers in 100+ locations

Both offer strong global coverage, but NordVPN’s larger server count gives users more optimized routes and less congestion — contributing to better overall speeds.

VPN Compare Now recommends NordVPN for users who stream from multiple regions, while Surfshark suits those who prioritize simplicity and affordability.

6. Connection Stability and Consistency

Speed alone doesn’t define a good VPN — stability matters too. During long streaming and gaming sessions:

• NordVPN maintained steady performance with no connection drops.

• Surfshark performed well but occasionally experienced small dips in speed during peak hours.

For users who run multiple devices, NordVPN’s advanced server load balancing ensures smoother performance.

7. Gaming Experience

Gamers hate lag, and ping determines victory or defeat.

• NordVPN: Average ping 25–40 ms in nearby regions.

• Surfshark: Average ping 30–45 ms.

NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol (built on WireGuard) provides lightning-fast, stable connections ideal for gaming. Surfshark’s WireGuard protocol is also impressive, but slightly slower on long-distance connections.

🎮 Winner for Gaming: NordVPN by a narrow margin.

8. Privacy, Security, and Encryption

Both VPNs are excellent when it comes to privacy and data protection.

• Encryption: AES-256-bit military-grade

• Protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2

• No-Logs Policy: Independently audited for both providers

• Extra features:

  • NordVPN – Threat Protection, Double VPN, and Meshnet

  • Surfshark – CleanWeb (ad blocker), MultiHop, and unlimited devices

While this article focuses on speed, it’s worth noting that both deliver top-tier privacy and security — making them reliable for business and personal use.

9. Pricing and Value for Money

If you prioritize pure performance and 4K streaming, NordVPN justifies its slightly higher price. If you want solid speed and value for multiple users, Surfshark is unbeatable.

10. Final Verdict: Which VPN Wins for Streaming?

After testing both under various conditions, here’s the summary:

🏆 Overall Winner: NordVPN – delivers the fastest, most reliable experience for streaming and gaming in 2025.

But if you’re looking for a great balance of speed, price, and unlimited device connections, Surfshark is still a top-tier alternative.

11. Why Trust VPN Compare Now?

VPN Compare Now specializes in unbiased VPN testing, comparison, and reviews. Our team tests every VPN in real-world conditions — not just based on marketing claims.

Whether you’re exploring VPNs for streaming, gaming, or privacy, our Home Page provides the latest comparisons and expert recommendations to help you choose the right one.

Transparency, performance, and real data — that’s what makes VPN Compare Now your go-to VPN comparison platform.

Conclusion

In 2025, VPNs are faster, smarter, and more efficient than ever. The Surfshark vs NordVPN speed test proves that while both are excellent, NordVPN edges out Surfshark in raw performance and stability.

However, Surfshark still remains a fantastic choice for those seeking affordable, multi-device coverage with great streaming speeds.

No matter which one you pick, both ensure privacy, security, and smooth streaming — essential for today’s connected world.

For more speed tests, VPN insights, and reviews, visit VPN Compare Now — your trusted partner for unbiased VPN comparisons.