VPN Comparison: PrivateVPN vs Surfshark
Given article content: it's great to see the public at large adopting virtual private networks (VPNs) to help keep themselves safe online. However, there are hundreds of providers to choose from. That's where we come in. We've put PrivateVPN and Surfshark, two extremely popular services, to the test to find out how they compare.
More importantly, though, we've also explained, point by point, what each of their features actually does. This will let you know exactly what you're paying for and help give you a better understanding of VPNs in general.
Our team personally tested both of these services, noting down all of their strengths, weaknesses, and features. Here's what we discovered when comparing PrivateVPN and Surfshark:
The article content given is comparing the pricing of two VPN services, PrivateVPN and Surfshark, and discussing the benefits of each service. The output should be a rewritten version of the same content, but using a different tone and style, and making the comparison between the two services more clear and informative. The rewritten content should be in the format of a comparison article between the two services, and should not include the original article title.
PrivateVPN and Surfshark are two popular VPN services, and they have several similarities and differences.
Both services provide a broad selection of apps, which enables users to be protected on all their devices. An important aspect is that they both offer a command - line installer for Linux, a feature not commonly supported by many competing providers. Moreover, they each have an official app in the Amazon app store. This means that you can access your regular streaming services on your Fire TV without having to sideload these apps. However, Surfshark has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, a feature that PrivateVPN lacks.
When it comes to features, both have a stealth mode. But Surfshark stands out with a wider range of additional features. For example, it has a built - in ad - blocker and malware - scanner. It also has a function that automatically connects you when you use a public WiFi hotspot. Additionally, Surfshark offers split tunneling, which is useful when traveling. This option allows certain websites or apps to bypass the VPN encryption, enabling access to services back home without being blocked from regional streaming sites.
The connection limit is a major differentiator between the two. PrivateVPN allows users to secure up to 10 devices simultaneously, which is higher than the industry standard of five. In contrast, Surfshark has no limit on the number of devices that can be connected, making it a very appealing choice for families.
Regarding port forwarding, PrivateVPN supports it. This can be very beneficial for users who need to remotely access network resources or direct others to a web or game server on their local network while keeping their home IP address private. Port forwarding is important for torrenters who require seed files. Unfortunately, Surfshark does not support this feature.
When it comes to choosing a reliable VPN for accessing international streaming platforms, both PrivateVPN and Surfshark stand out as top contenders.
For those who need consistent access to a wide range of streaming services, Surfshark is a standout choice. It successfully bypassed geographic restrictions on all the platforms we tested, including challenging ones like Amazon Prime Video. This suggests that it is likely to work with almost any other streaming service you might be interested in.
On the other hand, PrivateVPN excels in providing secure access to various regional Netflix libraries. Our tests showed that it could stream content from more than 15 different Netflix regions, along with other popular services such as Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube TV, BBC iPlayer, and many others. Although it did not work with ABC, its overall performance in this area is impressive.
China's internet is heavily censored, with a robust system known as the Great Firewall blocking access to social media, unbiased news sources, and even most VPNs. Despite these challenges, both PrivateVPN and Surfshark are effective in this restrictive environment, ensuring that you can stay connected and access blocked content while in China.
To use these services in China, you will need to enable specific modes designed to bypass the firewall. Here’s how to do it:
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PrivateVPN: Go to Advanced View , select the Stealth VPN tab, and enable Stealth VPN .
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Surfshark: Navigate to Settings > Advanced and turn on the NoBorders option.
VPN Apps Comparison
Both PrivateVPN and Surfshark offer accessible desktop applications for user convenience.
PrivateVPN's desktop application presents two distinct viewing options: simple and advanced.
The simple view in PrivateVPN's app streamlines the interface but limits access to settings.
Advanced mode in PrivateVPN grants users full control over server switching, customization, and data usage monitoring.
PrivateVPN's organization of settings into separate tabs helps maintain a clean, uncluttered interface.
Surfshark's latest iteration, Version 5, introduces a refreshing redesign that retains the app's essential functionalities while presenting a striking two-tone aesthetic. The interface now makes it more convenient to access and identify recently utilized servers, ensuring a seamless user experience. Additionally, users can effortlessly conduct speed tests, enabling the automatic server selection feature to accurately identify and connect to the fastest available server.
On mobile, PrivateVPN's interface closely resembles its desktop counterpart, presenting all settings on a single page. Notably, the kill switch is absent, but users can still configure this feature using their device's built-in tools.
In contrast, Surfshark’s mobile application relocates the navigation tabs to the bottom of the screen. All security features are retained, and the app introduces some additional functionalities for mobile users. These include the option to spoof your phone’s GPS location, a feature that usually necessitates a separate app, and the ability to use smaller data packets, which may enhance performance on mobile networks.
Surfshark has significantly grown its network, now covering 100 countries. In contrast, PrivateVPN operates in about 60 countries, a number that aligns with the industry average. Despite having fewer locations, PrivateVPN supports often overlooked regions such as Nigeria, India, and Panama. Additionally, it provides virtual servers in Russia, an area from which Surfshark withdrew due to user privacy concerns. These virtual servers are physically located outside of Russia, ensuring that users can obtain a Russian IP address without the risk of government interference or server raids.
When it comes to the scale of their networks, there is a notable difference. Surfshark boasts 3,200 servers globally, while PrivateVPN has around 200. Although the total number of servers is important, it's also crucial to consider how well each provider optimizes its network. Even with fewer servers, PrivateVPN could be more efficient in distributing the load.
In terms of performance, PrivateVPN delivers reliable speeds and seamless video streaming. However, our recent tests indicate that Surfshark outperforms PrivateVPN in speed.
To compare the server locations of both services, refer to the list provided below.
PrivateVPN vs Surfshark Comparison
PrivateVPN is recognized for its impressive speed, averaging 71 Mbps in recent tests, which facilitates seamless streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
In contrast, Surfshark outperforms with an average of 189 Mbps, making it ideal for data-heavy activities like video conferencing, HD streaming, and gaming.
The given article content provides a comparison of PrivateVPN and Surfshark. It mentions that both services allow you to connect via the OpenVPN protocol, but they each offer alternatives. PrivateVPN supports PPTP and L2TP connections, but it's not recommended to use PPTP due to its vulnerabilities. Surfshark supports Wireguard connections, which is a sleek, speedy new protocol expected to become the industry standard in the future. Regarding security, both services use 256-bit AES encryption, although PrivateVPN allows you to reduce it to 128 bits for slightly faster browsing speeds. Surfshark includes a kill switch in all its apps, while PrivateVPN only has it in the Windows version. Additionally, PrivateVPN and Surfshark both have their own stealth mode capable of bypassing deep packet inspection, allowing you to browse safely and unblock censored websites wherever you are in the world.
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When it comes to getting assistance, both VPN services offer helpful resources. You can find solutions to frequent issues in their knowledge bases. Additionally, each provider maintains a YouTube channel with concise video tutorials.
Surfshark stands out by providing round-the-clock live chat support, ensuring help is always available. In contrast, PrivateVPN's live chat service has a brief daily downtime, making it less accessible at certain times.
PrivateVPN and Surfshark are both high-quality, affordable VPN providers with numerous features.
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Despite similarities, Surfshark excels in certain areas, making it the preferable choice for many users.
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Surfshark prioritizes security by not supporting outdated protocols and offering WireGuard support.
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Every Surfshark app version features a kill switch, and it allows multiple simultaneous device connections.
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Boasting fast speeds, robust streaming capabilities, and over 3,000 servers, Surfshark caters to a variety of online activities.
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For PrivateVPN, opt for the annual plan to receive two extra years of coverage at no additional cost.
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Surfshark offers an 80% discount on its annual subscription, making it a cost-effective option.
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Our comparison covers several key categories, including server networks, streaming potential, performance, security, user-friendliness, and value for money.
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A server's number and location are crucial for accessing different platforms and determining data laws.
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Both VPNs are adept at bypassing VPN-detection on platforms like Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+.
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VPN speed tests involve multiple tests to obtain an average speed, reflecting real-world performance.
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We verify encryption standards and safeguards like kill switches, leak protection, and ad-blocking.
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User-friendliness is essential, so we prioritize intuitive apps, 24/7 live chat, and multi-platform support.
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We also consider deals, discounts, free trials, and money-back guarantees when assessing value.
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A no-logs VPN service is vital for protecting browsing data and remaining anonymous online.
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While VPNs enhance security, they shouldn't replace antivirus software, as they don't protect against all malware.
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VPNs and proxies are both privacy tools, but VPNs offer more robust protection through data encryption.
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Surfshark now outperforms PrivateVPN in speed tests, with an average speed of 180 Mbps compared to PrivateVPN's 71 Mbps.
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Both VPNs are no-logs services, allowing torrenting without privacy concerns.
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Surfshark doesn't support port forwarding, which may impact peer access for torrenting.
What is a Netflix VPN and How to Get One
A Netflix VPN is a virtual private network that allows users to access region-restricted content on Netflix by connecting to servers in different countries. This is achieved by encrypting and routing data through remote servers, which makes it appear as if the user is accessing Netflix from a different country. To get a Netflix VPN, users can choose from a variety of reliable VPN providers that support streaming. They can then create an account, download and install the VPN application, connect to a server located in the desired region, and then log in to Netflix to enjoy the available content.
Why Choose SafeShell as Your Netflix VPN?
If people want to access region-restricted content by Netflix VPN, they may want to consider the SafeShell VPN. 1. SafeShell VPN offers high-speed servers specifically optimized for seamless Netflix streaming, ensuring buffer-free and high-definition playback. 2. With the ability to connect up to five devices simultaneously, users can enjoy their favorite shows and movies on a wide array of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, and Apple Vision Pro. 3. The exclusive App Mode feature allows you to unlock and enjoy content from multiple regions at the same time, providing a diverse range of streaming services and libraries. 4. SafeShell VPN ensures lightning-fast connection speeds with no bandwidth limitations, eliminating buffering and throttling issues. 5. Top-level security is guaranteed with the proprietary "ShellGuard" protocol, which includes advanced encryption and robust security features, protecting your online privacy and data.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Watch Netflix with SafeShell VPN
Here are the steps to use NetFlix VPN on SafeShell VPN:
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First, subscribe to SafeShell Netflix VPN by visiting the official website https://www.safeshellvpn.com / and picking a suitable plan, then click the "Subscribe Now" button.
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Next, download and install the SafeShell VPN on your device, be it Windows, macOS, iOS or Android.
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After installation, launch the SafeShell VPN app and log in. Select the APP mode which is great for Netflix usage.
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Then, browse through the available servers in SafeShell VPN and choose one in the region whose Netflix content you want to access like the US, UK or Canada, and click "Connect".
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Finally, open the Netflix app or website, log in with your account and start enjoying the Netflix content from the selected region.