Best Surfshark alternatives in 2026
8 direct alternatives to Surfshark, compared on pricing, features, and best-for use cases. Pick the right replacement without the marketing fluff.
Curated by Louis Corneloup · Updated Why people consider alternatives to Surfshark
Surfshark provides an all-in-one cybersecurity solution centered around a Virtual Private Network (VPN). It allows users to access the internet safely and privately, protecting their connection from data breaches, hacking attempts, and… Teams most often switch away when one of these starts to bite:
- •Pricing at scale as usage or premium tiers add up.
- •Missing integrations with the rest of your stack.
- •Performance or scale limits as your needs grow.
- •A specific feature gap you have hit in security.
The 8 alternatives below cover the same core job (security) with different trade-offs. Ranked by real-signal score: G2 and Capterra ratings, media mentions, and editor review. No paid placement.
8 alternatives to Surfshark
Ranked by real-signal composite (rankingScore + community + reviews) and direct relevance to Surfshark.
- 1
NordVPN
PaidHigher rated by usersOnline VPN service for privacy
Direct alternative4.5(2,187)Compare Surfshark vs NordVPN → - 2
ExpressVPN
PaidHigher rated by usersSecure your connection, access global content, and enjoy fast speeds
Direct alternative4.6(286)Compare Surfshark vs ExpressVPN → - 3
Tailscale
FreemiumCheaper than SurfsharkSecurely connect your devices like they're on the same network, anywhere
Direct alternative4.7(32)Compare Surfshark vs Tailscale → - 4
Mullvad VPN
PaidAnonymous VPN with no personal info required
Direct alternativeCompare Surfshark vs Mullvad VPN → - 5
Netmaker
FreemiumCheaper than SurfsharkWireGuard network management platform
Direct alternativeCompare Surfshark vs Netmaker → - 6
Proton VPN
FreemiumCheaper than SurfsharkSwiss privacy protection with unlimited bandwidth
Direct alternative4.5(41,058)Compare Surfshark vs Proton VPN → - 7
Azure
PaidBattle-tested at scaleMicrosoft's cloud, essential for enterprises running Windows
Direct alternative4.4(97,447)Compare Surfshark vs Azure → - 8
Proton
FreemiumCheaper than SurfsharkTake control of your digital life with end-to-end encrypted communication, storage, and browsing.
Direct alternative4.7(32,118)Compare Surfshark vs Proton →
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Surfshark?
Based on real-signal scoring (G2 and Capterra ratings, media mentions, and editorial review), the top alternatives to Surfshark are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Tailscale. Each solves the same core job with different trade-offs on pricing, features, and integrations.
Is there a free alternative to Surfshark?
Yes. Tailscale is one of the freemium alternatives to Surfshark listed here (Securely connect your devices like they're on the same network, anywhere). Other freemium options are flagged in the list below.
Why do people look for Surfshark alternatives?
Common reasons teams switch away from Surfshark: pricing that scales aggressively, missing integrations with the rest of their stack, performance or scale limits, or a specific feature gap in security. The alternatives on this page solve the same core problem with different trade-offs.
Side-by-side comparisons
In-depth comparison pages for Surfshark versus each alternative.
Still considering Surfshark?
See the full review, pricing breakdown, and community feedback before you decide.