Disclosure: The NordVPN and Surfshark links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices were checked in September 2026. Confirm them at checkout, because VPN pricing changes often.
Short answer:
- Surfshark if you want the lowest price and unlimited devices. From about $2.49/month on a 2-year Starter plan.
- NordVPN if you want the more established service, a dedicated IP for allowlisted systems, and a full, non-prorated 30-day refund. From about $3.09/month on a 2-year Basic plan.
Price comparison (September 2026)
| NordVPN (Basic) | Surfshark (Starter) | |
|---|---|---|
| 2-year plan | $3.09/mo ($83.43 upfront) | $2.49/mo |
| 1-year plan | $4.99/mo ($59.88) | — |
| Monthly | $12.99 | — |
| Simultaneous devices | 10 | Unlimited |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Next tier up | Plus ($3.59/mo on 2-year): adds a password manager and ad/tracker blocking | One ($2.79/mo on 2-year): adds antivirus and breach alerts |
Both prices are introductory. Renewal rates are higher, so set a reminder about a month before renewal and look for a new deal or cancel.
What matters for developers
Stable IPs and allowlists
If your staging database, cloud console or client systems allowlist IP addresses, shared VPN IPs are a pain. They change, and they sometimes trigger security checks. Both services sell a dedicated IP add-on. NordVPN’s dedicated IP is its best-known developer-friendly feature. Compare both add-on prices at checkout if this is why you’re buying.
Number of devices
Surfshark’s unlimited devices matter if you run test phones, tablets, VMs and a household on one account. NordVPN’s 10-device limit is plenty for most individuals.
Port forwarding
Neither NordVPN nor Surfshark offers general port forwarding. If you need it for self-hosting or inbound testing, look at Proton VPN’s paid plans instead. It’s covered in our developer VPN comparison.
Linux and headless use
Both offer Linux apps you can run from the command line, which is useful for servers and CI boxes. NordVPN’s CLI (nordvpn connect, nordvpn set killswitch on) is mature and widely documented.
Split tunneling
Both support split tunneling on major platforms, so you can keep localhost, Docker networks or a corporate VPN out of the tunnel. Support varies by operating system, so check yours before buying.
Refunds
Both offer 30 days. NordVPN states its refund as a full refund within 30 days. Whichever you pick, test it on your real workflow during that window: SSH, git, video calls and your company VPN.
Which should you choose?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Want the cheapest reputable option | Surfshark |
| Need more than 10 devices | Surfshark |
| Need a dedicated IP for allowlists | NordVPN (dedicated IP add-on) |
| Want the most established brand and apps | NordVPN |
| Need port forwarding | Neither. Consider Proton VPN |
Bottom line:
- Tight budget or lots of devices: Surfshark is the better value.
- A stable IP, or the more established service: NordVPN is worth the extra ~60 cents a month.
FAQ
Is Surfshark as safe as NordVPN? Both use modern encryption (WireGuard-based protocols), have kill switches, and publish no-logs audits. For typical developer and remote-work use, either is a solid choice.
Can I use either with my company VPN? Usually you can’t run two tunnels at once. Use split tunneling, or disconnect the personal VPN while you’re on the corporate one.
Will a VPN slow down SSH or git? A nearby server adds only a few milliseconds of latency, which you won’t notice for SSH or git. Pick a server close to you and to your cloud region.
Related:
Pricing sources, checked September 2026: Gizmodo on NordVPN pricing, Cybernews on Surfshark pricing.