NordVPN and Surfshark are the two most popular VPNs in Canada — and for good reason. Both are fast, reliable, and work with Netflix US. But they're not identical.
In this comparison, we put both VPNs through our full Canadian testing suite to answer the question: which is better for Canadians in 2026?
Quick Summary
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | |---------|---------|-----------| | Overall Rating | 4.9/5 | 4.7/5 | | Speed | Faster | Very Fast | | Netflix US | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | | Simultaneous Devices | 10 | Unlimited | | Annual Price (CAD) | ~$5.99/mo | ~$3.19/mo | | Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | | Verdict | Best overall | Best value |
Speed — NordVPN Wins
In our Canadian speed tests from Toronto and Vancouver, NordVPN consistently outperformed Surfshark.
NordVPN Canadian Speed Test Results:
- Toronto → US Server: ~450 Mbps download
- Vancouver → US Server: ~410 Mbps download
- Toronto → UK Server: ~280 Mbps download
Surfshark Canadian Speed Test Results:
- Toronto → US Server: ~390 Mbps download
- Vancouver → US Server: ~360 Mbps download
- Toronto → UK Server: ~240 Mbps download
Both are more than fast enough for 4K streaming. But NordVPN is noticeably faster — relevant if you use the VPN for torrenting or working with large files.
Streaming — Tie
Both VPNs reliably unblock Netflix US in our monthly tests. Neither has failed in over 12 consecutive months of testing.
Netflix US: Both ✅
Hulu: Both ✅
Disney+: Both ✅
BBC iPlayer: Both ✅
Crave: Both ✅
Edge: If Netflix reliability is your primary concern, NordVPN's SmartPlay technology gives it a slight edge — but Surfshark is close.
Privacy — NordVPN Wins
Both VPNs have verified no-logs policies, but NordVPN has a more credible privacy track record:
- NordVPN: RAM-only servers (no persistent logs possible), independently audited by Deloitte, based in Panama (no data retention laws)
- Surfshark: RAM-only servers, independently audited by Cure53, based in the Netherlands (EU jurisdiction, some data retention requirements)
For Canadians concerned about privacy from both Canadian and US surveillance, Panama jurisdiction is preferable.
Price — Surfshark Wins
Surfshark's long-term plans are significantly cheaper than NordVPN's.
Surfshark 2-Year Plan: ~$3.19 CAD/mo
NordVPN 2-Year Plan: ~$5.99 CAD/mo
That's nearly 50% cheaper for comparable protection. If budget is your primary concern, Surfshark is the clear winner.
Additionally, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections — meaning one subscription covers every device in your home. NordVPN limits you to 10.
Which Should Canadians Choose?
Choose NordVPN if:
- Speed is important (torrenting, video calls, gaming)
- Privacy from government surveillance is a concern
- You want the most reliable streaming VPN
- You have up to 10 devices to protect
Choose Surfshark if:
- You want to save money without sacrificing quality
- You need to protect more than 10 devices
- You're new to VPNs and want a budget-friendly option
- Speed differences don't matter for your use case
Our Verdict
For most Canadians, NordVPN is the better choice — faster speeds, stronger privacy, and a more mature platform. But Surfshark is the better value if you're on a budget or need unlimited device connections.
Both come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try either risk-free.