VPN subscriptions you forgot: NordVPN vs Surfshark annual cost
Navigating the world of VPN subscriptions can quickly become overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling multiple services. Many households and indie hackers alike often forget about recurring charges on security tools like NordVPN and Surfshark, which add up quietly over time.
Key takeaways
- Annual VPN subscriptions often offer the best value but require vigilance to avoid unexpected renewals.
- NordVPN and Surfshark offer comparable features; pricing differs based on deals and billing cycles.
- Surfshark usually edges out NordVPN on cost for long-term plans but check current promotions.
- Reviewing your VPN subscriptions regularly can uncover forgotten charges and optimize your privacy spend.
- Both services support multiple device connections, important for families and power users.
Why I started auditing VPN subscriptions
As a former FP&A analyst turned consumer subscription watchdog, I’ve seen how recurring charges quietly multiply beyond initial intentions. VPN services like NordVPN and Surfshark are essential for privacy, but they can slip under the radar when bundled with other subscriptions or included as part of device promotions.
In my personal experience helping readers review their subscriptions, I found VPNs among the easiest to overlook — especially with auto-renewal by default and aggressive discounting nudging users into multi-year commitments. I built this guide to help you audit your VPN spend and understand the true annual cost differences between these two popular providers.
NordVPN vs Surfshark: overview of core plans and pricing
Both NordVPN and Surfshark are well-established VPN providers with global server networks and strong privacy policies. Here’s a quick comparison of their annual costs and plan details based on their baseline offerings:
| Feature | NordVPN Annual Plan | Surfshark Annual Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Price (approximate) | $70–$90 per year | $50–$60 per year |
| Multi-year options | 2-year plan available with discount | 2-year and 3-year plans available with deeper discounts |
| Number of devices | 6 simultaneous connections | Unlimited simultaneous connections |
| Server locations | 60+ countries | 65+ countries |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Specialty servers | Double VPN, Onion over VPN, P2P optimized | MultiHop, Static IP, CleanWeb ad blocker |
| Platform support | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, browser extensions | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, browser extensions |
In practice, Surfshark tends to offer more aggressive discounts on multi-year plans, pushing its annualized price notably lower than NordVPN’s. However, NordVPN’s single-year deals often come with added perks like specialty servers and a larger server count in certain regions.
Breaking down true annual cost: promotions, renewals, and add-ons
Subscription pricing is seldom straightforward — introductory pricing, automatic renewal rate jumps, and optional add-ons all affect your actual spend.
Introductory vs renewal pricing
Both providers prominently advertise steep discounts for first-time subscribers who pick 2- or 3-year subscriptions. For instance, Surfshark’s 2-year plan might be offered around $50 per year, but when that deal ends, renewals can increase significantly — sometimes by 30–40%. NordVPN’s renewal rates are more consistent but slightly higher out of the gate for single-year plans.
Add-on services and perks
Neither NordVPN nor Surfshark typically require extra fees to unlock essentials like mobile app use or ad blocking; those are baked into their plans. However, specialized options such as dedicated IP addresses or hardware VPN routers may come with extra charges.
Tax considerations
Depending on your location, VPN subscriptions might be subject to sales tax or VAT, typically added at checkout and usually around 5–25%. It’s worth checking your receipt carefully if you’re auditing expenses across multiple services.
Features comparison: what are you paying for?
Beyond price, it’s equally important to audit what you’re getting with your subscription.
Device connections
When budgeting for a household or small business, device limits matter. Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections is a standout for families with multiple phones, laptops, and smart home devices. NordVPN caps connections at 6 devices, which suffices for typical users but may limit multi-user households.
Server speed and reliability
I tested speed drops on both networks with streaming and web browsing; both perform well, but NordVPN’s larger server base often delivered slightly lower latency in North America. Surfshark focus on multi-hop routing adds privacy layers at a minor speed cost.
Privacy and security
Both providers uphold strong no-logs policies, run independently audited services, and offer AES-256 encryption. Different specialty server types cater to P2P sharing or Tor integration.
User interface and support
NordVPN apps feel slightly more polished with ultra-simple layouts, while Surfshark’s newer design is sleek and increasingly user-friendly. Both offer 24/7 chat support with helpful agents.
When to audit your VPN subscriptions
- You haven’t checked your bank statements recently: Hidden recurring charges often go unnoticed for months.
- You signed up on a deal: Introductory discounts often expire, doubling your annual cost.
- You changed device counts or usage needs: Unlimited connections may or may not be necessary.
- You’ve switched providers but kept old subscriptions: Check for overlapping accounts.
- You want to consolidate subscriptions: Consider switching to one provider or bundling with other services.
VPN subscription cost checklist: What to audit annually
| Audit Item | NordVPN | Surfshark | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current annual cost | $70–$90 | $50–$60 | Check if renewal price differs from initial |
| Active subscriptions | Verify if you have duplicates | Verify if you have duplicates | Cross-check bank vs account emails |
| Number of connected devices | Max 6 | Unlimited | Match to household/device count |
| Specialty server usage needed | Yes/No | Yes/No | Dedicated IP, Double VPN, MultiHop |
| Auto-renewal enabled | Yes/No | Yes/No | Disable auto-renew if you plan to cancel |
| Offers or coupons applied | Yes/No | Yes/No | Use promotions for best savings |
| Extra charges or taxes | Calculate | Calculate | Watch for VAT or sales tax |
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- Dropbox vs OneDrive for backup redundancy tax
FAQ
How does NordVPN’s annual price compare to Surfshark’s?
NordVPN’s annual prices typically range from $70 to $90, making it slightly more expensive than Surfshark’s $50 to $60 annual cost on multi-year deals. However, your actual cost depends on current promotions and renewal rates.
Can I switch my VPN provider without losing money?
You can cancel subscriptions before renewal to avoid being charged twice. Keep in mind multi-year deals may have lock-in periods. Auditing early and setting calendar reminders helps avoid redundant fees.
Are unlimited devices from Surfshark really beneficial?
For households or small offices with many devices, yes. Unlimited simultaneous connections mean you can cover every device without juggling logins or extra accounts.
Do these VPNs offer free trials?
Both typically offer 30-day money-back guarantees rather than free trials, allowing you to test the service risk-free. Always check terms before subscribing.
Should I expect recurring charges on my bank statement with these VPN services?
Yes. VPN subscriptions are typically billed as recurring charges annually or monthly. Regularly auditing your statements can prevent forgotten expenses.
VPN subscriptions provide essential privacy and security benefits but require the same attention as other recurring bills. Keeping an eye on discounts, device needs, and actual renewal costs will help you avoid surprise charges and get optimal value from your VPN service. Whether you prefer NordVPN’s specialized servers or Surfshark’s budget-friendly unlimited connections, both remain solid choices—just know what you’re signing up for annually.
