Astrill VPN vs Surfshark
Press [Add to Compare] to Edit, Add or Remove Vendors
- Reliable in high-censorship regions like China and the UAE
- Proprietary protocols for enhanced security
- VIP servers for high-speed performance
- Multi-hop VPN for added privacy
- Unlimited bandwidth with no throttling
- Unlimited device connections
- Cross-platform functionality
- Independent audits
- Effective streaming performance
- No-logging policy
- 24/7 live chat support
- Higher cost than competitors
- No money-back guarantee
- Limited to 5 simultaneous connections
- Mixed customer support feedback
- Features limited to certain platforms
- High subscription costs
- No free plans
- Based in the 14 Eyes Alliance
Astrill VPN, founded in 2009 and headquartered in Seychelles, is a well-established provider known for their strong security, high-speed connections, and broad global server coverage. Catering to both individuals and businesses, the service offers a variety of VPN protocols, including proprietary options like StealthVPN for bypassing censorship and OpenWeb for lightweight browsing. With AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and features like Multi-Hop VPN, VPN sharing, and ad-blocking, Astrill prioritizes user privacy and performance. The company’s pricing is on the higher end, but they include unlimited bandwidth, reliable uptime, and support for multiple devices. Customer feedback highlights their effectiveness in restrictive regions like China, though some users note the lack of a money-back guarantee and limited simultaneous connections. Astrill also provides additional security tools such as VPN leak tests, port scanning, and a password leak checker, reinforcing their commitment to cybersecurity. While not BBB-accredited, Astrill VPN is recognized in the industry for their reliability, extensive customization options, and robust security protocols. Whether users seek private browsing, fast streaming, or secure file sharing, Astrill VPN offers a comprehensive solution.
Surfshark, founded in 2018 and headquartered in the Netherlands, is a leading force in online privacy and cybersecurity. Offering a cutting-edge VPN with over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, they provide fast, reliable access to geo-restricted content while keeping your data fully secure. Their standout features include camouflage mode, which hides VPN usage from ISPs, and multihop, which routes traffic through multiple servers for added security. With a strict no-logs policy and AES-256 encryption, Surfshark ensures user privacy and data protection. They also offer unlimited simultaneous connections, making them a great choice for users with multiple devices. Customers frequently praise Surfshark for their responsive customer support and seamless streaming performance, though some have noted occasional connection issues. Despite this, independent security audits and top industry awards like "VPN Solution of the Year" solidify Surfshark's reputation. Curious to know more? Read our in-depth review to explore all of Surfshark’s innovative features and discover why they are a top contender for anyone looking to take control of their online privacy and security.
- Price : Starting at $30/month
- Free Trial : True
- Global Coverage : 60+ countries
- Customer Experience : Good
- Number of Servers : 300+ servers
- Price : Starting at $15.45 per month and billed monthly
- Free Trial : Available
- Global Coverage : 100 countries
- Customer Experience : Good
- Number of Servers : 3,200+
- StealthVPN bypasses deep packet inspection and censorship
- VPN Sharing extends protection to unsupported devices
- Built-in ad and tracker blocking for private, faster browsing
- Port forwarding for improved P2P connections
- Camouflage mode and multihop features
- Ad-blocking
- Threat management features
- Obfuscated servers
- Allows Torrenting
- Antivirus / Antimalware
- Free Version
- Integrated SSOs
- Mobile App
- Onion Over VPN Support
- OpenVPN Support
- Password Manager
- Propriety Protocol
- Streaming Support
- WireGuard Support
- Allows Torrenting
- Antivirus / Antimalware
- Free Version
- Integrated SSOs
- Mobile App
- Onion Over VPN Support
- OpenVPN Support
- Password Manager
- Propriety Protocol
- Streaming Support
- WireGuard Support
- 256-bit AES Encryption
- Dedicated IP Servers
- Kill-Switch
- RAM-Only Servers
- Split Tunneling
- Two-Factor Authentication
- Warrant Canary
- Zero-Logging-Policy
- 256-bit AES Encryption
- Dedicated IP Servers
- Kill-Switch
- RAM-Only Servers
- Split Tunneling
- Two-Factor Authentication
- Warrant Canary
- Zero-Logging-Policy
- Actionable Password Strength Report
- Biometric Logins (Face ID, Touch ID)
- Dark Web Scanning
- Located Outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance
- Mobile App PIN Unlock
- Obfuscated Servers
- Secure Password Sharing
- Actionable Password Strength Report
- Biometric Logins (Face ID, Touch ID)
- Dark Web Scanning
- Located Outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance
- Mobile App PIN Unlock
- Obfuscated Servers
- Secure Password Sharing
- Android
- Browser Plugins
- ChromeOS
- Fire OS
- iOS
- Linux
- macOS
- Routers
- Streaming Devices
- Windows
- Android
- Browser Plugins
- ChromeOS
- Fire OS
- iOS
- Linux
- macOS
- Routers
- Streaming Devices
- Windows
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Social Media
- Ticket
- FAQs
- Help Guides
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Social Media
- Ticket
Astrill VPN vs. Surfshark
Astrill VPN and Surfshark are VPN providers that cater to individuals looking for enhanced online security and privacy. While both services aim to offer secure connections and unrestricted internet access, their offerings differ significantly in terms of service range, ease of use, security features, and pricing. This comparison highlights these aspects to help users decide which provider aligns with their needs.
Service range and customization options
Both Astrill VPN and Surfshark provide a variety of servers to cater to global users, ensuring access to geographically restricted content. Surfshark offers over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, while Astrill VPN operates 300+ servers across 57 countries. Both support key VPN protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, enabling users to customize their VPN experience based on speed and security preferences. Additionally, features like split tunneling are present in both services, allowing selective traffic routing through the VPN.
However, their customization options differ significantly. Astrill VPN includes proprietary protocols like StealthVPN and OpenWeb, which are especially effective for users in countries with heavy internet censorship, such as China. Surfshark, on the other hand, emphasizes versatility with features like MultiHop, which connects users through multiple servers for added security, and GPS override for privacy. While Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, Astrill limits connections to a specific number per subscription, which may be restrictive for multi-device households.
Ease of use and integration
Both providers prioritize ease of use, with applications available on major platforms such as Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. Surfshark and Astrill VPN both feature user-friendly interfaces that simplify server selection and connection processes. Both services also offer cross-platform integration, ensuring a seamless experience for users switching between devices.
Where they differ is in their approach to accessibility and advanced features. Surfshark is designed for simplicity, with features like CleanWeb to block ads and malware, and a Quick-connect function for automatic server selection. Astrill VPN caters to more advanced users by providing greater configurability, such as detailed protocol settings and enhanced privacy options.
Security and compliance
Both Astrill VPN and Surfshark uphold strong security standards, using AES-256 encryption and supporting secure protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN. Features such as kill switches are available in both services, protecting users from data leaks if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops. Each provider also enforces a strict no-logs policy, ensuring user activity remains private.
The differences lie in their specialized features. Astrill VPN’s StealthVPN protocol is particularly effective at bypassing censorship, making it a preferred choice in restrictive regions. Surfshark, meanwhile, includes unique tools like MultiHop for routing traffic through multiple servers and CleanWeb for blocking ads and trackers. Additionally, Surfshark’s GPS spoofing offers extra privacy for Android users.
Pricing
Pricing is where the two providers diverge sharply. Surfshark positions itself as a budget-friendly option, with long-term plans costing as little as $2.99 per month, making it accessible to a wide range of users. This affordability, coupled with unlimited device connections, provides excellent value for money. Astrill VPN, on the other hand, adopts a premium pricing model, with monthly plans costing around $30 and annual subscriptions averaging $15 per month, which may not be ideal for budget-conscious users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Astrill VPN and Surfshark cater to different types of users, each excelling in distinct areas. Astrill VPN’s proprietary protocols and advanced customization make it a strong choice for users in restrictive regions or those seeking granular control over their VPN settings. In contrast, Surfshark shines with its affordability, user-friendly features, and unlimited device connections, making it an appealing option for individuals and families looking for comprehensive VPN coverage without overspending. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on individual priorities, whether they lie in advanced features and censorship circumvention or budget-friendly accessibility with a wide range of functionalities.