Surfshark vs UltraVPN
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- Unlimited device connections
- Cross-platform functionality
- Independent audits
- Effective streaming performance
- No-logging policy
- 24/7 live chat support
- Wide server network for global access
- User-friendly multi-device support
- UltraVPN's kill switch for uninterrupted privacy
- Streaming and torrenting optimization
- 30-day money-back guarantee for risk-free testing
- Affordable pricing plans
- Features limited to certain platforms
- High subscription costs
- No free plans
- Based in the 14 Eyes Alliance
- Lack of cryptocurrency payment options for added anonymity
- Based in the 14 Eyes Alliance
- No free trial for initial testing
- Higher renewal costs for long-term plans
- No RAM-only servers for enhanced privacy
- Unclear no-logs policy
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.
UltraVPN, founded in 2018, is a virtual private network provider headquartered in the United States and operated under Aura, a leading digital security company. Managed by Aura’s subsidiary, Pango, UltraVPN is part of a family of VPN brands that includes Hotspot Shield and Betternet. The service offers access to over 1,300 servers in 125+ global locations, making it a strong choice for bypassing geo-restrictions and ensuring a seamless online experience. What sets UltraVPN apart are their additional features, such as Dark Web Monitoring, a built-in password manager, and integrated antivirus protection. Designed for both individuals and small businesses, UltraVPN supports up to 10 devices simultaneously and includes advanced tools like split tunneling and a kill switch for enhanced flexibility and security. Customer feedback highlights the intuitive UltraVPN app and reliable connection speeds, although some users have raised concerns about privacy transparency and occasional support delays. With their commitment to securing online interactions and overcoming digital barriers, UltraVPN positions themselves as a comprehensive solution for privacy-conscious users. Dive deeper to explore their strengths, unique offerings, and whether they meet your online security needs.
- 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+
- Price : $2.99
- Free Trial : Unavailable
- Global Coverage : 85
- Customer Experience : Fair
- Number of Servers : 1300
- Camouflage mode and multihop features
- Ad-blocking
- Threat management features
- Obfuscated servers
- Dark web monitoring for proactive security
- AI-powered safe browsing
- Proprietary Hydra protocol for speedy internet access
- Integrated PassWatch password manager
- Integrated antivirus protection
- 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
Surfshark vs. UltraVPN
Surfshark and UltraVPN are two prominent VPN services offering solid performance and essential features like split tunneling and multi-platform support. However, their approaches differ significantly: Surfshark excels with an extensive server network and advanced privacy tools, while UltraVPN focuses on affordability and straightforward functionality. This article compares their service range, integration, pricing, and security to help you make an informed decision.
Service range and customization options
Both Surfshark and UltraVPN provide comprehensive VPN services that cater to a wide range of user needs. They support popular platforms such as Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, ensuring compatibility with the majority of devices. Both services include basic features like split tunneling, allowing users to control which apps or websites are routed through the VPN. Additionally, they offer unlimited data usage, making them suitable for browsing, streaming, and occasional file sharing. Their customizable settings and support for multiple protocols like WireGuard and Hydra (for UltraVPN) enhance user flexibility.
What sets these two apart, however, is the scope and depth of their offerings. Surfshark boasts a broader server network with over 3,200 servers across 100 countries, providing better access to geo-restricted content. They also offer unique features such as multi-hop (double encryption through two servers), NoBorders mode for restricted regions, and a dedicated IP option for consistency. UltraVPN, while smaller in scope with 1300 servers across 18 countries, provides tools like PassWatch (a browser-based password manager) and Dark Web Scan to monitor data breaches.
Ease of use and integration
Both Surfshark and UltraVPN deliver user-friendly experiences, making them accessible even to VPN beginners. Their intuitive interfaces and simple installation processes ensure users can set up and connect with minimal effort. Both services allow simultaneous connections on multiple devices, with Surfshark supporting unlimited devices and UltraVPN allowing up to 10. These services also feature quick-connect options, helping users automatically connect to the fastest server available.
The key differences emerge in the depth of platform integration. Surfshark’s cross-platform functionality includes browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, Smart DNS for streaming on Smart TVs, and advanced mobile features like GPS override on Android. UltraVPN, while offering strong functionality for mainstream platforms, does not support routers, Linux, or Smart TVs. Additionally, their app is more limited in customization compared to Surfshark, which allows users to toggle advanced settings like split tunneling or kill switch features more seamlessly.
Security and compliance
Surfshark and UltraVPN prioritize user privacy and security, employing AES-256 encryption, no-logs policies, and kill switches to protect against data leaks. Both services support advanced VPN protocols like WireGuard, known for its balance of speed and security. These shared security measures ensure encrypted and safe connections for users across different regions.
However, Surfshark excels in offering a more robust security suite. Their RAM-only servers ensure that no user data is stored permanently, and features like multi-hop and CleanWeb (ad and malware blocker) provide additional layers of protection. Surfshark’s independent audits further verify their commitment to transparency. In contrast, UltraVPN, while based in privacy-friendly Panama, lacks diskless servers and independent audits. Their limited server network and reliance on leased servers could pose challenges for privacy-focused users. Moreover, their Hydra protocol is proprietary, which might deter users from seeking open-source options for transparency.
Pricing
Both Surfshark and UltraVPN offer affordable pricing plans with discounts for long-term commitments. Surfshark’s plans start at $15.45/month, with significant discounts for 24-month subscriptions, leaving them at $2.19/month. They also provide a 30-day money-back guarantee and a seven-day free trial, allowing users to test the service risk-free. While their initial monthly price is higher, Surfshark offers excellent value with unlimited device connections and advanced features.
UltraVPN, on the other hand, is more affordable initially, with an annual plan costing $35.88 which puts it at $2.99/month. Their UltraVPN+ plan adds antivirus capabilities for $47.88/year which makes it $3.99/month. However, renewal rates are significantly higher, with UltraVPN renewing at $99.99/year, which may catch users off guard. Additionally, their free plan is limited to iOS devices and offers reduced speeds and server access.
Conclusion
Both Surfshark and UltraVPN have their strengths and weaknesses. Surfshark stands out with their extensive server network, advanced features like multi-hop and CleanWeb, and cross-platform integration. It’s an ideal choice for users seeking comprehensive privacy tools and superior global coverage. UltraVPN, with their lower entry price and unique features like PassWatch, appeals to budget-conscious users who prioritize affordability and basic functionality.