Best Alternative to PrivateVPN: Surfshark Compared

Why Look for a PrivateVPN Alternative

PrivateVPN gets the fundamentals right — AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, a kill switch, and support for OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard — and it stands out for manual port forwarding, a feature many bigger competitors have scrapped. But its biggest limitation is right there in the numbers: a network of just 200+ servers across 63 countries, a cap of 10 simultaneous devices, and app polish that lags behind more established competitors. If you need broader server coverage, more device flexibility, or a fuller suite of privacy tools bundled in, it's worth looking at what else is out there.

Surfshark

Surfshark takes a very different approach to scale. Where PrivateVPN runs a lean 200+ server network, Surfshark operates 4,500+ RAM-only servers across 100+ countries — a much larger footprint that reduces the odds of hitting congested servers. RAM-only architecture means no persistent disk storage of logs or session data even if a server were physically seized, though this is now standard among top-tier VPNs rather than a unique edge. The most practical difference for households: Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous device connections, compared to PrivateVPN's cap of 10, making it the clear choice for larger families or shared accounts with many devices.

Surfshark has also expanded well beyond a standalone VPN. Its tiered plans — Starter, One, and One+ — layer in antivirus scanning, a private search tool, Incogni (a data-broker removal service that submits opt-out requests on your behalf), and Alert (identity theft and breach monitoring). PrivateVPN doesn't offer any of these adjacent privacy tools; it's a focused VPN client with port forwarding as its standout extra. So the choice comes down to scope: if you want a single subscription that covers device protection, data removal, and identity monitoring alongside the VPN itself, Surfshark's higher tiers deliver that. If you just want VPN with port forwarding and don't need the extra suite, PrivateVPN stays simpler.

On pricing structure, both companies rely on long-term plans with promotional rates that shift over time and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark's Starter tier is VPN-only and is pitched as the cheapest entry point on a 24-month plan, though like most VPN vendors, the advertised introductory rate renews at a higher standard price — worth checking before you commit. PrivateVPN's own headline pricing sits around $2–$2.50/month on its 36-month plan. Neither company publishes a truly fixed price, so comparing current checkout pages directly is the only reliable way to know what you'll actually pay.

Which One Makes Sense

If your priority is unlimited devices, a much larger server network, and the option to bundle in antivirus, data removal, and identity monitoring under one subscription, Surfshark is the stronger fit. If you specifically need manual port forwarding for torrenting or self-hosted services, want to stick with a smaller independently-run provider, or are comfortable with a 10-device cap in exchange for simplicity, PrivateVPN remains a reasonable choice. Either way, check current promotional pricing before buying, since both providers shift their rates frequently.