Proton VPN vs Surfshark

Proton VPN versus Surfshark is a good example of why one score cannot answer every VPN question. The choice can come down to whether you care more about inspecting the software you install or putting the service on a growing pile of devices without managing a cap.

More visible from the outside

Proton VPN's client apps are open source across the supported platform set. Proton VPN's current audit report is available without requiring a VPN-account login. Proton VPN has a continuing free plan. Together, those give you several ways to examine or try the service before deciding how much trust and money you want to put into it.

Not the unlimited-device option

Proton VPN uses a connection cap rather than an unlimited-device model. Surfshark is the no-cap side of this comparison. If your main frustration is keeping track of which devices are connected, this trade-off points away from Proton VPN.

Stop treating devices like seats

Surfshark's paid plans do not make you count simultaneous devices. Surfshark's server fleet is documented as RAM-only. That combination speaks to a different buyer: somebody who wants broad day-to-day device coverage and also cares about the documented server-storage model.

Less client-side openness in this comparison

Not all of Surfshark's client apps are open source. Proton VPN is the open-client side of this comparison. If open client code is part of how you personally evaluate a VPN, that distinction survives all the other feature overlap.