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Surfshark vs SmartVPN Comparison

Last updated:

Surfshark

4.3(15,616 reviews)

Starting at $2.21 /Month

  • Free Trial
  • Freelancers / Consultants
  • Large Enterprises

Surfshark VPN is easy to use VPN software that estalyzes, encrypts and secures your internet connection on public WiFi hotspots while keeping your mobile activities anonymous and private from any other users sharing the…

SmartVPN

3.8(12 reviews)

Starting at $3 /Month

  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

SmartVPN is a VPN provider with servers located all over the world that protects your online privacy and gives you an unrestricted access to your favorite websites wherever you are.

Surfshark leads on user satisfaction with a 4.3-star rating across 15,616 reviews.

Surfshark vs SmartVPN — at a glance

FeatureSurfsharkSmartVPN
Rating4.3 / 53.8 / 5
Reviews15,61612
Starting price$2.21 /Month$3 /Month
Free trial Yes No
Free version No No
Best forFreelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business
CategoryVPN SoftwareVPN Software
PlatformsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - MacSaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac
API
Support modes24/7 (Live rep), OnlineOnline
CertificationsGDPR
Data residencyGlobalGlobal

Key differences between Surfshark and SmartVPN

  • Pricing: Surfshark starts at $2.21 /Month, while SmartVPN starts at $3 /Month.
  • Free trial: Surfshark offers a free trial; SmartVPN does not.
  • Target audience: Surfshark is built for Freelancers / Consultants and Large Enterprises, while SmartVPN targets Large Enterprises and Medium Business.
  • User satisfaction: Surfshark scores higher with a 4.3-star average.
  • Deployment: Surfshark supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac; SmartVPN supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac.

Surfshark vs SmartVPN — find the better fit before you commit.

01

Which tool fits your team best

02

Which is actually cheaper for your team size

03

Where each product wins, per real buyers

Most VPN Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.

Surfshark - VPN Software
Talk to an expert
Talk to an expert
SmartVPN - VPN Software
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Talk to an expert

Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

Surfshark

Best for small to medium businesses needing simple, affordable VPN with antivirus.

Choose if
  • You want an easy-to-setup VPN with combined antivirus protection.
  • Your team values responsive, professional customer support.
  • You need reliable security for remote workers and public WiFi access.
Consider alternatives if
  • You require advanced VPN configurations and highly customizable features.
  • Your organization faces recurring connectivity issues in specific locations.

SmartVPN

Best for

Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business

Surfshark typically suits Freelancers / Consultants and Large Enterprises. SmartVPN tends to fit Large Enterprises and Medium Business better. The right choice depends on your team size, workflow, and whether a free trial matters.

Description

Surfshark VPN is easy to use VPN software that estalyzes, encrypts and secures your internet connection on public WiFi hotspots while keeping your mobile activities anonymous and private ... Read More about Surfshark

SmartVPN is a VPN provider with servers located all over the world that protects your online privacy and gives you an unrestricted access to your favorite websites wherever you are.

Entry Level Pricing

  • Starts from $2.21
  • Starts from $3

Free Trial Availability

  • No free trial

Spotsaas Score

What's this? ↗

9.4/10

7.7/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

3.8

(12)

Best Company Size

1-50 employees51-500 employees
Get pricing help
Get pricing help

Software Demo

Demo

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How do Surfshark and SmartVPN Compare on Features?

Total Features

7 Features

3 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

Get Quote
Get Quote

Compare Surfshark and SmartVPN on pricing

Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.

Pricing Option

      Starting From

      • $2.21
      • $3

      Pricing Plans

      • Not Available
      • Not Available

      Pricing Page

      Surfshark pricing
      SmartVPN pricing

      Other Details

      Organization Types supported

      • Large Enterprises
      • Medium Business
      • Small Business
      • Freelancers
      • Individuals
      • Large Enterprises
      • Medium Business
      • Small Business
      • Freelancers
      • Individuals

      Platforms Supported

      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Mobile - Android
      • Mobile - iOS
      • Installed - Windows
      • Installed - Mac
      • Mobile - Windows
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Mobile - Android
      • Mobile - iOS
      • Installed - Windows
      • Installed - Mac
      • Mobile - Windows
      • Browser Based (Cloud)

      Modes of support

      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online
      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online

      API Support

      • Not Available
      • Not Available
      Get help choosing
      Get help choosing

      Security & Compliance

      Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.

      HIPAA

      ✗ No
      ✗ No

      GDPR

      ✓ Yes

      Single Sign-On (SSO)

      ✗ No

      Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

      ✓ Yes

      Data Encryption

      ✓ Yes
      ✓ Yes

      Audit Logs

      ✗ No

      Data Residency

      🌐 Global
      🌐 Global

      Surfshark User Reviews & Rating Comparison

      User Ratings

      3.8

      (based on 12 reviews)

      Rating Distribution

      12920

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

      Buyer sentiment

      Overall positive sentiment highlights reliable service, affordability, and excellent customer support despite some setup and feature limitations.

      What buyers like

      • Customer support responsiveness
      • Affordability and feature combination
      • Ease of setup

      Common complaints

      • Initial setup difficulties
      • Limited advanced functionality

      Buyer sentiment

      Buyer sentiment is mixed to positive across 12 reviews, with clear strengths and a few common watchouts.

      What buyers like

      • Global server locations
      • Unrestricted website access
      • User-friendly interface

      Common complaints

      • Limited advanced features
      • No free version
      • Potential speed issues

      Pros and Cons

      • Responsive and professional customer support resolving issues promptly

      • Economical solution combining VPN and antivirus features

      • Easy and seamless setup process with helpful guidance

      • Initial setup or installation issues, especially with antivirus or VPN configurations

      • Limited functionality and missing advanced features

      • Wide range of global servers for diverse access.

      • Simple interface makes it easy for all users.

      • May not have advanced features for power users.

      • Potential speed issues depending on server load.

      Positive Reviews

      No reviews available for the product

      No reviews available for the product

      Media and Screenshots

      Screenshots

      Surfshark screenshot

      1 Screenshots

      No screenshots available.

      Videos

      video-0

      2 Videos

      video-0

      1 Videos

      Top Alternatives to Surfshark and SmartVPN in 2026

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      Search by product name to compare pricing, fit, and buyer feedback in one view.

      Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].

      Frequently asked questions

      Which is better, Surfshark or SmartVPN?
      Surfshark edges out the other on user ratings (4.3 vs 3.8). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
      Do Surfshark and SmartVPN offer a free trial?
      Surfshark offers a free trial. SmartVPN does not.
      What is the starting price of Surfshark vs SmartVPN?
      Surfshark starts at $2.21 /Month. SmartVPN starts at $3 /Month.
      What are the top alternatives to Surfshark?
      Top alternatives to Surfshark include PureVPN, CyberGhost VPN, FastestVPN, Private Internet Access VPN, IPVanish VPN.
      What are the top alternatives to SmartVPN?
      Top alternatives to SmartVPN include PureVPN, CyberGhost VPN, FastestVPN, NordVPN, Private Internet Access VPN.

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