Surfshark VPN vs. Total VPN 2025: Which VPN Offers the Best Value?

Surfshark VPN shines with its blend of robust protection, worldwide servers, and seamless access to location-restricted content. With competitive pricing starting at $1.99/mo, reliable speeds, and unlimited device connections, Surfshark is the better VPN provider here.

Budget-minded users seeking a no-frills VPN for browsing and basic security may find Total VPN more than sufficient. It provides essential encryption and performance at a starting price of $8.25/mo. We think Total VPN makes sense as part of the Total Security suite.

Continue reading to learn more about their features, server speeds, and pricing options in this head-to-head comparison.

Surfshark VPN vs. Total VPN at a glance

• Surfshark VPN: Best for travel and streaming
• Total VPN: Best for a budget

	Our Pick
Price	From $1.99/mo	From $8.25/mo
Max # of connected devices	Unlimited	5
# of servers	4,500+ servers in 100 countries	1000+ servers in 90+ countries
VPN protocol	WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN	WireGuard, OpenVPN, HYDRA, IPsec
No-logs policy	No logs	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Fire TV, and Android TV	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
24/7 customer support
Learn more	Get Surfshark VPN Read Surfshark VPN Review	Get Total VPN Read Total VPN Review

Surfshark VPN pros and cons

Whether casually browsing the internet at a cafe or watching movies on Netflix during a long international flight, Surfshark VPN is among the best VPNs for streaming. That’s because it protects your data with AES-256-GCM encryption, a notch above standard AES-256, thanks to its enhanced encryption and built-in authentication. With fast, robust protocols like WireGuard with ChaCha20 encryption, IKEv2, and OpenVPN, it adds even more security while delivering high server speeds.

Another notable feature is Surfshark VPN’s support for an unlimited number of simultaneous connections, making it ideal for large families or anyone with multiple devices. Surfshark doesn’t skimp on features and bundles with CleanWeb 2.0, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware. We also appreciated that help is only a message away with its 24/7 live chat support and email options.

While Surfshark is brimming with high-quality features and a large server network with 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, we aren’t particularly fond of Surfshark being headquartered in the Netherlands, which is part of the Nine Eyes alliance.

That said, we do appreciate that its strict no-logs policy has successfully passed a recent independent audit performed by Deloitte. This reveals Surfshark VPN’s commitment to transparency and privacy. Plus, Surfshark VPN hasn’t had a data breach or disclosed any customer information.

Total VPN pros and cons

While quite affordable at $8.25/mo, Total VPN offers basic protection with AES-256 encryption and strong protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, HYDRA, and IPsec. As an integrated component of TotalAV's comprehensive security suite, Total VPN safeguards online activity with enhanced antivirus and ad filtering. Plus, it includes Total Adblock to block ads and protect your device from online threats.

Total VPN excels in basic internet security and ease of use. This is a good choice if you need a VPN for basic browsing and security without all the bells and whistles. It doesn’t protect an endless number of devices like Surfshark, but it does support up to 5 simultaneous connections.

Our speed tests show it to be somewhat fast but not exceptional, with particular slowdowns over long-distance servers. Unfortunately, server selection is rather slim, with 1000+ servers in 90+ countries. In addition, Total VPN lacks split tunneling, which lets you route some of your device traffic through the VPN.

Lastly, it’s based in the U.K. (part of the Five Eyes surveillance alliance). It has concerning data collection practices, including collecting usage activity and sharing users’ data with third parties, per its privacy policy.

Surfshark VPN vs. Total VPN: Prices

	Our Pick
Price range	$1.99–$20.65/mo	$8.25/mo
Best value plan	Surfshark One plan for $2.19/mo	Ultimate VPN plan for $8.25/mo
Money-back guarantee	Yes — 30 days	Yes — 30 days
Learn more	Get Surfshark VPN Read Surfshark VPN Review	Get Total VPN Read Total VPN Review

When comparing VPN costs, Surfshark VPN offers a broader price range, starting at just $1.99/mo and going up to $20.85/mo. In contrast, Total VPN offers only one plan at $8.25/mo.

For those seeking a balanced blend of affordability and functionality, Surfshark VPN's One plan stands out, offering $2.19/mo while including an all-inclusive array of features.

What's more, both VPNs offer risk-free testing with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This evaluation period is prudent for those who are uncertain and wish to test their capabilities carefully before committing to a subscription plan.

While Surfshark's premium packages include ad blocking and malware protection, making the steeper fees more justifiable, Total VPN's lower costs make basic protection available even to those on a budget. Total VPN bundles with TotalAV and Total Adblock, offering excellent value for the first year.

Total VPN typically offers a steep discount of $1.59/mo, billed at $19 for the first year. That means you can get Total VPN, plus TotalAV and Total Adblock for less than twenty bucks. Even still, users need to anticipate high renewal costs.

Payment options

Both Surfshark VPN and Total VPN offer a variety of payment options, ensuring flexibility and convenience.

Surfshark VPN payment options

• Credit or debit card
• PayPal
• Google Pay
• Amazon Pay
• Sofort
• Cryptocurrency through CoinGate (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, etc.)

Total VPN payment options

• Credit or debit card
• PayPal

Which VPN is faster?

Testing the download speed of each VPN is crucial to understanding its performance impact on your internet connection. We tested both VPNs using a Windows laptop based in the USA.

	Our Pick
Average speed change	8% faster	31% slower
Learn more	Get Surfshark VPN Read Surfshark VPN Review	Get Total VPN Read Total VPN Review

Surfshark consistently outperformed Total VPN, especially on servers further away from the test location. Surfshark’s minimal impact on speed makes it a better choice for streaming and other bandwidth-intensive activities. 

And while we didn't experience any noticeable lag while using Total VPN despite the average speed loss, we did have trouble consistently unblocking Netflix libraries throughout historic testing. We feel Surfshark is the more reliable VPN for streaming, browsing, and gaming. 

Which VPN is more secure?

Feature	Our Pick
Number of servers	4,500+ servers in 100 countries	1000+ servers in 90+ countries
No-logs policy	No logs	Yes, logs user activity
VPN headquarters	Netherlands	U.K.
Encryption	AES-256-GCM	AES-256
VPN protocol	WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN	WireGuard, OpenVPN, HYDRA, IPsec
Kill switch
Split tunneling
DNS leak protection
Ad blocker
Learn more	Get Surfshark VPN Read Surfshark VPN Review	Get Total VPN Read Total VPN Review

Both VPNs offer a kill switch that disconnects your internet connection if the VPN drops, ensuring your IP address is never exposed. DNS leak protection is also available on both, preventing your DNS requests from leaking outside the VPN tunnel and thus maintaining your anonymity.

They both use strong protocols, but Surfshark has an edge by using AES-256-GCM (an improved version of AES-256) and the faster, more secure, and more modern VPN protocol, WireGuard.

Moreover, Surfshark’s larger server network of 4,500+ servers trumps Total VPN’s offering of a mere 1000+ servers, providing faster speeds and the ability to effortlessly sidestep geo-blocks. Plus, Surfshark offers a dedicated IP to enhance streaming experiences and improve access to restricted content.

Additionally, Surfshark offers security features such as split tunneling, a double VPN (multi-hop), the NoBorders feature for bypassing strict regional restrictions, and Clean Web 2.0 for blocking ads and trackers.

Surfshark’s audited no-logs policy demonstrates a commitment to online privacy that Total VPN doesn’t offer. Although Surfshark is headquartered in a Nine Eyes country, there have been no reports of Surfshark disclosing user data to authorities thus far.

Similarly, Total VPN operates from the U.K. (part of the Five Eyes alliance) and partners with Nine Eyes, as it engages in intelligence sharing with its allied nations. However, there has been no indication that Total VPN has given up user information to authorities.

A thorough investigation of Total VPN’s privacy policy revealed troubling details, including the collection of user activity and the sharing of data with third-party groups. Plus, there is no third-party audit to enforce Total VPN's no-logs policy.

Surfshark VPN vs. Total VPN: Compatibility and customer support

	Our Pick
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Linux
Routers
Smart devices
Browser extensions	Yes — Chrome, Firefox, Edge
24/7 customer support
Customer support options	Live chat, email, online guides	Live chat, online guides
Learn more	Get Surfshark VPN Read Surfshark VPN Review	Get Total VPN Read Total VPN Review

Surfshark VPN and Total VPN both support major operating systems like Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, providing essential VPN functionality across various devices. Surfshark expands its compatibility further by supporting Linux, routers, and smart devices, allowing its users to more comprehensively secure entire home networks and connect a broader range of devices.

Additionally, Surfshark enhances the browsing experience with extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, making it very convenient for daily online activities.

The Surfshark user interface is also particularly intuitive, accommodating both experienced and inexperienced users. It enables easy server connections and quick access to advanced features such as a kill switch and split tunneling.

In contrast, while Total VPN supports primary platforms, it lacks Surfshark’s extensive compatibility. It offers no support for Linux, routers, smart devices, or any browser extensions, which could limit its usefulness for anyone seeking a more integrated and flexible VPN solution.

In terms of customer assistance, Surfshark stands out with 24/7 live chat, email, and online guides, ensuring help is always available. Total VPN also includes live chat and online guides.

Surfshark VPN vs. Total VPN alternatives

Based on our experience, Surfshark is the best value VPN available. We'd still recommend Total VPN as part of the Total Security suite. But if neither of these VPNs meets your needs, consider NordVPN or Proton VPN, two other top-tested VPN providers. Here's how Surfshark compares:

FAQs

Is Surfshark VPN or Total VPN better?

Surfshark VPN comes out on top due to its extensive server network, superior security features like AES-256-GCM encryption, WireGuard, smart DNS, split tunneling, and its excellent 24/7 live chat support.

Its no-logs policy recently underwent a successful audit, demonstrating its commitment to user data privacy. This makes Surfshark the ideal VPN for travel, streaming, and comprehensive online privacy.

On the other hand, Total VPN is a more budget-friendly option, providing military-grade encryption and robust protocols, a kill switch, and Total AV antivirus plus Total Adblock. This makes it suitable for basic browsing and security needs.

However, with Total VPN’s limited server count and concerning data collection practices, Surfshark VPN stands as the better choice due to its large server network, advanced features, vetted no-logs policy, and broader platform support.