Surfshark VPN vs. Total VPN 2024: Which VPN Offers the Best Value?

For globetrotters who stream extensively, Surfshark VPN truly shines with its blend of robust protection, worldwide servers, and seamless access to location-restricted content.

Backed by reliable speeds — even when multiple devices are connected simultaneously — Surfshark offers competitive pricing starting at $1.99/mo (billed every two years) and special features that make it ideal for frequent travelers.

Meanwhile, 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 $1.59/mo (billed annually) for the first year.

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

When comparing top virtual private network (VPN) services, you will find that Surfshark VPN is a top-notch choice for travelers and streaming enthusiasts who need reliable speeds and unlimited device connections. Total VPN, on the other hand, is an affordable option that offers essential security features, like strong encryption, without additional costs.

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

How do Surfshark VPN and Total VPN compare?

Price	From $1.99/mo (billed every two years)	From $1.59/mo (billed annually) for the first year
Max # of connected devices	Unlimited	5
24/7 customer support
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Fire TV, and Android TV	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
# of servers	3,200+ servers in 100 countries	50 servers in 30+ countries
VPN protocol	WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN	OpenVPN, IKEv2
No-logs policy	No logs	No logs
Unblocks Netflix?
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 shields your data with its top AES-256-GCM encryption, a notch above the standard AES-256, due to its enhanced encryption and built-in authentication.

With fast and robust protocols like WireGuard with ChaCha20 encryption, IKEv2, and OpenVPN, it adds even more security and delivers high server speeds.

Another highlighted feature is Surfshark VPN’s capability to allow an infinite number of simultaneous connections, making it ideal for a large family or anyone with various gadgets.

Aside from its kill switch and split tunneling capabilities, Surfshark doesn’t skimp on features like smart DNS, a dedicated IP, antivirus, a rotating IP, and a NoBorders feature for global accessibility.

It includes 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 3,200+ 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 private information of its customers.

Total VPN pros and cons

While quite affordable at $1.59/mo (billed annually) for the first year, Total VPN offers basic protection with AES-256 encryption and strong protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2.

As an integrated component within TotalAV's comprehensive security suite, Total VPN safeguards online activity with added antivirus and ad filtering capabilities.

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 50 servers in 30+ countries. In addition to this, Total VPN lacks split tunneling, which allows you to route some of your device traffic through the VPN.

Lastly, it’s based in the U.K. (part of the Five Eyes surveillance alliance) and has concerning data collection practices due to 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–$17.95/mo	$1.59/mo
Best value plan	Surfshark One plan for $2.49/mo (billed every two years)	Ultimate VPN plan for $1.59/mo (billed annually) for the first year
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 the VPN cost, Surfshark VPN offers a broader price range, starting from just $1.99/mo (billed every two years) and going up to $1.99/mo (billed every two years).

For those seeking a balanced blend of affordability and functionality, Surfshark VPN's One plan stands out as it comes in at $2.49/mo (billed every two years) while incorporating an all-inclusive array of features.

At the same time, Total VPN's peak offering, its Ultimate VPN plan, undercuts the competition with an unparalleled introductory price of $1.59/mo (billed annually) for the first year.

What's more, both VPNs permit risk-free testing of their services 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 protection against malware, making the steeper fees more justifiable, Total VPN's lower costs make basic protection available even to those on a budget.

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 their performance impact on your internet connection. We tested both VPNs using a Windows laptop based in the USA.

This table shows the percentage slowdown in internet speed when connected to different servers:

Server location	Our Pick
US	-3.55% (slower)	-15.53% (slower)
Canada	-8.60% (slower)	-44.74% (slower)
UK	-9.14% (slower)	-42.79% (slower)
AU	-33.83% (slower)	-51.73% (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.

Which VPN is more secure?

Feature	Our Pick
Number of servers	3,200+ servers in 100 countries	50 servers in 30+ 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	OpenVPN, IKEv2
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, which disconnects your internet if the VPN connection 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 utilizing AES-256-GCM encryption (an improved version of the standard AES-256) as well as the faster, more secure, and more modern VPN protocol, WireGuard.

Moreover, Surfshark’s larger server network of 3,200+ servers trumps Total VPN’s offering of a mere 50 servers, providing faster speeds and the ability to effortlessly sidestep geo-blocks.

Plus, it offers a dedicated IP to enhance streaming experiences and improve access to restricted content.

Additionally, Surfshark provides additional security features like split tunneling, a double VPN (multi-hop), a 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, which Total VPN doesn’t provide. 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 the Nine Eyes since 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, such as allowing the collection of usage activity and sharing of data with outside groups. Plus, there is no third-party audit to enforce the 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 more types of devices.

Additionally, Surfshark enhances the browsing experience through its extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, which makes it very convenient for daily online activities.

The Surfshark user interface is also particularly intuitive, accommodating both experienced and inexperienced users. It allows for easy server connections and quick access to advanced features like 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 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 has undergone a successful audit recently, 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.

Surfshark VPN vs. Total VPN alternatives

If neither of these VPNs meets your needs, consider these alternatives: