Surfshark VPN vs. Total VPN 2024: Which VPN Offers the Best Value?
Discover which VPN best secures your online activities, whether you’re traveling or browsing locally.
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Last updated Jun 27, 2024
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Best for travel and streaming
/images/2022/09/02/logo-surfshark-vpn.png){kind=logo}
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On Surfshark's website
Surfshark
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All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
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Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
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One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support
Best for a budget
/images/2023/10/05/logo-total-vpn.png){kind=logo}
Editorial Rating
Learn More
On TotalVPN's website
TotalVPN
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At home and on the go secure VPN protection with worldwide server network and VPN killswitch
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OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols available to tailor for increased privacy or better speeds
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Includes adblockers and award-winning antivirus and malware protection, even on smartphones and tablets
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 $2.19 a month 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 a month.
Continue reading to learn more about their features, server speeds, and pricing options in this head-to-head comparison.
In this article
Surfshark VPN vs. Total VPN at a glanceSurfshark VPN vs. Total VPN: Prices
Which VPN is faster?
Which VPN is more secure?
Surfshark VPN vs. Total VPN: Compatibility and customer support
Surfshark VPN vs. Total VPN FAQs
Is Surfshark VPN or Total VPN better?
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 $2.19/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+ in 100 countries | 50+ on 5 continents |
| VPN protocol | WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN | OpenVPN and 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 |
How we test and rate VPNs
We complete standardized hands-on tests for each VPN we review so we can put their claims to the test. This includes vigorous third-party testing by comparing our internet speed while connected to different servers, checking for DNS leaks, making sure the kill switch actually works, and more. We also make sure we can comfortably access popular streaming sites, like Netflix, and still do our day-to-day work without interruption.
Once we’ve completed the testing, our editorial rating is calculated by taking into account key features you’d expect from a good product. We score each VPN in the following categories and use a weighted average to calculate the final rating out of 5 stars: price, server count, speed, security, and features.
To learn more about how we test, check out our full VPN methodology here.
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 over 3,200 servers around the globe 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.
Pros
- Strong encryption
- Allows simultaneous connections on an infinite number of devices
- Smart DNS feature bypasses geo-blocks for streaming
Cons
- Antivirus, threat monitoring, and a dedicated IP costs extra
- Headquartered in the Nine Eyes alliance
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 five 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 under 50 locations spanning a mere 30 nations. 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.
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Includes antivirus and ad blocker (TotalAV and Total Adblock)
- Easy to use
Cons
- Limited server network
- No split tunneling
- Headquartered in the Five Eyes alliance
Surfshark VPN vs. Total VPN: Prices
Our Pick |
| |
| Price range | $2.19–$17.95/mo | $1.59/mo |
| Best value plan | Surfshark One plan for $2.69/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 $2.19/mo (billed every two years) and going up to $2.19/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 $2.69/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
- Google Pay
- Apple Pay
Winner: Surfshark VPN comes out on top with its versatile plans, robust security features, and various payment methods accepted.
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.
Winner: Surfshark is the faster VPN, offering significantly better performance across all tested locations.
Which VPN is more secure?
| Feature | Our Pick |
|
| Number of servers | 3,200+ in 100 countries | 50+ in 5 continents |
| 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 and 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.
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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 VPN 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.
/images/2022/09/02/surfsharkvpn-review_cleanweb1.jpeg)
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.
Winner: Surfshark is the frontrunner, offering top-notch encryption and double VPN protection, thus securing users' data and online activity.
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, phone, email, online guides | Live chat, email, 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.
/images/2022/09/02/surfsharkvpn-review_live-chat3.jpeg)
Total VPN also includes live chat, email, and online guides, as well as a phone number you can reach.
Winner: Surfshark VPN is the indisputable powerhouse when it comes to compatibility, offering a wide range of platforms and supporting unlimited devices.
Surfshark VPN vs. Total VPN FAQs
+
Is Total VPN legit?
Yes, as a respected provider, Total VPN offers essential privacy, including a kill switch and military-grade AES-256 encryption, as well as antivirus and ad blocker solutions to keep users secure.
+
Why is Surfshark VPN not working with streaming services?
It’s pretty easy to watch Netflix with Surfshark as well as other popular services. However, some streaming services block Surfshark VPN (or particular servers) due to their robust detection capabilities.
Using Surfshark’s dedicated IP service can help bypass restrictions for smooth viewing.
Check out our full guide on how to troubleshoot your VPN.
+
Has Surfshark ever been hacked?
With strong encryption and a verified no-logs policy, Surfshark maintains user privacy and has never experienced a security breach or data compromise.
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.
/images/2022/09/02/logo-surfshark-vpn.png){kind=logo}
Surfshark
-
All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
-
Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
-
One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support
Surfshark VPN vs. Total VPN alternatives
If neither of these VPNs meets your needs, consider these alternatives:
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|
|
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| Price | $3.39–$15.99/mo | $2.03–$11.99/mo | $2.03–$12.99/mo |
| Free version | |||
| Max # of connected devices | 10 | Unlimited | 7 |
| # of servers | 6,400+ servers in 111 countries | Servers in 91 countries | Servers in 100 countries |
| VPN protocol | NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec | WireGuard, OpenVPN | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES-128-GCM | AES 256-bit |
| No-logs policy | No logs | No logs | No logs |
| Headquarters | Panama | United States | Romania |
| Netflix access | |||
| Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get Private Internet Access | Get CyberGhost |
Surfshark
-
All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
-
Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
-
One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support
Author Details
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Mars is a California-based cybersecurity professional and writer currently pursuing a B.S. in Cybersecurity. With interests ranging from OSINT to ethical hacking and threat intelligence, Mars leverages his two years of writing experience to produce informative content on topics such as Internet guides and VPNs.
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