Surfshark vs. NordVPN: Streaming Showdown

Find the best VPN for streaming in the U.S. in 2025.

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of virtual private networks (VPNs), choosing the right one for streaming can be a daunting task. With numerous options available, it’s crucial to find a VPN that offers both speed and reliability for a seamless streaming experience. This is especially true for U.S. users who want to enjoy their favorite shows and movies without interruptions. In this article, we’ll compare two popular VPNs, Surfshark and NordVPN, to determine which one is better suited as the best VPN for streaming in the U.S. Our analysis is based on 100+ hours of expert data from TechRadar, CNET, and PCMag, ensuring you get the most accurate and reliable information. Whether you’re unblocking Netflix U.S. from abroad or dodging regional locks at home, this streaming showdown will help you pick the right VPN for your U.S. entertainment needs in 2025.

Speed and Performance

When it comes to streaming, speed is paramount. A VPN with high speeds ensures you can watch content in high definition without buffering issues. According to TechRadar (Jan 2025), NordVPN boasts impressive speeds on its U.S. servers, averaging around 90 Mbps—making it one of the best VPNs for streaming in the U.S. available for U.S. users. Its NordLynx protocol keeps speed loss low, around 14%, per CNET (Feb 2025), delivering near-native performance even on high-bandwidth connections. With over 7,200 servers worldwide, including 2,000+ in the U.S., NordVPN’s network ensures consistent speeds across regions like New York and Los Angeles.

Surfshark, on the other hand, offers robust speeds of approximately 60 Mbps on its U.S. servers, per TechRadar (Jan 2025)—slightly slower than NordVPN but still solid for HD streaming. CNET (Feb 2025) notes a speed loss of about 15%, competitive but not quite matching NordVPN’s edge. Surfshark’s 3,200+ servers globally, with 600+ in the U.S., provide reliable performance, though its smaller network can lead to occasional congestion. For U.S. streamers prioritizing raw speed, NordVPN takes the lead, but Surfshark holds its own for most viewing needs.

Streaming Capabilities

Both Surfshark and NordVPN are known for their ability to unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. According to CNET (Feb 2025), NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature is particularly effective at bypassing geo-restrictions, ensuring U.S. users can access Netflix U.S. effortlessly from anywhere. TechRadar (Jan 2025) confirms it delivers 4K-ready streaming with minimal hiccups, though PCMag notes rare region-switching glitches (quickly resolved). This makes NordVPN a top pick for streaming in the U.S., especially for those needing consistent access to U.S.-exclusive content.

Unblock Netflix U.S. with the best VPN for streaming in the U.S.

Surfshark isn’t far behind, with TechRadar (Jan 2025) highlighting its reliable unblocking of Netflix U.S., making it a strong choice for streaming in the U.S. fans. CNET (Feb 2025) praises its ability to handle Hulu and Disney+ too, with speeds supporting HD playback across its 600+ U.S. servers. While it lacks a dedicated streaming feature like SmartPlay, Surfshark’s straightforward performance gets the job done. NordVPN edges out slightly for flawless unblocking, but Surfshark’s consistency keeps it in the game for U.S. streaming enthusiasts.

Pricing and Value

Pricing often tips the scales for U.S. streamers choosing a VPN. NordVPN’s 2-year plan comes in at approximately $3.99/month, per web trends (Feb 2025), offering premium performance for 6 simultaneous device connections. PCMag (Feb 2025) flags its value for power users, with extras like P2P support for legally torrenting U.S. content. While not the cheapest, its speed and server heft justify the cost for those seeking top-tier streaming.

Surfshark shines with a 2-year plan at ~$2.49/month (Feb 2025), undercutting NordVPN while offering unlimited device connections—a standout feature per PCMag. TechRadar (Jan 2025) notes its CleanWeb ad-blocking as a bonus for uninterrupted streams. For U.S. households or budget-conscious streamers, Surfshark delivers exceptional value without sacrificing too much on streaming quality. If cost and device flexibility matter most, Surfshark wins; for premium performance, NordVPN holds strong.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Surfshark and NordVPN are excellent choices as the best VPNs for streaming in the U.S. NordVPN edges out in terms of speed (90 Mbps vs. 60 Mbps) and server network size (2,000+ U.S. servers), making it ideal for users who demand the fastest possible streaming speeds and robust unblocking, per TechRadar and CNET. Surfshark, however, provides a more economical option at $2.49/month with unlimited device connections, perfect for those looking to save money without sacrificing too much performance, as noted by PCMag. Built on 100+ hours of expert VPN data from TechRadar, CNET, and PCMag, this showdown shows NordVPN as the speed king and Surfshark as the value champ for U.S. streaming in 2025. Want more options? Check out our comprehensive list of the 5 Best VPNs for Streaming Netflix U.S. in 2025 for a deeper dive!