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Surfshark vs UltraVPN compares two budget VPNs from large groups. Surfshark, from Nord Security, covers unlimited devices with 2 audits; UltraVPN, from Point Wild, runs the fast Hydra protocol from the US without an audit of its own.
Both stream well and cost little, so proof, devices and renewal decide. This guide compares each point. Our UltraVPN review covers the second service in depth.
Surfshark vs UltraVPN on Audits
Surfshark’s no-logs claim carries 2 Deloitte audits in our table.
UltraVPN has not published an audit of its own. Instead, it shares a privacy policy with other Point Wild brands, and reviewers find that policy vague. Surfshark leads on proof.
The Hydra Protocol
Hydra, the protocol Hotspot Shield also uses, gives UltraVPN its speed: 211 Mbps on average in Comparitech’s tests. Point Wild owns both brands.
Surfshark relies on WireGuard rather than a proprietary protocol, which means its core technology is open to outside review.
Speed
Our speed table records a 21% loss for Surfshark in CNET’s testing, a middle-of-the-pack result.
UltraVPN averaged 211 Mbps across Comparitech’s tests with Hydra. Both are quick; UltraVPN’s Hydra posted strong results, while Surfshark is fast enough for HD streaming.
Two-Year Cost
Surfshark’s two-year Starter plan costs $67.23 up front, about $2.49 a month, then about $79 a year, our tables note; monthly is $16.45.
ProPrivacy lists $7.99 a month or $59.88 a year, and warns that the two-year plan renews at $159.80. Surfshark costs less over two years and renews far lower than UltraVPN’s two-year plan.
Free Use and Devices
Unlimited devices on one plan is Surfshark’s standout feature in our device table; a 7-day app-store trial replaces a free tier.
UltraVPN offers a free app with in-app upgrades, though sources disagree on its limits. UltraVPN has a free app whose limits sources dispute; Surfshark has no free tier but covers unlimited devices. For a household, the device count usually matters more than a limited free app.
Jurisdiction and Ownership
The Netherlands, a Nine Eyes country, is Surfshark’s base, and its parent Nord Security also owns NordVPN.
UltraVPN operates under US law within Point Wild. Both sit inside intelligence-sharing alliances: the US in the Five Eyes and the Netherlands in the Nine Eyes.
Security Features
Every Surfshark plan has a kill switch and CleanWeb, while Smart DNS is currently off, according to our tables.
ProPrivacy notes Tor over VPN across the network, though vpnMentor’s 2026 testing found one IP leak.
Platforms and Support
Surfshark runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and TVs. Apps cover the main platforms, and a free app sits in the App Store.
Round-the-clock live chat is part of Surfshark’s support. Premium members get round-the-clock email support, according to the developer’s replies.
Protocols and Streaming
Surfshark runs WireGuard by default, plus OpenVPN and IKEv2. See our Surfshark Netflix guide for streaming.
Hydra runs every connection, and Tor over VPN works on all servers; ProPrivacy reached BBC iPlayer on each UK server it tried. Both stream well, so devices and audits decide.
Which Is Better Value?
Surfshark is better long-term value, thanks to a lower renewal and unlimited devices. UltraVPN’s monthly price is lower if you only need a month or two.
Which Plan to Pick
Starter is the sensible Surfshark plan for most people, ideally on the two-year term. With UltraVPN, the yearly plan avoids the steep renewal on the two-year plan.
Payment and Checkout
Prices online often exclude tax, so compare the final checkout figure for each. Then set a reminder before the renewal date.
Refunds
Our refund table lists 30 days for Surfshark.
UltraVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, FileHorse notes. Both offer 30 days, so either can be tested without much risk.
Who Each Is For
Surfshark is the budget pick for many devices with audits. UltraVPN suits streamers who want fast speeds at a modest price.
In short, UltraVPN fits short monthly streaming; Surfshark fits long-term households.
What Else to Know About UltraVPN
One more point: Pango bought UltraVPN in 2020, when it was part of Aura, and the group now trades as Point Wild. Comparitech, which tested it, discloses that it belongs to the same group.
What Else to Know About Surfshark
Surfshark also sells One and One+ with extra tools, at about $99 and $119 a year on renewal in our tables, while Starter covers the core VPN.
Testing Both
Give each service the same tasks for a day: browsing, a video call and a stream. Then run a leak test with our guide to checking if a VPN is working.
Switching Between Them
When switching, start the new service before stopping the old one. That way, no device drops back to an unprotected connection.
For more on UltraVPN, see NordVPN vs UltraVPN, Proton VPN vs UltraVPN and UltraVPN alternatives.
We also cover similar services: Surfshark vs AdGuard VPN and Surfshark vs Turbo VPN.
How We Research
For this Surfshark vs UltraVPN comparison, Surfshark’s audits, prices, devices, speed and refunds come from our tables. UltraVPN’s figures come from our research for the UltraVPN review, mainly ProPrivacy’s UltraVPN review, read on 21 October 2026. We do not run our own tests. Our full approach lives on the About Us page.
Surfshark vs UltraVPN FAQ
Surfshark for audits and devices; UltraVPN for cheap monthly streaming.
Surfshark, near $79 a year.
Not on its own; Surfshark has 2 Deloitte audits.
Both are fast in tests.
Nord Security owns Surfshark; Point Wild owns UltraVPN.
The Verdict
Surfshark vs UltraVPN: Surfshark for audits, unlimited devices and a low renewal; UltraVPN for short monthly streaming with Hydra speed.