Skip to content
Alternatives.toolsSubmit a tool
Surfshark logo

Open source Surfshark alternatives

Top VPN like Surfshark

The most popular alternative to Surfshark is Proton VPN, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to Surfshark are Private Internet Access, Mullvad VPN, and IVPN.

Most alternatives to Surfshark are in the VPN category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Surfshark alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
4 apps

All Surfshark alternatives

  1. Proton VPN is the VPN service of Proton, the Swiss company behind Proton Mail. Its apps are open source, its no-logs policy has been independently audited, and the free plan has no data limit and no ads. Paid plans unlock servers in many more countries, streaming support, NetShield ad and malware blocking, Secure Core multi-hop routing and more devices.

    11 Proton VPN alternatives

    Pros

    • Free plan with no data cap and no ads
    • Open source apps and an audited no-logs policy from a Swiss company
    • Secure Core multi-hop routing on paid plans

    Cons

    • Free plan offers few locations and no streaming support
    • Paid plans cost more than many mainstream VPNs
    • Free servers can slow down at peak times
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
    Categories
  2. Private Internet Access (PIA) is a US-based paid VPN with open source apps, unlimited simultaneous connections and a no-logs policy that has held up in court cases and an independent audit. It supports WireGuard and OpenVPN with configurable encryption, port forwarding, split tunneling, a kill switch and MACE, which blocks ads, trackers and malicious domains.

    8 Private Internet Access alternatives

    Pros

    • Unlimited simultaneous connections on one subscription
    • Port forwarding and configurable encryption for advanced users
    • Open source apps and a no-logs policy tested in court

    Cons

    • US jurisdiction is less appealing for privacy than some alternatives
    • The many settings can overwhelm beginners
    • Renewal prices are higher than introductory offers
    Cost / License
    PaidOpen source
    Categories
  3. Mullvad VPN is a Swedish VPN service that asks for no email or personal details: you get a random account number and can even pay in cash or cryptocurrency. Its open source apps use WireGuard and include a kill switch, split tunneling, DNS-based ad and tracker blocking and multihop, all for a single flat monthly price with no tiers or long-term plans.

    9 Mullvad VPN alternatives

    Pros

    • Anonymous account numbers with no email or personal details required
    • One flat monthly price with no tiers or long-term commitments
    • Open source WireGuard apps with multihop and DNS-based blocking

    Cons

    • No free plan and no discounts for longer subscriptions
    • Not designed for unblocking streaming catalogs
    • Port forwarding is not supported, a drawback for torrenting
    Cost / License
    PaidOpen source
    Categories
  4. IVPN is a Gibraltar-based VPN service focused on privacy and transparency: accounts need no email, you can pay in cash or Monero, the apps are open source and the no-logs policy has been audited. It offers WireGuard, multi-hop connections, a firewall-based kill switch, split tunneling on some platforms and AntiTracker for blocking ads and trackers, and runs no affiliate program.

    8 IVPN alternatives

    Pros

    • Signup needs no email and accepts cash or Monero payments
    • Open source apps and an independently audited no-logs policy
    • Multi-hop routing and AntiTracker blocking are built in

    Cons

    • Smaller server network than the big commercial VPNs
    • No free plan is available
    • Not designed for unblocking streaming catalogs
    Cost / License
    PaidOpen source
    Categories

Surfshark vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Surfshark, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Surfshark vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsBreach monitoringBuilt-in ad blockerKill switchNo-logs policySplit tunneling
SurfsharkPaidWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Browser extension
Proton VPNFreemiumOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Browser extension
Private Internet AccessPaidOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Browser extension
Mullvad VPNPaidOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android
IVPNPaidOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android

Surfshark alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Surfshark?

The most popular alternative to Surfshark is Proton VPN: Swiss open source VPN with a free plan and no data cap. Other great alternatives are Private Internet Access, Mullvad VPN, and IVPN.

Is there a free alternative to Surfshark?

Yes, one alternative is free or has a free plan: Proton VPN.

Is there an open source alternative to Surfshark?

Yes, 4 open source alternatives are listed, including Proton VPN, Private Internet Access, Mullvad VPN, and IVPN.

Is Surfshark free?

No, Surfshark is a paid app.

Compare Surfshark with its alternatives

Sponsored listings and products made by the publisher of this site are always labeled. How we rank · Know a good alternative? Submit it