Best Surfshark alternatives in 2026
Looking for an alternative to Surfshark? Whether you've outgrown it, find the pricing steep, or just want to weigh your options, these are the strongest vpn alternatives in 2026 — ranked on pricing, features, and who each one fits best. Surfshark itself starts at from $2.50/mo, so we've flagged where each option is cheaper, simpler, or more specialized.
- 1Proton VPNBest for: privacy-conscious
Secure VPN with a genuinely free tier. A popular vpn alternative to Surfshark with a genuinely usable free tier — free – $9.99/mo. Particularly strong for privacy-conscious.
- 2WindscribeBest for: budget-conscious
If Surfshark feels like overkill or over-budget, Windscribe is a leaner option with a genuinely usable free tier. VPN with a usable free tier. Pricing: free – $9/mo.
- 3Private Internet AccessBest for: budget-conscious
Private Internet Access goes head-to-head with Surfshark on features. Configurable VPN with unlimited devices. Best suited to budget-conscious. From $2/mo.
- 7Mullvad VPNBest for: privacy-conscious
Mullvad VPN goes head-to-head with Surfshark on features. Privacy-first VPN with flat pricing. Best suited to privacy-conscious. From $5.50/mo.
- 8Perimeter 81Best for: smb
A well-rated vpn pick. Cloud VPN and zero trust network access Perimeter 81 starts at from $8/user/mo, making it a credible Surfshark replacement.
Still considering Surfshark itself? Read our Surfshark review →
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Surfshark alternative?
Proton VPN is our top-rated Surfshark alternative for 2026. Secure VPN with a genuinely free tier. Free – $9.99/mo.
Is there a free Surfshark alternative?
Yes — Proton VPN, Windscribe, Tailscale all offer a free tier you can start on without a credit card.
Why switch from Surfshark?
Common reasons are price, a simpler feature set, better fit for a specific use case, or platform support. Each tool above notes where it has an edge over Surfshark.