LimeVPN vs Surfshark
Budget VPN Battle 2026
Both position themselves as affordable VPN alternatives. LimeVPN is cheaper. Surfshark offers unlimited devices and built-in ad blocking. We break down every difference.
Feature Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | LimeVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $5.99/mo Core (no contract) | $1.99/mo (2-yr + 3mo) |
| Annual price | $49/yr Core · $84/yr Plus | ~$54/yr (2yr Starter) |
| Server count | 30+ locations | 3,200+ servers, 100 countries |
| Simultaneous devices | 5 | Unlimited |
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| No-logs audit | Planned 2026 | ✅ Cure53 + Deloitte audited |
| Kill switch | ✅ | ✅ |
| DNS leak protection | ✅ | ✅ |
| Dedicated IP | ✅ Available | ✅ Add-on (extra) |
| Split tunneling | ✅ | ✅ (Bypasser) |
| Ad/malware blocker | — | ✅ CleanWeb |
| Double VPN | — | ✅ MultiHop |
| P2P / torrenting | ✅ | ✅ |
| Streaming (Netflix US) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Crypto payments | ✅ | ✅ |
| Company ownership | Independent | Nord Security (also owns NordVPN) |
| Jurisdiction | Privacy-friendly | Netherlands (EU) |
| Money-back guarantee | 7 days | 7 days |
🏢 Ownership: Who's Behind These VPNs?
LimeVPN
Independently owned and operated. LimeVPN's revenue comes from subscriptions alone. No parent conglomerate, no corporate cross-ownership with competing VPNs.
Surfshark → Nord Security
Nord Security acquired Surfshark in 2022. The same company now controls NordVPN, Surfshark, and Atlas VPN. While both operate independently with separate teams, they share the same ultimate ownership. Some users prefer that their VPN provider isn't part of a corporate VPN empire.
💰 Pricing Comparison
Pros & Cons
LimeVPN
Pros
Cons
Surfshark
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
Choose LimeVPN if you:
- • Want simple monthly pricing — Core $5.99/mo, Plus $9.99/mo
- • Prefer independent VPN ownership
- • Need dedicated IP included in plan (Plus)
- • Want a non-EU, non-5-Eyes jurisdiction
- • Have 5 or fewer devices to protect
Choose Surfshark if you:
- • Need unlimited simultaneous connections
- • Want a built-in ad/tracker blocker
- • Want an audited no-logs policy
- • Have a large household with many devices
- • Need double VPN (MultiHop) routing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surfshark really unlimited devices?
Yes, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription. LimeVPN allows 5 simultaneous connections. If you have many devices or want to share with family members, Surfshark's unlimited policy is a genuine advantage.
Does Nord Security owning Surfshark matter?
Nord Security acquired Surfshark in 2022. Both companies continue to operate independently, but they share the same ultimate parent company — meaning the same corporate entity controls two of the top 5 VPN providers globally. Some users prefer independent providers for diversity of ownership. LimeVPN operates entirely independently.
Is Surfshark based in the EU a privacy concern?
The Netherlands (Surfshark's HQ location) is an EU member state, which means it's subject to EU privacy laws including GDPR. However, it's also subject to EU law enforcement cooperation. For most privacy needs, Surfshark's no-logs policy (audited by Cure53 and Deloitte) provides sufficient protection. LimeVPN is based in a jurisdiction outside major intelligence alliances.
Which VPN has better streaming: LimeVPN or Surfshark?
Both reliably unblock Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and other major platforms. LimeVPN Plus includes a dedicated IP address which provides more reliable streaming access — dedicated IPs are harder for streaming services to block compared to shared IP pools. Surfshark uses SmartDNS for streaming optimization.
What is Surfshark's CleanWeb feature?
CleanWeb is Surfshark's built-in ad blocker, malware blocker, and tracker blocker. It works at the DNS level, similar to NordVPN's Threat Protection. LimeVPN does not include a built-in ad blocker — it focuses on core VPN functionality. If you need DNS-level ad blocking, Surfshark (or a browser-level solution like uBlock Origin) provides this.
Try LimeVPN — Simple Plan Structure, Monthly Available
LimeVPN Core from $5.99/month (no contract), Plus with dedicated IP from $9.99/month. Independent ownership, no browsing logs, 14-day money-back guarantee.
Get LimeVPN — From $5.99/moAES-256 Encryption · No-Logs Policy · 30+ Locations · Kill Switch