Surfshark is a consumer VPN that allows unlimited simultaneous connections on one subscription and adds CleanWeb blocking, Bypasser split tunneling, MultiHop and static IP locations. People look at other services when they need port forwarding, which Surfshark says it leaves out for security reasons, when they want to try a VPN at no charge first, or when they prefer an account that is not tied to an email address. Others want a different protocol, a router option or device-to-device networking.
Common reasons to look for a Surfshark alternative
Surfshark states it does not support port forwarding, which matters for torrent clients, game servers and self-hosted services.
Surfshark has no free plan, so anyone wanting a no-charge option has to look at another provider.
CleanWeb in the full apps only filters traffic while the VPN is connected.
Bypasser decides which apps or destinations skip the tunnel, but it does not create separate browser profiles for multi-account work.
Ranked by Overall Score: our Editor Rating and Market Signal, 50/50. Market Signal uses Ahrefs and Semrush data through September 2026, pulled October 6 to 12, 2026. How we score
Why choose it: A remote worker who wants to reach a home computer, or browse through its IP address while traveling, can link devices with NordVPN's Meshnet.
Strengths
• Meshnet links up to 10 own devices and 50 external ones.
• Traffic can exit through another Meshnet device's IP address.
• Scam and phishing protection (formerly Threat Protection) blocks malicious destinations and some trackers.
Limitations
• Some protective features vary across operating systems and editions.
• Split tunneling routes apps but does not isolate browser profiles.
Why choose it: Someone who wants to write their own domain and IP block lists at the DNS level can use Windscribe's R.O.B.E.R.T., even with a small rule allowance on the free plan.
Strengths
• R.O.B.E.R.T. supports custom block lists and allowlisted domains.
• Build-a-Plan adds individual server locations one at a time.
• Pro includes a Config Generator for OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard.
Limitations
• Free plan allows three custom R.O.B.E.R.T. rules; Pro allows 1,000.
• Free access covers only selected server locations.
Why choose it: A household that wants the whole network behind a VPN can pair ExpressVPN with Fortify, a GL.iNet-built router that handles up to 86 concurrent devices.
Strengths
• Lightway protocol is open source and audited by Cure53 and Praetorian.
• Lightway applies ML-KEM post-quantum encryption by default.
• Network Lock kill switch stops traffic if the tunnel drops.
Limitations
• Aircove routers are retired from sale, with support through 2027.
• Some protection features depend on VPN state and protocol.
Why choose it: A privacy-focused user who does not want to hand over an email address can open a Mullvad account identified only by a random number and pay in cash or cryptocurrency.
Strengths
• Accounts need no username, password or email address.
• Accepts mailed cash plus Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash and Monero.
• DAITA and multihop add defenses against traffic analysis.
Limitations
• Five simultaneous connections per account.
• One flat subscription, with no feature tiers to choose from.
Why choose it: A user running a torrent client or home server that needs an inbound port can switch on Request Port Forwarding in Private Internet Access.
Strengths
• Port forwarding toggle on Windows, macOS, Linux and Android.
• WireGuard and OpenVPN with multi-hop routing.
• Open-source VPN applications.
Limitations
• Port forwarding works only on supported server locations.
• MACE blocks at the domain level, not individual page elements.
Which Surfshark alternative supports port forwarding?⌄
Private Internet Access includes a Request Port Forwarding setting in its Windows, macOS, Linux and Android apps, and the forwarded port is assigned automatically. It only works on supported server locations, so pick one of those before enabling it. Surfshark says it does not offer port forwarding because an open port can expose devices to unwanted connections.
Is there a Surfshark alternative I can use without paying?⌄
Proton VPN has a no-cost tier for one device with no data cap and no ads, though P2P, Secure Core and NetShield are reserved for paid plans. Windscribe also has a no-cost tier limited to selected locations and three custom R.O.B.E.R.T. rules. Both make sense for light use; heavier use across many devices points back to a paid subscription.
What changes when moving from Surfshark to Mullvad?⌄
The main difference is device count: Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, while Mullvad allows five per account. Mullvad accounts are a random number with no email or password, and payment can be cash or cryptocurrency. You also gain DAITA traffic-analysis defenses and multihop, but you lose Surfshark extras such as CleanWeb and static IP locations.
