Surfshark vs iTop VPN (2026): Which VPN Is Better Value?

Surfshark vs iTop VPN is a common question because both are sold as low-cost VPNs and both often appear in Black Friday and Cyber Monday deal lists. They are not in the same league, though. Surfshark is a mainstream, independently audited VPN with a large network and modern protocols. iTop VPN is a budget app from a Hong Kong software company, best known for its free plan. This comparison explains where each one fits, what you give up with iTop, and when paying for Surfshark is worth it.

Is Surfshark better than iTop VPN?

Yes. For privacy, speed and streaming, Surfshark is the stronger VPN. Its no-logs policy was checked by Deloitte in a June 2025 audit, it runs RAM-only servers in about 100 countries, and it uses WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2. iTop VPN has never had an independent audit, does not clearly say which protocols it uses, and third-party testers have measured slower speeds.

Engadget's Surfshark review measured download speeds dropping only about 5% with the VPN on, and Surfshark unblocked Netflix in 14 of 15 tests across five countries. Security.org's iTop test found free servers cut download speed by about 80%, and premium speeds stayed below 100 Mbps.

How we chose and compared

We research and compare VPNs using the providers' own feature and pricing pages and independent reviews (Engadget, Security.org and Tom's Guide for this piece). We weigh five things: whether the no-logs claim has been independently audited, which encryption protocols are used and disclosed, network size, how many devices one plan covers, and the real long-term price including renewal. We do not rank on affiliate commission.

Is iTop VPN safe to use?

iTop VPN is fine for light, low-risk use, but it is not the VPN to choose for sensitive activity. It markets a no-logs policy and includes a kill switch, but the claim has never been independently audited. Security.org notes that iTop's privacy policy allows sharing data with third-party service providers and that the company will comply with legal requests. Tom's Guide found iTop does not disclose the protocol it uses, which makes its encryption hard to verify.

iTop is based in Hong Kong. That is outside the Five, Nine and 14 Eyes alliances, but Hong Kong's 2020 national security law has raised its own concerns for privacy tools. Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is a Nine Eyes country but under GDPR, and its audited RAM-only servers mean there is little stored data to hand over.

Which VPN has the better free plan?

iTop VPN, because Surfshark does not have a free plan at all. iTop's free tier gives 700 MB of data a day (roughly 21 GB a month) on a limited set of locations, with ads in the app. That is enough for checking email or browsing on café Wi-Fi, not for streaming. Surfshark instead offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the full service and request a refund through live chat if it does not suit you.

How do Surfshark and iTop VPN compare on price?

Both are cheap on long plans and expensive month to month. Surfshark's Starter plan is usually about $2 to $2.50 a month on a two-year term, and iTop's long plans work out at roughly $1.70 to $2.60 a month depending on length. The difference is what you get for that money: Surfshark covers unlimited devices and adds CleanWeb ad blocking, Bypasser split tunnelling, Dynamic MultiHop and Camouflage Mode. iTop covers up to five devices.

Watch renewals. Surfshark's first term is a discounted introductory price, and the plan renews at a higher rate. Set a reminder a few weeks before renewal, and compare current offers on our Surfshark coupons page and our iTop VPN coupons page before you pay.

Which is better for streaming and speed?

Surfshark. WireGuard keeps speed loss low enough for 4K streaming on a fast connection, and its streaming results in independent tests are consistent. iTop's optimised streaming servers are mainly in the US and UK, and results vary: Tom's Guide found BBC iPlayer and Disney+ worked while Netflix and Prime Video did not. If streaming abroad is the main reason you want a VPN, Surfshark is the safer bet.

How many devices can you connect?

Surfshark has no limit on simultaneous connections, so one plan can cover every phone, laptop, tablet and smart TV in a household. iTop VPN premium covers up to five devices. For a single person, five is plenty; for a family, Surfshark's unlimited policy removes the need for a second account.

Surfshark vs iTop VPN at a glance

• Audit: Surfshark yes (Deloitte); iTop no.
• Protocols: Surfshark WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2; iTop not clearly disclosed.
• Free plan: Surfshark no; iTop yes, 700 MB a day.
• Devices: Surfshark unlimited; iTop up to 5.
• Money-back: both 30 days.

Is there a better option than both?

If neither suits you, see our full ranking of the best VPN services, which also covers PrivateVPN and others, or read our in-depth Surfshark VPN review. Long-term VPN plans are usually cheapest around Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so if you are close to that window it can pay to wait a few weeks.

Which should you buy?

Most people should pay for Surfshark. A VPN only adds privacy if you can trust the company running it, and Surfshark's audit, RAM-only servers and disclosed protocols give you that. Keep iTop VPN's free plan as a backup for occasional public Wi-Fi use, and avoid it for banking, work or anything you would not want logged.