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TotalAV VPN vs Surfshark: 164 Highlights & 99 Differences — So, Which VPN Actually Works Better
Stream smoothly with top VPNs that support Netflix, Hulu, and more. Find out which excels in streaming reliability. We compared TotalAV VPN and Surfshark for people who care about intended use, target user, account sharing policy & deployment type and time-saving tools. Here’s what to know before committing.
Comparing TotalAV VPN and Surfshark: A Comprehensive Look at Two Popular VPNs
When it comes to securing your online presence, both TotalAV VPN and Surfshark cater well to individuals and families alike. Each offers cloud-based deployment, supports privacy, security, streaming, and P2P activities, and maintains no-logs policies ensuring anonymity. However, beneath these surface similarities lie clear differences in features, security protocols, device compatibility, and overall trustworthiness.
TotalAV provides straightforward VPN basics with a free trial. At the same time, Surfshark excels with advanced encryption, wider platform support, including gaming and IoT devices, and industry-leading transparency through periodic third-party audits. Let's explore how these two stack up across core attributes.
The Distinctive Strengths of TotalAV VPN
TotalAV VPN appeals primarily to users seeking simplicity combined with standard VPN functionalities. With restricted account sharing, it ensures a controlled usage environment, which might appeal to solo users or small family setups. It employs IKEv2 key exchange, a reliable encryption protocol, paired with a robust kill switch to maintain security if the connection drops.
Device-wise, it supports all mainstream operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, with browser extensions, but it does not extend compatibility to Linux, smart TVs, or routers. Its pricing model features a free trial, making it accessible for newcomers wanting to test without commitment ($0 at Apps.apple.com).
Surfshark's Advanced Features and Security Edge
Surfshark stands out with a suite of richer, more sophisticated features catering to tech-savvy users and those requiring comprehensive online protection. It enforces a flexible account sharing policy ideal for families or groups and leverages cutting-edge encryption methods, including ECDHE and RSA key exchanges. The inclusion of a stealth mode allows users to evade VPN detection, a feature missing from TotalAV.
Surfshark goes further with periodic third-party audits and transparent security protocols, which enhance trust and reliability. Its use of RAM-only servers means no data is physically stored, reducing the risk of data leaks.
Its platform compatibility is broad, covering Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, smart TVs, and IoT devices, complemented by command-line interface (CLI) support and browser extensions. For power users, it offers automation scripts, custom DNS, per-app firewall rules, mesh networking, and API access; a powerhouse of customization rare in VPNs.
The pricing is competitive and flexible with various payment options, including cryptocurrency and gift cards, available at $1.7 at Surfshark.com, alongside a 7-day trial on certain platforms.
Quick Take
TotalAV VPN shines with easy-to-use basics, free trials, and solid streaming capabilities for mainstream platforms, making it suitable for casual VPN users. Surfshark excels in security, extensive device support, gaming and streaming versatility, and advanced features for those who expect the most from their VPN experience.
Bottom Line Recommendation
For users prioritizing advanced security measures, extensive platform diversity, and superior streaming and gaming support, Surfshark is the clear winner, combining cutting-edge encryption with transparent third-party audits and exceptional feature depth. Meanwhile, TotalAV VPN is better suited for VPN novices or those who prefer straightforward, essential VPN functionality with an accessible free trial, though it trails behind in innovation and reputation.
Verdict
Winner: Surfshark - for its broad device compatibility, superior security with periodic audits, and advanced features like stealth mode and gaming-optimized servers.
Runner-up: TotalAV VPN - for offering basic VPN services with a free trial and decent streaming support, but limited transparency and functionality.
Side by side. The numbers. The features. No drama.
We compared TotalAV VPN and Surfshark across usability, functionality, price, and what power users say. Your perfect vpn might be hiding in plain sight.
Intended Use for TotalAV VPN includes Privacy, Security, Streaming, and P2P. Surfshark adds Gaming to this list, making Surfshark more suitable for gamers.
Describes the main use cases supported.
In the battle of Intended Use, TotalAV VPN ◉ is worse than Surfshark ◉ , delivering lower 1 score measurement.
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Target User for TotalAV VPN includes Individual and Family, and Surfshark also targets Individual and Family users. Both services suit personal and household VPN needs equally well.
Identifies the primary audience.
In the battle of Target User, TotalAV VPN ◉ is worse than Surfshark ◉ , delivering lower 1 score measurement.
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Regulatory Compliance Statement for TotalAV VPN is GDPR only, whereas Surfshark complies with GDPR, CCPA, and UK GDPR. Surfshark offers broader regulatory adherence, better for privacy-conscious users.
Stated compliance with data protection regulations.
In the battle of Regulatory Compliance Statement, TotalAV VPN ◉ is better than Surfshark ◉ , delivering higher 4 score measurement.
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VPN Service Type
What type of VPN service is offered?
26 TotalAV VPN 0Votes Consumer VPN
27 Surfshark 0Votes Consumer VPN
TotalAV VPN
This VPN service is intended for consumer use, focusing on individual privacy and security needs.
Surfshark
The VPN service type is consumer-focused, designed primarily for individual and household use.
Indicates the primary service classification.
In the battle of VPN Service Type, TotalAV VPN ◉ is worse than Surfshark ◉ , delivering lower 1 score measurement.
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Service Model
What service model does the VPN use?
66 TotalAV VPN 0Votes Subscription-Based
67 Surfshark 0Votes Subscription-Based
TotalAV VPN
The service operates on a subscription-based model, requiring periodic payment for continued use.
Surfshark
The service operates on a subscription-based model, which means users pay periodically to maintain access and updates.
Business and access model used to provide the VPN service.
In the battle of Service Model, TotalAV VPN ◉ is worse than Surfshark ◉ , delivering lower 1 score measurement.
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Third-Party Audit Availability is No for TotalAV VPN but Yes for Surfshark, which indicates Surfshark has more transparent security verification.
Availability of external audit reports.
In the battle of Third-Party Audit Availability, TotalAV VPN ◉ is worse than Surfshark ◉ .
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Encryption Strength
What encryption strength is used?
86 TotalAV VPN 0Votes AES-256
87 Surfshark 0Votes AES-256
TotalAV VPN
The encryption strength uses AES-256, a highly secure standard widely trusted for VPN data protection.
Surfshark
Encryption strength uses AES-256, a robust encryption cipher standard for secure VPN connections.
Level and type of encryption used to secure data.
In the battle of Encryption Strength, TotalAV VPN ◉ is worse than Surfshark ◉ , delivering lower 1 score measurement.
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VPN Protocols Supported
Which VPN protocols are supported?
74 TotalAV VPN 0Votes OpenVPN, IKEv2
79 Surfshark 0Votes OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2
TotalAV VPN
VPN protocol support includes OpenVPN and IKEv2, both popular and secure choices with good performance and compatibility.
Surfshark
Supported VPN protocols include OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2, covering a range of compatibility, security, and performance options.
Lists all supported VPN protocols.
In the battle of VPN Protocols Supported, TotalAV VPN ◉ is worse than Surfshark ◉ , delivering lower 5 score measurement.
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Encryption Standard
What encryption standard is used?
66 TotalAV VPN 0Votes AES
72 Surfshark 0Votes AES, ChaCha20
TotalAV VPN
The encryption standard is AES-256, reflecting strong and reliable data encryption.
Specifies the primary encryption algorithms used.
In the battle of Encryption Standard, TotalAV VPN ◉ is worse than Surfshark ◉ , delivering lower 6 score measurement.
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Default Protocol
What protocol is used by default?
76 TotalAV VPN 0Votes OpenVPN
97 Surfshark 0Votes WireGuard
Surfshark
The default VPN protocol is WireGuard, favored for its speed and modern encryption.
Protocol used by default.
In the battle of Default Protocol, TotalAV VPN ◉ is worse than Surfshark ◉ , delivering lower 21 score measurement.
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Firewall Integration
Does it integrate with a firewall?
No 0Votes TotalAV VPN
Yes 0Votes Surfshark
Surfshark
Firewall integration enables the VPN to work seamlessly with existing firewall setups for enhanced protection.
Integrates firewall rules for traffic control.
In the battle of Firewall Integration, TotalAV VPN ◉ is worse than Surfshark ◉ .
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Obfuscation Technology
Is traffic obfuscation supported?
No 0Votes TotalAV VPN
Yes 0Votes Surfshark
Surfshark
Obfuscation technology conceals VPN traffic to evade censorship and VPN blocks.
Masks VPN traffic to bypass censorship.
In the battle of Obfuscation Technology, TotalAV VPN ◉ is worse than Surfshark ◉ .
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Multi-Hop VPN
Is multi-hop VPN supported?
No 0Votes TotalAV VPN
Yes 0Votes Surfshark
Surfshark
Multi-hop VPN chains user traffic through multiple servers for enhanced privacy and anonymity.
Routes traffic through multiple servers.
In the battle of Multi-Hop VPN, TotalAV VPN ◉ is worse than Surfshark ◉ .
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Audit Frequency
How often are audits done?
36 TotalAV VPN 0Votes One-Time
77 Surfshark 0Votes Periodic
vs Audit Frequency
Audit Frequency is One-Time for TotalAV VPN and Periodic for Surfshark, with Surfshark providing ongoing verified security checks.
How often audits are performed.
In the battle of Audit Frequency, TotalAV VPN ◉ is worse than Surfshark ◉ , delivering lower 41 score measurement.
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Authentication Method
How are VPN connections authenticated?
96 TotalAV VPN 0Votes Certificates
72 Surfshark 0Votes Certificates, Pre-Shared Key
Method used to authenticate connections.
In the battle of Authentication Method, TotalAV VPN ◉ is better than Surfshark ◉ , delivering higher 24 score measurement.
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Perfect Forward Secrecy
Is perfect forward secrecy supported?
Yes 0Votes TotalAV VPN
Yes 0Votes Surfshark
Ensures past sessions remain secure if keys are compromised.
In the battle of Perfect Forward Secrecy, TotalAV VPN ◉ is worse than Surfshark ◉ , delivering lower 1 score measurement.
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DNS Leak Protection
Is DNS leak protection included?
Yes 0Votes TotalAV VPN
Yes 0Votes Surfshark
Prevents DNS requests from leaking outside the tunnel.
In the battle of DNS Leak Protection, TotalAV VPN ◉ is worse than Surfshark ◉ , delivering lower 1 score measurement.
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IPv6 Leak Protection
Is IPv6 leak protection supported?
Yes 0Votes TotalAV VPN
Yes 0Votes Surfshark
Prevents IPv6 traffic leaks.
In the battle of IPv6 Leak Protection, TotalAV VPN ◉ is worse than Surfshark ◉ , delivering lower 1 score measurement.
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WebRTC Leak Protection
Is WebRTC leak protection available?
Yes 0Votes TotalAV VPN
Yes 0Votes Surfshark
Prevents IP leaks via WebRTC.
In the battle of WebRTC Leak Protection, TotalAV VPN ◉ is worse than Surfshark ◉ , delivering lower 1 score measurement.
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Stealth Mode
Is stealth mode available?
No 0Votes TotalAV VPN
Yes 0Votes Surfshark
vs Stealth Mode
Stealth Mode is not available on TotalAV VPN but supported by Surfshark, benefiting users wanting extra obfuscation from network monitors.
Hides VPN usage from detection systems.
In the battle of Stealth Mode, TotalAV VPN ◉ is worse than Surfshark ◉ .
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Double VPN
Is double VPN available?
No 0Votes TotalAV VPN
Yes 0Votes Surfshark
Encrypts traffic twice via two servers.
In the battle of Double VPN, TotalAV VPN ◉ is worse than Surfshark ◉ .
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Onion over VPN
Is Onion over VPN supported?
No 0Votes TotalAV VPN
Yes 0Votes Surfshark
Allows Tor network over VPN.
In the battle of Onion over VPN, TotalAV VPN ◉ is worse than Surfshark ◉ .
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Dedicated IP Option
Is a dedicated IP offered?
No 0Votes TotalAV VPN
Yes 0Votes Surfshark
Provides exclusive IP addresses.
In the battle of Dedicated IP Option, TotalAV VPN ◉ is worse than Surfshark ◉ .
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Shared IP Pool
Does it use shared IP pools?
Yes 0Votes TotalAV VPN
Yes 0Votes Surfshark
Uses shared IPs for anonymity.
In the battle of Shared IP Pool, TotalAV VPN ◉ is worse than Surfshark ◉ , delivering lower 1 score measurement.
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Encryption Customization
Can encryption be customized?
No 0Votes TotalAV VPN
Yes 0Votes Surfshark
Allows users to adjust encryption settings.
In the battle of Encryption Customization, TotalAV VPN ◉ is worse than Surfshark ◉ .
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Post-Quantum Readiness
Is it post-quantum ready?
No 0Votes TotalAV VPN
No 0Votes Surfshark
Indicates preparedness for quantum threats.
In the battle of Post-Quantum Readiness, TotalAV VPN ◉ is same as Surfshark ◉ .
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Security Audits Conducted
Have security audits been conducted?
No 0Votes TotalAV VPN
Yes 0Votes Surfshark
Indicates if audits have been performed.
In the battle of Security Audits Conducted, TotalAV VPN ◉ is worse than Surfshark ◉ .
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Who knows? 0Votes TotalAV VPN (Help us out by suggesting one!)
15 ms 0Votes
vs Latency Impact
Latency Impact is unavailable for TotalAV VPN, while Surfshark reports 15 ms latency impact, which is quite low and suitable for fast streaming or gaming.
Additional latency introduced by the VPN.
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OS Version Compatibility for TotalAV VPN includes Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, while Surfshark adds Linux and Router compatibility, offering broader device support.
Operating systems and platforms supported.
In the battle of OS Version Compatibility, TotalAV VPN ◉ is better than Surfshark ◉ , delivering higher 9 score measurement.
Based on community votes for OS Version Compatibility, TotalAV VPN ◉ earned 0 votes, less than Surfshark ◉, which got 1 votes.
91 TotalAV VPN 0Votes Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video
84 Surfshark 0Votes Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video
TotalAV VPN
Support for major streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video is included for access to popular content worldwide.
Surfshark
Streaming platforms supported include Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video, ensuring broad access to popular services securely through the VPN.
Streaming platforms that the VPN can reliably unblock and support.
In the battle of Streaming Platform Support, TotalAV VPN ◉ is better than Surfshark ◉ , delivering higher 7 score measurement.
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Supermod 
Moderator 
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