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Government · head to head

DataSF vs Surfshark

DataSF logo

DataSF

Government

San Francisco Open Data Portal

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
Full reviewWebsite
Surfshark logo

Surfshark

Cybersecurity

Secure your digital life

From
$1.78/month
Free plan
No
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only DataSF has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • They diverge on capability: DataSF covers Open Datasets, Surfshark covers Unlimited devices.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which DataSF and Surfshark actually diverge.

Attributes where DataSF and Surfshark differ
AttributeDataSFSurfshark
Starting priceFree$1.78/month
Pricing modelfreeUnknown
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWebWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux
CategoryGovernmentCybersecurity
Founded20092018

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in DataSF

  • Open Datasets
  • Data API
  • Visualizations
  • Data Catalog
  • Automated Updates
  • Socrata
  • ArcGIS
  • Analysis Tools

Only in Surfshark

  • Unlimited devices
  • CleanWeb ad blocker
  • MultiHop
  • Camouflage Mode
  • NoBorders mode
  • Kill Switch
  • Bypasser split tunneling
  • Rotating IP

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

DataSF

  • Citizen Servicesnot Surfshark
  • Records Managementnot Surfshark
  • Public Safetynot Surfshark
  • Civic Engagementnot Surfshark

Surfshark

  • Vpnnot DataSF
  • Privacynot DataSF
  • Security Suitenot DataSF

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

DataSF

Nothing recorded yet. See the DataSF review.

Surfshark

  • Smaller server network (4,500+ servers) compared to larger competitors like NordVPN
  • Lower brand recognition compared to established VPN providers
  • Limited customer service availability in some time zones

Pricing, plan by plan

DataSF

Free
  • Public AccessFree
    • Dataset Access
    • API Access
    • Visualizations

Surfshark

$1.78/month
  • Starter$1.78/month
    • Unlimited simultaneous connections
    • 4,500+ servers
    • Basic VPN
  • One$3.59/month
    • VPN
    • Antivirus
    • Personal data leak alert
  • One+$4/month
    • All One features
    • Incogi included

Which should you pick?

Choose DataSF if

  • You need open datasets.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want data api.
DataSF review

Choose Surfshark if

  • You need unlimited devices.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux.
  • You also want cleanweb ad blocker.
Surfshark review

Questions people ask

Is DataSF or Surfshark better?
Neither clearly leads. DataSF starts at Free and Surfshark at $1.78/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, DataSF or Surfshark?
DataSF has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for DataSF and $1.78/month for Surfshark.
Does DataSF or Surfshark run on more platforms?
DataSF runs on Web. Surfshark runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux.
Can I use DataSF for free?
Yes. DataSF has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Surfshark starts at $1.78/month.
What is DataSF best used for?
DataSF is most often used for citizen services, records management, public safety, civic engagement. Of those, citizen services and records management are not what Surfshark is typically brought in for.
What can DataSF do that Surfshark cannot?
DataSF covers Open Datasets, Data API, Visualizations, Data Catalog. Surfshark covers Unlimited devices, CleanWeb ad blocker, MultiHop, Camouflage Mode. Both handle Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Surfshark: Does Surfshark maintain a no-logs policy?

Yes. Surfshark does not log browsing history, visited IP addresses, bandwidth usage, or network traffic. This policy was independently verified by Deloitte in 2025.

Source
Surfshark: How many simultaneous device connections does Surfshark allow?

Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections on all subscription plans, enabling protection of every device in a household with a single subscription.

Source
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