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Cybersecurity · head to head

Surfshark vs Wireshark

Surfshark logo

Surfshark

Cybersecurity

Secure your digital life

From
$1.78/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Wireshark logo

Wireshark

Cybersecurity

The world's foremost network protocol analyzer

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Wireshark has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Surfshark smaller server network (4,500+ servers) compared to larger competitors like NordVPN; Wireshark free and open source under the GNU GPL; downloadable without paying any license fee, no commercial tier
  • They diverge on capability: Surfshark covers Unlimited devices, Wireshark covers Deep packet inspection.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Surfshark and Wireshark actually diverge.

Attributes where Surfshark and Wireshark differ
AttributeSurfsharkWireshark
Starting price$1.78/monthFree
Pricing modelUnknownfree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, macOS, iOS, Android, LinuxDesktop, Cli
Founded20181998

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

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 Surfshark

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

Only in Wireshark

  • Deep packet inspection
  • Live capture
  • Offline analysis
  • 3000+ protocol support
  • Rich display filters
  • VoIP analysis
  • Decryption support
  • Scripting with Lua

Both cover

  • Desktop support

What people use each for

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

Surfshark

  • Vpnnot Wireshark
  • Privacynot Wireshark
  • Security Suitenot Wireshark

Wireshark

  • Network Securitynot Surfshark
  • Packet Analysisnot Surfshark
  • Open Sourcenot Surfshark

Where each one falls short

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

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

Wireshark

  • Free and open source under the GNU GPL; downloadable without paying any license fee, no commercial tier

Pricing, plan by plan

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

Wireshark

Free
  • Free & Open SourceFree
    • Full functionality
    • Deep inspection
    • Live capture

Which should you pick?

Choose Surfshark if

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

Choose Wireshark if

  • You need deep packet inspection.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Desktop, Cli.
  • You also want live capture.
Wireshark review

Questions people ask

Is Surfshark or Wireshark better?
Neither clearly leads. Surfshark starts at $1.78/month and Wireshark at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Surfshark or Wireshark?
Wireshark has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $1.78/month for Surfshark and Free for Wireshark.
Does Surfshark or Wireshark run on more platforms?
Surfshark runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux. Wireshark runs on Desktop, Cli.
Can I use Wireshark for free?
Yes. Wireshark has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Surfshark starts at $1.78/month.
What is Surfshark best used for?
Surfshark is most often used for vpn, privacy, security suite. Of those, vpn and privacy are not what Wireshark is typically brought in for.
What can Surfshark do that Wireshark cannot?
Surfshark covers Unlimited devices, CleanWeb ad blocker, MultiHop, Camouflage Mode. Wireshark covers Deep packet inspection, Live capture, Offline analysis, 3000+ protocol support. Both handle Desktop 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
Wireshark: Is there a cost to download and use Wireshark?

No, Wireshark is completely free. It's distributed under the GNU General Public License version 2, making it "free software" with no demo limitations. The full version is available at no cost.

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
Wireshark: What support options are available for Wireshark users?

Wireshark offers multiple support channels including mailing lists, an active Discord community, the Ask Wireshark Q&A platform, comprehensive documentation, a user guide, and developer resources for those needing technical assistance.

Source
Wireshark: Are there different pricing tiers or subscription levels?

Wireshark does not offer pricing tiers or subscriptions. There is one free version available to all users regardless of use case, personal, professional, or organizational.

Source
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