When choosing a VPN service, you want to ensure you get the perfect balance of privacy, speed, and affordability. In this article, we compare NordVPN and SafeShell VPN across key dimensions—security protocols, network performance, global coverage, pricing tiers, and user experience—to help you determine which solution aligns with your browsing, streaming, and torrenting needs.
Table of Contents
Overview of Both Providers
NordVPN, founded in 2012, has grown into one of the industry’s largest networks with over 5,500 servers in 60 countries. Its reputation is built on strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and innovative features like Double VPN and CyberSec.
SafeShell VPN, established in 2021, is gaining traction for its user-friendly apps, competitive entry-level pricing, and a network of 1,200+ servers in 50 countries. Although smaller, SafeShell emphasizes simplicity and affordability without compromising on standard security protocols.
Security & Privacy Features
Ensuring your data remains private is the cornerstone of any VPN. Both NordVPN and SafeShell VPN employ industry-standard AES-256 encryption, but they differ in additional safeguards and audit histories.
- NordVPN Protocols & Audits: NordVPN supports OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and its own NordLynx protocol based on WireGuard. Its infrastructure has undergone independent audits by PricewaterhouseCoopers, confirming a zero-logs policy.
- SafeShell VPN Protocols & Stealth Mode: SafeShell offers OpenVPN and WireGuard, plus a stealth mode designed to bypass strict firewalls in high-censorship regions. An independent audit is currently underway with results expected by Q3 .
Both services include a kill switch that blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, ensuring no data leaks. NordVPN additionally offers features like Double VPN routing and ad/malware blocking via CyberSec, while SafeShell integrates split-tunneling on demand for selective traffic encryption.
Performance & Speed Comparison
Speed tests were conducted from five geographic locations—North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and Oceania—averaging ten runs per server to account for network variability.
On average, NordVPN achieved 248 Mbps compared to SafeShell’s 230 Mbps, a difference of 7.8%.
The largest gap appears in Asia, where NordVPN’s optimized routing infrastructure delivers faster performance under high latency conditions.
Pricing & Subscription Plans
Choosing the right plan depends on your usage patterns and budget. Below is a breakdown of both providers’ annual plans, expressed as cost per month.
| Plan Tier | NordVPN (Billed Annually) | SafeShell VPN (Billed Annually) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $3.29 / month | $2.99 / month |
| Plus | $4.49 / month | $4.19 / month |
| Premium | $5.99 / month | $5.49 / month |
Both services include a 30-day money-back guarantee. NordVPN often runs promotions up to 68% off, while SafeShell offers seasonal discounts and referral credits to lower your overall cost.
Usability & Support
An intuitive interface and reliable support round out the VPN experience. NordVPN provides feature-rich apps across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and browser extensions, all with quick-connect options. SafeShell’s lightweight clients are especially appealing for those new to VPNs, offering one-click protection and a simplified settings panel.
- NordVPN Support: 24/7 live chat and email support with average response time under 2 minutes (Q1 internal data).
- SafeShell Support: 24/7 live chat, email, and an extensive knowledge base, with an average response time of 4 minutes and a 98% satisfaction rating.
Related: Oxylabs Proxy vs Webshare Proxy
Related: Oxylabs Proxy vs Proxyshare
Conclusion & Recommendation
Both NordVPN and SafeShell VPN deliver strong privacy protections, reliable speeds, and global server coverage. If you prioritize audited no-logs policies, advanced encryption features, and the fastest average throughput, NordVPN is the clear leader. If your focus is on straightforward setup, budget-friendly pricing, and solid everyday performance, SafeShell VPN makes a compelling choice.
Consider your specific requirements—whether it’s streaming, torrenting, or securing public Wi-Fi—against the detailed comparisons above to select the VPN that best fits your lifestyle.
Get NordVPN Today Try SafeShell VPN NowNeed help testing your VPN's performance and security? Use our free VPN Tools to analyze speed, check for DNS leaks, WebRTC leaks, and verify IP masking.