What to do if there is no communication for more than a day?

Use a backup channel—satellite messenger, radio, or prearranged meeting point. If that’s not possible, follow the plan: move to the designated contact point without changing the route unnecessarily. Share your location at the first opportunity.

Which messenger is best to use?

Signal or Session—both support end-to-end encryption, do not store metadata, can work without a phone number, support anonymous registration, and are open-source. This reduces tracking risks and increases confidentiality.

Is satellite communication worth using?

Yes, if you are in an area without mobile coverage or there is a high risk of losing it. Devices like Garmin InReach or Zoleo allow you to send coordinates, short messages, SOS signals, receive weather forecasts, and maintain contact in remote areas.

How to preserve device battery life?

Use power banks, solar chargers, turn off unnecessary functions (Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, GPS when not needed), lower screen brightness, enable power-saving mode, avoid overheating, and store devices in insulated cases.

How to store contacts securely?

Encrypt your contact list in a secure app (e.g., Bitwarden, KeePassXC) or keep it on paper in a coded format understandable only to you and your loved ones. Avoid storing contacts openly on SIM cards, in unprotected cloud storage, or in unencrypted notes.

What to do if a device falls into someone else’s hands?

Immediately inform your loved ones via a backup channel, change all important passwords, activate the remote data wipe function (if it has been set up), assess what information may have been compromised, block access to accounts, report the incident to the relevant authorities, and take additional security measures.

NordVPN vs Surfshark: Best VPN for Grayman, Prepper, and Bugout Privacy

Article updated 08 October 2025

NordVPN vs Surfshark / Surfshark vs NordVPN

In a world where privacy becomes a true survival factor, VPN turns into an indispensable tool for those preparing for an uncertain future. For grayman - people who strive to blend into the crowd and avoid any digital footprint - VPN is a shield of anonymity that hides the IP address and encrypts traffic, making online activity invisible to surveillance, marketing algorithms, or government structures. For prepper - someone who stocks resources and knowledge for crises - it is a secure channel for accessing critical resources: from survival advice forums to threat updates, without the risk of censorship or hacker attacks on unprotected networks. And in bugout scenarios - when evacuation forces leaving the familiar environment with minimal gear - VPN ensures a stable connection without data leaks, allowing coordination with family or allies through public Wi-Fi, without revealing location and not becoming a target for cyber threats. All this in conditions where 31% of cyberattacks start with phishing, and unprotected networks become gateways for malicious actors.

NordVPN is a leading VPN provider, with a network of over 8200 servers in more than 165 locations worldwide. It offers post-quantum encryption, protection from phishing and malicious software through the AI-powered Threat Protection Pro tool, as well as Dark Web monitoring for instant notifications about data leaks. Supports up to 10 devices simultaneously, with an emphasis on speed and security, making it ideal for users who value global access and identity protection (including insurance up to $1 million against data theft).

Surfshark, in turn, stands out with unlimited number of connected devices and a network of over 3200 RAM-servers in more than 100 countries, with a focus on intuitiveness and advanced technologies, such as Dynamic MultiHop for double encryption and IP rotation every 10 minutes. The service does not keep activity logs, integrates antivirus for real-time protection from malware, as well as tools like Incogni for removing personal data from brokers. This is a budget-friendly but powerful option for those seeking comprehensive cybersecurity without compromises in privacy.

The purpose of this article is to help choose a VPN that won't let you down in a crisis: we will compare NordVPN and Surfshark on key parameters, such as speed, security, compatibility with prepper tools, and resilience in bugout conditions, so you can choose the one that perfectly fits your survival scenario.

Disclosure: Before we dive into the details, please note: some links in this article are affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission - at no extra cost to you.

Overview of Services

NordVPN: History and Mission

NordVPN was founded in 2012 in Panama, which immediately provided the company with a focus on a jurisdiction with strong privacy protection. From the moment of launch, the service has evolved from a simple VPN provider to a global leader in cybersecurity: key milestones include the first independent audit of the "no-logs" policy (without data logging), the launch of the VPN Trust Initiative (VTI) for education on cybersecurity and setting industry standards, as well as the introduction of a bug bounty program for continuous security improvement. NordVPN's mission is to realize Tim Berners-Lee's 1989 vision of an open internet without censorship, surveillance, and threats, with key principles: absolute privacy (strict no-logs policy, confirmed by audits), transparency (regular security reports), and support for digital rights (providing emergency access to activists and journalists). The company, part of the Nord Security group, strives to build trust through education and innovation, making the internet safe for everyone.

Key Features for Grayman, Prepper and Bugout Scenarios

For people preparing for crises and needing reliable access to resources in unstable conditions, NordVPN offers several critical functions that combine security with practicality:

· Kill Switch and post-quantum encryption: An automatic "switch" blocks all internet traffic in case of VPN connection interruption, preventing data leaks - ideal for bugout scenarios with unstable networks (for example, public Wi-Fi during evacuation). Encryption at the level of post-quantum resilience protects against future quantum attacks, ensuring long-term security for accessing survival forums or threat updates.

· Threat Protection Pro with AI-powered Dark Web monitoring: This tool based on artificial intelligence blocks phishing, malware, and trackers in real time, and also scans the Dark Web for leaks of your data with instant notifications. For prepper's, this means protection from cyber threats during resource searches, without the risk of device infection in crisis conditions.

· Meshnet for peer-to-peer networks: Allows creating secure virtual LANs between devices (up to 60 simultaneously), even without internet - useful for coordinating with a group in offline mode, exchanging files (for example, evacuation maps) or remote access to a home server with resources, without dependence on public networks.

These features make NordVPN not just a VPN, but a comprehensive tool for survival in the digital world.

Price and Payment

NordVPN prices are flexible and depend on the plan (Basic, Plus, Complete, Prime) and term: monthly plans cost from $12.99 USD, annual - from $3.99 USD per month (with large discounts for long-term subscription, up to 77% + bonuses), with a 30-day money-back guarantee for testing in prepper scenarios. For anonymity, the service supports a wide range of payments: credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard), PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay; cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple and others for full confidentiality); vouchers and prepaid cards (for example, Paysafecard); as well as anonymous methods like UnionPay or local options in some regions. Cash is not accepted directly, but through vouchers it is possible indirectly - ideal for grayman who avoids digital traces.

Try NordVPN

Surfshark: History and Mission

Surfshark was founded in 2018 in Lithuania (with headquarters in Amsterdam, Netherlands), with a focus on an affordable VPN service that quickly evolved into a full-fledged cybersecurity ecosystem. Key milestones include the first independent audit by Cure53 in the same year, the launch of additional tools (Surfshark Alert and Search) in 2019, the transition to 100% RAM-servers and WireGuard integration in 2020, the introduction of antivirus and Incogni (a tool for removing data from brokers) in 2021, merger with Nord Security in 2022 (achieving "unicorn" status at $1.6 billion), as well as recognition by Deloitte in 2023 and inclusion in the top-50 fastest-growing companies in Europe according to Financial Times in 2024. Surfshark's mission is to give people full control over their digital lives, raise awareness about online threats, and ensure an open, inclusive internet as a global resource. Key principles: absolute privacy (strict no-logs policy, confirmed by audits), transparency (annual reports on achievements and ESG impact), innovation (development of tools like Emergency VPN for journalists and activists in censorship zones), and support for digital rights through collaboration with NGOs.

Key Features for Grayman, Prepper, and Bugout Scenarios

For prepper's preparing for crises and needing tools for anonymous access and protection in unstable conditions, Surfshark offers features that combine simplicity with powerful protection:

· Kill Switch: Automatically blocks all internet traffic in case of VPN connection interruption, preventing data leaks. For prepper's, this is critical in bugout scenarios with unreliable networks (for example, public Wi-Fi during evacuation), where any failure can reveal location or plans, ensuring "zero leak" for secure coordination.

· MultiHop (Dynamic Double VPN): Routes traffic through two servers with double encryption, allowing manual selection of entry/exit for maximum anonymity. Ideal for grayman strategies - masking online activity during resource searches or communication, making tracking almost impossible in monitoring environments.

· CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, pop-ups, and malicious sites in real time, ensuring clean and secure browsing. For prepper's, this means protection from malware or phishing during access to survival forums or threat news, reducing risks of device infection in crisis conditions with limited access.

These features turn Surfshark into a universal shield for digital survival, with unlimited connections for all devices in the group.

Price and Payment

Surfshark prices are among the most competitive: monthly plans - from $15.45 USD, annual - from $3.99 USD per month (discount up to 86%), two-year - from $2.49 USD per month (with large bonuses for longevity), with a 30-day money-back guarantee for testing in real prepper scenarios. Starter, One, and One+ plans include additions like antivirus or leak monitoring. For anonymity, the service supports cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple and others, including Monero for full confidentiality), credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard), Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal; vouchers and prepaid cards (Paysafecard, Neosurf); as well as anonymous methods like local options or UnionPay. Cash is not accepted directly, but through vouchers it is implemented indirectly - ideal for those who minimize digital footprint.

Try Surfshark VPN

Comparative Table of Key Characteristics: NordVPN vs Surfshark

Characteristic	NordVPN	Surfshark	Advantage for Audience
*Privacy (No-logs)*	No-logs, audits PwC (2018/2020), Deloitte (2023-2025), RAM-servers.	No-logs, audits Deloitte (2022/2025), Cure53, RAM-servers.	Protection from surveillance (grayman), leaks (prepper), location disclosure (bugout). NordVPN: more audits.
*Jurisdiction*	Panama, outside 5/9/14 Eyes.	Netherlands, 14 Eyes.	Panama (NordVPN) safer for grayman/prepper, Surfshark riskier in bugout.
*Protocols*	NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2, NordWhisper.	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2.	WireGuard better for speed (bugout/prepper). NordWhisper for censorship.
*Kill Switch*	Available, system/application, all platforms.	Available, including mobile.	Protects from leaks in bugout (public Wi-Fi).
*Obfuscation*	Obfuscated Servers, DPI resilience.	Camouflage/NoBorders, DPI resilience.	Both bypass censorship; NordVPN more effective in complex DPI.
*Number of Servers*	8200+ in 118+ countries.	3200+ in 100+ countries.	NordVPN more flexible for prepper/bugout (more locations).
*Speed*	~950 Mbps (NordLynx, loss 3-5%).	~900 Mbps (WireGuard, loss 5-10%).	NordVPN faster for streaming (prepper), Surfshark for mobility (bugout).
*Compatibility*	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers (DD-WRT, Tomato). Up to 10 devices.	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers (DD-WRT, pfSense). Unlimited devices.	Surfshark for group bugout, NordVPN for home networks.
*Price (month)*	$3.99–$12.99 (annual from $3.99).	$2.49–$15.45 (annual from $2.49).	Surfshark cheaper for prepper, NordVPN for premium features.
*Anonymous Payment*	Crypto (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple), Paysafecard, vouchers.	Crypto (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Monero), Paysafecard, Neosurf.	Both for grayman; Surfshark with Monero more confidential.
*Weak Connection*	Yes, NordLynx/NordWhisper for low speed.	Yes, WireGuard/NoBorders for restricted networks.	NordVPN better for bugout in remote areas.
*Tor Integration*	Onion Over VPN, built-in.	Tor via MultiHop.	NordVPN simpler for grayman/darknet.
*Energy Consumption*	Low/medium, NordLynx saves battery.	Low, WireGuard efficient.	Surfshark slightly better for bugout (smartphones).
*P2P Support*	Available, special servers.	Available, all servers.	NordVPN faster for prepper data exchange.
*Local Caches*	No, but Meshnet for offline networks.	No, MultiHop for offline settings.	NordVPN (Meshnet) better for autonomy in bugout.

Advantages and Disadvantages for the Target Audience

NordVPN: Grayman/Prepper/Bugout

Advantages:

Onion Over VPN for maximum anonymity (Grayman): NordVPN offers specialized Onion Over VPN servers that route traffic through the Tor network on top of the VPN connection. This is ideal for grayman who strive for complete invisibility on the internet, allowing secure access to darknet resources or confidential forums without revealing IP address or location, even in highly censored environments.
Meshnet for offline coordination (Prepper): The Meshnet feature allows creating secure peer-to-peer networks between up to 60 devices without depending on the internet. For prepper's, this means the ability to exchange files (for example, evacuation maps or plans) or coordinate with a group in autonomous mode, which is critical for preparing for crises in remote conditions.
NordWhisper for weak networks (Bugout): The NordWhisper protocol, optimized for unstable connections, ensures stable operation even with weak signal (for example, in rural areas or during evacuation). This allows bugout users to stay connected through public Wi-Fi, maintaining encryption and protection from data leaks.

Disadvantages:

Limit of 10 devices: NordVPN allows connecting up to 10 devices simultaneously, which can be a limitation for prepper groups or bugout scenarios where protection is needed for a large number of gadgets (for example, smartphones, tablets, laptops for the entire family or team). This is less flexible compared to competitors' unlimited connections.
Higher price for premium features: Although NordVPN annual plans start from $3.99/month, the full set of features (like Threat Protection Pro or Dark Web Monitor) is available only in more expensive plans (Complete or Prime, up to $12.99/month). For grayman or prepper's seeking budget solutions for long-term use, this can be a financial burden.

Try NordVPN

Surfshark: Grayman/Prepper/Bugout

Advantages:

Unlimited simultaneous connections for group protection (Prepper): Surfshark allows connecting an unlimited number of devices simultaneously under one subscription, which is ideal for prepper's preparing for crises in a group or with family. This ensures secure access to resources (survival forums, maps, updates) for smartphones, laptops, and tablets without compromises, allowing coordination without data leak risks in shared networks.
Dynamic MultiHop for double encryption (Grayman): The Dynamic MultiHop feature routes traffic through two servers with the ability to customize entry/exit, adding a layer of anonymity on top of standard VPN. For grayman, this is a critical tool for masking online activity - tracking becomes practically impossible, especially in environments with monitoring, allowing safe search for confidential information without a digital trace.
NoBorders Mode for bypassing restrictions in crisis (Bugout): The NoBorders mode automatically bypasses censorship and VPN blocking, ensuring stable access even in areas with DPI (deep packet inspection) or unstable networks. In bugout scenarios, this allows evacuees to coordinate through blocked Wi-Fi (for example, in conflict zones), maintaining connection with allies without revealing location.

Disadvantages:

Lower speed compared to premium alternatives: Although Surfshark reaches 900+ Mbps on WireGuard, 2025 tests show losses of 5-10% (versus 3-5% in competitors), which can slow down streaming or resource downloads in prepper scenarios with limited internet. For bugout with high demands for speed (for example, real-time communication), this creates delays.
Jurisdiction in the 14 Eyes alliance: Location in the Netherlands (member of 14 Eyes) potentially allows data sharing with international intelligence, which reduces the level of privacy for grayman or bugout users. Although the no-logs policy is confirmed by audits, this is riskier in scenarios with government surveillance compared to jurisdictions outside the alliances.

Try Surfshark VPN

VPN in Crisis Scenarios

In crisis situations, such as bugout evacuation, where the internet can be unstable, censored, or limited, VPN must provide reliability without compromises in privacy. Below, we compare NordVPN and Surfshark on key aspects that are critical for grayman (anonymity), prepper (preparation), and bugout (evacuation), based on their technologies and capabilities.

Operation in Weak Connection Conditions

NordVPN handles low bandwidth well thanks to the NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard), which is lightweight and efficient: minimal overhead allows maintaining a stable connection even with weak signal, with quick reconnections without heavy authentication processes. The service is compatible with satellite internet, for example, Starlink, thanks to VPN passthrough, which allows connecting without blocks; Kill Switch protects from interruptions, automatically blocking traffic upon disconnection. This is ideal for bugout in remote areas, where bandwidth can be below 1 Mbps, minimizing delays for coordination or resource access.

Surfshark, in turn, uses Everlink - a patented self-recovery technology that instantly restores the connection upon interruptions, preventing IP leaks. Kill Switch and NoBorders help in unstable networks, automatically suggesting optimal servers for restricted connections, including weak Wi-Fi or satellite internet (although direct Starlink support is not indicated, but compatibility through WireGuard ensures stability). IP rotation without disconnection adds resilience. For prepper's, this is useful in conditions with interruptions, but at very low speed (for example, <500 Kbps) it may be less effective than NordLynx, due to larger losses (5-10%).

Overall, NordVPN is better for extremely weak networks thanks to NordLynx optimization, while Surfshark focuses on automatic recovery.

Bypassing Censorship and DPI

Both services offer powerful tools for bypassing censorship, but with different emphases. NordVPN uses Obfuscated Servers, which modify data packets, removing VPN metadata and making traffic similar to regular HTTPS using additional SSL/SSH encryption or scrambling. This provides high resilience to DPI (deep packet inspection), allowing bypassing firewalls in censored regions (for example, China or conflict zones), without detecting VPN usage. The service recommends OpenVPN for obfuscation, with Kill Switch for security upon disconnections - critical for grayman in monitoring environments.

Surfshark offers Camouflage Mode (Obfuscated Servers), which hides VPN traffic, making it indistinguishable from regular, and NoBorders for automatic detection of restrictions and server selection. This is effective against DPI and censorship, with double encryption in MultiHop for an additional layer. Users note success in China. For bugout, this allows access to news or coordination in blocked networks.

Comparatively, NordVPN has deeper obfuscation for complex DPI, while Surfshark has a more automated approach with NoBorders, making it simpler for prepper beginners.

Integration with Tor and P2P

NordVPN offers Onion Over VPN - built-in integration, where traffic first goes through a VPN server, then into the Tor network, ensuring anonymity: hides IP from the Tor entry node and masks Tor usage from ISP. This allows one-click access to .onion sites and darknet without additional software, ideal for grayman in crisis, where anonymous access to resources is needed (activists, journalists). For P2P, NordVPN supports torrenting on most servers (including specialized), with optimization for fast decentralized data exchange, without limits, which is useful for prepper's file exchange (maps, instructions).

Surfshark is compatible with Tor: you can use Tor over VPN, connecting first to Surfshark, then to Tor Browser, for double encryption and masking. MultiHop allows routing through Tor servers for enhanced anonymity, although not built-in like in NordVPN. For P2P, the service supports on all servers, with Split Tunneling for selective traffic, allowing secure decentralized exchange (although Tor for P2P is not recommended due to slowness). This suits bugout, where darknet access is needed without disclosure.

NordVPN is simpler in Tor integration for darknet, while Surfshark is more flexible in P2P for group use.

Autonomy and Routers

NordVPN stands out with Meshnet - a feature for creating private networks between up to 60 devices (10 own + 50 external), like a virtual LAN, without intermediaries. This allows offline file or access exchange (after initial setup), ensuring autonomy in bugout without internet - for example, group coordination in field conditions. Router support (DD-WRT, Tomato) allows protecting the entire network, with offline configurations through the app.

Surfshark supports routers for unlimited connections, with Static/Dedicated IP for server hosting or remote access, which is useful for prepper networks. Offline setup is possible through the app (Pause VPN for temporary disconnection), but without a full offline mode like Meshnet. Split Tunneling adds flexibility for protected networks.

NordVPN is better for autonomy thanks to Meshnet, Surfshark - for large-scale router networks.

Energy Consumption

NordVPN has low energy consumption thanks to NordLynx: minimal load on CPU and memory, making it battery-friendly for mobile devices - losses <5% per hour in tests, ideal for bugout on smartphones or tablets in prolonged evacuations.

Surfshark is also energy-efficient with WireGuard: impact on battery is insignificant (1-10% per hour), but can be higher with active MultiHop or NoBorders. Tests show minimal drain, with optimization options (Battery Saver compatible).

Both suit bugout, but NordVPN is slightly better for prolonged use on portable devices.

Recommendations

Choose NordVPN if:

You are a grayman who strives for maximum anonymity in the digital world. NordVPN offers Onion Over VPN for built-in integration with Tor, which simplifies secure access to darknet or confidential resources without additional software. This is ideal for avoiding surveillance in highly censored regions or when working with sensitive data.
You are a prepper who needs an autonomous network for coordination. Meshnet allows creating secure peer-to-peer networks without internet, which is indispensable for exchanging files (for example, evacuation plans or maps) in a group of up to 60 devices, even in offline conditions.
You are in a bugout scenario with extremely weak connection. NordWhisper and NordLynx ensure stable operation at low bandwidth (even <1 Mbps), which is critical for evacuation in rural areas or through satellite internet, where quick response and protection from leaks are needed.

Try NordVPN

Choose Surfshark if:

You are a prepper or in a bugout scenario with a large group or family, where many devices need protection. Unlimited number of simultaneous connections allows covering all gadgets (smartphones, tablets, laptops) with one subscription, which is economical and convenient for team coordination.
You are looking for a budget solution for long-term use. Surfshark offers lower prices (from $2.49/month on a two-year plan) with premium features, such as antivirus or Incogni, making it ideal for prepper's who plan years ahead without large expenses.
You are a grayman who values simplicity and additional confidentiality. Support for Monero for anonymous payments and Dynamic MultiHop for double encryption ensure a high level of privacy, and NoBorders Mode simplifies bypassing censorship for beginners in restricted areas.

Try Surfshark VPN

General Advice:

Test both services using their 30-day money-back guarantees to evaluate speed, stability, and compatibility in your conditions (for example, on public Wi-Fi or satellite internet). In crisis situations, combine VPN with Tor for maximum protection, especially for grayman or bugout, where anonymity is critical - this will add a layer of security, although it may reduce speed. For a balance between security and speed, use WireGuard (NordLynx in NordVPN) as the main protocol, as it provides high performance and low energy consumption, which is especially important in bugout on portable devices. Always activate Kill Switch to avoid data leaks in unstable networks.

Conclusion

In a world where prepper prepares for crises, grayman hides from surveillance, and bugout requires mobility and quick adaptation, the right VPN is not a luxury, but a necessity for data protection, resource access, and anonymity preservation. NordVPN wins in speed, autonomy, and deep obfuscation, thanks to NordLynx, Meshnet, and Obfuscated Servers, making it ideal for grayman who need maximum anonymity, and bugout scenarios with unstable networks. Surfshark leads in budget-friendliness and unlimited connections, with Monero support and NoBorders Mode, providing savings and flexibility for prepper groups or large teams in long-term survival plans.

Choose a VPN based on your scenario: NordVPN for high performance and offline coordination, Surfshark for scalability and accessibility. Test both services with a 30-day money-back guarantee to ensure they meet your needs in real conditions, and combine with Tor for additional protection in critical situations.

We Don’t Insist — We Share

This material reflects our perspective on a tool that can become part of your digital autonomy. We are not urging you to purchase NordVPN or Surfshark specifically. You decide whether you need a VPN, and if so — which provider to choose. The key is making an informed decision. With this article, our primary goal is to provide value, not to earn commissions from your registration, even though it contains affiliate links to the NordVPN or Surfshark services. Services come and go, but the community remains.

Sources: Official sites of NordVPN (nordvpn.com) and Surfshark (surfshark.com), privacy audit reports from Deloitte (2022, 2023, 2024/2025 for NordVPN, 2022/2025 for Surfshark), Cure53 (2018 for Surfshark), PwC (2018/2020 for NordVPN).