Compare ChatGPT and Surfshark VPN: Which App is the Best?

The official ChatGPT mobile app brings OpenAI's powerful AI assistant to your pocket with voice conversations, image generation, and seamless cross-device sync.
Surfshark VPN is a premium VPN service with 10M+ downloads and 4.6/5 rating, offering unlimited device connections, strong security features, and 3,200+ servers, though it comes with recent connection stability issues and customer service challenges.
Key Features
  • Smart Chat: Talk to AI like you're texting a friend
  • Voice Chat: Just talk and the AI responds
  • Make Images: Turn your ideas into pictures
  • Photo Help: Upload photos and ask questions about them
  • Sync Everywhere: Your chats follow you from phone to computer
  • Custom AI: Teach the AI how you want it to talk
  • Unlimited device connections – Connect unlimited devices simultaneously with a single subscription
  • 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries – Access to servers worldwide for bypassing geo-restrictions
  • Military-grade encryption (AES-256) – Strong encryption to secure your connection and protect your data
  • No-logs policy with independent audits – The service does not collect or store any user data
  • CleanWeb 2.0 ad blocking – Block ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts
  • Dynamic MultiHop – Connect via two different servers simultaneously for enhanced security
  • Alternative ID – Generate alternative online identities for enhanced privacy
  • Built-in antivirus protection – Shield your device from viruses and malware
  • 24/7 customer support – Helpful support team available to assist you
Our Rating
8.1
7.5
Total users
0
0
Total ratings
0
0
Average rating
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Entry Level PriceFreeFree
Android
Google Play Store
Downloads
Google Play Store
Downloads
iOS
Apple App Store
Apple App Store
Features
9.5

ChatGPT has a lot of cool features that make it useful for pretty much anyone. It's not just a chat app - it can do a bunch of different things.

What ChatGPT Does Best

1. Smart Chatting:

This is where ChatGPT really shines. It's better at having natural conversations than any other AI app we've tried. You can ask it anything from "What's the weather like?" to "Help me plan a trip to Japan" and it just gets it.

It remembers what you talked about earlier in the conversation, so it feels like talking to someone who's actually listening. You can have long conversations and it keeps track of everything.

2. Voice Chat:

This feature is really cool. You just tap the microphone button and start talking. The app shows a little wave animation so you know it's listening. It's like talking on the phone, but with an AI.

We tested this a lot and it works really well. It understands what you're saying most of the time, and responds quickly. Great for when you're driving or cooking and can't type.

3. Making Pictures:

You can tell ChatGPT to make pictures for you. Just describe what you want to see, and it creates an image. This costs money though - it's only in the paid version.

We tried asking it to make pictures of things like:

  • "a cat wearing a hat"
  • "a sunset over the ocean"
  • "a robot playing guitar"

The results were pretty good. Not perfect, but definitely usable.

4. Works Everywhere:

The best part is that your conversations follow you around. Start a chat on your phone, then open it on your computer and it's all there. Really handy when you switch between devices.

5. Photo Help:

You can take a picture of something and ask ChatGPT what it is. We tried this with:

  • Food and recipes
  • Landmarks and buildings
  • Handwritten notes

It's pretty good at figuring things out.

The main downside is that the free version is pretty limited. You only get the older AI model, which isn't as smart as the paid version. A lot of users complained about this - they want the good stuff without paying.

8.5

Surfshark VPN offers an impressive array of features that justify its premium positioning. The service includes military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and advanced security protocols. The unlimited device connections, CleanWeb 2.0 ad blocking, and Dynamic MultiHop provide comprehensive security options for different use cases.

What sets Surfshark VPN apart is its unique value proposition of unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing users to protect all their devices with a single subscription. Unlike NordVPN which limits to 10 devices, Surfshark offers unlimited connections. The service also includes advanced features like Alternative ID for online privacy, built-in antivirus protection, and comprehensive ad blocking capabilities.

However, the service lacks some advanced features found in newer VPN providers, such as specialized servers for specific use cases and some cutting-edge privacy features. The service also doesn't offer some advanced features like obfuscated servers or specialized streaming servers that some competitors provide.

Compared to free alternatives like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, Surfshark VPN offers significantly more features, but the premium pricing means users need to evaluate whether these additional capabilities justify the cost. The service provides excellent value for users who need comprehensive VPN features.

Performance
8.0

The app runs smoothly most of the time. You can chat with the AI without any delays or problems, and it loads quickly.

The voice chat works really well too. There's almost no delay between when you speak and when the AI responds. The voice recognition is accurate, and the conversation feels natural and smooth.

However, we did run into some problems during busy times. The app can get slow or even stop working when lots of people are using it at once. This mostly affects free users since paid users get priority access.

The sync feature works great - your conversations show up quickly on all your devices. Even with long chat histories, the app stays responsive and doesn't slow down.

One area that could be better is the image generation. It can take a while to create images, especially for complicated requests. This makes sense given how much work it takes, but it can be frustrating if you're in a hurry.

The app doesn't drain your battery too much, though using voice chat will use more power than just typing. Overall, it runs well and doesn't cause problems with your phone.

6.0

Surfshark VPN's performance is inconsistent, with good speeds when working but frequent connection issues that significantly impact usability. The service offers decent connection speeds and server coverage, but the frequent disconnections and advertising make it difficult to use reliably.

The service works well for basic geo-blocking and content access when connected, but many users report frequent connection drops and the need to manually reconnect multiple times per day. The connection stability issues are particularly concerning given the premium pricing.

The service's performance issues are particularly concerning given the premium pricing. Users expect reliability and performance from a paid service, but Surfshark VPN's connection problems make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives that offer similar performance with fewer limitations.

Compared to other premium VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, Surfshark VPN's performance is below average. The connection stability issues make it difficult to justify the premium pricing, and users might find better value with alternatives that offer similar features with better reliability.

Design
9.0

The app looks clean and simple, which makes it easy to use right away. We really like how it focuses on the conversation instead of trying to look fancy.

What we love most is how easy it is to tell who said what:

  • Your messages show up on the right in blue bubbles
  • AI responses are on the left in gray bubbles

Simple, but it works really well.

The voice chat interface is really nice too. When you're talking, you see a little wave animation that moves with your voice. It's a small thing, but it makes you feel like the app is actually listening.

Getting around the app is straightforward. There's a simple menu button that gives you access to settings and your chat history without cluttering up the main screen.

Some people said the app looks a bit plain compared to other AI apps. We get that - it's not flashy, but that's actually what makes it work so well. You can focus on talking to the AI without getting distracted by fancy graphics.

8.0

Surfshark VPN's interface strikes a good balance between functionality and user-friendliness. The main screen provides quick access to connection controls, server selection, and key settings. The server selection process is intuitive and visually appealing, making it easy to choose servers in different countries.

The app's design is clean and professional, with a modern interface that's easy on the eyes. The connection status is clearly displayed, and the kill switch toggle is easily accessible. The settings menu is well-organized, allowing users to customize their experience without feeling overwhelmed.

The interface is generally user-friendly and doesn't overwhelm users with complex options. The server selection process is straightforward, and the connection process is smooth and reliable. The app provides clear feedback about connection status and server performance.

Compared to other premium VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, Surfshark VPN's design is competitive and well-polished. The interface is functional and professional, with good attention to detail and user experience. The design reflects the premium positioning of the service.

Value for Money
6.0

ChatGPT has a free version that you can use without paying anything. It gives you basic chat features with the older AI model, which is fine for simple questions and casual conversations.

But the $20/month price for the good features is pretty steep. The paid version gives you:

  • The better AI model (GPT-4)
  • Image generation features
  • Priority access during busy times

That's a lot of money for an app that many people think should be free.

Some users in the reviews were really frustrated about this. They got used to the free features and then found out the good stuff costs money.

The paid version is worth it if you use AI a lot for work, school, or creative projects. The better AI model gives much more detailed and helpful responses, and the image generation can be really useful.

We think it's most valuable for people who need AI help regularly. If you just want to ask the occasional question, the free version is probably fine. But if you want to do serious work with AI, the paid features are actually worth the money.

The voice features and syncing work on both free and paid versions, which is nice. But the way they limit the free version to push people toward paying feels a bit aggressive.

7.5

Surfshark VPN's value proposition is strong, with unlimited device connections and comprehensive security features for a competitive price. The service offers good value for money compared to other premium VPNs, with the ability to connect unlimited devices simultaneously being a significant advantage.

The service's pricing is competitive with other premium VPNs, and the unlimited device connections make it particularly attractive for families or users with multiple devices. Unlike NordVPN which limits to 10 devices, Surfshark offers unlimited connections. The comprehensive security features and ad blocking capabilities add value beyond basic VPN functionality.

However, the service's value is impacted by recent connection stability issues and customer service challenges. Many users report frequent disconnections and the need to manually reconnect multiple times per day. The premium pricing doesn't translate to the reliability and performance that users expect from a paid service.

Compared to free alternatives like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, Surfshark VPN offers more features but at a significantly higher cost. The connection stability issues make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives that offer similar performance with fewer limitations.

Ease of Use
9.0

This might be the easiest AI app to use. It works right away - no complicated setup or learning curve.

Downloading it is simple, and it works on both iPhones and Android phones. Once you open it, you can just start typing or tap the microphone to talk. That's it.

The voice feature is really easy to use:

  • Just tap the microphone and start talking
  • The app shows you when it's listening
  • It's so natural that you forget you're talking to a computer

The chat interface looks like any other messaging app you've used - WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc. So it feels familiar right away. Your conversations are organized clearly, and you can easily find old chats.

Even though it has lots of features, nothing feels overwhelming. The advanced stuff like making images is there if you want it, but it doesn't get in the way of basic chatting.

The only confusing part is figuring out what's free and what costs money. The app could do a better job of showing you what you're missing out on with the free version.

That's why we gave it a 9 out of 10. It's super easy to use, though some of the fancier features take a little time to figure out.

7.0

Surfshark VPN is generally easy to use for basic VPN functionality, with a simple one-tap connection process that requires no technical knowledge. The app's interface is intuitive, and most users can get connected quickly without any setup or configuration.

The service offers automatic server selection and connection, making it accessible to users of all technical levels. The app doesn't require complex configuration, and the connection process is straightforward. The service works well for most use cases and provides good performance when functioning properly.

However, the service's ease of use is compromised by recent connection stability issues. Many users report frequent connection drops and the need to manually reconnect multiple times per day. The app can be slow to connect, and some users experience issues with the auto-connect feature not working reliably.

Compared to other premium VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, Surfshark VPN's ease of use is similar but not significantly better. The connection stability issues can be frustrating for users who expect reliability from a paid service, and the premium pricing doesn't translate to a significantly better user experience.

Security & Privacy
7.0

We gave ChatGPT a 7 out of 10 for security and privacy. It uses standard security practices, which is good, but there are some things to be aware of.

The good news is that OpenAI is pretty open about how they handle your data. You can easily find their privacy policy in the app, and they explain what they do with your information.

However, there are some concerns. The app collects a lot of your personal data:

  • Everything you say in conversations
  • Your voice recordings
  • Your conversation history

OpenAI says they use this to make their AI better, but that means they're storing and potentially using your private conversations.

We noticed that some users were worried about the sync feature. Since your conversations are stored on OpenAI's servers (not just on your phone), they can access everything you've said. This is what makes the cross-device sync work, but it also means your chats aren't really private.

The voice chat feature is convenient, but it also means your voice is being recorded and stored. You should know that your voice conversations could be used to train the AI.

OpenAI does give you some control - you can delete your chat history and opt out of some data collection. But these options are kind of hidden and not easy to find.

8.0

Surfshark VPN takes security and privacy seriously, with military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited. The service uses AES-256 encryption and supports multiple VPN protocols. The kill switch protection ensures that internet traffic is blocked if the VPN connection drops.

The service's no-logs policy is comprehensive and has been verified by independent security firms. Surfshark VPN is based in the Netherlands, which provides some legal protection for user privacy. The service also includes advanced features like Dynamic MultiHop for enhanced security and privacy protection.

However, Surfshark VPN has faced some security concerns in the past, particularly around its acquisition by Nord Security. While the company has maintained its privacy commitments, some users remain concerned about the service's ownership and data practices. The service also lacks some advanced privacy features found in newer VPN providers.

Compared to other premium VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, Surfshark VPN's security practices are solid but not exceptional. The service provides good protection for most users, but those with high security requirements might want to consider alternatives with more advanced privacy features.

Conclusion

ChatGPT is still the best AI chat app out there. It's really good at conversations and has lots of useful features. The free version is okay for basic stuff, but if you want the good features, you'll need to pay for the premium version.

Surfshark VPN is a premium VPN service that offers excellent value for money with unlimited device connections and comprehensive security features, but its value proposition is compromised by recent connection stability issues and customer service challenges. The service provides good security and privacy protection, but the frequent disconnections and reliability problems make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives. For users who prioritize unlimited device connections and are willing to deal with connection issues, Surfshark VPN offers a solid feature set with good performance when working. However, those seeking reliability and consistent performance might find better value with alternatives like Proton VPN that offer similar features with better stability, or Thunder VPN for a more user-friendly free experience. Ultimately, Surfshark VPN's premium pricing doesn't translate to the reliability and performance that users expect from a paid service. While the service offers good security features, the connection stability issues make it difficult to justify the cost over free alternatives that provide similar performance with fewer limitations.
Our Recommendation