Compare Disciplined and Surfshark VPN: Which App is the Best?
Disciplined is a clean, effective habit tracker that helps you build consistent routines through simple tracking and visual progress monitoring. | 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 A summary of the most important features offered by each app. |
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| Our Rating Prod Apps's expert review score for each app, based on hands-on testing and research. | 7.6 Winner in this category | 7.5 |
| Total users Total active users across all major browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. | 0 | 0 |
| Total ratings Total number of user ratings received across all supported browsers. | 0 | 0 |
| Average rating Average user rating across all browsers, calculated from available store ratings. | — ⭐ | — ⭐ |
| Entry Level Price The minimum price required to start using the app. "Free" means a free tier is available. | Free | Free |
| Android User rating and stats for the app on Android browser. |  Downloads | Downloads |
| iOS User rating and stats for the app on iOS browser. |  | |
| Features Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Features' aspect of each app. | 7.5 Disciplined covers the basics of habit tracking well without overwhelming you with unnecessary features. It focuses on what matters most - helping you build and maintain good habits. The app keeps things simple, which many users actually prefer. Here's what works well:
But there are some limitations. The free version locks away detailed statistics, which frustrates some users. People also want features like grouping related habits together, adding notes to habits, and better streak tracking. While the core tracking works great, the feature set feels a bit basic compared to some alternatives. That's why we give features a 7.5. It's solid for basic habit tracking but missing some advanced capabilities that power users might want. | 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. Winner in this category |
| Performance Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Performance' aspect of each app. | 7.0 Disciplined's performance is generally solid, but there are concerning reports about lag and stability issues that prevent a higher rating. Performance seems to vary depending on your device and how you use the app. Here's what works well:
But there are performance concerns that impact the rating. Several users report that the latest version became "laggy" on their devices, with one user noting that the app made their phone slow and eventually stopped working. Some mention bugs that prevented them from getting value from the app, especially after paying for premium. These issues appearing in recent reviews suggest ongoing performance challenges that need attention. We give performance a 7.0 - generally good, but the reported lag issues and occasional bugs prevent a higher score. Users with older devices should be particularly cautious. Winner in this category | 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 Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Design' aspect of each app. | 8.5 Disciplined's design is one of its best features. Users consistently praise the clean, intuitive interface. We love how it keeps things simple and focuses on what matters most. Here's what makes the design great:
Some users mention areas for improvement, especially around widget customization. One user wished the widget could be more transparent to better match their home screen. The "less is more" approach works well for a habit tracker, though some users might want more visual feedback or customization options. We give design an 8.5 - excellent for its clean, functional approach, with room for minor aesthetic improvements. Winner in this category | 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 Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Value for Money' aspect of each app. | 7.0 Disciplined's value is mixed - users have different opinions about whether the premium features are worth the cost. The pricing strategy and feature distribution significantly impact the overall value. Here's what's good about the value:
But several factors limit the value rating. Many users are frustrated that basic features like detailed statistics are locked behind the premium paywall. Some feel the free version is too limited, while others mention performance issues and bugs that reduce the perceived value. The fact that some users uninstall due to upgrade prompts suggests the freemium model could be better balanced. We give value for money a 7.0 - fair pricing for what's offered, but the free version limitations and some user-reported issues impact the overall value perception. | 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. Winner in this category |
| Ease of Use Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Ease of Use' aspect of each app. | 8.0 Disciplined is really easy to use. Most users find it intuitive and straightforward. We can't think of a simpler habit tracker to get started with. The app's simplicity is its biggest strength when it comes to ease of use. Here's what makes it user-friendly:
But there are some usability issues that prevent a higher rating. Several users find the repeatability settings confusing, especially when setting up habits for quitting bad behaviors. Some also want features like adding notes to habits or grouping related habits together. While the basics are easy to use, some advanced features could use better guidance. That's why we give ease of use an 8.0. It's extremely user-friendly for basic operations, though some advanced features might take a little time to figure out. Winner in this category | 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 Prod Apps's expert score for the 'Security & Privacy' aspect of each app. | 7.5 Disciplined's approach to security and privacy seems standard for a habit tracking app, though we found limited specific information about their data practices during testing. Here's what we know:
But there are some concerns that prevent a higher rating. The app has privacy policy and terms of service on their website, but we couldn't find details about data encryption, third-party sharing, or specific security measures. The fact that it syncs data across devices raises questions about how secure the data transmission and storage are. We give security and privacy a 7.5 - adequate for basic use, but users concerned about data privacy should check the app's privacy policy for more specific details. | 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. Winner in this category |
| Conclusion A summary of our findings and final thoughts for each app. | Disciplined is a solid choice if you want a simple, effective habit tracker. It doesn't try to be everything to everyone - it just does habit tracking really well. The clean design makes it easy to use, and the pricing is fair for what you get. The free version is limited, but the premium upgrade is worth it if you want better analytics and features. This app's strength is that it stays focused on helping you build better habits without overwhelming you with unnecessary complexity. For users who want unlimited free habits, Habitive is the best option. Those seeking elegant design might prefer HabitKit with its beautiful GitHub-style visualization. If you want gamification, Habitica offers unique RPG elements. However, if you prefer simplicity and focus without distractions, Disciplined provides exactly what you need. Quick SummaryBest for: People who want simple, effective habit tracking without distractions Not ideal for: Users who need advanced analytics or social features Value: Good free version, reasonable premium pricing | 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 | ||
