Surfshark vs Proton VPN
Which does AI actually recommend? We asked ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini the questions real buyers ask about VPN service.
The verdict
When buyers ask AI for recommendations, Surfshark is recommended more often — scoring 59/100 vs 15/100.
Engine by engine
Surfshark vs Proton VPN: what the data says
When buyers ask AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini to recommend VPN service, Surfshark is recommended more often than Proton VPN — scoring 59/100 for AI visibility versus 15/100. Surfshark shows up in 70% of AI answers to real buyer questions; Proton VPN shows up in 20%.
The gap is widest on ChatGPT, where Surfshark is clearly favoured: Surfshark is recommended 80% of the time and Proton VPN 0%. Because each engine draws on different sources, a brand can lead on one and trail on another — which is why it pays to track all three rather than assume one result holds everywhere.
In practice, an AI assistant asked “What is the best VPN for streaming Netflix in 2023?” is far likely to put Surfshark on its shortlist. Proton VPN is largely invisible in AI answers for VPN service — and since these shortlists are increasingly where buying decisions start, that's a gap worth closing.
Frequently asked
Does AI recommend Surfshark or Proton VPN more?
Surfshark. It scores 59/100 for AI visibility versus Proton VPN's 15/100, based on how often ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini recommend each for VPN service.
Which is more visible on ChatGPT — Surfshark or Proton VPN?
On ChatGPT specifically, Surfshark is recommended 80% of the time and Proton VPN 0% for VPN service questions.
How is AI visibility measured?
Ranklisted runs the real questions buyers ask AI assistants about VPN service across ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini, records whether each brand is recommended and where it ranks, and turns it into a 0–100 score. It's re-checked weekly.
Can Proton VPN improve how often AI recommends it?
Yes. AI assistants recommend brands that are described consistently across third-party "best of" lists, reviews and comparison content. Building that presence raises the score over time — you can track the change weekly.