Proton vs Surfshark affiliate program
Proton lists 30-40% on most new subscriptions (100% on 1-month Proton VPN), plus 30% on renewals. Surfshark lists 40% revenue share on new sales; custom/CPA deals by volume. Both are software & saas programs open to affiliates; here is how they differ.
Facts from each brand's partner page · PartnersWatch is not affiliated with either
Side by side
| Proton Partners Program | Surfshark Affiliate Program | |
|---|---|---|
| Terms | 30-40% on most new subscriptions (100% on 1-month Proton VPN), plus 30% on renewals | 40% revenue share on new sales; custom/CPA deals by volume |
| Model | Recurring | Revenue share |
| Partner types | Affiliate, Reseller, Distributor, Agent / broker | Affiliate |
| Requirements | $100 minimum before bank-transfer payout | $100 minimum payout |
| Partner perks | Special incentives for mission-aligned nonprofits, Marketing support material, Channel resale pricing for MSPs/VARs | Custom payouts for volume, Availability on Impact, CJ, Awin and others, 30-day referral cookie |
Which one should you pick?
Pick Proton if
- you want recurring income: Proton pays on renewals (30-40% on most new subscriptions (100% on 1-month Proton VPN), plus 30% on renewals), Surfshark doesn't say it does.
- the headline percentage matters most: up to 100% against 40%.
- you work as reseller, distributor, agent / broker: Surfshark doesn't list that track.
Either way, the program that earns more is the one whose product your readers already want. A higher rate on something they won't buy pays nothing.
About each program
Proton Partners Program
Proton pays affiliates and influencers a share of new subscriptions to Proton Mail, VPN, Drive, Pass and Lumo, plus a recurring cut of renewals. Channel partners such as MSPs, MSSPs, VARs and distributors can instead buy at resale pricing.
Surfshark Affiliate Program
Surfshark pays affiliates a revenue share on new sales of its VPN and privacy products, with custom payouts or CPA deals for high-volume partners. The program is also available through networks such as Impact, CJ and Awin.
FAQ
Which pays more, Proton or Surfshark?
On the stated percentage, Proton (up to 100% against 40%). Proton lists 30-40% on most new subscriptions (100% on 1-month Proton VPN), plus 30% on renewals; Surfshark lists 40% revenue share on new sales; custom/CPA deals by volume. What you earn also depends on price, cookie length and how many referrals convert.
Can I join both the Proton and Surfshark programs?
Usually, yes. Most affiliate terms don't require exclusivity, but check each program's terms for rules on competing brands, brand-keyword bidding and coupon sites before you promote both.
Is PartnersWatch affiliated with Proton or Surfshark?
No. Both programs are listed from their own public partner pages, and either brand can claim or correct its listing.