From: https://cybernews.com/best-vpn/surfshark-review/
In my October 2025 Surfshark VPN review, I re-evaluated the service’s real-world performance based on numerous tests. This includes multiple speed tests, leak checks, ease-of-use analysis of the app, and a comprehensive examination of popular use cases, such as streaming and torrenting. Naturally, as a long-time Surfshark user, I’ll also share some of my opinions about this service.
Surfshark launched in 2018 and quickly grew into one of the most popular VPNs on the market. Known for its unlimited device policy, strong security tools, and excellent performance, it now competes with top names like NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Over time, it’s evolved beyond just a VPN, adding features like Antivirus, Alternative ID, and its patented Everlink technology to improve connection reliability and user protection. However, that just scratches the surface of this excellent VPN, which is why you should read on to learn more from this Surfshark review.
Surfshark VPN review – quick facts
| ⭐ Rating: | |
| 🥇 Overall rank: | #2 out of #41 |
| 📖 No logs policy: | No logs |
| 💵 Price: | From $1.99/month |
| 🖥️ Servers: | 4,500 + servers in 100 countries |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more |
| 🔥 Coupons: | Surfshark coupon 87% OFF |
We spare no effort to test the products & their features. All information is gathered by our in-house research team & fact-checked by our team of experts. Discover the ins and outs of our testing procedures.
Surfshark VPN pros and cons 2026
Surfshark stands out as one of the best VPN services that’s also easy on the wallet. It delivers excellent results regarding connection speeds and online privacy, and you can use it to protect unlimited devices. Combine that with the unique Alternative ID feature, and you have a service that will definitely impress the average VPN user.
Surfshark VPN review: torrenting, streaming, gaming, public Wi-Fi
Together with the research team, I spent a week thoroughly testing Surfshark. We covered all the most common VPN use cases, including streaming, torrenting, gaming, and browsing on public Wi-Fi. I also tested the VPN on multiple devices to see how well it performs across different platforms and to get a real feel for what it’s like on a day-to-day basis.
Our tests revealed that Surfshark is an excellent VPN for streaming. With 4500+ servers in 100 countries, it offers solid coverage and easily unblocks Netflix, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Surfshark’s servers are well maintained, so I had no issues with blacklisted or blocked IP addresses. Speeds were excellent, especially when using the WireGuard protocol. There was no buffering or slowdowns whatsoever.
Surfshark also includes Smart DNS, which I found handy for unblocking content on devices that don’t support VPN apps. Though it’s more limited than using a VPN, it worked well for accessing US Netflix and Hulu.
Surfshark VPN speed testing results
When discussing VPN connectivity, speed retention rate is arguably the most critical metric. After all, VPNs do slow you down to some extent, but having high speed retention rates means you likely won’t notice any performance issues, such as lag.
VPN connection speeds depend on several factors, including your current geographical location, your chosen VPN server, the tunneling protocol, your baseline connection speed, and other. The VPN tunneling protocol plays a significant role, which is why we tested all of Surfshark’s available protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN UDP, and OpenVPN TCP) to see the overall performance difference.
We used the Ookla internet speed testing tool to conduct our tests from Vilnius, Lithuania, where the baseline download speed was 940Mbps and the upload speed was 600Mbps. The research team connected to various servers worldwide to get a balanced overview of Surfshark’s capabilities.
Which is the fastest Surfshark protocol?
Theoretically, WireGuard should be Surfshark’s fastest tunneling protocol since it’s the most modern and efficient option. Even so, we had to conduct some speed tests to confirm that hypothesis. Here’s a table summarizing our findings:
| Protocol | Average latency | Average download speed | Download speed retention | Average upload speed | Upload speed retention |
| Baseline without the VPN | 1ms | 940Mbps | 100% | 600Mbps | 100% |
| WireGuard | 123ms | 780Mbps | 81% | 314Mbps | 52% |
| OpenVPN (UDP) | 106ms | 596Mbps | 62% | 205Mbps | 34% |
| OpenVPN (TCP) | 218ms | 71Mbps | 7% | 82Mbps | 13% |
As expected, Surfshark performed the best with the WireGuard tunneling protocol during our in-house tests. Its average download speed retention was 780Mbps, which translates to an 81% retention rate. Naturally, the average upload speed was slower at around 314Mbps, or 52% speed retention. Lastly, the average ping was 123ms.
In second place, we have OpenVPN UDP with an average download speed of 596Mbps, or 62% retention. Meanwhile, the average upload speed was 205Mbps, or 34% speed retention. Interestingly, this protocol outranked WireGuard regarding latency, showing an average of 106ms. That means OpenVPN UDP could be better for gaming.
In last place, we have OpenVPN TCP, which showed fairly disappointing results. The average download speed was 71Mbps, which is a retention rate of only 7%. The average upload speed was higher at 82Mbps, or 13% speed retention. Naturally, the ping wasn’t great either, at around 218ms.
Overall, it’s clear that WireGuard will give users the best results in most cases, although the lower ping with OpenVPN UDP hints that maybe it would be better for gaming. In any case, it’s worth conducting your own measurements to see how Surfshark VPN performs on your machine. Now, let’s dive into the specifics of Surfshark VPN’s WireGuard results.
Testing Surfshark’s speed in different locations
We tested Surfshark’s connection speeds with WireGuard across multiple locations since the protocol showed the most potential during our initial testing round. Its average download speed retention was 81%, while upload speed retention was slower at 52%. Our findings confirm that, most of the time, speed retention is best in nearby countries, while distant regions lead to lower speeds.
As a reminder, the research team and I conducted the speed tests from Vilnius, Lithuania. Our baseline download speed without a VPN was 940Mbps, while the upload speed was 600Mbps. This should give you a reference of the distance between our testing location and Surfshark’s servers we connected to. So, let’s see how Surfshark fared in specific locations:
| Location | Latency | Download speed | Download speed retention | Upload speed | Upload speed retention |
| Local | 1ms | 904Mbps | 96% | 569Mbps | 94% |
| Perth, Australia | 231ms | 642Mbps | 68% | 85Mbps | 14% |
| Montreal, Canada | 111ms | 784Mbps | 83% | 178Mbps | 29% |
| Berlin, Germany | 34ms | 877Mbps | 93% | 561Mbps | 93% |
| Paris, France | 35ms | 860Mbps | 91% | 521Mbps | 86% |
| Tokyo, Japan | 290ms | 537Mbps | 57% | 71Mbps | 11% |
| Amsterdam, Netherlands | 29ms | 873Mbps | 92% | 559Mbps | 93% |
| Stockholm, Sweden | 12ms | 900Mbps | 95% | 569Mbps | 94% |
| Singapore, Singapore | 185ms | 713Mbps | 75% | 108Mbps | 18% |
| London, UK | 213ms | 830Mbps | 88% | 290Mbps | 48% |
| New York, USA | 98ms | 785Mbps | 83% | 206Mbps | 34% |
As you can see, the results vary quite a bit by country, although there aren’t many extreme slowdowns in any particular region. Let’s go over each country individually to analyze the specifics. I’ll describe the ping and speed retention rates to keep things simple.
We began by connecting to the nearest available local servers in Lithuania to get a general reference point. Unsurprisingly, these servers had the best overall performance since they’re closest to our physical location. Latency was unchanged at 1ms, download speed retention was 96%, and upload speed retention was 94%.
Then, we tested alphabetically, meaning Australia was the next connection point. We had the second-highest ping here at 231ms, meaning the servers aren’t great for gaming (at least in our case). The download speed retention was 68%, which is pretty good. However, the upload speed retention was only 14%, which is one of the slowest results from the entire test.
Next was Canada, where the ping was a decent 111ms. The upload speed retention was 83%, which is above average and very good considering the distance. However, the upload speed retention took a significant hit, slowing down to only 29%.
Then we tested Germany, which delivered excellent results, most likely because the country is close to Lithuania. Ping was only 34ms, while the download and upload speed retention was an impressive 93%.
France was next in line, and it was a bit slower than Germany. The ping was great at 35ms, and upload speed retention was 91%. Meanwhile, upload speed was marginally slower at 86%.
Now, onto the other side of the world with Japan. We had the highest ping results here with 290ms, which would make online video games noticeably laggy. The download speed retention was also lowest here at 57%. Similarly, the upload speed retention dropped to a measly 11%, making Japan the slowest location from our tests.
Back to Europe with the Netherlands, where ping was only 29ms. The overall results were very similar to those of Germany. Here, the download speed retention rate was 92%, while the upload retention rate was 93%.
Surfshark’s Swedish servers showed the best results in our tests. The ping was only 12ms, which should have no impact on online gaming. Moreover, the download speed retention rate was 95%, which is incredible. The upload speed retention rate wasn’t too far off, with 94%.
Next, we went back to Asia. The ping results in Singapore were 185ms, which is decent, but I wouldn’t game with such latency. The download speed retention rate was 75%, which is pretty good considering the distance. Sadly, the upload retention rate wasn’t as good, at only 18%.
The speed test results were a bit surprising in the United Kingdom. Firstly, ping was pretty high at 213ms. The download speed retention rate was good at 88%, although the upload speed was only 48%. Honestly, I was expecting better results since the UK is relatively nearby and a popular spot for unblocking exclusive streaming content like BBC iPlayer.
Lastly, we have the United States. Latency was pretty good at 98ms. Meanwhile, the download speed retention rate was above average at 83%. Finally, upload speed retention was only 34%.
In conclusion, we had the best overall speeds when connecting to Surfshark’s servers in Sweden. This isn’t surprising since the country is pretty close to our actual location. Other European countries demonstrated similar results, although the UK had surprisingly high ping.
Naturally, Asian countries like Japan and Singapore weren’t as good, especially in terms of upload speed retention. This is an expected outcome since these countries are relatively far from us. Japan was at the bottom regarding overall speed retention, but even then, the results weren’t terrible.
Lastly, overseas countries like Canada and the US showed relatively good download speeds, meaning you can use Surfshark to unblock content from these countries without lag issues.
Based on these results, it’s clear that Surfshark is pretty fast, although it has room for improvement in terms of upload speed retention. Either way, it’s natural for VPNs to lose some connection speed, and your results will inevitably differ from ours.
Testing Surfshark VPN apps and ease of use
Judging the overall ease of use of Surfshark’s apps was a crucial part of our overall testing process. For this Surfshark review, the research team and I prioritized popular operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, as well as some home entertainment systems, such as Apple TV.
On the desktop, we evaluated the software’s interface, customizability, and feature effectiveness. After all, I think it’s clear that many computer users want their VPN apps to be pretty flexible.
On the other hand, we focused on overall ease of use and responsiveness when evaluating Surfshark’s mobile apps. This application is likely used more by casual users and should be as intuitive as possible. Finally, we tried using the service’s Apple TV app to see what it’s like using Surfshark on a large TV screen. As expected, this test focused on streaming and everything related to it.
Surfshark supports unlimited device connections and works with a wide range of different operating systems, making it incredibly versatile. Besides PC and mobile, Surfshark supports browsers, gaming consoles, various smart TVs, routers, and more. The complete list of supported devices and installation guides is available on the provider’s website. For now, let’s focus on our experience with Surfshark’s apps.
Surfshark’s desktop app can be described as simple, straightforward, and minimalistic. It doesn’t have any excessive graphics that don’t contribute to the overall user experience. Some may say that it lacks a world map for navigation, similar to the ones included by NordVPN and Proton VPN. However, I don’t think such a feature is strictly necessary, although I understand that it can be a deal-breaker for some.
The home screen is dedicated to the VPN connection and includes all the essentials for picking a suitable server. You can scroll through all available country locations and select a specialty server category to fine-tune the selection process. Other Surfshark features are docked on the left-hand side of the app.
There are separate menus for Alternative ID, Alert, Antivirus, Search, and settings. There’s even a feedback form if you want to share your thoughts about the app with the creators. I think the overall experience is excellent and should be suitable for beginners and advanced users alike.
As expected, you’ll have to install Surfshark on your computer before you can utilize its potential. So, here are the necessary steps I had to take to install Surfshark on my PC.
Step 1: go to the Surfshark website
The first step was visiting Surfshark’s official website and finding the downloads page at the top of the website. I easily found the necessary installer since the page had the most popular OSs, like Windows, listed at the top. So, all that remained was clicking the specific download link to download the necessary installer.
Step 2: open the installer
My next step was to open the Surfshark installer to begin installation. The entire process was pretty straightforward and practically the same as installing any other software on desktop devices.
Step 3: install the app
I had to configure the Surfshark app’s various settings once the installer was open. More precisely, I had to pick the installation path and whether Surfshark should install any extra features alongside the VPN. Note that the process will differ depending on your OS.
Step 4: launch the app
After a few moments, the installer finished its job, and I was able to launch Surfshark. Unsurprisingly, I had to first log in to my account before I could use the VPN to its full extent.
Overall, Surfshark is intuitive and easy to use regardless of what kind of device you prefer. Some could argue that its apps lack a world map for choosing VPN servers through a drag-and-drop interface. Personally, I don’t think that’s a huge loss. In fact, I think it contributes to Surfshark’s minimalism and uniqueness since many other VPN apps include a map. Besides that, Surfshark’s user experience is consistent across all supported platforms with only minor differences in available features.
Is Surfshark safe?
Yes, Surfshark is safe, thanks to its excellent standards and unique features. For starters, it employs industry-standard AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy to ensure user security. Secondly, it goes above and beyond the usual VPN capabilities by including Everlink, Alternative ID, and Antivirus features in the mix.
To test how safe Surfshark really is, I went through each feature step by step. I began by checking for DNS, IP address, and WebRTC leaks while connected to multiple servers in different regions. Then, I intentionally interrupted the VPN connection to see how the standard kill switch would respond, and it successfully blocked all traffic to prevent leaks. I also appreciate that Surfshark includes Everlink, which functions like a smart kill switch, cutting the connection and then automatically reconnecting once the VPN is stable again.
On the technical side, I reviewed the encryption standards in use and confirmed that Surfshark supports secure VPN tunneling protocols, such as WireGuard and OpenVPN. I also read through the privacy policy and verified that the no-logs claims have been independently audited. Finally, I explored bonus tools like Alternative ID to see how well they contribute to keeping your identity and data private.
Addressing Surfshark's jurisdiction concerns
Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which, while part of the Nine Eyes alliance, doesn’t impose mandatory data retention laws. With these measures, Surfshark provides a secure environment for browsing, streaming, and online transactions.
Understandably, this made us curious. So we asked Surfshark directly about it.
Their response? Basically, there’s no need to worry. According to Surfshark, Dutch law doesn’t require VPNs to log or store user data in the first place. So even though the Netherlands is part of this alliance, if there’s no data being collected, there’s nothing to share.
They also reminded us that Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, and its entire server network runs on RAM-only servers. That means all data is wiped clean every time a server reboots. There’s no permanent storage.
Below, you'll find Surfshark's full answer to this question. For a deeper look into Surfshark, be sure to check out our full interview with Martynas Dainys.
Encryption
Surfshark employs cutting-edge encryption protocols, such as AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20, which are widely recognized as industry gold standards. AES-256-GCM is renowned for its near-impenetrability, making it the encryption of choice for governments and top-tier cybersecurity solutions. ChaCha20, used in specific situations, is equally robust and optimized for devices with lower computational power.
One standout feature is Perfect Forward Secrecy, which generates a unique encryption key for every session. This ensures that even if malicious programmers intercept one session, they cannot access previous or future communications. Combined, these encryption methods create a secure shield around your online activities, safeguarding sensitive information like passwords, personal data, and financial details.
This level of encryption means users can confidently connect to public Wi-Fi, browse securely, and conduct transactions without fear of being intercepted. Surfshark prioritizes user security and maintains optimal speeds, ensuring that advanced encryption doesn’t slow you down. Whether you’re working remotely, streaming content, or simply browsing, Surfshark’s encryption guarantees peace of mind.
No-logs policy
Like most VPN services, Surfshark has a no-logs policy. I read the provider’s privacy policy in June 2025 to check whether that’s the case, and for the most part, it’s true. However, there’s a potential issue, albeit a reasonably insignificant one.
The document’s first section is called “1. What information is collected and why?” and mentions a concerning detail. Namely, Surfshark VPN servers store information (user ID, IP address, connection time stamps) about your connection to a particular VPN server. Thankfully, this information is automatically deleted within 15 minutes after you finish your session. Moreover, the VPN doesn’t log any other data that would tell the provider anything about your online activities.
Here’s a table summarizing what information Surfshark collects:
| Data | Does Surfshark store it? |
| IP address | Temporarily, for 15 minutes |
| Customer’s email address | ✅ Yes |
| Customer’s encrypted password | ✅ Yes |
| Payment data | ✅ Yes (if provided) |
| Browsing history | ❎ No |
| Session information | ❎ No |
| User bandwidth | ❎ No |
| Network traffic | ❎ No |
As you can see, Surfshark VPN collects and stores only the necessary details required to provide its service. For example, the provider will have your account information, such as your email address, encrypted password, and payment data, as these are critical to creating an account and paying for the subscription.
Conversely, details like browsing history, session information, bandwidth, and other specifics about VPN usage aren’t logged. The temporary IP address storage is the only concern here, but I wouldn’t worry about it too much. After all, the IP address information will be deleted once you disconnect from the VPN, meaning Surfshark won’t be able to share that information with third parties in the future. However, if this detail is a red flag for you, consider NordVPN, which doesn’t store your IP address while using the VPN.
Surfshark DNS leak tests
The domain name system (DNS) is responsible for associating website IP addresses with their domain names. This is done using DNS servers, which are assigned to users by their internet service providers (ISPs).
A DNS leak occurs when you connect to a VPN, but your device still communicates with the default DNS servers assigned by your ISP. When that happens, your online activities remain exposed, thus negating the benefits of using a VPN.
Our research team tested Surfshark for DNS leaks using various DNS leak checkers and found no issues whatsoever. As such, it’s safe to conclude that Surfshark VPN is free from DNS leaks.
Surfshark WebRTC leak tests
Web real-time communication (WebRTC) is a set of technologies that enable browsers to facilitate real-time communications more efficiently. It allows browsers to connect directly with each other, bypassing intermediary servers, to reduce lag during video calls. However, WebRTC only works when the browsers know each other’s IP addresses, which could lead to privacy issues.
Thankfully, you can use services like browserleaks.com to check for WebRTC leaks. We did precisely that while Surfshark was enabled, and the results showed no leaking issues. That means Surfshark VPN is safe to use for real-time communications without leaks.
Kill switch and Everlink tests
It should come as no surprise that Surfshark includes a kill switch to prevent IP address and DNS leaks. In short, it cuts off your internet if your VPN connection abruptly disconnects. That way, your actual IP address and location remain hidden since your internet doesn’t reconnect without the VPN’s protection.
However, Surfshark offers another unique benefit in this area that makes it arguably more secure than other VPNs with regular kill switches. Introducing Everlink – a patented technology that makes user VPN connections more stable even when the server network is undergoing maintenance. Simply put, it’s a self-healing VPN technology that seamlessly reconfigures your VPN connection to another server if the first connection is disrupted.
Currently, Surfshark’s Everlink feature is available by default with the WireGuard tunneling protocol on all platforms. There’s no need to enable or configure anything since the feature is fundamental to Surfshark’s service. As such, it acts as a backup against leaks in addition to the regular kill switch.
The research team evaluated Surfshark’s connection stability by testing the kill switch while the WireGuard tunneling protocol was enabled to ensure Everlink was available, too. The tests involved a wide range of potential scenarios involving issues with the internet, VPN app, or the device’s system in general. Overall, Surfshark’s kill switch was more than capable during our evaluations and ensured our IP address remained secure in all possible situations.
Surfshark VPN features
As expected, Surfshark offers many standard security features you’d expect from a reliable VPN. These include a kill switch, DNS leak protection, ad blocking, and more. However, Surfshark is evolving into a comprehensive cybersecurity tool with extra features like Alternative ID and Antivirus, which grant security benefits that other VPNs don’t. Let’s quickly review Surfshark’s main security features.
| Feature | How it works |
| DNS leak protection | Ensures your DNS requests are handled by the VPN service to properly mask your activities from your ISP |
| MultiHop (double VPN) | Allows connecting to two VPN servers for more encryption and greater security |
| Alternative ID | Generates alternative data for personal details like names and email addresses to improve your online anonymity |
| Antivirus | Protects your device in real time from common cyberthreats like malware, scams, and dangerous websites |
| Surfshark Search | A private, ad-free search engine that shows organic results without tracking, storing data, or showing personalized ads |
| CleanWeb | Eliminates online ads and trackers to improve your online browsing experience |
| NoBorders Mode | Allows secure VPN usage even on networks with strict limitations on VPN services |
| Camouflage Mode | Makes your VPN traffic appear as regular HTTPS traffic to minimize suspicion in certain circumstances |
| Bypasser (split tunneling) | Lets you pick which apps or websites should pass through or avoid the VPN tunnel |
| WireGuard protocol | Facilitates swift and secure connections, no matter which VPN server you use |
| Private DNS | Boosts anonymity by redirecting your DNS requests through Surfshark’s private servers |
Surfshark Antivirus
Surfshark is an exceptional VPN because it offers the option to include antivirus capabilities alongside its standard security suite. Note that the antivirus isn’t available in the most affordable Starter subscription tier – you must choose the One or One+ plan to gain this perk.
However, if you’re looking for something that’s more than just a VPN, Surfshark is definitely a worthwhile option. Independent antivirus labs, such as AV-TEST, rank it highly among other antivirus providers. The most recent June 2025 evaluation gave the service near-perfect scores, with only a tiny detraction in the performance and usability categories. It’s even part of the Microsoft Virus Initiative, highlighting Surfshark's commitment to adhering to top antivirus standards.
The Surfshark Antivirus package includes typical antivirus features, such as real-time protection and device scanning capabilities, to safeguard your gadgets. You also gain webcam protection and extensive customization options to adjust the antivirus to your needs. You’ll find more details about its tools in our Surfshark Antivirus review.
On the other hand, the service lacks a few features that are sometimes included alongside antivirus features. I’m referring to tools like parental controls and device cleanup, which aren’t really related to cybersecurity. I’m actually glad that Surfshark doesn’t have such tools because they could negatively impact device performance. Instead, the service includes only the essentials, without any unnecessary extras.
The Surfshark Antivirus interface includes all you need to customize the protection tool to your needs.
Obfuscated servers (Camouflage mode)
Surfshark offers obfuscated servers, also known as Camouflage mode, allowing you to mask your VPN traffic and make it appear as regular HTTPS traffic. This feature is critical if you want to bypass VPN blocking in restrictive countries like China or on specific networks where VPNs aren’t welcome. Many other top-tier VPN providers, including NordVPN, Proton VPN, and ExpressVPN, offer obfuscation.
Connecting to Surfshark’s obfuscated servers is simple, albeit not exactly intuitive. All you have to do is switch to the OpenVPN protocol in the app’s settings menu, and then obfuscation will be enabled automatically. This is great if you’re already familiar with the feature and know what to do.
However, it might be confusing if you’re a first-time Surfshark user and start looking for a feature called obfuscation on the app, only to come up empty handed. I think NordVPN does it better by offering a separate obfuscated server category. Apart from that, the feature is excellent, and it worked well during our tests.
Dedicated IP
Like many other VPNs, Surfshark offers the option to purchase a dedicated IP address tailored to your specific needs. It gives you exclusive access to an unchanging IP address in another country, making it superior to the provider’s Static IP servers. After all, if an IP address is used by multiple people, then you are more likely to encounter CAPTCHA and other issues while connected to a VPN server.
Surfshark’s website lists 11 countries (the US, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and South Africa) as options for dedicated IP addresses. However, even more options become available once you go to the checkout page. There’s also Brazil, Greece, Poland, Singapore, and Turkey. The point is that location availability will change over time. Pricing for this feature starts at $3.75/month, and you can get only one dedicated IP per account.
MultiHop (Double VPN)
Double VPN is another popular feature among top-tier VPNs, and Surfshark is no exception. As the name suggests, it’s a feature that routes your connection through multiple servers for increased protection. Naturally, this will result in a noticeable performance impact, since your traffic will have to travel an even greater distance than before.
Surfshark’s Double VPN implementation, called MultiHop, has a few compelling perks that make it more appealing to me. Namely, it allows you to create custom combinations between any available countries. Moreover, you can save your favorite combos for easy access later. This is something that is missing from other providers with Double VPN, such as NordVPN and Proton VPN.
Alternative ID
As the name suggests, Alternative ID creates substitute details you can use instead of your actual personally identifiable information. The feature is available with all subscription plans, meaning every Surfshark customer benefits from it. However, you can pay extra if you want an alternative phone number.
My favorite feature of Alternative ID is the ability to mask my actual email address. I can use the alternative email when creating new online accounts, meaning the services won’t know my real email address. Meanwhile, messages to the alt email will be redirected to my primary inbox, meaning I won’t lose any functionality. This also ensures that my actual email remains unaffected if these websites are struck by data leaks. Another benefit of this perk is seeing which online services are responsible for spam emails.
Then there’s an alt persona, which is basically an entirely new identity you can use online. It generates a full name, date of birth, and an address. You can use these details to fill in various online forms to stay completely anonymous and to keep online trackers off your trail.
Overall, I’m a big fan of this feature and commend Surfshark for including it in the most affordable subscription plan. It adds an extra layer of anonymity that other VPNs don’t, while also enhancing your protection against data leaks.
The Alternative ID feature is available in a separate menu on the left. The feature includes three alt emails to mask your personal ones.
You can combine the substitute details from Alternative ID with a reliable password manager to quickly autofill them when creating new accounts.
Bypasser (split tunneling)
Split tunneling is a common VPN feature that allows you to select apps and websites to bypass the VPN tunnel. With Surfshark, this feature is called Bypasser, and it’s included with all subscription plans since it’s an essential VPN feature.
Most VPN services include this feature in their Windows and Android apps, as it’s easiest to implement on these operating systems. Meanwhile, Surfshark offers Bypasser on its Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS apps, which is pretty rare. To my knowledge, only PIA (Private Internet Access) offers split tunneling on all these platforms.
Split tunneling allows you to select apps or websites that should bypass the VPN tunnel, thereby allowing them to see your actual IP address and location. This is helpful when you want to access your online bank account without encountering restrictions or triggering unnecessary alerts. Alternatively, you can set it up to protect only a particular app, such as your torrenting client, while the rest of your traffic remains unaffected by the VPN, allowing you to retain speedy connections.
Surfshark VPN price
Surfshark offers flexible pricing and multiple subscription tiers that unlock different features at varying prices. Below is a quick rundown of its available subscription plans, prices, and included features.
| Starter | One | One+ | |
| Monthly cost | $15.45/month | $17.95/month | $20.85/month |
| Annual cost | $3.19/month | $3.39/month | $6.29/month |
| Two-year cost | $1.99/month | $2.29/month | $4.19/month |
| Servers and countries | 4500+ servers in 100 countries | 4500+ servers in 100 countries | 4500+ servers in 100 countries |
| Cookie pop-up blocker | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Strict no-logs policy | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| DNS leak prevention | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Kill switch/always-on VPN | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Real-time email breach alerts | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Personal data security reports | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Malware and ad-blocker | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Data removal from company databases and people search sites | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
I discovered that the 2-year plan offers maximum value. Just don't forget to set a reminder for renewal, as the prices go up after the first term.
Surfshark Starter plan
Surfshark’s Starter plan is an excellent starting point, offering robust VPN features that include multiple tunneling protocols, specialty servers, and an ad blocker. At just $1.99/month for a two-year subscription, it provides core security tools without breaking the bank. However, remember that this plan doesn't include advanced features like antivirus protection or breach monitoring.
Surfshark One plan
For those seeking enhanced privacy and security, the One plan adds antivirus protection, credit card and ID breach alerts, and webcam protection to the Starter package. Priced at $2.29/month for a two-year subscription, it’s a comprehensive privacy solution ideal for users looking to secure their digital life beyond VPN capabilities.
Surfshark One+ plan
The One+ plan offers the ultimate package, including all the features of Surfshark One and a data removal service to erase personal data from third-party databases. At $4.19/month for a two-year subscription, this tier caters to privacy-conscious users prioritizing maximum digital security.
All Surfshark plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee for risk-free testing. Mobile users can also take advantage of a 7-day Surfshark free trial to explore the provider’s features before committing.
Payment options and discounts
Surfshark supports various payment methods, including traditional options like credit and debit cards and privacy-focused alternatives like cryptocurrency and gift cards. Seasonal promotions, such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, further reduce costs, making it easy to secure an affordable plan.
If you are already considering getting a Surfshark subscription, be sure to enter the Surfshark promo code "OFFCN" for a discount, and if you're considering a long-term plan, the Surfshark multi-year plan discount "LONGSAVECN" is for you. In case you already have a subscription that's up for renewal, you can still save some money with the Surfshark renewal discount code "RENEWCN".
Automatic renewals and price considerations
Like most VPN providers, Surfshark subscriptions renew automatically at higher rates after the initial period. To avoid surprises, Surfshark provides renewal notifications 30 days in advance.
Surfshark's unlimited simultaneous connections is a rare feature in the VPN market, allowing users to protect all their devices without additional costs. This, combined with its robust privacy tools, flexible plans, and affordability, makes Surfshark a standout option for both casual and privacy-focused users. Whether you need basic VPN functionality or an all-in-one privacy solution, Surfshark’s pricing plans and features provide excellent value for money.
Surfshark VPN is an excellent choice for those prioritizing versatility, feature variety, and affordability. It rivals the likes of NordVPN and ExpressVPN in terms of connection speeds and security while being cheaper than the two. Secondly, it supports unlimited device connections, which is another significant benefit over many of its competitors. Plus, you can use this VPN to bypass many geographical restrictions on popular streaming platforms and other online services.
However, since Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, its overall privacy isn’t ideal due to the country's ties to the Fourteen Eyes alliance. Its privacy policy also leaves room for improvement because it states the service stores your IP address information for about 15 minutes after your VPN session ends. However, I think those are insignificant issues considering all the other perks Surfshark VPN offers.
Surfshark's server network
Surfshark offers over 4500 servers across 100 countries, providing its users with tremendous worldwide coverage. The country variety is excellent, although still not up to par with NordVPN (129 countries) and ExpressVPN (105 countries). Let’s overview some of the specifics about Surfshark’s server fleet:
- The service includes specialty server options like Static IP, MultiHop, and Dedicated IP for added flexibility.
- Surfshark offers around 600 servers across 24 cities in the US, allowing you to easily access the state-specific content you want.
- You can customize the server connection experience by saving your favorite server locations and creating custom MultiHop variations.
Connecting to a Surfshark server is pretty straightforward. For starters, there’s a separate button for connecting to the fastest server, meaning you can customize the quick-connect button to another location. You can also mark any country as a favorite, so that it will appear at the top of the server selection menu. While there’s no world map for navigation, the compact scroll menu makes it easy to see all the available country locations. Plus, there’s a search bar if you’d like to type in the country name.
Overall, I think Surfshark is a top-tier provider regarding servers, even if its network isn’t as vast as NordVPN’s or Proton VPN’s. Customers have access to a wide range of countries and specialty servers, which is sufficient for most use cases.
Surfshark VPN vs popular VPNs
Here’s a quick overview of how Surfshark performs against other top VPNs.
| Feature | Surfshark | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Proton VPN |
| Kill switch | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Split tunneling | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Ad blocker | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Antivirus | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Simultaneous connections | Unlimited | 10 | 14 | 7 | 10 |
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | OpenVPN, WireGuard (NordLynx), NordWhisper | Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) | WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec |
| Streaming support | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, HBO Max, Disney+ |
| Supports torrenting | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Encryption type | AES-256, ChaCha20 | AES-256, ChaCha20 | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256, ChaCha20 |
| Jurisdiction | The Netherlands | Panama | British Virgin Islands | Romania | Switzerland |
| RAM-only servers | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Independent audits | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Speed retention rate | 83% | 81% | 75% | 56% | 82% |
| Server count | 4500+ servers in 100 countries | 8800+ servers in 129 countries | Servers in 105 countries | Servers in 100 countries | 17200+ servers in 127 countries |
| Monthly price | From $1.99/month | From $2.99/month | From $2.79/month | From $2.19/month | From $2.49/month |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 45 days | 30 days |
| App support | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Browser extensions | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave | Chrome, Firefox, Edge | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Vivaldi | Chrome, Firefox | Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Opera, Vivaldi |
| Customer support | Knowledge base, 24/7 live chat, email support | Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat | Knowledge base, FAQs, email, 24/7 live chat | 24/7 live chat, Knowledge base, FAQs | Guides, FAQs, support tickets, subreddit |
Surfshark stacks up really well against other top VPNs, especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with a variety of features. One of its biggest advantages is that it lets you connect unlimited devices to a single subscription at once. Only a few providers, such as IPVanish and PIA VPN, offer this feature. If you have quite a few gadgets you want to safeguard, Surfshark is a smart pick.
It also has an antivirus, which isn’t something most VPNs offer. Plus, the antivirus is pretty solid, even earning awards from AV-TEST, a respected independent testing lab.
That said, it’s not without downsides. Unlike NordVPN or ExpressVPN, Surfshark doesn’t have its own proprietary VPN protocol, which could matter if you’re looking for cutting-edge speed or security. Also, it’s headquartered in the Netherlands, part of the Fourteen Eyes alliance. This means that Surfshark is legally required to provide user data upon government request. However, since the company has a no-logs policy, it doesn’t collect or store any user data in the first place. Still, if jurisdiction is a major concern for you, this could be something to consider.
The server network is another area where Surfshark lags a bit behind. While it still covers a good number of countries, it has fewer servers than NordVPN, PureVPN, or Proton VPN. Plus, ExpressVPN covers more countries overall. So if server variety or international coverage is a priority, those might be better fits.
Check out how Surfshark compares to other top VPN services in our dedicated comparison tests:
Video review
Check out our freshly updated Surfshark VPN video review for more visual insights and a better understanding of this VPN's capabilities.
Is Surfshark a good VPN?
Surfshark is among the best VPNs on the market, and it’s not without reason. It offers fast speeds, a vast server network, and unlimited device connections – all at an affordable price. Surfshark includes unique features like Alternative ID and Alert for added privacy, as well as an antivirus to keep your device secure.
Over the years, Surfshark has grown from a basic VPN to a full-fledged privacy and security solution. From browsing anonymously to protecting your digital identity, Surfshark does it all. While its no-logs policy and jurisdiction may raise questions for some, its strong privacy measures help balance those concerns.
How we tested Surfshark
Together with the Cybernews research team, I thoroughly tested Surfshark VPN using our standard VPN evaluation methods. Here’s what mattered most to us in the testing process:
- Privacy (30%). Privacy is crucial in any VPN. I closely examined Surfshark’s no-logs policy, jurisdiction, and its use of RAM-only servers to ensure that user data remains fully protected and anonymous.
- Features (25%). A reliable VPN should offer a wide range of features. I tested Surfshark’s features, including CleanWeb, Bypasser, and MultiHop, to see how well they enhance security and the browsing experience.
- Compatibility (20%). Together with our research team, we tested Surfshark on various devices and platforms, ensuring it performs seamlessly on different operating systems, browsers, and even with routers.
- Customer support (15%). Good customer support is essential. I tested Surfshark’s live chat, email responses, and knowledge base to evaluate how quickly and effectively issues were addressed.
- Pricing (10%). I reviewed all of Surfshark’s subscription plans, compared their pricing, and assessed the overall value for money, especially considering the premium features available.
FAQ
What is Surfshark?
Surfshark is a high-quality VPN service from the Netherlands. It’s an affordable provider that offers robust security features, swift connections, and excellent performance in various daily situations, such as streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
Is Surfshark a safe VPN to use?
Yes, Surfshark VPN is safe to use. It uses strong encryption and the latest security protocols to protect your privacy. It doesn’t track your browsing history and has passed independent security checks to prove it’s serious about protecting your privacy. Although it does keep some connection data for up to 15 minutes, it’s used to prevent abuse and improve performance.
Can I use Surfshark on all my devices?
Yes, Surfshark VPN lets you connect as many devices as you want simultaneously. You can log in to your Surfshark account on multiple devices using the same email address and use them all together without any issues.
Does Surfshark work with Netflix and other streaming platforms?
Yes, Surfshark works with Netflix and other streaming platforms. It lets you access content from different regions by bypassing geo-restrictions, all while keeping your streaming sessions secure and private.
Is Surfshark considered expensive?
No, Surfshark isn’t considered expensive. In fact, it’s one of the cheapest VPNs on the market, with plans starting as low as $1.99/month, offering great value for its features.
Source: https://cybernews.com/best-vpn/surfshark-review/