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Surfshark VPN Review: A Bargain for Unlimited VPN Connections

Surfshark is a popular VPN provider that offers privacy and security for streaming, browsing, torrenting, playing online games, and accessing public Wi-Fi. This review tested out desktop and mobile apps to answer questions about speed, unblocking geo-restricted sites, security, and suitability for torrenting. 

For those looking for an affordable VPN service with unlimited connections, Surfshark is worth considering.

Surfshark is a popular and powerful VPN service that competes with the very best premium providers, all while offering a seriously tempting price point.

SurfShark VPN is a relatively new provider on the market, but it promises to provide users with quality security and privacy features. So what exactly does it offer? Is Surfshark worth your money? Founded in 2018, Surfshark has rapidly grown to become one of the most highly rated and widely recommended services in the VPN industry.

With a healthy 3,200 servers in 100 locations, industry-standard AES-256-GCM encryption, a wide range of protocols and an unlimited simultaneous connections policy, it’s no wonder why Surfshark is so popular. It currently sits in the Top 5 of the most used and most popular VPN software

Surfshark VPN software to protect yourself online

We have been using the Surfshark app for a few months now on both mobile and PC, and have been enjoying its ease of use and the vast range of features available to protect when browsing online. Additionally, the browser extension offers functionalities like form auto-fill, WebRTC leak protection, and the ability to block cookie consent banners, enhancing the overall user experience.

In this Surfshark VPN review, we’ll take a look into SurfShark’s services and determine if this is the right provider for you. We’ll look at its speed and performance, security levels, customer service, pricing and plans available, and overall usability. By the end of this article you will have a clearer understanding of whether or not Surfshark fits your needs.

Let’s dive in!

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What is Surfshark?

Surfshark is a VPN provider that offers privacy and security for streaming, browsing, torrenting, playing online games, and accessing public Wi-Fi. It has 3200+ servers in 100 locations around the world and uses industry-standard AES-256-GCM encryption to protect your data. Surfshark also offers unlimited simultaneous connections so you can use it on all of your devices at the same time.

It also offers Antivirus security to protect yourself from Malware when browsing the web. Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode and NoBorders Mode help bypass restrictions that block VPN traffic, allowing seamless access to content even in highly regulated environments like China or on networks like school Wi-Fi.

Surfshark icon logo

Surfshark

Offers one of the fasted connections for VPN and automatically get you the fastest server to connect.

Company Background

Surfshark is a VPN provider based in the Netherlands, a country renowned for its robust privacy laws and regulations. Founded in 2018, Surfshark quickly established itself as a leading player in the VPN industry. The company’s mission is to offer a fast, secure, and affordable VPN service to users worldwide. Surfshark’s commitment to user privacy and security has earned it a stellar reputation among VPN providers. By leveraging the Netherlands’ strong privacy framework, Surfshark ensures that its users’ data remains protected and confidential.

Who is Surfshark Best For?

Surfshark is a great choice for those who want an affordable VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections. It’s also suitable for streaming, torrenting, and playing online games. The WireGuard protocol is particularly fast and reliable, making it ideal for gamers.

The kill switch isn’t as reliable as some of the more expensive providers but it’s still good enough for most users. Surfshark is also a great choice for those who want to access geo-restricted content, as it can easily unblock Netflix and other streaming services. Additionally, a dedicated IP address can help users avoid CAPTCHA challenges and access private servers that require specific IPs.

Overall, Surfshark is an excellent VPN provider that offers good value for money. It’s not the fastest or most secure provider on the market but it’s certainly one of the best in terms of price and features.

Surfshark icon logo

Surfshark

Offers one of the fasted connections for VPN and automatically get you the fastest server to connect.
$2.49

Surfshark VPN Specifications and Features

Surfshark VPN offers 3,200+ servers in 65+ countries, allowing users to access content from around the world. With Surfshark, you can enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections and features such as split tunneling, kill switch, MultiHop connection for double protection by connecting to 2 servers at once, ad and tracker blocker. The use of multiple VPN servers enhances security through multi-hop connections, which route your internet traffic through several servers, providing an added layer of protection against snooping and tampering.

Surfshark VPN is available on all major platforms including Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux and Amazon FireTV. It also supports Android TV which makes it an ideal choice for streaming content on your TV.

With its advanced security features such as AES 256-bit encryption and no logs policy, Surfshark VPN ensures that your data remains safe and secure while browsing the web or streaming content online.

In summary here is what Surfshark offers to its connected clients

  • Over 3,200 servers in over 100 countries

  • Price starts from $2.49/month with a 2-year plan

  • A 7 day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee

  • Connections on Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon FireTV and Android TV

  • Unlimited devices with simultaneous connections

  • Adblocker

  • No logs

  • No DNS leaks

  • Features Split tunneling (Bypasser to manually choose what apps or websites use VPN), kill switch to disconnect you form the internet if VPN connection is interrupted, MultiHop connection for double protection by connecting to 2 servers at once, ad and tracker blocker

Surfshark icon logo

Surfshark

Offers one of the fasted connections for VPN and automatically get you the fastest server to connect.

How much does Surfshark VPN cost?

Surfshark VPN offers a variety of pricing plans to suit different needs. The most popular plan is the two-year plan, which comes with an upfront payment and an average monthly cost of $2.49 per month. This is a great deal for those who want to commit to a long-term subscription.

If you want to opt for the month to month VPN plan you will pay $12.95 per month.

In addition to the standard plans, Surfshark also offers the Surfshark One bundle for an additional $1.49 per month (paid in full upfront for one-year and two-year plans).

This bundle includes extra features such as unlimited simultaneous connections, access to over 800 servers in 50 countries, and 24/7 customer support. With all these features included in one package, it’s no wonder why so many people choose Surfshark VPN for their online security needs.

Surfshark VPN is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and secure VPN service. It offers one-month, one-year, and two-year plans with an average monthly cost of $2.49 for the two-year plan.

The Surfshark One bundle can be added on for $1.49 per month on a 24 month plan and includes antivirus software, safe search, and data breach monitoring. You can also opt for a dedicated IP as an add-on feature, which provides a unique IP address exclusively for your use. Payment methods include credit card, debit card, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Amazon Pay, or cryptocurrency and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The subscription costs of Surfshark VPN are slightly higher than other VPNs at $12.95 per month but long-term commitments come with steep discounts; an annual plan starts at $47.88 and a two-year plan costing $59.76.

We recommend starting with a longer plan as it it gives you more for less. To make sure the VPN works for you before committing to a longer plan, start with their 7 day free trial.

Surfshark icon logo

Surfshark

Offers one of the fasted connections for VPN and automatically get you the fastest server to connect.

Security and encryption

Surfshark offers a range of security features to keep your data safe and secure. It uses industry-standard AES-256-GCM encryption to protect your data, as well as a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and IP address masking. Protecting your real IP address is crucial for maintaining online privacy, and Surfshark ensures this with features like IP rotation and WebRTC leak protection.

Surfshark is a secure VPN provider that offers a range of features to protect your online privacy. One of the most impressive features is the Whitelister panel, which allows you to create whitelists of apps, IP addresses, and websites that you can redirect around the VPN.

This process is similar to split-tunneling, and if you do find that the VPN doesn’t play nicely with an app or site, whitelisting it should fix the issue. You can also set up the Whitelister so only your chosen apps and sites are routed through Surfshark.

In addition to this, Surfshark also has a CleanWeb feature which blocks ads, malicious content, and web trackers. I tried it out and wasn’t overly impressed by the results; however, it’s still a useful feature for those who want extra protection from online threats.

All in all, Surfshark is a secure VPN provider that offers plenty of features to keep your data safe and private while browsing online.

Surfshark icon logo

Surfshark

Offers one of the fasted connections for VPN and automatically get you the fastest server to connect.

Privacy when browsing connected to Surfshark

Surfshark is a great choice for those looking for a secure and private VPN. It offers the industry-standard AES-256 encryption, as well as OpenVPN UDP and TCP, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols. Additionally, Surfshark utilizes a private DNS on every one of its server servers that enables users to add an extra layer of protection and prevent third parties from intercepting browsing sessions.

For even more privacy, Surfshark also offers a VPN chaining mechanism. This system allows users to route their traffic through two separate servers, adding an extra layer of security and anonymity. With these features in place, Surfshark provides an incredibly secure connection that keeps your data safe from prying eyes. Moreover, Surfshark facilitates private internet access by offering extensive server options and high connectivity speeds, making it a strong competitor against other VPNs like Private Internet Access.

This chaining feature provides an extra layer of security by making it harder for anyone to trace the origin of the traffic back to you. With all these features combined, Surfshark is one of the most secure and private VPNs available today.

Surfshark icon logo

Surfshark

Offers one of the fasted connections for VPN and automatically get you the fastest server to connect.

Internet traffic logging

Surfshark does not collect IP addresses, internet activity history, VPN server location history, bandwidth usage, information regarding sessions, or timestamps. The only data that is recorded is an email address and information for billing along with some anonymous statistical data such as crash reports and performance data. When multiple users connect to the same VPN server, they share the same IP address, which can lead to inconveniences like captcha challenges and the risk of IP blacklisting. However, using a dedicated IP address can prevent these issues and allow secure access to private servers.

The company has also been audited twice by Cure53 – once in 2018 for browser extensions and again in 2021 for a more thorough audit of its servers. Both audits yielded positive results with any risks identified being addressed promptly. This shows Surfshark’s commitment to providing secure services to its customers while still protecting their privacy.

Surfshark is a reliable VPN provider that takes logging seriously. They do not log IP addresses, internet activity history, VPN server location history, bandwidth usage, information regarding sessions, or timestamps.

The only data collected is an email address and information for billing along with some anonymous statistical data.

Surfshark icon logo

Surfshark

Offers one of the fasted connections for VPN and automatically get you the fastest server to connect.

Surfshark’s VPN Protocols

Surfshark is a popular VPN provider that offers two different protocols for its users: OpenVPN and WireGuard. OpenVPN is an open-source protocol that has been tested for potential vulnerabilities, while WireGuard is a newer open-source protocol that is reportedly faster than other protocols.

Surfshark’s OpenVPN protocol provides strong encryption and security for your data while browsing the web. It also supports multiple ports and allows you to customize your settings to suit your needs. The WireGuard protocol is designed to be faster than other protocols while still providing strong encryption and security. 

Surfshark Servers and Server Locations

Surfshark has recently made a major milestone in the VPN industry by offering servers in 100 countries. This is well above average and even that of ExpressVPN and Hotspot Shield VPN, making it an impressive feat. However, while Surfshark claims to be the first premium commercial VPN with access to 100 countries, HMA VPN has long boasted having servers in 190 countries and PureVPN claims to have servers in 140 countries.

What makes Surfshark stand out from its competitors is its coverage in two regions often completely ignored by other providers: Africa and South America. It offers six server locations in Africa and 12 in South America, which is a great step forward for those looking for more secure connections from these areas. We hope that other competitors will follow Surfshark’s example and expand their server locations to provide better coverage for all users.

Surfshark provides servers in nations with restrictive online regulations, including China (Hong Kong), Turkey, and Vietnam. Unfortunately, the company no longer operates servers in Russia but does have servers located in Ukraine.

A few VPNs utilize virtual servers and virtual areas. Virtual servers are software-defined, which means one physical server can support many virtual ones. Many businesses employ these to manage an increase in demand.

Virtual locations are servers (real or virtual) adjusted to appear elsewhere than their actual places. The Surfshark app offers functionalities such as ad-blocking capabilities and tools to troubleshoot connection issues, enhancing user experience and security.

Neither is inherently difficult, yet we prefer companies being clear about where and how their servers work. Recently, Surfshark VPN closed down its physical servers in India due to legislation that may have put customer data at risk. Several other firms did the same. Nevertheless, Surfshark VPN still gives Indian IP addresses with virtual areas.

Surfshark icon logo

Surfshark

Offers one of the fasted connections for VPN and automatically get you the fastest server to connect.

Speed and Performance

Surfshark’s speed and performance are among the best in the industry.

The company’s VPN servers are strategically located around the globe and optimized for speed, ensuring users can always connect to the fastest server available. Whether you’re in North America, Europe, or Asia, Surfshark’s multiple servers provide a seamless internet connection.

The VPN protocols offered, including OpenVPN and WireGuard, are designed to deliver both fast and secure connections. In our testing, Surfshark consistently achieved impressive speeds, with average download speeds exceeding 100 Mbps. This makes it an excellent choice for activities that require high bandwidth, such as streaming and gaming.

Surfshark icon logo

Surfshark

Offers one of the fasted connections for VPN and automatically get you the fastest server to connect.
$2.49

Is Surfshark VPN good for torrenting?

Surfshark VPN is an excellent choice for torrenting. It has servers that support P2P file sharing, and when you use a torrenting app, it will automatically redirect you to a P2P-optimized server for better performance. Surfshark also offers top-notch protection and great speeds at a low price. Plus, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it out risk free.

Overall, Surfshark is an excellent choice for those who want to torrent safely and securely. It has all the features necessary to ensure your privacy while downloading files, as well as the speed and reliability needed for smooth streaming or downloading of large files.

With its low price point and money back guarantee, there’s no reason not to give Surfshark VPN a try if you’re looking for a reliable VPN for torrenting.

Streaming and Unblocking

Surfshark is a fantastic option for users who want to stream content from around the world.

The company’s VPN servers are specifically optimized for streaming, with multiple servers located in countries that host popular streaming services. Whether you want to access Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Disney+, Surfshark can unblock these services effortlessly.

The VPN connection provided by Surfshark is not only fast but also stable, ensuring a smooth streaming experience without buffering or lag. This makes Surfshark ideal for watching high-definition content, allowing you to enjoy your favorite shows and movies from anywhere in the world.

How is Surfshark’s customer support?

Surfshark VPN is an excellent choice for torrenting. It has servers that support P2P file sharing, and when you use a torrenting app, it will automatically redirect you to a P2P-optimized server for better performance.

Surfshark also offers top-notch protection and great speeds at a low price. Plus, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it out risk free.

Overall, Surfshark is an excellent choice for those who want to torrent safely and securely. It has all the features necessary to ensure your privacy while downloading files, as well as the speed and reliability needed for smooth streaming or downloading of large files.

With its low price point and money back guarantee, there’s no reason not to give Surfshark VPN a try if you’re looking for a reliable VPN for torrenting.

Surfshark icon logo

Surfshark

Offers one of the fasted connections for VPN and automatically get you the fastest server to connect.

What Do You Get for Your Money?

Not only does Surfshark offer a variety of rarely seen features, such as split tunneling and multi-hop connections, but they also provide free access to static servers, Smart DNS, CleanWeb ad-blocker, Surfshark Alert and Surfshark Search for an additional fee.

For slightly more money, customers can get the Surfshark One security suite which includes antivirus protection; however, its performance in testing was not impressive. Additionally, opting for a dedicated IP address can help users avoid CAPTCHAs, decrease the chance of IP blacklisting, and enable access to private servers that require specific IPs.

Surfshark is also rolling out a new network called Surfshark Nexus which will enable several new privacy features such as IP Rotator.

To further protect your privacy and security online, it is recommended to use the privacy tools built into most browsers, a stand-alone ad- or tracker-blocker, and the free Tor anonymization network. Creating unique and complex passwords with a password manager.

Surfshark icon logo

Surfshark

Offers one of the fasted connections for VPN and automatically get you the fastest server to connect.

In summary: Surfshark VPN Review

Surfshark VPN is a great option for those looking for a reliable and affordable virtual private network. It has all the features most people will want in a VPN, including strong encryption, no-logging policy, and support for multiple devices. It also performed well in speed tests, allowing users to stream content without buffering or lag. Best of all, it’s one-third the price of the most expensive VPN services on the market.

For those who are unsure if Surfshark VPN is right for them, taking advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee is recommended. This allows users to test out the service and make sure it meets all their needs before committing to a long-term subscription.

All in all, Surfshark VPN offers an excellent value proposition with its low cost and high performance – making it an attractive choice for anyone looking to secure their online activity.

Surfshark icon logo

Surfshark

Offers one of the fasted connections for VPN and automatically get you the fastest server to connect.

Frequently asked Questions: Surfshark Review

Can Surfshark be trusted?

Yes, Surfshark is a reliable VPN provider known for its strong encryption protocols and no logs policy, ensuring user data remains private and secure.

Which is better, NordVPN or Surfshark?

Both NordVPN and Surfshark are excellent choices with unique features. NordVPN offers faster speeds with its NordLynx protocol, while Surfshark provides unlimited simultaneous connections and is more budget-friendly.

Yes, using Surfshark is legal in the USA. However, using a VPN for illegal activities is not permitted.

Can you be tracked with Surfshark VPN?

Surfshark uses advanced encryption and security features to prevent tracking, ensuring your online activities remain private.

Is Surfshark any good as a VPN?

Surfshark is a highly-rated VPN provider offering robust security features, a wide server network, and affordable pricing, making it a great choice for many users.

How much does Surfshark cost per month?

Surfshark’s monthly plan costs $12.95, but significant discounts are available for long-term commitments, with the two-year plan averaging $2.49 per month.

Does Surfshark have a free trial?

Yes, Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial for mobile users and a 30-day money-back guarantee for all users to test the service risk-free.

What makes Surfshark stand out among VPN providers?

Surfshark stands out with its unlimited simultaneous connections, affordable pricing, and innovative features like the IP Rotator and CleanWeb ad-blocker.

Does Surfshark offer a dedicated IP address?

Yes, Surfshark provides the option to purchase a dedicated IP address, offering a unique IP for exclusive use.

Is Surfshark good for streaming and torrenting?

Surfshark is excellent for streaming and torrenting, with optimized servers for these activities and the ability to unblock popular streaming platforms.

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Nonofo Joel

Nonofo Joel, Head of Growth at Fine Media, is an inbound marketing expert committed to business innovation and success. He passionately advances human capital development across Africa as a dedicated volunteer on the Lehikeng Board.