Surfshark VPN Review

Our Verdict

Overall Rating: 9.2/10

Overview

Ranked #4 out of 65 VPNs

Surfshark stands out as an exceptional VPN with a commendable 9.2 rating according to our evaluation. Its outstanding feature lies in its remarkable value proposition—despite its affordability, the VPN maintains top-tier security protocols, a thoroughly audited privacy policy, and a myriad of additional features. Notably, it successfully unlocks content from 10 different Netflix regions. While it excels in various aspects, our tests revealed that Surfshark’s speeds were slightly slower compared to similar VPNs. Additionally, it may not be the ideal choice for circumventing stringent censorship measures.

Surfshark VPN Review Category Ratings

Streaming 9.7/10
Privacy & Logging 8.7/10
Server Locations 9.9/10
Security & Features 9.7/10
Customer Support 8.5/10
Torrenting 8.6/10
Speed 9.1/10
Bypassing Censorship 9.0/10
Ease of Use 9.7/10
Price & Value 9.4/10
Surfshark VPN Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons

Surfshark VPN, established in 2018 and headquartered in the Netherlands, has rapidly gained popularity, emerging as one of the leading VPNs in the market.

In 2022, Surfshark underwent a merger with Nord Security, the entity responsible for NordVPN. Despite now operating under a unified holding company, both VPN services maintain their independence.

This Surfshark review comprehensively assesses its performance across 10 distinct categories to determine its efficacy, safety, and comparative value against other highly-rated VPN services.

Who Should Get Surfshark?

Choose NordVPN if:

  • You seek a VPN for streaming purposes. Surfshark effectively unblocks major international streaming platforms through its applications or Smart DNS.
  •  
  • You desire an extensive array of advanced features. Surfshark boasts a rich set of technical features, enhancing its configurability.
  •  
  • You are on a tight budget. Surfshark stands out as one of the top-performing and most economical VPNs, with costs as low as $2.21 per month.
  •  

Avoid NordVPN if:

  • Your goal is to bypass web censorship. In our testing on a Shanghai server, Surfshark demonstrated a success rate of only 18%.
  •  
  • Internet speed is your primary concern. While Surfshark maintains reasonable speed, there are VPNs that impose less impact on your internet connection.
  •  
  • You are specifically seeking a VPN for torrenting. While Surfshark supports torrenting safely, it lacks port forwarding, and users must manually activate the kill switch.
  •  

Surfshark VPN Key Data

Data Cap
Unlimited
Download Speed
95Mbps
Logging Policy
No Identifying Data
Data Leaks
No
Jurisdiction
Netherlands (EU Member)
Servers
3,200
IP Addresses
3,200+
Countries with Servers
100
US Netflix
Yes
Torrenting
Unlimited
Simultaneous Connections
Unlimited
Works In China
Unreliable
Support
24/7 Live Chat
Cheapest Price
$2.21/mo over 27 months
Free Trial
7 Days (Payment Info Required)
Money-Back Guarantee
30-day Money-Back Guarantee

Streaming

Unblocks Every Major Global Streaming Site

Rating 9.7/10

Surfshark stands out as an outstanding VPN for streaming, reliably unlocking all major international streaming platforms. This includes access to 10 different international Netflix regions, UK TV channels, and geo-restricted services such as HBO Max and Hulu. Additionally, Surfshark offers the convenience of its Smart DNS feature, allowing seamless streaming on devices that may not support VPN apps.

Ranked #4 out of 65 VPNs for Streaming

Here’s a list of popular streaming platforms that Surfshark VPN currently unblocks:

streaming platforms
Works with Surfshark VPN
Amazon Prime Video
Yes
BBC iPlayer
Yes
Channel 4
Yes
Disney+
No
Hotstar India
Yes
Hulu
Yes
Max
Yes
ITVX
Yes
YouTube
Yes
Netflix US
Yes

Access to 10 Netflix Libraries

Surfshark works very well with Netflix. Our test results show that it works to unblock 10 Netflix regions with ease, and streams without buffering.

  • Netflix Australia
  •  
  • Netflix Germany
  •  
  • Netflix India
  •  
  • Netflix Ireland
  • Netflix Italy
  •  
  • Netflix Mexico
  •  
  • Netflix Turkey
  •  
  • Netflix UK

In our testing, the majority of Surfshark’s city servers successfully unblocked the respective country’s Netflix library. However, in isolated instances, it may be necessary to connect to an alternative server to ensure seamless access to Netflix.

Surfshark unblocks multiple Netflix regions.

We recommend that Surfshark consider labeling its servers explicitly for streaming purposes. This enhancement would streamline the user experience, making it quicker and more efficient to locate servers optimized for streaming needs.

Streams Every British & US Streaming Site

Surfshark effectively bypasses geo-restrictions on HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video. While it previously faced challenges with Hulu, our recent tests reveal significant improvement. We now confidently endorse Surfshark as a reliable VPN for accessing Hulu from outside the United States.

Surfshark unblocks Hulu outside the US.

In our assessment, the initial UK Surfshark server effortlessly unblocked various streaming platforms, including BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, ITVX, My5, Now, and Sky Go, establishing it as one of the top VPNs for connecting to the UK.

Surfshark maintains its status as the premier VPN for circumventing Disney+ blocks, enabling users to stream exclusive Star content from Europe to the United States.

Furthermore, Surfshark proves effective for accessing the Roku Channel and numerous free streaming sites, such as Peacock and SBS On Demand. In our tests, all these platforms delivered content at maximum video quality without any buffering issues.

While Surfshark is an excellent streaming VPN, particularly given its competitive pricing, it falls slightly short in comparison to ExpressVPN in terms of speed and reliability, especially with Netflix. Windscribe VPN, on the other hand, surpasses Surfshark in unblocking a greater number of Netflix regions overall.

Surfshark's Streaming Performance Against Other Best VPNs

The following table provides a comparative analysis of surfshark in relation to other top-rated streaming VPNs. The assessment is based on its accessibility to Netflix and BBC iPlayer, as well as the availability of streaming with Smart DNS:

VPN Service Streaming Rating No. of Netflix Libraries US Netflix BBC iPlayer Smart DNS

9.7

12
9.9
10
9.8
12
9.8
12
9.1
10

Torrenting

No Firewalls, No Worries: Secure Torrenting Made Easy

Rating 8.6/10

Surfshark is generally suitable for torrenting, offering support for P2P activity on all servers, commendable download speeds, and a private logging policy with a kill switch to maintain confidentiality with your ISP. However, it lacks port forwarding capabilities, and there are VPNs with faster torrenting speeds available. Additionally, users need to activate the kill switch manually.

Ranked #11 out of 65 VPNs for Torrenting
Torrenting Attribute
Result
Average Download Bitrate
8.7MiB/s
No. of P2P Servers
3,200+
Logging Policy
No Identifying Data
Kill Switch
Yes
Port Forwarding
No

All servers provided by Surfshark allow for P2P activity. Our tests, conducted on torrent clients such as qBittorrent, uTorrent, and Deluge, demonstrated an average download bitrate of 8.7 MiB/s. While this speed is sufficiently fast for rapid P2P file downloads, it’s worth noting that there are VPNs with even faster torrenting speeds, such as PIA and ExpressVPN, which boast respective download bitrates of 9.6 MiB/s and 9.4 MiB/s.

We tested Surfshark on torrent clients like qBitorrent.

While Surfshark may not be the fastest P2P VPN, it is undoubtedly a secure choice. With its private logging policy, AES-256 encryption, and first-party DNS servers, Surfshark ensures the safety of your torrenting activity, guarding against monitoring by your ISP or copyright holders.

It’s important to note that the kill switch on Surfshark is not activated by default. To guarantee safety while torrenting, it is highly recommended to manually turn on the kill switch via Surfshark’s settings menu. This precautionary measure adds an extra layer of protection to your torrenting activities.

Surfshark’s kill switch has to be toggled on manually.

In general, Surfshark is a secure option for P2P file-sharing. However, if you engage in regular torrenting activities, you may discover that Private Internet Access (PIA) offers faster speeds and better optimization.

Speed

A dependable and exceptionally fast VPN.

Rating 9.1/10

Our test findings reveal that Surfshark is consistently fast and reliable. When connected to a nearby server, our download speeds only experienced a minimal 5% decrease, making it more than adequate for streaming, gaming, and various other activities. Across all our long-distance test connections, Surfshark maintained an average speed loss of 17%, showcasing impressive performance. However, it’s worth noting that some competing VPNs, such as Hotspot Shield and IPVanish, outperform Surfshark in this aspect.

Ranked #24 out of 65 VPNs for Speed

To evaluate its performance, we connected to Surfshark servers across six continents and measured our internet speeds before and after. Utilizing a 100Mbps internet connection, akin to a typical baseline speed at home, we conducted a series of speed tests. 

The results are summarized in the following table:

No VPN (New York) US (New York) Canada (Toronto) US (Los Angeles) UK (London) Germany (Berlin) Brazil (São Paulo) Japan (Tokyo) South Africa (Johannesburg) Australia (Sydney)
Server Location
Download Speed
100Mbps
95Mbps
93Mbps
89Mbps
88Mbps
88Mbps
84Mbps
84Mbps
67Mbps
79Mbps
Upload Speed
100Mbps
92Mbps
80Mbps
40Mbps
27Mbps
44Mbps
67Mbps
15Mbps
49Mbps
35Mbps
Ping
1ms
6ms
14ms
72ms
73ms
98ms
288ms
143ms
408ms
203ms
Distance
0mi
5mi
300mi
2,500mi
3,500mi
4,000mi
4,800mi
6,700mi
8,000mi
9,900mi

Unlike many VPNs, Surfshark prioritizes your download needs. Forget crippling speed drops! We clocked in at a mere 15% decrease when using a nearby server, keeping your torrents roaring fast. Even crossing the Atlantic resulted in a manageable 42% dip, despite the 3,000-mile journey. Translation: Surfshark won’t kill your download buzz.

This lightning-fast performance is no accident. Surfshark limits server load to 40%, ensuring smooth sailing. Many servers boast blazing 10Gbps speeds, further fueling your torrenting fury. The benefit? Consistent performance, stable connections, and fewer CAPTCHAs (no one likes those!).

Despite recent enhancements, Surfshark still falls slightly behind the very fastest VPNs, particularly when connecting to extremely remote locations such as South Africa and Australia. The chart above illustrates its performance compared to some of its top VPN competitors, acknowledging that all face challenges to some extent. To further address this, Surfshark could enhance its capabilities by incorporating even more 10Gbps servers.

Price & Value

Excellent Value for Money

Rating 9.4/10

Surfshark is priced at $2.21 in its most affordable subscription plan. Given its high-quality performance, this competitive pricing positions it as one of the best value-for-money VPNs available. Additionally, Surfshark provides a seven-day free trial for mobile devices and offers two money-back guarantees, effectively allowing users to use Surfshark at no cost for up to 67 days.

Ranked #3 out of 65 VPNs for Price & Value

You can see all of Surfshark’s the pricing plans below:

Monthly
$15.45/mo

Billed $15.45 each month

12 Months
Save 69%
$3.99/mo
Billed $47.88 the first 12 months, $59.76 thereafter Save 69%
Save 69%
27 Months
Save 86%
$2.21/mo
Billed $59.76 the first 27 months, $59.76 annually thereafter 
Save 86%

Surfshark’s most cost-effective plan is priced at $2.21 per month for a 26-month subscription. This rate is highly competitive, especially for a top-rated VPN, and it stands out as a more budget-friendly option compared to some competing services.

For those who prefer shorter commitments, Surfshark provides two additional options: a monthly plan at $12.95 and a yearly plan at $3.99 per month. While the latter represents the average price for short-term plans and may not be particularly cheap, it offers flexibility for users who don’t want a long-term commitment.

Despite other VPNs like FastestVPN and PureVPN being objectively cheaper than Surfshark, their lower ratings indicate that they may not offer better overall value. Only Private Internet Access (PIA) surpasses Surfshark in terms of value for money, with a slightly lower cost at $2.03 per month, placing it just above Surfshark in our recommendations for affordable VPNs.

How does the cost of Surfshark compare to other VPNs?

Certainly! However, I’m unable to create an actual table in this format. Instead, I can provide you with a comparison in a textual format. Please provide the specific VPNs you’d like to compare, and I’ll present the details accordingly.

VPN Service
Price & Value
Rating
Cheapest Monthly
Cost
Free Trial
Period
Refund
Policy
Surfshark VPN
9.5
$2.49
7 Days (Mobile Only)
30 Days
NordVPN
8.0
$3.30
7 Days (Mobile Only)
30 Days
ExpressVPN
7.0
$6.67
7 Days (Mobile Only)
30 Days
PrivateVPN
9.5
$1.98
No Free Trail
30 Days
PIA VPN
9.0
$2.03
7 Days (Mobile Only)
30 Days
TotalVPN
9.7
$1.59
No Free Trail
30 Day

Payment & Refund Options

Surfshark provides a range of payment and refund options, including:

Users who prioritize privacy can opt for cryptocurrency as a payment method with Surfshark. However, it’s worth noting that the option to pay with cash is not available.

Can You Get Surfshark For Free?

You can access Surfshark for a limited time at no cost by utilizing its free trial offerings. This comprises a seven-day free trial, which can be activated through mobile devices, and two 30-day money-back guarantees. In total, you have the opportunity to use Surfshark without charge for up to 67 days.

It’s important to note that the money-back guarantee option can be utilized twice, with a required six-month interval between each request. However, if you make your Surfshark purchase through a storefront like iTunes and Amazon or with a prepaid gift card, you are not eligible for any money-back guarantee.

Privacy & Logging Policy

Diskless Servers, No Identifying Logs

Rating 8.7/10

Surfshark boasts outstanding privacy standards, ensuring a minimal log of user activities and employing diskless servers. Furthermore, it derives credibility from its association with a reputable company that consistently conducts independent audits to scrutinize its logging policies and server security. However, the challenge lies in Surfshark’s EU jurisdiction, where stringent data retention laws prevail.

Ranked #17 out of 65 VPNs for Privacy & Logging Policy

Here’s a table summarizing the information that Surfshark logs:

 
Data Type
Logged by Surfshark VPN
Account Information
Yes
Browsing Activity
No
Date of Last Connection
No
Device Information
No
DNS Queries
No
Individual Bandwidth Usage
No
Individual Connection Timestamps
Yes
ISP
No
Number of Simultaneous Connections
No
Originating IP Address
No
VPN Server IP
No
VPN Server Location
Yes

Surfshark prioritizes your privacy by strictly adhering to a no-logs policy. In a meticulous review of its logging practices, we can assert that Surfshark does not retain any identifying logs, ensuring the safeguarding of sensitive information such as your IP address. This commitment to privacy is further validated by an independent audit conducted by Deloitte.

While Surfshark does temporarily store certain data related to your VPN connection, including the VPN server you connect to, your user ID, and connection time stamps, it’s crucial to note that this information is transient. The stored data is automatically purged within a mere 15 minutes of disconnecting your VPN, eliminating any potential threats to your privacy. This conscientious approach underscores Surfshark’s dedication to providing a secure and anonymous online experience for its users.

Surfshark exclusively retains specific account details, ensuring utmost privacy for users. The stored information encompasses essential elements such as:

  • Email address
  •  
  • Date of account registration
  •  
  •  Encrypted password
  •  
  • Instances of Smart DNS usage
     
  • WiFi name, but solely if the Auto-connect feature is activated
  •  

This limited data collection underscores Surfshark’s commitment to user privacy. For those particularly concerned about privacy, the option to sign up with cryptocurrency exists, allowing users to sidestep the provision of personal information.

Moreover, Surfshark employs an additional layer of privacy through diskless RAM servers. These servers prevent the storage of user data on hard drives, offering a robust privacy measure. In the event of a server seizure, this approach ensures that no identifiable information is accessible, reinforcing Surfshark’s dedication to safeguarding user data.

Based in The Netherlands (EU Jurisdiction)

Surfshark recently relocated its corporate headquarters from the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction celebrated for its privacy-centric stance with no data retention laws, to the Netherlands, situated within the EU with more robust data retention regulations.

Despite this move, Surfshark maintains its commitment to a no-logs policy and has provided assurances to users that operating from the Netherlands will not compromise their privacy. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that the Netherlands is part of intelligence-sharing networks within the European Union.

While Surfshark emphasizes its efforts to uphold user privacy within the new jurisdiction, some users express a preference for a more secluded location, detached from EU intelligence networks. This underscores the ongoing discourse around finding an optimal balance between user privacy and legal obligations, particularly in the dynamic landscape of online security and data protection.

Who Owns Surfshark?

Surfshark, an entity under the ownership of Cyberspace, a Dutch-incorporated company, was founded by Vytautas Kaziukonis, a Lithuanian national. The majority of Cyberspace’s workforce hails from Lithuania, reflecting the company’s roots with an office situated there.

Cyberspace emerged through the fusion of Surfshark (Surfshark B.V.) and Nord Security, the parent company of NordVPN. Collaborating closely, Surfshark and NordVPN strive to enhance their respective services.

Although Surfshark and NordVPN offer comparable services, our tests reveal that NordVPN outperforms in most aspects and remains headquartered in the privacy-friendly jurisdiction of Panama. It is noteworthy, however, that NordVPN has faced a data breach, unlike Surfshark, which has maintained a clean record devoid of any controversies.

How does the level of privacy offered by Surfshark compare to other VPNs?

Certainly, I’d be happy to assist with that. However, as a text-based AI, I’m unable to create an actual table. Instead, I can provide you with a textual comparison. Please specify the five other VPNs you’d like to include in the comparison, and I’ll present the details accordingly.

VPN Service Privacy Rating Logging Policy Jurisdiction Independently
Verified

9.9

No Logs
United States
9.6
Connection Logs
(BVI)
9.5
No Logs
Panama
9.5
No Logs
Sweden
9.7
Connection Logs
BVI

Server Locations

Where Are Surfshark’s Servers Located?

Rating 9.9/10

Surfshark boasts servers in 100 countries, surpassing many VPN services. Server congestion is prevented by capping capacity at 40%, and the US enjoys strong representation with 25 city servers. Despite broad coverage, Surfshark maintains 3,200+ individual servers, fewer than competitors like PIA and CyberGhost.

Ranked #1 out of 65 VPNs for Server Locations

100

Cities

142

Countries

3,200+

IP Addresses

Surfshark’s server network spans 100 countries, making it one of the largest and most diverse among VPN providers.

With Surfshark you can connect to servers in these regions:

Continent
Number of Countries
Europe
46
Asia
25
South America
10
North America
7
Africa
6
Oceania
2

The majority of Surfshark’s servers are concentrated in a single city. Notably, 11 countries offer city-level options, which exceeds the average. While there’s a desire for greater diversity outside of Europe, the current coverage includes: [additional details].

  • Australia
  •  
  • Belgium
  •  
  • France
  •  
  • Germany
  •  
  • India
  •  
  • Italy
  •  
  • Poland
  •  
  • Portugal
  •  
  • Spain
  •  
  • UK
  •  
  • US

The United States leads with 25 city choices, a valuable feature for obtaining a specific city’s IP address, especially for purposes like watching out-of-market NFL games or bypassing MLB blackouts.

Despite having IP addresses in 100 countries, Surfshark maintains a more modest count of 3,200+ individual servers. This is notably fewer than the 18,651 servers offered by Private Internet Access or the 9,769 servers provided by CyberGhost.

Surfshark has a large server network of 100 countries.

In response to government demands for VPNs to log user data, Surfshark closed its servers in Russia and India in March and June 2022, respectively. However, virtual Indian servers remain available for users seeking an Indian IP address.

Static IP Addresses & MultiHop Servers

Surfshark offers two distinct server types:

1. Static IP:
– This feature provides users with a consistent IP address each time they connect to the server. While it enhances speed and facilitates access to geo-restricted streaming sites, it comes with a trade-off in privacy.

2. Multi-Hop:
– Also known as Double VPN, Multi-Hop servers route your traffic through two encrypted servers before reaching the desired website. While this process may slightly impact speed, it introduces an extra layer of privacy and security to your connection.

A Mix of Virtual & Physical Servers

Surfshark employs both virtual and physical servers, with virtual servers designated by a small ‘v’ for user clarity. Virtual servers assign an IP address from the selected country, regardless of the physical hardware location, enabling connections to a broader range of global locations.

Surfshark distinguishes between physical and virtual servers with a ‘v’.

While virtual servers expand accessibility, they may lead to performance drops if the actual server is significantly distant from the user’s physical location.

In summary, Surfshark boasts a extensive server network with diverse types. For quick connections, casual users can utilize the ‘Quick Connect’ button. However, Surfshark also provides advanced control, allowing users to choose between virtual and physical servers, static or dynamic IPs, and single or double VPN connections.

Security & Technical Features

Robust Security and Abundant Advanced Features

Rating 9.7/10

Surfshark meets the essential criteria for a secure VPN, employing AES-256 encryption, diskless servers, and offering choices between OpenVPN and WireGuard. Each platform is equipped with a kill switch for added security. The VPN also goes beyond the basics, offering features like rotating IP addresses and GPS spoofing. However, it currently lacks compatibility with IPv6, and users may encounter some leaks when switching servers on macOS.

Ranked #2 out of 65 VPNs for Security & Technical Features

In the table provided below, you can review the encryption ciphers, connection protocols, and additional security features employed by Surfshark:

Protocols
Available in Surfshark VPN
IKEv2/IPSec
Yes
OpenVPN (TCP/UDP)
Yes
Lightway
Yes
Encryption
Available in Surfshark VPN
AES-128
No
AES-192
No
AES-256
Yes
Blowfish
No
ChaCha20
Yes
Security
Available in Surfshark VPN
DNS Leak Blocking
Yes
First-party DNS
Yes
IPv6 Leak Blocking
Yes
Supports TCP Port 443
No
VPN Kill Switch
Yes
WebRTC Leak Blocking
Yes
Advanced Features
Available in Surfshark VPN
Ad Blocker
Yes
Dedicated IP
Yes
Double VPN
Yes
Smart DNS
Yes
SOCKS
No
Split Tunneling
Yes
Static IP
Yes
Tor over VPN Server
No
Tracker Blocker
Yes

Surfshark provides top-tier security protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, representing optimal choices in the industry. Notably, Surfshark has wisely moved away from outdated protocols like PPTP.

For encryption, Surfshark employs the robust AES-256 cipher, renowned for its impenetrability. Our verification using the packet-sniffing tool Wireshark affirmed the effectiveness of Surfshark’s encryption, as our web traffic appeared entirely unreadable and comprehensively encrypted.

Does Surfshark’s Kill Switch Work?

Surfshark’s kill switch is not activated by default, an oversight in our assessment. We recommend accessing Surfshark’s settings and enabling the kill switch manually.

In our evaluation, we employed an in-house kill switch test tool to verify its effectiveness. A functional kill switch should safeguard our real IP address from detection, even during server switches or internet connection drops.

Our findings indicate that Surfshark’s kill switch successfully prevented IP address leaks in most scenarios, with the exception being when changing servers on macOS devices. This issue is commonly observed among various VPNs on Mac. Nevertheless, solutions have been implemented by VPNs like Mullvad and PIA, and we anticipate a similar resolution from Surfshark.

Surfshark’s kill switch does not stop IP address leaks when changing servers on macOS.

First-Party DNS Servers for Leak Prevention

We conducted comprehensive testing on Surfshark for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks using our proprietary tool, and it performed flawlessly across all assessments, ensuring no exposure of sensitive data.

Surfshark’s robust security is attributed to its use of proprietary DNS servers, handling DNS requests internally—a commendable security feature.

It’s worth noting, however, that Surfshark lacks IPv6 support. While it redirects IPv6 connections to IPv4, a measure to prevent leaks, the absence of full IPv6 support may pose limitations, especially for users with IPv6-exclusive routers. In such cases, Surfshark may not function properly.

Double VPN, Rotating IP, and Diskless Servers

Surfshark not only upholds exceptional security standards but also provides a range of advanced features that set it apart from many other VPN services.

One noteworthy feature is Multi-Hop, which channels your traffic through two VPN servers, offering an extra layer of protection, though it may not always be necessary.

Surfshark introduces a unique Rotating IP option, changing your public IP address every 5-10 minutes without requiring a server switch. While not essential for online protection, it could be appealing to users prioritizing privacy.

Surfshark’s Rotating IP changes your IP address every 5-10 minutes.

Android users benefit from Surfshark’s GPS Spoofing feature, aligning GPS geolocation with the chosen server. This uncommon feature aids in bypassing geo-blocks imposed by mobile apps, especially valuable for streaming blackout NHL games on Android. Its extension to all Surfshark apps is a feature expansion users may anticipate.

Surfshark has lots of features in its settings menu.

A notable security highlight is Surfshark’s diskless server network, operating on a RAM-only system. This ensures user data is never stored on physical servers, reducing the risk of seizure and extraction.

Considering its affordable price point, Surfshark’s comprehensive security offering stands out. VPNs with comparable advanced features typically come at a higher cost, making Surfshark a noteworthy choice, especially when compared to pricier options like Astrill.

Does Surfshark Block Ads?

Surfshark features an ad blocker named CleanWeb. Our assessments reveal that CleanWeb effectively blocks 77% of ads and trackers across the web, earning it the 10th spot in our ranking of the best VPN ad blockers.

While CleanWeb successfully blocked ads on popular sites like Spotify and Twitch, it did not prove effective on websites such as Google and YouTube.

Bypassing Web Censorship

Ineffective for Unblocking Websites in China, Effective in Russia

Rating 9.0/10

Overall, Surfshark is not a recommended choice for circumventing censorship. While it has an obfuscation feature that activates automatically when connecting from China, our internal tests indicate that it is effective only 18% of the time in this context. However, it continues to successfully bypass blocks in Russia.

Ranked #6 out of 65 VPNs for Bypassing Web Censorship

Surfshark faces challenges in effectively operating in China. Rigorous weekly testing over a year using the Shanghai server revealed that it successfully bypasses Chinese website blocks only 18% of the time. These assessments were conducted utilizing Surfshark’s NoBorders mode, an obfuscation tool automatically activated when connecting from China.

We accessed YouTube from China using Surfshark 18% of the time.

On a positive note, Surfshark remains one of the few top-tier VPNs that has not been banned in Russia. Therefore, it proves effective for bypassing Russian censorship. Additionally, it remains accessible and functional in countries like Turkey, Iran, and the UAE.

If you need a VPN for Chinawe recommend using PrivatVPN. Our tests show that it gets around The Great Firewall 99% of the time.

Device & OS Compatibility

Custom Apps, Smart DNS, and Browser Extensions

Surfshark is compatible with all major devices and platforms, allowing users to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. Custom apps are available for both desktop and mobile devices. Additionally, Surfshark offers a Smart DNS feature for devices that may not be compatible with traditional VPNs. However, it does not currently have a router app, which may present challenges for users seeking network-level protection.

Supported on:

Surfshark has custom apps for the following devices:

Surfshark places no restrictions on the number of devices where users can install its apps. During our tests, we successfully installed Surfshark on all our devices and established simultaneous connections to Surfshark servers without any issues. Importantly, Surfshark does not threaten to terminate user accounts for sharing access, a flexibility not commonly found in many VPN services.

This is a noteworthy advantage for Surfshark users, as the majority of VPNs typically enforce a device limit, often averaging around five devices.

While Surfshark maintains a consistent user experience across its apps, certain features may be platform-specific. For a detailed overview of these differences, refer to the following table: 

Feature
Windows
macOS
Android
iOS
Linux
Bypasser
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
CleanWeb
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Kill Switch
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Multi-Hop
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Static IP
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes

Games Consoles & Streaming Devices

Not all devices support VPN apps. For those that don’t, Surfshark offers an alternative through its Smart DNS feature or the option to manually install it on your router. Once configured, Surfshark can be utilized on the following devices:

Smart DNS differs from a VPN as it functions as an unencrypted proxy, altering your DNS address to enable access to geo-restricted streaming and gaming content without changing your IP.

This feature proves useful for watching video content on devices like Apple TV or utilizing your VPN specifically for gaming.

To access blocked content without a VPN, you have the option of manual installation of Surfshark on your router. However, it’s essential to note that Surfshark lacks a dedicated app for routers, a feature found in some competing VPN services. This absence can make the installation process more challenging.

Browser Extensions

Surfshark has extensions available for the following browsers:

Surfshark’s browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge serve to alter your IP address and encrypt your browser traffic, providing security specifically for your browser activities rather than your entire web traffic.

These extensions offer additional beneficial features, including an ad and pop-up blocker, a website safety warning, and a data breach alert. An added convenience is the bypass option, allowing you to select specific websites that avoid the VPN tunnel and the ad blocker, providing a personalized and flexible browsing experience.

Surfshark’s browser extensions include additional features, like an ad blocker.

The browser extensions offered by Surfshark are not freely available for installation, unlike CyberGhost’s browser extensions. To access Surfshark’s extensions, users must be paid subscribers. It’s important to note that these extensions are fully encrypted VPN extensions and have undergone independent audits by Cure53, ensuring their security and reliability.

Ease of Use

User-Friendly & Intuitive Apps

Rating 9.7/10

Incorporating an array of technical functionalities, Surfshark seamlessly combines advanced features with user-friendly design. Tailored for both VPN novices and seasoned users, its applications boast an intuitive interface, rapid response times, and meticulously labeled settings. Simplifying tasks such as server selection, protocol adjustment, and app customization, Surfshark ensures a user experience marked by unparalleled ease of use.

Ranked #2 out of 65 VPNs for Ease of Use

Installation, configuration, and utilization of Surfshark prove to be a breeze. Simply register, download the relevant software, and log in to your account to get started.

Navigating through its applications is an exercise in user-friendly simplicity. The well-crafted and self-explanatory design, coupled with informative descriptions accompanying each technical feature, enhances the overall user experience.

Below is a comprehensive breakdown of our hands-on experience with Surfshark across various devices:

Desktop & Laptop (Windows & macOS)

Navigating Surfshark’s desktop apps is a delightful experience, characterized by intuitive design and a user-friendly interface.

Surfshark’s macOS (top) and Windows (bottom) apps are identical in form and function.

The server list is neatly arranged in alphabetical order, offering convenient scrolling and a search bar for direct server access. Quick connection buttons for the ‘Fastest Server’ or ‘Nearest Country’ further enhance user convenience.

The settings menu is straightforward, with Connection Settings and Advanced Settings presented as easily understandable toggles, accompanied by helpful explanations for accessibility.

In terms of customization, the addition of a dark mode and support for 16 languages, beyond English, demonstrates thoughtful design considerations. On macOS, users have the flexibility to choose the location of the Surfshark icon—either in the dock or on the status bar.

However, the integration of Surfshark Alert, Antivirus, and Search add-ons into the main menu as a promotional strategy feels intrusive, cluttering the sidebar with unnecessary options. The inability to manually resize the macOS window is also a drawback, occupying excessive screen space. While the Windows app allows manual resizing, it comes with limitations.

These aspects, though, don’t overshadow the overall positive experience of using Surfshark’s desktop applications.

Mobile (Android & iOS)

Surfshark’s mobile applications mirror their desktop counterparts, ensuring a seamless and consistent user experience across devices.

Surfshark on Android (left) & iOS (right) are similarly easy to use.

The interface and usability remain identical, offering users familiarity and easy access to features present on the desktop version, such as CleanWeb, Multi-Hop servers, and a VPN kill switch.

While the iOS version introduces a ‘Pause’ button for temporarily halting VPN connections without full disconnection, the Android app features a distinct kill switch, disrupting internet access for all apps on the device.

Exclusive to Android and Windows, the Bypasser feature allows users to selectively route certain apps through the VPN tunnel, providing enhanced control over their online privacy.

Nevertheless, similar to the desktop experience, the prominence of the Surfshark One promotion remains a minor drawback.

In summary, Surfshark’s mobile apps successfully maintain uniformity with their desktop counterparts, delivering a cohesive and feature-rich VPN experience.

Linux

Surfshark extends support to Linux, specifically on Ubuntu, Debian, and Mint distributions.

Upon installation, users can leverage Surfshark’s Linux graphical user interface (GUI), facilitating seamless server changes and protocol switches without resorting to the command line. Additionally, the GUI incorporates a kill switch for added security.

Surfshark has a fully-featured Linux GUI.

The inclusion of a Linux GUI sets Surfshark apart, as not many VPNs provide this user-friendly feature. It’s noteworthy that Surfshark has transitioned from solely operating via the command line to offering a GUI for Linux, marking a positive evolution in user accessibility and experience.

Customer Support

Efficient Customer Support with Swift Response Times

Rating 8.5/10

Surfshark provides accessible customer support through its user-friendly website and 24/7 live chat. The support agents are generally quick, polite, and helpful, but some may lack in-depth technical knowledge. However, the introduction of a chatbot has been met with dissatisfaction, as it often proves unhelpful compared to the reliable live chat option. Overall, while Surfshark’s customer support is commendable, the effectiveness of the chatbot raises concerns among users.

Ranked #18 out of 65 VPNs for Customer Support

You can get in touch with Surfshark customer support through the following ways:

 
Customer Support
Available in Surfshark VPN
24/7 Email Support
Yes
24/7 Live Chat Support
Yes
Chatbot
Yes
Email
Yes
Email Support via Online Form
Yes
Online Resources
Yes
Tutorial Videos
Yes

In contrast to VPNs like ExpressVPN, Atlas VPN, and Proton VPN, Surfshark’s live chat support is accessible without requiring an account, a user-friendly feature we appreciate.

However, the recent introduction of a chatbot to the 24/7 live chat is met with mixed feelings. While it offers basic information, it can be perceived as more of a hindrance than a genuinely helpful tool, and it operates exclusively in English. On a positive note, users can swiftly connect with a human support agent by requesting ‘get me a human,’ and multilingual support is available.

Surfshark offers quick live chat support.

Over the years, Surfshark’s support team has consistently displayed prompt and polite responses, excelling in recommending servers for unblocking streaming sites. However, their proficiency sometimes falters on technical matters, prompting the recommendation to use the Surfshark support email for more complex queries.

The Surfshark website stands out for its well-organized wealth of information, featuring visual installation guides, FAQs, and a ticket support system, providing users with comprehensive assistance.

The Bottom Line

Is Surfshark worth it?

Surfshark, while not without its minor drawbacks, stands out as a budget-friendly VPN option with a remarkable array of features. Priced at $2.21 per month, it offers one of the most competitive rates in the market, making it an attractive choice for users seeking affordability without compromising on security and features.

The VPN’s logging policy is robust and has undergone auditing, instilling confidence in its commitment to privacy. For those aiming to unblock major streaming sites or secure their online activities on a budget, Surfshark proves to be a worthwhile investment, especially in comparison to pricier competitors.

However, its performance as a torrenting VPN is just above average, and it falls below the mark in bypassing more stringent website blocks. If your VPN needs revolve around these activities, exploring alternative options might be advisable. In summary, Surfshark offers excellent value for users prioritizing affordability and a comprehensive set of features.

Alternatives to Surfshark VPN

Private Internet Access (PIA) emerges as an excellent alternative for areas where Surfshark falls short. PIA excels as a VPN for torrenting and offers the added advantage of working in China, making it a robust choice. Additionally, it comes at a slightly lower cost than Surfshark, providing users with savings.

NordVPN, with shared ownership with Surfshark, stands out as a superior performer overall. Boasting faster speeds, comparable streaming capabilities, and a more extensive server network, NordVPN offers a compelling option for users willing to invest slightly more than Surfshark’s cost. Considered one of the best VPNs on the market, NordVPN is a worthy choice for those seeking top-tier performance.

Comparison of the Best VPNs

Reviews
ExpressVPN Review
NordVPN Review
PIA VPN Review
Surfshark Review
PrivateVPN Review
IPVanish Review
CyberGhost Review
atlasVPN Review
VyperVPN Review
PureVPN Review
Overall Rating
9.6/10
9.4/10
9.3/10
9.2/10
9.1/10
9.1/10
9.1/10
8.6/10
8.5/10
7.9/10
Download Speed
97Mbps
95Mbps
95Mbps
95Mbps
95Mbps
95Mbps
94Mbps
95Mbps
96Mbps
94Mbps
No. Netflix Regions
10
12
10
10
14
3
13
12
Not work
Not work
Logging Policy
No Identifying Data
No Identifying Data
No Logs
No Identifying Data
No Logs
No Logs
No Identifying Data
no-logs
no-logs
Some User Logs
Countries with
Servers
106
60
91
100
62
53
90
42
64
78
Simultaneous
Connections
8
6
unlimited
unlimited
10
unlimited
7
unlimited
30
10
Cheapest Price
$6.67/mo over 15 months
$3.29/mo over 2 years
$2.03/mo over 26 months
$2.21/mo over 2 years
$2.00/mo over 3 years
$2.49/mo over 2 years
$2.03/mo over 2 years
$1.99/mo over 3 years
$5.00/mo over 12 months
$1.99/mo over 27 months
Free Trial
7 Days (Mobile Only)
7 Days (Android Only)
7 Days (Mobile Only)
7 Days (Mobile Only)
None
7 Days (Mobile Only)
1, 3 & 7 Days

None

3 Days (Mobile Only)

 7 days

Browser Extensions
Chrome, Edge, Firefox
Chrome, Edge, Firefox
Chrome, Edge, Firefox
Opera
Chrome, Edge, Firefox
None
None
Chrome, Firefox
None
None
Chrome, Edge, Firefox
Who's It Best for?
Worldwide streamers
Security-focused users
Bargain hunters
Android users looking
to spoof GPS data
Beginners on a budget
Fire TV & Kodi streamers
Users who need the same
anonymous IP address
perfect for beginners
fast and secure VPN that
covers the basics well
good for casual users looking
for a cheap service

Overall Rating:

9.2/10