Welcome to our comprehensive Surfshark review, where we’ll explore everything you need to know about this popular VPN service. Whether you’re looking for enhanced online privacy, fast streaming speeds, or robust security features, Surfshark promises to deliver. In this review, we’ll dive into Surfshark’s key features, performance, pricing, and more to help you decide if it’s the right VPN for your needs.

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What is Surfshark?

Surfshark is a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service that allows users to browse the internet securely and privately. It encrypts your internet connection, helping to protect your personal data from hackers and snoopers. With features like a no-logs policy, unlimited device support, and a wide network of servers globally, Surfshark provides users with the ability to access geo-restricted content, enhance online privacy, and improve overall internet security. Additionally, its user-friendly interface makes it easy for individuals and businesses to safeguard their online activities.

Features and Functionality

Surfshark VPN

Surfshark offers a robust and versatile VPN service that stands out in the crowded market. In this section of our Surfshark review, we’ll dive into the key features that make this VPN a top choice for users around the world.

Security Protocols and Encryption

Surfshark employs industry-standard AES-256-GCM encryption, which is considered virtually unbreakable. This encryption standard, combined with secure protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard, ensures that your data is protected at all times. Whether you’re browsing, streaming, or downloading, Surfshark provides a secure connection that keeps your online activities private.

Multi-Device Support and Unlimited Connections

One of Surfshark’s standout features is its support for unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can protect all your devices with a single subscription, whether it’s your smartphone, laptop, tablet, or even your smart TV. This is especially beneficial for households with multiple users or for those who have several devices that need protection.

Special Features

CleanWeb, Whitelister, and MultiHop Surfshark goes beyond basic VPN services with features like CleanWeb, Whitelister, and MultiHop.

• CleanWeb: This feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware, providing a cleaner and safer browsing experience.
• Whitelister: Also known as split tunneling, Whitelister allows you to choose which apps or websites bypass the VPN, which is useful for accessing local services while still protecting other online activities.
• MultiHop: For added security, MultiHop routes your internet traffic through multiple servers, making it even harder for anyone to track your online movements.
• Dedicated IP: A static IP address that’s yours. Get an IP that is unique to you. Access services sensitive to IP changes. Avoid annoying CAPTCHA requests

User-Friendly Interface

Surfshark is designed with usability in mind. Its interface is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate, even for VPN beginners. With a simple click, you can connect to the best available server or choose from a list of countries and cities. The app is available on various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, as well as browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

Surfshark VPN for teams

ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS

Surfshark Antivirus

Experience top-notch security with Surfshark Antivirus software. Support for up to 5 devices, regular updates, and advanced security features provide a powerful shield from online threats.

Surfshark Alert

Surfshark alerts help you to get notified when your personal info is leaked.

Guard your email accounts: Get immediate alerts any time your email address appears in breached online databases so that you can take action.

Check your password vulnerability: See how many times your password has been breached to know if it’s secure to use.

Secure your personal identification number: Stop identity thieves by staying informed about the security status of your personal identification number.

Protect your credit cards: Make sure no money goes missing from your credit cards. Alert will notify you if such information appears online.

Get security reports: Opt for quarterly or yearly reports to always stay on top of your private data security.

Surfshark Search

Surfshark Search help you hide your searches and get purely organic search results, free from ads and tracking. Prevent tracking and targeted ads without leaving any digital footprints with your searches.

Avoid all ads: You will never see a single ad on Surfshark Search. Period.

Swap between regions: Pick a region yourself and get search results relevant to the location you want.

Get organic search results: Search the web for organic search results unaffected by previous searches or your real location.

Alternative ID

Alternative ID is a Surfshark product that generates a brand-new identity and email for you to use online.

• Avoid giving out your personal info to one-time-use websites — use the auto-fill function to instantly fill out website sign-up forms.
• Prevent your real info from falling into the wrong hands during data breaches
• Minimize the possibility of getting annoying marketing subscription emails
• Take your Alternative ID to the next level by purchasing a separate virtual phone number, available in addition to any Surfshark plan.
• Create an alternative phone number for online accounts and listings. Mask your real number from unwanted eyes.
• Register for discounts using your alternative number. Keep your phone number spam-free.
• Put your privacy first. Mask your real number to minimize data sharing, robocalls, smishing, and identity theft.

How to use Alternative ID

How to use Alternative Number

Incogni

Incogni help you take back control of your data, reduce spam, and prevent scam attacks by opting you out of data brokers databases automatically.

Why it matters

• Data brokers: create shadow profiles on you that include a frightening amount of personal details. These insights are then used by scammers, total strangers, insurance companies, banks, businesses, and even the government.
• Potential scams: Scammers often target victims using personal details such as income levels, health conditions, religious or political beliefs, and even the names of relatives and acquaintances – making data broker sites heaven for these criminals.
• Invasion of privacy: People search sites give complete strangers access to personal information such as home addresses, contact details, members of your family, and much more.
• Identity theft: Cybercriminals need details like your name, DOB, and SSN to steal your identity. Most data brokers collect many, if not all, of the data points these criminals are after.
• Increased costs: Financial and risk assessment data brokers sell details such as browsing history and credit scores to insurance companies, banks, and other institutions. This can lead to increased insurance rates and loan denials, among other financial repercussions.

Performance and Speed

Performance and speed are critical factors when choosing a VPN, and in this section of our Surfshark review, we’ll evaluate how well Surfshark performs in these areas.

Speed Test Results

Surfshark delivers impressive speeds across various server locations. In our tests, Surfshark maintained high download and upload speeds, even when connected to distant servers. This makes it suitable for activities that require fast internet, such as streaming HD videos, online gaming, and video conferencing.

However, as with any VPN, there may be a slight decrease in speed depending on the server location and the protocol used. The WireGuard protocol, in particular, offers the best balance between speed and security, and we found it to be the fastest option available with Surfshark.

Streaming Performance

One of Surfshark’s strengths is its ability to unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. Surfshark consistently bypasses geo-restrictions, allowing users to access content from different regions with minimal buffering. This makes Surfshark an excellent choice for those who want to stream content without interruptions.

Torrenting Capabilities

For users interested in torrenting, Surfshark provides P2P-optimized servers that ensure fast and secure file sharing. The VPN’s no-logs policy and robust encryption make it a reliable option for torrenting anonymously. We found that torrenting speeds were consistently high, making large downloads quick and hassle-free.

Server Locations and Coverage

Surfshark offers a vast network of over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. This extensive coverage means that you’re likely to find a nearby server that provides optimal speed and performance. Surfshark’s servers are also optimized for different use cases, such as streaming, torrenting, and privacy-focused browsing.

Privacy and Security

Privacy and security are at the core of any VPN service, and in this section of our Surfshark review, we’ll explore how Surfshark ensures that your online activities remain safe and private.

No-Logs Policy

Surfshark operates under a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not store any data related to your online activities. This policy ensures that even if government agencies or hackers attempt to access Surfshark’s servers, there would be no data to retrieve. Surfshark’s no-logs policy is backed by its location in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction known for its strong privacy laws, making it an ideal base for a privacy-focused VPN service.

Jurisdiction and Data Privacy Laws

As mentioned, Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), which is outside the jurisdiction of the 5, 9, and 14 Eyes intelligence alliances. This means that Surfshark is not legally required to share user data with governments, further enhancing your privacy. This location gives Surfshark a significant advantage over VPNs based in countries with mandatory data retention laws.

Encryption and Security Features

Surfshark uses AES-256-GCM encryption, the highest standard available, to secure your data. This encryption is used by governments and security experts worldwide, making it virtually impossible for anyone to decrypt your information.

In addition to strong encryption, Surfshark offers several advanced security features:

• Kill Switch: If your VPN connection drops unexpectedly, the kill switch automatically disconnects your device from the internet, preventing any data from being exposed.
• DNS Leak Protection: This feature ensures that your DNS requests are handled by Surfshark’s servers, preventing leaks that could expose your browsing history.
• Camouflage Mode: Also known as obfuscation, this mode hides the fact that you’re using a VPN, making it difficult for your internet service provider (ISP) or government agencies to detect.

Independent Audits and Trustworthiness

To further demonstrate its commitment to privacy and security, Surfshark has undergone independent audits. These audits are conducted by reputable cybersecurity firms that assess Surfshark’s infrastructure and policies to ensure they meet industry standards. The results of these audits have been positive, reinforcing Surfshark’s reputation as a trustworthy VPN provider.

Pricing and Plans

In this section of our Surfshark review, we’ll break down the pricing and plans offered by Surfshark, helping you determine whether it provides good value for your money.

Overview of Pricing Tiers

Surfshark offers a range of pricing plans designed to cater to different needs and budgets. The plans are structured to provide better value with longer commitments:

Monthly Plan:

12-Month Plan:

24-Month Plan:

Comparison with Other VPN Providers

When compared to other VPN providers, Surfshark’s pricing is highly competitive, especially considering the features it offers. Many VPNs with similar features and security protocols charge significantly more for their services. Surfshark’s 24-month plan, in particular, stands out as one of the most affordable options on the market.

Value for Money and Discounts

Surfshark frequently offers discounts and promotions, especially for new customers. These discounts can make an already affordable service even cheaper. Additionally, Surfshark’s plans include all features, with no hidden costs or tiered service levels, ensuring you get full access to the VPN’s capabilities regardless of the plan you choose.

Free Trials and Refund Policy

For those who want to try Surfshark before committing, the company offers a 7-day free trial on mobile devices (iOS and Android). Additionally, all Surfshark plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you a full month to test the service risk-free. If you’re not satisfied, you can easily request a refund within this period.

Customer Support and User Experience

In this section of our Surfshark review, we’ll explore the quality of customer support and overall user experience that Surfshark provides. These factors are crucial in determining whether Surfshark is a good fit for your needs, especially if you’re new to using VPNs.

Availability and Responsiveness of Customer Support

Surfshark offers 24/7 customer support through multiple channels, including live chat, email, and a comprehensive help center. The live chat option is particularly noteworthy for its quick response times—typically within a few minutes. Whether you have a technical issue or a billing question, Surfshark’s support team is readily available to assist you.

During our testing, we found the support team to be knowledgeable and efficient, providing clear and helpful answers to our queries. This level of responsiveness is a major plus, especially for users who might need immediate assistance.

Support Channels

Surfshark offers several support channels to cater to different user preferences:

• Live Chat: Accessible directly from Surfshark’s website, this is the fastest way to get help.
• Email Support: For more detailed inquiries, you can reach out to Surfshark’s support team via email.
• Help Center: Surfshark’s website features a comprehensive help center with articles, guides, and FAQs that cover a wide range of topics. This resource is particularly useful for users who prefer to troubleshoot issues on their own.

Ease of Use and User Experience

Surfshark is designed with simplicity in mind, making it accessible even for those who are new to VPNs. The interface is clean and intuitive, with easy-to-navigate menus that allow users to quickly connect to a server or adjust settings. The app’s layout is consistent across all platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and browser extensions, ensuring a smooth experience regardless of the device you’re using.

For more advanced users, Surfshark also offers plenty of customization options. You can easily switch between different security protocols, enable features like MultiHop or Whitelister, and adjust settings to suit your needs. Despite these advanced features, Surfshark manages to keep the user interface uncluttered and user-friendly.

User Reviews and Feedback

Surfshark has garnered positive feedback from users across various platforms, with many praising its ease of use and the quality of customer support. Most users report a seamless experience, from installation to daily use, and commend the support team for their helpfulness and professionalism.

Conclusion

In this Surfshark review, we’ve examined the VPN’s features, performance, privacy measures, pricing, and user experience. Surfshark stands out as a top-tier VPN service that combines strong security with excellent performance, all at a competitive price.

Key Takeaways:

• Features: Surfshark offers a comprehensive suite of features, including robust encryption, unlimited device connections, and advanced tools like CleanWeb, Whitelister, and MultiHop, making it suitable for a wide range of users.
• Performance and Speed: With fast speeds and reliable performance, Surfshark is ideal for streaming, torrenting, and general browsing without significant slowdowns.
• Privacy and Security: Surfshark’s no-logs policy, AES-256-GCM encryption, and jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands ensure your privacy and security are well-protected.
• Pricing and Plans: Surfshark provides flexible and affordable pricing plans, particularly the 24-month plan, which offers excellent value for money.
• Customer Support and User Experience: With 24/7 customer support and a user-friendly interface, Surfshark is accessible and easy to use, even for VPN beginners.

Overall, Surfshark is a reliable and feature-rich VPN that offers great value for both novice and experienced users. Whether you need a VPN for streaming, privacy, or general online security, Surfshark delivers on all fronts. If you’re in the market for a dependable VPN service, Surfshark is definitely worth considering.