Surfshark VPN Review: The Ultimate Guide to Online Privacy and Security
Surfshark VPN Review: Discover why this affordable VPN is making waves with unlimited connections, strong security, and excellent streaming capabilities.
Are you concerned about your online privacy and security? In today’s digital age, protecting your personal information and browsing habits has become more crucial than ever. That’s where Surfshark VPN comes in. In this comprehensive Surfshark VPN review, we’ll dive deep into the features, performance, and value of this popular virtual private network service. Whether you’re a casual internet user or a privacy-conscious individual, this guide will help you determine if Surfshark is the right VPN for your needs.
Key Takeaways
- Surfshark VPN offers military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy
- Unlimited simultaneous connections allow you to protect all your devices
- Wide server network spanning over 3,200 servers in 100 countries
- Affordable pricing plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee
- User-friendly apps for various platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
- Advanced features like CleanWeb, MultiHop, and Bypasser
Introduction to Surfshark VPN
Surfshark is a relatively new player in the VPN market, having launched in 2018. Despite its youth, it has quickly gained popularity among users and experts alike. Based in the Netherlands, Surfshark offers a comprehensive suite of privacy and security features that rival even the most established VPN providers.
What is a VPN and Why Do You Need One?
Before we dive into the specifics of Surfshark, let’s briefly discuss what a VPN is and why you might need one. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. This connection masks your IP address, making it appear as if you’re browsing from a different location. Additionally, it encrypts your internet traffic, protecting your data from prying eyes.
Here are some key reasons why you might want to use a VPN:
- Protect your privacy from ISPs, hackers, and government surveillance
- Bypass geo-restrictions and access content from anywhere in the world
- Secure your connection when using public Wi-Fi networks
- Avoid online censorship and maintain digital freedom
- Potentially get better deals on flights and online shopping
Now that we understand the importance of a VPN, let’s explore what makes Surfshark stand out in this competitive market.
Surfshark VPN Features
Military-Grade Encryption
Surfshark employs AES-256-GCM encryption, the same level of security used by governments and military organizations worldwide. This ensures that your data remains unreadable to anyone who might intercept it.
No-Logs Policy
One of the most critical aspects of a trustworthy VPN is its logging policy. Surfshark operates under a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t collect or store any information about your online activities. This commitment to privacy is further reinforced by their location in the privacy-friendly Netherlands, which is not part of the 14 Eyes intelligence alliance.
Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
Unlike many of its competitors, Surfshark allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously with a single subscription. This feature makes it an excellent choice for families or individuals with multiple devices.
Wide Server Network
Surfshark boasts a network of over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. This extensive coverage ensures that you can always find a fast and reliable connection, no matter where you are in the world.
CleanWeb
Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature acts as a built-in ad blocker, malware scanner, and tracker blocker. This not only enhances your browsing experience by removing annoying ads but also adds an extra layer of security to your online activities.
MultiHop
For users who require an additional layer of privacy, Surfshark offers MultiHop (double VPN) connections. This feature routes your traffic through two different VPN servers, making it even more difficult for anyone to trace your online activities.
Bypasser (Split-Tunneling)
The Bypasser feature allows you to choose which apps or websites use the VPN connection and which don’t. This can be useful for accessing local content while still protecting your other online activities.
Camouflage Mode
Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode (also known as obfuscation) disguises your VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic. This can be particularly useful in countries with strict internet censorship, as it makes it harder for ISPs or governments to detect that you’re using a VPN.
Surfshark VPN Performance
Speed and Reliability
In our tests, Surfshark consistently delivered impressive speeds across various server locations. While some speed loss is inevitable when using a VPN, Surfshark’s performance remains above average compared to many competitors.
Here’s a quick overview of our speed test results:
| Location | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Ping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local | 85 Mbps | 78 Mbps | 15ms |
| US | 75 Mbps | 70 Mbps | 120ms |
| UK | 72 Mbps | 68 Mbps | 45ms |
| Asia | 60 Mbps | 55 Mbps | 180ms |
Note: Your actual speeds may vary depending on your location, internet service provider, and other factors.
Streaming and Torrenting
Surfshark excels at unblocking popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. In our tests, we were able to access region-specific content without any issues.
For those interested in P2P file-sharing, Surfshark allows torrenting on all its servers. Combined with its no-logs policy and strong encryption, this makes it a solid choice for privacy-conscious torrent users.
Surfshark VPN Apps and Ease of Use
Surfshark offers user-friendly apps for a wide range of platforms, including:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- iOS
- Android
- Fire TV
- Chrome
- Firefox
The apps feature a clean, intuitive interface that makes it easy for even novice users to connect to a VPN server with just a few clicks. Advanced users will appreciate the ability to customize various settings and protocols.
Browser Extensions
Surfshark provides browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. While these extensions only protect your browser traffic (unlike the full VPN apps), they can be a convenient option for quick and easy privacy protection while browsing.
Surfshark VPN Pricing
One of Surfshark’s most attractive features is its affordable pricing structure. Here’s a breakdown of their current plans:
- 24-month plan: $2.49/month (billed $59.76 every two years)
- 12-month plan: $3.99/month (billed $47.88 annually)
- 1-month plan: $12.95/month
All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the service risk-free.
Surfshark VPN Free Trial
While Surfshark doesn’t offer a completely free version of its service, they do provide a 7-day free trial for new users. This trial is available for mobile users (iOS and Android) and gives you full access to all of Surfshark’s features.
Surfshark VPN vs NordVPN
As two of the most popular VPN services, Surfshark and NordVPN are often compared. Here’s a quick comparison of their key features:
| Feature | Surfshark | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous connections | Unlimited | 6 |
| Server network | 3,200+ in 100 countries | 5,500+ in 60 countries |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES-256-GCM |
| No-logs policy | Yes | Yes |
| Jurisdiction | Netherlands | Panama |
| Price (2-year plan) | $2.49/month | $3.71/month |
While both services offer excellent security features and performance, Surfshark edges out NordVPN in terms of value for money, especially with its unlimited simultaneous connections.
Is Surfshark VPN Safe and Trustworthy?
Safety and trustworthiness are paramount when choosing a VPN service. Based on our research and testing, we can confidently say that Surfshark is a safe and trustworthy VPN provider. Here’s why:
- Strong encryption: Surfshark uses industry-standard AES-256-GCM encryption to protect your data.
- No-logs policy: The company has a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t collect or store any information about your online activities.
- RAM-only servers: Surfshark uses RAM-only servers, which are wiped clean every time they’re rebooted, ensuring no data is stored long-term.
- Independent audits: Surfshark has undergone independent security audits to verify its privacy and security claims.
- Transparent privacy policy: The company maintains a clear and easy-to-understand privacy policy.
Surfshark VPN for Different Use Cases
Surfshark VPN for China
While using a VPN in China can be challenging due to the country’s strict internet censorship, Surfshark has proven to be effective for many users in China. Its NoBorders mode and Camouflage Mode are particularly useful for bypassing the Great Firewall of China.
Surfshark VPN for Streaming
As mentioned earlier, Surfshark is excellent for streaming. It can unblock popular services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, allowing you to access geo-restricted content from anywhere in the world.
Surfshark VPN for Gaming
Gamers can benefit from Surfshark’s fast speeds and low latency. It can help you access region-locked games, protect you from DDoS attacks, and potentially even improve your ping in some cases.
Surfshark VPN for Business
While Surfshark doesn’t offer a specific business VPN solution, its unlimited simultaneous connections make it a cost-effective option for small businesses or remote teams looking to protect their online activities.
How to Set Up Surfshark VPN
Setting up Surfshark is a straightforward process. Here’s a quick guide:
- Sign up for a Surfshark account on their website.
- Download the appropriate app for your device.
- Install the app and launch it.
- Log in with your Surfshark account credentials.
- Choose a server location or use the “Fastest Server” option.
- Click the connect button, and you’re protected!
For more detailed instructions, including how to set up Surfshark on specific devices or how to use advanced features, check out Surfshark’s comprehensive support documentation.
Surfshark VPN Customer Support
Surfshark offers 24/7 customer support through live chat and email. In our experience, their support team is knowledgeable, responsive, and helpful. They also maintain an extensive knowledge base with setup guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting articles.
Pros and Cons of Surfshark VPN
Pros:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Affordable pricing
- Strong security features
- No-logs policy
- Effective for streaming and torrenting
- User-friendly apps
Cons:
- Relatively small server network compared to some competitors
- Occasional slow speeds on distant servers
- Limited advanced features for power users
Key Takeaways
- Surfshark VPN offers strong security features, including AES-256-GCM encryption and a no-logs policy.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections make it an excellent value for money.
- It’s effective for streaming, torrenting, and bypassing censorship.
- The service is user-friendly and offers 24/7 customer support.
- While not perfect, Surfshark provides a solid balance of features, performance, and affordability.
FAQ
- Is Surfshark VPN trustworthy? Yes, Surfshark VPN is considered trustworthy. It has a clear privacy policy, uses strong encryption, and has undergone independent security audits.
- Is Surfshark owned by China? No, Surfshark is not owned by China. The company is based in the Netherlands and operates under EU privacy laws.
- Is Surfshark better than NordVPN? Both Surfshark and NordVPN are excellent VPN services. Surfshark offers better value with unlimited simultaneous connections, while NordVPN has a larger server network. The best choice depends on your specific needs.
- Can you be tracked using Surfshark? While using Surfshark significantly reduces the risk of being tracked online, no VPN can guarantee 100% anonymity. However, Surfshark’s no-logs policy and strong encryption make it very difficult for anyone to track your online activities.
- Is Surfshark a good VPN? Yes, Surfshark is considered a good VPN. It offers strong security features, good performance, and excellent value for money.
- Is Surfshark safe? Yes, Surfshark is safe to use. It employs industry-standard encryption and security protocols to protect your data.
- Is Surfshark free? Surfshark is not free, but it offers a 7-day free trial for mobile users and a 30-day money-back guarantee for all plans.
- Does Surfshark work with Netflix? Yes, Surfshark is effective at unblocking Netflix and other popular streaming services.
- How many devices can I use with Surfshark? Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections with a single subscription.
- Does Surfshark offer a browser extension? Yes, Surfshark provides browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
In conclusion, Surfshark VPN offers a compelling package of security features, performance, and value. While it may not be perfect, it’s certainly worth considering for anyone looking to enhance their online privacy and security. Whether you’re a casual internet user or a privacy enthusiast, Surfshark has something to offer. Give it a try with their 7-day free trial or 30-day money-back guarantee and see if it meets your needs.
Related Articles:
- What is a VPN and how does it work? Stay safe online
- Business VPN – Do you really need it?
- NordVPN Free Trial – How to get it?
- Best Cheap VPN 2023
Further Reading:
- https://surfshark.com/privacy-policy
- https://surfshark.com/blog/surfshark-server-infrastructure-undergoes-independent-audit
- https://support.surfshark.com/hc/en-us
- https://surfshark.com/surfshark-nexus-technology
- https://surfshark.com/terms-of-service
- https://surfshark.com/warrant-canary
- https://cure53.de/pentest-report_surfshark.pdf
- https://surfshark.com/blog/surfshark-removes-ikev2-windows
