The Best SurfShark Review Yet

Surfshark VPN has quickly become one of the most popular VPN providers due to its affordable pricing, extensive feature set, and commitment to privacy during your online activity and security. With an emphasis on ease of use, Surfshark VPN connections offers a wide array of features such as unlimited simultaneous connections under various VPN traffic, a built-in ad blocker, and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions on major streaming platforms. Despite being relatively new to the VPN market, Surfshark has managed to build a reputation as a strong contender against more established services like ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

In this Surfshark review, we will dive deep into the key features, performance, security, and usability of Surfshark VPN to give you a comprehensive understanding of whether Surfshark VPN for your needs.

Pros:

• Unlimited simultaneous connections: Unlike most VPNs, Surfshark VPN allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices at the same time, making it ideal for households or individuals with multiple devices.
• Bypasses geo-restrictions on streaming platforms: Works with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer across various regions.
• Affordable pricing: One of the most competitively priced VPNs on the market, Surfshark VPN has frequent discounts and long-term subscription options.
• Strong security features: Surfshark VPN uses AES-256 encryption, has a kill switch, and offers MultiHop (double VPN) for extra security.
• No-logs policy: Transparent privacy policy ensures that no user data is stored.
• Camouflage mode and NoBorders feature: These allow users to bypass censorship in restrictive regions and keep their VPN usage hidden. Their server lists update regularly.
• Built-in ad blocker (CleanWeb): Surfshark VPN Blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites.

Cons:

• Speeds on distant servers: While local speeds are fast, performance can drop when connected to servers that are far away.
• Limited P2P server options: Although torrenting is allowed, there are specific servers designated for P2P traffic, which can reduce flexibility.
• No free version: Surfshark doesn’t offer a free tier, unlike some competitors.
• Customer support is responsive but inconsistent: Live chat support is available, but users report varying response times and outcomes.

In our Surfshark review, we found that this an excellent VPN for a variety of situations, making it ideal for:

1. Streaming Geo-Restricted Content: If you are an avid streamer who wants to access Netflix libraries, Hulu, Disney+, or BBC iPlayer from different regions, under different server locations and unlimited device connections, Surfshark VPN is highly effective at unblocking these platforms. Its ability to consistently bypass geo-restrictions on multiple streaming services makes it a top choice for streaming enthusiasts.
2. Multi-Device Households: With Surfshark’s unlimited device policy, you can secure every device in your household without needing multiple subscriptions. This is a huge advantage for large families or users with numerous devices.
3. Privacy-Conscious Users: Surfshark is perfect for users who prioritize privacy, as it offers a no-logs policy, AES-256 encryption, and privacy-focused features like MultiHop and Camouflage mode.
4. Travelers and Expats: If you often travel to countries with internet censorship or restrictions, Surfshark’s NoBorders mode and Camouflage mode allow you to bypass firewalls and access blocked content. It’s especially helpful in regions with strict censorship, like China or the Middle East.

Despite its many strengths, Surfshark has some areas where it could improve:

1. Inconsistent Speeds on Distant Servers: While Surfshark delivers solid speeds on nearby servers, performance can drop significantly on long-distance connections. This can be frustrating for users who want to connect to faraway regions or use the VPN for high-bandwidth activities like 4K streaming or gaming.

2. P2P Limitations: Although Surfshark allows torrenting, P2P traffic is limited to certain servers. While these servers are optimized for speed, the restriction to specific servers may be an inconvenience for heavy torrent users.

3. No Free Version: Unlike some competitors, Surfshark does not offer a free tier, which could be a deterrent for users looking to try out a VPN without committing to a subscription.

Yes, Surfshark is highly effective at unblocking major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, having a good selection of server locations. Surfshark’s ability to bypass geo-restrictions makes it an ideal choice for users looking to access international content libraries. Whether you want to watch U.S. Netflix from abroad or access Hulu in Europe, Surfshark consistently delivers.

Its dedicated streaming servers ensure smooth, buffer-free playback, though performance may vary depending on the proximity of the server to your location. Surfshark’s Smart DNS feature also helps when streaming on devices that don’t natively support VPNs, like certain smart TVs or gaming consoles.

Yes, Surfshark is one of the VPNs that can bypass the Great Firewall of China. Based on our deep Surfshark review and testing, thanks to its Camouflage Mode and NoBorders feature, Surfshark can hide your VPN usage and allow you to access restricted content in highly censored regions like China. These features help obfuscate VPN traffic, ensuring that Surfshark remains undetected by China’s sophisticated internet filters.

However, while Surfshark generally works in China, performance can be inconsistent depending on the network conditions, so it’s advisable to test it before traveling if that’s a priority.

Yes, Surfshark supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard, offering users the choice between two highly secure and well-regarded protocols.

• WireGuard: This is the newest protocol, known for its fast speeds and lightweight architecture. Surfshark’s implementation of WireGuard makes it ideal for users who prioritize speed without sacrificing security.
• OpenVPN: OpenVPN is a long-standing protocol that balances security and performance. It’s widely supported across platforms and provides solid encryption, making it a reliable option for most users.

By supporting both WireGuard and OpenVPN, Surfshark ensures users have flexibility in choosing a protocol that meets their specific needs, whether that’s speed for streaming and gaming or security for sensitive tasks.

What About Pricing Plans for Surfshark VPN?

In our Surfshark review, we found out they have offers and an affordable price (wide range) range of plans that cater to both short- and long-term users. Their plans include monthly, one-year, and two-year subscriptions, with substantial discounts for longer-term commitments:

1. Monthly Plan: Offers flexibility but is the most expensive option per month, suited for short-term users who don’t want to commit.
2. One-Year Plan: Offers a significant discount over the monthly option, providing good value for users looking for mid-term VPN protection.
3. Two-Year Plan: The best-value option, providing the lowest monthly cost and ideal for users who are ready to commit long-term. This plan often comes with additional perks, like faster speeds, threat protection pro, and access to all of Surfshark’s features, including obfuscated servers, MultiHop, and CleanWeb.

All Surfshark plans come with the same premium features, including unlimited simultaneous connections, which is a key differentiator compared to other VPN providers. Whether you choose the monthly or longer-term plans, you get access to over 3,200 servers in 65 countries, fast speeds, and the ability to unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.

Surfshark also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you the chance to test the service risk-free before fully committing. Payment options are flexible, with choices like credit card, PayPal, cryptocurrencies, and even some regional options, allowing for easy and private transactions.

Overall, Surfshark’s pricing is highly competitive, particularly with their long-term subscription plans. The combination of affordable prices, unlimited device connections, and top-tier security features makes Surfshark a compelling choice for both individuals and families looking to secure multiple devices without breaking the bank.

Surfshark excels when it comes to security features, making it one of the more trustworthy VPNs in the market:

• AES-256 Encryption: Surfshark uses AES-256-GCM encryption, which is the gold standard in the industry. This ensures that your data is secure from potential eavesdropping or cyberattacks. They offer static IP address products.
• Kill Switch: Surfshark has an automatic kill switch, which cuts off your internet connection if the VPN disconnects, ensuring that no unencrypted data is leaked. No DNS leaks as well.
• MultiHop: For users who need an extra layer of privacy, including mobile devices, Surfshark offers a MultiHop feature (also known as double VPN), which routes your connection through two different servers to increase anonymity.
• CleanWeb: Surfshark’s built-in ad blocker prevents ads, trackers, and malicious websites from targeting you while browsing.
• Camouflage Mode: This feature ensures that your ISP cannot detect you’re using a VPN, adding an extra layer of privacy for users in restrictive regions.

Overall, Surfshark provides robust security features that make it ideal for privacy-conscious users.

Surfshark maintains a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not store any identifiable information about your online activity. The company is based in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction known for its privacy-friendly laws and outside the reach of major surveillance alliances like the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes. This is a huge plus for users concerned about government surveillance or data-sharing agreements.

Additionally, Surfshark’s Warrant Canary is regularly updated, letting users know if the company has received any legal requests for user data. This transparency helps build trust with privacy-focused users.

Yes, Surfshark allows P2P traffic on all its servers, though some servers are optimized specifically for torrenting. While it doesn’t restrict torrenting to specific servers like some other VPNs, Surfshark recommends using its optimized servers for faster speeds and better performance.

If you’re a frequent torrent user, Surfshark’s strong security, no-logs policy, and solid speeds on nearby servers make it a great option. However, as mentioned earlier, performance may dip on distant servers, which could affect torrent speeds for users located far from the optimized servers.

Surfshark offers 24/7 customer support through live chat and email. The live chat function is generally responsive, with knowledgeable support agents ready to assist with technical questions, setup issues, or troubleshooting.

However, users have reported mixed experiences regarding the speed and quality of responses, particularly through email. The support documentation and FAQs on Surfshark’s website are detailed, providing users with step-by-step guides and troubleshooting help for common issues.

Speed is a critical factor for any VPN, and Surfshark performs admirably on nearby servers. Local connections tend to offer fast, reliable speeds suitable for streaming, gaming, and browsing.

However, when connecting to distant servers, such as those across continents, Surfshark’s speeds can drop noticeably. This can result in slower loading times, increased buffering on high-quality video streams, and a decrease in overall performance. Still, when using WireGuard, Surfshark’s performance improves, especially on distant servers.

Surfshark is one of the most user-friendly VPNs when it comes to setup and installation. It supports all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, as well as smart TVs, gaming consoles, and routers. The installation process is straightforward, requiring only a few minutes to download the app, create an account, and connect to a server. Surfshark’s apps are designed to be intuitive, making them accessible for both beginners and advanced users.

Each platform has its dedicated app, and Surfshark also offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. The mobile apps are particularly well-designed, offering the same functionality as the desktop versions with an optimized interface for smaller screens. The VPN also provides detailed setup guides on its website for more advanced installations, such as configuring Surfshark on routers or using Smart DNS to access geo-restricted content on devices that don’t support VPN apps natively.

Surfshark is an outstanding VPN option for users who value privacy, security, and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming services with easy to configure advanced features. With its unlimited simultaneous connections, strong encryption, and no-logs policy, it provides comprehensive protection for users across multiple devices. Surfshark’s ability to unblock streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer makes it ideal for streamers, while its Camouflage mode and NoBorders feature allow it to function in restrictive regions like China. They have a depth of VPN servers that you can choose from.

Though it excels in many areas, Surfshark does have a few limitations. Inconsistent speeds on distant servers and various internet traffic can hinder performance for users connecting to faraway locations, and the limited availability of optimized P2P servers may frustrate heavy torrent users. Additionally, the lack of a free version could be a drawback for those who want to test the service before committing.

Overall, Surfshark strikes a perfect balance between affordability, functionality, and security, making it a solid VPN choice for most users. Whether you’re looking for a VPN for streaming, torrenting, or simply improving your online privacy, Surfshark offers a reliable and feature-rich solution.