While Surfshark offers excellent speed, solid security and a ton of advanced features at an affordable price, it also has its drawbacks. Specifically, Surfshark collects sensitive information when you visit its website, as you’ll read in our detailed Surfshark review.
Key Takeaways: Surfshark VPN Review
- Aside from being budget-friendly, Surfshark offers excellent speed, unblocking ability, top-notch security, unlimited simultaneous connections and many advanced tools.
- Surfshark offers a seven-day free trial on Android, iOS and Mac and a 30-day money-back guarantee on all its plans.
- Although Surfshark doesn’t keep any logs when you use the VPN app, it collects sensitive information when you visit its website.
Surfshark remains at the forefront of innovation, challenging top VPN providers like PIA and NordVPN. As detailed in this Sur-fshark review, advancements like rotating IPs, alternative ID, and Nexus are propelling this provider to higher standings.
Within this assessment, we’ll examine Surfshark’s recent enhancements, specifically the refreshed interfaces on Windows and iOS, alongside the introduction of new VPN features. We will elucidate how these modifications have influenced performance across diverse aspects, encompassing streaming, speed, security, and privacy. Let’s delve into the details.
Surfshark VPN Review: Overview
Establishing itself as a trustworthy and user-friendly VPN, Surfshark has earned a reputation. Prior to our in-depth analysis of Sur-fshark, let’s delve into its background and key advantages and disadvantages.
What Is Surfshark VPN?
Established in 2018, Surfshark is a VPN headquartered in the Netherlands. Originally founded in the British Virgin Islands, the company later shifted its base to Dutch territory. Over time, Sur-fshark has evolved into a comprehensive, feature-rich VPN, catering to various needs such as streaming, overcoming censorship, secure browsing, and more
Surfshark VPN Review: Pros & Cons
Google Pay,AmazonPay,ACH Transfer,Cash
Simultaneous connection: 6
Unlimited bandwidth:☑️
Can access Netflix US:☑️
Allows torrenting:☑️
No-logging policy:☑️
High-Speed Performance,User-Friendly Interface,Multiple Device Support..
AmazonPay,ACH Transfer,Cash
Simultaneous connection: 6
Unlimited bandwidth:☑️
Can access Netflix US:☑️
Allows torrenting:☑️
No-logging policy:☑️
Occasional Customer Support Issues
AmazonPay,ACH Transfer,Cash
Simultaneous connection: 6
Unlimited bandwidth:☑️
Can access Netflix US:☑️
Allows torrenting:☑️
No-logging policy:☑️
Features
Surfshark offers standard VPN features along with a multitude of advanced functionalities.
Soft and Strict Kill Switch
Similar to many VPNs, Sur-fshark includes a kill switch, which is deactivated by default. Recently, the provider introduced both soft and strict kill switches.
VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
In our evaluation, the soft kill switch stayed engaged while the VPN was connected, blocking internet access if the VPN connection unexpectedly dropped. On the other hand, the strict kill switch deactivated internet access when the VPN was turned off, ensuring protection by preventing unprotected internet access. It’s important to note that the kill switch feature does not affect websites or apps that have been added to the bypass or split tunneling list.
Invisible LAN
The Invisible LAN feature renders your devices undetectable to others within your local area network (LAN). For instance, when utilizing a public network, your device remains hidden from view and connection by other computers on the same network. This provides a protective barrier against potential intrusion from hackers and individuals with malicious intent who may be present on that LAN.
Split Tunneling
Sur-fshark’s split tunneling, known as the ‘bypasser’ feature, allows you to selectively decide which apps, websites, or IP addresses remain unsecured and which ones are directed through the VPN tunnel.
While Bypasser is accessible on Windows and Android devices, Mac and iPhone users also have access to this feature. It is available through the router app, enabling users to utilize this option for routing apps on iOS and Mac devices.
Unlimited Simultaneous Connections and Data
Surfshark stands out with its significant advantage of allowing simultaneous connections on an unlimited number of devices, a feature also available in Windscribe’s free plan. This enables users to safeguard multiple home devices or share accounts with friends, family, or roommates. Notably, Sur-fshark maintains consistent speed even with multiple connections, thanks to its unlimited data and bandwidth
CleanWeb, Ad & Malware Blocker
CleanWeb serves as an ad and malware blocker, preventing ads from loading across all applications on your device, including web browsers. It’s important to exercise caution while using it during gaming, as it may disable specific features in games heavily reliant on ads. Additionally, this tool provides protection by blocking access to websites infected with malware.
Camouflage Mode
Surfshark refers to its obfuscation feature as Camouflage mode, exclusively operational when utilizing the OpenVPN protocol. This obfuscation technique integrates your VPN traffic with standard internet traffic, effectively concealing the use of a VPN. By doing so, Sur-fshark enables users to overcome censorship in regions like China, Russia, India, and other countries where VPNs face restrictions or bans.
Introducing Smart DNS.
services on old smart TVs.
Smart DNS enables you to access streaming content on devices lacking native VPN support, like older smart TVs. It provides U.S.-based IP addresses and is restricted to accessing streaming services within the U.S. It’s important to note that Smart DNS alters your location without encrypting your traffic and should not be considered a substitute for a VPN.
Note: As far as Sur-fshark features go, we’ve barely scratched the surface. We’ll discuss other unique tools like NoBorders Mode, IP rotation, dedicated and static IP addresses, and multi-hop servers in their respective sections.
Surfshark’s Paid Add-Ons
Surfshark One is a comprehensive security package that combines a VPN, antivirus, Search, and Alert into a unified suite. Although the Sur-fshark VPN is available for individual purchase, the other tools are not offered as standalone solutions.
- Surfshark VPN — Brings all the VPN features Surfshark offers.
- Surfshark Antivirus — Antivirus meant to protect your devices from malicious apps, documents and files.
- Surfshark Search — A private search engine built to serve up purely organic search results without the trackers, ads and logs of the traditional browser.
- Surfshark Alert — Uses breach detection techniques to alert you when your personal information leaks.
Surfshark Alternative ID
Introduced in July 2023 as part of every VPN bundle, the Alternative ID feature creates a distinct identity complete with a name, age, gender, address, and email address. This alternative identity can be utilized for signing up on various online services and applications.
Suppose you wish to register for 9Now from outside Australia, requiring an Australian address that you may not possess. By utilizing Alternative ID, you can create a distinct name and an Australian address, enabling you to successfully create a 9Now account and access streaming content.
Overview of Surfshark Features
Surfshark Best Values
Google Pay,AmazonPay
Accepts cryptocurrency:☑️
Simultaneous connection: Unlimited
Unlimited bandwidth:☑️
Dedicated IP Addresses Pricing
The dedicated IP is an additional feature with a monthly cost of $3.75. It’s worth mentioning that the billing cycle for the dedicated IP corresponds to the duration of your current plan. For example, if you are subscribed to a one-year plan, the dedicated IP will be billed on an annual basis.
Explore Surfshark with a Free Trial and Enjoy a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Surfshark offers a seven-day free trial on Android, iOS and Mac devices (sorry, Windows users). Additionally, each plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you get a full refund if you cancel your subscription within 30 days.
One caveat is that there’s no easy way to request a refund on Sur-fshark’s website. You have to contact support to initiate the refund process.
User-Friendliness
Recognized as one of the top VPNs for beginners, Surfshark earns praise for its user-friendly interface. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced user, the account creation, VPN installation, and navigation through settings are hassle-free.
The native Surfshark app is available for download on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and routers. In our evaluation of Sur-fshark, we opted to download the Windows and Android apps for testing purposes.
Surfshark VPN Desktop App
Surfshark’s desktop application stands out as one of the most refined in the market, alongside NordVPN’s app. The Windows user interface has undergone a significant improvement, enhancing its already sleek and clutter-free design.
On the home screen’s right side, you’ll find the connection button and details such as connection time, protocol, IP address, and download/upload data usage when connected.
The left side offers options to choose from Surfshark’s regular, static, multi-hop, and dedicated IP servers. The ‘recently used’ VPN server section is a time-saving feature, especially for those who consistently connect to specific Sur-fshark servers. A recent enhancement includes the display of each server’s ping rate, allowing users to select a server with a low load for optimal performance.
Surfshark Settings
The ‘settings’ tab encompasses four VPN configuration options, covering both VPN and app settings. The ‘VPN settings’ menu provides a comprehensive array of options to customize Sur-fshark’s features. Everything is easily accessible within a single scrolling list. In the ‘app settings’ menu, users can adjust the app’s appearance (light or dark mode) and language preferences.
Each Surfshark feature comes with an informative explanation of its functionality, eliminating the need for blind tweaking of options. Additionally, selecting key features, such as the IP rotator and kill switch, triggers a pop-up with further explanations.
Surfshark VPN Mobile App
The mobile version of the Surfshark app replicates the desktop design with slight modifications. Notably, the home screen is streamlined to a single tab (rather than two) to suit the mobile screen. It features a ‘quick connect’ button, a ‘recently used’ section, and a bottom menu bar.
The menu has options to pick your server, Surfshark One features and settings. Like the desktop app, settings are divided into “VPN settings” and “app settings.”
The mobile application introduces features not present in the desktop version. For instance, Android users can access a GPS-spoofing tool, allowing them to override their mobile GPS location and set it to their VPN location. Additionally, there’s an option to toggle the ‘use small packets’ button, enhancing performance over mobile networks.
Surfshark Browser Extensions
Surfshark provides browser extensions compatible with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. In this review, we specifically installed the Sur-fshark Chrome extension.
It’s important to note that Surfshark’s browser extension functions as an HTTPS proxy (or SSL proxy), operating in a manner similar to a VPN. Despite this technical distinction, the user interface design of the browser extension closely mirrors that of the desktop app. However, there are a few notable differences. For instance, dedicated IP and multi-hop servers are unavailable on the browser extension. Additionally, the extension lacks a kill switch, and the bypasser only supports URL-based split tunneling.
it’s not an adequate substitute for the desktop app.
The Surfshark browser extension provides additional features that are not available on the desktop or mobile apps. For instance, the WebRTC blocker safeguards against websites using WebRTC from accessing your actual IP or location.
Moreover, the extension includes a cookie pop-up blocker that automatically prevents intrusive cookie permission pop-ups. It’s important to note that the Sur-fshark cookie blocker defaults to denying all cookies. Users must manually configure browser settings to permit or reject cookies based on their preferences.
Speed
Here at Cloudwards, we run automated speed tests of the top VPN providers using a virtual remote desktop that connects to different VPN servers worldwide. We’ve capped our unprotected internet connection speeds at 100 Mbps for downloads and 10 Mbps for uploads to mimic the average connection speeds in the U.S
Surfshark VPN Download Speed
In assessing a VPN’s download speed, we analyze its performance at both close and distant locations. The depicted graph illustrates Surfshark’s speed trends over the past 30 days, showcasing consistently high speeds ranging between 93 to 97.04 Mbps.
While connecting to servers at a considerable distance, some variability is observed, with speeds fluctuating between 87.09 to 97.35 Mbps. Overall, Sur-fshark consistently provides fast download speeds for both nearby and long-distance connections.
Surfshark VPN Upload Speed
Surfshark’s upload speeds for close-range connections occasionally dip below 8.5 Mbps but generally stay above 8.8 Mbps on most days.
Transitioning to long-distance connections reveals increased variability and a decline in speed. In such instances, Sur-fshark’s upload speed fluctuates between 8 to 8.8 Mbps. Nevertheless, this range typically remains sufficient for seamless uploading experiences.
Surfshark VPN Latency
Regrettably, Surfshark exhibits the highest latency among all providers in our automated speed testing lineup, particularly in near-distance connections. With a latency exceeding 100 ms, Surfshark contrasts sharply with other providers whose ping rates consistently stay below 10 ms. This renders Sur fshark less suitable for gaming, despite its commendable download and upload speeds.
Latency on long-distance servers is similarly elevated, consistently exceeding 100 ms and occasionally spiking to over 200 ms.
Security
The most secure VPN offers solid VPN protocols and encryption. Surfshark ticks both boxes
Surfshark VPN protocols
Surfshark automatically selects the fastest and most stable protocol according to your network connection. Alternatively, you have the option to manually choose between OpenVPN (TCP and UDP), WireGuard, or IKEv2, depending on the compatibility with your operating system.
OpenVPN stands out as the benchmark for VPN protocols, excelling in both speed and security. It supports obfuscation (camouflage mode) and is compatible with Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and routers.
WireGuard, a contemporary protocol with a leaner codebase than OpenVPN, offers a strong security profile, though it lacks the extensive track record of OpenVPN. Notably, WireGuard surpasses OpenVPN in speed, making it an ideal choice for bandwidth-intensive activities. It’s essential to note that WireGuard does not support obfuscation.
In addition to the pre-configured WireGuard protocols, the provider allows users to manually configure WireGuard connections. This capability extends to Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and routers, even without a dedicated Surfshark VPN app.
Lastly, IKEv2 is also secure. It works seamlessly with mobile networks, but is more likely to be blocked by firewalls.
Surfshark Encryption
Surfshark employs two encryption standards, namely AES 256-bit and ChaCha20. AES 256-bit is utilized with the OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols, while ChaCha20 is the designated encryption for the WireGuard protocol.
Although the AES 256-bit cipher is highly secure, operating on a symmetric encryption model with identical encryption and decryption keys, Sur-fshark mitigates this risk by incorporating perfect forward secrecy (PFS).
Through PFS, Surfshark generates a new and unique encryption key for each session, ensuring that even if a hacker gains access to one key, they cannot decrypt the entire communication.
Privacy
Surfshark claims to be a no-log VPN, which is a good starting point. Our experts dug through the privacy policy to decipher any doublespeak and authenticate the no-logs claim. The policy is long and detailed — over 5,000 words — but each section has short summaries for skim readers.
In essence, Surfshark’s privacy policy assures that it does not retain, store, or disclose logs related to VPN usage, visited websites, or actual IP addresses during the use of the VPN service. However, it does temporarily log connection timestamps and user IDs, erasing them 15 minutes after disconnection.
Information Surfshark Collects
When visiting the Surfshark website, the provider has the potential to gather sensitive information. According to the privacy policy, Sur-fshark ‘may retain your IP address and a unique identifier of your device.’ While this data collection aims to enhance user experience, the concern arises as Surfshark is allowed to retain this information for up to two years.
Moreover, the use of the smart DNS tool by Surfshark involves the collection of your IP address. This should not be a cause for concern, as it aligns with the standard practice of private DNS services, requiring users to input the assigned IP address for functionality. Notably, Sur-fshark only retains this data for the duration of the smart DNS being active.
Surfshark’s No-Logs Policy Audit
Similar to other leading VPN providers, Surfshark transitioned from conventional hard-disk servers to advanced RAM-only servers. With this upgrade, any user data or browsing history stored on a server is irreversibly deleted when the server loses power or undergoes a reboot.
Surfshark Ownership and Jurisdiction
Surfshark and NordVPN merged in February 2022 and are now owned by Nord Security — a Lithuania-based company. However, the two VPN providers operate independently, meaning Sur-fshark is still based in the Netherlands.
GDPR compliance is particularly important as it means Surfshark would need explicit consent to process your data. You can also request from the provider a full copy of the data it has collected about you (such as when using its website) and ask it to delete that data at any time.
Streaming Performance
The best VPN for streaming unblocks streaming services and offers excellent speeds to stream videos without interruption. Surf-shark ticks these boxes.
During our testing, Surfshark successfully unblocked all major streaming services such as Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN, Netflix, and Disney Plus on the initial attempt. Notably, we enjoyed seamless streaming in full HD without experiencing lags or buffering.
The only drawback encountered was occasional delays in video loading due to Surfshark’s elevated latency. Nevertheless, once overcoming this initial hurdle, the streaming experience remained uninterrupted, attributed to Sur-fshark’s impressive download speeds.
Can Surfshark VPN Unblock Netflix?
Indeed, Surfshark effortlessly bypasses Netflix geoblocks, granting access to both local and international Netflix libraries on the first attempt. This, combined with its remarkable speeds,
Server Locations
With a network comprising over 3,200 servers spread across 143 locations spanning 100 countries and territories, Surfshark has effectively covered often overlooked regions, including countries in Africa, Asia, and South America. The comprehensive server spread of Sur-fshark is detailed in the table below.
| Region: | Countries | Locations |
|---|---|---|
| 🌎 North America | 8 | 34 |
| 🌎 South America | 10 | 10 |
| 🌍 Europe | 45 | 62 |
| 🌏 Asia | 25 | 26 |
| 🌍 Africa | 6 | 6 |
| 🌏 Oceania | 2 | 6 |
| 🌍 Middle East | 3 | 3 |
Nevertheless, not all servers in the Surfshark network are physical; it includes virtual servers in 28 countries. The use of virtual servers comes with both advantages and disadvantages.
MultiHop Servers
Additionally, Surfshark provides multi-hop servers, enhancing security by routing traffic through two servers. The network includes 12 pre-configured multi-hop servers with predetermined exit and entry nodes. For those with specific preferences, the option to create custom multi-hop connections is available, allowing users to select their preferred entry or exit nodes.
Static IP and Dedicated IP Address Servers
Surfshark operates 36 servers with static IP addresses across six countries, with specific distributions as follows: 12 in Japan, seven in Germany, six in Singapore, five in the U.K., five in the U.S., and one in the Netherlands.
Furthermore, the provider extends its services with dedicated IP servers, available in 14 locations across 11 countries and territories:
- 🇺🇸 — Los Angeles, New York, San Jose, Dallas
- 🇨🇦 — Toronto
- 🇬🇧 — London
- 🇩🇪 — Frankfurt
- 🇳🇱 — Amsterdam
- 🇯🇵 — Tokyo
- 🇿🇦 — Johannesburg
- 🇦🇺 — Sydney
- 🇮🇹 — Milan
- 🇫🇷 — Paris
- 🇭🇰 — Hong Kong
Both static and dedicated IP servers allocate the same IP address to you. Nevertheless, a dedicated IP is exclusively assigned to you, ensuring that you do not share it with other VPN users. This mitigates the ‘bad neighbor effect,’ where an IP address may be banned due to the actions of other users.
Surfshark’s Innovative Server Technology
Surfshark implemented the Nexus and IP rotation features with the aim of enhancing user interactions with its server infrastructure. Typically, when connected to a VPN server, the connection persists until manually disconnected and reconnected. During peak usage times, server congestion can lead to a decline in speed.
The Surfshark Nexus feature is devised to address this challenge. In the event of server overcrowding, Nexus redistributes some users to a less burdened server, mitigating problems associated with congestion, such as unstable and slow connections.
The IP rotator, integrated into Surfshark Nexus, stands out from other VPN services. Typically, when connected to a server on alternative VPNs, you receive a static IP address that remains unchanged unless manually disconnected and reconnected. In contrast, the IP rotator within Sur-fshark automatically alters your IP address every 5-10 minutes, providing dynamic IP changes without modifying your server location or necessitating disconnection from the VPN.
NoBorders Mode
Accessible on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android applications, the NoBorders mode actively scans your network for any imposed restrictions. Upon detecting a school or internet service provider’s (ISP) firewall, it provides a curated list of servers capable of circumventing the restriction. By default, the NoBorders mode establishes a connection to the server that is geographically closest to your location.
Customer Support
If you run into hurdles when using Surfshark, you’ll get many helpful guides in its knowledgebase. The knowledgebase has three sections: “getting started,” “fix an issue” and “Surfschool.”
The “getting started” section serves as a central repository for all guides related to installing Surf-shark apps, while the “fix an issue” section delves into technical aspects to assist in resolving common VPN issues. For a comprehensive understanding of how various Surfshark features operate, the “Surfschool” section is your go-to resource.
If you have an issue requiring human intervention, contact Surf-shark support via email or live chat. Sadly, there’s no phone, social media or user forum support.
Experience with Surfshark Live Chat
Upon posing a question, the Surfshark bot provides relevant articles on the given topic. To connect with a live agent, we had to request the bot’s assistance by typing ‘human agent.’ Fortunately, the support agent promptly joined our chat.
our prodding for technical details.
We were pleased that there was no need to reiterate our initial inquiry. The human agent seamlessly continued from where the bot left off, consistently providing satisfactory answers to questions, whether they were simple or technical in nature. Additionally, the agent displayed friendliness and a helpful attitude.
The Verdict: Surfshark VPN Review
Surfshark stands out as a commendable VPN service, consistently pushing boundaries within the VPN landscape. Its incorporation of innovative technologies like IP rotation and custom multi-hop connections positions it ahead of competitors. This, combined with its cost-effectiveness, robust security features, ability to connect an unlimited number of devices, and impressive speeds, solidifies its standing as one of the premier VPN providers.
Despite these strengths, it falls short of claiming the top spot on our best VPN list due to concerns with its privacy policy, which we believe may go slightly beyond necessary measures. Apart from this aspect, there are few drawbacks to be found with Surfshark.
If you have experience with Surfshark VPN, we invite you to share your insights. What, in your opinion, makes Sur-fshark an exceptional VPN provider? Do you agree with our assessments in these categories? Your comments are valuable to us. Thank you for your continued readership.
