Surfshark VPN Review 2023

Since its launch in 2018, Surfshark has earned the consumer’s trust and has become one of the top overall VPNs. This wasn’t just about excellent speed or top-notch security and privacy. The biggest argument for Surfshark VPN was getting all that for a low price.

Operating from the Netherlands, this provider has set a high standard for itself. It has an independently-audited no-logs policy and stays away from the impact of the Nine Eyes surveillance alliance. Additionally, Surfshark uses industry-leading encryption and the latest tunneling protocols to protect its users.

With Surfshark VPN, you’ll be able to torrent safely and watch multiple streaming platforms. There are more than 3200+ servers in 100+ countries, so if one won’t unblock Netflix, the other will.

I wanted to learn whether that user trust was warranted, so I set out to answer the key questions in this review:

• Is it a secure VPN?
• Does it log user data?
• How good is it for torrenting and Netflix?

It turns out Surfshark VPN ticks all the boxes, including speed, unlimited simultaneous connections, easy-to-use apps, and even prices, which are better than most competitors can possibly offer.

Read my in-depth Surfshark review to see all the test results. And if you think the provider fits your needs, get Surfshark with 83% off.

Surfshark VPN overview

Visit Surfshark VPN

Surfshark price

The service has three different pricing plans, all offering the full set of functions, including AES-256 encryption, leak protection, a kill switch, and unlimited devices. So, let’s see how much Surfshark costs:

• $12.95/month for the monthly plan
• $3.99/month for the annual plan
• $2.30/month for the 2-year plan + 2 months FREE

However, you may also stumble upon limited-time offers during the year with better subscription prices than usual. We have all of them on our Surfshark discounts and coupons page, which includes better deals and bonus subscription months.

Optionally, you can also unlock the Surfshark One bundle. This package includes Antivirus, Alert, Search, and Alternative ID. The upgrade costs just $1.49/month and incorporates all of the following perks straight out of the box:

• Alert monitors your personal data and notifies you in real-time if you’re ever a victim of a data breach
• Search enables you to search the web without the interference of ads and online trackers.
• Antivirus protects your devices and improves performance by removing malware and other harmful files
• Alternative ID lets you create an alternative persona and email, which you can use online. The mail you get here then gets forwarded to your actual email.

Additionally, you can get a third-party tool Incogni for identity protection and deleting yourself from brokered databases. The price is set at $3.99/month.

Payment options

There are plenty of payment methods you can choose from to pay that fee as well. That includes anonymous options, like crypto.

There are also credit cards, PayPal, Sofort, Direct Debit, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, Giropay, and Webmoney for those interested. Some of the best VPN service providers have overlooked the type of privacy given by a crypto payment option, and it’s a great shame.

Is Surfshark free to use?

Unfortunately, Surfshark VPN does not have a free version. But it is one of the few providers to offer a lengthy 7-day free trial on Google Play and the Apple App Store. This means that you’ll need an Android, macOS, or iOS device to get it. After creating the account, you’ll be able to install Windows and other clients as well.

One thing to point out – Surfshark still asks for payment info before unlocking the service. The good thing is that if you miss the free trial deadline, you will still be able to cancel during the 30-day money-back guarantee period. The cherry on top is that the trial has no limitations, meaning you can use all features of the service.

How to refund Surfshark

Surfshark’s refund policy grants a 30-day money-back guarantee to all plans and all devices, so you’re not losing anything if you don’t want to. Getting your money back involves contacting customer support. But since it has a 24/7 live chat, this shouldn’t be a problem.

In fact, you can also schedule the cancellation in advance and use the VPN right until the last day. As always, accounts paid in cryptocurrencies aren’t refundable.

Surfshark speed & performance

Surfshark is one of the fastest VPN services in 2023, as our in-house VPN speed testing tool has shown. No matter which country you connect from, this provider will compete with the best of the best.

We regularly run speed tests from servers in the US, the UK, and other countries.

Surfshark VPN 14-Day Speed Average

09.11 – 09.25

As you can see from the results, the connection speeds with the WireGuard tunneling protocol are fast, especially if we compare it with competitors that still use OpenVPN. The upload is also way above most VPNs, no matter which country you choose. So what do these numbers mean, really?

For starters, you should be able to stream 4K (UHD) videos and play online games with optimal ping. You shouldn’t experience lag during video and VOIP calls, which put the ping limit at 200 ms, but contacting someone on the other side of the globe might take its toll. Finally, downloading a 10 GB torrent file might take less than 3 minutes.

The speeds seem to increase each time I update this Surfshark VPN review. There’s obviously a lot of investment going into this VPN. While it is on the TOP of the fastest VPN list in 2023, I believe its speed will continue to improve.

Surfshark servers

Surfshark VPN has some of the fastest servers. The list consists of 3200+ servers in 100+ countries, and the app has the option to connect to the best one for you automatically. Besides standard hardware, users can also pick from specialty servers:

• Static IP. You get the same IP address whenever you connect to a particular server. Available locations are Germany, Japan, Netherlands, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
• MultiHop. Adds an additional layer of security by connecting you to two VPN servers, each located in a different country. Besides predetermined options, you can also create your own connections and pick preferred entry and exit locations.
• Dedicated IP. Surfshark joined the ranks of the best VPNs with dedicated IP addresses and allows customers to have exclusive access to IPs in specific countries (USA, UK, Netherlands, or Germany).

All servers are physical and RAM-only, so you can expect better performance and more security. Surfshark doesn’t own all of its servers, and few providers do, but I believe it’s only a matter of time. It also uses virtual locations for a few countries, but those are clearly marked in the app.

Surfshark server locations

Currently, the provider boasts the biggest network country-wise in the industry. Let’s see how many countries are covered by Surfshark:

As always, North America and Europe have the best coverage. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of countries in Africa and Asia Pacific. Usually, these providers get overlooked by VPN providers, but Surfshark doesn’t follow this trend and has several suitable options.

Is Surfshark safe and secure?

There are plenty of good things to say about the privacy and anonymity credentials of Surfshark VPN. Here’s a short list of the main features that will keep you safe online:

• AES-256 encryption
• Independently-audited no-logs policy
• Privacy-friendly jurisdiction
• Kill switch
• IP & DNS Leak protection

So, is Surfshark safe? Surfshark is one of the safest VPN services. It utilizes industry-leading encryption, offers the latest secure tunneling protocols available, and, importantly, doesn’t leak any data. Plenty of other perks (we cover below) make it perfect to use in internet-restrictive countries like China, where surveillance is abound.

However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The provider had its browser extensions audited by Cure53, a well-known and respected cybersecurity company. Also, since July 2020, all Surfshark servers are RAM-only. Finally, in May 2021, Cure53 did an independent server infrastructure audit. Finally, in May 2021, Cure53 did an independent server infrastructure audit.

At the start of 2023, Surfshark’s no-logs policy was audited by the industry-leading audit, consulting, tax, and advisory company Deloitte. This provider finally proved it walks the walk when it comes to keeping their hands off of private subscriber data.

Additionally, you’ll get a malware blocker (CleanWeb), split tunneling (Whitelister), multi-hop, and “stealth protocol” (Camouflage and NoBorders). This VPN also offers ID protection (Alert), GPS spoofing, and incognito search (Search).

Most importantly, with Surfshark VPN you get cutting-edge technology called Nexus. Based on SDN (Software-Defined Networking), it first connects you to the whole server network and then picks one in your desired location. This way, Nexus enhances privacy, allows IP rotation, and speeds up your connection.

Combined, these advanced features take Surfshark VPN very close to other security-focused VPN providers, like NordVPN or Proton VPN.

Encryption and tunneling protocols

Surfshark VPN implements AES-256 encryption, which is used by financial institutions and militaries around the world. It means there’s virtually no way to break this cipher, and trying to brute force it would take thousands of years. The provider takes it a step further, though, by offering an enhanced version of this encryption method – AES-256-GCM.

Furthermore, authentication is protected by the SHA-512 hash function. It’s a more complex version of SHA-256, and very few providers use it. The data that passes through it gets encrypted with 64-bit words, making everything that much harder to crack.

Tunneling protocols

Surfshark currently offers the following tunneling protocols:

• WireGuard
• OpenVPN TCP
• OpenVPN UDP
• IKEv2/IPsec

In October 2020, this VPN implemented the next-gen tunneling protocol in WireGuard. It’s faster and more secure than any other protocol available. One can clearly see the speed advantage by checking our VPN speed testing tool results. Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS users can now select WireGuard, which also uses a new ChaCha20 symmetric encryption.

OpenVPN is a trusted, popular tunneling protocol that comes in two forms – TCP and UDP. The former offers better security, while the latter nets better speeds. Surfshark’s implementation of OpenVPN comes with built-in obfuscation, meaning you can easily bypass restrictive firewalls.

IKEv2 is a common tunneling protocol that works best if you have a weak internet connection. It is a bit outdated in terms of speed and security, though, so use it as a last resort.

Surfshark VPN kill switch

Surfshark has a great kill switch that will automatically deactivate your internet connection if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly. This allows the Virtual Private Network to protect your privacy by ensuring your online traffic is always encrypted and is a critical feature for any secure VPN to have.

My tests have shown the kill switch to work reliably each time I deliberately disabled my VPN connection.

The only caveat here is that the Linux app doesn’t have the kill switch turned on by default, and there’s no article on their website telling how to do it. However, the always helpful Surfshark customer support team provided me with the instructions.

IP and DNS leak protection

My basic leak tests indicate that Surfshark has no leak issues. I connected to a server in Denmark at got the IP address 95.174.65.70. Then I ran the test and got the following results: no DNS, WebRTC, or IPv6 leaks, as the image below indicates.

The IP and DNS addresses shown here are the same as the ones I got assigned by Surfshark. If I saw my actual IP address, that would mean there’s a leak somewhere.

This service has in-built DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection, as well as a private zero-knowledge DNS network. Simply put, unlike many tools on the market, Surfshark VPN keeps your personally identifiable information hidden.

Privacy-friendly location: the Netherlands

Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, a privacy-friendly country that abides by GDPR requirements. However, it belongs to the Nine Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. Previously, Surfshark’s jurisdiction was the British Virgin Islands.

Surfshark has a robust Privacy Policy that should put users at ease regarding any potential overreach from government agencies or copyright protection firms. Therefore, if one of them decided to approach a subpoena to get information about you, it would be rejected. Even if Surfshark was forced to give access to its servers by law enforcement, they would find nothing of value.

A real-time warrant canary on the provider’s website informs users about data information requests from law enforcement. It covers how many national security letters, gag orders, and government warrants Surfshark has received as of date. Currently, everything sits at 0.

Since February 2022, Surfshark VPN has been part of the Nord Security group. Together with NordVPN and Atlas VPN, they form a formidable trio, ready to compete for a major share of the market.

Independently-audited no-logs policy

Surfshark’s privacy policy is pretty extensive, covering cookies, information security, what data is collected and why, etc. It’s nice to see that each section has a plain English summary so that you don’t have to suffer through legal jargon.

The policy states that Surfshark “does not collect IP addresses, browsing history, session information, used bandwidth, connection timestamps, network traffic, and other similar data.”

As a matter of fact, if their Help center is to be believed, Surfshark doesn’t log anything at all, except your email address and billing information. This means that the provider is one of the few actual no-logs VPNs out there. That’s extremely rare and impressive.

And as of 2023, Surfshark proved that they don’t collect data by undergoing an independent privacy audit. Done by the prestigious Deloitte company, it proves that the service respects every users right to privacy, even while using a VPN.

Browser extension independent security audit

In 2018, Surfshark did an independent audit of its Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. Submitting your VPN apps for an independent audit is commendable, regardless of the results.

The audit was carried out by a respected German cybersecurity company, Cure53, which also performed the very first independent VPN audit in 2017 (kudos to TunnelBear).

In short, Cure53 found only two vulnerabilities, only one of which had the potential to cause problems for users. This is an outstanding result and gives a lot of credence to this VPN service provider. You can read the full report on Surfshark’s website.

Does Surfshark work in China?

Since the introduction of the Camouflage and NoBorders modes, this service is capable of disguising VPN traffic. These features switch from the default tunneling protocol to OpenVPN with the XOR patch, scrambling your traffic and confusing the censors. As a result, Surfshark VPN is great for China.

You will be able to unblock restricted websites, such as Facebook, and keep your identity protected at all times. Therefore, if you’re a journalist or a whistleblower, you can trust that this VPN will protect you.

CleanWeb antimalware tool

CleanWeb is another great extra feature from Surfshark. It works as an ad and tracking blocker but can also detect malware. Even more, CleanWeb might detect phishing attempts and protect your personal information.

This tool works on all major platforms, including browsers and Amazon Fire TV. Using it on your smartphone can save mobile data and even increase browsing speeds. After all, loading those ads and pop-ups takes a toll.

Bypasser

Most VPN providers call this feature “split tunneling.” Surfshark’s Bypasser allows users to choose apps that can function outside the VPN tunnel. It’s especially convenient when you want to protect only certain activities and run others at full speed.

For example, you may want to use a VPN to protect your torrenting and watch Netflix in 4K simultaneously on your smart TV. Also, some websites might not work if they detect you using a VPN. Finally, with Bypasser, you’ll be able to access your network devices, such as printers.

MultiHop (Double VPN)

Also known as Double VPN, MultiHop is a feature that connects you to two VPN servers instead of one. This means much higher security, thanks to the double-encryption of your data. MultiHop is great for those who seek maximum protection online, including journalists and political activists.

Surfshark lists all possible Double VPN connections next to the regular server selection. One thing to note: your connection will be considerably slower, so this mode is not recommended for day-to-day use unless you don’t have a choice.

Dedicated IP addresses

Surfshark launched dedicated IP address servers in the middle of 2023. These are similar to static IP servers, except they are exclusive to individual customers. That means you gain more control over what happens with the IP address and how you can use it.

The initial location options include four countries:

• The United States (Los Angeles)
• The United Kingdom (London)
• The Netherlands (Amsterdam)
• Germany (Frankfurt)

However, the provider promises to expand the selection with other coveted regions like Japan, Hong Kong, and Italy. Naturally, this benefit isn’t available by default and requires an additional investment starting at $3.75/month.

Camouflage and NoBorders modes

Camouflage mode, or “stealth VPN,” disguises your VPN traffic, so it looks like it’s coming from a regular connection. It’s a useful feature because some websites block VPNs and in some countries, using them is illegal.

NoBorders mode aims to unblock every possible online resource. This includes geo-blocked content on streaming sites, social media, or anything that your government bans. These modes switch your tunneling protocol to OpenVPN with the XOR patch. It scrambles your traffic and makes it more difficult to detect through Deep Packet Inspection (DPI).

Surfshark Alert: ID protection feature

Alert is an innovative security solution for protecting your ID. This ID leak protection is a privacy feature that has been integrated into all client apps.

It’s especially relevant in the age of data breaches because it warns users when their passwords, social security numbers, and other sensitive details get leaked. It comes as an additional feature with the Surfshark One package for $1.49/month.

This feature routinely scans leaked databases, looking for password and email matches. If it finds any, the user will receive a notification. Alert enables you to change your credentials on time, minimizing the damage caused by data leaks and breaches.

Surfshark Search: remove ads and tracking

With Surfshark One, you also gain access to Search. It’s an alternative to the major search engines, such as Google or Bing, that are known for displaying ads and taking quite some of your data before giving away your search results.

This feature removes the ads and tracking from the organic search and ensures that your privacy remains intact and your patience untested.

Surfshark Antivirus: protection against harmful files

Another that comes with Surfshark One is Antivirus. At the moment, it is available for Windows and Android devices, although macOS support is coming soon as well.

Antivirus protects you from malicious files that would harm your device or intrude on your privacy. The feature works in real time and provides immediate security from danger. That means that it will prevent you from opening infected files that have made their way onto your device. Plus, you can also scan your entire system and exclude certain files or folders if you’re certain they’re safe.

Alternative ID: alternative identity and email address

The final bonus that comes with Surfshark One is Alternative ID. It lets users create a different online identity along with an email to keep exposure of their actual identity very minimal. Using this you can enhance your privacy, avoid spam, and prevent your data from appearing in data breaches.

When creating an alternative ID, users can select their preferences regarding gender, age, birth date, and country. Then the system generates a unique persona and email address accordingly to the details. Now, whenever you sign up somewhere, you can use this proxy mail. Once you get an email there, it gets safely routed to your actual one. And if you get tired of one persona, you can delete it and generate a new one.

How does Surfshark’s GPS override feature work?

Also known as GPS spoofing, GPS override is a feature for Android users who want to add an extra layer of protection. While a regular Virtual Private Network connection changes your IP address, GPS override also hides your device’s physical GPS location.

It’s an optional feature that is not on by default and can be enabled from Android app settings.

When activated, any app that will request the user’s physical coordinates will be overridden with the VPN server coordinates. So when a web service wants to access a user’s GPS data, it will see him in the US while, in fact, that person is in the UK.

What is Surfshark Nexus technology?

Nexus is a feature unique to Surfshark VPN. It radically changes the way a user interacts with the server network. As a result, the privacy, stability, and speed of your connection are lifted to another level.

When using a regular VPN, your device connects to a chosen server and gets a new IP address according to the location. With Nexus, you first connect to the whole Surfshark network. Only then do you get the right IP for use in your selected location.

This technology lets you change the IP without disconnecting. This allows Surfshark to offer the best server path, avoiding overpopulated servers and increasing performance. Furthermore, you no longer be susceptible to maintenance, outages, and similar problems.

Surfshark VPN will be working on Nexus for the foreseeable future. Later in 2022 and 2023, you’ll get an IP Randomizer for hiding browsing patterns and Dynamic MultiHop for picking your entry and exit locations. Additionally, you’ll be better protected from DNS and data packet leaks.

Anonymous purchase

Another neat aspect of Surfshark is that the provider lets you purchase the VPN anonymously. You can pay using popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other available types via CoinGate or CoinPayments.

Crypto is the optimal way to pay for your subscription if you don’t want to leave any traces of the purchase. Usually, when you buy something with a credit card, the bank logs that info and ties the VPN to you. And this isn’t great if you reside in a country where VPNs aren’t exactly legal.

Other Surfshark products

Besides Surfshark One, the company offers another product you can use to take back control of your personal data. Aptly called Incogni, this subscription-based tool contacts data brokers on your behalf to remove information about a person from their databases.

It’s no secret that thousands of companies collect user data (and without their consent) to later use for their own gains. And if you want to request the removal of such info yourself, you’re going to have to fill out various forms. The problem is that it’s not a straightforward process and may even take years to complete.

This is where Incogni comes in – it files such requests automatically and sends them to companies most likely aggregating info about you. And this doesn’t stop here; the tool continues doing regular sweeps to ensure they don’t add that data again.

Is Surfshark good for streaming?

Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for streaming. It’s fast, has an Amazon Fire TV app, unblocks multiple Netflix libraries, and offers plenty of other streaming services.

Thanks to the Smart DNS feature, you will be able to stream your favorite shows and movies on a bunch of devices that don’t have the client app. This includes game consoles, Apple TV, LG TV, Samsung TV, Roku, and other smart TVs.

Unblock Netflix with Surfshark

Does Surfshark work with Netflix? According to its website, this VPN is great for Netflix and streaming other geo-blocked content. Well, it turns out to be true.

I’ve tested Surfshark for Netflix from Europe and found that it unblocks Netflix in every region I tried, including the US, the UK, Canada, and Japan libraries. I recommend choosing Surfshark servers in these countries as they offer a wide selection of content.

Other streaming platforms

What’s more, Surfshark VPN can unblock Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming platforms. The speeds should be good enough to stream in 4K (UHD), thanks to the WireGuard tunneling protocol. Of course, the main factor will be your internet connection.

Besides, this VPN doesn’t have specialized streaming servers, so you can choose the one that works best for you.

How to stream Peacock (NBC) outside the US with Surfshark VPN?

You can stream Peacock outside the US with Surfshark VPN. Launched in 2020, this NBC Universal platform gives you Parks and Recreation, The Office, and other beloved series. To watch NBC’s Peacock, you simply have to launch the VPN and select any server in the US.

Does Surfshark unblock HBO Max?

Getting HBO Max is not easy because you have to get a US credit card. After that is done, you just have to connect to a server in the US and start streaming.

We recommend using the nearest VPN server because the distance between New York and Los Angeles is not to be ignored. This way, you’ll get the best possible speed and lower buffering times.

How to watch Disney+ Hotstar with Surfshark VPN?

Hotstar is the most popular streaming platform in India. In 2020, a great deal of Disney+ content was added, making Hotstar an even more attractive choice.

Even though it’s available in India, the UK, the US, Canada, and Singapore, you may still want to watch it from another country. This can be done easily with the help of Surfshark. All you have to do is connect to a VPN server in one of the mentioned countries and start watching.

Surfshark for Kodi

I would also recommend Surfshark for Kodi any day of the week. Actually, it’s among the best VPNs for Kodi in 2023, even though you have to configure it manually. Another option is to use the Zomboided VPN manager add-on.

For the best Kodi experience, you need a fast and secure VPN connection. Surfshark delivers in both categories, providing some of the industry’s best speeds together with military-grade encryption, a no-logs policy, and a reliable kill switch.

Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick

Installing Surfshark on Fire Stick is an excellent choice. It will unblock virtually all streaming options while also securing your connection. This VPN has an app for Fire TV, which means setting it up will be a breeze.

Thanks to its extensive server list and exceptional performance, you should have no problem watching your favorite movies and TV shows in 4K video quality without buffering. Finally, Surfshark is great for Kodi, so you’ll be able to use both with your Fire device.

Roku

Unfortunately, Roku doesn’t support VPNs or Smart DNS feature. However, there’s still a way to use it with Surfshark.

Here you have two main options. One is setting up Surfshark on a router where Roku is also connected. The second is to create a virtual router using a VPN.

Since both options require manual tinkering, we advise reading the step-by-step guides on the provider’s website.

Is Surfshark good for torrenting?

Surfshark is very good for torrents. Thanks to its WireGuard tunneling protocol, the speeds are very fast, and the security credentials almost faultless. You can also choose to protect only your P2P activities with the Bypasser (split tunneling).

This provider is not shy to invite torrenting fans to try their service, and it doesn’t discriminate against P2P traffic. Even more, they say that they are compatible with all P2P clients. Also, Surfshark is on the best VPN for torrenting list.

I liked that torrenting is allowed on all Surfshark servers, and there are no bandwidth limits. What’s more, a Virtual Private Network located in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction and keeps no logs is always a good choice for P2P activities. There are also anonymous payment options for those who want extra safety.

Surfshark video review

Learn more about Surfshark VPN – check out our video review below!

Surfshark VPN device support

Surfshark has apps for all the major desktop and mobile devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. There are also dedicated apps for Android TV and Amazon Fire Stick & Fire TV. Finally, you can download browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

And here comes the best part: Surfshark VPN allows unlimited connections. This means that you can protect all devices with one account. You don’t even have to manually configure it on your router, which would otherwise be the way to connect as many devices as you want.

All apps are pretty similar across the platforms and also easy to use. The settings are well explained, so you can instantly decide if you want it turned on or off. And if you want to learn more, I recommend our article on how to use Surfshark.

Desktop apps: Windows

Regarding ease of use, the Surfshark desktop application for Windows is as simple as A-B-C. The interface is clean and intuitive, and most settings can be found with a button click.

Connecting to Surfshark servers is just as easy – just click on Locations on the left sidebar menu and choose your preferred location from the list of cities and countries. Physical servers are sorted by region, while virtual ones are marked with the letter V.

You can also put the VPN connection on hold by pressing the Pause button. This way, you don’t have to disconnect from the chosen server for a quick visit to your online bank or other local services.

Pressing the white Settings gear lets you tinker with the features, protocols, and advanced settings. You can also toggle the startup and auto-connection options.

Desktop apps: macOS

Thankfully, the Mac app is just as secure as the Windows version. Both use AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and other features. This is relatively rare – most VPNs release limited macOS apps, which is not the case with Surfshark.

What’s notable about this provider is that it offers two versions of the macOS application. One can be downloaded straight from Surfshark’s website, the other from the Apple App Store.

Visually, the apps are identical, but there are some differences in terms of settings. The App Store version includes several tunneling protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), and IKEv2), while the website version just has WireGuard and IKEv2. On the other hand, the former doesn’t have NoBorders modes. And unfortunately, both don’t include split tunneling.

Desktop apps: Linux

Surfshark is one of the few VPNs to offer a Linux app with a graphical user interface (GUI). Available on Ubuntu, it comes with WireGuard, DNS leak protection, and MultiHop, among other features. The kill switch and auto-connect are planned for the near future.

There’s also a command-line version for other Debian distributions. However, it will be phased out after the GUI app goes beyond Ubuntu.

Mobile apps: Android and iOS

Surfshark mobile apps, both on Android and iOS, are lightweight and simplified versions of their desktop counterparts. The security is almost as good as what you’d get on PC or Mac, with several minor caveats.

Most importantly, the Android version has its kill switch, so you no longer have to use the native Android version or a third-party app to complement the Virtual Private Network. It also offers to turn on the Override GPS location feature, which hides your phone’s physical location.

The iOS version is as sleek as its Android counterpart, though there are some differences in terms of features. I note the divergences I noticed below.

You can get the Surfshark Android app from Google Play or just download it directly as an APK file from their website. The Surfshark iOS app is available from the App Store.

Android change log

iOS change log

Web browsers: Chrome and Firefox

Surfshark has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. They are essentially proxy services – you can use them to secure your browser traffic and nothing else. In other words, if you want to use torrents, try one of the regular clients or run the VPN some other way.

However, these browser extensions are not only about hiding your IP and encrypting your traffic. They also include the CleanWeb feature, which takes care of ads, tracking, malware, and phishing attempts. What’s more, both add-ons have been independently audited by Cure53 security testers.

Notably, the Surfshark browser add-on looks the same as the VPN client. It also includes Surfshark One features, and you can choose from regular, Static IP, and MultiHop servers. Besides the aforementioned CleanWeb, you also get:

• Quick-connect and Auto-connect
• Website safety warnings
• Cookie popup blocker
• Bypasser
• WebRTC blocker

Which other platforms does Surfshark support?

In addition to the apps for major platforms, Surfshark VPN also has dedicated apps for Android TV and Amazon Fire Stick & Fire TV.

Additionally, its website has instructions for manually configuring your router, so you could use it to protect your entire home network. This provider supports a bunch of different models and makes, including DD-WRT, AsusWRT, OpenWRT, and Tomato, among others. You can also manually set up the VPN on Chromebook, pfSense, and Raspberry Pi.

Last but not least is the Smart DNS feature. It allows you to unblock websites and streaming platforms on your Apple TV, other smart TVs, and game consoles. In short, devices that don’t support VPN software natively. And with your PlayStation or Xbox, you will also be able to play online games in other regions.

How to use Surfshark VPN?

The process of downloading and installing Surfshark is pretty straightforward. You can get it from their website or, in case you’re using a smartphone, from Google Play Store or Apple Store. In any case, you should start by purchasing the subscription.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Choose a plan and order the service
2. Download the Surfshark app for your device
3. Follow the installation instructions
4. Open the app and log in
5. Start using the VPN by connecting to your desired country

Surfshark customer support

Surfshark VPN has great customer service. Here are your options when you need help:

• Chatbot
• 24/7 live chat
• Submit a request
• FAQ
• Knowledge base

Their 24/7 live chat is excellent. The waiting times are short, if any, while the customer support agents are helpful and polite. And I’m basing this assumption on more than a few instances.

Next, I tried submitting a request. The questions that I sent using the form were answered in a couple of hours or so. There was only one instance when it took longer to get an answer, but again, such response times are still a goal for many VPNs.

The Help Center is pretty extensive. It includes three main topics – VPN, Surfshark One, and My Account, and each covers a wide array of topics. There are tutorials for getting started, troubleshooting guides, educational articles about all things VPN, several different FAQ sections, etc. So, if you’re a person that likes to do things by yourself, you’ll have a field day here.

Overall, while Surfshark has considerably expanded its self-help section, I would still use live chat to put most of my concerns aside.

Conclusion: should I get Surfshark?

After making a thorough investigation for this Surfshark review, I can confidently say that you should get this VPN. They’ve done well to cover the basics – security, jurisdiction, speed, support, etc. – and have taken steps in unique directions. Rarely do you see a paid Virtual Private Network with no limit to the number of simultaneous connections and a real zero-logs policy.

With an anonymous signup process, an option to pay in cryptocurrencies, and WireGuard support, Surfshark is already one step ahead of the competition. Here’s a quick list of its core strengths:

• Excellent security and privacy
• Breakneck speeds (WireGuard + Nexus update)
• Great for streaming and P2P
• Appealing price-to-feature ratio

To me, it seems just a matter of time until we get more features. And for Surfshark VPN, that will further strengthen its already solid position among the industry’s best.

9.6 /10

Best VPN 2023

Best VPN overall with 5700+ servers in 60 countries

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9.4 /10

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9.2 /10

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FAQ

Is Surfshark a good VPN?

Surfshark is an excellent VPN. You would be hard-pressed to find top-notch protection and the best speeds for such a low price. Consider trying this service risk-free – it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Is Surfshark better than NordVPN?

Both Surfshark and NordVPN are top-class providers. We have them at the top of our best VPN list. However, Surfshark is cheaper, so if you don’t see any feature that only NordVPN has, I recommend trying the former first.

Does Surfshark work in China?

Yes, Surfshark is a great choice for China. It will unblock various streaming services, such as Netflix. Also, Camouflage and NoBorders mode will let you access Google, YouTube, and other censored websites.

Does Surfshark unblock Netflix and other streaming services?

Yes, Surfshark is great for streaming. You’ll get access to multiple Netflix libraries and other content platforms, such as Peacock, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer.

Does Surfshark keep logs?

No, Surfshark VPN does not keep any logs. In fact, it would not be possible even if the provider wanted to monitor its subscribers. All hardware runs solely on RAM modules, which cannot store any data long-term.

Is Surfshark a Chinese company?

No, Surfshark is not a Chinese company. The provider is headquartered in the Netherlands and is a subsidiary of Nord Security, a Panama-based company that also owns NordVPN.

Is Surfshark One the same as Surfshark?

Surfshark One is an all-in-one security suite, while Surfshark by itself is just a VPN service. A regular subscription only includes the VPN, but with the Surfshark One add-on, you also get an antivirus, secure search, and a data breach monitor.

Is Surfshark better than ExpressVPN?

Yes, Surfshark is better than ExpressVPN. It is much cheaper, noticeably faster, and includes a lot more features useful for all types of online activities.