Surfshark review 2024: fast and secure VPN

Surfshark is a trustworthy VPN that allows users to stay private and secure while browsing the internet. Besides a strong VPN connection, Surfshark offers additional security-focused features and many servers worldwide, including specialty servers like P2P or MultiHop servers. You should not experience any speed issues with Surfshark, as most servers have 10 Gbps ports. Additionally, I was impressed with Surfshark VPN as it does not limit the number of simultaneous connections, which is a massive advantage over other VPNs.

Using Surfshark is easy, even if you’re new to VPNs, as the app is user-friendly and intuitive. All you have to do is install Surfshark VPN on your preferred device and connect to a server. Once that is done, your IP address will be changed, and your internet traffic will be routed through an encrypted VPN tunnel. To ensure everything works smoothly, I highly advise updating the app once there are any new updates, as Surfshark regularly improves the app. The latest 5.11.0 version of the Surfshark Windows app was released on October 31st.

To see what Surfshark VPN can do, I purchased a subscription and tested it. I also contacted customer support to clarify some information, and a Surfshark representative helped me avoid missing anything. Lastly, I compared Surfshark’s features with those of other VPNs I’ve tried. After extensive testing, I will share my insights in this Surfshark VPN review.

What I liked about Surfshark VPN:

• ✅ Robust security toolkit
• ✅ Extensive list of servers (3200+ servers in 100 countries)
• ✅ Many additional features
• ✅ Unlimited simultaneous connections
• ✅ Reliably hides your IP address
• ✅ Works with many streaming services
• ✅ Intuitive apps for different gadgets
• ✅ Fast and stable WireGuard protocol
• ✅ 30-day money-back guarantee
• ✅ Competitive prices
• ✅ Strict no-logs policy

What I didn’t like about Surfshark VPN:

❌No free app version

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Surfshark VPN overview

I tried Surfshark on all major operating systems to understand how it works and performs fully. For testing, I used a MacBook Air M2, running macOS 14.7 Sonoma and 8GB RAM; Windows 11, running i5-13600KF and 32 GB RAM; OnePlus 10T, running Android 14; and iPhone 12, running iOS 17.1.

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How much does Surfshark VPN cost per month?

• Surfshark costs between $1.99/month and $20.65/month, depending on the subscription length.
• Free trial: Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial on Android, iOS, and macOS.
• Money-back guarantee: you can get a refund within 30 days of purchasing your Surfshark subscription.

The starting Surfshark VPN price is $1.99/month, but the cost can increase to $20.65/month if you choose a monthly plan with extra features. Surfshark VPN has three plans available. To get the lowest monthly cost, choose the Surfshark Starter plan, which costs only $1.99/month for a 2-year subscription. If you’re interested in more features, the Surfshark One plan is the most popular, with prices starting at $2.49/month. Surfshark One+ is more expensive at $3.99/month for a 2-year subscription, but it includes the most features, such as access to the Surfshark VPN, antivirus software, a secure search engine, and identity monitoring services. Overall, the best package that Surfshark offers is the Surfshark One subscription. It has great prices and includes many additional features that add an extra layer of security. No matter which plan you choose, you can decide on its duration. With Surfshark, you can choose from monthly, 1-year, and 2-year plans.

I was impressed with Surfshark’s price as it is one of the best on the market, and it still offers a secure and reliable service. If you want to subscribe to Surfshark VPN, I would recommend taking a 1-year or 2-year plan, as the price is better than monthly plans. If you’d like to try all of Surfshark’s premium features, I suggest taking the most popular Surfshark One plan.

Surfshark does not have a free version, but it offers a 7-day free trial that allows you to test it first. The 7-day free trial will allow you to use Surfshark VPN on an unlimited number of devices and use all the features that the Surfshark Starter plan has. Even though you will not be charged for the free trial, you still need to add a payment method if you decide to stick with your Surfshark plan. You can download the Surfshark free trial via the Apple App Store on iOS or the Google Play Store on Android.

If you’re interested in a Surfshark subscription, you can get it using various payment methods. You can use a credit or debit card, PayPal, Google Pay, and Amazon Pay. In addition, it is possible to pay using cryptocurrency, which is an excellent option as it guarantees total anonymity.

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Surfshark Starter vs Surfshark One plan differences

• Surfshark One offers all features of the Starter plan, plus extra tools like Surfshark Antivirus, Surfshark Alert, and Surfshark Search.

Surfshark Starter is the basic Surfshark plan that ensures privacy and security with the most crucial features—VPN and Alternative ID. VPN is a must to protect your privacy, as it will hide your IP address, and you can browse the internet without being tracked. Alternative ID will generate a new identity and email that you can use online to protect your personal information.

The main difference between Surfshark Starter, Surfshark One, and One+ is the features included in the subscription. With Surfshark One, you get additional features such as 24/7 antivirus protection, webcam protection, real-time alerts for email, credit card, and ID breaches, and a private search tool.

• • 24/7 antivirus protection. Surfshark antivirus will protect your devices from malware and viruses 24/7, as its database is updated every 3 hours. You won’t notice it as the antivirus is very lightweight and integrated into the app. 
  • Webcam protection. With Surfshark’s webcam protection, you can protect yourself from any apps or websites spying on you through your webcam without your permission. You will be alerted in case of any unauthorized camera access attempts.
  • Real-time email, credit card, and ID breach alerts. The feature promptly alerts you of email, credit card, or ID breaches. This feature will ensure that you can protect your personal information by taking action immediately.
  • Private search tool. To keep your search history private, you can use Surfshark Search. It’s a feature that allows you to use a secure search engine so no one can track your activity.

If you’re interested in a VPN-only subscription or are new to VPNs, I can confirm that Surfshark Starter is enough to keep you safe online. If you want to get the full experience, Surfshark also has a One+ plan that adds Incogni services:

• Incogni data removal. Incogni will ensure that companies and people search sites remove your details from their database. This will stop unwanted spam emails from companies and identity thefts.

The main difference between Surfshark Starter and Surfshark One or One+ plans is the additional features included in your subscription. Even though Surfshark One and One+ offer more features, all plans will secure your internet activity and successfully unlock geo-restricted content, as they offer a robust VPN service. However, if you want to keep your details even more secure, Surfshark One and One+ will allow you to achieve the best results.

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Is Surfshark VPN safe?

• Surfshark employs AES-256-GCM encryption and secure protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 to ensure your activity remains private and protected.
• None of your online activities are logged by Surfshark’s system. It ensures complete privacy by not tracking, collecting, or sharing any data.

Surfshark is a safe and reliable VPN that offers strong protection features. It uses AES-256 encryption, which routes your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel, keeping your online activity private and undetectable. Additionally, I tried Surfshark’s robust security features like split-tunneling and Kill Switch. Split-tunneling lets you choose what network traffic to route through a VPN connection, which is handy if you want a VPN for specific services only. Kill Switch adds an extra layer of security by blocking the internet in case your VPN connection gets interrupted.

Besides excellent security features, Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, which means your personal information is secure. Surfshark is based in a jurisdiction that does not require data collection, logging, or provision. Due to this, Surfshark does not track your original IP address or online activity.

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Surfshark privacy policy analysis

• Surfshark VPN doesn’t log your data and is certified by Deloitte to verify this.

I read Surfshark’s privacy policy to learn more about how it handles user data. Even though this information might look complicated, I read it quite quickly. The policy was written in simple words, and the page was easy to navigate.

Surfshark is a cybersecurity company based in the Netherlands, a member of the Nine Eyes surveillance alliance, which means that the alliance can track and store your internet activities. Since Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, it’s not immune to surveillance.

Nevertheless, the company representative assured that Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy. It is even confirmed that Surfshark complies with its policy by an auditing firm Deloitte. Surfshark can’t track you or keep your online traffic logged and is not obliged to comply with data reporting requests. Even if the police or the government requires the data, Surfshark is not required to forward any information.

Does Surfshark effectively hide your IP address?

• Surfshark hides your IP address by routing your internet traffic through secure servers and encrypting your connection.
• With Surfshark’s Nexus technology, your IP address will be rotated every 5 to 10 minutes, without disconnecting you from the VPN network.

During my testing, I noticed that Surfshark VPN successfully masks your IP address and encrypts your network traffic. Due to this, your personal information, such as your actual location and online activity, is completely private. To test if Surfshark performs well and hides your IP address, I used well-known leak checkers such as ipleak.net, dnsleaktest.com, and geolocation.com. No leaks were detected during my testing, and the real IP address was successfully hidden. Additionally, Surfshark has a robust security toolkit, which has a huge impact on the VPN performance and how it secures your digital footprint.

• Encryption. Encryption is the most important aspect of a VPN, as it keeps your online activities private and protects you from hackers or any other third-party snooping. Surfshark uses military-grade AES-256 encryption and ChaCha20 encryption for WireGuard, adding an extra security layer to your digital footprint. AES-256 encryption is one of the most secure options, and financial institutions widely use it to secure private information.
• Kill Switch. Surfshark has a kill switch feature, which greatly enhances security. I recommend using Kill Switch if you have unstable internet issues or use antiviruses, as they might interfere with the VPN connection. With Surfshark VPN, you can choose from soft and strict kill switches. By enabling the strict kill switch, your internet will be disconnected if the VPN connection is interrupted. A soft kill switch will disable the internet for specific apps or websites under the Bypasser feature. I tested the soft kill switch option, and the apps I had under the split-tunneling feature did not have internet access.

  

• Tunneling protocols. With Surfshark, you can choose from WireGuard, OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), and IKEv2 protocols. WireGuard is the most lightweight protocol that will provide high-speed connection. OpenVPN is the most popular way to set up Surfshark on a router, as many natively support it. You can even switch between OpenVPN UDP, which can improve speed, and OpenVPN TCP, which is more stable. Lastly, you can also use IKEv2, which is secure and mainly used by mobile users. A Surfshark representative said they would recommend using WireGuard as it combines speed and stability.

  

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Can you torrent with Surfshark?

• Surfshark is a top-rated VPN for torrenting, with 3200+ high-speed servers across 100 countries, all optimized for P2P traffic.

Surfshark is a great option for torrenting as it always provides security and privacy. The robust AES-256 encryption and additional features such as Kill Switch ensure that the VPN keeps you secure, especially when using torrenting services, as it might come with some security risks. Surfshark has specialty P2P servers that are recommended for sharing files through torrenting services. The P2P-optimized servers are available in all 100 Surfshark locations, so you’ll have no issues finding a server that fits your needs. I tested Surfshark for torrenting by downloading a 5.27 GB Ubuntu 24 client while connected to the closest VPN server. When I tried to download a file, it took about 5 minutes, and the download speed reached 25 Mbps at its peak.

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Surfshark VPN speed test

• Surfshark is the second fastest VPN after NordVPN in our most recent speed tests, with an average internet download speed loss of 17%.

The overall VPN speed depends on various factors, such as location, device, and network. The server you’re connecting to and the VPN protocol greatly impact the speed. Even considering all these factors, the VPN can still slow down your network and increase latency. This happens because using the VPN routes your traffic through the VPN server and encrypts your data.

Despite this, Surfshark proved to be a fast VPN, so you should not experience noticeable speed drops. I tested the VPN speed in five different locations, including the US, UK, Canada, Germany, and India, using the WireGuard protocol. I conducted the test using trustworthy online speed tests like speedtest.net and fast.com. Across all locations, the average download speed was 400 Mbps, retaining 92% of the baseline speed I had. The average upload speed stayed at around 313 Mbps.

Surfshark is generally a fast VPN, as it retained 92% of the baseline speed. With such good speeds, you should not experience any issues gaming or using torrenting services. I tried streaming a few services with Surfshark and did not experience any slow speed or buffering issues. My speeds stayed at a comfortable 400+ Mbps at all times, and I was able to enjoy high-quality content.

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Surfshark streaming sites unblocking results

• Surfshark is one of the top Netflix VPNs, as it is capable of unlocking Netflix US, UK, and many other libraries, as well as other streaming services.
• While streaming Netflix and other services, Surfshark’s speed stays at 400+ Mbps at all times, which guarantees a fast and buffer-free experience.

Surfshark VPN works with many popular streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and others. Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for streaming due to the extensive list of servers and fast speeds. Switching between servers from different countries allows access to different content that might be blocked and only works in specific regions. Additionally, choosing servers that are less loaded and selecting the WireGuard protocol ensures a fast and buffer-free streaming experience. I tested Surfshark and tried to watch Netflix US outside the country. Surfshark bypassed geo-restrictions, and I had no issues watching Netflix. The quality of the streaming was top-notch, even with the VPN enabled.

Surfshark indeed works with Netflix, but I could not access all Netflix libraries. The VPN successfully unlocked Netflix UK, US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, India, Egypt, Colombia, Brazil, Morocco, New Zealand, and Nigeria libraries. Since Surfshark works with many Netflix regions, you should not experience problems accessing them. In case you do, I recommend changing the VPN server as many server locations have a few servers from different cities available and this can indeed help with bypassing geo-restrictions. If you’re experiencing any slow speed or buffering issues, try switching between protocols, as this usually solves the issue immediately.

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How many servers does Surfshark have?

• Surfshark has 3200+ servers in 100 countries, with more than 600 of them in the US.

Surfshark has 3200+ servers in 100 countries across the globe, including specialty servers like P2P, MultiHop, and obfuscated servers. You can choose from an extensive list of Surfshark countries from Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. Below, you can find the full list of Surfshark server locations.

Compared to most VPN providers, Surfshark has an extensive list of servers in different countries. Having many Surfshark countries available is beneficial for accessing geo-restricted content and improving the overall VPN performance, such as the VPN server speed. Some services, such as gambling sites, are only available in specific regions, so using servers from different countries can grant you access by bypassing restrictions.

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Surfshark app interface on different devices

You can also set up Surfshark on your smart TV, which is very convenient, especially if you’re interested in unblocking streaming services. Surfshark supports Apple TV, Android TV, Samsung TV, Fire TV, and Roku devices. There are a few ways to get Surfshark on your smart TV. Setting up a Surfshark on your router will cover all your devices with a VPN, including your smart TV. If you use a Windows device, you can also create a VPN-protected Wi-Fi hotspot and share it with your smart TV. Lastly, Surfshark offers a Smart DNS feature specifically for streaming content on your smart TV. However, keep in mind that you will only be able to access a few US streaming services, and the Smart DNS feature does not provide encryption.

I have tested Surfshark on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices to see if it’s easy to install and navigate. Below, you can find insights about the Surfshark app on different gadgets.

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Surfshark for Android and iPhone

• To use Surfshark on your Android phone, simply download the app from the Google Play Store, log in, and connect to a server of your choice.

• For iPhone: get the Surfshark VPN app from the App Store, sign in with your account, and select a server to connect to.

I have tested Surfshark VPN on a OnePlus 10T and iPhone 12 devices to see how it works on mobile phones. The VPN app was user-friendly and intuitive on Android and iOS devices. Even though there was no server map, both Android and iOS apps had a complete list of servers available, and it was easy to find specialty servers like Static IP, MultiHop, and Dedicated IP at the top of the main page.

I was surprised to see that it was very easy to find Surfshark features on both mobile device apps. All I had to do was go to Settings from the main page and then choose VPN settings to access the features. There, I was able to enable features such as Auto-connect, which enables the VPN automatically, or Kill Switch, which adds an extra layer of security by disabling the internet in case the VPN connection gets interrupted. However, I was disappointed that the Android app had more features than the iOS app. Android users are additionally able to use features like Override GPS location, which is a GPS spoofing feature, and Small packet, which reduces transmitted packet size.

Surfshark for Windows and Mac

• Surfshark is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and newer versions of the operating system
• The Surfshark VPN app is compatible with all macOS versions starting with Big Sur 11, including: macOS 11 Big Sur, macOS 12 Monterey, macOS 13 Ventura, and macOS 14 Sonoma.

To test Surfshark desktop apps, I installed Surfshark on Windows 11 and Macbook Air M2 devices. Windows and macOS app versions look very similar, which is very convenient if you have both devices in your household. Similarly to mobile devices, there is no server map available on macOS or Windows devices. Still, it’s easy to navigate through the locations and find specialty servers like Static IP, MultiHop, or Dedicated IP. What I liked about the desktop app version is that you can easily change the language and notification settings and enable dark mode by simply going to the App Settings.

To find the additional features on Windows and macOS devices, I went to VPN settings, which I found when going to Settings from the main page. I was able to enable features like Kill Switch, change the connection protocol, and even select if I wanted to launch the app on startup. I found out that, unfortunately, Apple users will not be able to use Bypasser, a VPN split tunneling feature, as it is only available on iOS, Android, and Windows devices. Other than that, Windows and macOS apps had similar functionality.

Additional features you get with Surfshark

Surfshark VPN is well-known for its extensive list of additional features that are integrated into the app. Apart from the previously mentioned and widely used features like Kill Switch or split tunneling, I found that Surfshark offers other great options to personalize your VPN:

• Cookie pop-up blocker. This feature is handy if you want to get rid of cookie consent pop-ups, and it’s available with Surfshark browser extensions. I enabled this feature using the Chrome browser extension, and I was not prompted with any cookie pop-ups when visiting different websites. 
• CleanWeb. Another feature to get rid of malicious ads is the CleanWeb feature, available on mobile and desktop devices and browser extensions. With CleanWeb enabled, I could even avoid ads while streaming content on different services.
• IP Rotator. To enhance your privacy, IP Rotator changes your IP address every 5 to 10 minutes without disconnecting the VPN connection. I tested it with Surfshark’s US location, and the IP address was indeed rotated within this location without interruptions.
• NoBorders. NoBorders is especially useful if you’re located in a country with heavy internet restrictions. By enabling this feature, you will get a list of servers that will work even if you’re in a restricted area.
• Pause VPN. Enabling Pause VPN allows you to pause the VPN for 5 minutes, 30 minutes, or 2 hours, without the need of doing this manually. I paused my VPN for 30 minutes and I had no issues with it. The connection resumed itself after 30 minutes as promised.

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Is Surfshark a good VPN in 2024: final verdict

Surfshark is a great VPN option because it is trustworthy and performs excellently in terms of privacy and security. Apart from security and privacy, Surfshark also allows users to achieve their use cases by successfully unlocking various services, and Stipp keeps you safe online.

Surfshark for torrenting ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – offers P2P-optimized servers, fast speed, and reliable security

Torrenting is the most popular way to share files, but it comes with certain security risks. Surfshark is a great option for torrenting as it has specialty P2P servers that will keep you secure. P2P servers are available in all 100 Surfshark locations, so you’ll have no issues torrenting with Surfshark.

Surfshark for streaming ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) –  capable of unblocking content while maintaining high-speed connections

Surfshark is known to successfully unlock various streaming services, including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and many more. Due to the extensive list of servers, you will have no issues bypassing geo-restrictions when visiting streaming services.

Surfshark for gaming ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – effectively prevents bandwidth throttling and minimizes your ping

Using a VPN when gaming has many benefits, and Surfshark is one of the best options for gamers. Surfshark guarantees privacy and protection against DDoS attacks. Additionally, it provides fast speeds and bypasses bandwidth throttling.

Surfshark for betting ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – successfully unblocks sports betting and casino platforms

Many betting and online casino websites are restricted in some regions, but Surfshark is known to successfully bypass these restrictions. Apart from unblocking betting websites and allowing you to gamble online, Surfshark will keep you secure.

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FAQ

Is Surfshark owned by NordVPN?

No, Surfshark is not owned by NordVPN. Both Surfshark and NordVPN have indeed merged together under the same powerhouse company in 2022. However, they still operate as separate security products under different jurisdictions and owners.

Is Surfshark safe for online banking?

Yes, Surfshark is safe for online banking. Using a VPN for online banking ensures that your personal data is not compromised as it hides your IP address. Since Surfshark is a secure and trustworthy VPN provider, it is safe to use for online banking.

Does Surfshark keep logs?

No, Surfshark does not keep logs. Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy and automatically deletes any session data. Based in the Netherlands, it does not collect or disclose its users logs, ensuring that your online activity and personal information remain private.

Is Surfshark free?

No, Surfshark is not free, but you can sign up for a 7-day free trial on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store before getting a paid subscription. Additionally, all subscriptions, including monthly plans, come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, providing an advantage to users.

Can you share Surfshark with friends?

Yes, you can share Surfshark with friends. You can connect to the VPN and use your account on an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. Nevertheless, if your friends are interested in purchasing Surfshark you can provide them a referral link that will add extra months for you and your friends.

What is the latest version of Surfshark?

The latest version of Surfshark is 5.11.0. The update was released on October 31st and is available for Windows devices. In case of any updates, Surfshark will prompt a notification on the app so you won’t miss it.

Does Surfshark work in China?

Yes, Surfshark works in China. However, since China has strict network restrictions, users might experience issues. The best way to connect to Surfshark in China is by using the manual connection method, which works well in restricted countries.