VPN protocols on Surfshark

The technologies that secure your internet connection

WireGuard® - sleek, modern, secure
IKEv2 - the fastest choice for mobile
OpenVPN - a reliable open-source classic

Try them yourself

What are VPN protocols?

VPN (Virtual Private Network) protocols are a set of rules that define how a VPN works. Protocols do all the hidden work: authorization, authentication, encryption, traffic capturing, and transportation. So you can get a smooth VPN connection.

VPN protocols mask your data so you can browse websites, use social media, or do just about anything else online. How well the protocol performs depends on how well a VPN provider has established its infrastructure.

VPN providers can also boost protocols with various benefits, like VPN obfuscation and GPS spoofing.

Surfshark VPN supports these protocols:

WireGuard

WireGuard® is the lightest protocol. With only 4,000 lines of code, WireGuard® is less susceptible to security threats as it’s easier to manage and scale. The lightweight structure enables high-speed connections without compromising security.

IKEv2

IKEv2 (short for Internet Key Exchange version 2) is a fast and secure protocol. It has been improved many times. IKEv2 is very popular among mobile users due to its speed and ability to switch networks on demand.

OpenVPN

OpenVPN is open-sourced, meaning that it’s been approved by security specialists worldwide. It’s a bit bulkier than WireGuard® and IKEv2, but it’s the only one that many routers natively support.

How to set up the VPN protocol of your choice on any Surfshark app

STEP 1

Open Surfshark app’s Settings.

STEP 2

Go to the VPN Settings section.

STEP 3

Open the Protocol tab

STEP 4

Select your protocol. That’s it!

How to set up a manual WireGuard® connection with Surfshark

Why choose Wireguard?

Because, you can get the protection and blazing speeds of WireGuard® on devices not compatible with our app! Moreover, you can use manual connections on VPN-compatible routers or in a country that restricts VPN use.

Surfshark’s manual WireGuard® configurations are available for:

WireGuard is a registered trademark of Jason A. Donenfeld.

FAQ

What is the fastest VPN protocol on Surfshark?

WireGuard® is currently the fastest VPN protocol around. With the newest technology and lightweight code, WireGuard® can reach high speeds without leaving space for security threats.

What is the safest VPN protocol on Surfshark?

There’s no single “most secure VPN protocol” in the world; thus, we can’t single out the safest VPN protocol on Surfshark. All of our protocols have been selected for their qualities, including security. However, we can say that they’re a lot safer than the ones that Surfshark doesn’t support, like PPTP.

How do I know which Surfshark VPN protocol is the best for me?

The best Surfshark VPN protocol largely depends on the device you’re using or the reason you need a VPN:

WireGuard® is good all around, especially when speed is the issue.
IKEv2 is on par with WireGuard® and is really good with mobile.
OpenVPN usually works best for routers.

If you are still unclear about which VPN protocol is the right fit, you can switch them around in the Surfshark app and do your own test!

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