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Surfshark review

A comprehensive look in 2024: in case you have doubts, let us show you what people have to say about Surfshark.

  • Connect to 3,200+ servers in 100 countries worldwide
  • Get top-tier VPN protection at an affordable price
  • Enjoy industry-leading privacy and security features
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30-day money-back guarantee

The world talks about Surfshark

Surfshark has received rave reviews from TechRadar, PCMag, and CNET. Cybersecurity experts value Surfshark VPN for industry-leading encryption, great streaming speeds, unlimited connections, and a broad network of servers.

Tom's guide

“Surfshark is a highly polished and powerful VPN that competes with the very best premium providers, all while offering a seriously tempting price point.”

4.5/5 ★

Techradar

Surfshark performs incredibly well across the board. It’s the fastest VPN on the market today, offers incredible value, and you can check out its full suite of security capabilities and unblocking power with its 30-day money-back guarantee.”

4.5/5 ★

CNET

“Surfshark is an excellent, well-rounded virtual private network that consistently ranks as one of CNET’s best VPNs.”

4.5/5 ★

Surfshark’s technical parameter breakdown

Explore the performance edge and user-centric innovations of Surfshark’s service

3200+ servers

3,200+ servers

100~ countries

100 countries

140~ locations

140~ locations

7-day free trial on Android and iOS

7-day free trial on Android, iOS and macOS

Advantages of Surfshark VPN

Unlimited simultaneous connections

“One of Surfshark’s standout value elements is that it allows you to use it on an unlimited number of devices.” — ZDNET.com

“We didn’t have to worry about the number of devices we connected to Surfshark at any given time.” — security.org

Unlimited simultaneous connections

Blazing fast speeds with WireGuard

“With WireGuard, Surfshark soars to the top of our speed charts, making it an ideal pick for anyone who’s into gaming, streaming, or hopping into video calls.” — TechRadar

“Surfshark has been a seriously fast provider for a good while now, and in my latest round of testing it only solidified this fact. On my 1Gbps connection it delivered speeds in excess of 950Mbps when using WireGuard, and on a faster line I think it could achieve much more.” — Tom’s Guide

Blazing fast speeds with WireGuard

Privacy protection

“That means right now, it has one of the best privacy features, performance, and apps. That conclusion comes from weeks of testing Surfshark and comparing it with other top-rated VPNs.” — security.org

“Surfshark is packed with all the core privacy features you need in a VPN.” — Tom’s Guide

Privacy protection
Disclaimer: The reviews quoted on this page have been published by media outlets associated with Surfshark through affiliate partnerships. Their recommendations are based on their own independent research and insights to ensure value for the readers.

Disadvantages of Surfshark VPN

Virtual locations

“Many virtual servers are hosted thousands of miles away from apparent locations.” — Tom’s Guide

Our comment:

It’s challenging to deploy physical servers in some countries or regions. When physical servers aren’t an option, Surfshark, like many other VPNs, offers virtual locations as the next best thing. We host them with the least distance and lowest latency possible. And as we can see here, the meaning of “many” is quite subjective:

“Not many virtual-only locations” — TechRadar

Virtual servers

Based in the Netherlands

“The Netherlands has privacy-friendly data retention laws, but it’s under Nine Eyes jurisdiction, which means the government can compel Surfshark to share customer information when necessary.” — security.org

Our comment:

While the Netherlands is a Nine Eyes country, it has no data retention laws. This allows us to stick to our strict no-logs VPN policy, as confirmed by Deloitte, a Big Four auditing firm.

Based in the Netherlands

Pricing

The VPN-only tier is called Surfshark Starter and is the highest-priced monthly VPN we’ve tested.” — PCMag

Our comment:

With the Surfshark Starter, you get not only a VPN but a mini cybersecurity bundle — alongside a VPN with robust security features, you get an ad and cookie pop-up blocker, an alternative ID, and an email generator.

Our customers view privacy and security not as a temporary solution but as a constant need. That’s why we focus on providing highly affordable long-term cybersecurity solutions, with the lowest monthly price for 24-month subscriptions.

Pricing

No need for compromise

Choose a VPN that’s good for privacy and speed

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No need for compromise

Why Surfshark?

Vast server infrastructure

Server crowdedness and the distance between the user and the VPN server are two key factors for a fast VPN connection. Since Surfshark has 3,200+ VPN servers in 100 countries worldwide, you’re almost guaranteed to find an uncrowded server nearby, no matter where you are.

“Surfshark boasts an impressive network with servers in 140 locations across 100 countries, covering most of the popular VPN destinations you’d need.”TechRadar

Vast server infrastructure

Connection speed

VPN protocols also play a large role in determining your VPN connection speed. WireGuard is one of the fastest protocols available today. We want to ensure the best VPN experience for our customers, so you can use WireGuard with Surfshark to maintain optimal connection speeds at all times.

“Surfshark has been a seriously fast provider for a good while now, and in my latest round of testing it only solidified this fact.” — Tom’s Guide

Connection speed

Streaming performance

When streaming content online, you need a certain connection speed to avoid buffering. And while exact numbers vary from one platform to the next, you can use Netflix’s speed recommendations for a ballpark number:

  • 3 Mbps to watch High Definition (HD) video (720p);
  • 5 Mbps to watch Full High Definition (FHD) video (1080p);
  • 15 Mbps to watch Ultra High Definition (UHD) video (4K).

On top of that, make sure that your VPN works well with the streaming platforms you use. Surfshark speeds meet the requirements of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and other platforms, so you can stream your favorite shows and movies with your online privacy protected.

“Overall, Surfshark is a fast, powerful VPN that’s great for streaming and staying private – and its appeal is only enhanced by its strikingly cheap price tag.” — Tom’s Guide

Streaming performance

Keep your entertainment private

Enjoy buffer-free streaming with VPN protection

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30-day money-back guarantee
Keep your entertainment private

Privacy and security

First and foremost, a VPN is a privacy tool. Surfshark has a no-logs policy, uses secure AES-256 and ChaCha 20 encryption and modern VPN protocols as building blocks for a secure online experience. But that’s not all, since additional features like Kill Switch, private DNS, and obfuscated servers ensure your privacy at all times.

If you choose a Surfshark One or One+ subscription bundle, you’ll also get an antivirus, a data breach alert, webcam protection, and other features for all-around digital protection.

“On top of that, Surfshark encrypted our traffic through multiple servers, hiding our web traffic even more. This isn’t usually the case for even the best VPNs on the market, so we feel good about Surfshark protecting our web activity.” — security.org

Privacy and security

Independent audits

Reputable VPN providers undergo independent audits by known auditing companies to prove the legitimacy of their services. Surfshark has had its infrastructure, browser extensions, and no-logs statement verified by Cure53 and Deloitte, with no major flaws found in either of those audits.

“Privacy policies are important, but I don’t think customers should have to take a VPN provider’s words on trust. That’s why I’m happy to see that Surfshark has put its service through no less than three independent security audits.” — TechRadar

Independent audits

User experience

Good infrastructure, security, and speed — they’re all necessary for a good VPN. However, no one will want to use it if the user experience is poor. That’s why we made the Surfshark app easy to install and use. On top of that, ad and cookie pop-up blockers keep your surfing experience smooth and clean whenever you’re using Surfshark. 

“Aesthetically, the apps are very clean and easy to use — and they now come with a new revamped design.” — Tom’s Guide

User experience

Customer support

A good customer support team should not be overlooked when choosing a VPN provider. You want to get help as soon as possible, especially if something goes wrong. That’s why Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat support on top of a ticketing system, email support, and an extensive searchable knowledge base.

Customer support is available around the clock via live chat if you have questions or run into issues. Surfshark’s Help Center is filled with helpful articles, troubleshooting guides, and tutorials.” — cnet.com

Customer support

Pricing

VPN changes your IP address so your location becomes invisible.
Alternative ID creates a new identity & email for online registrations.
CleanWeb blocks ads and pop-ups, including cookie consent requests.
Alert notifies you if your email, credit card, or ID is leaked in a breach.
Antivirus scans programs whenever you download, install, or use them.
Search gives organic browsing results without ads or trackers.
% off + mo. EXTRA
0 /mo
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Verified security

“To sum up, Cure53 is highly satisfied to see such a strong security posture on the Surfshark VPN proxy extension, especially given the common vulnerability of similar products to privacy issues.”

Dr. Mario Heiderich, Founder & CEO of Cure53

 

Read more
Verified security
RANKINGS

Trusted by Redditors

Reddit has become the go-to platform for many users who need answers to their issues, VPN included. The Reddit VPN community has come up with its own VPN comparison table that ranks Surfshark as the second-best VPN provider in the world right now

Here’s how Redditors rank Surfshark on key VPN features:

Feature Ranking
Encryption 5/5
VPN protocols 5/5
Speed 5/5
Audited no-logs policy 5/5
Servers 4/5
Leak protection 5/5
Customer support 5/5
Additional features 5/5

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How Surfshark compares to other VPN providers

We can praise our services all we want, but it doesn’t mean much if you don’t compare Surfshark to other premium VPN providers. Take a look at how Surfshark stacks up against the competition to figure out if it’s the best fit for you.

 

Device number Unlimited 8 10 Unlimited 7
Server locations 100 105 100 91 100
Alternative email generator
Data breach alerts
Malware protection
Tracker and ad blocker
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Date of comparison: 2024-12-03

More detailed comparisons

Check out more comparisons below. You can also read the in-depth versions by clicking on the links:

When comparing Surfshark vs. ProtonVPN, both are great VPNs. Proton VPN offers more server countries, but Surfshark has more additional security features, provides personal data leak alerts, and unlimited devices.

IPVanish might be the champion of the old. But when it comes to the modern-day battle of Surfshark vs. IPVanish, Surfshark packs more high-level security features, server locations, and a price tag that’s easier on your wallet.

If you take a closer look at Surfshark vs. PIA, you’ll see that both offer unlimited simultaneous connections and antivirus, but Surfshark provides more countries to connect to and more additional security features.

Sharks against ghosts? Looking at Surfshark vs. CyberGhost, both offer the same number of server countries and have an ad blocker. However, Surfshark provides unlimited simultaneous connections, a personal data leak alert, and Alternative ID.

When it comes to Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN, ExpressVPN has more server countries. That said, Surfshark doesn’t limit device connections and offers features such as malware alert and antivirus.

Swimming with the sharks or climbing the Northern peaks (Surfshark vs. NordVPN)? Surfshark is the more affordable choice and provides unlimited simultaneous connections with more countries (yet fewer servers) to connect to.

Testimonials proving excellence

At Surfshark, we strive to offer a hassle-free experience for all our users. But don’t just take our word for it — here’s what the world has to say about us.

MRWHOSETHEBOSS

MRWHOSETHEBOSS

I have been using Surfshark since I got it and I love it!

SAM CHUI

SAM CHUI

When I am traveling, I use Surfshark to access the internet quickly and securely, works like a treat in China.

MAX & OCCY

MAX & OCCY

We love Surfshark because it is an easy-to-use app that you can download on all your devices.

“This is my first year and I absolutely love it. The fact I can have a good antivirus, great VPN, and incognito for like $120 a year is great.”

Open in Reddit

“I’ve been using Surfshark for 4 years on Android and ChromeOS with zero issues, it’s an absolute bargain”

Open in Reddit

“I’ve had it for 3 years and just renewed it for the next 2 years. I never have any issues with it and get my full internet speed..”

Open in Reddit
FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies 2024

FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies 2024

Tech Advisor Editors’ Choice 2024

Tech Advisor Editors’ Choice 2024

TechRadar Recommended 2024

TechRadar Recommended 2024

Surfshark Antivirus AV-TEST Top Product 2024

Surfshark Antivirus AV-TEST Top Product 2024

Independent’s Editor’s Choice Best Value VPN 2023

Independent’s Editor’s Choice Best Value VPN 2023

Surfshark supports the open internet

We believe the internet should be free, accessible, and safe. That’s why we support and collaborate with many non-profit organizations that tirelessly promote online freedom and transparency.

Try Surfshark worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Don’t risk your money trying to figure out which VPN provider is right for you. Get Surfshark with a 30-day money-back guarantee and test the VPN and its features yourself. If it doesn’t feel right for you, simply contact us within 30 days and get your money back.

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Try Surfshark worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Surfshark VPN is safe because it uses secure AES-256 encryption and modern VPN protocols to ensure a private connection. Surfshark VPN was tested by independent researchers at Cure53, who found no security issues, and Deloitte has verified the no-logs statement. To show its commitment to transparency, Surfshark has a warrant canary.

Yes, using Surfshark or any other VPN in the US is legal. Currently, there are no VPN restrictions in the US, the UK, Canada, and most of Europe.

Yes, you can try Surfshark for free. We have a 7-day free VPN trial on Android, iOS, and macOS. We also have a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try us on any device without risking your money.

Surfshark is based in the Netherlands. It’s a country with no data retention laws, which allows Surfshark VPN to stick to its no-logs policy and provide a secure and private service to its users.

Surfshark and Nord Security merged under one holding company but still operate independently. Surfshark’s founder and CEO is Vytautas Kaziukonis. To find out more about Surfshark, visit our About Us page.

Surfshark is a good VPN service provider that uses secure encryption, offers modern VPN protocols, and has a vast server infrastructure. This combination ensures the security and speed of your VPN connection. On top of that, Surfshark has undergone several independent audits to prove its services are secure and trustworthy.