Hand holding a phone with the Surfshark app open and a VPN dashboard and five-star review cards in the background.

Surfshark VPN review 2026

Surf privately on a secure VPN

Connect to 4,500+ servers in 100 countries worldwide

Get a masked IP address and rock-solid VPN encryption

30-day money-back guarantee

The world’s talking about Surfshark

Surfshark VPN (Virtual Private Network) has received rave reviews from Tom’s Guide, TechRadar, and CNET. Cybersecurity experts value Surfshark for its fast speeds, unlimited device connections, and broad server network.

Surfshark is a highly polished, easy-to-use VPN that easily stands toe-to-toe with the best premium providers out there, and it manages this while coming in at a seriously competitive price point.

Thanks to [Surfshark’s] consistently snappy performance, it’s at the top of our speed rankings, but it continues to challenge for the top spot across other categories.

Surfshark is still an excellent VPN that gets the job done for casual VPN users. It’s fast, has lots of servers, it’s great for streaming, is easy to use across platforms and it has some cool and unique features.

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. All quotes were sourced May 1, 2026 and are subject to change.

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 leading VPN providers. Look at how Surfshark stacks up against the competition to determine if it’s the best VPN for you.


Connection speed*	1615 Mbps	1521 Mbps	950 Mbps	1479 Mbps	–
Number of devices	Unlimited	10	7	12	5
Ad and tracker blocking
Complete antivirus solution
Dark web monitoring				Limited to the US
	Get Surfshark

Get Surfshark

Date of comparison: April 10, 2026

*VPN speeds are based on Techradar research. Find the full report here.

Surfshark’s key features

Take a peek under the hood to explore what makes Surfshark stand out from other VPN apps.

Enhanced privacy

Thanks to its secure VPN protocols, Surfshark can mask your IP (Internet Protocol) address while reliably encrypting your network traffic. An independently verified no-logs policy further underscores Surfshark’s commitment to keeping your online activities safe from prying eyes.

Our kill switch also cuts your internet connection if your VPN ever drops, preserving your privacy and defending you against data leaks.

Security for all

A single Surfshark subscription works on multiple devices, so you can surf worry-free wherever you please. The mobile app covers smartphones and tablets alike, while browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge offer a masked IP address while you browse as well.

You can even set up Surfshark on a VPN router to protect devices that couldn’t otherwise get the Surfshark app, giving you greater peace of mind around the house.

Modern protocols

Surfshark lets you choose from four leading VPN protocols — Dausos, WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN.

Dausos is our proprietary consumer-first protocol designed to bring faster speeds and quantum-secure protection. WireGuard has widespread appeal, IKEv2 is good for mobile, and OpenVPN works well with routers.

This flexibility lets you choose the best option for protecting your web traffic

Money-back guarantee

Want to conduct a Surfshark review of your own? You can do just that thanks to our 30-day money-back guarantee.

Download the Surfshark app and test drive our service for 30 days. If you don’t think it’s the best VPN for you, cancel within that time frame for a full refund.

Don’t leave testing Surfshark to the experts — try it out today.

Advanced features

Surfshark is a feature-rich VPN that delivers more than a different IP address.

The Multi Hop double VPN lets you connect to two servers at once for greater security, while the Bypasser split-tunneling feature allows you to choose what data to encrypt as VPN traffic.

Tap into enhanced security capabilities from our dedicated IP, DNS (Domain Name System) leak protection, and more.

All-in-one bundle

By combining its VPN with other solutions, Surfshark can cover more of your cybersecurity needs than other VPN providers.

Different Surfshark subscription options let you decide what to protect. Whether it’s Surfshark Antivirus, our Alternative ID online persona generator, or the Incogni data removal service, our bundles equip you with the security tools needed for all-around cyber safety.

See why millions trust Surfshark

Check out what users and tech experts around the world have to say about Surfshark.

Mah

@voluminous_sky

I use Surfshark and it works really well

8:11 PM · Jun 6, 2026

JATIN

@beingjatin11

Use Surfshark, it’s the best VPN and actually works with fast speed.

8:05 AM · May 18, 2026

RELENTLE55 ??

@whysoserious169

I have surfshark- never lets me down.

11:03 AM · Aug 25, 2026

The reviews highlighted in this section were selected from publicly available posts on social media platforms. They reflect the opinions of individual users at the time of posting and may not represent the full range of our product features and qualities.

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

Surfshark is one of the best VPN services, comes crammed with features, runs on almost anything, and has some of the best download speeds around.

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

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.

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

MRWHOSETHEBOSS

23M subscribers

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

SAM CHUI

3.91M subscribers

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

MAX & OCCY

326K subscribers

“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, 2025, 2026 Badge

VPN Trust Initiative certification 2026 Badge

Forbes Technology Council member 2026 Badge

Surfshark supports the open internet

We partner with digital rights organizations to promote online freedom and keep the internet safe and accessible to all.

Surfshark supports all major platforms

Whether it’s apps for laptops and smartphones, browser extensions, or protection on streaming devices like Apple TV and Android TV via a router, Surfshark’s got you covered.

Android iOS Chrome Windows macOS Firefox FireTV Apple TV Edge Linux

By setting up a VPN on your router, you can simultaneously secure every device connected to your Wi-Fi. This includes your smart TVs, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, Oculus Quest 2, Apple Vision Pro, Chromebook, and Raspberry Pi.

Surfshark advantages and disadvantages

Unlimited simultaneous connections

Many other providers restrict the number of devices you can protect. Surfshark lets you use a VPN on unlimited devices at the same time. Encrypt your traffic and mask your IP address wherever you browse to keep all your household devices protected.

Blazing-fast VPN speeds

Our proprietary Dausos protocol delivers up to 30% faster speeds than industry-standard protocols, giving you high-speed connections and quantum-secure protection.

Advanced privacy features

Surfshark stands out as a privacy-first VPN, with features like the Clean Web ad blocker, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. It’s also part of cybersecurity bundles that include tools like our Alternative ID and web content blocker.

Virtual locations

Most of Surfshark’s servers are physical, but we also provide virtual server locations to help users connect to regions where a physical infrastructure might be limited, expensive, or challenging to establish. Virtual servers give users broader access to a secure and private internet connection.

Based in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has a progressive stance on data privacy, and the absence of data retention laws allows us to uphold our strict no-logs policy, a commitment that’s been independently verified by Deloitte. The EU’s GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) also means user data is handled with the utmost care.

Potential speed drops

While top VPN services optimize their networks for high speeds, routing your traffic through an encrypted server inherently takes extra time. Depending on the server location and current network load, you may experience occasional drops in your baseline internet speed, especially during peak hours.

Battery drain

A VPN connection requires continuous background processing to encrypt and decrypt your outgoing and incoming data. This extra workload on your device’s processor can lead to the battery draining faster than it would without the use of a VPN tunnel.

Higher data use

VPN encryption protocols that keep your web traffic secure add extra code to everything you send and receive over the internet. This encryption overhead can increase your overall data consumption, which is important to monitor if you’re on a capped data plan.

Not a standalone solution

A VPN is a powerful tool for masking your real IP address and encrypting your internet traffic, but it doesn’t protect you from cyberthreats like scams, malware, or data leaks. Surfshark offers all-in-one bundles that pair our VPN with antivirus software, data leak monitoring, and more to deliver all-around protection.

Why Surfshark?

Global coverage

Surfshark VPN gives you access to 4,500+ optimized servers in 100 countries on six continents. This wide range of server locations makes it easy to connect to a server close to you and mask your IP address without worrying about significantly impacting your internet speed.

All of Surfshark’s servers are RAM-only and at least 10 Gbps (including the world’s first 100 Gbps servers), meaning they can deliver a stable internet connection while helping keep your data private.

“Surfshark has been a market leader when it comes to investing in the future of its server network.” — TechRadar

User experience

Speed, security, and a solid infrastructure — you need all three for a good VPN.

However, no one will like your app if it isn’t user-friendly. That’s why we made the Surfshark app easy to use and all its VPN settings as straightforward as possible.

And with our built-in ad and cookie pop-up blockers, your online experience will stay smooth and clean whenever you’re connected to a VPN server.

“Surfshark’s app interface is slick, nicely laid out, and easy to use across all platforms.” — CNET

Customer support

Excellent customer service shouldn’t be overlooked when choosing a VPN provider. You want to get help immediately, especially if something goes wrong.

That’s why Surfshark speeds aren’t reserved for our VPN alone. We offer 24/7 live chat support on top of a ticketing system, email support, and an extensive searchable knowledge base.

“Overall, Surfshark’s support is better than much of the competition, especially when it comes to the well-organized library of detailed explainer articles.” — Tom’s Guide

Independent audits

Reputable VPN providers undergo independent audits by known auditing companies to prove the legitimacy of their services. Surfshark has had its server infrastructure, browser extensions, and no-logs policy verified, and no major flaws were found. This showcases how Surfshark gives you more privacy over things like your IP address information and browsing history.

“I like that Surfshark will be commissioning audits on a yearly basis and that the company has begun publishing a quarterly transparency report.” — CNET

Streaming performance

If you’re traveling abroad, a VPN helps you safely access your favorite streaming content from back home. The thing is, you’ll need certain download speeds to avoid buffering.

While exact numbers vary from one platform to the next, you can use Netflix’s speed recommendations as an estimate:

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).

Surfshark’s speeds meet the requirements of top streaming platforms, so you can stream your favorite content with greater online privacy.

“We would recommend Surfshark to anyone looking to protect their digital life on a budget, or frankly, to anyone who just wants a really solid VPN for streaming.” — TheBestVPN

Disclaimer: Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.

Pricing

VPN

VPN changes your IP address so your location becomes invisible.

Alternative ID

Alternative ID creates a new identity & email for online registrations.

CleanWeb

CleanWeb blocks ads and pop-ups, including cookie consent requests.

Alert

Alert notifies you if your email, credit card, or ID is leaked in a breach.

Antivirus

Antivirus scans programs whenever you download, install, or use them.

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Independently verified Surfshark security:
third-party audits

These independent VPN security audits show that Surfshark’s security claims are backed by evidence. Deloitte provided two assurance reports (in 2023 and again in 2025) verifying that we don’t log user activity, while Cure53 confirmed the security of our server infrastructure. Rather than expecting our users to rely on promises alone, we’ve put our VPN security to the test with the industry’s most respected auditors.

No-logs policy assurance report (2025)

✓ No-activity-logs policy verified

✓ No IP address storage confirmed

✓ Privacy-relevant configuration settings checked

✓ Server infrastructure reviewed

Read the full Deloitte report

(Available only for Surfshark users)

Security assessment (2025)

✓ Web, desktop, and mobile app security validated

✓ Protection against data leaks and unauthorized access verified

✓ Zero critical vulnerabilities found

✓ Browser extension and account security confirmed

Read the full SecuRing report

Infrastructure security penetration test (2025)

✓ No critical vulnerabilities found

✓ No high-risk issues impacting user security identified

✓ Zero tested vulnerabilities leading to serious security threats

✓ Strong infrastructure protection against real-world attack scenarios

Read the full SecuRing report

Trusted by Redditors

Reddit has become the go-to platform for many users who need answers to their issues, including those related to VPNs. The Reddit VPN community has created its own VPN comparison table, ranking Surfshark as one of the best VPN providers in the world right now.

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

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 competitively priced, but only Surfshark offers simultaneous support for unlimited devices. Proton has a free VPN, but this only encrypts internet traffic on a limited server network.

Weighing up the pros and cons of Surfshark vs. IPVanish, both providers can mask your IP address and boast essential features like a kill switch, but Surfshark has more VPN servers and more advanced security features.

If you take a closer look at Surfshark vs. PIA, you’ll see that both offer unlimited simultaneous connections. However, Surfshark lets you access a VPN server in more countries, delivering a greater variety when seeking a secure tunnel.

Looking at Surfshark vs. CyberGhost, CyberGhost lacks advanced features like a double VPN or rotating IP. While CyberGhost has more VPN servers overall, a subscription only gets you VPN protection on a maximum of seven devices.

Putting Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN side by side, Surfshark doesn’t limit how many devices can have a masked IP address at once. ExpressVPN has more server countries, but Surfshark VPN comes bundled with tools like Surfshark Antivirus for added protection.

When comparing NordVPN vs. Surfshark, it’s worth noting that both VPN providers are among the best options on the market. Surfshark is the more affordable choice for longer subscriptions and offers unlimited simultaneous connections.

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’s not the best VPN for you, simply contact us within 30 days and get your money back.

Get Surfshark

Frequently asked questions

Is Surfshark safe?

Yes, Surfshark VPN is safe because it uses secure encryption, modern VPN protocols, and advanced features like a kill switch, split tunneling, and DNS leak protection to ensure a private connection and reliable IP address masking. Surfshark VPN has been independently audited multiple times, with each inspection finding no flaws in its performance, server infrastructure, or no-logs policy. Surfshark’s commitment to transparency is also supported by its regularly updated Transparency Report.

Is Surfshark legal in the US?

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.

Can I try Surfshark for free?

Yes, you can try Surfshark for free with our 7-day free VPN trial. If you don’t think it’s the best VPN for you, you can just walk away after your 7-day trial ends. However, if you’re satisfied with Surfshark after your trial period, you can continue with a paid subscription.

Where is Surfshark based?

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

What company owns Surfshark?

Surfshark and Nord Security merged under one holding company but still operate independently. Surfshark’s founder is Vytautas Kaziukonis, and its current CEO is Dovydas Godelis. To learn more, visit the About Us page on the Surfshark website.

Is Surfshark a good VPN?

Surfshark is a good VPN service provider with secure encryption, modern VPN protocols, and a vast, high-speed server infrastructure. In addition, Surfshark has undergone several independent audits to prove its services are secure and trustworthy. This combination helps Surfshark provide a reliable VPN connection.

Is Surfshark VPN owned by China?

No, Surfshark VPN isn’t owned by China. Surfshark is a cybersecurity company that is independently operated and based in the Netherlands. It isn’t affiliated with or owned by any Chinese entities.

Surfshark VPN review 2026

The world’s talking about Surfshark

How Surfshark compares to other VPN providers

Surfshark’s key features

Enhanced privacy

Security for all

Modern protocols

Money-back guarantee

Advanced features

All-in-one bundle

See why millions trust Surfshark

Surfshark supports the open internet

Surfshark supports all major platforms

Surfshark advantages and disadvantages

Unlimited simultaneous connections

Blazing-fast VPN speeds

Advanced privacy features

Virtual locations

Based in the Netherlands

Potential speed drops

Battery drain

Higher data use

Not a standalone solution

Surf with confidence — not compromises

Why Surfshark?

Global coverage

User experience

Customer support

Independent audits

Streaming performance

Let us entertain you

Pricing

VPN

Alternative ID

CleanWeb

Alert

Antivirus

We had an issue loading prices

Independently verified Surfshark security:third-party audits

No-logs policy assurance report (2025)

Security assessment (2025)

Infrastructure security penetration test (2025)

Trusted by Redditors

Get your VPN subscription

More detailed comparisons

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

Frequently asked questions

Is Surfshark safe?

Is Surfshark legal in the US?

Can I try Surfshark for free?

Where is Surfshark based?

What company owns Surfshark?

Is Surfshark a good VPN?

Is Surfshark VPN owned by China?

Necessary

Analytical

Marketing

Necessary

Analytical

Marketing

Independently verified Surfshark security:
third-party audits