Tech Advisor Editors’ Choice 2024

Award-winning VPN service

Create a secure internet connection with a VPN
Encrypt your data on Surfshark VPN’s private server network
Mask your online activity with a new IP address

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What is a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a service that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet. It hides your real IP (Internet Protocol) address by routing your traffic through a private server, so anyone tracking your online activity sees the server’s location, not yours. VPN usage boosts your online privacy and security, protecting your data from hackers and prying eyes across multiple devices.

In-depth look: What is a VPN?

Why use a VPN?

Boost your security

Unsecured internet connections like public Wi-Fi are vulnerable to hackers and prying eyes. A VPN protects your data via an encrypted tunnel that stops unauthorized access to your online activity.

Protect your privacy

By masking your IP address, a VPN restricts online tracking from your ISP (Internet Service Provider). It also limits targeted ads, reducing the amount of personal info third parties can gather.

Access content safely

From browsing and gaming to shopping online, a VPN connection helps you access your favorite content with an added layer of defense. Nearby VPN servers let you do it all without sacrificing speed.

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Why use a VPN?

Unsecured internet connections like public Wi-Fi are vulnerable to hackers and prying eyes. A VPN protects your data via an encrypted tunnel that stops unauthorized access to your online activity.

By masking your IP address, a VPN restricts online tracking from your ISP (Internet Service Provider). It also limits targeted ads, reducing the amount of personal info third parties can gather.

From browsing and gaming to shopping online, a VPN connection helps you access your favorite content with an added layer of defense. Nearby VPN servers let you do it all without sacrificing speed.

Top Surfshark VPN benefits

Lightning-fast speeds

Unlock faster connection speeds with Surfshark’s expansive network of 10Gbps servers. With 3200+ VPN servers in 100 countries, connecting to one close to your physical location is easy. Surf with confidence on a secure tunnel that keeps your internet traffic smooth and helps prevent activity-based ISP throttling.

Unlimited simultaneous connections

A single Surfshark VPN subscription brings you elevated security for unlimited devices. Leave no online activity unprotected — download our VPN app or set up Surfshark on your router to get a safer internet connection with a masked IP address wherever you browse.

Tried and tested protocols

Surfshark lets VPN users choose from three leading protocols — WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN — each with its own unique strengths. This variety allows you to select the ideal option based on your needs and network conditions, ensuring optimal protection with every VPN connection.

Our global VPN server network

3200+ VPN servers in 100 locations across 6 continents
10Gbps servers with blazing-fast VPN speeds
100% RAM-only servers that keep your data private

Explore servers

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One subscription. All platforms. Unlimited devices.

Surfshark VPN lets you protect all your devices at once. Download our VPN app and shield all your internet traffic with a secure connection.

Why choose Surfshark?

See how we compare to the other VPN providers.


Device number	Unlimited	8	10	Unlimited	7
Server locations	100	105	117	91	100
Alternative email generator
Data breach alerts
Malware protection
Tracker and ad blocker

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Date of comparison: April 1, 2025

Comparing VPN providers? Here’s how Surfshark stands out

Putting Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN side by side, both VPN services offer advanced security features and robust encrypted connection, but Surfshark is considerably less expensive and doesn’t limit how many devices can have a masked IP address at once.

Surfshark and ProtonVPN are competitively-priced VPN providers, but ProtonVPN can only mask the IP address of 10 devices simultaneously. While ProtonVPN offers a free VPN, it only encrypts internet traffic on a limited server network.

Analyzing Surfshark vs. PIA, you’ll see both VPN providers offer unlimited simultaneous connections. Surfshark lets you access a VPN server in more countries, giving you greater variety when seeking a secure tunnel for your online activity.

Considering the advantages of Surfshark vs. CyberGhost, even though CyberGhost has more VPN servers, it still lacks advanced features like a double VPN or rotating IP. Subscribing to CyberGhost’s VPN protects a maximum of seven devices — Surfshark has no such cap.

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

When comparing NordVPN vs. Surfshark, it’s important to note that both VPN providers are among the best. However, Surfshark is the more affordable choice and provides unlimited simultaneous connections.

Surfshark vs. a free VPN

Superior performance

Surfshark brings better performance and privacy online than a free VPN. A free VPN service typically limits you to a few server locations, meaning you’re more likely to see a slower internet connection as more users share the same congested VPN servers.

Real privacy

So-called free VPNs often come with a hidden cost — your data. These tools can make money by displaying ads or even selling user data, putting your online activity at risk of getting exposed. Surfshark prioritizes your security without cutting corners.

Trusted protection

When your privacy’s at stake, expert advice matters. Cybersecurity pros and insiders consistently recommend avoiding free VPN providers and sticking with a trustworthy, reputable paid VPN. Surfshark isn’t just the safer choice — it’s the smart choice, too.

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What’s everyone saying about Surfshark?

At Surfshark, we strive to give every internet user a smooth, satisfying experience with our VPN service. But don’t take our word for it — see what everyone’s saying about Surfshark VPN.

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

“The balanced offering of security-boosting features, an expansive server network, and budget-friendly prices make Surfshark a worthy contender to the throne in our overall best VPN rankings.”

“Surfshark is undoubtedly one of the best VPNs of 2025, thanks to its stellar performance in various categories and robust features.”

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.

Frequently asked questions

You can use Surfshark VPN on phones, computers, tablets, TVs, routers, browsers, and more. For devices that don’t natively support VPN apps, we offer manual connections for all our VPN protocols, including WireGuard.

There isn’t one product that’s objectively the best VPN service. While we recommend trying out different options, the best VPNs offer advanced security features, robust encryption and IP address masking, and an extensive server network.

For instance, Surfshark offers enhanced privacy measures, 3200+ servers in 100 countries, fast connection speeds, and many features to upgrade your online security. You can even take our VPN for a test drive with our 30-day money-back guarantee. If our service isn’t the best VPN for you, you can request a refund within 30 days of purchasing.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. When you connect to a VPN, your data is routed through a VPN server, which assigns you a new IP address instead of the IP you’re assigned by your ISP (Internet Service Provider).

This process masks your real location and makes it appear as though your traffic is coming from the server's location. All data sent and received is encrypted, ensuring it remains private as it travels through the VPN tunnel. These secure connections help keep your online identity safe.

Yes, free VPNs are available, but using a VPN that’s free of charge isn’t recommended. Even the best free VPN won’t offer the same security or performance that a reliable paid VPN like Surfshark offers.

Free VPN providers frequently limit the number of servers users can access. With more devices sharing the same IP address, internet speeds tend to drop. Moreover, free VPNs frequently display ads or may even sell your data, making it possible for third parties to track your online activity.