• Get Surfshark
CNET EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARD 2025

The fastest VPN service for online privacy

  • Browse smoothly with the fastest VPN speeds
  • Protect unlimited devices with one account
  • Block distractions like ads and trackers
Get Surfshark
30-day money-back guarantee
A man stepping forward with one leg cartoonized and overlapping a smartphone screen showing the Surfshark VPN app interface.
PC World
Independent
cnet
PCMag
TechRadar
Forbes
PC World
Independent
cnet
PCMag
TechRadar
Forbes

What makes Surfshark a smart VPN choice?

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.

Why using a VPN makes sense

Increased privacy when you browse, stream, & game

Connecting to a VPN keeps your data less exposed during everyday online activities like surfing, streaming, and gaming.

Added security on public Wi-Fi

When connecting to public Wi-Fi in a café, airport, or hotel, you can use a VPN to add an extra layer of protection on open networks.

Dependable access when traveling

When visiting a new country or location, a VPN helps you enjoy a consistent online experience across different networks and environments.

Woman in a mustard coat at the airport with a pink suitcase, using a phone. A secure VPN tunnel blocking hackers and malware in the background.

VPN services compared at a glance

A side-by-side view of key criteria across popular VPN providers.

Surfshark
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
Date of comparison: 2026-04-10.

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

Comparing VPN providers? Here’s how Surfshark stands out

Putting Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN side by side, both VPN services offer advanced security features and a 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 Proton VPN can only mask the IP address of 10 devices simultaneously. While Proton VPN 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, CyberGhost lacks advanced privacy features like a double VPN or rotating IP, even though it has more VPN servers. 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.

A VPN network you can count on

Surfshark runs on a globally distributed VPN server network built for reliability and stability at scale. Designed to handle heavy traffic and shifting network conditions, it keeps your connection smooth whether you’re browsing, streaming, or working. With 4,500+ servers across 100 countries on 6 continents, you get consistent performance without interruptions — even when you’re on the go.

Explore servers
A stylized globe with teal continents and black location markers, surrounded by orbiting lines and decorative stars.

One account. Full coverage.

Surfshark works across major platforms and devices. With a single subscription, you can download our app and get VPN protection everywhere you connect, all at once.

Surfshark vs. a free VPN

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 statement that Surfshark is the best VPN for fast speeds is supported by various sources, including independent evaluations and media articles.

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

MRWHOSETHEBOSS 20.2M subscribers

We absolutely LOVE using Surfshark! We’re huge fans of the brand and this VPN has literally changed our lives!

Rose and Rosie 975K subscribers

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

MAX & OCCY 282K subscribers
The statement that Surfshark is the best VPN for fast speeds is supported by various sources, including independent evaluations and media articles.
Independent’s Editor’s Choice Best Value VPN 2023
FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies 2024
Tech Advisor Editors’ Choice 2024
TechRadar Recommended 2024
Surfshark Antivirus AV-TEST Top Product 2024

FAQ

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. Check out our What is a VPN? guide for more information.

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, 4,500+ 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 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.

While any VPN can affect speed due to encryption and routing, Surfshark is the fastest VPN available. Generally, users experience a small drop in speeds that doesn’t noticeably impact everyday activities.

Ultimately, actual performance depends on factors like your base speed, server distance, and network congestion.

Yes, Surfshark is easy to download, install, and use. The interface is straightforward, and the app comes with presets and quick connect options for smooth setup.

No, Surfshark doesn’t track or store what you do online. The service operates under a strict no-logs policy, which has been independently verified by Deloitte. 

VPN deal that Rocks

Get % off + mo. EXTRA
Get VPN Deal