CNET EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARD 2025

The best VPN for fast speeds

Secure your browsing with lightning-fast VPN speeds
Boost your privacy across unlimited devices on one account
Stream, shop, and surf confidently in one tap

Get Surfshark30-day money-back guarantee

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What makes Surfshark a smart VPN choice?

Easy setup

Protect yourself in seconds with a simple, intuitive app. Just install, log in, and connect — no technical steps required.

Multidevice protection

Use Surfshark on all your devices at the same time. Get our VPN app on your phone, laptop, tablet, and more with one subscription.

Smooth connections

Browse, stream, and work with a stable connection. As the fastest VPN out there, Surfshark reliably handles everyday internet use.

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.

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.

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.

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.

VPN services compared at a glance

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


Connection speed*	460Mbps	220Mbps	165Mbps	176Mbps	-
Number of devices	Unlimited	10	7	12	5
Ad and tracker blocking
Complete antivirus solution
Data leak monitoring

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Date of comparison: November 21, 2025

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

Comparing VPN providers? Here’s how Surfshark stands out

ExpressVPN

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.

ProtonVPN

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.

PIA

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.

CyberGhost

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

IPVanish

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.

NordVPN

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.

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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 4500+ servers across 100 countries on 6 continents, you get consistent performance without interruptions — even when you’re on the go.

Explore servers

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

Fewer limits

Free VPNs are often for light use, limiting data, speed, and server locations. Built for everyday use, Surfshark delivers more reliable performance across devices and locations for all your online activity.

Smoother experience

Some free VPNs frequently display ads or block access to key features. As a subscription-based service, Surfshark focuses on giving you smooth VPN protection without disruptions or usage restrictions.

Longer-term protection

Free VPNs might be suitable for one-off, short-term increases to your online privacy. Surfshark is a smarter choice for ongoing use, offering users broader coverage and ongoing product improvements.

Compare VPN plans

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

Frequently asked questions

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

What devices can I use a VPN service on?

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.

What is the best VPN service?

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, 4500+ 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.

How does a VPN work?

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.

Can I use a VPN for free?

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.

Will Surfshark slow down my internet connection?

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.

Is Surfshark easy to set up and use?

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.

Does Surfshark keep logs of my online activity?

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.