Surfshark has quickly become a popular VPN provider, offering a compelling combination of affordability and features. In this review, we'll delve into its performance, security, ease of use, and overall value to help you decide if it's the right VPN for your needs.

Speed and Performance

A VPN's speed is crucial for streaming, downloading, and general browsing. Surfshark boasts a network of servers in numerous countries, which is a good starting point. However, server location is only one factor impacting performance.

Our tests show that Surfshark's speeds are generally competitive. While there's inevitably some speed loss compared to connecting directly to the internet, the reduction is typically manageable, especially with servers closer to your actual location. We observed some inconsistencies, with certain server locations experiencing more significant slowdowns than others. This is fairly typical of many VPN providers, as server load can fluctuate. Protocol choice can also affect speed; WireGuard generally offers the best performance, and is supported by Surfshark.

For streaming, Surfshark performed well in our tests, allowing us to access geographically restricted content from popular platforms. However, as with any VPN, performance can vary depending on the specific streaming service and the server being used.

Security and Privacy

Security and privacy are paramount when choosing a VPN. Surfshark implements industry-standard security measures to protect your data. These include:

• Encryption: Surfshark utilizes AES-256-GCM encryption, considered one of the strongest encryption standards available.

• Protocols: It supports multiple VPN protocols, including WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN. WireGuard is generally the fastest and most secure option.

• No-logs policy: Surfshark claims to adhere to a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don't track your browsing activity, IP address, or connection timestamps. Although independently audited, it is worth checking their most recent public statements on this.

• Kill switch: A kill switch automatically disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, preventing your data from being exposed. Surfshark offers a reliable kill switch.

• MultiHop: This feature routes your traffic through multiple servers for enhanced security, though at the cost of some speed.

Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands, a country with generally favorable data privacy laws. Overall, Surfshark's security and privacy features are robust and provide a solid foundation for protecting your online activities.

Ease of Use and Features

Surfshark offers user-friendly apps for a variety of platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. The apps are intuitive and easy to navigate, even for beginners. Connecting to a server is a simple process, and the settings are clearly labeled.

Beyond the basics, Surfshark includes several useful features:

• Unlimited simultaneous connections: This is a major selling point, allowing you to use Surfshark on all your devices with a single subscription.

• CleanWeb: This feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware, enhancing your browsing experience and improving security.

• Bypasser: Also known as split tunneling, this feature allows you to choose which apps or websites bypass the VPN connection. This can be useful for improving speed for certain activities.

• Nexus: This feature rotates your IP address frequently, offering an extra layer of privacy.

Surfshark also offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, providing a convenient way to manage your VPN connection directly from your browser.

Pricing and Value

Surfshark is known for its competitive pricing, particularly its long-term subscription plans. While the monthly price is comparable to other VPN providers, the multi-year plans offer significant savings. They offer several pricing tiers, generally distinguished by subscription length. We find that their long-term plans often represent excellent value for money, especially given the unlimited device support. Keep an eye out for discounts and promotions, which are frequently offered.

FAQ

What is a VPN and why do I need one?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in a location of your choice. This protects your online privacy by masking your IP address and preventing your internet service provider (ISP) from tracking your browsing activity. VPNs can also be used to access geographically restricted content, such as streaming services unavailable in your region.

Does Surfshark keep logs of my online activity?

Surfshark claims to have a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don't track your browsing history, IP address, or connection timestamps. While this policy has been independently audited, it's always best to review the provider’s most recent privacy policy to confirm.

Is Surfshark suitable for torrenting?

Surfshark generally allows torrenting on its servers. However, it's important to be aware of copyright laws and avoid downloading copyrighted material illegally. Always check your local laws before engaging in torrenting activity.

We have found Surfshark to be a capable and well-rounded VPN service. It offers a strong combination of speed, security, features, and affordability, making it a good option for a wide range of users. While its speeds may not always be the fastest, the unlimited simultaneous connections and competitive pricing make it a particularly attractive choice for families or individuals with multiple devices.