When choosing a VPN, one of the most critical factors to understand is the security protocol — the set of rules that determines how your data is encrypted, transmitted, and authenticated. Surfshark offers multiple protocols, each with unique advantages in terms of speed, security, and compatibility.

In this guide, we’ll break down Surfshark’s supported protocols, when to use them, and how they impact your online experience.

What Are VPN Security Protocols?

A VPN protocol defines how a secure tunnel is created between your device and the VPN server. This tunnel protects your internet traffic from hackers, ISPs, and government surveillance.

The protocol handles:

• Encryption standards — ensuring your data is unreadable to outsiders.

• Handshake/authentication — verifying the server and client identity.

• Data transfer efficiency — balancing speed and security.
  
  

The right protocol can mean the difference between a fast, secure connection and one that is either slow or vulnerable.

Surfshark’s Supported Protocols

Surfshark currently supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec, each optimized for different scenarios.

1. WireGuard – The Modern Speed Champion

Overview:
WireGuard is the newest and most lightweight protocol Surfshark offers. It’s built for speed and efficiency without compromising security.

Encryption:

• Uses ChaCha20 encryption — known for being both secure and fast.

• Minimal code base (~4,000 lines) reduces the attack surface and makes auditing easier.
  
  

When to Use:

• Streaming HD/4K content.

• Video calls or gaming where low latency matters.

• Traveling with unstable internet, as it reconnects quickly after drops.
  
  

Pros:

• Extremely fast speeds.

• Works well even on mobile networks.

• Low battery consumption on mobile devices.
  
  

Cons:

• Relatively new compared to OpenVPN, so some older networks or devices may not support it natively.
  
  

Our take:
For most users, WireGuard is the best everyday protocol — it’s fast, secure, and stable. In our testing, it consistently provided the highest download speeds with Surfshark.

2. OpenVPN – The Proven Industry Standard

Overview:
OpenVPN is a widely used open-source protocol trusted for over two decades. Surfshark supports both TCP and UDP modes.

Encryption:

• Uses AES-256-GCM encryption.

• 2048-bit or 4096-bit RSA keys for secure authentication.

• SHA-512 HMAC for integrity verification.
  
  

When to Use:

• Connecting from restrictive networks or countries with heavy censorship.

• When you need a balance of strong security and wide compatibility.
  
  

TCP vs. UDP:

• TCP: More stable, better for browsing or secure work connections, but slower.

• UDP: Faster, better for streaming and gaming, but may be less stable on poor networks.
  
  

Pros:

• Highly secure and battle-tested.

• Compatible with most platforms, routers, and firewalls.

• Supports advanced features like Camouflage Mode (obfuscation) for bypassing VPN blocks.
  
  

Cons:

• Slower than WireGuard.

• More resource-intensive, which can impact older devices.
  
  

Our take:
OpenVPN remains the most versatile protocol. For censorship-heavy regions, it’s often the only choice that reliably connects with Surfshark.

3. IKEv2/IPsec – The Mobile Workhorse

Overview:
IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2) paired with IPsec encryption is known for stability and speed on mobile devices.

Encryption:

• AES-256 encryption.

• Secure key exchange and re-keying to maintain privacy during long sessions.
  
  

When to Use:

• Switching frequently between Wi-Fi and mobile data.

• Traveling and needing quick reconnections after network drops.
  
  

Pros:

• Fast reconnection after signal loss.

• Lower CPU usage compared to OpenVPN.

• Great for mobile VPN performance.
  
  

Cons:

• May be blocked by some restrictive networks.

• Less secure than WireGuard in terms of modern cryptographic design, but still robust.
  
  

Our take:
For mobile users, IKEv2/IPsec offers excellent reliability. If you often move between networks (home, office, public Wi-Fi), it’s worth enabling.

How to Change Protocols in Surfshark

Switching protocols is straightforward in Surfshark’s apps:

1. Open the Surfshark app on your device.

2. Go to Settings → VPN Settings → Protocol.

3. Choose from WireGuard, OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), or IKEv2/IPsec.
   
   

Tip: If you’re unsure which to pick, start with WireGuard. If you face connection issues, try OpenVPN (UDP) or IKEv2 next.

Protocol Selection – Practical Scenarios

• For Maximum Speed: WireGuard.

• For Strongest Compatibility: OpenVPN TCP.

• For Bypassing VPN Blocks: OpenVPN with Camouflage Mode.

• For Mobile Stability: IKEv2/IPsec.

• For Streaming & Gaming: WireGuard or OpenVPN UDP.

Other Security Enhancements in Surfshark

Beyond protocols, Surfshark offers features that complement protocol security:

• Kill Switch — blocks internet traffic if the VPN drops unexpectedly.

• DNS & IPv6 Leak Protection — ensures your real IP never leaks.

• MultiHop — routes your traffic through two servers for double encryption.

• CleanWeb — blocks ads, trackers, and malicious domains.
  
  

When combined with the right protocol, these features create a layered defense against privacy threats.