Expert Take
Surfshark is known for its low introductory rates, unlimited simultaneous connections and server coverage in 100 countries. Its long-term rates are higher than many rivals and some users report experiencing connectivity issues. However, feature-rich apps and several subscription options make Surfshark appealing to individuals and businesses.
Pros
- Servers and tools for evading geo-blocking
- Low intro rates for one or two-year terms
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
Cons
- Lacks Tor network-optimized servers
- The renewal rates are higher than competitors
- Must contact live support to cancel recurring subscriptions
Vault’s Viewpoint on Surfshark VPN
For one monthly fee, you, your friends and your family can download and use VPN apps on all devices simultaneously. This aspect can make the expensive renewal fees palatable; Surfshark offers excellent introductory pricing, but its renewal rates are among the highest.
Surfshark isn’t our top pick for accessing onion sites, and none of its servers are optimized for the Tor network. In addition, customers can’t change recurring billing information from their dashboard. Instead, they must contact customer service via live chat. Yet, this usually isn’t a deal breaker for travelers looking for a global coverage VPN.
About Surfshark VPN
Surfshark VPN is a Netherlands-based cybersecurity company that launched in 2018. In 2022, it merged with Nord Security (NordVPN) under a holding company, though the two still operate independently. Aside from an initial press release stating that the organizations will remain autonomous, little is known about the holding company’s leadership. Still, Surfshark VPN is one of the best VPNs because it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, dedicated IPs and servers in 100 countries.
The company made several upgrades in 2023, such as updating the iOS app so you can use voice commands and making it easier to log in via quick response (QR) codes. The Bypasser feature (split tunneling) was previously only accessible to Windows and Android users. But now, you can view the list using your Surfshark browser extension.
Surfshark plans more updates in 2024, including a potential Apple TV VPN app (which NordVPN currently offers) and new locations for dedicated IP addresses. The continued investments and revamped approach (which includes a new trust center) indicate that Surfshark is focused on the future.
Surfshark VPN Pricing
| Surfshark Starter | Surfshark One | Surfshark One+ | |
| Price | $15.45 monthly $3.49/month for 12-month plans $2.49/month for 24-month plans | $15.95 monthly $4.09/month for 12-month plans $3.19/month for 24-month plans | $17.95 monthly $6.49/month for 12-month plans $4.97/month for 12-month plans |
| Secure VPN for unlimited devices | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ad and cookie blocking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Detail generator tool | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Masked emails | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Data breach alerts | No | Yes | Yes |
| Antivirus software | No | Yes | Yes |
| Private search engine | No | Yes | Yes |
| Data removal tools in CA, EU, UK and US | No | No | Yes |
There is a seven-day free trial available if you sign up through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Surfshark also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Interested in Surfshark for Teams? Surfshark offers business plans for a minimum of five users. Administrators can manage accounts through a central dashboard. Pricing varies based on the number of users and the combination of plans. You can mix and match Surfshark Starter and Surfshark One subscriptions.
Some other key Surfshark VPN features include:
- Camouflage Mode: Hide your VPN usage with obfuscated servers. After switching to the OpenVPN protocol, Surfshark automatically obscures your traffic, making the VPN undetectable.
- CleanWeb: Block ads while streaming or browsing to improve speeds, prevent tracking and avoid phishing scams. CleanWeb comes with the Surfshark app for device protection, whereas CleanWeb 2.0 supports Chrome, Firefox and Edge browsers.
- Bypasser: Enable split tunneling on Windows and Android devices to choose which apps or websites to bypass the VPN. Alternatively, you can configure specific sites to use the VPN and allow others to go around it.
- Dynamic multi-hop: Get extra security by connecting to a server in another country and a nearby server. Surfshark lets you choose any two servers without restrictions.
- Alternative ID: Create accounts on websites without worrying about your personal email address being spammed or your data being breached. This feature provides an online persona (name, address and date of birth) and email address.
- Dedicated IP: Since many people use the same servers, VPN usage can lead to more CAPTCHA prompts. Static IP addresses solve this issue. Surfshark offers dedicated IPs as an add-on.
- IP rotator: Surfshark’s Nexus technology alters your IP address every five to 10 minutes, making it more difficult for third parties to track you. This process occurs automatically without VPN disconnection.
- NoBorders Mode: This feature activates automatically when it detects network restrictions, or you can toggle it on manually. It shows servers that work best within your limitations.
- Alerts and reports: Receive quarterly or annual reports and timely notifications about your personal information. Surfshark monitors your email accounts, passwords, personal identification numbers and credit cards.
- Private search engine: Use an ad-free search site to view organic results. You can see results by your preferred location without worrying about digital trackers.
- Antivirus and malware tools: The software protects up to five devices from malware and viruses in real-time. It supports full or partial scans based on your custom settings.
- Incogni: Surfshark One+ users in certain regions can authorize the vendor to contact data brokers and request the removal of personal information. Incogni extended its network in 2023 to 160 data brokers and added people search sites in the US.
Who Is Surfshark VPN Best For?
Surfshark VPN may be the best choice for anyone needing to protect unlimited or sharable services. Indeed, many Surfshark VPN reviews mention its low introductory rates and unmetered services. Since it doesn’t have device or bandwidth limits, families, friends and co-workers can download the apps and stream securely at the same time.
If you’re traveling to certain parts of the world, Surfshark has servers where several rivals don’t. For instance, neither NordVPN nor CyberGhost has servers in Algeria, Ghana or Venezuela. You can use all VPN protocols with any Surfshark server, regardless of location.
It also offers privacy features to manage location-based restrictions. The VPN automatically changes your IP address regularly and switches to NoBorders Mode if it identifies network restrictions.
Who Should Consider an Alternative to Surfshark VPN?
Despite Surfshark’s international server coverage and forward-focused approach, there are some reasons why you may prefer an alternative. According to more than one Surfshark VPN review, some users get disconnected frequently and others dislike contacting customer service to cancel their subscriptions.
Over the long run, Surfshark can put a dent in your budget. It’s more expensive upon renewal than most VPN services. Customers should verify pricing before renewing because Surfshark’s online pricing shows a one-year renewal rate of $131.88 or $10.99 monthly for the Starter plan, whereas you’ll pay $274.75 or $11.45 monthly if you renew for two years. Also, it doesn’t have a free version, so if your budget is zero, check out the best free VPN services to find a solution.
Tor network users may want a more straightforward option with optimized servers. Moreover, anyone who insists upon inspecting the VPN source code or tracing company ownership should look elsewhere. Surfshark offers open source protocols and shares information about the organization in its trust center. But it doesn’t share much information about the holding company that owns it and does not have open source apps.
How Does Surfshark VPN Stack Up to Its Competitors?
Surfshark receives excellent ratings on TrustPilot, with over 21,720 reviews. Nevertheless, savvy professionals may prefer an alternative with more reliable VPN speeds or better long-term rates.
Surfshark VPN vs. NordVPN
NordVPN and Surfshark are separate products owned by the same holding company, though they claim to maintain independent infrastructure. Customers rate both VPN services highly for server access and ease of use. However, NordVPN generally ranks better for speed and offers lower renewal rates, whereas Surfshark has cheaper introductory prices.
NordVPN has a much larger server network—more than 6200 servers in 111 countries, compared to Surfshark’s 3200+ servers in 100 countries—giving it the edge in performance. Both have mid-tier plans with data breach alerts, though NordVPN includes a password manager while Surfshark provides antivirus software.
Surfshark costs more over time than NordVPN, but users can share a subscription with family or friends to save money. NordVPN only supports six simultaneous connections, whereas Surfshark allows unlimited connections.
Surfshark VPN vs. Proton VPN
Proton VPN and Surfshark have similarly sized server fleets, but Surfshark’s international coverage extends to more countries (100 to Proton VPN’s 88). Surfshark may be the preferred choice for travelers, especially those who don’t usually find servers in certain regions. Surfshark also has excellent introductory discounts, representing more than $60 in savings compared to Proton VPN, depending on the plan and subscription length you choose.
However, Proton VPN stands out for its open-source apps and transparency. A team of scientists founded it, and now employees own the majority of company shares. The Fondation Genevoise pour l’Innovation Technologique (FONGIT), a non-profit foundation, and a small number of Proton users hold the remaining shares. Anyone can view the VPN apps’ source code. Unlike Surfshark, Proton VPN does have a free version, which is a good option for anonymous online browsing and cheaper for long-term use.
Both companies offer multi-hop, split tunneling and the WireGuard protocol. However, only Surfshark offers dedicated IPs. The mid-tier package also includes data breach alerts and antivirus tools. Conversely, Proton VPN adds secure email, cloud storage and a password manager.
Surfshark VPN vs. ExpressVPN
Frequent international travelers will find both ExpressVPN and Surfshark suitable, with each provider offering servers in 100 or more countries. Both have apps with straightforward user interfaces, and service agents answer live chat and email 24/7. Cost-wise, Surfshark’s introductory deals are outstanding, but ExpressVPN’s $9.75 monthly (with annual billing) renewal rates are less expensive in the long run.
Surfshark users can share a subscription or easily ensure privacy for an entire household of streaming devices, whereas ExpressVPN users can use eight simultaneously. Both have VPN apps for Android and Fire TVs, but ExpressVPN also has an Apple TV app. Surfshark is reportedly rolling one out in 2024.
If you want to use the WireGuard protocols or need dedicated IPs, Surfshark is the way to go. In addition, the VPN company provides more subscription options and features than ExpressVPN. With that said, beginners may prefer the simplicity of ExpressVPN’s single-tier pricing and app navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Surfshark Slow Down My Internet?
Although Surfshark doesn’t restrict data, speed or bandwidth, VPNs naturally decrease response times and internet speeds. Generally, your connection speed may drop by 15% to 30%, even with a premium VPN provider like Surfshark. The performance also varies depending on the server location, current load, the VPN protocol and your hardware.
Surfshark recommends turning off unnecessary background apps that use the same resources as your VPN. You can also improve speed by reviewing Surfshark’s tutorials for Windows, macOS, Android, Linux and iOS devices.
Do I Need an Antivirus With Surfshark?
A standard VPN app doesn’t protect devices from viruses, although many (including Surfshark) scan files for malware. To safeguard hardware from infected files and apps, you need antivirus software. Surfshark One is a bundled software solution with a VPN and 24/7 antivirus protection for five devices. The database updates every three hours, and you can customize the settings to schedule full or quick scans when needed. In addition to antivirus tools, Surfshark One includes webcam protection, a private search engine, data security reports and real-time credit card, ID and email breach alerts.
Does Surfshark Track Users?
Surfshark is a zero-logs VPN, meaning it doesn’t keep a history of its users’ online activity. Deloitte completed an assurance report in December 2022, confirming Surfshark’s no-logs compliance. The company uses RAM-only servers, which don’t have disks, and all information is wiped out each time the server resets. On its website, Surfshark lists anonymous information it collects, including app crash reports and unsuccessful connection attempts.
