Surfshark VPN Review 2024 Test Results (Pros and Cons)

Surfshark has established itself as one of the premium brands in a very competitive VPN market. Despite only launching in 2018, it ranks near the top in almost every category we have tested. As we confirmed in this most recent set of tests, Surfshark VPN continues to deliver impressive speed test results with consistent performance and advanced security features. From streaming your favorite shows on Netflix to protecting your sensitive information while browsing the web, Surfshark VPN has got you covered. That said, nothing is perfect, including Surfshark.

We did discover a few drawbacks during this Surfshark review. While we can still heartily recommend this VPN service, we want you to get the details and understand all of the pros and cons. Keep reading to see if Surfshark VPN is a good fit for your needs, or if you should consider other VPN providers (we will cover some great alternatives below).

Before we dive into the details, let’s review the key stats about this VPN in the table below.

Website	Surfshark.com
Based in	The Netherlands
Logs	No logs
Price	$2.19/mo.
Support	24/7 live chat
Refund	30 days
Coupon	80% off Surfshark + 5 Months Free >

Here is an overview of our Surfshark review findings:

Now let’s get into the details….

Here are the pros (advantages) of Surfshark.

Apps for all operating systems and devices + Unlimited connections

Right off the top, Surfshark has given itself (and its users) a powerful one-two punch:

1. User-friendly apps that support all major operating systems, Smart TVs, game consoles, and leading web browsers.
2. The ability to have an unlimited number of devices connected to, and using, the Surfshark VPN at the same time.

1. User-Friendly Apps

The Surfshark VPN team has developed a full range of user-friendly apps for all the major platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. They also support Smart TV devices, Xbox and other game consoles, along with providing browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.

Note: While Surfshark doesn’t have a custom app for routers like ExpressVPN does, Surfshark has published extensive instructions on how to install Surfshark on popular routers.

All Surfshark apps are designed to provide a seamless and secure VPN experience, with a range of features that cater to different needs and preferences. So, whether you are a student looking to bypass geo-restrictions or a business professional in need of secure remote access, Surfshark VPN has an app that will suit your requirements.

Here is a list of some of the major features you will find in Surfshark VPN apps. We will discuss each of them in more detail later in this review.

• VPN Kill Switch with strict kill and soft kill modes
• CleanWeb and CleanWeb 2 protect your devices against malicious ads, trackers, and other malware
• Bypasser split tunneling
• IP Rotator to further complicate the life of anyone trying to track your online activities
• NoBorders mode helps you navigate successfully in restricted regions of the internet
• MultiHop and dynamic MultiHop options pass your traffic through multiple VPN servers for additional security and privacy
• Static IP servers and Dedicated IP servers for activities and services need a fixed IP address

See all Surfshark features here >>

Surfshark VPN for Windows PC and Laptop

Surfshark’s Windows VPN app offers a clean and user-friendly interface, making it easy for users of all experience levels to navigate and enjoy its features. With security features such as a kill switch and CleanWeb ad blocker, you can be confident that your internet connection remains secure at all times.

In addition, Surfshark’s Windows app provides fast connection speeds, ensuring that your online activities are not hindered by sluggish performance. Whether you’re streaming your favorite TV show or participating in a video conference for work, the Windows app delivers the speed and reliability you need for a seamless online experience.

Surfshark VPN Android App

The Android app of Surfshark VPN goes beyond the basic VPN features by offering additional functionalities, such as GPS spoofing and VPN split tunneling. GPS spoofing allows Android users to mask their IP address and simulate a different physical GPS location, providing an extra layer of privacy and enabling access to location-based apps without disclosing your true location.

With its easy-to-use interface and unique features, the Surfshark app is on our list of the best VPNs for Android. It ensures that Android users can enjoy a secure browsing experience without compromising on functionality. Surfshark’s commitment to user privacy and security extends to its mobile apps, providing you with the confidence that your personal data remains protected, even when using public Wi-Fi networks.

Surfshark VPN Linux App

Surfshark VPN’s Linux app is designed with both novice and advanced users in mind, offering a graphical interface that makes it easier to use than the majority of Linux VPNs, which still use a command-line interface (CLI). While it does not yet have all the features of the Windows or macOS apps, it does provide a range of security features, such as a kill switch, MultiHop VPN (double-VPN), and support for the WireGuard protocol, ensuring that your online activities remain private and protected.

The Linux VPN app also boasts impressive performance, with fast connection speeds that make it great for various online tasks, from browsing and streaming to downloading and gaming. With Surfshark VPN’s Linux app, you can enjoy a secure and high-performance VPN experience on your Linux device.

Web Browser Extension

The Surfshark browser extensions use an encrypted proxy to give you unrestricted internet access while protecting your digital privacy. Like the Linux app, the browser extensions provide a subset of the full Surfshark VPN features. In this case, while you do get features like CleanWeb, Bypasser, even a cookie pop-up blocker, the browser extensions do have limits.

For one thing, the browser extension only works within the browser, rather than encrypting all traffic on your operating system like a VPN. For another, you do not get access to features like MultiHop when you use the extension. We discuss the differences between browser extensions, Smart DNS, and full VPNs in our guide on the best VPN for Chrome. You can also check out our VPN for Firefox guide as well.

Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

When you think about the number and variety of things the typical household has connected to the internet, you can see the power of this combination. Many VPNs do not support things like Smart TVs or game consoles. Do you really want to leave those things unprotected? And most VPNs support only 5 or 6 devices using the internet at one time. Do you want to worry about how many devices are active at once across your entire family?

If you have multiple different types of devices to connect to the internet (who doesn’t?), Surfshark VPN has a great value proposition and is one of the best VPNs for multiple devices. Here’s how they describe it on their website:

Most competing services limit you to about five simultaneous connections, give or take a few. This policy really sets Surfshark apart from other major VPN services, as we noted in the IPVanish vs Surfshark report.

Note: Perfect Privacy also offers an unlimited number of connections. However, Perfect Privacy is significantly more expensive, even though Surfshark performs better in our testing.

Surfshark background check

Surfshark has had a stellar track since it burst onto the scene in 2018. This VPN continues to grow in popularity by offering excellent features, secure apps, great performance, unlimited simultaneous connections, and a low, low price.

One of the biggest changes to Surfshark was the announcement in 2022 that Surfshark was merging with Nord Security. Fortunately, we see that Surfshark will continue to operate independently, but will now have the backing of a major security company, therefore giving the VPN more long-term stability.

On the one hand, we’re not huge fans of consolidation as it leaves fewer independent VPNs for people to choose from. But on a positive note, we’re impressed with Nord Security as a company, which continues to innovate and offer new security products, including NordPass and also NordLocker, a file encryption tool, and secure cloud storage solution.

Similarly, we see Surfshark also continuing to innovate with new products and services, beyond just the VPN. This includes launching a new antivirus product, as well as a private search engine, an ad-blocking feature, and a data removal tool (see our Incogni review). With Surfshark and Nord Security joining forces, the future is looking bright.

Strong privacy protection policies

Surfshark VPN is committed to upholding user privacy by ensuring that your online activities remain secure and confidential. Previously, this VPN was based in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), just like we saw in the ExpressVPN review. Anyone who subscribed to the service during that time has a contract with Surfshark Ltd., a company established in the BVI.

However, Surfshark established a new company, Surfshark B.V., which is based in The Netherlands. Anyone who subscribed to the service after October 1, 2021, has a contract with Surfshark B.V.

Surfshark’s move to The Netherlands didn’t bother us since the country does not have any data retention laws and is overall favorable from a privacy standpoint. Surfshark also notes on its website:

We’re based in the Netherlands, so we play by their rules (which are pretty great when it comes to user privacy). As there is no obligatory data retention law, we do not have to store logs, and it makes for a perfect location for a VPN provider.

We assumed that the Surfshark Terms of Service would be governed by the laws of The Netherlands. However, the company says that the Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the British Virgin Islands, regardless of which Surfshark company your contract is with.

We strongly recommend avoiding the US and UK jurisdictions (and other 5 Eyes countries), while other European countries are less worrisome. After closely examining privacy laws, as well as real-world privacy test cases, we still recommend services (particularly secure email services) based in other European countries, such as Belgium, Germany, and The Netherlands, all of which are officially part of the “14 Eyes” group.

Now on to the next important question…

Surfshark Keeps No Logs

In the past, we have had to rely on Surfshark’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service to know that this is a no-logs VPN. Here are some important takeaways from those documents:

• Surfshark does not keep any logs that could identify a user or their activities online. (No IP addresses or usage data is recorded.)
• SurfShark apps have a “crash reports” option to report diagnostic info if the app crashes. This is anonymized and it can be easily disabled in the settings.

Note that many VPN services give you the option to send crash reports in the apps. If you find this concerning, just disable the option in settings. The Surfshark mobile apps may also contain an advertising ID. Again, if you find this problematic, you can just disable it in the settings.

More importantly, Surfshark now has third-party proof of their no-logs status. Surfshark VPN underwent an independent audit of its no-logs policy, conducted by the professional services firm Deloitte. The audit confirmed that Surfshark does not retain any user information, adhering to its strict privacy policies.

This independent verification provides additional assurance that Surfshark VPN is a trustworthy provider that takes user privacy seriously.

And while we’re on the topic of VPN logs, be sure to avoid VPNs with a history of providing logs to authorities. This was an issue we noted in the IPVanish review and also the PureVPN review. (You can see the Surfshark vs PureVPN comparison as well.)

Surfshark Warrant Canary

Surfshark maintains a warrant canary to alert users to any government action that could infringe on customer privacy. Looking at the Surfshark warrant canary at the time of this review, we see:

Looks good! You generally do not see warrant canaries with US VPN services, which are subject to data requests and gag orders that prevent any disclosure.

Secure encryption and leak protection features

For encryption, Surfshark utilizes the industry standard of AES-256-GCM (Galois/Counter Mode) cipher with an RSA-2048 key exchange. Additionally, Surfshark offers the following VPN protocols:

• OpenVPN – OpenVPN has generally been considered the “gold standard” with VPNs because it offers good performance, is open source, and is considered very secure. However, OpenVPN is facing a severe challenge from WireGuard.
• WireGuard – WireGuard is the newest addition to Surfshark and offers the fastest speeds and the latest encryption technology. WireGuard is supported directly in the Surfshark apps (no extra VPN configuration needed.)
• IKEv2 – This is considered to be a very secure protocol with excellent performance. While it usually outperforms OpenVPN, it is not open source, which is a drawback.

Depending on which Surfshark app you are using, you can select from the available VPN protocols right in the settings area. Surfshark currently supports the WireGuard VPN protocol on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Surfshark leak tests (no leaks found)

I also ran the Windows and Mac OS clients through some basic VPN tests and checks. The testing did not find any IP address leaks or DNS leaks. In short, everything with Surfshark worked well in our tests.

The SurfShark Mac OS app also did well in our tests, with no leaks or bugs identified.

See all Surfshark security features here >>

WireGuard support (very fast speeds)

With the latest version of the SurfShark VPN apps, you can easily enable the WireGuard VPN protocol right in the settings, as you see below.

WireGuard is supported directly in the apps for Windows, Mac OS, Android, Linux, and iOS.

There are many advantages to using the WireGuard VPN protocol:

• Very fast download speeds
• Instant connections (handshake)
• Seamless transition between networks, without losing the VPN connection
• The latest upgrades in encryption technology
• Small code base, which is easier to audit and update than other VPNs

In our tests, we found all of these benefits to be on full display with Surfshark. So let’s get to the speed tests.

Surfshark speed test results with Wireguard

When it comes to speed and performance, Surfshark VPN excels. With its fast connection speeds, users can enjoy seamless streaming, gaming, and other online activities without any interruptions or lag. Moreover, Surfshark VPN provides reliable performance, ensuring that your online activities are not hindered by connection issues or slowdowns. Whether you’re streaming your favorite TV show or participating in an online gaming session, Surfshark VPN delivers the speed and reliability you need to enjoy a seamless online experience.

We ran all tests on a 1000 Mbps connection using the latest Surfshark VPN apps with the WireGuard protocol. All tests were carried out in our US lab testing Surfshark VPN servers in the US, Canada, and Europe.

First I tested a Surfshark VPN server in Los Angeles (USA) and was able to get 653 Mbps.

At well over 600 Mbps, this is an excellent speed test result.

Next, I tested a Surfshark VPN server in Seattle. Once again, the results were excellent at 752 Mbps.

This is once again an excellent speed test result from Surfshark VPN. It’s on par with the fastest VPNs we’ve tested.

The last Surfshark server I tested in the United States was in New York. This location was also impressive at around 637 Mbps.

Lastly, I tested Surfshark servers in the UK. Once again, the performance was excellent. Surfshark’s UK VPN server hit speeds around 556 Mbps:

If you want the fastest VPN speeds with Surfshark, you can also use the WireGuard VPN protocol. We found it to offer very similar speeds to NordVPN in our Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison.

We also tested servers in Canada and found all speed test results to be on par with those in the US. Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for Canada that delivers consistent performance.

Aside from fast download speeds, WireGuard also offers these benefits:

• Near-instant connections (no more waiting 10+ seconds for the VPN to connect)
• Improved mobile performance
• Better battery life
• More reliability (fewer dropped connections)

We did notice that OpenVPN speeds were nowhere near the level of WireGuard performance, but we’ll discuss that more below.

Note: Due to Surfshark’s support for WireGuard on the Android operating system, and all the benefits this offers for mobile users, we rate it as one of the best VPNs for Android.

Passed an independent security audit

Many VPNs are working to build trust in this rapidly growing industry by undergoing external audits. Surfshark is going along with this (positive) trend. It underwent two audits by Cure53, a reputable cybersecurity firm based in Germany. Most recently, Surfshark’s no-logs policy was verified by Deloitte, one of the Big Four auditing firms.

Cure53 had this to say after the first audit:

As the extremely low number of findings and their limited implications clearly indicate, the results of this Cure53 assessment of the Surfshark VPN extensions position the product in a very good light. Two members of the Cure53 team, who examined the scope in November 2018, can only conclude that the tested applications make a very robust impression and are not exposed to any issues, neither in the privacy nor in the more general security realms.

For a third-party security audit, this reads very well. Note, however, that the audit was limited to the Android and iOS browser extensions. You can read the full audit report here.

In April 2021, Cure53 published the second audit. It concerned the security posture of the Surfshark server infrastructure, VPN configuration, and related infrastructure. This report found no serious issues. You can download the report by following this link.

The recent no-logs audit by Deloitte is particularly interesting. There are still only a few no-logs VPNs that have verified their logging policies with third-party audits like this. Two more VPNs that have done this are compared in our NordVPN vs ExpressVPN showdown.

Large, secure server network operating in RAM-disk

Over the past year, Surfshark has grown quickly and added hundreds of servers to its network. It now boasts a large network of 3,200 servers spread across 100 countries.

As you can see above, all Surfshark servers run Private DNS, are P2P-friendly, and comply with a no-logs policy. Surfshark is currently upgrading all its servers by adding 10 Gb connections. This is meant to ensure that Surfshark can handle the massive network traffic increases expected as 5G phone systems become more common.

Does Surfshark use virtual server locations?

First, let’s define what we’re talking about. A virtual server location (also often referred to simply as virtual servers) is when a VPN server announces a location, such as Chile for example, when it is actually located somewhere else, such as in the US. We’ve examined the issue of virtual server locations before, and there are pros and cons to doing this.

For the purpose of this review, we can clearly see that Surfshark uses some virtual servers for remote regions. Surfshark is transparent about this fact and clearly announces the virtual locations in the apps (unlike HideMyAss HMA VPN for example). You can identify the virtual locations within the Surfshark client because they are marked with a “V” for virtual.

Note: Using virtual server locations is not a dealbreaker. ExpressVPN and others also use virtual locations in a limited number of cases to support remote regions. Like ExpressVPN, Surfshark also discloses all virtual locations, which we covered in the ExpressVPN vs Surfshark.

More Important Surfshark Features

Surfshark comes integrated with a lot of cool features that I tested for this review. Before we dive in, you should know that Surfshark is constantly developing new features and integrating them into the service as they become available.

Surfshark kill switch

The Surfshark VPN kill switch feature will block traffic if your VPN connection drops. This ensures your location and IP address remain protected, even if the VPN connection fails. You can see the kill switch in the settings.

The Surfshark kill switch has two modes: strict, and soft.

• Soft mode blocks internet traffic if your connection to a VPN server is lost unexpectedly, but not if you disconnect manually.
• Strict mode stops internet traffic if the connection to a VPN server is lost for any reason.

Here is the Surfshark Windows app that we tested for this review, with the kill switch enabled:

The VPN kill switch feature is available with Surfshark applications for Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, and iOS. I tested the kill switch with the Surfshark Windows VPN app and everything worked well.

CleanWeb and CleanWeb 2.x

Surfshark comes integrated with some cool features that I tested for this review. First, we’ll examine the CleanWeb feature.

CleanWeb filter to block ads, trackers, malware, and phishing domains

Surfshark has a useful filtering feature called CleanWeb. This feature blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing domains, as well as “suspicious links” that are on a blacklist. There are some nice advantages to VPN ad blockers, which can efficiently block domains at the VPN server via DNS requests, rather than relying on browser extensions.

You can enable CleanWeb in the Surfshark settings. This feature is available in the Windows, Mac OS, Android, and iOS apps. Here is the CleanWeb feature I tested out for this review with the Windows client and it worked well.

I tested this by visiting some ad-infested websites with CleanWeb enabled. It looks to be working very well as all ads were effectively blocked.

CleanWeb 2.0 is included in Surfshark’s browser extensions. It comes with an ad blocker that prevents ads and trackers from disrupting your browsing and spying on your online activities. The built-in pop-up blocker handles those annoying pop-up messages demanding that you allow websites to install cookies on your devices. Together these two aspects of CleanWeb 2.0 give you cleaner browsing experience and also prevent unnecessary data consumption.

The data breach alert monitors reports of data breaches, thereby increasing your awareness of potential security risks. Once you know of a breach you can take action by changing your credentials on the breached site and otherwise defending yourself against the misuse of your data.

The malware alert function as you would expect, adding an extra layer of security by detecting and blocking malicious software.

Some competing VPNs also offer ad-blocking, such as with the Threat Protection feature that we tested in the NordVPN review.

Bypasser (split tunneling) feature

Bypasser is Surfshark VPN’s name for their split tunneling feature. Split tunneling lets you selectively route some of your Internet traffic through the encrypted VPN tunnel while sending other traffic directly through the regular Internet connection. It lets you control which application and data traffic will be protected by the VPN, and which traffic will be transferred normally.

Bypasser can be useful if you need access to local resources and remote (internet )resources at the same time. It can also be useful if you need to access resources that are not compatible with a VPN without exposing all your internet traffic.

For example, most banks have strong security systems meant to prevent evildoers from hacking into bank accounts. Unfortunately, those defenses sometimes also block you from connecting to the bank’s servers when you are using a VPN.

With most VPNs, this would mean that you need to turn off the VPN while you are doing your online banking. But that would leave all your internet traffic unprotected while the VPN is off. That’s clearly not an ideal solution.

Surfshark’s Bypasser lets you configure traffic to and from your bank to travel outside the VPN tunnel while letting other traffic continue through the secure, encrypted VPN tunnel. Your regular traffic remains protected by the VPN, while the traffic to and from your bank is protected by the bank’s security system (which caused the whole problem in the first place).

While split tunneling is by no means a standard VPN feature, it is appearing as a feature in more and more of the best VPNs. You can see another implementation of split tunneling in our Proton VPN review. For a comparison of these two services, see the Surfshark vs Proton VPN report.

Note: Do be careful if you decide to use Bypasser. While the feature worked perfectly in our testing, if you don’t configure it properly you could end up exposing sensitive data or applications on the outside of the VPN tunnel.

As with CleanWeb, the Bypasser feature is also activated directly in the Surfshark app settings area. This tool allows you to “Select apps or websites & IPs to bypass VPN.” You can see other VPNs with split tunneling here.

IP Rotator

The IP Rotator is one of the standout features of Surfshark VPN. This feature is designed to provide an additional layer of privacy and security for users. As the name suggests, the IP Rotator automatically changes your IP address at regular intervals. This makes it even harder for third parties to track your online activities.

By constantly changing your IP address, Surfshark’s IP Rotator can effectively prevent targeted ads, reduce the risk of identity theft, and enhance your overall online privacy. This feature is particularly useful when you are connected to public Wi-Fi networks, where your online activities can be more vulnerable to snooping.

In summary, using the IP Rotator can significantly enhance your online privacy and security. Whether you’re a privacy-conscious individual or a professional who frequently works on public Wi-Fi networks, you should take advantage of this feature.

NoBorders mode

NoBorders mode is a feature to activate when you must navigate in restricted regions of the internet. When Surfshark detects restrictions it automatically activates NoBorders mode. This mode gives you access to a set of selected servers that perform well under restricted conditions.

Note: You can also activate NoBorders mode manually.

MultiHop and Dynamic MultiHop

A VPN’s multi-hop feature lets you pass your Internet traffic through two (or sometimes more) VPN servers located in different locations. Each server in the chain decrypts and then re-encrypts the traffic before passing it on. This makes it much more difficult for anyone to track a user’s online activities.

MultiHop is Surfshark’s name for their multi-hop VPN feature. As of the time of this Surfshark review, there were a over a dozen different pre-defined double-hop server configurations available. These can be selected directly within the Surfshark client under Locations > MultiHop.

MultiHop is great. But Surfshark has taken it even further with something they call dynamic MultiHop. What’s the difference between MultiHop and dynamic MultiHop?

• MultiHop server configurations are defined by Surfshark.
• Dynamic MultiHop configurations are defined by you.

To use this feature, look for the Create Connection button at the bottom of the MultiHop server list in the Surfshark app.

Click that button and you will be presented with the option to select your entry location (the VPN server connected to your device) and the exit location (the second VPN server in the chain). The result of this process is a custom multi-hop configuration that you can use right now, and even add to the list of available options if you think you will need it in the future.

This can be a good feature if you are looking for more encryption and privacy above and beyond a single-hop connection. However, speeds will likely be slower than single-hop servers.

We have a multi-hop VPN guide that dives into this topic more if you are interested.

Static IP servers and Dedicated IP servers

Some people need the protection of a VPN while at the same time needing to use the same IP address all the time. In these cases, a Surfshark user can opt to connect to Static IP servers or Dedicated IP servers.

Static IP servers provide the same IP address to everyone who connects to them. These servers are free of charge for Surfshark users, but the fact that many people can use the same IP address makes them unsuitable for some applications. In these cases, a Dedicated IP server is the answer.

You might need a dedicated IP address (and therefore access to Dedicated IP servers) for several reasons. Dedicated IP addresses, being unique and used by only one person, provide heightened security to their users and are less likely to be blacklisted, something that can be crucial for services like email.

Another significant benefit of a dedicated IP address is the ability to access region-restricted content. Selecting a Dedicated IP server in a region where you will frequently need access allows you to bypass geo-restrictions. At the same time, the fact that it is only you using that IP address greatly decreases the odds that the restricted services you are connecting to will one day block your connection.

Another advantage of a dedicated IP address is that it can facilitate remote work or online gaming experiences. Using the same IP allows you to connect to secure networks for work without problems. It can also maintain a consistent gaming experience, as some games might block shared (static) IP addresses to prevent cheating.

It is also possible that using a Dedicated IP server would improve performance. Since the IP isn’t shared with others, you might see faster connection speeds, a great benefit for seamless video conferencing or uninterrupted online gaming. See other VPNs with a dedicated IP here.

Surfshark works with Netflix and other streaming services

If you need a good VPN for Netflix, Surfshark is a solid choice. They offer access to 16+ Netflix regional libraries, including all of the most popular regions, such as Netflix US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Japan, Korea, and more. I decided to test out Surfshark’s ability to unblock the US and UK Netflix libraries and everything worked perfectly. Below you can see me streaming US Netflix without any problems.

Streaming video quality was also perfect, without any interruptions. This is to be expected given the fast speeds and reliable connections. Surfshark certainly outperforms other VPNs with streaming, as you can see in the CyberGhost vs Surfshark comparison.

Beyond Netflix, Surfshark is a great all-around VPN for streaming, with many other services supported including BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, Hulu, and more. In the most recent update to the VPN for BBC iPlayer guide, we found Surfshark to be one of only a few services that still got through, as you can see below.

Surfshark also has a great app if you need a VPN for Firestick or Fire TV. And speaking of Amazon Firestick Surfshark is also a great option if you need a VPN for Amazon Prime.

Surfshark One and Surfshark One+

In addition to the Surfshark VPN with all its built-in capabilities, you can enhance your subscription with Surfshark One or Surfshark One+. These options add additional capabilities that work alongside the Surfshark VPN. They increase various aspects of your internet security and privacy, but are not strictly VPN features.

Surfshark One

In addition to the Ad blocker and Pop-up blocker that are part of the regular Surfshark VPN package, Surfshark One gives you:

• 24/7 antivirus protection with a virus database that is updated every 3 hours, along with complete control over which files and folders to scan
• Webcam protection that locks down your camera and notifies you if websites or apps try to gain access to the camera
• Credit card and ID breach alerts so you can take action to secure your data before it is misused
• Personal data security reports that keep you abreast of breaches that could compromise your data
• Alternative ID online aliases along with safe email addresses you can use to log into sites you don’t trust with your real data

Surfshark One+

Surfshark One+ gives you everything in Surfshark One, and adds the ability to have your data removed from various company databases and people search sites. These capabilities are available in the USA, Canada, the UK, and the EU. To learn more about this particular feature, check out our detailed guide to Incogni.

These optional security bundles ensure that your devices remain protected from threats, while you maintain your online privacy. They are great options if you want to take your online security to the next level without having to invest in multiple services or software. You can see these features on the checkout page and they can be incorporated into your VPN subscription.

You may find this package to be useful and worth the monthly (added) price. However, there are many different private search engines available that are free of charge. There are also identity theft protection services, but they can be quite expensive.

Good long-term prices and money-back guarantee

Surfshark is probably the cheapest VPN that I would still consider to be a high-quality service. It is a great value. If you use this discount coupon, you can get Surfshark at the current best available price. Right now, the company is promoting Surfshark One. But if you select the Surfshark Starter option and the 24-month plan shown below, you get this high-performance, high-quality VPN at a crazy low price of only $2.19 per month, along with 2 months free.

Surfshark is cheaper than nearly all other leading (high-quality) VPN services. They support all major payment options: credit cards, PayPal, Sofort, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, and cryptocurrencies.

Above average monthly prices

One drawback we see with Surfshark is that the price of a month-by-month subscription is quite high. This applies to all the different subscription tiers of Starter, One, and One+ as you can see below.

Note: Check out our page on VPN coupons for other deals and discounts.

Surfshark’s 30-day refund policy

Surfshark offers a 30-day refund policy on all plans. This is a great refund window as many VPNs restrict refunds to only one week.

After reading through the terms and conditions, there are a few exceptions for mobile apps and gift cards.

We can refund you on the basis of our 30-day money-back guarantee. Except if you signed up via iTunes/App Store or with a prepaid card/gift card. These are out of our hands.

These exceptions are pretty standard. You can see the respective mobile stores for their refund policies.

The 30-day refund window basically acts as a free trial VPN, since you can cancel at any time within the window for a full refund.

Live chat support is available 24/7

In working on this review, I had many interactions with the Surfshark VPN support team. I found the support to be fast and helpful. You can access live chat directly through the website and it is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

I also found the Surfshark website to have lots of good info. There is a dedicated support domain with dozens of tutorials and guides.

Surfshark VPN on routers

Another drawback I found with Surfshark is that there is no VPN router app. Some VPNs, such as ExpressVPN and VyprVPN, offer a dedicated app that can be used with some routers, with the right firmware. This makes it very easy to get the VPN up and running, assuming you have the right router.

With Surfshark, however, there is no dedicated VPN router app. However, you can still use Surfshark with a router, but it may be more complicated. Here are some options for using Surfshark with a router:

• Get a preconfigured VPN router from vendors such as Flashrouters, Sabai Technology, or Vilfo.
• Get a VPN-enabled router that comes with full support for OpenVPN. My top recommendation for this is the latest models from Asus.
• Flash your existing router with firmware that will work with VPNs. This can be tricky and it also comes with some risk. Proceed with caution.

As you can see, there are still many options for using Surfshark with a VPN router, but it’d be great if they developed a dedicated VPN router app to make that even easier. See my VPN router guide for more of a discussion on this topic.

Surfshark FAQ

Here are some of the common questions we encountered when working on this Surfshark VPN review.

Can you use Surfshark with Linux?

Yes, you can use Surfshark VPN with Linux using the new Linux GUI (desktop) app. It works very well and made it onto our list of the best VPNs for Linux. Surfshark is a top contender for that honor thanks to its quality Linux app that fully supports the WireGuard VPN protocol.

Does Surfshark work for torrenting?

Surfshark definitely works for torrenting and other P2P file transfers. It occupies a spot on our list of the best VPN for torrenting.

According to the Surfshark website, all servers are P2P friendly. With great speeds (using WireGuard), good leak protection settings, no logs, and safe, secure apps, Surfshark is a good option to consider.

Torrenters may also find peace of mind knowing that Surfshark is not forced to comply with US DMCA laws. Therefore legal notices and copyright demands should not affect Surfshark users in any way. With copyright violations sometimes resulting in jail time, it’s good to use a safe and secure VPN at all times.

Is Surfshark VPN trustworthy?

Indeed, it is. We are not the only reviewers who have been impressed with Surfshark VPN’s reliability, which is strengthened by its military-grade encryption and strict no-logs policy.

In addition, Surfshark VPN has undergone an independent audit by Deloitte, which confirmed its commitment to user privacy and adherence to its no-logs policy.

Does Surfshark work in China?

Surfshark has a built-in feature called NoBorders, which they developed to help users get around VPN blocks and restrictions. This will be useful in China. VPNs use different names for this feature, such as the Chameleon protocol with VyprVPN.

The Surfshark NoBorders feature can be enabled directly in the app. This should allow you to use the VPN in areas where VPNs may be blocked, such as in China. With this feature built into the Surfshark apps, it is probably a good VPN for China if you need to get through the Great Firewall.

Note: Surfshark also has a “Camouflage mode” feature that obfuscates VPN traffic. This feature is automatically activated when you use the OpenVPN protocol (UDP and TCP). While this is similar to the “NoBorders” feature, they are separate.

Does Surfshark work for gaming?

Many people use VPNs to improve their experience for gaming — but there are many variables to consider. For a VPN to work well with gaming, it needs:

1. Fast servers

2. A large network that can deliver consistent speeds

3. Reliable VPN apps for all gaming devices

As we have seen in this review, Surfshark meets all three of these conditions. It is a great VPN for gaming and should work well for you.

Surfshark review conclusion for 2024

Somehow, Surfshark continues to deliver premium VPN features and services while charging a cheap VPN price. When you consider all of the features and performance you get for such a low price, Surfshark is a tremendous value. To recap, here are the highlights of Surfshark VPN:

• Great apps for all major devices and operating systems
• Unlimited number of simultaneous connections
• Based in a good jurisdiction with a no-logs policy audited by Deloitte
• Good leak protection features (kill switch) with strong encryption
• MultiHop VPN servers (13 preconfigured, plus the ability to create your own)
• CleanWeb feature to block ads, trackers, malware, and phishing domains
• Split tunneling feature (Bypasser)
• Works well with Netflix and other streaming channels
• Fast secure P2P file transfers and torrenting
• A continuing stream of advanced features rolling out as they become available
• 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee

Overall Surfshark is one of the best VPNs I’ve tested and is currently one of our top recommendations. If you want to give Surfshark a try, you will get the best prices with the coupon below:

Alternatives to Surfshark

While I think Surfshark is a great VPN, you may want to investigate one or more of these leading alternatives. Click the links to read their reviews or grab the NordVPN discount coupon for the best savings. Additionally, each of these VPNs has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

1. NordVPN review  (with a 74% discount coupon)
2. ExpressVPN review
3. OVPN review
4. Proton VPN review

You can also check out our guide to the top VPN Services for other recommendations. In comparison to other VPNs, Surfshark usually does very well. Here are our Surfshark VPN comparisons:

• Surfshark vs CyberGhost
• Surfshark vs PIA
• Surfshark vs NordVPN
• ExpressVPN vs Surfshark
• Surfshark vs IPVanish

If you have used Surfshark VPN, feel free to leave your own review below (good or bad) to help others decide.

This Surfshark VPN review was last updated on January 7, 2024.