Introduction to Surfshark VPN Review 2024
Surfshark VPN emerges as a top-rated VPN and beacon of safety, offering a sanctuary from the pervasive online tracking and data collection, all while ensuring a secure connection. This top-rated VPN not only prioritizes your privacy but also brings a suite of products like Surfshark Antivirus, Surfshark Search, and Surfshark Alert to the table, enhancing digital security beyond the conventional VPN service. Operating under the jurisdiction of the Netherlands, Surfshark has proven its commitment to user privacy through four independent security audits and an audit by Cure53, a prestigious German cybersecurity firm.
Diving into the nuances of Surfshark VPN, this review will tackle key areas like global server coverage, privacy and security features, as well as streaming and torrenting capabilities. With an economically friendly subscription model and a user-friendly application, Surfshark balances affordability with high-speed, secure connections, making it a strong contender in the VPN market for 2024. Whether you’re streaming your favorite shows on Netflix, guarding sensitive data in Europe or Asia, or seeking a VPN for torrenting, this review covers all you need to know about Surfshark’s offerings, including speed tests, privacy policy, and device compatibility.
Global Server Coverage and Speed
Surfshark VPN boasts an impressive global server coverage with its extensive network of over 3,200 servers across 100 countries and 110 locations, ensuring users worldwide have access to fast and reliable VPN connections . This vast server network supports popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more, making it an excellent choice for users looking to access geo-restricted content from anywhere in the world. Additionally, Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing multiple devices to be connected at once without compromising on speed or security. The VPN utilizes the latest in privacy protection with secure AES-256 encryption, modern VPN protocols, and a strict no-logs policy, ensuring users’ online activities remain private and secure.
Speed is a crucial factor for VPN users, and Surfshark delivers impressive performance in this area. Tests have shown that Surfshark’s use of the WireGuard protocol results in minimal speed loss, registering a 17% speed loss in general, with the best performance showing only a 13% speed loss from a testing location in Ohio. However, it’s worth noting that speeds can vary depending on the protocol used; for example, Surfshark’s OpenVPN speeds through Windows and MacOS resulted in a 28% and 19% speed loss, respectively. Despite these variations, Surfshark’s implementation of the WireGuard protocol generally provides excellent speed and unblocking performance, making it a strong contender for users prioritizing fast and stable VPN connections.
Surfshark’s strategic base in the British Virgin Islands, outside any surveillance alliances, further enhances its appeal to privacy-conscious users. The VPN service’s commitment to privacy is underscored by its Dynamic MultiHop feature, which allows users to select their server pairings for an added layer of security. While the WireGuard protocol offers significant speed advantages, it’s important to note that it may not be compatible with all servers, which could lead to slower speeds compared to other top VPN providers. Despite this, Surfshark’s comprehensive server coverage, robust security features, and strong performance in speed tests make it a compelling option for users seeking a reliable and secure VPN service.
Surfshark VPN Privacy and Security Features
Surfshark VPN’s privacy and security features are designed to offer users a comprehensive suite of tools to safeguard their online activities. These features include:
- CleanWeb: This function enables users to browse the internet without encountering ads, trackers, malware, or phishing attempts, ensuring a cleaner and safer online experience.
- Unlimited Devices: Surfshark allows an unlimited number of devices to connect simultaneously under one subscription, making it ideal for families or individuals with multiple devices.
- Bypasser: This feature permits specific apps and websites to bypass the VPN, allowing for greater control over which data is encrypted and which isn’t, useful for banking apps or local websites.
- Strict No-Logs Policy: Surfshark ensures that it does not monitor, track, or store any information about what users do online, maintaining user privacy.
- Kill Switch: A critical safety feature that automatically disconnects the device from the internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks.
- Private DNS & Leak Protection: Offers private DNS on each server and leak protection when using IPv4 stack, enhancing security.
- Camouflage Mode: Ensures that even the internet provider cannot tell that a VPN is in use, adding an extra layer of privacy.
- Encryption: Utilizes AES-256-GCM encryption, one of the most secure encryption methods available, to protect user data.
- Secure Protocols: Surfshark defaults to the WireGuardยฎ protocol on all its apps, offering a balance between speed and security.
In addition to these features, Surfshark also offers:
- Surfshark Antivirus: A lightweight but powerful antivirus tool that protects devices from malware and other cyber threats.
- Surfshark Search: Provides ad-free and completely private web searches, preventing tracking by advertisers or malicious entities.
- Surfshark Alert: Alerts users if their personal information is detected in any data breach, enhancing identity protection.
- Alternative ID: Offers a tool for creating a new online identity & email, helping users to maintain anonymity online.
Moreover, Surfshark’s commitment to privacy and security is further demonstrated through its:
- RAM-only servers: Ensures that no data is stored permanently, as all information is wiped from the server upon reboot, enhancing user privacy.
- Independent Audits: Surfshark’s no-logs policy and security features have been independently audited by Deloitte and Cure53, confirming its commitment to user privacy and security.
These features collectively make Surfshark VPN a robust solution for users seeking to enhance their online privacy and security.
Streaming and Torrenting Capabilities
Surfshark VPN is a powerful tool for streaming and torrenting enthusiasts and torrent users alike, offering a wide range of capabilities that cater to various needs and preferences. Here’s a closer look at its streaming and torrenting features:
- Unblocking Geo-Restricted Content: Surfshark excels in providing access to a vast array of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. It’s particularly noteworthy for its ability to unblock Netflix libraries from numerous countries such as the US, the UK, Canada, and Japan, making it a versatile choice for streaming enthusiasts looking to explore content from around the globe.
- Optimized for Streaming and Torrenting: The service boasts optimized servers for both streaming and torrenting, ensuring users can enjoy their favorite content without buffering or lag. Whether it’s catching up on the latest Netflix series, streaming live sports events on Disney+, or downloading torrents, Surfshark provides a seamless experience. Additionally, its compatibility with various platforms, including macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, and more, ensures users can stream and torrent across all their devices.
- Enhanced Performance and Security: Surfshark not only focuses on unblocking content but also on delivering it with high speed and security. For users whose ISPs may throttle their internet speeds, Surfshark can help speed up connections, ensuring uninterrupted streaming and swift torrent downloads. Moreover, features like unlimited and simultaneous connections, split tunneling, GPS changing, Dynamic MultiHop, NoBorders Mode, and Camouflage Mode further enhance user privacy and security while engaging in streaming and torrenting activities.
These capabilities underscore Surfshark VPN’s commitment to providing a flexible, secure, and user-friendly platform for accessing a wide range of content and ensuring privacy and security in online activities. Whether for streaming geo-restricted shows or securely downloading torrents, Surfshark stands out as a reliable VPN service.
Simultaneous Connections and Device Compatibility
Surfshark VPN’s feature of allowing unlimited simultaneous connections under a single account makes it an exceptional choice for users with multiple devices. This unique offering means that whether you’re a single user with numerous gadgets or a large family with a device for everyone, Surfshark can accommodate your needs without requiring additional subscriptions. This is particularly beneficial for households or individuals who use a variety of devices and want to ensure all are protected without the hassle of managing multiple VPN accounts.
The service’s compatibility spans a wide range of devices and operating systems, making it a versatile option for almost any user. Supported platforms include:
- Smart TVs
- iOS and Android smartphones and tablets
- Linux, Mac, and Windows computers
- Streaming devices
- Gaming consoles
Additionally, Surfshark VPN extends its reach to devices that typically do not support VPNs through its innovative SmartPlay feature, ensuring that users can enjoy the benefits of a VPN on virtually any internet-connected device. This extensive device support, coupled with the ability to connect an unlimited number of devices, positions Surfshark as a highly accessible and user-friendly VPN option across various user demographics.
Setting up Surfshark VPN on multiple devices is straightforward. Users can create an account, download the application on their primary device, and connect to a server. For additional devices, the application can be downloaded and logged in using the same credentials. Alternatively, a unique code can be generated and used for login on secondary devices within a five-minute window, simplifying the process for users to secure all their devices quickly. This ease of setup, combined with the service’s availability on popular operating systems like Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, and extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers, ensures that users can start protecting their online activities with minimal effort.
User Experience and Customer Support
Surfshark VPN prioritizes user experience and customer support, ensuring that users have access to help whenever they need it. The customer support framework is robust, offering several avenues for assistance:
- 24/7 Live Chat Support: Users can access immediate assistance at any time of the day, ensuring that help is always just a few clicks away. This service is known for providing prompt and clear responses, making it a reliable option for users seeking quick help with their VPN service.
- Comprehensive Support Resources: Surfshark’s website hosts a variety of resources, including an ‘About Us’ section, a blog with the latest updates and tips, research articles for those interested in the technical and security aspects of VPNs, and a Help Center that covers a wide range of topics. These resources are invaluable for users looking to troubleshoot issues on their own or learn more about the service .
- Multiple Support Channels: Beyond live chat, Surfshark offers a ticketing system and email support for more detailed inquiries, as well as an extensive searchable knowledge base. This variety ensures that users can choose the support channel that best suits their preference or the nature of their query.
In addition to its customer support services, Surfshark enhances user experience through its application features and additional services:
- Advanced VPN Features: Users benefit from features like Camouflage Mode for extra privacy, No-Borders Mode for use in restrictive regions, a kill switch to protect data if the connection drops, and split tunneling (Whitelister) for selective VPN use. These features add layers of customization and security to the user experience.
- Specialty Servers and Convenience: Surfshark offers specialty servers including no borders mode, rotating IP, static IP, and dedicated IP options, catering to various user needs. The ability to favorite servers simplifies the process of connecting to preferred servers, and protection on public Wi-Fi networks is an added convenience for users on the go.
- Additional Security Services: For users opting for Surfshark’s priciest packages, the VPN service includes malware protection, identity monitoring, and real-time data breach alerts among other services. These additional layers of protection ensure that users’ digital lives are secured beyond the VPN connection.
This comprehensive approach to customer support and user experience solidifies Surfshark VPN’s position as a user-friendly and secure option for those seeking to protect their online activities.
Surfshark VPN Pricing Plans and Value for Money
Surfsharkโs pricing plans offer a variety of options, each tailored to meet different user needs and preferences. These plans range from the basic Surfshark Starter to the more comprehensive Surfshark One and Surfshark One+ packages, providing flexibility in terms of features and pricing.
- Surfshark Starter Plan:
- Monthly: $10.99/month .
- Yearly: $3.99/month, billed annually at $47.88 .
- Bi-yearly: $2.49/month, billed every 2 years at $59.76 .
- Special Offer for 2024: 24 Months at $2.29/month (with 2 months free), 12 Months at $3.49/month, 1 Month at $10.99/month .
- After the initial 24-month subscription, the rate increases to $5/month [18].
- Surfshark One Plan:
- 2024 Pricing: 24 Months at $2.49/month .
- Surfshark One+ Plan:
- 2024 Pricing: 24 Months at $4.97/month.
Surfshark’s pricing strategy is designed to offer significant savings for long-term commitments compared to the monthly payment option, underlining the service’s value for money. This competitive pricing positions Surfshark as an affordable option, especially when compared to its rivals like ExpressVPN and NordVPN. Furthermore, the service offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, providing users with a risk-free opportunity to test its features and performance.
Payment methods for Surfshark subscriptions include major credit/debit cards, select cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum, catering to a wide range of user preferences and enhancing convenience . The absence of a free trial is mitigated by the 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day trial available for iOS, Android, and macOS users, ensuring potential customers have ample opportunity to evaluate the service before making a long-term commitment.
Surfshark VPN Review : Conclusion
In this Surfshark VPN review, weโve explored, we’ve navigated the myriad features that set Surfshark VPN apart in a crowded marketplace. From the expanse of its global server coverage that ensures optimal speed and accessibility to its robust suite of privacy and security features designed to offer users peace of mind in an increasingly digital world, Surfshark demonstrates a strong commitment to delivering a top-tier VPN experience. Moreover, its capabilities in streaming and torrenting, combined with the flexibility of connecting unlimited devices under one account, highlight the serviceโs aptitude for accommodating diverse user needs, ensuring a seamless and secure online experience across all digital platforms.
Considering the value for money offered through various pricing plans and the added convenience of a 30-day money-back guarantee, Surfshark stands out as a compelling choice for individuals looking to enhance their online security and privacy. The inclusion of additional services like Surfshark Antivirus and Surfshark Alert further underscores the service’s dedication to comprehensive digital protection. For those convinced by the myriad benefits underscored in this review and seeking to elevate their digital security stance.