Surfshark VPN Review: Affordable Security?

Surfshark VPN Review

In the crowded VPN market, Surfshark stands out as a popular choice for users looking for affordable security without sacrificing features. Launched in 2018, Surfshark has quickly gained a reputation for offering robust security, a user-friendly interface, and excellent value for money. But can a budget-friendly VPN deliver the same level of privacy, performance, and features as its higher-priced competitors?

In this detailed review, we will explore Surfshark's key features, performance, security, pricing, and customer support to determine whether it lives up to its promise of providing "affordable security."


Overview of Surfshark VPN

Surfshark is a relatively new player in the VPN industry, but it has quickly grown to become one of the most recognized names in the space. Known for its user-friendly apps, strong security features, and unlimited simultaneous connections, Surfshark offers a range of features that appeal to both casual users and privacy-conscious individuals.

Key Features of Surfshark VPN:

  • AES-256 encryption for top-level security
  • No-logs policy to ensure privacy
  • Unlimited simultaneous device connections
  • MultiHop feature for added privacy (double VPN)
  • CleanWeb to block ads, malware, and trackers
  • Bypasser (Split Tunneling) to route selected apps through the VPN
  • Private DNS and leak protection
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • Servers in over 100 countries

With a focus on affordability, Surfshark is positioned as a budget-friendly alternative to premium VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN. But does it truly offer the same level of security and performance?


Security and Privacy

For any VPN, security and privacy are the most critical considerations, and Surfshark does not disappoint in this area.

Encryption and Protocols

Surfshark uses the industry-standard AES-256 encryption, which is considered the gold standard for securing internet traffic. This encryption is virtually unbreakable and is used by government agencies and financial institutions for securing sensitive data.

Surfshark supports several VPN protocols, including:

  • OpenVPN: A widely used and trusted VPN protocol that offers strong security with good performance.
  • WireGuard: A newer protocol known for its fast speeds and lightweight architecture, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and general browsing.
  • IKEv2/IPSec: Provides fast and secure connections, particularly useful for mobile users switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data networks.

By offering multiple protocol options, Surfshark allows users to balance security and speed according to their needs. WireGuard, in particular, is a standout protocol for users who want the best possible performance without compromising on privacy.

No-Logs Policy

One of the core promises of any VPN service is that it doesn’t track or log your online activities. Surfshark operates under a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not collect or store any information about what you do online while connected to the VPN. This ensures your data remains private and secure.

In addition, Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a privacy-friendly jurisdiction with no mandatory data retention laws. This provides extra peace of mind for users concerned about privacy.

Advanced Privacy Features

Beyond basic security, Surfshark offers several advanced privacy features designed to keep your online activity anonymous and secure:

  1. MultiHop (Double VPN)
    For users who want an extra layer of protection, Surfshark offers the MultiHop feature, which routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers in different countries. This double VPN connection provides additional encryption and makes it even harder for third parties to trace your online activity.

  2. Kill Switch
    Surfshark includes a kill switch feature that automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. This ensures that your real IP address isn’t exposed, even during a brief outage.

  3. CleanWeb
    Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware. This not only enhances privacy by preventing ad networks from tracking your browsing behavior, but it also improves browsing speeds by blocking resource-heavy ads.

  4. Private DNS and Leak Protection
    To further protect your privacy, Surfshark routes your DNS queries through its own private DNS servers, preventing DNS leaks that could expose your browsing activity. It also provides IPv6 leak protection, ensuring that all traffic stays securely encrypted.

In terms of security and privacy, Surfshark offers everything you would expect from a premium VPN service at a fraction of the cost.


Speed and Performance

While security is essential, a VPN’s speed and performance are just as important—especially for users who want to stream, game, or download large files. One of Surfshark’s key selling points is that it provides fast and reliable connections without the slowdown that some VPNs are known for.

WireGuard Protocol

The introduction of the WireGuard protocol has significantly improved Surfshark’s performance. WireGuard is designed to be faster and more efficient than older protocols like OpenVPN. During our tests, Surfshark delivered consistently high speeds, even when connecting to distant servers. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize performance, particularly for streaming and gaming.

Global Server Network

Surfshark boasts over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, providing excellent global coverage. Whether you’re connecting to a nearby server for faster speeds or need to access content in another country, Surfshark’s extensive network ensures you can find a fast and reliable connection.

In our speed tests, Surfshark consistently provided fast download and upload speeds across various server locations. Even when connecting to servers in distant regions, the speed reduction was minimal, making it suitable for activities like HD streaming and large file downloads.


Streaming and Geo-Unblocking

For users looking to bypass geo-restrictions on popular streaming platforms, Surfshark is an excellent choice. It reliably unblocks a wide range of streaming services, including:

  • Netflix (US, UK, Japan, and more)
  • Disney+
  • Hulu
  • BBC iPlayer
  • Amazon Prime Video

Surfshark’s Smart DNS feature makes it easy to unblock content on devices that don’t support VPN apps, such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming devices like Apple TV and Roku.

With Surfshark, streaming geo-restricted content is smooth and reliable, with minimal buffering. Whether you’re trying to access the full Netflix library from abroad or watch BBC iPlayer while traveling, Surfshark’s global server network and fast speeds make it an ideal choice for streaming.


Pricing and Plans

One of Surfshark’s biggest selling points is its affordability. Here’s a breakdown of its pricing plans:

  • 1-Month Plan: $12.95/month
  • 12-Month Plan: $3.99/month (billed $47.88 annually)
  • 24-Month Plan: $2.49/month (billed $59.76 every 2 years)

All Surfshark plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test the service risk-free.

In addition to its low prices, Surfshark stands out by offering unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can protect all of your devices with a single Surfshark subscription, making it an excellent value for families or users with multiple devices.


Device Compatibility and User Experience

Surfshark offers dedicated apps for a wide range of devices, including:

  • Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • iOS and Android
  • Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick
  • Gaming consoles and smart TVs

The Surfshark apps are designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, with a simple interface that makes it easy to connect to servers, change settings, or access advanced features. Whether you’re a tech-savvy user or a VPN novice, you’ll find Surfshark’s apps easy to navigate.

Unlimited Devices

One of Surfshark’s standout features is its unlimited device connections. Most VPN providers limit the number of devices that can connect simultaneously, but with Surfshark, you can connect as many devices as you want with just one subscription. This makes Surfshark ideal for families or users who want to secure multiple devices at once.


Customer Support

Surfshark provides 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and a detailed knowledge base. The support team is responsive and knowledgeable, helping users troubleshoot issues or navigate setup processes.

The help center on Surfshark’s website includes tutorials, FAQs, and setup guides for a wide range of devices and operating systems.


Conclusion: Is Surfshark Worth It?

In 2024, Surfshark remains one of the best VPNs for users looking for a balance between affordability and security. Its combination of strong encryption, privacy features, fast speeds, and the ability to unblock streaming services makes it an excellent choice for both casual users and privacy-focused individuals.

Verdict: Yes, Surfshark offers incredible value for its price, making it one of the most affordable VPNs without compromising on performance or security. Whether you need a VPN for streaming, gaming, or browsing securely, Surfshark delivers.