Overview Analysis

Surfshark, established in 2018, emerges as a dynamic contender in the VPN sector. Despite its youth, it excels in speed, privacy, and security. With robust AES-256 encryption, support for OpenVPN and IKEv2, and a staunch no-logs policy, Surfshark ensures your information remains secure, further enhanced by a reliable kill switch feature in case of connection drops.

Furthermore, Surfshark offers advanced features like split tunneling, VPN chaining, URL and adblocking. Remarkably, the service has expanded its server network to a substantial 1,040+ servers across 61 countries. Setting itself apart, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous device connections with a single subscription, making it a robust choice for those seeking a budget-friendly, fast, reliable, and long-term VPN service.

Confidentiality / Incognito

Surfshark excels in security features, covering essential basics with DNS leak protection, automatic kill switch, and robust encryption. Going beyond, it introduces its unique Double VPN named MultiHop, adding an extra layer of protection. Surfshark's additional features include the HackLock alert system for data leaks and CleanWeb, a feature that effectively counters tracking, phishing, and malware threats.

Say goodbye to intrusive ads with Surfshark's unique search tool that doesn't store your browsing history, ensuring advertisers can't target you with tailored ads. While Surfshark is functional in China, note that manual setup may pose a challenge. Proceed with caution when using any VPN service in China, as regulations and restrictions may vary.

In addressing privacy concerns, Surfshark maintains transparency about data collection. While they gather essential information like email, password, and billing details solely for account management, no session details, IP addresses, bandwidth usage, browsing history, network traffic, or connection time stamps are logged. Operating from the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, Surfshark operates outside the jurisdiction of the Eyes Alliance. It's worth noting that third-party advertising identifiers may be collected for marketing purposes, but users can opt-out easily through app settings, providing control over their data.

Performance and Dependability

While using a VPN may incur a slight speed loss due to encryption, the impact should be manageable for smooth browsing. In our tests, Surfshark performed exceptionally well. Prior to connecting to any servers, our download speed was approximately 40.70 Mbps. Connecting to a US server showed a minimal decrease to 25.40 Mbps, and a UK server brought it down to about 20.07 Mbps. The consistent and fast speeds are suitable for bandwidth-intensive activities like multiplayer gaming and video chats. Connecting to an Asian server, specifically Japan, still delivered an impressive speed of 13.29 Mbps. Overall, the results were outstanding, with no noticeable connection failures or significant speed drops during the tests.

Compatibility Across Devices and Platforms

As noted earlier, Surfshark distinguishes itself by allowing unlimited simultaneous device connections on a single subscription. With secure browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, and compatibility across major platforms like macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android, it ensures versatile usage. For those seeking compatibility with Playstation, Xbox, Linux, and game consoles, detailed manual installation guides are available on their website for easy setup.

Global Server Presence

Established in 2018, Surfshark has swiftly developed an impressive server network, currently boasting 1,040+ servers across more than 61 countries.

Client Support

Surfshark excels in customer service with a convenient 24/7 live chat option directly accessible from their homepage—no need to navigate to a separate help page. During our test, we submitted a question and received a prompt response in less than a minute. The representative was polite, professional, friendly, and provided informative assistance. Complementing the live chat, Surfshark's support page features a comprehensive knowledge base offering tutorials, general information, and answers to common billing questions.

Pricing

Surfshark provides three flexible subscription plans. The month-to-month plan is priced at $11.95, while the 12-month subscription offers significant savings at just $5.99 per month—a 50% discount. The most cost-effective option is the 2-year plan, with a reduced monthly fee of $1.99, positioning it among the most budget-friendly VPN services. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring peace of mind for users.