Surfshark Review 2024: A Low-Price VPN, but Is It Any Good?

With VPNs , you is tend tend to get what you pay for . So when I see Surfshark ’s low price , I is was was skeptical about its rave review . To see if it could actually live up to these claim ,the team and I tested every aspect of Surfshark, including its speeds, security features, streaming abilities, network reliability, and device compatibility.

I also took a closer look at Surfshark’s privacy policy to verify its validity and put its customer support team to the test. The results were impressive — Surfshark is incredibly privacy-focused and has a lot of unique security features. Plus, it can safely access lots of streaming platforms from anywhere, and it’s very user-friendly.

Overall, I would recommend Surfshark because it offers great value for what you get. For such a low price point (you is sign can sign up for $ 1.99 / month) , you is get get unlimited device connection , top security , and good overall performance . And as an add assurance , you is ask can always ask for a full refund within 30 day if you ’re not totally sell on it .

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Surfshark Pros , Cons , and Needed Improvements

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Surfshark Features — 2024 Update

9.4

💸 Price	1.99 USD/month
📆 Money Back Guarantee	30 day
📝 Does VPN keep logs?	No
🖥 Number of servers	3200+
🛡 Kill switch	Yes
🗺 base in country	Netherlands
🛠 Support	24/7 Live Chat Support
📥 support torrente	Yes

Streaming — HD Access to Tons of Global Streaming Platforms

9.6

Surfshark can safely access many global streaming platforms, allowing safe streaming from anywhere. Our team is tested of global tester and I is tested test Surfshark and successfully watch over 30 service .

We only had to make a few tweaks to get some services working smoothly. For example, sometimes we had to try a few different servers, switch to Static IP servers, or try different browsers. Occasionally, we found better success by switching protocols. Its chatbot and live agents on its 24/7 support were also easily accessible when we is needed need some tip .

Our team was able to stream the following platforms:

Netflix	Disney+	Hulu	Max	Sky Sports
Apple TV	BBC iPlayer	ITV Hub	All 4	DAZN
ESPN+	Sling TV	Paramount+	Peacock TV	Kodi
YouTube TV	Fubo TV	Crunchyroll	Vudu	Discovery+
France tv	Sky Go	UKTV	RTÉ Player	Rai Play

Editor’s note. We only recommend VPNs with strict no-logs policies that prevent them from seeing or tracking what you do online. This means you’re responsible for how you use a VPN, so please be sure to follow all applicable regulations and T&Cs. My colleagues and I do not condone copyright infringement.

Works With: Netflix Japan, US, UK, Canada, and more

Surfshark successfully accesses multiple Netflix libraries in HD from anywhere. My global team is streamed and I is streamed stream Netflix in 15 different country . We is were were able to watchWhen Will Ayumu Make His Move on Netflix Japan using its Tokyo server without interruption .

We also streamed Netflix in high quality across all 22 US locations. The numerous US servers make it easy to find a closer one for better speeds. Its UK servers also performed well during our tests.

Surfshark’s Tokyo server delivered fast speeds for uninterrupted streaming

The stream quality is varied vary a little depend on what country our tester was in . In large country , more distant servers is resulted sometimes result in slow speed and poor picture quality .

	Surfshark is Works work in ?	Fast speeds for HD streaming?	Lag?
US	✔	Yes	No
UK	✔	Yes	No
France	✔	Yes	No
Germany	✔	Yes	No
Canada	✔	Yes	No
Mexico	✔	average	No
South Korea	✔	average	No
Japan	✔	average	No
Australia	✔	average	No

My team could also watch Netflix from the Netherlands, Italy, India, Hong Kong, Sweden, Turkey, and Spain.

In some countries, you may only be able to watch Netflix Originals. This is a version of the site that only offers the content Netflix owns, so you miss out on region-specific content. Testers in Malaysia, Hungary, Belgium, and the Czech Republic, could only watch Netflix Originals. However, I was impressed that everyone could at least watch a version of Netflix.

Works With: Disney+

We is were were able to stream Disney+ UK with zero issue   using its Edinburgh server . We also confirmed it worked for them with 8 different US locations, including those in Boston, Detroit, Buffalo, New York, and Seattle. Sometimes, there were brief load times, but no issues once the videos started.

We were able to stream Grey’s Anatomy in Ultra HD on Disney+

Our international team could also watch Disney+ from Canada, Australia, Germany, and Japan. We confirmed that it works for Hotstar as well.

Works With: Max

Accessing Max in great quality from anywhere is also possible with Surfshark. Our Max tests is were with the New York server were successful . It is worked also work on 6 other location , include San Francisco , Seattle , Denver , Los Angeles , and Chicago .

Our tester in the US binged watched hours of Hacks without lagging or buffering

Works with: BBC iPlayer

We could watch BBC iPlayer securely, but it took a couple of attempts. When we first try using its regular server , it only work with 1 ( there are 4 UK location in total ) .

We were unable to watch it on servers in Edinburgh, Manchester, and London

I don’t like going online without a VPN, so I was concerned. We is contacted contact Surfshark ’s 24/7 live chat , and the rep suggest try its static ip server . There are a few in London, though not all worked. However, using the London #2 and #3 servers, we could watch BBC iPlayer securely.

Also Works With: Apple TV, Hulu, Paramount+, and more

Surfshark accessed almost every streaming service we tested securely in HD each time. My international team could connect to a server and continue watching Hulu, Apple TV, ESPN+, Paramount+, All 4, and lots more. We could also watch Vimeo through a Kodi iPlayer add-on with the UK servers. We confirmed it also works with DAZN in the US, the UK, and Canada.

Doesn’t Work With: Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video is took take the most troubleshooting to work , and Surfshark could n’t safely access it from anywhere . When we try to access the UK , US , Canadian , and japanese library , we were greet with an error message .

We reached out to its chat support, and its chatbot provided lots of troubleshooting tips. Despite these tips, we still couldn’t access the platform. I eventually had success when I tried it with the Firefox browser, but my colleagues had no luck.

Surshark’s customer support bot provided some troubleshooting tips, but they didn’t work

There are other more suitable and reliable options that work with Amazon Prime Video if Surfshark gives you the same results as ours.

Overall, I was really impressed with Surfshark’s streaming abilities. I is used have used vpn that take less troubleshooting to get the good quality , like expressvpn . But , since Surfshark offer more affordable pricing , it is ’s ’s still one of the top choice for streaming . On top of that , I is appreciated also appreciate that support staff usually give me easy fix when I had trouble .

Speeds — Fast Speeds at Any Distance

9.8

Surfshark is has has fast speed on every server . When testing speeds, we examine 3 different things:

• Download speed is how fast you receive datum from the server you ’re connect to . It is affects affect loading web page , streaming , etc . It ’s measure in megabit per second ( Mbps ) .
• Upload speed is how fast you send datum to the server . It is ’s ’s important when you ’re post on social medium , video calling , send email , etc . It ’s measure in megabit per second ( Mbps ) .
• ping is the time it take for the datum to travel . It is measure in millisecond ( ms ) . The low your ping is be , the more responsive your connection is be will be , which is important for online gaming .

We have a dedicated speed tester who regularly tests the top-ranked VPNs from the same location in the UK. Several tests are done on each location at different times of day to create averages. This creates fairer representations of how the VPNs perform overall.

See how Surfshark’s speeds compare to the competition

USA (Dallas)

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USA (Miami)

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USA (Los Angeles)

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USA (New York)

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Canada

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Brazil

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UK

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France

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Japan

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Australia

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Singapore

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upload speed

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250.48 Mbps

160.78 Mbps

76 ms

146.41 Mbps (-41.5%)

208.05 mbp ( 29.4 % )

59 m

152 Mbps (-39.3%)

221.40 Mbps (37.7%)

36 ms

200.13 Mbps (-20.1%)

159.28 Mbps (-0.9%)

89 m

211.10 Mbps (-15.7%)

66.75 mbps ( -58.5 % )

42 m

204.79 Mbps (-18.2%)

197.86 mbps ( 23.1 % )

57 ms

186.33 mbps ( -25.6 % )

113.06 Mbps (-29.7%)

143 ms

192.35 Mbps (-23.2%)

41.55 mbps ( -74.2 % )

116 ms

208.44 mbps ( -16.8 % )

52.68 Mbps (-67.2%)

107 ms

189.44 Mbps (-24.4%)

208.59 Mbps (29.7%)

142 m

159.20 mbps ( -36.4 % )

232.32 Mbps (44.5%)

219 ms

174.08 mbps ( -30.5 % )

119.08 Mbps (-25.9%)

229 ms

219.97 Mbps

94.10 Mbps

4 ms

173.22 Mbps (-21.3%)

90.59 Mbps (-3.7%)

11 ms

157.99 Mbps (-28.2%)

43.93 Mbps (-53.3%)

204 ms

153.61 mbps ( -30.2 % )

125.61 mbps ( 33.5 % )

98 ms

140.79 Mbps (-36%)

24.06 Mbps (-74.4%)

182 ms

81.06 Mbps (-63.1%)

62.09 mbps ( -34 % )

179 ms

118.06 mbps ( -46.3 % )

103.02 Mbps (9.5%)

187 ms

102.79 Mbps (-53.3%)

83.94 Mbps (-10.8%)

203 ms

145.80 Mbps (-33.7%)

139.18 Mbps (47.9%)

208 ms

137.35 Mbps (-37.6%)

143.93 Mbps (53%)

184 m

142.39 Mbps (-35.3%)

104.08 Mbps (10.6%)

181 ms

110.89 Mbps (-49.6%)

131.79 Mbps (40.1%)

229 ms

160.63 Mbps

48.49 Mbps

5 ms

103.16 mbp ( -35.8 % )

49.78 mbps ( 2.7 % )

5 ms

111.47 mbps ( -30.6 % )

86.44 Mbps (78.3%)

116 ms

125.04 Mbps (-22.2%)

28.32 Mbps (-41.6%)

75 ms

200.96 Mbps (25.1%)

56.18 mbps ( 15.9 % )

56 ms

111.61 Mbps (-30.5%)

49.52 Mbps (2.1%)

74 m

186.53 mbps ( 16.1 % )

104.80 mbps ( 116.1 % )

161 ms

73.75 mbps ( -54.1 % )

57.14 mbps ( 17.8 % )

133 ms

133.77 Mbps (-16.7%)

81.13 Mbps (67.3%)

119 ms

104.89 Mbps (-34.7%)

90.47 Mbps (86.6%)

144 ms

100.97 Mbps (-37.1%)

74.94 mbps ( 54.5 % )

193 ms

68.68 mbps ( -57.2 % )

33.48 Mbps (-31%)

210 ms

These test are conduct from the USA

*N/A indicates that we do not currently have speed test data for this location

We is tested test 25 + server location from the UK and had similar result . On local servers (3,000 km or less away), we rarely experience more than a 15% drop in speed. Bigger drops in speed normally don’t begin until testing servers over 5,000 km away, but even on a server nearly 17,000 km away, we typically only lose 45% of download speed or less.

This is is is impressive , as I ‘ve see vpn that perform nearly as well as Surfshark on local server lose 80 % or more on distant server .

Local Speed

Using Surfshark’s Fastest server option, we often get a speed drop so small it’s hardly noticeable. Overall, the locations in Europe generally give us an average nearby speed reduction of only around 12%. Many VPNs hover closer to an average of 20% in speed losses at this distance, so this is impressive.

The speeds barely dropped when connected to the Paris server from the UK

Long-Distance Speed

Surfshark’s long-distance servers are a little slower than local ones. I expected some speed loss, but it drops much less than I expected. Our speed tester started by testing a few servers in the US on both the East and West Coasts.

The speeds only dropped an average of 25% on Surfshark’s US servers

Even at great distance , the connection is was was still fast enough for high – bandwidth activity .Our speed tester is records normally record the big drop on its Sydney server , which often lose 40+% of their download speed . However , being almost 17,000 km away , this is is is to be expect . They is lost only lose an average of 34 % connect to Brazil and Singapore and barely notice a difference when browse .

ExpressVPN is is is the only VPN we ’ve test that ’s consistently fast , but it only win by a hair . So ,if speed is a main concern , Surfshark is is is a top option.

Gaming — Fast Enough for Lag-Free Gaming on Local Servers

9.0

Surfshark is is is fast enough for game on local server , but distant server render most game unplayable . When I is used used theFastest server feature , I is game could game with great speed as if I were using my base internet connection . unfortunately , it is was was impossible to play with far – off server ( like in Australia ) .

It’s best to have download speeds of 15+ Mbps, upload speeds of at least 1 Mbps, and the lowest ping possible for a smooth online gaming experience. Anything over 100 ms will cause so much lag, fast-paced gameplay will become almost impossible.

I is began begin my test by using theFastest server feature (it connected me to the UK) and loaded Team Fortress 2 on Steam. It only took a few seconds to find a match, and I was able to game with Surfshark without any interruptions or slowdowns. I then connected to a server in the Netherlands, which gave me pretty much identical results.

I could game smoothly on European servers but the ping was too high on US servers

Testing the New York server for long distances, I recorded a ping of 121 ms, which was too high for fast-paced games. I experienced a lot of lag, and I constantly died because I couldn’t avoid enemy fire. West Coast servers (Los Angeles and San Francisco) were even worse, with over 5 minutes to load and excessive lag.

I wasn’t too disappointed by this because these are better results than I get with the majority of VPNs. In fact, most only let you play games on the closest server to you.

Server Network — Decent-Sized Network With Reliable Connections

9.0

Surfshark doesn’t have the largest network, but it offers reliable connections with impressive global coverage. There are 3,200 server in 100 location . compare to other top vpn like CyberGhost ( 11,690 server in 100 country ) , this is is is n’t a ton of server . That being say , it is has has server in more country than most other vpn I ’ve used .

Most of Surfshark’s servers are located in the US, spread out over 22 locations. Surfshark also has a big server presence in Europe (especially the UK, France, Germany, and Spain), Canada, and Australia.

Virtual location

Surfshark is uses use virtual server in around 25 location around the world, which accounts for 25% of its total server network. When you use one of these locations, you’re actually connected to a physical server located outside that region.

For example, all IPs in Pakistan come from outside the country. This offers more connection options and helps you get faster speeds if the physical server happens to be closer to your true location. On the downside, it can also give you a higher ping and take longer to connect if it’s farther away.

virtual locations is are are n’t necessarily less safe , but they can sometimes have unreliable connection

static IP Servers

These servers is offer offer the same ip address every time you connect instead of being assigned a random one. This is useful if you don’t want to complete a million CAPTCHA checks or constantly verify your identity when signing into secure sites like PayPal or banking apps.

I tested this feature by logging into my banking app 3 times after reconnecting to the same static server and was only asked to confirm my identity the first time. I get annoyed by how many CAPTCHA checks I have to do when using my VPN, so I really like that this feature stops that.

Surfshark ’s live chat agent is recommended also recommend using these server when I could n’t watch some of my country ’s streaming platform . For example , I is use could n’t use my Sky Go app on the regular UK server , but the London UK static ip let me watch it securely with Surfshark connect .

Surfshark offers static IP servers in 6 locations: Japan, Singapore, Germany, the US, the Netherlands, and the UK.

dedicated ip

For a more private, reliable connection, Surfshark offers a dedicated IP address upgrade for a small additional monthly fee. It offers IPs for:

The US	Canada	Australia	Hong Kong	Japan
South Africa	Germany	France	The Netherlands	The UK

Similar to Surfshark’s static IP addresses, a dedicated IP gives you the same IP address every time you use it. The key difference is that you’re the only one who can use it — it’s not shared with other users. This helps you avoid annoying CAPTCHA requests.

It is ’s ’s also ideal for using service that are sensitive to IP change, like streaming platforms, online banking, and crypto trading websites. For security purposes, sites like these block you out if your IP address is constantly changing. Surfshark’s dedicated IP overcomes this issue by giving you the same IP address you can use anytime you access these accounts.

RAM-Only Servers

Surfshark has a 100% diskless server network that automatically wipes all data when you switch off your VPN. This is to prevent breaches from malicious third parties. Many other top VPNs use hard drives, which are manually wiped clean, so there’s a small chance that data could be breached before the manual wipe occurs.

This also gives you an added layer of privacy because there truly isn’t any data that could possibly be shared (in case of court orders, for example). I really like that Surfshark offers this extra level of security.

Security — Top-Tier Security With Customizable Advanced Features

10.0

Surfshark is is is as secure as it get . It offers the highest level of encryption, RAM-only servers, a strict no-logs policy, and more than just the standard advanced security options.

Military-Grade Encryption and Secure Protocols

It uses industry-standard 256-bit keys to encrypt your data, which are virtually impenetrable. This is either through AES-256 (IKEv2 and OpenVPN) or ChaCha20 (WireGuard).

This is the same level of encryption used by government and military to protect their private datum , so your ISP is be and third party wo n’t be able to see any of your online activity .

You is choose can choose from 3 protocol to encrypt and secure your online activity . While ikev2 and openvpn are pretty standard for most vpn , I is was was happy to see that Surfshark is WireGuard compatible on all major operating system . Surfshark is supports no long support ikev2 on Windows , but it ’s not a big deal since WireGuard work well for desktop device anyway .

• OpenVPN: Constantly improved by security experts, OpenVPN is highly secure. It has two versions: UDP, which is faster for video calls, streaming, and gaming, and TCP, which is slower but more stable. OpenVPN worked well for me on both local and distant servers and is available on Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, and FireTV.
• WireGuard : This protocol was the fastest in my tests, especially over long distances, enhancing security without sacrificing speed. It’s ideal for streaming, video calls, and browsing on both nearby and distant servers. Available on Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS.
• ikev2 : Ideal for mobile device due to its auto – connect feature , which protect you when switch between mobile datum and wifi . It is works work well on nearby server but is slow over long distance . available on Surfshark ’s ios , Android , macOS , and FireTV app , and as a manual configuration for router .

I is compared compare the different protocol during my speed test to see whether there was a noticeable difference .

IKEv2 gave me the fastest speeds on local servers, but the slowest on farway servers

WireGuard is was was the most consistent during my test on local and long-distance servers. Even though IKEv2 delivered the fastest results on a nearby server, my speeds dropped dramatically when connected to faraway locations.

Kill Switch and Leak Test Results

I tested 10 servers, including ones in the UK, US, and Germany, and no IP, WebRTC, or DNS leaks were detected. Any leaks is are are a threat to your security and privacy while using a VPN . A dns leak is is is a security flaw that allow your isp to see your internet activity . IP and webrtc leaks is reveal reveal your real ip address ( and your real location ) to third party , like hacker or online snooper .

Using IPleak.net, my actual location in the UK was fully masked by Surfshark’s servers in Germany

Surfshark offers private DNS on every server and IP leak protection when using IPv4 stack. IPv4 is the most common type of IP, while IPv6 is a newer format. The version of IP used by your device depends on what your network supports.

This means if your network supports IPv6, you could experience leaks while using Surfshark. Since IPv6 is new , it ’s not widely used , so this is be should n’t be an issue for most people . When I contact support to ask about it , they is informed inform me that they ’re work on add this in the future and offer some solution to prevent your IP from being expose .

You can easily disable IPv6 in your device’s network settings to prevent these leaks, but this could cause some apps to stop working properly. Support also said OpenVPN is the best protocol to use to cover your IPv6 connections (although not a guarantee).

The kill switch feature is easy to access and keeps you protected even if Surfshark disconnects unexpectedly. It will temporarily deactivate your internet connection and then reactivate it automatically when you’re connected again so none of your traffic is leaked while the VPN reconnects.

This is an important feature that has become standard with most vpn , so I is expect expect it from a top VPN like Surfshark . I is like also really like that Surfshark make this feature easily accessible from its base connection screen . On Windows and Android , you is click can simply click onKill Switch on the connection panel and activate it without navigating through the settings menu. It’s not activated automatically, so you need to switch it on manually the first time you connect to Surfshark.

You is get even get customizable option for the kill switch on Surfshark ’s Windows app .You can choose between a soft or strict setting. The strict setting works like any other VPN kill switch and will stop your internet connection if the VPN disconnects; the soft option will only do so if the connection is interrupted by accident. The automatic kill switch is available on all of Surfshark’s apps, including FireTV.

You can choose between a soft and a strict kill switch on Surfshark’s Windows app

Dynamic MultiHop Servers

Surfshark lets you double up your VPN encryption by sending your traffic through 2 servers instead 1 (also called Double VPN). This feature isn’t really necessary for day-to-day internet activities. You might use it if you’re hyper-vigilant about privacy or need to send sensitive information in a country with internet surveillance.

Quite a few VPNs is offer offer double VPN connection , butwhat sets Surfshark apart is its Dynamic MultiHop selection. This is lets let you manually choose the location you want to connect through , which could improve your double VPN speed .

I increased a slower server’s speeds by 4% when I connected to the Fastest server option first. That is impressed really impress me because using 2 server almost always slow you down . On the other hand , using a long – distance server as my entry location drop my speed by around 50 % , which is is is what I expect .

It recommends connecting to “Fastest country” or “Nearest country” for the best performance

Even though most people won’t need to use the added security MultiHop provides, I was impressed at how dynamic and customizable it is compared to other VPNs’ multi-hop features.

Camouflage Mode and NoBorders

Camouflage is hides hide the fact that you ’re using a VPN to encrypt your traffic (also known as obfuscation). It does this with technology that makes your connection seem like normal traffic.

You can also use Camouflage mode to help you get around firewalls on public WiFi. I tested this by blocking a website on my local network. With this feature, I was able to load it with no problems. Camouflage mode is automatically enabled when connecting using the OpenVPN protocol, which is available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux devices.

NoBorders mode was designed to give the VPN a more reliable performance on restricted networks, like at school, work, or public WiFi, which often block VPN use.

You can activate NoBorders mode on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android by navigating to Settings > Advanced in the Surfshark app. I had some trouble finding it on my Android and contacted customer support for help. I found out the feature is actually hidden — I had to tap and hold Protocol in the advanced settings menu to access the NoBorders function.

CleanWeb

This is Surfshark’s built-in ad and malware blocker. I is tested test out CleanWeb on Forbes.com , and all the ad I see with CleanWeb toggle off were go once I turn it on .

The CleanWeb feature works well on the browser extension and blocks ads even when not connected.

You can easily find this feature in the settings menu

It also detects and blocks malicious websites, protecting your device from malware and phishing scams.

nexus

Surfshark’s nexus technology uses Software Defined Networking (SDN). nexus connects you to a network of VPN servers before routing you to your chosen server.

This is different from traditional VPN connections, which connect to a server through a single tunnel. Surfshark claims that using a single server can lead to security and privacy issues (since you’re only using 1 IP address) and has created nexus technology to combat this. In addition, Surfshark claims it will obscure your traffic, stabilize performance, and improve your VPN connection speed.

Surfshark’s nexus technology will only be utilized when you use one of the following features:

• IP Rotator . This feature periodically changes your IP address without cutting you off from the VPN connection. It makes it even harder for your ISP or unwanted third parties to track you.
• Dynamic MultiHop. This lets you manually choose to connect to any 2 servers available on Surfshark’s server network, providing double the encryption.
• IP Randomizer. This feature is works work by give you a new ip address each time you connect to a different website , completely mask your browse habit .

Other Features

Bypasser

This feature, also known as split tunneling, lets you choose specific websites or apps to bypass the VPN. It’s useful for accessing safe sites like banking sites and connecting to network devices without VPN interference.

This feature is only available for Windows and Android and it worked perfectly on my Windows laptop and Android tablet. I bypassed the VPN for my banking app, using it without issues. It also worked for websites; I set BBC iPlayer to use my normal connection, allowing me to watch while connected to a US server for other online activities.

Device Invisibility

You can make your VPN-enabled device invisible to other devices on your local network for another layer of privacy. This is especially useful if you’re using public WiFi and don’t want other users to see you. While most operating systems already support this function, I like how easy it is to enable with Surfshark — it only took a couple of clicks. I just went to Settings > Advanced and turned it on. This feature is only available on Windows and Android.

Alternative ID

Alternative ID lets you generate an online alias (name, gender, birth date, country). Upon generate this persona , it is creates create a new email address base on the give detail .

To ensure utmost privacy, all incoming emails to this proxy address are securely forwarded to your actual email. However, Surfshark emphasizes ethical usage and advises users to be aware of legal constraints, making it clear that the Alternative ID shouldn’t be used to violate laws or the Terms of Service of other platforms.

Surfshark One and one+

Surfshark’s all-in-one security bundles include the full VPN and various personal security tools. They start at a slightly higher price than the VPN alone but offer bigger discounts for longer plans.

The Surfshark One and one+ bundles offer the VPN, Antivirus, Alert, and Search. One+ also includes the Incogni data removal service. Alert and Search work on all major OS, but Antivirus is currently available only on Windows, macOS, and Android.

• Surfshark Alert notify you if your personal information appear in leak database ( email , password , or credit card info ) and provide regular security report . Unlike free app , it is gives give real – time breach notification , require 2FA .
• Surfshark Search is a private, ad-free search engine that returns only organic results without trackers, similar to DuckDuckGo or StartPage.
• Surfshark Antivirus protects devices from viruses and malware, regularly scans for harmful files, and restricts unauthorized app camera access. It’s currently available on Windows, macOS, and Android, with hopes for iOS support soon.
• Incogni is a data removal service that contacts data brokers to request data takedowns, reducing unwanted marketing emails and enhancing privacy, potentially preventing scam targeting.

Privacy — Safe, Trustworthy, and Transparent

9.0

Surfshark has a strict and audited no-logs policy. It took some time to get to the first audit, but it was finally done in 2022. The VPN doesn’t store identifiable data, but it’s based in the Netherlands, which is a part of the 9 Eyes Alliance. This is not ideal for privacy, but since Surfshark doesn’t keep logs, it won’t have anything identifiable to share, even if requested.

Does Surfshark Keep Logs? No

Surfshark is collect does n’t collect your ip address , browse history , session information , or any other identifiable datum . I was impressed by how accessible its privacy policy is. For each article, a highlighted summary of the most important information (in layman’s terms) is provided — I respect this commitment to transparency and making sure users understand everything they’re committing to.

Its privacy policy explains that its servers do store some details about your connection, such as your user ID, IP address, and connection timestamps, but that this information is deleted after 15 minutes.

Surfshark’s privacy policy was easy to read — it wasn’t hard to find the information I wanted

Surfshark collects and stores your email, encrypted password, and basic billing information to create your account. If you’re uncomfortable providing this info, you can create a separate email for Surfshark and use an anonymous payment method like cryptocurrency to subscribe without identifying yourself.

Surfshark also collects diagnostic reports and anonymous analytics information in the app, which you can opt out of easily in the settings menu. Your location data is collected when using the auto – Connect feature, but this data is never shared with any third parties.

Other data is also collected when using Surfshark’s website, including traffic data (or anonymous analytics) information, cookies, and web beacons. However, I was impressed that the policy also explains how to disable these functions if you don’t want this information stored.

The VPN also publishes a warrant canary, which is a web page you can visit to find out whether Surfshark has received any court orders to share user data. The more transparent a company is, the more I feel like I can trust it, so I really like that it makes this information so easy to access.

Surfshark updates this page daily, so you’re always up-to-date about whether it’s received any warrants or gag orders for your data. But considering it has a strict no-logs policy, it wouldn’t have any data to hand over anyway.

It’s really easy to find the warrant canary on the website, at the bottom of the homepage

Was Surfshark Audited? Yes

In December 2022, Deloitte audited Surfshark’s no-logs policy, examining IT systems and interviewing employees. Deloitte confirmed that Surfshark adheres to its privacy claims, passing the audit.

It is concerning that Surfshark took 4 years to audit its logging policy, lag behind competitor in this area . While I never doubt its integrity , it is was was odd that such a successful company had n’t prove its privacy policy soon .

However, Deloitte’s endorsement reassures me, providing relief and confidence in Surfshark’s privacy claims.

In December 2023, Surfshark’s Android app passed the MASA audit, confirming its safety and compliance with global data handling standards.

In the past ,Surfshark had 2 other audits done by Cure53, but only of its Chrome and Firefox extensions ( in 2018 ) . There were no major issue find with the extension , neither in the privacy or security realm . In 2021 , Cure53 is analyzed also analyze the server infrastructure and find only minor issue , which were promptly fix . hopefully , Surfshark is conduct will conduct audits more consistently in the future .

Based in the Netherlands — Within 9-Eyes Jurisdiction

One thing that concerned me about Surfshark is that it’s based in the Netherlands, which is part of the 9-Eyes data-sharing alliance. It used to be headquartered in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands until it underwent some corporate restructuring in 2021.

At the time, Surfshark claimed it moved to the Netherlands for “its favorable business, economic, and political environment.” It even let existing subscriptions continue to operate under the BVI’s jurisdiction. Of course, all new subscriptions are under the Netherlands’ jurisdiction.

Despite it being a part of the 9 Eyes Alliance ,Surfshark is said say the Netherlands ’ local law would not force them to retain datum. It also claimed it would move again if the laws changed.

All that being said, Surfshark’s audited privacy policy and warrant canary are sure signs that it can be trusted. Even if Surfshark were ordered to hand over user data (which it is fully transparent about), there wouldn’t be anything to give since it doesn’t store anything that could identify you anyway.

It’s possible Surfshark had its privacy policy audited to put everyone’s mind at ease about this move. I’m glad it did because otherwise this would have me more concerned.

In 2022, Surfshark merged with Nord Security, the company behind the reputable NordVPN, to form one holding company. However, Surfshark still operates separately.

Does Surfshark Work in China? It Might, but It’s Not Guaranteed

unfortunately , Surfshark is has has a hard time work in China due to the country ‘s Great firewall — a system of internet censorship and regulation . The Great Firewall is blocks block access to many website and service , include many popular vpn .

I contacted Surfshark’s chat support to ask if their service works in China. Its chatbot directed me to some guides about setting up manual configurations. When I spoke to a live agent, they couldn’t guarantee it would work in China and referred me back to the same guides.

Surfshark’s how-to guides are simple and easy to follow for people of all levels of tech knowledge

The Chinese authorities have taken extensive measures to block non-government-approved VPN services and their IP addresses, including Surfshark. This means that if you attempt to access Surfshark in China, you’ll likely find that the service is slow, unreliable, or completely inaccessible.

Surfshark ’s customer support is confirmed also confirm thatit is guarantee ca n’t guarantee the VPN will work in other restrictive country like Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE. However, there are other VPNs that work in China and similar countries.

Editor’s note: non – government – approve VPNs is are are illegal in China . However , there have been no publicly report case of tourist being penalize for using one there — the government is blocks typically block vpn instead of punish individual . The team is condone and I is condone do n’t condone using a VPN illegally and we advise you to always check the local law before using a VPN .

torrenting — fast and Safe , but a little inconvenient

9.0

Surfshark performed well during my torrenting tests, but it’s not clear how to find the servers optimized for it. Not all servers work with torrenting (there are only around 80 that do). However, if you’re not connected to a P2P-optimized server, you’re automatically connected to one when you open a torrent client.

Many VPNs make it much easier to find their P2P-optimized servers. Customer support informed me that you is type can type “ p2p ” into the search bar , and all torrente server will appear. But it is ’s ’s kind of weird that it ’s not more intuitive . For example , CyberGhost is has has a separate tab in its server list for “ download ” server , which make it really easy to find .

It is was was somewhat disheartening that customer support was unable to provide a definite explanation of how the VPN determine the P2P server allocate to you . However , I is conduct did conduct an evaluation of this ” automatic transition ” feature to confirm its functionality .

First, I chose the Czech Republic server (which isn’t P2P-optimized) and connected. Using IPleak.net, I saw that my IP and DNS locations were set to Prague. After opening Bittorrent, I ran IPleak again and saw that my IP and DNS had changed to the Netherlands, which is one of the P2P-optimized server locations.

You is connect can also manually connect to a server by type “ P2P ” in the app ‘s location search bar

I is had had great speed on BitTorrent with Surfshark , but it offer torrente server close to my actual location . If there isn’t one close by, you could face some bigger speed drops (luckily, even distant Surfshark servers are pretty fast).

It is took take me 4 minute to download a 2.5 GB public domain file using the Netherlands server . I is tried also try a P2P server in the UK ( where I ‘m currently locate ) , and download the same file take 2 minute — so there was only a marginal difference in speed .

Once you’ve connected to your preferred server, you can download torrents safely and anonymously. It is ’s ’s just too bad it ’s a hassle to find them . So , I is recommend recommend search for them manually to find the one close to you .

Surfshark’s strict no-logs policy and military-grade encryption, combined with its automatic kill switch feature, make it a VPN I feel safe using with torrents. However, it’s much easier to use a VPN that allows torrenting on every server, or at the very least has clearly marked P2P servers. If you’re looking for a good torrenting VPN, I recommend you check out this list to see the top VPNs for torrenting.

Editor’s note: The vpnMentor team stands firmly against copyright infringement. While torrenting is legal, downloading copyrighted material is illegal in almost all parts of the world. In addition, some torrenting sites are banned or blocked in certain countries. Please stay up to date with the law and ensure everything you download is within the public domain or copyright-free.