Surfshark VPN Review 2025

I approached this Surfshark review as if I were evaluating it for my own long-term use. Over several weeks, I tested Surfshark on multiple devices (Windows PC, MacBook, Android phone, and iPhone) and networks. I streamed geo-blocked content, downloaded torrents, played online games, and browsed on public Wi-Fi to see how well Surfshark performs in real-world conditions. I paid close attention to connection speeds, security features, ease of use, and reliability.

To ensure accuracy, I also cross-referenced my findings with independent test results from other experts. This comprehensive approach allowed me to verify claims like Surfshark's no-logs policy, connection speeds, and streaming capabilities with objective data. All of this testing confirmed a clear picture: Surfshark is a top-notch VPN that excels in speed, security, and value, making only minor compromises in a few niche areas. Now, let's dive into the details.

Pros and Cons

Speed and Performance

One of the most important aspects of any VPN is how it affects your internet speed. In my tests, Surfshark proved to be one of the fastest VPNs I've ever used. Connected via the modern WireGuard protocol, Surfshark consistently delivered blazing-fast download speeds that nearly maxed out my 1 Gbps fiber connection. In fact, a UK test server achieved around 950 Mbps download when using a nearby server - essentially a negligible drop from the base speed. Even when connecting from Europe to a distant US server, I still saw similarly excellent throughput (also in the 900+ Mbps range). Very few VPNs can maintain this kind of performance over long distances; it puts Surfshark firmly among the fastest providers available.

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Independent benchmarks echo these results. In one set of lab tests, Surfshark retained about 81% of the base speed on average with WireGuard, translating to roughly 780 Mbps out of a 940 Mbps baseline. This is an outstanding retention rate - higher than many competitors - meaning you'll likely notice little to no slow-down in everyday browsing or streaming. Even with the older OpenVPN protocol, Surfshark managed respectable speeds (over 400 Mbps in my trials), which is more than enough for any high-bandwidth activity. The key takeaway is that Surfshark is easily fast enough for data-intensive tasks like 4K streaming or large downloads. For example, streaming UltraHD video only needs around 25 Mbps, a trivial ask for Surfshark's throughput capabilities.

Latency (ping) was generally low, though I did notice a quirk: when using WireGuard on the very closest server, my connection experienced some jitter (variability in ping) during one morning test. It was an isolated incident and did not recur in later tests, but it's worth noting for users who rely on real-time applications like online gaming or video calls. Even with that, Surfshark's latency remained reasonable for gaming; and interestingly, using OpenVPN UDP sometimes yielded slightly lower ping than WireGuard in tests (around 106ms vs 123ms average in one analysis). In practical gaming sessions (e.g. playing Counter-Strike 2 and Fortnite through Surfshark), I experienced stable connections with no noticeable lag. So, Surfshark can handle online games smoothly, especially if you choose a VPN server close to your region.

Another minor observation was that Surfshark's app takes a second or two longer to establish a VPN connection compared to some rivals. On average it might take a few seconds to connect to a server, whereas providers like NordVPN or ExpressVPN often connect almost instantly. This slightly slower handshake isn't a major issue by any means - after a brief wait, the connection was solid and didn't drop unexpectedly. In fact, Surfshark introduced a feature called Everlink in mid-2025 to improve connection stability.

Everlink quietly works in the background to auto-recover dropped VPN connections without exposing your real IP. In my tests, I enabled Everlink and found that on the rare occasion the VPN connection faltered, it seamlessly reconnected. This reduces the chance of any IP leaks during a reconnection. It's not a flashy feature, but it adds to Surfshark's reliability - nobody likes troubleshooting random VPN dropouts, and I was glad Surfshark proactively addresses it.

Overall, Surfshark's speed and performance left me extremely impressed. Whether loading websites, downloading large files, or conducting video conferences, I rarely felt like I was on a VPN at all. Surfshark earned a spot at the top of my speed rankings because it simply gets out of the way and lets you use the internet as intended. If raw performance is a priority for you, Surfshark will not disappoint.

Streaming and Unblocking Content

Many people use VPNs to access region-locked streaming content, so I made sure to test Surfshark across multiple streaming platforms. The verdict: Surfshark is excellent for streaming. I was able to unblock Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Japan, and other regions without any issues. Shows and movies that were normally geo-restricted played in HD/4K quality without buffering or proxy errors. In fact, Surfshark worked on the first try for every Netflix region I tested, which is not something all VPNs manage consistently.

Beyond Netflix, I successfully streamed content on Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and HBO Max using Surfshark. The VPN had no trouble unlocking all these major platforms during my trial. Additionally, popular UK services like BBC iPlayer and ITVX, as well as other international sites (Channel 4, Australia's 9Now and 10 Play, etc.), were all accessible through various Surfshark servers. I appreciated that I didn't have to hunt for special "streaming" servers - every Surfshark server I tried could handle streaming, so you can simply connect to your country of choice and watch your favorite shows. This is great for VPN newcomers who might be confused by providers that offer separate lists of streaming-optimized servers. Surfshark keeps it simple.

In terms of performance, streaming with Surfshark was flawless. Thanks to the high speeds noted earlier, I experienced zero buffering or quality drops even when streaming 4K content on Netflix and Disney+. The WireGuard protocol especially shined here - it maintained fast and steady throughput, making it ideal for data-heavy streaming. Surfshark also provides a Smart DNS feature, which I tested on a smart TV that doesn't support VPN apps.

By configuring Surfshark's Smart DNS on the TV, I could still access US-exclusive content on Netflix and Hulu. Smart DNS won't encrypt your traffic like a VPN, but it's a useful bonus for devices like game consoles or Apple TV where you want to stream region-locked media without a VPN app.

If you're into torrenting (P2P file-sharing), Surfshark is equally up to the task. The service allows P2P traffic on all its servers (there are no segregated torrent servers), and my tests downloading Linux ISOs via BitTorrent were very smooth. Downloads were quick and I didn't encounter any throttling. Surfshark's speeds using WireGuard again stood out - large files downloaded swiftly and my IP address stayed hidden from peer lists. One thing to note is that Surfshark, unlike a few competitors, does not support port forwarding for torrents.

This means you might not be able to actively seed as effectively, since you can't open a specific incoming port. For most users casually downloading, this isn't a big issue - I was still able to seed files, albeit perhaps not as discoverably. But hardcore torrent seeders might consider this limitation. In my use, Surfshark's robust privacy and security features (discussed below) combined with its speed made it a great VPN for occasional torrenting.

To summarize, Surfshark proved to be a streaming and P2P powerhouse during my evaluation. It unblocks all major streaming platforms without a hitch and maintains fast, buffer-free playback. Torrenting works well too, with the only caveat being the lack of port forwarding, which is a fairly niche requirement. If one of your primary VPN uses is streaming foreign content or downloading via BitTorrent, Surfshark is among the best VPNs for those purposes.

Security and Privacy Features

Security is at the core of Surfshark's service, and I dug deep into its features and policies to verify its privacy claims. Right from the basics, Surfshark checks all the right boxes: it uses industry-standard AES-256-GCM encryption to protect your data traffic. AES-256 is essentially unbreakable by any realistic means and is trusted by governments and security experts worldwide. Additionally, Surfshark supports the WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols (OpenVPN can be used in either UDP or TCP mode).

These protocols are open-source and widely vetted for security, ensuring your data remains safe inside the VPN tunnel. I was actually glad to see Surfshark only offers these modern protocols - it doesn't use outdated or insecure options like PPTP or L2TP. This means even though Surfshark doesn't have a proprietary VPN protocol of its own (as NordVPN and ExpressVPN do), it sticks to the best available standards for both speed and security. In practice, I felt confident that my connections were secure against eavesdropping or tampering.

Surfshark provides a solid set of tools to prevent IP/DNS leaks and protect your privacy even if something goes wrong. A kill switch feature is available on all platforms, which I made sure to test. By default, the kill switch was off - I had to enable it in settings (a step I recommend every user do immediately). Once enabled, the kill switch will cut off all internet traffic if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops, thereby preventing your real IP from leaking.

In my tests, I simulated a sudden VPN crash and confirmed that Surfshark's kill switch halted traffic correctly until the VPN reconnected. Earlier versions apparently had some kill switch bugs, but Surfshark quickly fixed those and the feature was stable for me. I also appreciate that Surfshark offers two modes for the kill switch: a "lenient" mode that only engages on accidental disconnections, and a stricter mode that blocks internet any time the VPN isn't active. This level of customization is great - advanced users can opt for maximum security, while others might choose a less intrusive setting depending on their needs.

Another highlight is that all Surfshark VPN servers run on RAM-only infrastructure. This means the servers do not write any data to hard drives; all information is stored in volatile memory and is wiped clean on every reboot. From a privacy perspective, RAM-only servers greatly reduce the risk of any data remnants being left behind. Even if a server were seized or compromised, there would be no logs or user data for an attacker to retrieve. Many top VPNs (like ExpressVPN and NordVPN) have moved to RAM-only servers in recent years, and Surfshark is firmly in that elite group. It's one more reassurance that Surfshark is architected with privacy in mind.

Speaking of logs, Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, and I scrutinized their privacy policy to confirm this. The policy explicitly states that Surfshark does not collect any browsing history, IP addresses, session information, or other identifying data from VPN users. The only information they keep (briefly) is technical data needed to maintain the service (like load info), which is discarded regularly. Crucially, Surfshark's no-logs claims aren't just promises on paper - they have been independently audited multiple times. In fact, Surfshark has undergone audits of its no-logs policy by reputable firms Cure53 and Deloitte. Most recently (in 2023), Deloitte confirmed that Surfshark's servers showed no evidence of logs or data collection. Earlier, Cure53 had audited Surfshark's browser extensions and infrastructure in 2018 and 2021, also giving a positive security evaluation.

As a result, Surfshark joins a handful of VPNs that can back up their privacy promises with verified audits - a strong indicator that you can trust them with your data. Additionally, Surfshark maintains a warrant canary and quarterly transparency reports. These reveal that to date, they haven't had any incidents of handing over user information to authorities. Given that Surfshark is based in the Netherlands (which is part of international intelligence-sharing alliances), this transparency is reassuring. Even if Dutch law enforcement were to request data, Surfshark wouldn't have anything identifiable to share due to its no-logs stance.

Surfshark also bundles a variety of security extras that I found useful. One is DNS leak protection, which is built-in and ensured that all my DNS queries went through Surfshark's private DNS servers rather than my ISP (I confirmed via independent leak tests that there were no DNS leaks). There's also a NoBorders mode designed for use in restrictive regions - it helps the VPN bypass government censorship and firewalls. While I'm not in a country with heavy internet censorship, it's good to know Surfshark has a mode specifically to evade VPN blocks if needed.

Perhaps Surfshark's most talked-about security feature is MultiHop, which allows you to route your connection through two VPN servers instead of one. In the Surfshark app, MultiHop is easy to use - you can pick an entry server and an exit server from different countries, effectively double-encrypting your traffic and masking your trail across two locations. For instance, I tried a MultiHop from Germany to France, and it worked flawlessly, albeit with a slight speed reduction (as expected with two hops).

Surfshark recently improved this with Dynamic MultiHop, a part of their Nexus technology, which lets you customize any two server locations for your double VPN instead of being limited to preset pairs. I found this fantastic for flexibility - you could entry in one region and exit in another of your exact choosing. This is especially valuable for users in high-surveillance countries or anyone who wants an extra layer of anonymity. Keep in mind, multi-hop will add latency and is usually overkill for everyday use, but the option is there for those who need it.

Surfshark running on a laptop, showing the option to use MultiHop (double VPN) by choosing two server locations. The interface makes it easy to add an extra layer of encryption by routing through a second VPN server.

Another feature I tested was CleanWeb, Surfshark's built-in ad and malware blocker. CleanWeb operates at the DNS level to filter out ads, trackers, and malicious domains. I enabled it and browsed a variety of ad-heavy websites and noticed a significant reduction in ads - common banner ads and popups were blocked. In an independent test, Surfshark's CleanWeb was found to block about 84% of ads, which actually makes it more effective than some competitors' ad-blockers (for context, Proton VPN's NetShield blocked ~79% in the same test, while ExpressVPN's Threat Manager blocked ~90%).

That's a strong showing for Surfshark. However, when it came to phishing and malware domains, CleanWeb wasn't as strong - a custom test feeding 100 new malicious URLs resulted in only about 6-7% being blocked. This indicates that while CleanWeb is great for general ad-blocking, it shouldn't be relied upon as your sole anti-malware defense. Indeed, Surfshark itself offers a separate antivirus as part of its broader product suite (more on that shortly). For everyday browsing, though, I found CleanWeb very useful to have enabled - it made pages load cleaner and even a bit faster without the ad clutter.

One unique privacy feature Surfshark offers (that I haven't seen elsewhere) is Surfshark Alternative ID. This tool can generate a fake online identity for you at the click of a button. When I tried Alternative ID, it provided a fictitious name, email address, and other details which I could use to sign up for websites I didn't entirely trust. It's a clever way to avoid giving out your real personal information - essentially a built-in alias generator to dodge data brokers and marketers.

Similarly, Surfshark's Alternative Number feature (available as a premium add-on) can provide a secondary virtual phone number for verification texts or sign-ups. I didn't test this paid feature, but the concept is great for privacy-conscious users tired of sharing their real phone number. These kinds of tools show that Surfshark isn't just resting on being a VPN; it's innovating in the broader privacy space.

Finally, it's worth mentioning that Surfshark has expanded into a whole security suite beyond VPN. If you opt for the Surfshark One package, you get the VPN service plus Surfshark Antivirus, Surfshark Search, and Surfshark Alert. The antivirus provides real-time malware protection on your device; Search is a private, ad-free search engine; and Alert is a breach monitoring service that notifies you if your email or personal data appears in leaked databases. I tested Surfshark Search and found it returned clean results without the tracking you'd get on Google - it's a nice to-have for sensitive queries.

The antivirus also performed well in my limited trial (and has even earned certification from independent labs like AV-Test), though for hardcore Windows security I would still complement it with a dedicated solution if needed. Still, having an integrated antivirus that's lightweight is convenient and it detected a couple of EICAR test files I tried. It's clear Surfshark aims to be an all-in-one privacy solution - you can go from encrypting your connection to scanning downloads for malware to checking if your accounts were part of a data breach, all under one account. This comprehensive approach, combined with the VPN's core excellence in security, makes Surfshark feel like much more than just a VPN service.

Server Network and Coverage

Surfshark has an expansive network of servers around the globe, which is important for performance and accessing content in different regions. Currently, Surfshark operates 3200+ servers in 100 countries. This is a very wide country spread - covering all the major regions and then some. In fact, Surfshark's country count (100) surpasses many competitors like Private Internet Access (91 countries) and even ExpressVPN (which is around 94 countries). NordVPN offers servers in ~60 countries, so Surfshark actually beats Nord on that metric. There are even servers in less common locations like Macau (China SAR), which not many VPNs provide. The only notable absence is Russia (which is expected due to providers pulling out over censorship and privacy concerns).

While the country coverage is excellent, Surfshark's total number of servers (3200) is slightly lower than some top rivals. For comparison, NordVPN has over 5,000 servers, and CyberGhost more than 7,000. However, in practice, I found Surfshark's network size to be more than sufficient. I never encountered an overloaded server in my tests - speeds were consistently good, indicating that their server network has enough capacity.

Quality and distribution matter more than sheer numbers, and Surfshark seems to have a well-balanced network. No region felt underserved; there were plenty of servers across Europe, North and South America, Asia-Pacific, and even Africa and the Middle East. Unless you specifically need thousands of choices for some reason, Surfshark's network will feel just as robust as any other. And as mentioned, every server supports all activities (no segregated roles), which simplifies usage.

Surfshark is also transparent about its infrastructure. They clearly label in the app which locations are virtual servers and which are physical. A virtual server means the IP is registered in the country in question, but the physical server might be in another country (often used for locations that are difficult to maintain hardware in). For example, Surfshark offers an India location via virtual servers, since new regulations in India made it hard for no-log VPNs to operate there - this way users can still get an Indian IP address, but the server is actually elsewhere (likely Singapore or the UAE).

Surfshark's honesty in labeling these is great; some VPNs hide virtual locations and it can be misleading. Virtual servers have some inherent risk (traffic might route through a different jurisdiction), but Surfshark only uses them when necessary and you can always avoid them if you prefer. Moreover, since all Surfshark servers are RAM-only and under Surfshark's strict policies, I felt comfortable with whichever servers I used.

In summary, Surfshark's server network provides excellent global coverage and secure infrastructure. It may not boast the absolute highest server count, but it has servers where it counts and performs consistently across them. During my review, every region I connected to (from North America to Europe to Asia) gave me stable, fast connections. The combination of 100 countries covered and RAM-only servers means Surfshark offers both reach and security. Unless you have very specific needs for more servers or particular locations, Surfshark's network will more than meet the demands of most users.

Apps and Ease of Use

Surfshark offers apps for all major platforms, and I tested it on several to gauge the user experience. I used Surfshark on Windows 11, macOS, Android, and iOS, and also briefly tried the Linux version (which currently is a command-line interface). The desktop apps (Windows/Mac) have a clean, modern interface. Surfshark's design is minimalist - a single main window where you can connect to the "Fastest server" or "Nearest country" with one click, or expand the locations list to pick a specific server/country. The mobile apps are similarly straightforward, with an almost identical look and feel, which I appreciate when switching between devices. Within minutes of installing Surfshark, even a VPN newbie could figure out how to connect to a server.

The layout is intuitive, with clearly labeled toggles for features like CleanWeb, kill switch, etc. I also liked that the settings menus include brief descriptions of what each feature does, so you're not left guessing.

One standout aspect is that Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous device connections on one subscription. This is a huge selling point - I logged in with the same account on my PC, laptop, two smartphones, and a tablet all at once, and had them all connected concurrently without any hiccups. Very few VPNs offer truly unlimited connections; most top providers limit you to 5-10 devices at once. Surfshark's unlimited device policy means you can protect every gadget in your household with one account, and even share with family members, which provides tremendous value. Only a couple of other services (like IPVanish and PIA) have a similar policy, and often those alternatives come with trade-offs in other areas.

During my tests, I had at least half a dozen devices actively using Surfshark and I did not experience any slowdowns or account issues. If you're someone with many devices (phone, work laptop, personal laptop, tablet, smart TV, etc.), Surfshark is an ideal choice so you don't have to constantly log devices in and out to stay under a limit.

The Surfshark apps also pack in all the features mentioned earlier (MultiHop, Bypasser, CleanWeb, etc.) in a user-friendly way. For example, Bypasser is Surfshark's split-tunneling feature. In the Windows app, I was able to easily specify certain apps and websites to bypass the VPN (use my regular connection) while all other traffic stays in the VPN tunnel. I set my banking site and local streaming app to bypass, since some banks flag logins from VPN IPs. This worked as intended - I could do online banking on my real IP while the rest of my browsing was under VPN protection. The fact that Surfshark includes split-tunneling is great (not all VPNs have it on Windows/Mac). Do note, on iOS the split-tunneling feature isn't available due to platform restrictions, but Android has it.

Another convenience feature is Auto-connect. I tested this by adding my home Wi-Fi to a trusted list and enabling auto-connect for other networks. Sure enough, when I joined a coffee shop's public Wi-Fi, the Surfshark app automatically connected to the VPN within a couple of seconds. This gave me peace of mind on untrusted networks without any manual steps. Meanwhile, at home (trusted network), it didn't auto-connect, since I set it that way. Little touches like this show that Surfshark's apps are designed with practical use in mind.

Surfshark also provides browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, which are essentially lightweight VPN proxies (they only route browser traffic). These were actually audited by Cure53 in the past and found to be secure. I primarily used the full apps for testing, but if you only want to quickly spoof your location in the browser, the extensions are handy.

During my evaluation, I found Surfshark's apps to be stable and reliable. I did not encounter crashes or UI glitches. The VPN connection, once established, was very stable (no random disconnects). Surfshark is clearly investing in a smooth user experience. If I had to nitpick, one minor drawback in the interface is the lack of real-time indicators like server load or ping within the server list.

Some VPNs show the latency to each server or how crowded a server is, which can help in choosing the optimal one. Surfshark doesn't show this info in-app, so picking a server is a bit of trial and error if you're looking for the absolute fastest connection. That said, the "Fastest server" quick-connect option usually did a fine job selecting a speedy server for me. Also, given how fast Surfshark's network is overall, the difference between servers was not very noticeable in normal use.

Platform compatibility is broad: you can install Surfshark on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, plus setup on Amazon Fire TV and other smart TV platforms. There's also support for routers (via manual OpenVPN configuration) if you want to cover devices on your network that can't run a VPN app. I installed Surfshark on a Fire TV Stick and was streaming US Netflix on my TV within minutes, which shows how user-friendly it is across devices.

Overall, Surfshark delivers an excellent user experience. It's beginner-friendly - if you just need a one-click VPN, it works effortlessly - yet it also offers plenty of configuration for advanced users (custom DNS, protocol choice, whitelisting apps, etc.). The unlimited devices policy removes any friction of juggling connections. After using the apps extensively, I can confidently say that Surfshark is one of the more polished VPNs in terms of usability. It strikes a great balance between simplicity and powerful features.

Customer Support

Good customer support can be a lifesaver if you run into any issues with a VPN. In this category, Surfshark performs well, although there's some room for improvement. The company offers 24/7 live chat support, which I tested multiple times by asking both simple and technical questions. Before getting to a human agent, Surfshark presents an AI-powered chatbot when you open the support chat. The bot can answer very basic queries or direct you to relevant articles from Surfshark's knowledge base. I tried asking it about available server locations, and it promptly replied with a list of countries and a link to the server info page. For simple things, the chatbot is actually a time-saver.

However, for more complex questions (like troubleshooting a connection issue on a specific device), I preferred speaking to a human. Switching to a human agent was easy - within the chat I just indicated I needed more help and I was quickly connected to a support representative. The human support experience was great: responses came within a minute or two, and the agents were friendly and knowledgeable.

I asked one agent about configuring Surfshark on a Linux router; they not only provided a step-by-step guide link but also offered to walk me through it live. Another time, I inquired about Surfshark's encryption ciphers and the rep was able to provide details (AES-256-GCM and even mentioned the use of ChaCha20 for mobile in certain cases). It's clear the support staff are well-trained on the product, not just reading from scripts.

In addition to live chat, Surfshark has a comprehensive online knowledge base with lots of tutorials and FAQs. There are guides for setting up the VPN on pretty much every platform, troubleshooting common errors, and even explaining features in depth. I found the "Surfshark Academy" or "Surfschool" section particularly useful for beginners - it has general VPN usage tips and best practices for privacy. If you're the type who likes to solve things on your own, chances are you'll find the answer in these articles without needing to contact support.

Surfshark also offers support via email. I sent a test email with a question about their Nexus technology features (Dynamic MultiHop and IP Rotator), and got a detailed reply in about 4 hours - which is decent for email support. The email was well-written and directly addressed what I asked, indicating again that Surfshark's support team is on the ball.

Overall, I'd rate Surfshark's customer support as very good. The presence of 24/7 live chat is the most important factor, and Surfshark delivers on that with quick and effective help. The initial AI chatbot might not solve complex issues, but it didn't hinder the experience and can be bypassed easily. With an extensive knowledge base supplementing the live help, users have plenty of resources. This matches what I expect from a top-tier VPN provider - in line with what NordVPN or ExpressVPN offer in support. During my testing period, I always felt that help was readily available if needed, which adds confidence in using the service long-term.

Pricing and Plans

Surfshark's value-for-money is one of its biggest strengths. For a premium VPN with this level of performance and features, Surfshark's pricing is extremely affordable. The company's pricing structure offers three main plan lengths, often with promotions running:

• 24-month (2-year) plan - This is by far the best deal. At the time of writing, the 2-year plan costs around $2.19 per month, and they frequently throw in extra months free (e.g., 2 years + 3 months). That comes out to roughly $60 for 27 months of service, which is a steal. Surfshark's long-term price undercuts almost every major competitor. (For context, NordVPN's 2-year plan is about $3+ per month, and ExpressVPN is even higher around $6-$7+ per month on annual terms.) Surfshark is genuinely one of the cheapest VPNs in the top-tier category, rivaled only by some like PIA for multi-year value.
• 12-month (1-year) plan - This usually runs about $3 to $3.50 per month after any discounts. Still quite affordable and on par with or lower than most other VPNs' annual plans. If you don't want to commit to two years, the yearly option is a good middle ground.
• 1-month plan - Priced around $12 to $15 for a single month, which is significantly higher per month (as expected). Surfshark's monthly rate is similar to others' monthly rates, which tend to be $10-$15. So, month-to-month Surfshark isn't particularly special in price. But it's there if you just need a VPN for a short time or want to try without a longer commitment.

All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so it's risk-free to test Surfshark yourself and get a refund if it doesn't meet your expectations. There's also a 7-day free trial available on mobile (Android/iOS) - you can activate the trial via the app store and it applies to all devices on your account once initiated.

One thing to be aware of is that Surfshark, like many VPNs, has an introductory pricing model. The terrific $2-ish per month rate on the 2-year plan is a first-term promo. When it renews, the price goes up (currently to about $4.98/month if you let it renew). This is worth noting, as the renewal rate is roughly double. It's still not terribly high in absolute terms, but the jump is there. Many users manage this by turning off auto-renew and looking for a new promotion or even switching providers after the term. Surfshark is transparent about the renewal pricing, so just keep it in mind; the initial deal is the big draw, and it's a one-time bargain unless you catch another loyalty offer later.

Surfshark offers a few different product tiers now: the Standard (VPN-only) plan, Surfshark One, and One+. The Standard plan (sometimes just called "Starter") includes the VPN service with all core features (CleanWeb, MultiHop, etc.) and unlimited devices - this is what the base prices above refer to. Surfshark One adds the antivirus, Search, and Alert features on top of VPN for only a small bump in price (often just $0.5 extra per month on long plans). If you want those extras, One is a solid value - during my subscription I actually opted for Surfshark One because the added cost was minimal.

One+ further includes the Incogni data-removal service (which helps scrub your info from data brokers). Incogni is a more niche product and One+ is pricier, so it's only worth it if you have a strong need for that service. The nice thing is Surfshark gives you the flexibility to choose based on your needs and budget. Even the top-tier package with everything (One+) was around $4-5 per month on the 2-year plan, which is still less than many VPN-only services from competitors.

Surfshark vs. Other Top VPNs

How does Surfshark compare to other popular VPN providers? Having used many of the big names, I'd position Surfshark right alongside the likes of NordVPN and ExpressVPN in terms of quality, often surpassing them in certain areas. Here's a brief comparison:

• NordVPN: NordVPN has long been a top-rated service, known for its rich features and fast speeds. In my experience, Surfshark matches NordVPN on speed - both are extremely fast (in fact, some tests found Surfshark even edged out Nord in raw download speed). NordVPN offers a few things like Tor over VPN servers and a new Meshnet feature, plus NordLynx (its WireGuard variant) protocol. But Surfshark's feature set is nearly as robust, with the only notable absence being those specialty servers and a proprietary protocol. On the other hand, Surfshark has unlimited devices (Nord allows 6) and is significantly cheaper.

  Both have advanced security (RAM servers, audits, etc.), though Nord has been around longer with more audits under its belt. Ultimately, NordVPN might have a slight edge for power users wanting every bell and whistle, but Surfshark is a worthy alternative that gives you 90% of Nord's benefits at a fraction of the cost. In fact, Surfshark's "feature set [is] second only to NordVPN," as one review put it, and it excels on privacy and speed. For most users, I'd say Surfshark will feel just as capable as NordVPN day-to-day.

• ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is renowned for its ease of use and solid performance, but it's also one of the pricier options. When comparing with Surfshark, ExpressVPN has a very user-friendly interface (perhaps even more polished in some ways) and strong security, but it limits you to 8 simultaneous devices and doesn't have as many extra features. Surfshark actually offers more in terms of built-in utilities (ad blocker, MultiHop, etc.), whereas ExpressVPN sticks mostly to basics with its proprietary Lightway protocol and split tunneling. Speed-wise, ExpressVPN is fast but in my testing Surfshark (with WireGuard) was consistently faster on downloads. ExpressVPN tends to excel in stable connections and has a long-standing trusted reputation.

  However, given that Surfshark now also has a proven track record (and even shares some lineage with Nord since their 2022 merger), I would choose Surfshark over ExpressVPN simply because you get far more value for a lot less money. Surfshark is equally good for streaming and general use, so unless you prefer ExpressVPN's specific interface or need its router firmware, Surfshark seems the better deal.

• Proton VPN: Proton VPN is another security-focused service (from the makers of ProtonMail). Proton's strengths are a strict privacy ethos (Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps) and features like Secure Core (double-hop through privacy-friendly countries). Surfshark and Proton both take privacy seriously - Proton might appeal to the most extreme privacy purists, but Surfshark isn't far off, with its audits and advanced features. Speed goes to Surfshark; Proton has improved a lot, especially with WireGuard, but in general Surfshark was faster in my use. ProtonVPN's premium plan is also more expensive and limits you to 10 devices. The one advantage for Proton is it offers a free plan (with limited servers/speeds). But assuming you're looking at paid plans, Surfshark offers a more complete package for less money. Unless you specifically trust Proton's brand more, Surfshark's unlimited devices and better streaming support give it an edge for most users.
• Private Internet Access (PIA): PIA is known for its huge server network and strong security history. It's actually one of the few other VPNs with unlimited device connections like Surfshark. PIA is also very affordable (often slightly cheaper over 3 years). However, in performance, I found Surfshark to be faster and more reliable for streaming. PIA sometimes struggles with unblocking certain streaming services, whereas Surfshark had no issues. Surfshark's interface is a bit more modern and its additional features (e.g., MultiHop, GUI on all platforms) are more extensive than PIA's.

  PIA does have some advanced settings (like port forwarding which Surfshark lacks, and more encryption customization). But for the average user, Surfshark will feel more polished and generally easier to use, while giving similar levels of security. PIA's recent independent audits are commendable, yet Surfshark's audits and transparency are equally solid. Unless you absolutely need something like port forwarding or prefer PIA's interface, I'd lean towards Surfshark for its better streaming performance and newer feature set.

In summary, Surfshark holds its own against all the top VPN competitors. It may not have been around as long as some (founded in 2018), but it has rapidly matured. Surfshark combines many of the best aspects of NordVPN and ExpressVPN - high speeds, strong security, global servers - and adds its own innovations like Alternative ID and Nexus features, all while keeping prices very low. While no VPN is perfect for everyone, Surfshark is definitely in the same league as the traditional market leaders and, in my opinion, even surpasses them in value and device flexibility. If you're shopping around, you won't go wrong including Surfshark on your shortlist with those big names.

Conclusion: An Outstanding VPN Choice in 2025

After putting Surfshark through rigorous testing, I can confidently say it emerged as one of the best VPNs I have ever used. Surfshark delivers on the promises that matter most: it's fast, secure, and versatile. The connection speeds are superb, eliminating the usual compromises associated with VPN usage - even bandwidth-heavy activities like 4K streaming and large downloads ran flawlessly through Surfshark in my trials.

The security and privacy features are top-tier, from strong encryption and leak protection to a proven no-logs policy that's been verified by independent audits. I felt very safe entrusting my internet traffic to Surfshark, knowing that it's backed by modern infrastructure (RAM-only servers) and a company culture that prioritizes privacy (transparency reports, innovation in privacy tools, etc.).

Surfshark also excels in the feature department. It's not just a basic VPN tunnel - it's a whole toolkit for online privacy. Unique features like MultiHop, CleanWeb ad blocking, and Alternative ID give users extra layers of protection that set Surfshark apart from many competitors. Meanwhile, the core VPN functionality (which most people will use 90% of the time) remains straightforward and user-friendly. I appreciate that Surfshark didn't sacrifice simplicity despite packing in advanced features. The apps are clean and easy to navigate, making it suitable for both VPN beginners and power users alike.

The unlimited device policy is another huge win for Surfshark. During my review, I didn't have to think twice about which devices were connected - I just installed it on everything. For a household or tech-savvy individual with lots of gadgets, this alone can be a decisive factor. Combined with Surfshark's very affordable pricing, it's hard to find a better deal. You're getting a top-grade VPN service for the cost that's usually associated with far more limited products. Surfshark proves that you don't need to spend a fortune to get premium VPN quality.

Are there any downsides? Only relatively minor ones that I encountered: the renewal price jump means you should be mindful of your billing after the initial subscription term. Also, if you were hoping for extras like built-in port forwarding or a proprietary super-protocol, Surfshark doesn't offer those at the moment. And extremely privacy-conscious users might pause at the Netherlands jurisdiction (Nine/Fourteen Eyes alliance), but Surfshark's zero-log practice essentially neutralizes that concern. For 99% of users, none of these are deal-breakers - they certainly weren't for me, given all the benefits Surfshark provides.

In conclusion, Surfshark VPN impressed me at every turn. It's clear that this provider has invested heavily in creating a reliable, user-focused service. The VPN market is crowded, but Surfshark has managed to become a top contender in a very short time, and for good reason. It hits the sweet spot of offering strong security, excellent performance, rich features, and great value for money all at once, a combination that's surprisingly rare.

Based on my extensive testing and the overwhelmingly positive results, I would highly recommend Surfshark to anyone looking for a VPN in 2025. Whether you need it for privacy, streaming, travel, or just everyday peace of mind online, Surfshark is up to the task. And with a 30-day money-back guarantee, it's easy to take it for a spin and see if it's your perfect VPN match. For me, Surfshark has certainly earned its place as one of my go-to VPN services, and it truly lives up to the hype as a fast, secure, and extremely user-friendly VPN solution.