Surfshark

Introduction

Surfshark has rapidly emerged as a serious competitor to industry veterans, earning recognition as one of CNET's favorite VPNs and the fastest VPN tested by TechRadar and Tom's Guide with speeds exceeding 950 Mbps. What truly sets Surfshark apart is its combination of premium features and exceptional value, offering unlimited simultaneous device connections at a fraction of the cost charged by competitors.

The service packs sophisticated features into an intuitive interface, making it accessible to beginners while providing the advanced functionality that power users demand. Surfshark's commitment to continuous innovation is evident in its regular feature rollouts, including Alternative ID for identity protection and Dynamic Multi-Hop for enhanced privacy through multi-server routing.

Performance & Speed

Surfshark earned the title of fastest VPN in comprehensive testing by TechRadar and Tom's Guide, recording speeds exceeding 950 Mbps. CNET's 2025 testing showed a 21% average speed loss, which is highly competitive considering the service's affordable price point. The WireGuard protocol implementation delivers optimal performance for most users, while OpenVPN and IKEv2 options provide alternatives for specific use cases. Connection reliability is excellent, with minimal drops and fast reconnection when switching between servers.

Security Features

Surfshark implements industry-standard AES-256 encryption alongside multiple protocol options including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. The service includes essential security features like an automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection, and CleanWeb technology that blocks ads, trackers, and malware. The Camouflage Mode (obfuscation) disguises VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, useful in restrictive networks. Multi-hop connections route traffic through multiple servers for enhanced privacy, while RAM-only servers ensure no data persistence after server restarts.

Streaming Capabilities

CNET highlights Surfshark as excellent for streaming, consistently unblocking Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and other major platforms. The service maintains dedicated servers optimized for streaming, ensuring reliable access to geo-restricted content without buffering. Unlimited device connections mean entire households can stream simultaneously on different devices and platforms without connection limits or performance degradation.

Privacy Policy

Based in the Netherlands, Surfshark operates under European privacy laws while maintaining a strict no-logs policy independently audited by Cure53. The company doesn't track or store user activity, connection timestamps, or IP addresses. Surfshark accepts cryptocurrency payments for anonymous subscriptions and includes warrant canary updates in its transparency reports. The unique Alternative ID feature generates fake personas to use on websites, protecting your real identity from data collection.

User Experience

Surfshark's applications are highly polished and user-friendly across all major platforms. The interface combines a clean, modern design with intuitive navigation, making it easy for newcomers to connect and configure settings. Advanced features are logically organized in settings menus, preventing interface clutter while remaining accessible. The Quick Connect feature automatically selects the fastest available server, while favorite server lists enable one-click access to frequently used locations.

Customer Support

The service provides 24/7 live chat support with knowledgeable representatives who can assist with technical issues and general questions. Response times are quick, typically under two minutes, and the support team demonstrates strong product knowledge. The comprehensive knowledge base includes setup guides, troubleshooting articles, and detailed feature explanations for all supported platforms. Email support is also available for non-urgent inquiries.

Value for Money

At $1.99/month for long-term plans, Surfshark offers exceptional value that's hard to beat. Unlimited simultaneous connections mean you can protect every device you own plus share with family and friends under a single subscription. The 30-day money-back guarantee allows risk-free testing. While renewal prices increased in 2025, the service remains highly competitive, especially considering the extensive feature set that includes CleanWeb, Alternative ID, and Dynamic Multi-Hop at no additional cost. For families or users with multiple devices, Surfshark represents outstanding value.