Surfshark VPN Review India (2024): Best Affordable VPN?

Disclaimer : I strongly believe in transparency. If you buy using the links on our site, we may earn a small commission without any extra cost to you. This helps me to keep producing honest reviews. Read More >>

Surfshark VPN Review Overview

Rating	4.3 out of 5 ⭐️
Speeds	Download speed: 221 Mbps Upload speed: 58 Mbps
No Log	Yes
Audit	Deloitte in late 2022
Streaming	Netflix, Amazon, Zee5, BBC, Hotstar
Servers	3200+ servers across 100 nations
Devices	Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, Routers
Pricing	$2.59 per month (1 year plan)
Coupon Code	Get Surfshark VPN for 4 extra months FREE 🔥

About Surfshark

Surfshark is a leading cybersecurity company known for its top-notch products (VPN, data leak detection system, private search tool, Surfshark antivirus, automated personal data removal system). Their journey began in 2018 with a virtual private network service founded by Vytautas Kaziukonis.

Over the years, the company started experimenting with other digital security products such as Alert and Search. In 2022, Surfshark merged with Nord Security, creating a cybersecurity powerhouse.

Initially based in the British Virgin Islands (Surfshark Ltd.), the company moved its headquarters to the Netherlands (Surfshark B.V.) in 2021. It also maintains offices in Vilnius, Lithuania, and Warsaw, Poland.

With a mission to empower users with full control over their digital lives by providing flawless digital security and accessible cybersecurity tools, Surfshark has garnered over 12.4 million app downloads and over 30 Cybersecurity Awards.

Surfshark VPN India Review Video

Surfshark Speeds

When it comes to speed, Surfshark ranks well among premium VPNs. I conducted a speed test using speedtest.net with a baseline speed of 240 Mbps download and 7 ms ping. I tested both Indian and USA servers to gauge download and upload speeds.

Speed in India

I saw a download speed of 221 Mbps, which is a respectable 7% drop from the baseline. However, the upload speed dropped more significantly, clocking in at 58 Mbps, which represents a 75% decrease. The ping remained average at 319 ms.

Speed in the US

Switching to US servers, the download speed stayed consistent at 220 Mbps, again experiencing only an 8% drop. The upload speed here took a bigger hit, dropping to 36 Mbps, which is an 85% decrease. However, the ping remained decent at 220 ms.

Location	Download Speed (Mbps)	Upload Speed (Mbps)	Ping (ms)
India (Baseline)	240	240	7
India (Surfshark)	221	58	319
USA (Surfshark)	220	36	220

Overall, Surfshark delivers consistent performance in speed tests. It offers better download speeds than ExpressVPN on both Indian (Download 220 Mbps, upload 71 Mbps) and US (Download 197 Mbps, upload 69 Mbps) servers. Notably, it outperforms NordVPN in terms of US server speed (Download 185 Mbps, upload 29 Mbps, ping 263 ms). I’m impressed with Surfshark’s speed capabilities.

Surfshark Servers

Servers Locations

Surfshark operates over 3,200 servers across 100 countries worldwide. These servers span Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region. In India, they operate virtual servers for Delhi and Mumbai locations to ensure data privacy.

While NordVPN offers a larger network of 6,138 servers spread across 67 countries, Surfshark covers a wider range of countries. This can be advantageous if you need to connect to a server in your home country for optimal speeds.

RAM Servers

Surfshark uses 100% RAM-only servers worldwide. This diskless server architecture ensures private and transparent browsing experiences for users.

Obfuscated Servers

For users who want to bypass government restrictions, internet censorship, strict restrictions by colleges or universities, or ISP snooping, Surfshark offers obfuscated servers. These servers are specially configured to hide that you’re using a VPN to reroute your traffic.

To enable it, change your Surfshark VPN protocol setting to “OpenVPN.” This protocol automatically applies obfuscation to your traffic.

Dynamic or Static IP Address

Surfshark uses IP rotation technology to assign you dynamic IPs, maintaining your anonymity. However, Surfshark offers users the option to enable a static IP for a stable connection and greater control. To do this, you’ll need to subscribe to Surfshark’s “Dedicated IP” add-on.

Surfshark Streaming Performances

Looking for the best VPN for streaming? I highly recommend Surfshark. This VPN works with almost all major streaming services. 

In India, you can watch SonyLiv, Zee5, Hotstar, Amazon Prime, and JioCinema. Connecting to US servers, I easily streamed Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and HBO Max. Plus, I enjoyed 4K HD content with minimal buffering.

Plus, Surfshark works flawlessly across various devices, including Apple TV, Xbox, PlayStation, Android, macOS, and Windows.

Privacy

Privacy Policy

Surfshark prioritizes user privacy by not collecting any data related to your online activity. This includes browsing history, visited IP addresses, session information, and network traffic.

However, they do store minimal connection information, such as connection timestamps and a user ID or IP address associated with a specific VPN server. This data is automatically deleted within 15 minutes of your session ending.

For a complete breakdown of their data practices, I recommend visiting Surfshark’s privacy policy.

No-log Policy

For complete anonymity and online privacy, a no-logs VPN is ideal. That’s why Surfshark ranks among our top 3 recommendations. They prioritize user privacy by not tracking your online activity and adhering to a strict no-logs policy.

However, they collect some non-sensitive information. This includes your email address, encrypted passwords, basic billing information, and order history. This data helps them troubleshoot technical issues and offer uninterrupted service. For enhanced payment security, Surfshark even accepts cryptocurrency.

Security Audits

To guarantee they follow strict security standards, VPN providers undergo independent audits. Surfshark is no different! Its no-logs policy was audited by Deloitte in late 2022, a highly respected auditing firm.

This audit checked server configuration, deployment process, VPN server configuration, VPN infrastructure, SDN (Software Defined Network), and other technicalities. It verified that Surfshark’s IT systems and management practices align with their no-logs policy. In simpler terms, Deloitte confirmed Surfshark doesn’t track your online activity.

In November 2018, Cure53, another independent security firm, gave Surfshark’s browser extensions (for Firefox and Chrome) a clean bill of health. The Cure53 team audited Firefox and Chrome extensions and found the extensions to be secure and robust.

Most recently, Surfshark’s Android app passed a rigorous Mobile App Security Assessment (MASA) conducted by independent, Google-approved auditors. This audit assessed how the app handles sensitive data, user authentication, and session management, giving you peace of mind about your mobile security.

Surfshark Headquarters

Surfshark’s headquarters are in the Netherlands, which raises some privacy concerns. While the Netherlands has a reputation for being privacy-friendly, it is part of the 9-Eyes alliance. This alliance allows member countries to share intelligence data with each other and potentially compels companies to disclose user information under certain circumstances.

Privacy Comparison

Surfshark lags behind NordVPN, whose privacy policy underwent a recent audit in 2024. However, Surfshark surpasses ExpressVPN in transparency. Their strict adherence to a no-logs policy, clear clarification about data storage on their official website, and consistent participation in different security audits every year demonstrate this. 

Surfshark Past History

Surprisingly, Surfshark maintains a clean track record for user privacy and security. There have been no reported data breaches or cybersecurity threat accusations against them. They’ve consistently demonstrated a commitment to user privacy, implementing new security measures year after year. In fact, to further strengthen its infrastructure, Surfshark merged with cybersecurity leader Nord Security in 2022.

Surfshark Security

Security Protocols

Surfshark prioritizes your security and online experience. That’s why they offer three VPN protocols to suit everyone’s needs:

• WireGuard: The lightest and most modern protocol, WireGuard offers exceptional speed and manageability. It’s ideal for users who prioritize high speeds and a low risk of security vulnerabilities.
• IKEv2: Perfect for mobile users, IKEv2 delivers fast connections and seamless automatic reconnection when switching networks. Enjoy uninterrupted browsing and streaming without worrying about dropped VPN connections.
• OpenVPN: OpenVPN is the industry-standard, open-source protocol trusted by security experts worldwide. While slightly more complex than the others, Surfshark includes it for its broad router compatibility.

DNS Leak Test

A DNS leak test is crucial to verify your VPN’s security. If a VPN leaks DNS requests, it can expose your browsing activity, web searches, IP address, and location. New to DNS records? Learn everything from A to Z about the 6 types of DNS records and their purposes.

As you can see above, running a test on IPleak.net revealed positive results. The IPv4 address is the server I connected to (New York, USA), showing all DNS requests are routed through Surfshark’s servers. The IPv6 address was unreachable. This confirms no DNS leaks or security vulnerabilities were detected with Surfshark.

Kill Switch

Your internet connection can drop unexpectedly. Imagine you’re using a VPN–without a safety net, your identity could be exposed if the connection drops. To prevent this emergency scenario, Surfshark offers a kill switch feature.

Enabling it is simple: navigate to the “Settings” tab and then “VPN settings.” Once activated, you won’t be able to access the internet without a secure VPN connection.

Security Comparison with Premium VPNs

Surfshark VPN is a reputable cybersecurity provider on par with other premium options, like NordVPN and ExpressVPN. All three services offer robust security features, including industry-standard AES-256-GCM encryption, secure VPN protocol, DNS leak protection, and more.

However, a potential concern with Surfshark is its headquarters location. The Netherlands falls under the jurisdiction of the Nine Eyes Intelligence Alliance. This alliance involves countries that have agreed to share intelligence data for security purposes. While Surfshark maintains a strict no-logs policy, some users might find the Netherlands’ location a cause for concern due to the potential for government oversight.

Pricing

Subscription Duration	Surfshark Starter	Surfshark One	Surfshark One+	30-day money-back guarantee
1 month	$15.45	$15.95	$17.95	Yes
1-year	$2.59/mo	$2.89/mo	$4.77/mo	Yes
2-year	$2.09/mo	$2.59/mo	$4.09/mo	Yes

Pricing Plans

Surfshark offers three subscription plans: Surfshark Starter, Surfshark One, and Surfshark One+.

• Surfshark Starter: This plan provides all the basic VPN features for a monthly price of $15.45. However, the cost drops significantly to $2.09 per month if you choose the 2-year plan.
  
• Surfshark One: This plan goes beyond basic VPN features and includes additional functionalities like Antivirus, Alert & Search features. The monthly subscription is $15.95, but the annual plan reduces the cost to just $2.89 per month.
  
• Surfshark One+: This is the most comprehensive cybersecurity bundle offered by Surfshark. It includes all the features of Surfshark One, along with Surfshark incognito (A privacy proxy that helps you take control of your online data by automatically opting you out of data broker databases, reducing spam, and preventing scam attacks). As expected, it’s the most expensive plan, costing $4.77 per month for the annual plan and $4.09 per month for the 2-year plan.

Money-Back Guarantee

Surfshark offers two ways to try their service risk-free: a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. This flexibility allows you to choose the option that best suits your needs.

7-Day Free Trial:

• Exclusively through the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• Requires selecting the 12-month plan during signup.
• You won’t be charged for the first 7 days, but be sure to cancel before the trial ends to avoid automatic renewal.

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee:

• Applies to all subscriptions purchased directly from the Surfshark website.
• Provides a full refund within 30 days of purchase, even if you forget to cancel the 7-day free trial beforehand.

In short, you’re covered no matter which option you choose. 

Payment Options

Surfshark offers a wide range of payment methods for your convenience. You can subscribe to their plans using major credit cards, debit cards, or PayPal. They even accept Google Pay for a streamlined checkout experience. And, if you prioritize privacy, cryptocurrency payments are also an option.

Competitor Pricing

Surfshark offers the most affordable option among these three premium VPN providers when considering annual plans. NordVPN’s annual plan starts at $4.59 per month, while ExpressVPN’s is $6.67 per month. In contrast, Surfshark’s annual plan starts at a significantly lower price of $2.59 per month.

Coupon Code

Great news for viewers! Surfshark is offering an incredible deal on their Surfshark One subscription. If you subscribe to their annual plan, using my affiliated link, you’ll get an extra 4 months of service, bringing your total subscription to 16 months for just $72.52.

Surfshark VPN Customer Support

Customer Support Facility	Surfshark
24/7 Live chat support	Yes
Phone Line	No
Email	Yes
FAQs	Yes
Knowledge guide	Yes

Surfshark offers multiple channels for customer support, making it convenient to get help whenever you need it. They provide 24/7 live chat and email support, allowing you to choose the method that best suits your situation. 

Surfshark boasts a comprehensive self-service knowledge base filled with informative articles, guides, and FAQs. These resources cover different topics, including troubleshooting technical difficulties, getting started with the service, navigating the billing process, and setting up your account.

However, Surfshark’s customer support has some limitations. They don’t offer phone support, which might be a drawback for users who prefer direct interaction. Like ExpressVPN, their live chat initially doesn’t connect you with a human agent, but to a bot. 

It can be frustrating if you have a complex technical issue requiring human expertise. In my case, the bot wasn’t able to fully understand the problem and provided inaccurate answers.

P2P

No secret. Many people use VPNs primarily for P2P torrenting. Surfshark is a reliable VPN with excellent torrenting support. Surfshark offers a vast server network spanning over 100 countries, offering more options for torrenting in different regions compared to NordVPN’s 59 countries.  

It works seamlessly with all major torrent clients like uTorrent, BitTorrent, qBittorrent, Transmission, Vuze, Deluge, and more. While using Surfshark for uTorrent, I haven’t experienced any significant speed reductions. However, my download speed was 143.8 Kbps, with an estimated download time of 1 hour and 16 minutes.

Additional Features

Bypasser

Not all VPNs offer split tunneling, but Surfshark does. This feature lets you choose which applications use the secure VPN tunnel for encrypted traffic and which one bypasses the VPN for potentially faster speeds. In Surfshark, this functionality is called “Bypasser.”

Bypasser provides two options: “Bypass VPN” to access the internet directly and “Route via VPN” to channel specific apps through the VPN tunnel. You can find this option in Surfshark’s VPN settings, where you can manually select applications and websites for optimal performance.

CleanWeb

Surfshark offers an excellent feature called CleanWeb, included with all their subscription plans. True to its name, CleanWeb blocks ads, pop-ups, and malicious websites, allowing you to enjoy a cleaner browsing experience with fewer trackers. 

CleanWeb 2.0 is available through the Surfshark browser extension. It enhances this functionality by providing advanced ad blocking and malware alerts. 

Looking for a free tool exclusively for ad and pop-up blocking? Check out our top 11 recommended free ad blockers for 2024.

Camouflage Mode

Surfshark’s Camouflage mode is nothing but an obfuscation feature that helps bypass restrictions in regions that block VPN ports. It disguises your VPN traffic to appear like regular internet traffic, allowing you to access content that might otherwise be filtered. This feature is automatically enabled when you switch to the OpenVPN (UDP or TCP) protocol.

NoBorders Mode

Surfshark’s NoBorders feature helps you bypass geo-restrictions and censorship. When the Surfshark app detects blocking, it automatically enables NoBorders mode and suggests the best-performing servers to connect to. You can also enable it manually in the Settings > VPN settings > Advanced Security menu.

Multi-hop VPN

For users who value higher anonymity, Surfshark offers a multi-hop, or double VPN, feature. It works by first encrypting data from your device and then routing it via a remote VPN server. The data is then sent through a second VPN server and re-encrypted for an extra layer of security.

Accessing the multi-hop VPN feature is easy. Simply open the Surfshark app. This feature enhances your online untraceability, helps you bypass censorship restrictions, and allows you to select any server you want to create custom server pairs.

Devices

Surfshark offers extensive device compatibility. You can install the app on various desktops and laptops, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Chromebooks. Mobile users can enjoy Surfshark on their Android or iOS devices. 

The Surfshark app is available for streaming devices like FireTV and Apple TV, and might work on other smart TVs. Surfshark also provides browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. For ultimate home network protection, you can even configure Surfshark on your routers and gaming consoles.

User Interface

Devices	User Interface	Experiences
Windows	Intuitive	All features accessible in settings
macOS	Similar to Windows	Lacks Bypasser feature
Linux	Basic	Easy to use, limited features
Android and iOS mobile	Well-designed, similar to desktop	Android offers more features (including Override GPS location)
Browser Extension	Easily accessible	Lightweight, includes CleanWeb 2.0

While Surfshark works on most major devices and platforms, performance can vary. The user interface appears similar across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, but there are slight differences between the browser extension and Linux system.

One advantage is that the apps and extensions are all lightweight and well-designed. It can be downloaded in just a few minutes. However, features are not uniformly available across all platforms. For instance, the Bypasser feature is missing on iOS, macOS, and Linux devices.

Performance & Reliability

I’ve been using Surfshark VPN for the past 3 years and consistently find it to be among the top 3 VPN providers. It offers a compelling combination of features at a competitive price.

Surfshark includes all the essential features you’d expect from a premium VPN, like split tunneling, secure protocols, strong encryption, and multi-hop connections. They also go above and beyond with additional features like Camouflage Mode and NoBorders Mode.

I haven’t experienced any issues with speed while using Surfshark. It consistently performs well for streaming and torrenting. While Surfshark is a great choice, it’s not perfect. I’ll disclose some potential drawbacks in the next section. Keep reading!

Surfshark Alternatives

Despite being impressed by Surfshark’s extensive features, there are three strong competitors you can consider:

NordVPN

NordVPN, a VPN service founded in 2012, is known for its exceptional speeds and strong security features. Unlike Surfshark, NordVPN’s headquarters are in Panama. Hence, it benefits from being outside of major intelligence-sharing agreements. It provides some unique functionalities, including a mesh network, threat protection, dark web monitoring, and dedicated IP addresses.

Similar to Surfshark, NordVPN offers a vast network exceeding 6,138 servers in 67 countries, including virtual servers in India. Notably, NordVPN allows connections on up to 10 devices simultaneously, making it a great choice for families and users with multiple devices.

NordVPN’s pricing is slightly higher than Surfshark’s. Their 2-year plan, which includes an additional 3 months of access, is competitively priced at just $3.99 per month. To take advantage of the discount, check out my NordVPN affiliate link.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is another big player in the VPN market. Launched in 2009, it currently serves 4 million customers. Unlike Surfshark, the company is based in the British Virgin Islands, known for its privacy-friendly laws and outside of the 9-eyes alliance. Its servers use RAM technology and span across 105 countries.

ExpressVPN offers features that compete with Surfshark. It delivers good connection speeds, its own Lightway protocol, industry-standard AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, a kill switch to prevent leaks, and split tunneling functionality. It provides features like an ad blocker, threat manager, and MediaStreamer for unblocking geo-restricted content on devices that don’t support VPN apps.

While ExpressVPN offers a comprehensive service, it comes at a slightly higher price point than Surfshark. The 6-month plan is available at $9.99 per month, and the 1-year plan brings the cost down to $6.67 per month. To get a better deal, you can purchase through my link.

Pros

Based on my experiences, Surfshark outperforms other VPNs in the following areas: 

Blazing Fast Speeds

Surfshark delivers exceptional speeds, making it ideal for streaming services like Netflix and online gaming. I haven’t encountered any significant speed drops caused by the VPN. Surfshark offers a vast network of servers in over 100 countries, allowing you to connect to the nearest server for optimal performance.

If you want to learn more ways to reduce VPN-induced speed drops, check out these 11 hacks to reduce VPN latency!

Unlimited Device Access 

Surprisingly, Surfshark is one of the few premium VPNs that offers unlimited device access. There’s no bandwidth limit either. This means you can download the app on as many devices as you want and access the internet without worrying about data restrictions.

Advanced Security

Surfshark offers industry-leading encryption protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard to ensure your data remains confidential. AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20 encryption algorithms provide robust protection against unauthorized access. To further guarantee your privacy, Surfshark maintains a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited.

Double VPN

Surfshark’s multi-hop feature routes your traffic through two VPN servers for enhanced encryption and anonymity. It’s a unique advantage for users prioritizing maximum privacy.

Affordable Plans

Compared to NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and ProtonVPN, Surfshark offers the most competitive pricing. Their lowest price starts at $2.09 per month for the 2-year plan. Plus, you get an additional 4 months free when you purchase through my link. 

Extensive Features

Surfshark includes all the essential VPN features you’d expect (kill switch, user-friendly interface, RAM-based servers). It goes above and beyond with additional functionalities like an ad blocker, Bypasser, CleanWeb, Camouflage mode, and NoBorders mode. 

Built-in Ad and Malware Blocker

Unlike many other premium VPNs, Surfshark integrates a unique feature called CleanWeb. This built-in ad and malware blocker shields you from annoying pop-ups, data breaches, video ads, and more, keeping your browsing experience clean and secure.

Products Beyond VPN

While many VPNs focus solely on secure connections, Surfshark offers a suite of additional cybersecurity products. Surfshark One and One+ provide exclusive access to features like Antivirus, Alert (data breach monitoring), Search (private search engine), and Alternative IDs (temporary identities for online registrations).

Cons

IP Address Logging

According to Surfshark’s privacy policy, they log your IP address upon connection. However, this information is encrypted and deleted after each session, typically within 15 minutes.

Netherlands-Based Jurisdiction

The Netherlands is a privacy-friendly nation, and Surfshark maintains a clean history regarding cybersecurity threats. However, the Netherlands falls under the Nine Eyes alliance. This means that in certain situations, the government can compel Surfshark to disclose user data.

Dedicated IP at Extra Cost

Surfshark’s IP rotator technology automatically changes your IP address every few minutes without interrupting your VPN connection, enhancing your anonymity. However, if you require a static IP for greater control, you can upgrade to a “Dedicated IP” subscription with Surfshark for an additional fee.

Why Should You Trust Me?

My interest in technological advancements began in 2015, providing me with a comprehensive understanding of the evolving digital landscape. However, my knowledge extends beyond theory. To optimize my workflow and safeguard my data, I actively utilize various SaaS tools and VPN services. 

In the past three years, I have reviewed more than 30 free and paid VPN options. Want to know the difference between a VPN and Tor? Confused about the India VPN ban? I’ve got you covered with clear, informative videos.

Not only do I review VPNs, but I also maintain subscriptions to several VPN services. This allows me to stay updated on the latest features, performance enhancements, and crucial security updates. In essence, I’m here to guide you confidently through the intricacies of online security.

Conclusion

Is Surfshark Worth Your Money?

While Surfshark ranks among the top 3 best VPN providers, it has both strengths and flaws. Launched in 2018, it aspires to be an all-in-one cybersecurity provider, continually improving its service.

Surfshark boasts strong security features, including unlimited bandwidth, split tunneling, an ad blocker, RAM-based servers, and more. With WireGuard protocols, it often outperforms competitors like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and ProtonVPN in speed tests.

However, its Netherlands jurisdiction raises concerns for some users. There are minor feature limitations for macOS, iOS, and Linux devices. Despite these, Surfshark offers a compelling package as a comprehensive cybersecurity provider at budget-friendly prices.

Have I missed any key points about Surfshark? Do you want me to review any other digital tools or SaaS products? Let me know in the comments section!

FAQs