Sick of online restrictions? Want to browse anonymously? VPNs unlock this power and are becoming increasingly essential!
For the past three years, I’ve been searching for the perfect VPN, testing everything from free options to paid VPN providers. With hundreds available, Surfshark stands out among the top 3 VPNs, offering extensive features and robust security at an affordable price.
Curious to know more about Surfshark? In this Surfshark VPN review 2025, I’ll explore its strengths, uncover potential weaknesses, and reveal why it might be the perfect solution for your online privacy needs.
Surfshark Review 2025
Summary
Surfshark offers servers in 100 countries and all basic VPN features. Known for its affordability, it includes extras like ad blocker, multi-hop VPN, and CleanWeb features.
Surfshark shines with speed, security & unlimited connections at a budget-friendly price. Minor feature gaps and jurisdiction might raise a brow, but overall, a great all-in-one VPN option for India!
- Surfshark VPN Review Overview
- About Surfshark
- Surfshark VPN India Review Video
- Surfshark Speeds
- Surfshark Servers
- Surfshark Streaming & Gaming Performances
- Privacy
- Surfshark Past History
- Surfshark Security
- Pricing
- Coupon Code
- Surfshark VPN Customer Support
- P2P
- Additional Features
- Devices
- User Interface
- Performance & Reliability
- Surfshark Alternatives
- Surfshark Pros
- Surfshark Cons
- Why Should You Trust Me?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
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: 190 Mbps Upload speed: 83 Mbps |
No Log | Yes |
Audit | Deloitte in late 2023 |
Streaming | Netflix, Amazon, Zee5, BBC, Hotstar |
Servers | 3200+ servers across 100 nations |
Devices | Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, Routers |
Pricing | $2.09 per month (2-year plan) |
Coupon Code | Get Surfshark VPN for 4 extra months FREE 🔥 |
About Surfshark
Surfshark, founded in 2018 by Vytautas Kaziukonis, started with a VPN service and became a leading cybersecurity company. They’ve expanded to offer data leak detection, private search, antivirus, and even a tool to remove your personal data online. In 2022, they joined forces with Nord Security to become an even bigger cybersecurity player.
Originally based in the British Virgin Islands, Surfshark moved its headquarters to the Netherlands in 2021. They also have offices in Lithuania and Poland.
Their mission is to give users complete control over their online privacy with easy-to-use security tools. This approach has led to 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.
Location | Download Speed (Mbps) | Upload Speed (Mbps) | Ping (ms) |
India (Baseline) | 240 | 240 | 7 |
India (Surfshark) | 190 | 83 | 319 |
USA (Surfshark) | 182 | 85 | 300 |
Speed in India
I saw a download speed of 190 Mbps, which is a respectable 20.83% drop from the baseline. However, the upload speed dropped more significantly, clocking in at 83 Mbps, which represents a 65.42% decrease. The ping remained average at 319 ms.
Speed in the US
Switching to US servers, the download speed stayed consistent at 182Mbps, again experiencing only a 24.17% drop. The upload speed here took a bigger hit, dropping to 85Mbps, which is a 64.58% decrease. However, the ping remained decent at 300ms.
Compared to other VPNs, Surfshark excels in the following areas:
- ExpressVPN: Surfshark demonstrates marginally better download speeds on Indian servers than ExpressVPN (190 Mbps vs. 189 Mbps). However, ExpressVPN outperforms Surfshark on US servers (189 Mbps vs. 182 Mbps).
- NordVPN: Surfshark offers superior speeds in the US server compared to NordVPN (155 Mbps download, 24 Mbps upload, 328 ms ping).
Overall, Surfshark’s download speeds are impressive. However, there is room for improvement in upload speeds.
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.
Recently, Surfshark recently upgraded all its VPN servers from 1Gbps to 10Gbps, leveraging new 5G technology. This upgrade should result in significantly reliable internet speeds Therefore, now we can expect faster loading times for bandwidth-intensive websites, and less crowded servers.
While NordVPN offers a larger network of 6,138 servers spread across 67 countries, Surfshark covers more countries than NordVPN. 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
Surfshark provides obfuscated servers for users seeking to bypass government restrictions, internet censorship, strict college or university network limitations, or ISP snooping. These servers are configured to hide VPN usage, making your traffic appear as regular internet activity.
Surfshark’s obfuscation feature is known as Camouflage Mode. It masks VPN traffic, enabling access to otherwise restricted content.
To activate Camouflage Mode, switch your Surfshark VPN protocol to OpenVPN. This protocol automatically applies obfuscation to your traffic.
Dynamic or Static IP Address
Surfshark employs IP rotation technology to assign dynamic IPs. These IPs enhance user anonymity by providing a new IP address with each VPN connection.
However, Surfshark also offers the option to enable a static, dedicated IP for users who require a stable connection and greater control. This ensures that you receive the same fixed IP address every time you connect to a VPN server.
To utilize this feature, you must subscribe to Surfshark’s “Dedicated IP” add-on. Surfshark provides dedicated IP services in the following locations:
- Italy: Milan
- United States: Los Angeles, Dallas, San Jose
- United Kingdom: London
- Netherlands: Amsterdam
- Germany: Frankfurt
- France: Paris
- Australia: Sydney
- Japan: Tokyo
Surfshark Streaming & Gaming Performances
Looking for the best VPN for streaming? I highly recommend Surfshark. This VPN works with almost all major streaming services.
Streaming Platform | Yes/No |
Netflix | Yes ✅ |
Hotstar | Yes ✅ |
JioCinema | Yes ✅ |
SonyLiv | Yes ✅ |
Zee5 | Yes ✅ |
Amazon Prime US | Yes ✅ |
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.
For gaming, Surfshark provides acceptable performance, with observed ping times between 50 and 100 ms. In my experience, however, NordVPN delivers a more consistent and lower-latency gaming experience.
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!
- Deloitte Audit (2023): In 2023, Deloitte audit checked server configuration, deployment process, VPN server configuration, VPN infrastructure, SDN (Software Defined Network), and other technicalities. Deloitte confirmed Surfshark doesn’t track your online activity.
- Cure53 Audit (2021): Cure53, a Germany-based independent security firm, conducted an independent infrastructure audit. The agency confirmed Surfshark VPN’s robust network infrastructure and reliable service.
- Cure53 Audit (2018): For the second time, Cure53 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 also introduced transparency reports. These quarterly reports will detail the number of user data requests received from government and law enforcement agencies.
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
NordVPN: Surfshark lags behind NordVPN, whose privacy policy underwent a recent audit in 2025.
ExpressVPN: Surfshark surpasses ExpressVPN in transparency. Their website explains exactly what data they do store and they voluntarily undergo security checks by independent experts.
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
Feature | Surfshark Starter | Surfshark One | Surfshark One+ |
Price (1 month) | $15.45 | $17.95 | $20.65 |
Price (1 year) | $47.84 ($2.99/mo) | $49.44 ($3.09/mo) | $91.04 ($5.69/mo) |
Price (2 years) | $58.52 ($2.09/mo) | $72.52 ($2.59/mo) | $114.52 ($4.09/mo) |
30-day money-back guarantee | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Ad-blocker | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Alternative ID | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Antivirus | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Alert | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Search | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
Incogni | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
Surfshark offers three subscription plans: Surfshark Starter, Surfshark One, and Surfshark One+. Surfshark One+ includes Incogni, a service that enables users to remove personal data from company databases and people search sites.
Incogni feature is primarily beneficial for users in the United States. Therefore, if you reside in India or outside of the US, Surfshark One or Surfshark Starter would be more suitable options.
If you require only a VPN, Surfshark Starter is recommended. The two-year plan offers the best value, costing $58.52 in total for 28 months (24 months + 4 months free).
For a comprehensive security suite including a VPN, antivirus, and other security tools, Surfshark One’s 2-year plan is the most cost-effective. It totals $72.52, reducing the per-month cost by over 86% from $17.95 to just $2.59.
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. 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 $2.99 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 link, you’ll get an extra 4 months of service. For example, Surfshark Starter 1-year plan will cost $47.84 for 16 months (12 months + 4 months free).
Surfshark VPN Customer Support
Customer Support Facility | Surfshark |
24/7 Live chat support | Yes ✅ |
Phone Line | No ❌ |
Yes ✅ | |
FAQs | Yes ✅ |
Knowledge Base | 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.
What I like the most is their comprehensive self-service guide. It includes a knowledge base filled with informative articles, tutorials, videos, 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
1) 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.
Bypasser, initially available on Android and Windows, was launched on iOS by Surfshark last year. Notably, many leading VPN providers lack split tunneling on iOS.
2) 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 is available on Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and other devices, including through browser extensions. It functions as a powerful ad-blocker and protects your devices from phishing attacks. Enjoy faster streaming as well.
3) 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.
4) 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.
5) Alternative ID
Surfshark recently launched Alternative ID. It’s a new product that generates an alternate US virtual phone number and temporary email address for online use. These credentials help hide your original details.
For example, you can use these IDs when signing up for new accounts or newsletters. Alternative ID can be set up after purchasing a Surfshark plan. While you can make calls and receive messages with the virtual number, it cannot be used for OTPs or verification codes.
For US virtual numbers compatible with WhatsApp, voicemail, and similar services, consider KrispCall.
6) Antivirus
Surfshark is committed to protecting your devices against malicious software and harmful viruses. Therefore, Surfshark One and One+ users receive a lightweight antivirus at no extra cost.
Features include:
- Webcam protection
- Customizable security
- Spyware & malware shield
- 24/7 malware protection
While Surfshark VPN supports unlimited devices, the antivirus protects up to 5 devices.
7) Alert
Want to protect your sensitive data from theft? Surfshark Alerts provides instant notifications to One and One+ users. This feature protects against online data leaks and malware, monitoring your email, credit card information, IDs, and more
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.
Surfshark has introduced app widgets for Android. So, you can connect to the VPN directly from your home screen without opening the app.
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:
1) 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 Meshnet, Threat protection, Dark Web Monitor, and MFA Protection. NordVPN offers more servers (7169+ servers across 111 nations) than Surfshark (3200 servers in 100 nations).
NordVPN’s pricing is slightly higher than Surfshark’s. Their 2-year plan, which includes an additional 4 months of access, is competitively priced at just $2.91 per month. Use my link to take advantage of the discount.
2) ExpressVPN
Launched in 2009, ExpressVPN 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.
This VPN delivers fast connection speeds via its proprietary Lightway protocol. Security features include a kill switch, split tunneling, ad blocker, threat manager, ExpressVPN Keys, ID Alerts, and Parental Control.
While ExpressVPN offers a comprehensive service, it comes at a slightly higher price point than Surfshark. The 2-year plan with additional 4 months of free access will cost you $139.72 ($4.99/month) in total. To get a better deal, you can purchase through my link.
3) Proton VPN
Proton AG, the same Swiss company behind ProtonMail, ventured into ProtonVPN in 2017. Headquartered in Switzerland, it benefits from Switzerland’s strong privacy laws (outside the 14 Eyes alliance) as opposed to Netherlands-based Surfshark.
Similar to NordVPN, ProtonVPN supports 10 devices at the same time. However, unlike Surfshark, ProtonVPN caters to a wider range of users by offering both free and paid plans.
Their 2-year plan provides excellent value at $3.59 per month (more expensive than Surfshark’s One+ 2-year subscription). You can unlock unbelievable discounts by purchasing through our link.
Surfshark Pros
Based on my experiences, Surfshark outperforms other VPNs in the following areas:
1) 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.
If you want to learn more ways to reduce VPN-induced speed drops, check out these 11 hacks to reduce VPN latency!
2) 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.
3) 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.
4) 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.
5) 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.
6) 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.
7) 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.
8) 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).
Surfshark Cons
1) 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.
2) 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.
3) No New Audit in 2025
Surfshark’s latest independent audit of their no-logs policy was conducted in 2023 by Deloitte. Unlike other top-ranking VPNs (NordVPN or ExpressVPN), they have not had an audit in 2024 or 2025.
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 paid and free 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
Is Surfshark the absolute best VPN?
While Surfshark isn’t definitively the No. 1 VPN, it consistently ranks among the top 3 premium VPNs. This is due to its robust security features, including AES-256-bit encryption, split tunneling, a kill switch, secure VPN protocols, ad blockers, and even malware protection.
Is Surfshark based in China?
No, Surfshark is not based in China or Hong Kong. Originally established in 2018, the company moved its headquarters to the Netherlands in 2022.
Is Surfshark secure?
Absolutely! Surfshark offers a comprehensive security suite, including a kill switch, strong VPN protocols, and top-notch encryption. They adhere to a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your privacy. For maximum user safety, they even offer a multi-hop (double VPN) feature for added security.
Does Surfshark offer a free plan?
Surfshark does not offer a permanent free plan. However, you can try the service risk-free with either a 7-day free trial or a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Is Surfshark good for P2P file sharing?
Yes, Surfshark is a good option for P2P file sharing, especially for budget-minded users. Surfshark allows P2P traffic on all its servers, making it compatible with major torrenting sites like uTorrent, BitTorrent, qBittorrent, and Transmission.
How do I enable Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode?
Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode is actually enabled automatically whenever you connect to a server using the OpenVPN protocol (TCP or UDP). Camouflage Mode can help you bypass government restrictions or censorship that might block VPN usage.
What’s the most cost-effective Surfshark plan?
For VPN access only, the Surfshark 2-year starter plan at $58.52 is ideal. For VPN and antivirus protection, the Surfshark One 2-year plan at $72.52 is a wise choice.
Does Surfshark track my activity?
Surfshark claims a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t track your online activity. They only store minimal data necessary to maintain your VPN connection.
Is using Surfshark VPN legal in India?
Yes, using a VPN like Surfshark is legal in India. However, recent Indian laws require VPN providers to store user data for 180 days. Surfshark thus maintains virtual Indian servers to operate under a “no-logs” policy.
Does Surfshark sell my data?
No, Surfshark claims they don’t sell user data. They emphasize user privacy and state they don’t collect any information that could identify you or lead to a data breach.
Surfshark Pros (+)
- Fast Speeds
- Unlimited Devices
- Security
- Affordable Plans
- Built-in Ad and Malware Blocker
Surfshark Cons (-)
- Netherlands-Based Jurisdiction
- No New Audit in 2025