Surfshark review: What we love (and don't love) about this reliable VPN
When it comes to online privacy, Surfshark consistently comes up as a reliable option. But is it really worth its weight in gold when its competitors offer most, if not all, of the very same options for less? And does more expensive really mean better?
If you're ready to start paying for a VPN and find yourself torn between multiple options, it's a good idea to see what Surfshark has to offer, to see if it makes sense for your internet use and your budget.
We've thoroughly tested Surfshark so you don't have to, and while we can recommend it as a viable option, due to its higher pricing tiers, it might not be for everyone. Read on for our full thoughts on Surfshark.
Surfshark at a glance
Pros:
- Bypasser mode is great for choosing which apps use VPN
- MultiHop connection offers another layer of protection
- Blazing fast speeds when surfing, gaming, or streaming
- User logs are not retained by Surfshark
- Easy, quick setup gets you running in minutes
- Extra privacy features are available for an additional fee
- No record-keeping
Cons:
- Expensive plans compared to other VPNs with higher monthly pricing
- Missing some features across platforms
Why Surfshark is worth your time
Surfshark is a solid performer that will ensure your time online is as safe and private as it can be. You don't need to know anything about VPNs to start using it, and its setup is quick and fast. You could certainly choose from cheaper alternatives that are available right now, but Surfshark's stylish aesthetic, smooth startup process, and low barrier for entry makes it more than enticing.
One of its biggest draws is its offer of unlimited device connections. In a world where almost everyone has more than one device connected to the internet at one time, this is a useful feature to have. It means your smartphone, laptop, tablet, and other devices can all be protected under one subscription, and they can all be online at once.
But it's not just about quantity; it's about quality too. Surfshark's commitment to keeping itself up-to-date while offering cutting-edge features ensures subscribers always get a service that's ahead of the curve. Its platform doesn't stagnate and typically evolves to adapt to the needs of its user base.
Surfshark was, for some time, a seemingly promising budget brand. But its pricing has gone up quite a bit since we last tested it. Surfshark's cheapest tier of subscription now costs approximately $3 per month if you pay upfront for a year-long subscription, and roughly $2 per month if you pay for two years upfront. But it's hardly a bargain if you choose to pay monthly without being locked into a plan. You'll pay a chunky $15 per month for its Surfshark Starter plan, going up to $18 for the Surfshark One+ option. Of course, VPNs like NordVPN might be easier on the pocket. But when weighing cost against features and reliability, many find Surfshark fits the bill, literally.
Paying per month is the most costly way to subscribe, starting at $15 for Surfshark Starter, going up to $16 monthly for Surfshark One, and ending at $18 per month for Surfshark One+. If you're not sure it's something you want to stick to, you probably don't want to pay that much upfront, so that's something to keep in mind.
Surfshark brings some features to the table that many other VPNs don't, though. One of these is the Bypasser, which lets you choose which apps and sites go through the VPN. This is useful because some sites won't work if they detect you're using a VPN. However, Bypasser isn't available for users on iOS, Linux, or macOS -- so if you're going to need to change the way you browse online while using a VPN, you're going to want to be particular about what platform you use to connect.
There's also the multi-hop connectivity option, which adds an extra layer of security by directing your online traffic through two VPN servers. However, it does not allow for simple one-click access to the Tor browser client, which you can use to access the dark web. Both NordVPN and ProtonVPN have this, so it's a bit surprising to see that Surfshark does not.
While some VPNs charge extra for a dedicated, static IP address, Surfshark does offer this at no additional cost.
Additionally, you can take advantage of Smart DNS, which customizes your DNS service, and CleanWeb, which blocks ads. There's also Surfshark Alert, which can keep you up to date on any compromised accounts, and Surfshark Search, a privacy-focused search tool. These two features will cost another $0.99 per month, though.
How does Surfshark perform?
With all that in mind, how did Surfshark perform for us?
Put simply, fantastically. Getting started with Surfshark is simple. I tried downloading the VPN to use on my Windows Lenovo Legion laptop. It just took a few minutes to get started. Once installed, I just clicked a single button to activate the VPN. Within seconds, I was surfing with a new IP address. The user interface showed my IP location clearly onscreen with a window that I could resize at my leisure.
Surfshark also lets you connect to specific servers that offer a static IP. This means every time you connect, you'll get the same IP from a variety of locations from Singapore to the UK. You can change these locations with easy icons marked with the best choices for your current needs at the time. Once you're connected, you're good to go, and you can start surfing.
I chose to test the Surfshark Bypasser mode, which is one of the features I was most excited for. It lets you connect via VPN and surf while keeping various apps disconnected. For instance, I could surf with Chrome while keeping my other apps from accessing the VPN entirely. Not only did this speed things up considerably on my computer overall, but my laptop had no issues making the swap from one connection to the other. This is also known as "split tunneling" and I had no problems with it, which was a pleasant surprise; I've had issues with other services performing the same function.
There's a range of other handy tools, too. Both the Windows and Mac versions have features like MultiHop and a kill switch, but the Mac version has an auto-connect option. I installed Surfshark on my 2023 MacBook Air to give it a try, and it worked beautifully.
Multi-Hop lets you route internet traffic through multiple servers at once. Essentially, it's is a double VPN service that lets you simultaneously connect from several locations, which gives you an additional layer of security. Kill switches let you cut off internet access via VPN immediately, in the event you need to pull the plug on what you're doing without any notice. Both options are important security features that all VPN services should include, and I had no issues getting either to work.
I particularly appreciated how simple it was to turn on Surfshark's NoBorders mode, which will work best in areas that typically restrict VPN usage, making it a good pick if you're traveling to countries with strict internet controls. Though I don't live in one of those areas, I was able to connect just fine.
As is typical when I'm testing VPNs, I wanted to see what kind of speeds I got. Surfshark delivered around 98 to 130 Mbps with my connection. While numbers will depend on the type of connection you have, I found this to be one of the quicker VPNs compared with my most recent, ExpressVPN. I streamed some Queens of the Stone Age concert footage and played "Mortal Kombat 1" online, and though I had a couple of dropped connections my first night, it appeared that was more due to my ISP than the VPN.
I also downloaded the game "Lies of P" on Steam, which I had no issue zipping through using my VPN. I decided to hop online and play some "Genshin Impact," and I noticed no discernible change in speed, proving Surfshark is more than capable of keeping up.
Finally, I decided to see if the multiple connection perk worked as advertised, too. I collected my new iPhone 15 Pro Max as well as my partner's, my gaming laptop, my MacBook Air, and my 2022 MacBook Pro, and had them all connect to stream from a different source. Think Spotify to YouTube and everything in between. They all remained connected to Surfshark, which, honestly, surprised me, but I realized this VPN was all about walking the walk instead of clinging safely to talk.
Overall, Surfshark is an excellent VPN, even though some of its features do not appear on all of the platforms it supports. It's easy to use, reliable, and packed with different ways to connect. It's also straightforward with plenty of different ways to seek help if needed. While it's much pricier than the competition, you do get what you pay for. And if you have the extra dough, you might consider trying Surfshark instead of some of the other options available.
Does Surfshark have a free trial?
Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee rather than a traditional free trial. This lets you try the full service and decide whether it's worth continuing. If you're not satisfied within that 30-day period, you can request a refund. Sometimes Surfshark also offers 7-day free trials for mobile devices through both app stores (Apple and Android), but you'll have to keep a lookout for those offers; they pop up at random.
Does Surfshark offer good customer support?
Surfshark has excellent customer support, but it's important to note that there is no option to speak to someone on the phone. This may understandably pose an issue for some users. However, Surfshark does have a 24/7 live chat service on their website, which serves up quick responses when you need them the most. So regardless of your timezone or schedule, there's someone available to answer your questions. Surfshark also has a comprehensive knowledge base and guides on its website for those seeking self-help options.
What features does Surfshark have?
Surfshark has a wide variety of features. A few highlights include the ability to add an unlimited number of devices to a single account. It also routes traffic through two VPN servers using the Multi-Hop feature, which means an extra layer of protection. And for those annoyed by ads or concerned about trackers, Surfshark's CleanWeb acts as a shield that can block unwanted content.
If you've ever faced the dilemma of needing just a handful of apps to bypass the VPN while others remain connected, Surfshark's Bypasser comes in handy. This split-tunneling tool is complemented by Whitelister, a more nuanced feature allowing specific apps or sites to bypass the VPN.
In areas with heavy internet restrictions, NoBorders Mode makes sure users can get to the content they need. Meanwhile, Smart DNS enables access to more content spanning the globe. There's also the all-important kill switch, which immediately disconnects your internet if the VPN connection is lost.
Does Surfshark have a no-logs policy?
Surfshark does have a strict no-logs policy. This means that it doesn't collect or store activity logs concerning what you do online when using the VPN. The company also makes it clear that it doesn't monitor or track browsing history, session information, used bandwidth, network traffic, or IP addresses.
How many servers does Surfshark offer?
Surfshark has more than 3,200 servers in 65 countries. This number might change in the future, so you should check the Surfshark website for the most up-to-date information before subscribing.
How many devices does Surfshark support at a time?
Surfshark lets you connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously to a single account. That means you can use it on as many devices as you want at the same time without any restrictions, something larger households or tech enthusiasts will definitely appreciate.
Does Surfshark use browser extensions?
Yes, Surfshark has browser extensions for both Chrome and Firefox. Using those, you can quickly enable Surfshark's VPN directly from your browser. However, it's important to remember that browser extensions typically protect traffic only within the specific browser you're using and not your entire device. If you want to make sure all your device's internet traffic goes through the VPN, you'd have to use the main Surfshark application.
What platforms work with Surfshark?
Surfshark has dedicated applications for Windows, macOS and Linux. If you're on the go, you can secure your mobile devices using apps for both Android and iOS. It also has support for Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick as well as typical smart TV interfaces.
