Protecting our online privacy has become of utmost importance in a world that is becoming more and more digital. In order to handle this issue, services like Surfshark’s VPN (Virtual Private Network) can be considered by the technical users. Surfshark is a VPN service that offers a private and secure browsing environment, enabling users to safeguard their data and take benefit of having limitless internet access. Surfshark differentiates from other VPN providers thanks to its extensive feature set and reasonable cost.
We have personally reviewed Surfshark as a VPN service and this review article is going to highlight all the salient features including subscription plans, performance parameters, security services and more. Let’s get started.
Plans and Pricing:
Surfshark, with an overall rating of 4.0 stars, offers a range of pricing choices to accommodate various subscription demands. They offer a monthly plan, a 6-month plan, and a 1-year subscription plan. The monthly plan of Surfshark is priced at $12.95 whereas the 6-month and 2-year plan stands out for $38.94 and $59.76 respectively. Customers will also get 82% off alongside a 2-month free subscription on buying any monthly or annual plan.
Check the table given below for more details:
| Time Duration | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Total Amount Billed |
| 1 month | $12.95 | $155.40 | $12.95 |
| 12 months | $3.99 | $47.88 | $47.88 |
| 2 years | $2.49 | $29.88 | $59.76 |
In this table, we have compared and highlighted the pricing of ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN across their different subscription plans.
| VPN Provider | Monthly Plan Price | 6-Month Plan Price | 1-Year Plan Price |
| ExpressVPN | $12.95 | $9.99 | $99.95 (for 15 months) |
| Surfshark | $12.95 | $6.49 | $1.99 (Special Offer) |
| NordVPN | $12.99 | $9.00 | $59.88 |
Features:
We found that Surfshark offers an excellent selection of features that put the safety and privacy of its users first. Strong encryption and security protocols are one of its distinguishing characteristics, ensuring that all data transmitted through the VPN connection is protected and secure. It also adheres to a rigorous no-logs policy, meaning that this VPN service provider don’t keep any records of their users’ online actions, ensuring complete anonymity.
Another crucial component of Surfshark that is noticeable is the kill switch function. If the VPN connection stops, it automatically disconnects the internet to prevent any data leakage. MultiHop, commonly known as double VPN, increases anonymity by passing internet traffic across two VPN servers, adding an additional degree of security.
Unwanted advertisements and harmful software are kept at bay with Surfshark’s CleanWeb function. You can build split tunnels using the Whitelister function, allowing them to select certain programs or websites that should circumvent the VPN connection. Obfuscation technology is used in Camouflage Mode to make it more difficult for ISPs and governments to identify and block VPN usage.
The capability that allows for infinite simultaneous connections is one of Surfshark’s special features. Surfshark is a great option for families or individuals with many devices because users can secure all of their devices with just one account.
Server Network:
We identified that Surfshark is having a sizable server network dispersed across various nations. Users may simply get around geo-restrictions and access content from various zones thanks to more than 3,200 servers spread across more than 100 countries. This vast server network guarantees quick and dependable connections, resulting in a pleasant browsing experience. Additionally, Surfshark provides virtual server locations, which are servers that are physically situated in one nation but are shown to be situated in a different one.
Security and Privacy:
Surfshark takes part in protecting users’ privacy very seriously. This was understood by us since we found out that Surfshark service providers strictly adhere to the no-logs principle and do not record or keep any user activity or connection logs. Every user’s online actions will be kept anonymous and confidential as a result. Furthermore, Surfshark also uses strong encryption standards and VPN technologies for security. It makes use of the AES-256-GCM encryption technique, which is among the most secure ones.
Additionally, a number of protocols are supported by Surfshark, such as OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and WireGuard. These protocols give alternatives for various devices and network setups while ensuring a safe and dependable connection. An independent security audit of Surfshark was performed by the famous cybersecurity company Cure53. The audit verified there found no significant security flaws, demonstrating Surfshark’s dedication to user security.
Performance and Speed:
Surfshark provides dependable and quick connections in terms of performance and speed. Surfshark excelled in the testing, offering steady connections with no latency. The results of the speed tests were outstanding, and they had no effect on download and upload rates. It’s crucial to remember that individual speeds can vary based on things like network congestion, internet service provider, and the distance to servers.
With over 3,200 servers spread over more than 65 countries, Surfshark’s vast server network makes it possible for users to view material from different regions at fast speeds. The global deployment of servers enhances surfing performance by enabling users to get around geo-restrictions and access material without limitations.
Speed Testing for Surfshark VPN:
We followed the below-mentioned steps to take the Surfshark VPN speed test:
- Choose a reliable speed testing tool like Ookla Speedtest, Fast.com, or Google’s Measurement Lab (M-Lab).
- Disconnect from Surfshark VPN to establish a baseline speed without VPN influence.
- Visit one of the speed testing websites and follow their instructions to conduct a test, measuring ping, download, and upload speeds.
- Connect to a Surfshark VPN server of our choice.
- Perform multiple tests using different Surfshark VPN server locations for a broader perspective on performance.
- Ratings for the Surfshark VPN is categorized here:
- Excellent: Minimal speed loss around 10-20% range
- Good: Speed loss within the 20-30% range.
- Average: Speed loss of around 30-40% range
- Fair: Speed loss exceeding 40%.
In doing so, we found that Surfshark performs mostly in the good to average range. All of our servers had at least a 1Gbps port connected, while most are already updated to 10 Gbps, meaning the physical connection can handle a lot of traffic. Some go up to 2x10Gbps per server.
Note: VPN speed can be influenced by various factors, including server load, distance from the server, and the internet service provider.
Location-wise Surfshark VPN Testing:
| Server Location | Download (Mbps) | Upload (Mbps) | Ping (ms) |
| No VPN (Benchmark) | 529.56 | 497.07 | 1 |
| Singapore | 494.17 | 409.51 | 10 |
| Japan (Tokyo) | 455.93 | 5.1 | 104 |
| United Kingdom (London) | 391.41 | 204.96 | 249 |
| Germany (Berlin) | 346.38 | 157.16 | 352 |
| United States (New York) | 375.84 | 214.91 | 222 |
| Australia (Perth) | 383.99 | 243.53 | 217 |
| United States (Seattle) | 360.49 | 251.07 | 195 |
(Source: https://www.webhostingsecretrevealed.net/blog/web-tools/surfshark-review/ )
User Interface and Usability:
Surfshark has an intuitive, user-friendly interface that is simple to use. With just a few clicks, you can easily connect to VPN servers thanks to the well-designed software. Surfshark offers user-friendly apps for many different platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and more, whether users are using a desktop or mobile device. With features like Whitelister (split tunneling), CleanWeb (ad and malware blocker), and MultiHop (double VPN), the apps are feature-rich.
It’s simple to install and set up Surfshark. The setup is easy to complete after the installation, and the apps give customers detailed instructions. In-depth instructions and tips are also available on the Surfshark website, making it simple for users to troubleshoot and set up the VPN service to meet their unique requirements.
Streaming & Torrenting:
Access to numerous streaming services and support for P2P activities like torrenting are two areas where Surfshark thrives. With the help of its cutting-edge technology and massive server network, Surfshark is able to get around geo-restrictions and unblock well-known streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and others. As a result, viewers’ possibilities for streaming content from various countries and locations are increased.
Surfshark features dedicated servers designed for quick and safe file sharing that is optimized for P2P and torrenting. Users can utilize these servers to torrent while still protecting their security and privacy. Because of its rigorous no-logs policy, which guarantees user anonymity, Surfshark is a dependable option for torrent service users who value their privacy.
We have got free access to our favorite content, thanks to Surfshark’s ability to unblock streaming services and its extensive support for P2P activities. Surfshark offers a dependable and flawless experience whether watching the newest shows or downloading stuff via torrents.
Customer Support:
Surfshark provides users with a thorough customer service system to help them with any questions or problems they could run across. They offer numerous help channels, such as live chat, email assistance, and a knowledge base. Users can interact in real time with a support representative using the live chat option, which is accessible all time. Surfshark’s live chat support was incredibly quick and beneficial throughout the journey.
From our user’s point of view, Surfshark is good to go since they can email the support staff at Surfshark in addition to using live chat. For less urgent questions or for more in-depth assistance, the email support option is helpful.
We discovered Surfshark’s email assistance to be dependable and beneficial in answering our questions, despite the fact that response times sometimes vary. Another useful tool for users is the knowledge base of Surfshark. It provides a sizable selection of articles and manuals that address a range of subjects, such as how-to setup information, troubleshooting, and commonly asked questions. The knowledge base’s user-friendly navigation and well-organized layout enable users to rapidly discover answers to their queries.
Compatibility:
Surfshark is compatible with a variety of hardware and operating systems. Major operating systems like Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android are supported. Surfshark also provides browser extensions for well-known browsers like Chrome and Firefox, enabling users to safeguard their browsing habits right from their web browsers. The browser extensions offer a practical solution to activate the VPN without having to launch the entire application.
Mobile Apps:
Surfshark’s mobile apps for both iOS and Android offer a seamless and user-friendly experience for users on the go. The user-friendly and well-designed Surfshark mobile apps are available for both iOS and Android smartphones. They provide a smooth and simple user interface, making it simple to connect to VPN servers and use the app’s functions. Users can safeguard their online activity while on the go thanks to the mobile apps’ strong security and privacy features, which are identical to those found in the desktop versions.
The ability of Surfshark’s mobile apps to instantly connect to a VPN while connecting to unprotected Wi-Fi networks is a noteworthy feature. Particularly when using public Wi-Fi networks, this feature gives an added degree of security.
Pros & Cons:
Here is the table summarizing the pros and cons of Surfshark:
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable Pricing | Speed Fluctuations |
| Strong Security and Privacy | Limited Advanced Settings |
| Large Server Network | Inconsistent Customer Support Response Times |
| Unblocking Capabilities | |
| P2P Support | |
| User-Friendly Interface |
User Reviews and Ratings:
Surfshark consistently receives positive reviews on several technical servers, with an average rating that frequently exceeds 4 out of 5 stars. The feature-wise user ratings as derived from various internet resources are given here in the table below:
| Surfshark VPN Features | User Rating (Out of 5) |
| Pricing and Plans | 4.5 |
| Privacy and Security | 4.6 |
| Server Network | 4.4 |
| Streaming and Torrenting | 4.7 |
| Customer Support | 4.3 |
| Compatibility | 4.5 |
| Mobile Apps | 4.6 |
Please note that the above-stated user ratings and reviews for these features were reviewed and obtained from the trustable resources such as PCMag, Trustpilot, Security.org, and VPNmentor. Users can visit these websites to gather specific user ratings and reviews for Surfshark features.
Conclusion:
Surfshark is a VPN service that comes highly rated and offers a variety of advantages and capabilities. It stands out in the VPN industry due to its affordable pricing, robust security measures, extensive server network, and unblocking features. Surfshark also offers users comfort and accessibility with a user-friendly interface and compatibility with a range of hardware and operating systems. Its appeal is increased by its capacity to unblock well-known streaming services and facilitate P2P activity.
Based on our personal review of Surfshark’s features, other customer reviews, and general performance, it is suggested that you can use Surfshark as a dependable and affordable VPN option if you want to increase your online privacy and security.
Resources:
https://surfshark.com/deal/brand
