In this Surfshark review, you’ll discover why this VPN service stands out with its impressive unlimited device policy and robust security features. Imagine never having to worry about the number of gadgets you can protect simultaneously. From your smartphone to your smart TV, Surfshark has it all covered. Add to that top-notch encryption and a host of privacy tools, and you’ll see why Surfshark is gaining popularity among security-conscious users. Dive in to explore how Surfshark combines convenience and high-level security to keep your online activities safe and private. Have you ever found yourself needing to secure multiple devices at once without compromising on speed and security? You’re not alone. As we increasingly rely on numerous gadgets to manage our daily lives, finding a VPN that supports unlimited devices with robust security can be a game-changer. Enter Surfshark.
Table of Contents
What is Surfshark?
If you’ve been exploring options for a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you’ve likely come across Surfshark. Launched in 2018, Surfshark has rapidly gained recognition in the crowded VPN market. It’s known for offering unlimited device connections with a single subscription, high security, user-friendly features, and reasonable pricing.
Why Choose Surfshark?
Wondering why Surfshark should be your go-to VPN? It’s more than just a buzzword in the cybersecurity world. Let’s dive into the key reasons that make Surfshark a compelling choice:
- Unlimited Device Connections: You can protect all your devices with a single account, making it incredibly cost-effective for families or small businesses.
- High-Level Security: With industry-standard encryption and a host of security features, Surfshark takes your privacy seriously.
- Affordable Pricing: Surfshark offers competitive pricing plans, especially when you consider the unlimited device connections.
- Ease of Use: Its simple interface and easy setup make it accessible even for VPN newbies.
- Fast Speeds: Compatible with major streaming platforms, Surfshark ensures minimal slowdown, offering a smooth browsing and streaming experience.
Extensive Features Breakdown
To truly appreciate what Surfshark brings to the table, let’s delve deeper into its features.
Encryption and Security Protocols
Security is the cornerstone of any reliable VPN service, and Surfshark excels in this area.
It uses AES-256-GCM encryption, often considered military-grade, to ensure that your data is virtually impenetrable. Additionally, Surfshark supports several secure protocols, including:
- OpenVPN: Known for its balance of speed and security.
- IKEv2/IPsec: Offers excellent stability and is especially good for mobile devices.
- WireGuard: A newer, faster protocol that combines robust security with high performance.
CleanWeb
One of Surfshark’s standout features is CleanWeb. This built-in ad blocker also prevents tracking and blocks malware. CleanWeb enhances your browsing experience by eliminating annoying ads and keeping you safe from malicious sites.
NoBorders Mode
If you’re in a region with heavy internet restrictions, Surfshark’s NoBorders mode can be your best friend. This feature allows you to connect to the internet freely, even in countries with stringent censorship.
MultiHop
For an extra layer of anonymity, you can route your connection through two different VPN servers. This feature, known as MultiHop, offers double encryption and is particularly useful for users who need heightened privacy.
Kill Switch
A kill switch is critical in ensuring your data remains protected if your VPN connection unexpectedly drops. Surfshark’s kill switch will automatically disconnect your internet if the VPN fails, preventing any data leaks.
Private DNS and Leak Protection
Every Surfshark server uses its own private DNS, and the VPN offers leak protection for additional security. This ensures that your data doesn’t leak through unsecured DNS queries.
Camouflage Mode
Surfshark’s Camouflage mode makes your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic, masking the fact that you’re using a VPN. It’s particularly helpful in avoiding deep packet inspection by your ISP or government agencies.
Surfshark’s Performance
Performance is a critical factor when choosing a VPN. So how does Surfshark fare?
Speed
Surfshark’s high-speed connections are one of its most praised attributes. Speed tests have shown that Surfshark maintains fast upload and download speeds, even with the added encryption overhead. Here is a glimpse of typical speed results:
| Server Location | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Ping |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 89 Mbps | 76 Mbps | 45 ms |
| United Kingdom | 85 Mbps | 70 Mbps | 50 ms |
| France | 91 Mbps | 74 Mbps | 48 ms |
| Australia | 80 Mbps | 65 Mbps | 100 ms |
These performance figures indicate that Surfshark can handle streaming, gaming, and large downloads with minimal impact on your experience.
Streaming and Torrenting
Surfshark supports streaming on major platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. It consistently bypasses geo-blocks, making it a reliable choice for accessing content libraries from different regions.
For torrenting enthusiasts, Surfshark offers P2P-friendly servers and unlimited bandwidth. You can torrent without worrying about throttling or privacy compromises.
Compatibility and User Experience
One of Surfshark’s significant advantages is its compatibility with a wide range of devices and operating systems.
Supported Platforms
Here’s a look at where Surfshark can be installed:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- iOS
- Android
- Browser Extensions: Chrome and Firefox
- Smart TVs
- Gaming Consoles
- Routers
User Interface
Surfshark’s user-friendly interface ensures a seamless experience for any user, regardless of technical expertise. The apps are designed to be intuitive with a clean layout, making navigation straightforward.
Setup and Installation
Installing Surfshark is a breeze. Once you sign up, you can download the app for your specific device from the website. The setup process includes easy-to-follow instructions, and getting connected takes just a few clicks.
Customer Support
Surfshark offers reliable customer support, which is a crucial aspect of any service. Their support options include:
- 24/7 Live Chat
- Email Support
- Knowledge Base: Comprehensive guides and troubleshooting articles
Pricing Plans
Surfshark’s pricing is another strong point. It offers three main subscription plans:
| Plan | Cost Per Month | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $12.95 | $12.95/month |
| 6 Months | $6.49 | $38.94/6 months |
| 24 Months + 2 Free | $2.21 | $59.76/24 months |
The 24-month plan provides the best value for money, considering the additional features and unlimited device connections.
Free Trial and Money-Back Guarantee
Unsure if Surfshark is for you? They offer a 7-day free trial for Android, iOS, and macOS. Moreover, all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you a risk-free opportunity to test the service.
Pros and Cons
To provide a balanced perspective, here’s a quick rundown of Surfshark’s pros and cons:
Pros
- Unlimited Device Connections: Protect all your gadgets with a single account.
- High Security: Uses AES-256-GCM encryption and secure protocols.
- Competitive Pricing: Offers excellent value for money.
- Robust Performance: High-speed connections and reliability.
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy to set up and use across multiple platforms.
- Comprehensive Features: Includes CleanWeb, NoBorders, MultiHop, and more.
Cons
- Limited Server Network: While Surfshark’s server network is growing, it is still less extensive than some competitors.
- Variable P2P Speeds: While generally good, P2P speeds can occasionally fluctuate.
Security and Privacy
When choosing a VPN, security and privacy are paramount. Let’s delve into Surfshark’s approach to ensuring your data stays safe and your privacy remains intact.
Jurisdiction and Logging Policy
Surfshark operates out of the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction with no mandatory data retention laws. This means that Surfshark isn’t legally obligated to store user data.
True to this principle, Surfshark follows a strict no-logs policy. They do not collect IP addresses, browsing history, session information, used bandwidth, connection time stamps, network traffic, and other similar data.
Audits
Independent audits are essential in verifying a VPN’s security claims. Surfshark has undergone an independent audit by Cure53, a reputable cybersecurity firm. The results were positive, affirming Surfshark’s commitments to security and privacy.
Additional Security Features
Besides the basics, Surfshark includes several advanced security features:
- MultiHop: As mentioned earlier, this feature routes your traffic through two servers for double encryption.
- HackLock: An alert system that notifies you if your email appears in data breaches.
- BlindSearch: A private search tool that prevents tracking by search engines.
- Trust DNS: An alternative DNS service that helps circumvent censorship.
Competitor Comparison
How does Surfshark stand up against other popular VPN services? Let’s take a look at a comparison with NordVPN and ExpressVPN, two of the most renowned players in the VPN market.
| Feature | Surfshark | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Device Connections | Unlimited | 6 | 5 |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES-256-CBC | AES-256-CBC |
| Pricing | $2.21/month (24 months) | $3.71/month (2 years) | $8.32/month (1 year) |
| Server Locations | 65+ countries | 59 countries | 94+ countries |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, NordLynx | OpenVPN, IKEv2, Lightway |
| No-Logs Policy | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Audits | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, Email | 24/7 Live Chat, Email | 24/7 Live Chat, Email |
While each VPN has its strengths, Surfshark’s unlimited device connections and competitive pricing make it a standout choice for users looking to protect multiple devices without breaking the bank.
User Reviews
What do users say about Surfshark? Let’s explore some common themes from user reviews to give you a clearer idea:
Positive Reviews
- Ease of Use: Many users appreciate Surfshark’s intuitive interface, making it suitable for both beginners and tech-savvy individuals.
- Performance: High-speed connections and reliable performance are frequently praised.
- Customer Support: Responsive and helpful customer service receives high marks from users.
- Value for Money: The affordability of Surfshark, especially considering unlimited device connections, makes it a popular choice.
Criticisms
- Server Network: Some users mention the desire for a more extensive server network.
- P2P Speed Variability: While generally good, some users experience inconsistent P2P speeds.
Final Thoughts
If you need a VPN that is secure, easy to use, and offers excellent value for money, Surfshark is hard to beat. Its unlimited device connections, high-level security features, and competitive pricing make it a robust choice for individuals, families, and small businesses alike.
Is Surfshark Right for You?
Given its features and performance, Surfshark is ideal if:
- You want to protect multiple devices without multiple subscriptions.
- You value high-level security and privacy.
- You seek a user-friendly VPN experience.
- You look for a cost-effective VPN solution.
In conclusion, Surfshark combines performance, security, and affordability into a compelling package. Whether you’re streaming, browsing, or working online, Surfshark has the tools and features to keep you secure and anonymous.
So, are you ready to give Surfshark a try? With its generous trial options and money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Happy surfing!
