Discover why Surfshark VPN is becoming a popular choice for VPN users, with its unbeatable prices, robust security features, and impressive connection speeds.
Surfshark VPN has been garnering attention in the VPN market for its exceptional affordability, good security features, and impressive performance. With its headquarters in the British Virgin Islands, Surfshark operates under a “no-log” policy and offers secure access to the internet. In this detailed review, we’ll explore the pros and cons of Surfshark VPN, its user experience, connection speeds, streaming compatibility, security features, and overall value for money.
Contents
- 1. Surfshark VPN Review: Pros and Cons Packed into a Neat Table
- 2. Surfshark VPN’s Subscription Plans, Payment Options, and Referral Program
- 3. Surfshark VPN Supports Multiple Devices and Operating Systems for Unlimited Connections
- 4. User Experience with Surfshark VPN on Windows 11 and Android Platforms
- 5. Surfshark VPN Delivers Impressive Connection Speeds on Multiple Platforms
- 6. Surfshark VPN’s Compatibility with Video Streaming Services
- 7. Surfshark VPN’s Security Features and Privacy Protection
- 8. Is Surfshark VPN Worth the Investment?
1. Surfshark VPN Review: Pros and Cons Packed into a Neat Table
In order to provide a comprehensive understanding of Surfshark VPN, we have summarized its pros and cons in the table below:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unbeatable price | Doesn’t unblock all streaming services |
| Good security features | |
| Static IP and Multi-hop server |
2. Surfshark VPN’s Subscription Plans, Payment Options, and Referral Program
Surfshark VPN offers a monthly subscription at £10.99, but opting for a longer commitment can save you a significant amount of money. A two-year subscription for new customers costs only £47.76, equivalent to £1.99 per month. After the initial two years, the service renews at the same competitive price per year. Surfshark also accepts payments through cryptocurrencies via CoinGate and CoinPayments, ensuring your account isn’t linked to your bank details or PayPal account.
If you refer a friend who signs up and stays for a month, both of you will receive an extra month of free service. Surfshark also offers a 30-day refund policy, allowing you to try the service risk-free.
3. Surfshark VPN Supports Multiple Devices and Operating Systems for Unlimited Connections
Surfshark VPN supports all major desktop and mobile operating systems, with convenient plugins for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, as well as an app for the Amazon Fire TV Stick. Unlike most VPNs that limit the number of devices you can connect, Surfshark allows unlimited connections, making it ideal for households with multiple devices.
You can also configure your router to route all internet traffic through Surfshark, provided your router supports OpenVPN or another secure protocol. Surfshark does not support L2TP or PTPP connections.
4. User Experience with Surfshark VPN on Windows 11 and Android Platforms
During our testing on Windows 11 and Android, we found that the Surfshark app provided a user-friendly experience. It opens with a list of recently used servers and server locations worldwide, which you can browse or search to find a suitable exit node. You can also create a list of your favorite servers and use predefined multi-hop routes for enhanced privacy.
Surfshark offers static IP servers in Germany, Japan, Singapore, the UK, and the US, giving you the same external IP address each time you connect. This feature can help bypass certain access requirements. The app also includes CleanWeb and Whitelister options, allowing you to block ads, trackers, and malware, and manage split-tunnelling for non-sensitive apps.
5. Surfshark VPN Delivers Impressive Connection Speeds on Multiple Platforms
Although using a VPN generally slows down your internet connection, Surfshark performs exceptionally well in maintaining high speeds. During our tests, we observed only an 8.7% reduction in performance on a Windows 11 laptop connected to a 200Mbits/sec Virgin fiber line. The download speed dropped from 209Mbits/sec without VPN to 190Mbits/sec after connecting to a server in London. While not as impressive as Hotspot Shield or NordVPN, Surfshark’s performance is sufficient for everyday use.
Long-distance connections also performed admirably, with a New York server providing a download speed of 182Mbits/sec. This 12.8% performance hit is among the best in the industry.
On a Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 tablet connected via Wi-Fi 6, the raw speed of 203Mbits/sec decreased only to 199Mbits/sec when connected to a London server. The US connection on Android was also impressive, with a New York server providing a download speed of 112Mbits/sec.
For maximum performance, you can use the Whitelister feature to bypass the VPN for specific apps and sites, ensuring full-speed ISP connection.
6. Surfshark VPN’s Compatibility with Video Streaming Services
Surfshark VPN’s connection speeds are more than adequate for streaming 4K HDR video from the US and other locations. During our tests, we found that it performed well with location spoofing, allowing us to access US-exclusive content on Netflix and Disney+ as well as the US-only Hulu service on a Windows laptop.
While connected to a UK server, we were able to access BBC iPlayer but not BritBox or Now TV. On Android, the results were more limited, with the Netflix app showing the UK library and no access to Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, or BritBox.
VPN providers are continually working to bypass such restrictions, but at the time of writing, other VPNs like ExpressVPN or NordVPN offer more freedom to access streaming services.
7. Surfshark VPN’s Security Features and Privacy Protection
Surfshark VPN operates under a “no-log” policy, and being based in the British Virgin Islands, it has no obligation to share user data with authorities. The VPN also offers various security features, such as double VPN options, Whitelister for secure app connections, and a kill switch for added security.
On Windows, you can set Surfshark to automatically connect upon startup and remain connected unless you’re on a trusted network. While not entirely possible on Android, you can configure Surfshark to open a VPN session upon launching the app or when changing Wi-Fi networks.
8. Is Surfshark VPN Worth the Investment?
Surfshark VPN is a reliable, cost-effective, and user-friendly VPN service. It offers robust security features, impressive connection speeds, and support for unlimited devices. Despite its limitations in unblocking certain streaming services, it delivers an excellent overall experience.
While the price increases after the initial two years, you can always cancel and start a new 24-month subscription to continue enjoying the low-cost benefits. Surfshark VPN is a great choice for anyone seeking an affordable and efficient VPN service.
