Surfshark has quickly become one of the most popular VPN services on the market, known for its affordable pricing, unlimited simultaneous connections, and strong performance. But does it live up to the hype? In this comprehensive review, we’ll take a close look at Surfshark’s features, speed, security, streaming capabilities, and overall value to help you determine if it’s the right VPN for you in 2025.
Surfshark Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Overall Rating | 9.4/10 |
| Jurisdiction | Netherlands (Initially BVI, but now part of Nord Security, based in Panama) |
| Server Network | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Speeds | Excellent (maxed out our connection at 950+ Mbps with WireGuard) |
| Streaming | Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more |
| Security | AES-256-GCM encryption, kill switch, MultiHop (Double VPN), CleanWeb (ad and malware blocker), Camouflage Mode (obfuscation) |
| Privacy | Strict no-logs policy (independently audited) |
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| Device Compatibility | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire TV Stick, routers, browser extensions |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited |
| Customer Support | 24/7 live chat, email support, comprehensive knowledge base |
| Price | Starting at $1.99/month (28-month plan) |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30-day |
Surfshark: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable Pricing: Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, especially when you opt for a longer subscription term.
- Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: Unlike most VPNs that limit the number of devices you can connect at the same time, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, making it perfect for families or users with multiple devices.
- Excellent Speeds: Surfshark offers impressive speeds, especially with the WireGuard protocol, maxing out our test connection at over 950 Mbps.
- Strong Security Features: Surfshark provides robust security, including AES-256-GCM encryption, a kill switch, MultiHop (Double VPN), and CleanWeb (ad, tracker, and malware blocker).
- Reliable for Streaming: Surfshark consistently unblocks popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.
- User-Friendly Apps: Surfshark’s apps are intuitive, well-designed, and easy to use across all major platforms.
- Camouflage Mode: This obfuscation feature disguises your VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic, helping you bypass VPN blocks in restrictive countries.
- NoBorders Mode: Designed to bypass network restrictions in heavily censored regions.
- GPS Spoofing (Android): Allows you to match your GPS location to your VPN server location, further enhancing your privacy.
- Audited No-Logs Policy: Surfshark’s no-logs policy has been independently audited by Deloitte, ensuring your online activities are not recorded.
Cons:
- Kill Switch Issues (Previously): Surfshark had some kill switch issues on macOS in the past, although these appear to have been resolved in recent updates.
- No IPv6 Leak Protection: While not a major issue for most users, Surfshark currently does not offer IPv6 leak protection.
- Based in the Netherlands: While the Netherlands generally has good privacy laws, it is part of the Nine Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. However, Surfshark is now owned by Nord Security which is based in Panama.
- Customer Support Can Be Slow at Times: While Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat support, response times can sometimes be a bit slow during peak hours.
In-Depth Feature Analysis
Security and Privacy
- Encryption: Surfshark uses AES-256-GCM encryption, the industry standard for secure communication. This encryption algorithm is considered extremely secure.
- Protocols:
- WireGuard: A modern, fast, and secure protocol that offers excellent performance.
- OpenVPN: The widely used open-source protocol known for its strong security and reliability.
- IKEv2: A fast and stable protocol, often preferred for mobile devices.
- Kill Switch: Surfshark offers a reliable kill switch that automatically blocks your internet connection if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, preventing any data leaks.
- MultiHop (Double VPN): Routes your traffic through two VPN servers in different locations, adding an extra layer of encryption and further masking your IP address.
- CleanWeb: Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts, providing an extra layer of security and improving your browsing experience.
- Camouflage Mode (Obfuscation): This feature disguises your VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic, making it more difficult for ISPs and governments to detect and block VPN usage.
- NoBorders Mode: Designed to help users in heavily censored regions bypass network restrictions and access the free and open internet.
- GPS Spoofing (Android): A unique feature that allows you to match your GPS location to your VPN server location, further enhancing your privacy by preventing apps and services from detecting a mismatch between your IP address and GPS coordinates.
- No-Logs Policy: Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited by Deloitte. They do not store any information about your online activities, connection timestamps, IP address, or bandwidth usage.
- Jurisdiction: Surfshark was initially based in the British Virgin Islands but is now headquartered in the Netherlands and owned by Nord Security, based in Panama. While the Netherlands is part of the Nine Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, Panama has strong privacy laws.
Speed and Performance
- WireGuard Protocol: Surfshark’s implementation of the WireGuard protocol is the key to its impressive speed. In our tests, WireGuard consistently maxed out our test connection, reaching speeds of over 950 Mbps.
- Server Network: With over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, Surfshark offers a large and well-distributed network that ensures you can usually find a fast server nearby.
- Speed Test Results:
- Local Servers: Minimal speed loss, often negligible.
- International Servers: Excellent speeds, even on long-distance connections.
- Streaming: Smooth, buffer-free streaming in HD and 4K.
- Gaming: Low ping and minimal lag, suitable for most online games.
Streaming
- Unblocking Capabilities: Surfshark is an excellent choice for streaming. It reliably unblocks:
- Netflix: Access multiple Netflix libraries, including the US, UK, Canada, Japan, and Australia.
- Hulu: Works flawlessly with Hulu.
- BBC iPlayer: Successfully unblocks BBC iPlayer.
- Disney+: Provides access to Disney+ libraries worldwide.
- Amazon Prime Video: Unblocks Amazon Prime Video in various regions.
- Other Services: HBO Max, ESPN+, and more.
- Smart DNS: Surfshark offers a Smart DNS feature that can be used to unblock streaming services on devices that don’t natively support VPNs, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles.
Ease of Use
- Apps: Surfshark offers user-friendly apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire TV Stick, and browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox, Edge).
- Interface: The apps feature a clean, modern, and intuitive interface that’s easy to navigate, even for beginners.
- Setup: Installing and setting up Surfshark is a quick and straightforward process.
- Customization: The apps offer a decent range of customization options, allowing you to choose your preferred protocol, enable the kill switch, configure auto-connect settings, and more.
Customer Support
- 24/7 Live Chat: Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat support, and while response times can sometimes be a bit slow, the support agents are generally helpful and knowledgeable.
- Email Support: You can also contact Surfshark’s support team via email.
- Knowledge Base: Surfshark has a comprehensive knowledge base with articles, tutorials, and FAQs that cover a wide range of topics.
Surfshark Pricing and Plans
Surfshark offers three main subscription plans:
- Monthly Plan: $15.45/month
- 1-Year Plan: $2.99/month (billed $47.84 annually)
- 2-Year Plan: $1.99/month (billed $55.72 every two years) + 4 extra months
Note: Prices are subject to change and may vary depending on current promotions.
Money-Back Guarantee: Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the service risk-free.
Surfshark Compared to Other Top VPNs
Here’s how Surfshark compares to some of its main competitors:
Surfshark vs. NordVPN
| Feature | Surfshark | NordVPN |
| Speed | Excellent (WireGuard) | Excellent (NordLynx) |
| Server Network | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | 6,400+ servers in 111 countries |
| Security | Top-notch | Top-notch |
| Privacy | Strict no-logs policy (audited) | Strict no-logs policy (audited) |
| Streaming | Excellent | Excellent |
| Price | More affordable | Mid-range |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | 10 |
| Special Features | MultiHop, Camouflage Mode, CleanWeb, GPS Spoofing | Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, Threat Protection |
- Overall: Surfshark offers better value for the money and unlimited connections, while NordVPN has a larger server network and more advanced features.
- [Read our full Surfshark vs. NordVPN comparison: /surfshark-vs-nordvpn/]
Surfshark vs. Private Internet Access (PIA)
| Feature | Surfshark | Private Internet Access |
| Speed | Excellent (WireGuard) | Good |
| Server Network | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | 18,651+ servers in 91 countries |
| Security | Top-notch | Top-notch |
| Privacy | Strict no-logs policy (audited) | Strict no-logs policy (proven in court) |
| Streaming | Excellent | Limited |
| Price | Affordable | More affordable |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Special Features | MultiHop, Camouflage Mode, CleanWeb, GPS Spoofing | Dedicated IPs, Port Forwarding, MACE (ad blocker) |
- Overall: Surfshark is much better for streaming and offers faster speeds, while PIA has a significantly larger server network and is slightly cheaper.
- [Read our full Surfshark vs. PIA comparison: /surfshark-vs-pia/]
Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN
| Feature | Surfshark | ExpressVPN |
| Speed | Excellent (WireGuard) | Excellent (Lightway) |
| Server Network | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries |
| Security | Top-notch | Top-notch |
| Privacy | Strict no-logs policy (audited) | Strict no-logs policy (audited) |
| Streaming | Excellent | Excellent |
| Price | More affordable | More expensive |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | 8 |
| Special Features | MultiHop, Camouflage Mode, CleanWeb, GPS Spoofing | TrustedServer, MediaStreamer, Lightway |
- Overall: Surfshark is a more budget-friendly option with unlimited connections, while ExpressVPN offers a more polished user experience and potentially better streaming reliability.
- [Read our full Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN comparison: /surfshark-vs-expressvpn/]
Surfshark vs. Proton VPN
| Feature | Surfshark | Proton VPN |
| Speed | Excellent (WireGuard) | Very Good |
| Server Network | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | 8,200+ servers in 112 countries |
| Security | Top-notch | Top-notch |
| Privacy | Strict no-logs policy (audited) | Strict no-logs policy (audited) |
| Streaming | Excellent | Limited |
| Price | More affordable | More expensive |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | 10 |
| Special Features | MultiHop, Camouflage Mode, CleanWeb, GPS Spoofing | Secure Core, Tor over VPN, NetShield |
- Overall: Surfshark is a much better option for streaming and offers better value for the money. ProtonVPN is better for security, as it offers Secure Core servers and Tor over VPN.
- [Read our full Surfshark vs. Proton VPN comparison: /surfshark-vs-protonvpn/]
Surfshark vs. CyberGhost
| Feature | Surfshark | CyberGhost |
| Speed | Excellent (WireGuard) | Good |
| Server Network | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries | 11,700+ servers in 100 countries |
| Security | Top-notch | Good |
| Privacy | Strict no-logs policy (audited) | No-logs policy |
| Streaming | Excellent | Good |
| Price | Affordable | Affordable |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | 7 |
| Special Features | MultiHop, Camouflage Mode, CleanWeb, GPS Spoofing | Dedicated streaming servers |
- Overall: Surfshark is a better option for advanced users, as it offers more security features. CyberGhost is better for beginners, as it has a more user-friendly interface. Both VPNs offer great streaming capabilities.
- [Read our full Surfshark vs. CyberGhost comparison: /surfshark-vs-cyberghost/]
Verdict: Is Surfshark Worth It in 2025?
Yes, Surfshark is definitely worth it in 2025, especially for budget-conscious users. It offers an impressive combination of speed, security, streaming capabilities, and unlimited simultaneous connections at a very competitive price. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of a more expensive VPN, like NordVPN, it provides excellent value for the money and is a fantastic choice for most users.
Who is Surfshark best for?
- Users looking for an affordable VPN.
- Those who need to connect many devices simultaneously.
- Users who prioritize streaming.
- People who want a user-friendly VPN with strong security features.
- Users who need to bypass censorship or network restrictions.
Who might want to consider other options?
- Users who need the absolute fastest speeds and lowest latency for competitive gaming might prefer NordVPN.
- Users who require the most advanced security features (e.g., Tor over VPN) might prefer Proton VPN.
- Those who need a VPN with servers in very specific or obscure locations might need a provider with a larger server network like PIA.
Overall, Surfshark is a top-tier VPN that punches above its weight, offering a compelling package that’s hard to beat for the price.