Wondering if Surfshark VPN is the right pick for you in the Philippines? Here’s a quick rundown: Surfshark is a solid choice for Filipinos looking for online privacy, security, and a way to get around content restrictions. It boasts fast speeds, a strong suite of privacy features, and importantly, it does have servers in the Philippines, which is great for accessing local content or for those traveling abroad who want to stay connected to home. Plus, with its budget-friendly plans and unlimited device connections, it’s a real contender for anyone wanting to boost their internet experience without breaking the bank. We’ll break down everything you need to know, from its features and performance to how it handles Netflix and what people on Reddit are saying, so you can decide if it’s your next go-to VPN.
Why a VPN is a Must-Have in the Philippines
Let’s be real, the internet here in the Philippines is a wild ride sometimes. We’ve got our moments, but there are genuine reasons why a VPN isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s becoming pretty essential for many. The digital is always changing, and it’s not always for the better when it comes to privacy and access.
First off, online security and privacy threats are everywhere. The Philippines Virtual Private Network VPN Market is actually seeing a lot of growth because people and businesses are prioritizing online privacy, data security, and unrestricted internet access. There’s a real concern about rising cyber threats, ransomware attacks, and data breaches. It’s like stepping out into a busy street – you want to feel safe, right? A VPN essentially puts a protective bubble around your online activity.
Then there’s the whole issue of internet censorship and geo-restrictions. While it might not be as strict as some other countries, internet freedom in the Philippines has been classified as “partly free” by Freedom House. We’ve seen websites related to news media, LGBTQ+ content, pornography, online gambling, and even political criticism get blocked, often through things like DNS tampering. Back in June 2022, the National Telecommunications Commission NTC even ordered internet service providers to block a number of websites, allegedly linked to “communist-terrorist” groups, using the Anti-Terrorism Law. This means certain content you might want to access, whether it’s news, educational material, or just entertainment, could be off-limits.
And let’s not forget accessing global content. Ever tried to watch a show on Netflix that’s only available in the US or the UK? Or maybe you’re outside the Philippines and miss local Filipino shows and banking portals? Geo-restrictions are a pain, driven by licensing agreements and regional policies. A VPN can make it seem like you’re browsing from a different country, opening up a whole new world of streaming libraries and services.
Finally, for the gamers out there, a VPN can be surprisingly helpful. Whether you’re trying to lower your latency on specific game servers or access region-specific game releases, a VPN can sometimes give you that edge or unlock content you couldn’t get otherwise. Surfshark, for instance, has shown excellent performance for gaming.
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Interestingly, VPN usage in the Philippines is quite high. A 2018 report showed that 25% of internet users in the Philippines had used a VPN, primarily to access entertainment content and for anonymous browsing. The VPN market here is even projected to grow from USD 12.9 billion in 2025 to USD 32.7 billion by 2031. It seems more and more Filipinos are realizing the benefits.
Diving into Surfshark: What You Need to Know for the Philippines
Now that we know why you might want a VPN, let’s talk about Surfshark specifically and how it fits into the Philippine context.
Surfshark’s Server Presence and Performance in the Philippines
When you’re picking a VPN, servers are a big deal. You want options, and you want them to be fast. The good news is, Surfshark has 6 servers right here in the Philippines. That’s super important if you’re looking to get a Philippine IP address, maybe to access local banking services or stream Filipino content like TV shows and movies when you’re traveling abroad. Having local servers means you’re more likely to get better speeds for local activities, too, since your data doesn’t have to travel as far.
Beyond the Philippines, Surfshark boasts a pretty impressive global network with 3200+ servers in 100 countries worldwide. So, if you’re trying to access content from, say, the US or Europe, you’ve got plenty of choices nearby, with good options in places like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia for general Asian content.
And what about speed? Nobody wants a slow internet connection. My research shows that Surfshark generally delivers a fast and reliable experience. It’s noted for its good performance in the Philippines, even for things like 4K streaming without buffering or lag, assuming you’ve got a decent internet provider like Globe or PLDT to begin with. One review specifically mentioned that Surfshark retained about 74% of the original speed during testing, which is pretty good for a VPN. This means you can expect smooth browsing, streaming, and even torrenting across its East Asian servers.
Key Surfshark Features That Filipinos Will Love
Surfshark isn’t just about changing your IP address. it comes packed with features designed to keep you secure and give you more online freedom.
- NoBorders Mode: This is a fantastic feature, especially if you’re worried about strict network restrictions, like those sometimes found in schools, workplaces, or even from your internet provider. NoBorders automatically kicks in when it detects these restrictions, giving you a list of servers that are best equipped to bypass them. It’s like a secret handshake for your internet connection, making it look like regular traffic even when you’re using a VPN. This is super helpful if you encounter geo-blocking or even potential government censorship.
- CleanWeb: We all hate annoying ads, trackers, and malicious websites. CleanWeb is Surfshark’s built-in tool that blocks them all. It means a faster, cleaner browsing experience and an extra layer of protection against malware. Who wouldn’t want that?
- Bypasser Split Tunneling: Sometimes you want certain apps to use the VPN and others to connect directly to the internet. Maybe your banking app acts up with a VPN, or you need full speed for a specific online game. Bypasser lets you choose which apps or websites go through the VPN and which bypass it. It’s great for flexibility and optimizing your connection.
- Camouflage Mode: This feature takes your privacy a step further. Camouflage Mode disguises your VPN traffic to look like regular internet traffic, so even your Internet Service Provider ISP can’t tell you’re using a VPN. This provides an extra layer of anonymity and can prevent potential throttling or monitoring of your internet usage by your ISP.
- Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: This is a big one for families or anyone with multiple devices. Unlike many VPNs that limit you to a few connections, Surfshark lets you connect an unlimited number of devices on a single subscription. Phones, laptops, tablets, Smart TVs – you can secure them all at once.
- Kill Switch: This is a crucial security feature. If your VPN connection unexpectedly drops for any reason, the Kill Switch automatically disconnects your device from the internet. This prevents your real IP address and online activity from being accidentally exposed, even for a split second. Surfshark even offers “soft” and “strict” modes for this feature, giving you more control.
- MultiHop Double VPN: For those times when you want extra security, MultiHop routes your connection through two different VPN servers instead of one. This adds an additional layer of encryption and makes it significantly harder to trace your online activities back to you.
- Rotating IP: This is a clever feature that automatically changes your IP address at regular intervals without disconnecting your VPN. It makes it even more difficult for anyone trying to track your online activities, adding an extra layer of privacy.
Surfshark also uses military-grade AES-256-GCM encryption the same standard used by governments and financial institutions, has its own private DNS on each server, and offers IPv6 leak protection, ensuring your data remains private and secure. Is Surfshark VPN Owned by China? No, Surfshark VPN is not owned by China or any Chinese entity. This is a common question, and it’s super important to know who’s behind your VPN service, especially with so much concern around data privacy these days. Let me tell you, Surfshark is actually a European company, and its operations are far from China’s control.
How Surfshark Stacks Up for Streaming and Gaming
Many of us use VPNs for entertainment, and Surfshark really shines here.
When it comes to streaming services like Netflix, Surfshark is a pretty good companion. It works with Netflix and can unblock a impressive 30 different Netflix libraries, including popular ones like the US, UK, Canadian, Japanese, and Singaporean libraries. This means you can easily access a much wider range of TV shows and movies than what’s available on Netflix Philippines alone.
However, you might sometimes run into a “VPN or proxy error” when trying to access Netflix Philippines specifically through a Surfshark Philippine server, as some users have reported. If this happens, a common troubleshooting step is to try a different server or clear your browser’s cache. But for accessing international Netflix content, Surfshark generally performs very well, providing fast and buffer-free streaming, even in 4K. They also offer a SmartDNS feature, which lets you watch Netflix on devices that don’t natively support VPNs, like some Smart TVs or gaming consoles.
For gaming, Surfshark’s strong performance and wide server network are a big plus. While there wasn’t a specific mention of “Surfshark VPN PS5” in the search results, the general consensus is that Surfshark offers excellent performance for gaming. Connecting to a nearby server or a server in the region of your game’s servers can help reduce ping and improve your overall gaming experience. The combination of speed, reliable connections, and features like split tunneling Bypasser means you can route only your game through the VPN for optimal performance while other apps use your regular connection.
Surfshark VPN Price Philippines: What to Expect
Let’s talk money. Nobody wants to overpay, and Surfshark has made a name for itself as a pretty budget-friendly premium VPN, especially compared to some of its competitors. NordVPN vs Surfshark: The Ultimate VPN Showdown (2025)
Surfshark offers a few different subscription plans, with prices varying based on the length of your commitment. You’ll generally find:
- Monthly Plans: These are usually the most expensive on a per-month basis, often costing around $15.45/month.
- Longer Plans 12-month or 24-month: This is where you get the most value. For example, the 24-month Surfshark Starter plan can be as low as $1.99/month, and often includes extra months for free, like 3 bonus months. This makes the initial total cost for a long-term plan incredibly competitive.
Keep in mind that while the introductory prices for longer plans are fantastic, the renewal prices after the initial period might be higher, though still competitive with other top-tier VPNs.
Surfshark also offers different bundles:
- Surfshark Starter: This is their basic VPN plan.
- Surfshark One: This bundle includes the VPN, antivirus software, a secure search engine, and an identity monitoring service Alert.
- Surfshark One+: This is their most comprehensive bundle, adding a personal data removal tool called Incogni to everything in Surfshark One.
You can usually pay using various methods, and importantly, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can try it out risk-free for a month to see if it fits your needs. If it doesn’t, you can request a full refund.
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Setting Up Surfshark VPN in the Philippines: A Quick Guide
Getting Surfshark up and running is pretty straightforward, even if you’re not super tech-savvy.
- Sign Up for a Surfshark Account: Head over to their official website and choose a plan. I’d definitely recommend going for one of the longer-term plans for the best value.
- Download the App: Once you’ve signed up, download the appropriate Surfshark app for your device. They have apps for pretty much everything: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and even browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. You can find these in your device’s app store or directly from the Surfshark website.
- Log In: Open the app and log in using your account details.
- Connect to a Server:
- For a Philippine IP address: Look for the “Philippines” server in the list and connect to it. This will make it seem like you’re browsing from within the country.
- For international content: Choose a server in the country whose content you want to access e.g., a US server for US Netflix.
- You can also use the “Quick-connect” option, which typically connects you to the fastest available server.
- Enjoy! Once connected, you’re good to go. Your internet traffic is now encrypted, and your IP address is hidden.
Troubleshooting Common Issues e.g., “Surfshark Philippines VPN location error”
Even with the best VPNs, you might occasionally run into a snag. Here are a few common issues and what you can do:
- “VPN or proxy error” on streaming sites like Netflix: This can happen because streaming services actively try to detect and block VPNs. If you get this error, especially when trying to access a specific library like Netflix Philippines from within the PH with a PH server, as some users noted:
- Try a different server: Disconnect and connect to another Surfshark server in the same country. Surfshark has multiple servers, and some might work better than others.
- Clear your browser cache and cookies: Websites store information, and sometimes this can reveal your real location. Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies can often resolve this.
- Restart the app/device: A simple restart can sometimes fix temporary glitches.
- Check your VPN settings: Make sure features like CleanWeb aren’t interfering, or try enabling/disabling NoBorders mode if you’re in a restrictive network.
- Slow Speeds:
- Switch to a closer server: The closer the server, generally the faster your speed.
- Try different protocols: Surfshark supports protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. WireGuard is often the fastest. Try switching between them in the app settings.
- Check your internet connection: Make sure your base internet speed isn’t the problem.
- VPN not connecting:
- Restart the app and your device.
- Check your internet connection.
- Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus just to test, re-enable immediately.
- Ensure the Surfshark app is up to date.
- If you’re in a highly restrictive network, ensure NoBorders mode is enabled it should activate automatically, but you can check in settings.
If you’re still stuck, remember that Surfshark has 24/7 customer support available via live chat and email.
Real Talk: Surfshark VPN Philippines Reddit Reviews
When I want to know what people really think about a product, I head to Reddit. It’s often where you find unfiltered, honest opinions from everyday users. Looking at discussions about “Surfshark VPN Philippines Reddit” gives us some interesting insights.
Many Reddit users generally praise Surfshark for its affordability and robust feature set. People often highlight the unlimited simultaneous connections as a huge benefit, especially for households with lots of devices. Users also appreciate features like the Kill Switch, Rotating IP, and Bypasser split tunneling for enhancing their online experience and privacy. One user mentioned having used Surfshark for almost two years and found it works great, noting its good features and “dirt cheap” price compared to others. Another user, who switched from a more expensive competitor, found Surfshark to be “better in terms of speed and reliability” and “a lot cheaper.”
However, like any service, it’s not without its occasional hiccups. While overall positive, sometimes you might see discussions about specific server performance for certain streaming services, particularly Netflix, where a Philippine server might trigger a VPN detection error for some content. This isn’t unique to Surfshark, as streaming services constantly battle VPNs. General advice on Reddit for this issue aligns with what we discussed earlier: try different servers or clear your cache.
Customer support experiences can vary, but generally, Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat and email support, which is often seen as responsive. Some older Reddit posts mention a perceived change in how easily one could get to a human agent, but recent info confirms that live chat is readily available through their help center. Surfshark VPN Price in India: Your Ultimate Guide to Staying Secure & Saving Money
The general sentiment suggests that Surfshark provides excellent value for money with a strong focus on security and privacy, making it a popular choice among users in the Philippines and abroad.
Is Surfshark VPN Safe to Use?
Online safety is a major concern, and rightly so. When you’re trusting a company with your internet traffic, you want to be sure they’re keeping you safe. So, is Surfshark VPN safe to use? The short answer is yes, it’s considered very secure.
Here’s why: Supercharge Your Online Life: Unpacking Surfshark VPN Offers for Maximum Security and Savings
- No-Logs Policy: Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t track, collect, or store your personal information or browsing history. This is foundational for any good privacy-focused VPN. They even state they only keep IP addresses for a maximum of 15 minutes after a session ends, and without other usage data, it’s not enough to trace you.
- Independent Audits: Their commitment to user privacy has been independently audited, which is a crucial step for building trust. These audits verify that their no-logs claims are legitimate.
- Strong Encryption: Surfshark uses military-grade AES-256-GCM encryption, which is the industry standard and considered extremely secure. They also support secure protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2.
- Secure Jurisdiction: Surfshark is currently based in the Netherlands. While it was previously based in the British Virgin Islands known for privacy-friendly laws, the Netherlands also has strong privacy laws and does not require VPNs to collect user data. It’s also owned by Nord Security, which also owns NordVPN.
- Advanced Security Features: Beyond the no-logs policy and strong encryption, features like the Kill Switch, CleanWeb blocking malware, MultiHop, and Private DNS & Leak Protection all contribute to a very secure online environment. They even have webcam protection on their Windows and macOS apps.
Basically, Surfshark goes the extra mile to protect your digital footprint, making it a reliable choice for privacy-conscious users.
Surfshark VPN Customer Service and Contact Options
Even the best services can sometimes throw a curveball, or you might just have a question. Knowing how to get help is super important. When it comes to “Surfshark VPN contact number,” it’s good to know that Surfshark does not offer a dedicated phone number for customer support.
Instead, they focus on providing assistance through other channels that allow for efficient and high-quality responses: Surfshark NZ: Your Ultimate Guide to Online Freedom Down Under
- 24/7 Live Chat: This is often the fastest way to get help. You can usually find a chat icon on their official website often in the bottom right corner or within the Surfshark app itself under the “Settings” and “Get Help” sections. While you might start with a bot, you can typically request to speak with a live agent for more specific issues. This is available around the clock, which is great for different time zones.
- Email Support: If your issue is less urgent, requires detailed explanations, or you need to send attachments, you can reach out via email. The official support email is
[email protected]or[email protected]. They typically aim to respond within 24 hours. - Extensive Help Center/Knowledge Base: Before reaching out, it’s always a good idea to check their website’s help center. It’s packed with guides on setup, troubleshooting common issues, FAQs about billing, and explanations of features. You might find your answer there immediately.
So, while there’s no “Surfshark VPN phone number,” their 24/7 live chat and email support are robust and designed to get you the help you need efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Surfshark VPN work in the Philippines?
Yes, absolutely! Surfshark VPN works exceptionally well in the Philippines. It even has 6 servers located directly in the Philippines, allowing you to get a local IP address for accessing Filipino content or services. Beyond that, its extensive global network of over 3200 servers in 100 countries ensures you can access international content too. It’s known for strong security, fast speeds, and unblocking capabilities.
How much does Surfshark VPN cost in the Philippines?
The price of Surfshark VPN in the Philippines is generally in line with its global pricing, often showing up as one of the most affordable premium VPNs. The best deals are typically on longer-term plans, like the 24-month subscription, which can start as low as $1.99 per month and often includes extra free months. Monthly plans are more expensive, usually around $15.45. They also offer “Surfshark One” and “Surfshark One+” bundles with added features like antivirus and identity theft protection. Don’t forget their 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it risk-free. Unlocking Ultimate Protection: How Many Devices Can You Really Connect with Surfshark VPN?
Does Surfshark VPN work with Netflix in the Philippines?
Yes, Surfshark VPN generally works very well with Netflix. It’s capable of unblocking content from at least 30 different Netflix libraries, including popular regions like the US, UK, Canada, and Singapore. This means you can easily access a much wider variety of shows and movies. While some users might occasionally encounter a proxy error with specific Netflix content when using a Philippine server, this can usually be resolved by trying a different server or clearing your browser’s cache.
How can I contact Surfshark VPN customer service?
Surfshark offers excellent customer service, primarily through two main channels: 24/7 live chat and email support. You can usually find the live chat option on their official website often a chat icon in the corner or within the Surfshark app itself under the “Settings” and “Get Help” sections. For email, you can send your inquiries to [email protected] or [email protected]. They do not have a dedicated phone number for support.
What if I get a “Surfshark Philippines VPN location error”?
If you’re experiencing a “Surfshark Philippines VPN location error,” especially when trying to access geo-restricted content, it typically means the website or service has detected your VPN. Here’s what you can try: First, switch to a different Surfshark server in the Philippines or the desired country. Sometimes a different server IP will work. Second, clear your browser’s cache and cookies, as these can store information that reveals your true location. Third, restart the Surfshark app and your device. If the issue persists, ensure your Surfshark app is updated, and consider contacting their 24/7 live chat support for real-time assistance.
Is Surfshark safe for online banking in the Philippines?
Yes, Surfshark is considered safe for online banking in the Philippines. It uses military-grade AES-256-GCM encryption to secure your internet traffic, preventing unauthorized access to your data. Combined with a strict no-logs policy meaning they don’t record your online activities and features like a Kill Switch, it significantly enhances your online security and privacy. However, some banking apps might block VPN connections. In such cases, you can use Surfshark’s Bypasser split tunneling feature to allow your banking app to connect directly while other apps remain protected by the VPN.
Does Surfshark have a no-logs policy, and has it been audited?
Yes, Surfshark maintains a strict no-logs policy, which means they do not track, collect, or share your personal information or browsing history. This commitment to user privacy has also been independently audited, providing external verification of their claims. This is a crucial aspect for ensuring your online activities remain private and secure. Surfshark VPN Not Connecting? Here’s How to Fix It!
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