When you’re wondering, “Is Surfshark VPN okay?”, the short answer is yes, it’s generally considered a very good VPN, especially for most everyday users and families. It offers a fantastic blend of strong security, impressive features, and excellent value, especially if you’re looking for a long-term plan. For many people, it strikes a sweet spot between affordability and performance, allowing you to browse, stream, and download with peace of mind.

Of course, like anything, it has its particular strengths and a few areas where other VPNs might pull ahead. But for what it delivers, Surfshark is definitely a contender in the VPN world. In this guide, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about Surfshark VPN in 2024 and beyond. We’ll look at its security, how it performs for things like streaming and torrenting, what unique features it brings to the table, how much it costs, and even stack it up against some of the big names out there. By the end, you’ll have a super clear picture of whether Surfshark is the right fit for you.

Table of Contents

Is Surfshark VPN Safe and Trustworthy?

One of the first things anyone thinks about when picking a VPN is, “Can I trust this thing with my online life?” And that’s a fair question! When we talk about Surfshark VPN, most folks will tell you it’s a solid choice for safety and trustworthiness. It uses some seriously robust tech to keep your data secure, which is a huge plus.

Let’s break down why you can feel pretty good about it:

Strong Encryption and Protocols

Surfshark uses AES-256-GCM encryption, which is basically military-grade stuff. It’s the same kind of encryption banks and governments use, so your online traffic is pretty much scrambled beyond recognition to anyone trying to snoop. This means your personal information, browsing history, and everything in between is locked down.

For connection protocols, Surfshark offers the industry standards like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. WireGuard is a big deal because it’s known for being super fast and secure, giving you a good balance without sacrificing one for the other. Surfshark VPN Price in India: Your Ultimate Guide to Staying Secure & Saving Money

No-Logs Policy: Do They Keep Your Data?

This is a critical point for any VPN. A “no-logs” policy means the VPN provider doesn’t track, collect, or store any information about your online activities. Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, which they’ve had independently audited. Back in 2023, Cure53, a well-known security firm, audited their no-logs policy and found it held up. Another audit in 2018 also confirmed the security of their server infrastructure. This commitment to not logging your activity is super important because it means even if someone demanded your data, Surfshark wouldn’t have anything to hand over.

RAM-Only Servers: An Extra Layer of Privacy

Here’s a cool thing: Surfshark operates on a 100% RAM-only server network. What this means is that all their servers run on volatile memory RAM instead of traditional hard drives. Every time a server is rebooted, all data on it is completely wiped. This makes it incredibly difficult for any persistent data storage to happen, further bolstering their no-logs claim. It’s like having a whiteboard that gets erased every few hours – nothing permanent sticks around.

Jurisdiction: The Netherlands and why it’s not as scary as it sounds

Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands. Now, some people might raise an eyebrow at this because the Netherlands is part of the “9-Eyes intelligence alliance.” These alliances involve countries that share intelligence, which can be a concern for privacy advocates.

However, Surfshark has been very transparent about this. They chose the Netherlands for its favorable business environment and because Dutch law currently has no obligatory data retention laws for VPN providers. They’ve confirmed that they can still uphold their strict no-logs policy without legal conflict. They’ve even stated that if this ever changed, they would look for a new jurisdiction. Plus, combined with their RAM-only servers and audited no-logs policy, the risk is significantly mitigated.

Essential Security Features You’ll Get

Beyond the basics, Surfshark packs in some really useful security tools: Supercharge Your Online Life: Unpacking Surfshark VPN Offers for Maximum Security and Savings

Kill Switch: This is your VPN’s safety net. If your VPN connection ever unexpectedly drops, the kill switch automatically cuts off your internet access. This prevents your real IP address or any sensitive data from accidentally leaking onto the unprotected internet. I know from experience, it’s a relief when your connection unexpectedly falters, and you realize the kill switch just saved your bacon.
CleanWeb: Think of this as an advanced ad, tracker, and malware blocker all rolled into one. It helps block annoying pop-ups, malicious websites, and prevents advertisers from tracking you online. It makes browsing a lot smoother and safer. In my daily use, it really cleans up the web, making sites load faster and look much tidier.
MultiHop Double VPN: Want even more anonymity? MultiHop routes your internet traffic through two different VPN servers in different countries instead of just one. This adds an extra layer of encryption and makes it even harder to trace your online activity. Surfshark also offers “Dynamic MultiHop,” letting you pick any two servers to chain together, which is a nice touch.
Bypasser Split Tunneling: This feature lets you decide which apps or websites use the VPN connection and which bypass it. For example, you might want your banking app to use your regular internet connection some banking apps can be fussy with VPNs while all your other traffic goes through the VPN. It gives you a lot of control.
NoBorders Mode: If you’re in a region with heavy internet censorship or a restrictive network like some public Wi-Fi spots, NoBorders mode helps you bypass those restrictions. It detects these limitations and suggests servers that work best to get you online. It’s like having a secret key for locked digital doors.
DNS Leak Protection: This prevents your DNS requests which can reveal the websites you visit from leaking outside the encrypted VPN tunnel. Surfshark ensures your DNS requests are handled securely, adding another layer of privacy.

Overall, when you ask if Surfshark VPN is safe or trustworthy, the answer leans heavily towards yes. They’ve got the encryption, the audited no-logs policy, RAM-only servers, and a strong suite of features to back it up.

How Good is Surfshark VPN for Performance?

A VPN is only as good as its performance. Nobody wants a secure connection that crawls like a snail or constantly buffers when you’re trying to watch something. So, how does Surfshark hold up in terms of speed, streaming, and torrenting? Pretty darn well, actually!

Speed and Reliability

Speed is king for a lot of us, and Surfshark generally delivers. Recent tests show that Surfshark has excellent speeds, with a global average of around 104 Mbps as of April 2024. What’s really impressive is that some tests using the WireGuard protocol have recorded speeds of over 950 Mbps, sometimes maxing out the connection line, putting Surfshark right up there with the fastest VPNs. For users in places like the US, average download speeds can even surpass 200 Mbps. Surfshark NZ: Your Ultimate Guide to Online Freedom Down Under

Now, every VPN will slow your internet a bit because it’s encrypting your data and routing it through a server. That’s just how it works. But with Surfshark, that slowdown is usually minimal, especially if you pick a server close to your actual location. Even for data-intensive tasks like 4K streaming or online gaming, where you typically need speeds around 50 Mbps, Surfshark’s 104 Mbps average or higher is more than enough to handle it smoothly.

I’ve personally noticed that while it might not always be the absolute fastest in every single comparison against a top-tier rival, for day-to-day browsing, streaming, and even heavy downloading, it feels consistently fast and reliable.

Streaming Capabilities: Unlocking Your Entertainment

This is where Surfshark really shines for many people. If you’re looking to bypass geo-restrictions and access content from different countries, Surfshark is a fantastic choice. It consistently works with popular streaming platforms like:

Netflix: Yes, it’s one of the best VPNs for Netflix, giving you access to many different regional libraries.
Hulu: Users report consistent access without issues.
Disney+: Works well for accessing content.
Amazon Prime Video: Generally works, though sometimes you might need to switch servers to get around occasional blocks.
BBC iPlayer: Reliable for getting around regional restrictions.

The high speeds mean you can often stream in HD and even 4K with minimal buffering, which is crucial for a smooth viewing experience. It’s like having a key that opens countless doors to a world of entertainment.

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Torrenting and P2P: Secure and Speedy Downloads

For those who engage in peer-to-peer P2P file sharing, Surfshark is also a solid option. Here’s why:

P2P-Optimized Servers: Surfshark supports P2P traffic on all its servers. This means you don’t have to hunt for specific servers. any server you connect to will work for torrenting.
Unlimited Bandwidth: You get unlimited bandwidth, so you can download and upload as much as you need without worrying about data caps slowing you down.
Security for Torrenting: Combining the no-logs policy, strong encryption, and the Kill Switch makes Surfshark a secure environment for torrenting. The Kill Switch is particularly important here, as it prevents your real IP from leaking if the VPN connection drops during a download.

Many users find that Surfshark allows them to safely torrent non-copyrighted materials with great speeds and additional features like Camouflage Mode for enhanced anonymity. Just remember to always be mindful of copyright laws in your region.

What Makes Surfshark Stand Out? Key Features

Beyond the core security and performance, Surfshark really tries to make its service more valuable with some unique features. These aren’t just fluff. they actually make your online experience better and more secure.

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Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

This is arguably Surfshark’s biggest selling point and a huge differentiator from most other VPNs. A single Surfshark subscription allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. This is incredibly useful for families or households with many gadgets. You can protect your laptop, phone, tablet, smart TV, and even share it with friends and family without needing multiple subscriptions. It’s fantastic value for money. I can personally attest to having it running on all my devices and my family’s, and it just works.

CleanWeb: Ad, Tracker, and Malware Blocker

We touched on this before, but it’s worth highlighting again. CleanWeb isn’t just a simple ad blocker. it’s a comprehensive tool that blocks ads, trackers, and prevents access to malicious websites. This means:

Faster Browsing: Fewer ads mean pages load quicker.
Enhanced Privacy: Blocks trackers that collect your data.
Increased Security: Protects you from phishing attempts and malware.

It creates a much cleaner, safer, and faster browsing environment. Surfshark even updated it to “CleanWeb 2.0” to monitor for recently breached websites or those with malware, getting it closer to rivals’ advanced threat protection.

Bypasser Split Tunneling

The Bypasser feature is super handy because it lets you customize your VPN usage. You can choose specific apps or websites that should bypass the VPN tunnel and connect directly to the internet. This is perfect for situations where:

You need to access local network devices.
Certain apps like some banking apps or online games don’t play nice with VPNs.
You want specific traffic to remain unencrypted for speed reasons, while other traffic stays secure.

It gives you granular control over your connection, which is a significant advantage. Surfshark VPN in the Netherlands: Your Ultimate Guide

MultiHop Double VPN

For those times when you want to take your anonymity up a notch, MultiHop is there. It routes your connection through two different VPN servers in two separate countries. This means your data is encrypted twice and goes through two different IP addresses, making it even more challenging for anyone to trace your online activity back to you. Surfshark’s “Dynamic MultiHop” upgrade lets you pick any two servers you want to combine, which is a great improvement.

NoBorders Mode

If you ever find yourself on a highly restricted network, maybe in a country with strict internet censorship or at work/school, NoBorders mode can be a lifesaver. It’s designed to circumvent strong firewalls and network restrictions by detecting them and then connecting you to servers specifically optimized to work under those conditions. It essentially “obfuscates” your VPN traffic, making it look like regular internet traffic, so it’s harder to detect and block.

Dedicated IP Optional Add-on

While most VPNs give you a rotating shared IP address, Surfshark offers a Dedicated IP as an optional add-on. This gives you a static IP address that only you use. It’s useful for things like:

Accessing IP-restricted networks.
Avoiding constant CAPTCHA challenges.
Hosting a small personal server.

Surfshark offers dedicated IPs in more than a dozen locations, which is more choices than some competitors.

Surfshark One & Surfshark One+ Bundles

Surfshark has expanded beyond just a VPN service, offering comprehensive security bundles: Surfshark vpn nigeria

Surfshark One: This bundle includes the VPN, plus Antivirus software, Alert a data breach monitoring tool that notifies you if your personal data appears in breaches, and Secure Search a private search engine that doesn’t track you or show personalized results. The Antivirus part has even been recognized as a “Top Product” by AV-TEST in 2024.
Surfshark One+: This top-tier bundle adds all the features of Surfshark One, plus Incogni, a service that automatically contacts data brokers to remove your personal information from their databases.

These bundles are great if you’re looking for an all-in-one digital security solution.

Is Surfshark VPN Free? And What About Its Pricing?

Let’s get this straight upfront: Surfshark VPN is not a free VPN service. And honestly, you should be extremely wary of “free” VPNs, as they often come with hidden costs like selling your data or bombarding you with ads. With online privacy, you usually get what you pay for.

However, Surfshark does make it very easy to try out their service without much commitment: NordVPN vs. Surfshark VPN: The Ultimate Showdown

7-Day Free Trial: If you’re an Android or iOS user, you can actually get a 7-day free trial directly through their app stores. This is a great way to test its features and performance on your mobile devices.
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: For all other devices and plans, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can subscribe to any plan, use it for up to a month, and if you’re not completely satisfied, you can request a full refund, no questions asked. It’s essentially a risk-free way to try it out.

Surfshark VPN Pricing: Value for Your Money

Surfshark is well-known for being one of the more affordable premium VPNs on the market, especially if you opt for a longer-term plan.

Here’s a general idea of their pricing structure prices can vary with promotions and specific offers, and these are often introductory rates that increase upon renewal:

Monthly Plans: These are typically the most expensive, often around $15.45 per month for the basic “Starter” plan. This is pretty standard for monthly VPN subscriptions across the board. If you just need it for a short period, it’s an option, but not the best value.
Longer-Term Plans 1-Year or 2-Year: This is where Surfshark offers significant savings. Their 2-year plans usually offer the best value, bringing the monthly cost down considerably, sometimes to around $2.49 per month or even lower with special discounts e.g., $1.99/month for the Starter plan with extra months. This makes it incredibly competitive, especially considering the unlimited device connections.

It’s important to note that renewal prices can sometimes be higher than the initial introductory rates. For example, a 2-year plan might renew annually at a higher rate after the initial period. Still, even with renewal price increases, Surfshark often remains cheaper than many rivals like ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

Surfshark also offers different tiers Starter, One, One+ which bundle in additional security features like antivirus and data breach monitoring, with corresponding price differences.

Payment Options: Surfshark supports a wide range of payment methods, including credit/debit cards Mastercard, Visa, Amex, Discover, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Amazon Pay, and even various cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, etc. for added anonymity.

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Surfshark VPN: The Good, The Bad, and The Verdict

Alright, let’s sum it all up. Is Surfshark VPN a good choice? For most people, absolutely. It hits a lot of right notes, especially when you consider its blend of features and price. But like any service, it’s not without its minor points for consideration.

The Good Stuff Pros

Unlimited Devices: This is a huge selling point! Protect all your gadgets and share with your family and friends under one subscription. No other top-tier VPN offers this.
Strong Security Features: You get robust AES-256-GCM encryption, a reliable kill switch, CleanWeb for ad/malware blocking, MultiHop double VPN, and split tunneling Bypasser.
Audited No-Logs Policy & RAM-Only Servers: Surfshark has proven its commitment to privacy through independent audits and by using RAM-only servers that wipe data regularly.
Excellent for Streaming: It’s a fantastic VPN for unblocking major streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer, with minimal buffering even for 4K content.
Solid for Torrenting: Supports P2P on all servers with good speeds and strong security.
Fast Speeds: Generally offers impressive speeds, particularly with the WireGuard protocol, suitable for almost all online activities.
User-Friendly Apps: The applications are intuitive and easy to use, even for VPN beginners, across a wide range of devices.
Wide Server Network: With over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, you’ll find plenty of options to connect globally.
Affordable Long-Term Plans: If you commit for a year or two, Surfshark offers some of the best prices for a premium VPN.
Extra Features Surfshark One: The optional bundles add antivirus, data breach alerts, and private search, making it a comprehensive security tool.

The Things to Consider Cons

Netherlands Jurisdiction 9-Eyes: While Surfshark mitigates this with its no-logs policy and RAM-only servers, some privacy purists might prefer a VPN based in a country outside of intelligence alliances like the British Virgin Islands or Panama.
Temporary IP Logging: Surfshark does temporarily keep IP addresses for up to 15 minutes after a session ends. While it doesn’t store other relevant usage data that could identify a user, it’s a small detail some might find less ideal than zero logging whatsoever.
Occasional Speed Dips on Distant Servers: While generally fast, some tests indicate that on very distant servers, speeds might not always match the absolute top performers like ExpressVPN.
Customer Support can be inconsistent: One review mentioned support wasn’t great when canceling for a refund, though generally, 24/7 live chat is available.

The Verdict

For most users, Surfshark VPN is absolutely okay – it’s a fantastic, feature-rich VPN that offers incredible value for money, especially if you’re looking to protect multiple devices. It’s reliable, secure, and great for bypassing geo-restrictions for streaming and for safe torrenting. If you’re looking for a powerful, affordable VPN that covers all the bases, Surfshark is definitely worth considering. Its downsides are minor and generally well-mitigated by its advanced features and transparency. How to Cancel Your Surfshark VPN Subscription

How Does Surfshark Compare to Other Top VPNs?

When you’re looking for a VPN, it’s easy to get lost in all the choices. Surfshark often pops up in conversations alongside other industry giants like NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Let’s see how it stacks up.

Surfshark vs. NordVPN

Both Surfshark and NordVPN are top-rated VPNs, and they’re actually under the same parent company Nord Security but operate independently.

Price: Surfshark generally has the edge here, being the cheaper option, especially for longer-term plans. If budget is a primary concern, Surfshark often offers a better price-to-feature ratio. NordVPN’s monthly plans can sometimes be cheaper than Surfshark’s, but Surfshark’s long-term plans are usually more affordable.
Simultaneous Connections: Surfshark is the clear winner with unlimited simultaneous connections, compared to NordVPN’s limit of 10. This is a huge factor for families or those with many devices.
Server Network: NordVPN typically boasts a larger server network, with over 6,400+ servers in 111 countries compared to Surfshark’s 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. More servers can sometimes mean less congestion and more location options.
Speed: In many recent tests, NordVPN has shown a slight edge in speed, particularly with its proprietary NordLynx protocol based on WireGuard. While Surfshark is very fast, NordVPN often maintains faster and more consistent speeds.
Security & Privacy: Both offer robust security AES-256 encryption, kill switch, no-logs policy, RAM-only servers. NordVPN’s no-logs policy has undergone more frequent independent audits latest in 2024 vs. Surfshark’s 2023 audit for its policy. NordVPN is based in Panama, which is outside of intelligence alliances, while Surfshark is in the Netherlands 9-Eyes.
Extra Features: Both offer a suite of additional features. NordVPN has “Threat Protection” a very effective ad/tracker/malware blocker, often outperforming CleanWeb, and “Meshnet” for secure file sharing. Surfshark’s bundles Surfshark One offer antivirus and data removal services.

Bottom line: If unlimited devices and the absolute lowest price for a long-term plan are your top priorities, Surfshark is excellent. If you prioritize slightly faster speeds, a larger server network, more frequent no-logs audits, and a Panama jurisdiction, NordVPN might be a better fit. Mrwhosetheboss and Surfshark: Getting the Best VPN Deal

Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is often considered the premium choice, known for its reliability and strong performance.

Price: Surfshark is significantly more affordable than ExpressVPN, often being at least three times cheaper, especially for long-term plans. ExpressVPN is one of the more expensive VPNs on the market.
Simultaneous Connections: Again, Surfshark wins with unlimited devices compared to ExpressVPN’s limit of 8.
Server Network: Both have extensive global networks. Surfshark has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries but doesn’t advertise its exact server count, though it’s typically in the thousands.
Speed: ExpressVPN often takes the lead in speed tests, especially on distant servers, largely due to its proprietary Lightway protocol. While Surfshark is fast, ExpressVPN often provides slightly better and more consistent performance.
Security & Privacy: Both offer top-tier security with AES-256 encryption, kill switches, and strict no-logs policies verified by audits ExpressVPN audited by KPMG in 2024, Surfshark by Cure53 in 2023 for its policy. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction outside intelligence alliances, which is often seen as an advantage over Surfshark’s Netherlands base.
User Experience: Both have user-friendly apps. Some find Surfshark’s interface better suited for beginners as it displays more information clearly, while ExpressVPN focuses on extreme simplicity with fewer tabs.

Bottom line: If you want the most affordable option with unlimited devices, Surfshark is a great choice that often matches ExpressVPN’s core features. If you prioritize consistent top-tier speeds, maximum reliability, and a British Virgin Islands jurisdiction, and don’t mind paying a premium, then ExpressVPN might be more appealing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Surfshark VPN safe to use?

Yes, Surfshark VPN is safe to use. It employs AES-256-GCM encryption, which is a military-grade standard, along with secure protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Surfshark also has a strict, independently audited no-logs policy, meaning they don’t track or store your online activities. Additionally, their entire server network runs on RAM-only servers, which automatically wipe data with every reboot, further enhancing privacy and security.

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Is Surfshark a good VPN?

Yes, Surfshark is widely considered a good VPN. It offers an excellent combination of strong security features, fast connection speeds averaging around 104 Mbps globally, and even higher with WireGuard, and the unique benefit of unlimited simultaneous device connections. It’s highly effective for streaming geo-restricted content and supports secure torrenting on all its servers. Its pricing, especially for longer-term plans, makes it one of the most affordable premium VPNs available.

Is Surfshark VPN reliable?

Based on user feedback and independent reviews, Surfshark VPN is reliable. Users consistently report stable connections and minimal downtime across its network of over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. It effectively unblocks streaming services without constant disconnections or buffering, and its kill switch feature reliably prevents data leaks if the VPN connection drops.

Is Surfshark the best VPN?

“Best” is subjective and depends on individual needs. Surfshark is certainly one of the best VPNs for many users, particularly those seeking great value, strong security, and unlimited device connections. However, for specific niches, other VPNs might edge it out. For example, NordVPN might offer slightly faster speeds in some scenarios or a larger server count, and ExpressVPN might be preferred for ultimate consistency on very distant servers. But for overall functionality, affordability, and the ability to protect all your devices, Surfshark is a top contender.

Is Surfshark VPN trustworthy?

Yes, Surfshark VPN is trustworthy. Its commitment to privacy is demonstrated by its independently audited no-logs policy audited by Cure53 in 2023, the use of RAM-only servers, and strong encryption standards. While its headquarters are in the Netherlands a 9-Eyes country, the lack of mandatory data retention laws there and Surfshark’s explicit policy against logging user data mitigate concerns. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try their service risk-free. Surfshark VPN: Your Gateway to a Safer, Freer Internet

Is Surfshark VPN good for streaming?

Absolutely! Surfshark is considered one of the best VPNs for streaming. It excels at unblocking popular platforms like Netflix accessing many different regional libraries, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. Its fast speeds around 104 Mbps on average are more than sufficient for smooth, high-definition, and even 4K streaming with minimal buffering.

Is Surfshark VPN legit?

Yes, Surfshark VPN is legit. It’s a well-established and reputable VPN service that has quickly gained popularity since its launch in 2018. It offers transparent policies, has undergone independent security audits, and provides a comprehensive suite of privacy and security features to its users. Surfshark is a legitimate company that adheres to industry best practices for VPN providers.

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