If you’re an Aussie looking for a VPN that genuinely delivers on speed, security, and unblocking capabilities without breaking the bank, Surfshark is definitely one to consider. It’s become a pretty popular choice, and for good reason: you get robust security, strong privacy features, and it’s excellent for streaming all your favourite shows, whether local or international. Plus, with its unlimited device connections, you can protect every gadget in your home with just one subscription, which is super handy and makes it a fantastic value, especially when you sign up for a longer plan. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from its performance on Australian servers to its advanced features, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your online life.
Surfshark at a Glance: Key Features & Benefits
Surfshark has carved out a solid reputation in the VPN world, and it’s easy to see why it appeals to so many users, especially here in Australia. One of the biggest selling points, and something you won’t find with many other top providers, is its unlimited simultaneous device connections. That means you can install and use Surfshark on every single device you own – your phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, gaming console – and even share it with your family, all under one subscription. It’s a genuine game-changer for households with a lot of screens.
Beyond that, Surfshark delivers what you’d expect from a premium VPN. It boasts impressive server performance, reliable access to streaming services, and a robust privacy policy that’s been independently audited. Plus, Surfshark has really stepped up its game, with speeds and connection stability showing significant improvement in recent tests. It’s also loaded with extra features that go beyond just hiding your IP address, offering a comprehensive suite for your digital security.
Speed Test: How Does Surfshark Perform in Australia?
Let’s be real, speed is a huge deal when you’re picking a VPN. Nobody wants constant buffering or slow downloads, especially when you’re streaming or trying to get things done online. From what I’ve seen, Surfshark generally holds up pretty well, even when you’re connecting to servers here in Australia.
Many of the latest tests show Surfshark delivering decent speeds, particularly when you use the WireGuard protocol. For instance, on a 100 Mbps base connection, Surfshark often provides download speeds in the range of 76-81 Mbps. That’s a noticeable drop from your raw internet speed, maybe around 17-25% speed loss depending on the protocol and location, but it’s still more than fast enough for most everyday online activities, like streaming in HD, browsing, or even downloading larger files.
If you’re connecting to an Australian server, like one in Sydney or Melbourne, you can expect pretty good results. Some older tests even showed speeds over 200 Mbps on an NBN 250/20 plan using WireGuard or IKEv2, which is seriously fast. However, it’s worth noting that a few reviews suggest that while generally fast, Australian servers could sometimes use a bit of a bump in speed consistency compared to some other regions.
Surfshark also helps fight against something called ISP throttling. Sometimes your internet provider might slow down your connection if they detect you’re doing data-heavy activities like streaming or torrenting. A VPN can effectively bypass this by encrypting your traffic, making it harder for your ISP to see what you’re doing, and potentially even improving your speeds in those specific scenarios.
For those who like to keep an eye on their connection, Surfshark even has a built-in speed test within its Windows app, which is a neat touch. You can check your upload speeds, download speeds, and latency directly in the app, helping you pick the fastest server for your needs. Supercharge Your Apple Experience: A Deep Dive into Surfshark VPN
Unblocking Streaming Services: Your Ticket to Global Content
One of the main reasons many Aussies grab a VPN is to unlock content from other countries, and Surfshark really shines here. It’s consistently rated as one of the best VPNs for streaming, and from my experience, it lives up to that hype.
Imagine getting access to a massive library of shows and movies that aren’t available on Australian Netflix. Surfshark makes that a reality. It effortlessly bypasses geo-restrictions on popular platforms like Netflix including the US, UK, Japan, and other libraries, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Many users report that it works flawlessly across these platforms, often on the first try. I’ve personally found it super reliable for jumping between different Netflix regions.
When it comes to our local Aussie streaming platforms, Surfshark generally does a good job too. It passes with flying colours for services like Stan including Stan Sport. So, if you’re traveling overseas and want to catch up on your favourite Australian content, Surfshark can help you access it.
However, it’s not always a perfect score. Some users have reported that accessing Kayo can be a bit trickier. While it might not throw up a direct VPN error, it can take a long time to load or refuse to play content, making the experience frustrating. This isn’t unique to Surfshark, as streaming services are constantly improving their VPN detection, but it’s something to be aware of if Kayo is a priority for you. Overall, though, for the vast majority of streaming needs, Surfshark is a solid choice.
Torrenting with Surfshark: Safe & Sound?
For those who engage in peer-to-peer P2P file sharing, also known as torrenting, Surfshark is generally considered a good and safe option. It really ticks a lot of the right boxes, especially for casual torrenting.
Here’s why Surfshark stands out for torrenting:
- P2P-Optimized Servers: Unlike some VPNs that restrict P2P to a few servers, Surfshark allows torrenting on all of its servers across its entire network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. This means you can just connect to the fastest available server without worrying if it supports P2P.
- Strong Security: When you’re torrenting, privacy is paramount. Surfshark helps keep your P2P activity anonymous from your internet service provider ISP and other prying eyes. It uses robust AES 256-bit encryption, has an automatic kill switch, and adheres to a strict no-logging policy more on that later!. These features are crucial to prevent your IP address from being exposed to connected peers.
- CleanWeb: This feature is also a big plus for torrenting, as it blocks ads and malware, which can be a common nuisance on torrent sites.
- Camouflage Mode: This mode helps disguise your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, which is super useful if you’re in a region where VPN use is monitored or restricted.
- Decent Speeds: While not always the absolute fastest compared to some dedicated torrenting VPNs, Surfshark generally provides good torrenting speeds. In tests, it’s shown an average bitrate of around 8.4-8.6 MiB/s, which is respectable. So, you should have a smooth experience downloading files.
Now, for a couple of important things to be aware of. Some recent information suggests that Surfshark doesn’t allow seeding uploading files back to the network on its servers, or if it does, the upload speeds are very low 2-3 KB/s. Additionally, Surfshark does not offer port forwarding support. For most casual downloaders, this won’t be a deal-breaker, but if you’re an advanced torrenter who relies on seeding to maintain your ratio or needs port forwarding for optimal performance, these limitations might make you consider other options.
Always remember that while a VPN helps protect your privacy, downloading copyrighted material is illegal in many places, including Australia. This review focuses on the technical capabilities of Surfshark for torrenting, not endorsing illegal activities.
Rock-Solid Security Features: What Keeps You Safe?
When you choose a VPN, you’re essentially trusting it to be your shield online. Surfshark takes this seriously, packing in a bunch of features designed to keep your data secure and your identity private.
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Encryption: The Digital Fortress
At the core of Surfshark’s security is its military-grade AES-256-GCM encryption. This is the industry standard, used by governments and security experts worldwide, so you know your data is in safe hands. It essentially scrambles your internet traffic, making it unreadable to anyone who might try to snoop on your connection, like hackers, your ISP, or even malicious entities on public Wi-Fi.
VPN Protocols: The Connection Methods
Surfshark offers a selection of reliable VPN protocols, letting you choose between speed and security, or often, a good balance of both:
- WireGuard: This is usually the default and for good reason. It’s known for being incredibly fast, lightweight, and modern, offering excellent performance without compromising on security. You’ll often get the best speeds with WireGuard, especially on your mobile devices.
- OpenVPN: This has been around for ages and is a user-favourite because it’s open-source and has been thoroughly tested and trusted since 2001. It’s a solid choice for strong security and stability. You can often choose between UDP faster and TCP more reliable, good for restrictive networks.
- IKEv2: Known for its fast performance and excellent mobile network support, IKEv2 is great for staying connected as you switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
Having these options means you can tweak your settings for the best experience, whether you prioritize raw speed or maximum security.
Kill Switch: Your Safety Net
An automatic kill switch is an absolute must-have for any good VPN, and Surfshark has one built-in. What does it do? If your VPN connection unexpectedly drops for any reason, the kill switch immediately cuts your internet connection. This prevents your real IP address and any unencrypted data from accidentally leaking onto the internet, keeping your privacy intact even during a momentary hiccup. It’s like a safety net for your digital life. Surfshark VPN in Albania: Your Ultimate Guide to Online Freedom and Security
CleanWeb: Banish Ads & Malware
Tired of annoying pop-up ads and worrying about shady websites? Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature is your friend. It’s a DNS-level blocker that works to keep ads, trackers, and malware at bay. In recent tests, CleanWeb successfully blocked a high percentage of ads, making your browsing experience smoother and more secure by preventing you from landing on malicious sites or being tracked by advertisers. There’s even a browser-based add-on, CleanWeb 2.0, for an extra layer of protection.
MultiHop Dynamic MultiHop: Double the Protection
Sometimes, you want an extra layer of privacy, and that’s where MultiHop comes in. This feature routes your internet traffic through two different VPN servers instead of just one, often in different countries. This essentially creates a double encryption tunnel, making it significantly harder for anyone to trace your online activity back to you. It’s great for those who are particularly security-conscious, though it might impact your connection speed slightly since your data has to travel further.
Camouflage Mode: Stay Undetected
For situations where you need to hide the fact that you’re even using a VPN, Surfshark offers Camouflage Mode. This is an obfuscation technology that makes your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic. It’s especially useful if you’re in a country with strict internet censorship or on a network that tries to block VPNs.
Bypasser Split Tunneling: Control Your VPN
Bypasser, Surfshark’s name for split tunneling, gives you control over which apps or websites use the VPN and which ones don’t. This is super practical. For example, you might want your banking app or sensitive browsing to go through the secure VPN tunnel, while other apps like your local news site or online games can connect directly to the internet for potentially faster speeds. This feature helps you tailor your VPN use to your specific needs.
IP Rotator & Static IP: Flexible IP Options
Surfshark offers some cool flexibility with your IP address: Does surfshark vpn allow torrenting
- IP Rotator: This unique feature automatically changes your assigned IP address periodically while you stay connected to the VPN. It’s an extra layer of privacy, making it even harder for anyone to track your online movements over time.
- Static IP: If you need a consistent IP address for things like accessing secure work systems, online banking, or avoiding constant CAPTCHA prompts, Surfshark offers static IP addresses in certain locations like Germany, Japan, Singapore, UK, and US. You get this at no extra cost, which is a nice perk.
Alternative ID: A Fresh Start Online
Here’s a feature you don’t see every day: Alternative ID. With just a click, this tool generates an entirely new online persona for you, complete with a new email address. It’s a great way to protect your real identity and email from being exposed, especially when signing up for new services or trying to avoid spam.
Privacy Policy: No Logs, No Worries
When you’re talking about VPNs, privacy is arguably the most important thing. And Surfshark really nails this with a strict no-logs policy. What does that actually mean for you? It means Surfshark doesn’t collect or store any information about your online activities, like your browsing history, the websites you visit, your IP address, connection timestamps, or how much data you use. Your online actions stay private and can’t be traced back to you.
This isn’t just a claim they throw out there. Surfshark has had its no-logs policy independently verified by Deloitte, one of the “Big Four” auditing firms. They’ve done this twice, first in 2023 and again in June 2025, which really shows a strong commitment to transparency and user privacy. Deloitte dug deep, reviewing their systems, internal processes, server configurations, and even conducting staff interviews to confirm that Surfshark truly operates with high privacy standards and doesn’t log your data. Unlock Global Content: Your Ultimate Guide to Surfshark VPN and AirPlay on Apple Devices
Surfshark also uses RAM-only servers. This is a fantastic security measure because it means all their servers run on volatile memory. When the servers are powered off or rebooted, all data on them is wiped clean. This makes it virtually impossible for any third party to seize a server and extract user data, even if they physically gained access.
Their jurisdiction also plays a role. Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands. While some might point out that the Netherlands is part of intelligence-sharing alliances, Surfshark’s audited no-logs policy and RAM-only server infrastructure are designed to strongly mitigate these concerns. If they don’t have your data, they can’t hand it over, simple as that.
All these measures combined mean you can browse, connect, and explore the internet with real peace of mind, knowing your privacy is genuinely protected every step of the way.
Server Network: Global Reach, Local Presence
A strong server network is crucial for any VPN, impacting both speed and your ability to access geo-restricted content. Surfshark boasts an impressive network, giving you plenty of options no matter where you are or what you’re trying to do online.
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Currently, Surfshark has over 3,200 servers spread across 100 countries. While this number might be a bit lower than some competitors, their wide country coverage is definitely a plus. Having servers in so many different locations means you’re more likely to find an uncrowded server close to you or the content you want to access, which helps ensure better connection speeds and reliability.
For those of us in Australia, Surfshark makes sure we’re well covered. They offer servers in five major Australian cities: Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Perth. Having multiple server locations within Australia is great for local users because you can connect to a nearby server to minimise latency and get the best possible speeds for your local browsing and streaming needs. It also means if you’re an Aussie travelling overseas, you can easily connect back to an Australian server to access local banking, news, or streaming services like Stan.
The wide distribution of servers also means you have more options for “spoofing” your location, whether you want to appear in the US to watch Netflix or in the UK for BBC iPlayer. It’s a key part of what makes Surfshark so versatile.
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Device Compatibility & Unlimited Connections: Connect Everything!
This is where Surfshark really sets itself apart and offers incredible value, especially for families or anyone with a lot of gadgets. Remember how I mentioned unlimited simultaneous connections? It’s not just marketing hype. it’s a core feature.
You can install Surfshark and use it on an unlimited number of devices at the same time with a single subscription. Think about it: your laptop, your desktop PC, your work phone, your personal phone, your tablet, your partner’s devices, the kids’ tablets, your smart TV, your gaming console – all protected, all at once. This saves you the headache and cost of having to buy multiple subscriptions or constantly logging in and out of devices. For an Australian household with multiple internet-connected devices, this is a huge advantage and a significant cost-saver.
Surfshark also has dedicated, easy-to-use apps for pretty much every popular platform you can think of:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux yes, even with a graphical user interface for easy use!
- Android
- iOS
- Android TV
- Amazon Fire TV Stick
- Apple TV
- Browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
You can even manually configure it on certain routers to protect every device connected to your home network, which is a big win for those devices that don’t natively support VPN apps. The apps are generally intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for beginners to get started while still offering advanced settings for more experienced users.
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Surfshark One: More Than Just a VPN
Surfshark has been expanding its offerings, from just a VPN service into a more comprehensive cybersecurity suite. They call this Surfshark One, and it bundles the excellent VPN with several other tools to give you broader protection.
When you opt for a Surfshark One plan, you’re not just getting a VPN. you’re getting a stack of features designed to enhance your online safety: What Does Surfshark VPN Do? Your Ultimate Guide to Online Freedom and Security
- Surfshark Antivirus: This is a surprisingly capable antivirus solution that provides real-time protection against viruses, malware, and other threats on your devices. It can perform on-demand scans, scheduled scans, and even offers webcam protection, which is a nice extra touch. While it might not replace a full-blown, feature-rich standalone antivirus for everyone, it’s a solid inclusion for basic to moderate protection and often performs well in malware detection tests. It’s currently available for Windows, macOS, and Android.
- Surfshark Alert: This is a data leak detection system that actively monitors for breaches involving your personal information. If your email address, passwords, personal identification number, or credit card details appear in leaked online databases, Surfshark Alert will notify you in real time. This gives you a crucial head start to change passwords, monitor accounts, and prevent potential identity theft or fraud. It’s about being proactive about your digital security.
- Surfshark Search: This is a private search engine that promises truly organic search results, free from ads, trackers, and logs. In an age where almost every search engine tracks your activity to build a profile for advertising, a private search engine is a refreshing addition. It ensures your search queries don’t become part of your online footprint.
So, if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution that covers not just your VPN needs but also basic antivirus and identity protection, Surfshark One offers a compelling package. There’s also Surfshark One+, which adds a data removal service Incogni to help take your data off company databases and people search sites.
Pricing Plans: Getting the Best Value in AUD
Let’s talk money, because this is often where people make their decisions. Surfshark offers a few different plans, and the pricing structure can be a little confusing at first glance, especially with the extra bundled features.
Here’s the gist: Add surfshark vpn to windows
- Monthly Plans: If you just want to pay month-to-month, Surfshark’s plans can look quite expensive. For example, the basic Surfshark Starter VPN plan might be around AUD $15.45 – $24.26 per month. Compared to other VPNs, this is definitely on the higher side.
- Long-Term Plans Best Value: This is where Surfshark truly becomes budget-friendly and offers excellent value. Their 12-month and especially 24-month two-year plans come with significant discounts, often including a few extra months for free. For instance, a 24-month Starter plan could drop the effective monthly cost to as low as $1.99 – $3.19 AUD per month, billed as a single upfront payment. This makes it one of the most affordable premium VPNs out there for long-term commitment.
- Surfshark Starter vs. One vs. One+:
- Surfshark Starter: This is the most basic plan and includes just the VPN, ad blocker CleanWeb, and the Alternative ID feature. If you only need the VPN, this is your go-to.
- Surfshark One: This package includes everything in Starter, plus the Antivirus, Alert, and Search features. It’s a comprehensive security bundle.
- Surfshark One+: This is the most comprehensive tier, adding the data removal service Incogni on top of all the Surfshark One features.
While the prices you see advertised on Surfshark’s Australian website are often conversions of US dollars, remember that the significant savings come with the longer subscription periods.
Money-Back Guarantee: To give you peace of mind, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all its plans. This means you can try out the service risk-free for a month. If it doesn’t meet your expectations for any reason, you can contact their customer support within 30 days and get a full refund. There’s also a 7-day free trial specifically for Android, iOS, and macOS users.
Customer Support: Help When You Need It?
Even with the best VPN, you might occasionally run into a question or an issue, so good customer support is essential. Surfshark generally gets high marks for its support, but there are some mixed reviews out there.
Most of the time, Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat support, which is fantastic. Many users, including myself, have found their agents to be friendly, helpful, and quite knowledgeable. You can usually get connected to a real person quickly, which is a big plus when you need immediate assistance. They’re generally good at walking you through troubleshooting steps or answering basic questions about features and setup.
Beyond live chat, Surfshark also has an extensive knowledge base on its website, packed with FAQs, guides, and articles that can often help you find answers on your own.
However, it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. I’ve seen some Reddit discussions and reviews where users reported less positive experiences. Some users have expressed frustration with slow or unhelpful responses, especially when dealing with complex issues like account suspensions or refund requests for dedicated IP addresses. Some found the responses to be generic or boilerplate, or had to deal with multiple agents who didn’t seem to track previous conversations.
While these negative experiences seem to be less common than the positive ones, it’s worth keeping in mind that customer service experiences can vary. Overall, Surfshark’s commitment to 24/7 live chat is a strong point, and for the vast majority of users, you’ll likely find their support to be effective.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surfshark VPN reliable for users in Australia?
Yes, Surfshark VPN is generally very reliable for users in Australia. It offers a robust server network with multiple locations across Australia Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, ensuring good local speeds and stable connections. Its strong security features like AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and a verified no-logs policy also contribute significantly to its reliability in protecting your online activity.
Is Surfshark VPN safe to use?
Absolutely, Surfshark VPN is considered very safe to use. It employs top-tier security measures, including military-grade AES-256-GCM encryption and secure VPN protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN. Crucially, it has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited twice by Deloitte, confirming that it does not track or store your online activity. Furthermore, its use of RAM-only servers ensures no data is physically stored long-term.
Does Surfshark work well for streaming Australian content from overseas or international content in Australia?
Yes, Surfshark is an excellent choice for streaming. It’s highly effective at unblocking major international streaming platforms like Netflix many libraries, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. For Australian content, it works well with services like Stan. While some users report issues with Kayo, its overall streaming performance is very strong, providing fast and stable connections for buffer-free viewing.
How many devices can I connect with a single Surfshark subscription?
One of Surfshark’s standout features is that it offers unlimited simultaneous device connections with a single subscription. This means you can install and use Surfshark on every device you and your family own—including phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles—all at the same time, without any restrictions. It’s a fantastic value proposition for households with many internet-connected devices.
Is Surfshark good for torrenting in Australia?
Yes, Surfshark is good for torrenting for most users in Australia. All of its 3,200+ servers are P2P-friendly, offering strong security features like AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy to keep your activities private. Speeds are generally decent for downloading. However, it’s important to note that Surfshark currently does not support port forwarding and some users report very limited or no seeding uploading capabilities, which might be a consideration for advanced torrent users.
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