if you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through Reddit, scratching your head and asking, “Why is Surfshark VPN slow?” you’re definitely not alone. It’s a common worry, especially when you expect your VPN to be a speed demon. The quick tip to tackle slow Surfshark speeds is often to switch your VPN protocol to WireGuard and try a closer, less congested server. Sometimes, just restarting your router can magically fix things too!

I know the frustration. you sign up for a VPN hoping for seamless privacy and blazing fast connections, and then it feels like your internet hit a brick wall. This often sparks discussions on platforms like Reddit where people share their “Surfshark VPN slow Reddit” experiences. The good news is, Surfshark is generally considered a fast and reliable VPN with plenty of features, but like any tech, it can hit a snag or two. We’re going to break down why you might be seeing those slowdowns, how to fix them, and dive into whether Surfshark VPN is truly reliable and worth your hard-earned cash in 2025.

What’s Going On? Why Your Surfshark VPN Might Be Slow

Let’s get real for a second. Every VPN, by its very nature, will introduce some level of speed reduction. Think about it: your internet traffic has to travel a longer route, getting encrypted and decrypted along the way. That’s extra work! But when the slowdown becomes noticeable, that’s when you start hitting up Reddit. Here are the main culprits:

Server Distance and Load: This is probably the most common reason. If you’re connecting to a server halfway across the world, your data has a lot further to travel. Plus, if that server is overloaded with too many users at peak times, it’s like a traffic jam on the information superhighway.
VPN Protocol Choice: The “rules” your VPN uses to create that secure tunnel can make a big difference. Some protocols are faster but might offer slightly less security though still strong, while others prioritize rock-solid security over raw speed.
Your Own Internet Connection: Let’s face it, if your internet service provider ISP isn’t giving you stellar speeds to begin with, a VPN isn’t going to make it magically faster. A weak Wi-Fi signal or an unstable connection can also exacerbate VPN slowdowns.
Firewalls and Antivirus Software: Sometimes, your security software on your computer or phone gets a little too protective and interferes with your VPN connection, causing it to slow down or even block it entirely.
Outdated Software: Running an old version of the Surfshark app or your device’s operating system can lead to compatibility issues and performance hitches. Updates often include optimizations and bug fixes that can boost your speed.
Device Performance: If your device is struggling – maybe too many apps open in the background, or it’s an older model – it might not handle the encryption process as efficiently, affecting your overall speed.
Advanced Features: Features like MultiHop routing your connection through two VPN servers offer enhanced security but will naturally add more latency and slow things down a bit because your data is encrypted and travels twice.

How to Fix Slow Surfshark VPN Speeds: Your Troubleshooting Checklist

Alright, no more complaining, let’s get to fixing it! Based on what folks on Reddit and official support channels suggest, here’s a comprehensive checklist to get Surfshark running at its best.

1. Switch Up Your Server Location

This is often the easiest and most effective fix.

Connect to a Closer Server: The general rule of thumb is, the closer the server, the faster your speed. If you’re in the Netherlands and connecting to a server in Australia, you’re going to feel it. Try a server in your own country or a neighboring one. Surfshark boasts over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, so you’ve got options.
Avoid Congested Servers: Sometimes popular server locations, like major cities, can get pretty busy, especially during peak internet usage hours. Try switching to a less common server in the same region. Often, VPN apps have a “Fastest Server” or “Recommended Server” option that helps with this.

2. Experiment with VPN Protocols

This is a big one. Different protocols balance speed and security differently.

Go for WireGuard: Many tests and users, including those on Reddit, confirm that WireGuard is generally the fastest and most efficient protocol for Surfshark. If you’re experiencing slowdowns, this should be your first protocol to try. One Reddit user even found switching from WireGuard to a different protocol instantly solved their extreme slowdowns on Android, which shows sometimes a protocol that’s usually fast might have an issue on your specific setup.
Try IKEv2 or OpenVPN UDP: If WireGuard isn’t doing the trick, or if you’re having connection issues, IKEv2 is often a good alternative for speed and stability. OpenVPN UDP is also generally faster than OpenVPN TCP. Remember, OpenVPN TCP is usually the slowest, so save that for when maximum compatibility is needed over speed. You can usually find these options in your Surfshark app’s settings under “VPN settings” -> “Protocol”.

3. Check Your Own Internet Connection

Before blaming the VPN, make sure your baseline internet isn’t the problem.

Run a Speed Test Without the VPN: Disconnect Surfshark and use a reliable online speed test like Ookla’s speedtest.net to check your raw download and upload speeds. If those numbers are low, your ISP might be the issue.
Restart Your Router/Modem: This simple trick can often clear up network issues and refresh your connection. Many Reddit users have found this surprisingly effective for Surfshark connection problems.
Use a Wired Connection: If you’re on Wi-Fi, try connecting your device directly to your router with an Ethernet cable. Wired connections are generally more stable and faster than Wi-Fi. If you’re on Wi-Fi, try moving closer to your router.

4. Update Your Surfshark App and Device

Software updates aren’t just for new features. they often contain crucial performance improvements and bug fixes.

Update Surfshark: Make sure you’re running the latest version of the Surfshark application on all your devices. The company frequently releases updates to enhance security and speed.
Update Your Operating System: Keep your device’s operating system Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, etc. up to date as well.

5. Tweak Your Device Settings

A few adjustments on your device can sometimes make a big difference.

Disable Firewall/Antivirus Temporarily: Try disabling your firewall or antivirus software briefly, then connect to Surfshark and test your speed. If it improves, you’ve found the culprit! You’ll then need to add Surfshark as an exception to your security software.
Clear DNS Cache or Change DNS Servers: DNS issues can affect connection stability. You can try clearing your device’s DNS cache or manually setting your DNS to public servers like Google DNS 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4 or Cloudflare DNS 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1.
Close Unnecessary Apps: Too many programs running in the background can hog your device’s resources, leaving less for the VPN to work efficiently.

6. Utilize Surfshark’s Special Features

Surfshark offers some built-in tools that can help with speed.

Bypasser Split Tunneling: This feature lets you choose which apps or websites use the VPN and which bypass it. If you only need VPN protection for specific activities like torrenting, you can route less sensitive traffic outside the VPN to potentially boost overall speed.
CleanWeb: This ad and tracker blocker can actually improve browsing speeds by preventing unwanted content from loading. Fewer elements to load means faster page rendering!
Disable MultiHop: While MultiHop double VPN offers enhanced security by routing your traffic through two servers, it will inevitably slow down your connection more than a single VPN server. If speed is your priority, turn this off.
Try FastTrack Mac Only, Selected Servers: Surfshark recently rolled out “FastTrack,” a route optimization feature that promises up to 70% faster speeds, currently available on MacOS for Sydney, Seattle, and Vancouver servers, with more locations planned. If you’re on a Mac and using one of these locations, definitely give it a shot.

Is Surfshark VPN Reliable, Safe, and Worth It in 2025?

Beyond just speed, people often ask if Surfshark is actually a solid choice. Looking at recent reviews and discussions, the answer is a resounding yes, Surfshark VPN is generally considered reliable, safe, and a good value in 2025.

Reliability and Performance

Consistent Speeds: Despite some users experiencing slowdowns which often can be fixed with the tips above, Surfshark consistently ranks as one of the fastest VPNs available, especially when using the WireGuard protocol. Some 2025 tests show an average speed loss as low as 5.4% on download speeds and 3.6% on upload speeds. Other tests indicate an average download speed retention of 81% and upload speed retention of 52% with WireGuard.
Massive Server Network: With over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, Surfshark offers extensive global coverage and many of these are 10Gbps servers designed for speed.
Streaming & Torrenting Powerhouse: If you’re into streaming, Surfshark is excellent. It reliably unblocks major platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ and handles HD and 4K streaming without significant buffering. For torrenting, all its servers are P2P-optimized, ensuring secure and fast downloads.
Unlimited Devices: A huge plus for many is Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can protect all your devices with one subscription.

Safety and Privacy

Top-Tier Encryption: Surfshark uses industry-standard AES-256 encryption and modern, secure VPN protocols like WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN, ensuring your data is well-protected.
Strict No-Logs Policy: This is crucial. Surfshark has an independently audited no-logs policy, meaning they don’t collect or store your online activity. Plus, they operate on RAM-only servers, which automatically wipe all data regularly, adding an extra layer of privacy.
Essential Security Features: It includes a robust Kill Switch that cuts your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks. It also offers DNS leak protection and features like Camouflage Mode obfuscation to make your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic, which is super useful in restrictive regions.
Jurisdiction Netherlands: While the Netherlands is part of the 9-Eyes intelligence alliance, Surfshark addresses privacy concerns with its strict no-logs policy, RAM-only servers, and the commitment to wipe any temporary data within 15 minutes of disconnecting.

Is Surfshark VPN Worth It?

In 2025, Surfshark continues to be seen as a great value for money, particularly with its long-term plans. It offers a rich feature set, excellent performance, and strong security, often at a more competitive price point than some other top-tier VPNs. The 30-day money-back guarantee also means you can try it out risk-free. While renewal prices have seen some bumps, the overall package of features and performance still makes it a compelling choice for both casual users and those with more demanding needs like streaming and torrenting.

So, if you’re dealing with “Surfshark VPN slow Reddit” issues, don’t throw in the towel just yet. A few simple tweaks can often bring those speeds right back up!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Surfshark VPN good for torrenting?

Yes, Surfshark VPN is very good for torrenting. It supports P2P activity across its entire server network except in countries where torrenting is forbidden, where it redirects you to P2P-friendly servers in Canada and the Netherlands. It offers robust AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, a Kill Switch, and Camouflage Mode to keep your torrenting anonymous and secure from your ISP. Many users report fast and reliable speeds for downloads.

Why is Surfshark VPN so slow sometimes?

Surfshark VPN can be slow for several reasons, including the distance to the VPN server, high load on the server you’re connected to, the VPN protocol you’re using some are faster than others, an unstable or slow base internet connection, interference from firewalls or antivirus software, or outdated VPN application software.

Does Surfshark VPN slow down internet speed significantly?

While every VPN will naturally slow down your internet speed to some extent due to encryption and routing, Surfshark generally performs very well and is considered one of the faster VPNs. Speed tests in 2025 show average download speed losses ranging from around 5.4% to 20%, depending on the test and protocol used. If you experience significant slowdowns, it’s usually due to one of the factors mentioned above, which can often be fixed with troubleshooting.

Is Surfshark VPN reliable for daily use?

Absolutely. Surfshark VPN is widely considered reliable for daily use in 2025. It offers a stable connection, strong security features like a Kill Switch and DNS leak protection, and a vast network of servers. It performs well for general browsing, streaming, gaming, and torrenting, and its unlimited device policy makes it great for protecting all your gadgets. Surfshark VPN & Sky: Your Ultimate Guide to Uninterrupted Streaming

What VPN protocol should I use with Surfshark for the best speed?

For the best speed with Surfshark, you should primarily use the WireGuard protocol. It’s designed to be lightweight and efficient, providing fast connections while maintaining strong security. If you encounter issues with WireGuard, then IKEv2 is often a good alternative for speed and stability, followed by OpenVPN UDP.

Is Surfshark VPN good for gaming?

Yes, Surfshark VPN is good for gaming, especially due to its generally fast speeds and the WireGuard protocol which helps keep latency low. While it doesn’t have dedicated gaming servers, its optimized servers can provide a stable and secure connection for online games, with many users reporting no lag or performance issues when gaming.

Is Surfshark VPN safe to use?

Yes, Surfshark VPN is safe to use. It employs robust AES-256 encryption, a strict and independently audited no-logs policy, and modern VPN protocols like WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN. It also includes essential security features such as a Kill Switch to prevent data leaks and DNS leak protection. The use of RAM-only servers further enhances privacy by regularly wiping all data.

Secure Your Whole Home: Setting Up Surfshark VPN on Your ASUS Router

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