Introduction
Surfshark is a relatively young VPN provider in the market, having launched in 2018. Despite its recent inception, it has established itself as a formidable rival in the virtual private network (VPN) industry. Surfshark is well known for its inexpensive costs, user-friendly interface, and range of services providing private and secure internet access. This review will look at Surfshark's features, performance, pricing, security, and comparison to other leading VPN providers. Whether you're looking for improved cybersecurity, geo-restricted content access, or online privacy, Surfshark promises to provide a comprehensive solution.
Features
Surfshark is among the most feature-rich VPNs available because of its ability to accommodate a wide range of customer requirements. The following are a few of Surfshark's unique features:
1. Dual-VPN MultiHop
Users can connect through two separate VPN servers located in separate nations using Surfshark's MultiHop feature, which increases security and anonymity. For customers who require more privacy and want to make it even more difficult for others to follow their online activities, this option is really helpful.
2. Unlimited Connectivity of Devices
Surfshark's limitless device connections, which let users connect as many devices as they wish under a single subscription, are among its most alluring features. Compared to many competitors, who cap simultaneous connections at five or six devices, this is a major advantage. Those with several devices or families will find it very helpful.
3. CleanWeb
The built-in ad blocker in Surfshark's CleanWeb function also prevents malware, phishing scams, and trackers. Through the removal of tracking scripts and adverts, CleanWeb helps users avoid harmful websites and unwelcome advertisements, while also speeding up browsing and using less data.
4. NoBorders Mode
In strongly regulated areas, the NoBorders mode is meant to assist users in getting around internet restrictions. Because of this functionality, Surfshark can function properly even in nations like China, Iran, and Russia that have stringent internet laws. It recognizes restricted areas automatically and offers users alternate ways to get online without restriction.
5. Split Tunneling Whitelister
Split-tunneling is made possible by the Whitelister feature, which lets users select certain websites or apps to browse without using the VPN connection. This can help you access location-specific services or apps locally while maintaining the security of the rest of your internet traffic.
6. Camouflage Mode
Even your internet service provider (ISP) won't be able to identify that you're using a VPN thanks to Camouflage Mode. It adds an extra degree of privacy by making your VPN traffic appear to be regular internet traffic. When VPN use is discouraged or restricted, this function comes in handy.
7. Support for Multiple Platforms
Numerous hardware and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV, are supported by Surfshark. Additionally, it provides browser extensions for Firefox and Chrome, which makes using Surfshark on many platforms simple. To guarantee thorough coverage, Surfshark can also be set up on gaming consoles, smart TVs, and routers.
8. Surfshark One
An antivirus program, a private search tool, a VPN service, and a data breach warning system are all included in the Surfshark One bundle. This all-inclusive approach to internet security gives consumers an all-in-one security solution and significantly enhances the value of the basic VPN product.
9. Kill Switch
The purpose of the Kill Switch feature is to safeguard your data if the VPN connection abruptly ends. It makes sure that your online activities are always secret and safe by immediately blocking your internet connection until the VPN connection is restored.
10. Leak protection with private DNS
Surfshark ensures that your data stays inside the secure VPN tunnel by offering private DNS on every server and IPv4 stack leak protection. To protect your privacy and prevent DNS leaks that can reveal your online activity, this function is essential.
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Pricing
Due to its reputation for offering affordable pricing, Surfshark is a desirable choice for consumers on a tight budget. The price tiers for Surfshark are broken out as follows:
- Plan for One Month: $12.95 each month
- 12-Month Plan: $3.99 monthly, with an annual billing of $47.88 with a savings of 69%.
- 24-Month Plan: 81% savings at $2.49 per month, payable every two years at $59.76.
Free Trial and 100% Money-Back Guarantee
On iOS and Android devices, Surfshark provides a 7-day free trial so that consumers can try the service without committing. In addition, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans, allowing customers to test the service risk-free and with peace of mind.
Performance
- Speed: Concerning its fast performance, Surfshark is a good choice for torrenting, gaming, and streaming. Because of the encryption used by VPNs, Surfshark's internet speed is reduced to a minimum. This is made possible by the protocol's usage of WireGuard, which is renowned for its effectiveness and quick connection times.
- Network Server: With more than 3,200 servers located in 100 countries, Surfshark boasts a massive server network. This wide coverage offers plenty of ways to get around geo-restrictions and guarantees that users can locate a nearby server for the best performance. Better performance is also a result of less congestion and more reliable connections brought forth by the server dispersal.
- Torrenting and streaming: When it comes to unblocking well-known streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video, Surfshark is unmatched. Users who want to access content from other regions love it because it can get around geo-restrictions. The servers of Surfshark are tuned for streaming, guaranteeing a seamless and buffer-free experience. Surfshark offers a secure and private environment for file sharing and downloads via P2P file sharing, which is compatible with many of its servers for torrenting. Its stringent no-logs policy guarantees the privacy of your torrenting activity.
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Privacy and Security
1. Encryption
Surfshark protects user data with AES-256-GCM encryption, which is the industry standard. Your online activities will be safe from hackers and other nefarious actors thanks to this level of encryption.
2. Protocols for VPNs
Many VPN protocols, such as OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard, are supported by Surfshark. Users can select from a range of protocols, weighing security and speed considerations according to their requirements.
3. Policy of No Logs
Because it follows a rigorous no-logs policy, Surfshark doesn't track or keep any information about user behaviour. To protect user privacy and make sure that your online activities aren't recorded or disclosed to outside parties, this policy is essential. The British Virgin Islands, where Surfshark is headquartered and where there are no regulations requiring data retention, further demonstrates the company's dedication to privacy.
4. Audits
Surfshark has completed independent security audits to reaffirm its dedication to security. These audits give users transparency and reassurance by evaluating the platform's privacy policies and security framework. Through an assessment of Surfshark's browser extensions in 2018, Cure53 was able to verify the company's commitment to keeping its users safe.
5. Dual-Factor Verification (2FA)
Two-factor authentication is available on Surfshark for increased account security. By asking users to confirm their identity via a different device or app before accessing their Surfshark account, this feature adds an extra layer of security.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unlimited Device Connections: Surfshark is perfect for families and individuals who have several devices because it lets you connect an infinite number of devices under a single subscription.
- Reasonably Priced: Surfshark is affordable for those on a tight budget, especially when compared to other services. This is especially the case for long-term plans.
- Large Server Network: Surfshark offers many solutions to get around geo-restrictions and maximize speed, with over 3,200 servers spread across 100 countries.
- Robust Security Features: Surfshark provides strong protection for user data with features including a kill switch, several VPN protocols, and AES-256 encryption.
- No-Logs Policy: Surfshark is even more committed to user privacy because of its stringent no-logs policy and its headquarters located in the British Virgin Islands, which respect privacy.
- Streaming Capabilities: Surfshark is excellent at enabling users to access content from around the world by unblocking well-known streaming services.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Surfshark is compatible with a large number of hardware and operating systems, such as routers, smart TVs, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Surfshark provides users with round-the-clock email and live chat support, as well as first-rate customer service, to make sure they get the assistance they need.
Cons:
- Periodic Speed Variations: Although Surfshark works well most of the time, depending on location and server load, certain users may occasionally encounter periodic speed variations.
- Lack of Dedicated IP Option: One drawback for customers who need a fixed IP address for particular apps may be that Surfshark does not presently provide a dedicated IP option.
- Restricted Advanced Capabilities: While Surfshark offers all the basic capabilities of a VPN, it is missing several more sophisticated features that other providers offer, like cross-platform compatibility for many protocols.
User Feedback
Users have largely given Surfshark positive reviews, praising its reasonable price, user-friendliness, and reliable performance. A lot of people like that one subscription can safeguard entire families with an infinite number of device connections. Users also praise Surfshark for being able to get around geo-restrictions, which makes it a popular choice for streaming media anywhere in the world. On some servers, nevertheless, some users have complained about sporadic speed variations and connectivity problems. Although many people appreciate Surfshark's vast server network and robust security measures, some customers have voiced a want for more sophisticated options—like dedicated IP addresses—which are not yet accessible.
Conclusion
A robust and reasonably priced VPN with an extensive feature set, Surfshark is a great option for novice and seasoned users alike. From streaming and torrenting to safe browsing and getting around geo-restrictions, it efficiently meets a wide range of needs thanks to its robust security measures, limitless device connections, and vast server network. Its affordability and user-friendliness more than make up for the absence of some more sophisticated capabilities, such as dedicated IPs. All things considered, Surfshark is a very powerful VPN that offers excellent value for money and guarantees user privacy and security online.