Surfshark has rapidly ascended the VPN ranks since its launch in 2018, offering a compelling blend of affordability, unlimited device support, and extensive privacy tools. It consistently pops up on “best VPN” lists, especially for budget-minded users, thanks to its competitive pricing and impressive feature suite. In this review, we break down Surfshark’s performance, security, usability, and overall value through honest user feedback, expert assessments, and the latest tech developments.
Pros
- Very affordable with frequent deep discounts
- Fast speeds and excellent streaming/unblocking performance
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Strong privacy features (no-logs, RAM-only servers, ad blocker, MultiHop, etc.)
- Broad platform support (desktop, mobile, smart TVs, routers, consoles)
Cons
- Customer support can be hit or miss
- P2P/torrenting performance may be inconsistent
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Security & Privacy
Surfshark supports AES‑256‑GCM encryption and trusted protocols such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. It also offers ChaCha20 and strong RSA key options.
Their no-logs policy has been independently audited, most recently by Deloitte in January 2023, reinforcing that they don’t store user activity data. Additionally, their browser extensions and infrastructure have been evaluated by Cure53.
Operating under Dutch jurisdiction, Surfshark’s HQ in the Netherlands benefits from GDPR protections and no mandatory data retention laws. It’s also a founding member of the VPN Trust Initiative and active in privacy advocacy through partnerships with NetBlocks, Global Encryption Coalition, EDRi, and others.
Surfshark includes essential privacy safeguards like DNS/IP leak protection, a reliable kill switch, and obfuscation (NoBorders mode) to help bypass censorship.
Performance Metrics
Surfshark delivers exceptional speeds. TechRadar speed tests show WireGuard connections surpassing 950 Mbps. The newly introduced FastTrack feature promises up to 70% faster speeds by using software‑defined networking to route traffic optimally (currently available on macOS).
Regarding server reach, Surfshark spans over 100 countries, offering broad geographic coverage.
On reliability and user impressions, Reddit users praise its versatility and affordability:
“If you just want a general workhorse VPN with lots of locations, then Surfshark is unbeatable for the price, and it works pretty similarly to more expensive options.”
Usability & Features
Surfshark is highly accessible. It is supported on Windows, macOS, Linux (with GUI), Android, iOS, browser extensions, routers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
A major draw is unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for families or multi-device households.
The UI is generally intuitive and smooth, with quick setup and features like CleanWeb (DNS-level ad and malware blocker), split-tunneling (Bypasser), and a pause function.
Advanced privacy tools include Dynamic MultiHop (customizable two-hop routing), obfuscation, IP rotator, GPS spoofing, Smart DNS, and the ability to pause VPN.
Supporting Surfshark’s ecosystem, they offer products like Alternative ID (identity generator), Surfshark Antivirus, Surfshark Alert (data breach monitoring), Surfshark Search (private search), and Incogni (data removal).
Customer support is available 24/7, and the service garners consistently positive user feedback for responsiveness and helpfulness.
Pricing & Value
Surfshark is one of the more budget-friendly premium VPNs available. As of August 2025, deals drop pricing to as low as $2.19/month (with 86% off + 3 months free).
Offers include a 30-day money-back guarantee and student discounts, with bundled plans like Surfshark One offering added cybersecurity tools.
Even with renewal hikes, its base price remains significantly lower than competitors’, giving it serious value appeal.
Final Verdict
Surfshark is best for budget-conscious users seeking premium VPN features, large households, or multi-device users due to its unlimited connections, and those who need fast, reliable servers for streaming, gaming, and global content access. It’s also suitable for users who desire additional cybersecurity tools like antivirus, identity management, and breach alerts. However, drawbacks include a renewal price increase, FastTrack being limited to macOS, and the potential for advanced features to overwhelm beginners.
Our Overall Surfshark Rating: 8.7/10
- Security & Privacy: 8.5/10
- Performance: 9/10
- Usability & Features: 9/10
- Pricing & Value: 9.5/10
StageSeat's Top 5 VPNs of 2025
| Best For | VPN | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Proton VPN | 9/10 |
| Best for Unlimited Devices | Surfshark | 8.7/10 |
| Best for Reliability | ExpressVPN | 9/10 |
| Best for Advanced Security | NordVPN | 8.5/10 |
| Best for Value | CyberGhost | 8.3/10 |
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about Surfshark.
Yes, SurfShark is secure. ESA-256 encryption, an audited no-logs policy by Deloitte, RAM-only servers, and robust jurisdiction in the Netherlands ensure strong privacy.
Surfshark is very fast. WireGuard tests exceed 950 Mbps, and FastTrack further boosts performance (macOS only for now).
Yes, Surfshark works reliably with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and other geo-blocked platforms.
Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections with one subscription.
Yes, Surfshark offers alternative ID, antivirus, private search, data breach alerts, and more, all under one ecosystem.
