Surfshark VPN Review 2024: Is it worth the Hype?
TLDR
In our Surfshark VPN review, you will learn its standout features, including robust encryption, a kill switch, split tunneling, and unrestricted access to popular streaming platforms.
Surfshark is a popular Virtual Private Network (VPN) service that provides users a wide range of benefits.
Over the years, Surfshark gained popularity for its affordable pricing and strong security features, including split tunneling, multihop VPN connections, unblock Netflix, kill switch, AES-256 encryption, static IP addresses, and 30-day money-back guarantees. It is compatible with many platforms, such as iOS, Android apps, macOS, Windows, and Linux.
It is based in the British Virgin Islands, known for its strict privacy laws. Thus, it helps enhance users’ online privacy and security while providing reliable and fast connections. Moreover, due to its strict policy, Surfshark only uses RAM-only servers, which means your data gets wiped out once it is turned off.
Who should use Surfshark VPN?
Surfshark is a VPN that allows you to browse websites privately, protect your privacy by hiding your IP address and location, block ads and malware, and prevent your online activity from being monitored or tracked.
Many suitable candidates can use Surfshark since it has many beneficial features. Surfshark’s strong encryption and no-logs policy is an excellent choice for users to open Windows apps with data breach monitoring.
Its split tunneling feature is great, as it helps users to access content that may be blocked or restricted from their regions. It also provides additional security when users use a public internet connection.
Besides that, Surfshark VPN has unlimited simultaneous connections, which can help users bypass countries with strict restrictions.
It doesn’t record your information since it is based in a country with privacy-friendly data retention laws. This way, you can always stay secure across different platforms. It also has many VPN services to give you a better app experience.
Surfshark VPN Review: Top Features & Perks
CleanWeb
CleanWeb offers ad-blocking browser extensions that work with ads, banners, and pop-ups. It is compatible with multiple devices, such as iOS, macOS, Android apps, Windows apps, Linux, and FireTV.
It also boosts internet connections by blocking ads and pop-ups so that you can have a better experience surfing the internet. Furthermore, it avoids phishing attempts and helps users to avoid scammers.
Besides that, when using mobile apps, they will come across ads and pop-ups that will use their mobile data. Using CleanWeb will save money and mobile data on your phone.
Surfshark has launched CleanWeb 2.0, an ad blocker, pop-up blocker, data breach alert, and malware alert. It is available on Google Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
Split tunneling
Surfshark offers a feature called Split Tunneling, which is also called Bypasser. It is a function that allows users to choose specific data to use a VPN connection (with encryption and routing of the VPN servers) and transmit it to the usual internet connections.
It contains three kinds of VPN split tunneling: inverse split tunneling, URL-based split tunneling, and app-based split tunneling. These features will encrypt your data and use different IP addresses to protect your data.
Also, it doesn’t slow down your internet connection, so you can surf the internet, play games, or watch streaming sites without worrying about buffering and lagging.
The feature supports Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 9, Windows 10, Windows 11, and Android apps. Hence, most devices can run this feature.
Unlimited simultaneous connections
Surfshark provides features on desktop and mobile apps, such as Smart TVs, iOS, Android, Linux, Mac, Windows, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome.
Most VPNs will limit use based on the number of simultaneous connections. However, with this feature, you can run all your devices with Surfshark VPN without worrying about exceeding arbitrary limits. It is useful for families or businesses where multiple devices must be protected and access geo-restricted content simultaneously.
Worldwide server locations
Surfshark offers a vast network of over 3200 servers in 100+ countries. These servers are placed in locations that provide users with a broad range of options to connect to a server closest to their physical location.
Since it bypasses many places, it also unblocks many streaming sites, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Player, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO Max, Apple TV, and others. This is optimized for streaming, gaming, and P2P file sharing, which makes it an excellent choice for users who enjoy online content and activities.
Fast speed
Surfshark VPN connection speed is fast on every server. It has 1GBit ports on each server location, which help maintain speeds.
Although the internet speeds can change due to the user’s internet service provider and server locations, Surfshark VPN maintains a high speed, whether international or local. Although some premium VPN servers have faster speeds, Surfshark can ensure you won’t experience buffering when streaming in full HD or 4k.
Safe and private
Surfshark offers OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. These popular and widely used protocols provide strong security and fast speeds.
OpenVPN protocol uses SSL/TLS encryption to create a secure connection between the device and the VPN server; IKEv2 protocol is commonly used on mobile devices that provide excellent performance and reliability. Lastly, the WireGuard protocol provides faster speeds and improved security compared to other protocols. It’s designed to be lightweight and easy to configure, which is a great choice for users who want a fast and reliable VPN connection.
OpenVPN and WireGuard are available on Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows apps, while the IKEv2 is available on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.
Besides that, Surfshark VPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not collect or store any data, including browsing history, IP addresses, or connection timestamps.
It also has a Camouflage mode, which will disguise the VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic, preventing hackers, governments, or any other third party from detecting it.
Virtual servers
Surfshark uses virtual IP addresses in some places. When the user chooses one of the locations, they are located outside of the physical server infrastructure of that region. For example, Surfshark’s Indian IP addresses come from outside, which improves connection speeds and network stability.
Surfshark states that they use virtual servers where it is necessary to provide optimal network performance and network stability. They also don’t keep logs, allowing them to link specific user activity to a virtual server.
Kill switch
When connected to Surfshark, the kill switch will work in the background. It blocks all internet traffic unless connected to a VPN server. This helps prevent information leaks if a secure encrypted connection is lost. When the VPN connection drops, the kill switch will reset the user’s data, so they don’t have to worry about revealing their real IP address.
The feature is available on all Surfshark apps and can be enabled in the settings. Users can enable the kill switch for all apps and websites or only for specific ones.
RAM-only servers
RAM-only servers are designed to provide an extra layer of security for those who want more privacy. It operates on RAM modules instead of traditional hard disks (HDDs). Any data processed in Surfshark is immediately lost once the VPN connection drops, providing DNS leak protection.
MultiHop
Surfshark server offers a double VPN called a “MultiHop.” It allows you to connect via multiple servers at different locations simultaneously.
It creates a VPN connection to a server and then bounces your network traffic to a second VPN server for increased security. Doing this makes it difficult for anyone to trace your real IP address, as each server in the chain only sees the IP address of the previous server. Thus, servers in different countries can help secure your privacy even more.
Furthermore, users can choose different servers and locations to create their custom VPN configuration.
NoBorders Mode
In addition, Surfshark also added a feature called NoBorders mode, which will help users to have obfuscated servers in heavily censorship countries and access restricted content. This feature is useful for users living in China, Russia, and other countries where internet access is heavily restricted.
It can also improve online privacy and security by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address. This will make tracking your online activities more difficult for hackers and any other third party.
IP Rotator
It also has an additional feature called an IP rotator that will automatically rotate your IP address while keeping the VPN location the same. This feature is useful for those wanting to change their IP addresses regularly to maintain online security.
Once the IP Rotator is enabled, Surfshark will automatically switch between IP addresses every few minutes or hours, depending on user preferences.
Moreover, it can also be useful to bypass geo-restricted content from different regions. Users can access restricted content in their region by switching IP addresses, such as streaming services or websites only available in certain countries.
Surfshark Alert
Surfshark Alert is a Surfshark One security feature, a Surfshark bundle. It is designed to provide users with a comprehensive solution for online privacy and security features.
This feature is a monitoring service that scans the internet to see if there is any of your personal information. It will notify you immediately if your personal information is found in a data breach or leaked online.
Surfshark Search
Surfshark Search is another one of the features of Surfshark One, which is a bundle of Surfshark. It is a search engine that provides users with search results without revealing their online privacy.
It doesn’t collect any data, nor does it use any tracking cookies or personalized advertising. Furthermore, it doesn’t show ads and the users can swap between regions to get the relevant information they need.
Surfshark Antivirus
Surfshark also offers an Antivirus feature that protects your computer from malware or viruses. It is lightweight, easy to use, and has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
This feature has a simple interface that navigates you through every feature. It has advanced protection that secures your device and camera. It prevents all unauthorized access and will notify the user once they discover someone is trying to access the device or camera.
Also, it scans files while the users download and use them. Users can also schedule their scans for their devices or exclude files and folders from scanning. It keeps the users safe from new viruses entering or harming the device.
Steps to install Surfshark VPN:
Here is an easy step-by-step to set up your Surfshark VPN.
More details
Surfshark is a popular Virtual Private Network (VPN) that offers affordable prices and strong security features. Surfshark serves over 3,200 servers and is available on many devices. Also, it offers AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, ad-blocking, split tunneling, a strict no-logs policy, and many more.
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Worldwide server locations.
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Fast speed.
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Safe and private,
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Unlimited simultaneous connections.
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Split tunneling.
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Connectivity issues.
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Inconsistent customer service.
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Limited device compatibility.
Step 1: Visit the Surfshark website
Go to the official website with your device and click the [Get Surfshark VPN] button.
Step 2: Select a subscription
You will be asked to select a subscription once you have clicked the [Get Surfshark VPN] button.
Please note that for first-timers, the website will recommend you purchase its 24-month subscription (which will give you another 2 months for free).
After choosing your subscription plan, click the [Continue to checkout] button.
Step 3: Add on (Optional)
The website will ask if you wish to purchase the “Surfshark One bundle.”
If you wish for the bundle, click the [Add & Continue] button. If you do not wish for the bundle, click the [Continue without bundle] button.
Both options will lead you to the same next page.
Step 4: Enter your e-mail address
Once you have decided on your subscription plan, you will be transferred to the payment homepage.
Enter the e-mail address that you wish to link with your Surfshark Account.
Step 5: Choose a payment method
Choose any one of the payment methods it provides and complete the payment process by providing the necessary information. Then, you’ll be able to install Surfshark on your device.
How to set up Surfshark VPN
1. Step: After installing Surfshark into your device, log in to the app using the credentials provided from the e-mail address you linked with Surfshark.
2. Step: Connect to a desired server location. You can also change some settings by your preferences.
3. Step: After connecting to a server and changing the settings, you can start browsing safely on the internet.
Surfshark VPN Review: Major Drawbacks
Connectivity issue
Despite its fast speed and network stability, some users reported experiencing connectivity issues.
One of the causes could be server overload. If the server has too many users at the time, it can slow down or disconnect the VPN connection.
Some antivirus software might also be blocking Surfshark VPN. Users must disable the program to check if the VPN connection works.
Customer Service
Like most VPN providers, Surfshark also provides customer services. However, some Surfshark reviews claim that their customer services are slow and inconsistent despite having it 24/7.
Users claim that not all customer support is helpful. Some are more knowledgeable and helpful than others, which creates inconsistent quality and might be inconvenient to some.
Aside from that, some users also claim to have experienced slow response times from the customer support team, particularly during peak hours or on weekends.
However, Surfshark still generally has positive reviews about its customer service.
Limited device compatibility
Although Surfshark supports major platforms like Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, it doesn’t support some less common devices, such as certain router support, gaming consoles, and browser extensions.
Surfshark VPN Review: Improvements
Despite Surfshark being a highly recommended VPN provider, there is always room for improvement. One of the improvements could be having more advanced features.
For example, Surfshak could improve the kill switch feature to run on specific apps or manually switch between different VPN servers. This would be a better experience for those who want control over their VPN connection.
Another thing to look out for is their server speeds. While Surfshark’s VPN connection is generally fast, some users claim to have unstable network connections when connecting to certain servers. Improving the server speeds will make the service more reliable and satisfactory to those requiring fast and consistent connections.
Lastly, Surfshark can try to improve by adding additional server locations in less common regions. Although Surfshark already has a wide range of regions and countries, adding more or less common regions will improve accessibility and speeds for users in those areas or those nearby.
Surfshark VPN Review: Final Verdict
Overall, we showed you in this Surfshark VPN review that it is a reliable VPN provider with strong security features, a user-friendly app, and an affordable price. This is the perfect choice for those who want to access geo-restricted content and many streaming services.
It offers unlimited simultaneous connections, a kill switch, private DNS, a 30-day money-back guarantee, effective protocols, private internet access, and many other cool features.
It is important to note that although some users reported potential drawbacks, such as connectivity issues, inconsistent customer service, and limited device compatibility, it doesn’t apply to all users.
Hence, if you are interested in using Surfshark VPN, installing it and trying it out for yourself is worthwhile.
NordVPN and Surfshark offer a comparable number of server locations, approximately 60. However, NordVPN boasts a larger server count of over 5,000, while Surfshark has around 3,200 servers. If you have specific location preferences, you can easily find online information regarding the server connections for each company.
Surfshark VPN is highly regarded as one of the top VPN services available. It offers robust features such as AES-256 bit encryption, a kill switch, split tunneling, and reliable access to Netflix and torrenting. Additionally, Surfshark's headquarters being located outside of the Five Eyes alliance adds an extra layer of privacy and security. Overall, Surfshark is considered a very good VPN option.
Although Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, it doesn't offer a free trial. Thus, the money-back guarantee is the closest to allowing you to try the service risk-free app.
