Surfshark Review
Hey there! Today, I want to tell you all about Surfshark, a VPN service that provides solid performance at an affordable price. If you’re looking for a reliable and budget-friendly option, this might just be the one for you.
Surfshark has received recognition as a value pick by ZDNET, and it’s easy to see why. With a large number of servers in over 100 countries, you can connect to the internet from virtually anywhere in the world. Plus, Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, which means you can protect all your devices without any limitations.
But that’s not all! Surfshark also comes with additional features like an ad blocker and malware scanner, giving you extra peace of mind while browsing. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of these features may vary.
Now let’s talk about pricing. Surfshark offers flexible plans, and the best value is available with a 24-month subscription for just $2.49 per month. And if you’re into cryptocurrency, you’ll be glad to know that Surfshark accepts it as a payment method.
So, are you ready to give Surfshark a try? With a 30-day refund guarantee, you’ve got nothing to lose!
Key Takeaways:
- Surfshark offers solid performance at an affordable price
- It has a large number of servers in over 100 countries
- Unlimited simultaneous connections allow you to protect all your devices
- Additional features include an ad blocker and malware scanner
- Pricing starts at $2.49/month for a 24-month subscription
Surfshark VPN Features
Surfshark offers a range of impressive features that make it stand out among other VPN services. One of its key features is the kill switch, which ensures that your online activity remains secure even if the VPN connection drops. This feature automatically disrupts internet traffic, preventing any potential data leaks. Additionally, Surfshark supports two VPN protocols, WireGuard and OpenVPN, providing fast and secure connections for users.
Another notable feature of Surfshark is its CleanWeb functionality, which blocks malware and ads. While it effectively protects against malware, the ad-blocking feature has had mixed results, with some users reporting that certain ads still slip through. Nevertheless, this added layer of protection enhances the overall browsing experience.
When it comes to platform compatibility, Surfshark has you covered. It supports a wide range of platforms including iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, Linux, FireTV, Smart TVs, routers, Xbox, and PlayStation. This means you can enjoy the benefits of Surfshark on all your devices without any limitations.
Surfshark’s range of features, including its kill switch, VPN protocols, CleanWeb, and multi-platform support, provide users with a comprehensive and secure VPN experience. However, it’s important to note that while CleanWeb effectively blocks malware, its ad-blocking feature may not be as robust.
Pros and Cons of Surfshark VPN Features
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong kill switch feature Supports fast and secure VPN protocols Offers CleanWeb functionality for blocking malware Wide range of platform compatibility | Ad-blocking feature may not be as effective |
Overall, Surfshark’s diverse set of features makes it a strong contender in the VPN market. Its robust kill switch, support for fast and secure VPN protocols, and platform compatibility are definite advantages. While the effectiveness of its ad-blocking feature may vary, Surfshark still offers a comprehensive VPN experience with added security measures.
Surfshark Pricing
When it comes to pricing, Surfshark offers flexible plans to suit different budgets and needs. The monthly subscription starts at $7.95, but the best value can be found with the 24-month plan, which costs $59.76, equivalent to just $2.49 per month. For those looking for a shorter commitment, there is also a 12-month plan available for $28.68, which translates to $2.22 per month. Another option is the 25-month plan, priced at $37.25, which comes out to an incredible $1.49 per month.
It is worth noting that if you choose the 25-month plan, you can renew it at the same discounted price when it expires. This allows you to enjoy long-term savings and peace of mind without worrying about price hikes. Surfshark also accepts cryptocurrency as a payment method, ensuring anonymous transactions for those seeking an extra layer of privacy.
To summarize, Surfshark provides affordable pricing options that give users access to a reliable VPN service without breaking the bank. The 24-month plan offers the best long-term value, while the shorter plans still provide excellent savings. With flexible payment options and the ability to use cryptocurrency, Surfshark ensures that everyone can enjoy their online privacy and security without compromising their budget.
| Plan | Duration | Price | Equivalent Monthly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Plan | 1 month | $7.95 | $7.95 |
| 12-Month Plan | 12 months | $28.68 | $2.22 |
| 24-Month Plan | 24 months | $59.76 | $2.49 |
| 25-Month Plan | 25 months | $37.25 | $1.49 |
Surfshark Performance
When it comes to performance, Surfshark offers a generally reliable and fast VPN service. However, there have been occasional reports of dropped VPN connections and longer connection times with the official app, particularly on Windows and iOS devices. It’s worth noting that these issues seem to be more prevalent with the official app, as manual connections on Linux and using the WireGuard app on iOS have been reported to provide instant and reliable connections.
Although Surfshark performs well in most cases, there have been concerns about potential VPN usage leaks in certain countries. However, there have been no reported issues with leaked IP addresses, which is a positive aspect of Surfshark’s performance.
Overall, while Surfshark offers solid performance, it is important to consider the potential inconsistencies and issues that some users have reported. If you value reliable and uninterrupted VPN connections, it may be worth exploring alternative options to ensure a smooth and hassle-free browsing experience.
Surfshark Performance Highlights:
- Generally reliable and fast VPN service.
- Occasional reports of dropped VPN connections and longer connection times with the official app on Windows and iOS.
- Manual connections on Linux and using WireGuard app on iOS provide instant and reliable connections.
- Potential VPN usage leaks in certain countries, but no reported issues with leaked IP addresses.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast and reliable connections in most cases | Occasional reports of dropped VPN connections |
| Manual connections on Linux provide instant and reliable connections | Longer connection times with the official app on Windows and iOS |
| No reported issues with leaked IP addresses | Potential VPN usage leaks in certain countries |
Surfshark Security
When it comes to online security, Surfshark takes user privacy seriously. The VPN service implements a strict no-logs policy, which means that it doesn’t collect any data that could identify how you use its VPN service. This commitment to privacy is further reinforced by Surfshark’s recent server infrastructure audit conducted by Cure53, a reputable German cybersecurity firm. The audit ensures that Surfshark’s privacy protocols are in compliance with industry standards.
While Surfshark does log user IDs and IP addresses, this information is encrypted and deleted after 15 minutes of each session. This practice helps to protect user anonymity and adds an extra layer of security. However, it’s worth noting that Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Nine Eyes international alliance. This alliance could potentially allow government access to user information, although there have been no reported incidents of this occurring.
“Surfshark’s commitment to user privacy is evident in its no-logs policy and server infrastructure audit. These measures provide peace of mind for users who prioritize online security and anonymity.” – Anonymous Surfshark User
Additional Security Features
Surfshark offers additional security features to enhance your online experience. One noteworthy feature is the kill switch, which automatically disrupts internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. This ensures that your online activity remains secure, even if there are any connection interruptions. Surfshark also supports industry-standard VPN protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN, enabling fast and secure connections.
Furthermore, Surfshark provides a CleanWeb feature that serves as an ad blocker and malware scanner. While its ad-blocking capabilities have received mixed reviews, the malware scanner adds an extra layer of protection against potential cyber threats. These features, combined with Surfshark’s robust privacy measures, make it a solid choice for users looking to safeguard their online activities.
| Security Features | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Kill Switch | Effective in preventing data leaks during connection drops |
| WireGuard and OpenVPN Protocols | Ensures fast and secure connections |
| CleanWeb – Ad Blocker and Malware Scanner | Mixed effectiveness for ad blocking, but adds an extra layer of protection against malware |
Overall, Surfshark’s security features and commitment to user privacy make it a reliable VPN choice for those seeking a secure and private online experience. While its base of operations falls under the jurisdiction of the Nine Eyes alliance, there have been no reported incidents of user data compromise. The additional security features, such as the kill switch and VPN protocols, provide users with added peace of mind while browsing the web.
Surfshark User Reviews
When looking at customer reviews of Surfshark, it becomes clear that opinions are varied. Some users have reported encountering issues with blacklisted IPs, which can lead to certain websites blocking access when using the VPN. Additionally, there have been complaints about incorrect geolocation on virtual servers, resulting in websites displaying the wrong location when connected to specific countries.
DNS leaks have also been a concern mentioned by some users, although the extent of these leaks remains unclear. Another point of contention is the reliability and potential malware nature of the official Surfshark app, with reports of slow and unreliable connection times. Furthermore, customer support has been criticized for a lack of knowledge and unhelpful responses.
It’s important to note that while these negative experiences have been reported, there are also positive reviews from users who have found Surfshark to be a reliable and effective VPN service. Each user’s experience may vary, so it’s essential to consider individual needs and priorities when evaluating whether Surfshark is the right choice.
“I found Surfshark to be a great VPN service. It provided me with fast and secure connections, and I appreciated the unlimited simultaneous connections feature. However, I did encounter some issues with certain websites blocking access when using Surfshark, which was a drawback for me.” – User123
To get a better understanding of Surfshark’s user reviews, let’s take a look at the following table summarizing the feedback provided:
| Positive Reviews | Negative Reviews |
|---|---|
| Reliable and fast connections | Issues with blacklisted IPs |
| Unlimited simultaneous connections | Incorrect geolocation on virtual servers |
| Easy-to-use interface | DNS leaks reported |
| Effective ad-blocking feature | Concerns about official app reliability |
It’s important to consider both the positive and negative aspects of Surfshark when making a decision, keeping in mind that individual experiences may differ. thorough research and reading multiple user reviews can help provide a more informed perspective.
Conclusion
In conclusion, after reviewing Surfshark, I found it to be an affordable VPN service with a range of features and flexible pricing plans. It generally provides solid performance, although there have been some reported issues such as blacklisted IPs and wrong geolocation on virtual servers.
Surfshark’s security measures are commendable, with a strict no-logs policy and a recent audit of its server infrastructure. However, user reviews have highlighted potential concerns with the official app, including slow connection times and unreliable customer support.
Before making the decision to download and use Surfshark, it is important to thoroughly evaluate the service based on individual needs and priorities. While it may suit some users’ requirements, it is essential to consider the reported drawbacks and weigh them against the affordability and range of features offered.
Ultimately, the choice to download Surfshark should be made after careful consideration of performance, security, and user reviews, to ensure it meets your specific VPN needs.
FAQ
How many devices can I connect to Surfshark simultaneously?
Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can connect all your devices without any limitations.
What VPN protocols does Surfshark support?
Surfshark supports WireGuard and OpenVPN, providing fast and secure connections.
Does Surfshark offer a kill switch feature?
Yes, Surfshark has a kill switch that automatically disrupts internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, ensuring your online activity remains secure.
Does Surfshark have a feature to block ads and malware?
Yes, Surfshark offers a CleanWeb feature that blocks malware and ads. However, the effectiveness of ad blocking may vary.
What platforms does Surfshark support?
Surfshark supports multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, Linux, FireTV, Smart TVs, routers, Xbox, and PlayStation.
What are the pricing plans for Surfshark?
Surfshark offers flexible pricing plans. The best value is achieved with a 24-month subscription for $2.49/month. There are also 12-month and 25-month plans available, priced at $2.22/month and $1.49/month, respectively.
Does Surfshark accept cryptocurrency as a payment method?
Yes, Surfshark accepts cryptocurrency as a payment method.
What is Surfshark’s refund policy?
Surfshark offers a 30-day refund guarantee, allowing you to try the service risk-free.
Is Surfshark’s performance consistent?
While Surfshark offers fast and reliable connections in most cases, there have been reports of dropped VPN connections and long connection times, particularly with the official app on Windows and iOS.
Does Surfshark log user data?
No, Surfshark implements a strict no-logs policy. It does not collect any data that could identify how users use its VPN service. User IDs and IP addresses are logged for 15 minutes after each session, but the information is encrypted and deleted.
What is Surfshark’s jurisdiction?
Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is under the jurisdiction of the Nine Eyes international alliance. This potentially allows government access to user information.
Are there any reported issues with Surfshark’s user interface and customer support?
Some users have reported concerns about the reliability and potential malware nature of the official app. There have also been complaints about slow and unreliable connection times. Customer support has been a point of contention, with some users reporting a lack of knowledge and unhelpful responses.
