Surfshark Review
Introduction
Surfshark has rapidly grown into one of the top VPN services thanks to its combination of strong security, fast speeds, and affordability. Whether you’re interested in streaming Netflix abroad, securing torrent transfers, or staying safe on public Wi‑Fi, this review will break down every key aspect and help you make an informed choice.
Table of Contents
- Features & Technology
- Security & Encryption
- Server Network & Speed
- Platforms & User Interface
- Streaming & Torrenting Performance
- Privacy Policy & Logging
- Public Wi‑Fi Security & Related Tools
- Surfshark One: VPN + Antivirus + Extras
- Pricing & Plans
- Pros & Cons
- Comparison with Other VPNs
- FAQs
- Conclusion & Verdict
Features & Technology
🔒 Security & Encryption
- Uses AES‑256‑GCM encryption and supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols
- Key privacy tools include Kill Switch, DNS leak protection, CleanWeb ad‑malware blocker, MultiHop (double VPN), IP rotator, GPS spoofing (Android), Split‑tunneling (Bypasser)
- Uses RAM‑only servers and provides strict no‑logs policy audited periodically by third parties
🌐 Server Network & Speed
- Offers over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries
- Speed testing shows excellent performance, with WireGuard delivering speeds up to ~950 Mbps and minimal impact on streaming or browsing
- Gaming experience is solid for non‑FPS games, though latency spikes may occur occasionally
Supported Platforms & User Experience
- Native apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, plus browser extensions and support for routers, smart TVs and gaming consoles
- In 2022, Surfshark launched a full Linux GUI app, making setup easier for Linux users
- The UI is modern, intuitive, and user‑friendly—even for beginners
Streaming Performance
Surfshark unblocks virtually all major streaming platforms including Netflix (US & global libraries), Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ITVX and many more—consistently on first attempt, without needing specific server selection
Users on Reddit also praise streaming reliability:
“Netflix US and Disney+ both work without any issues so far.”
“For the price … you’re getting solid streaming support…”
Torrenting & P2P Usage
- Surfshark allows P2P file sharing on most servers, with P2P‑optimized servers in many regions
- Recommended configuration: enable kill switch, select OpenVPN or WireGuard, choose a P2P‑enabled server, and disconnect only after torrents finish
- Downsides: no port forwarding, kill switch has been reported to leak occasionally during system reboot or crashes.
Nevertheless, speeds remain sufficient for most torrent users.
Privacy, Logging & Jurisdiction
- Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands (with Lithuanian roots), outside Five Eyes intelligence alliances, enhancing privacy protections
- Enforces a no‑logs policy, stores no usage data, and uses diskless/RAM‑only servers to ensure data is wiped on reboot
- Offers anonymous payment options, including cryptocurrency
- Frequent independent audits (Deloitte, Cure53) confirm transparency and reliability
Security on Public Wi‑Fi & Extra Tools
- Encrypts your traffic even over insecure public Wi‑Fi, protecting against man‑in‑the‑middle, rogue hotspots, and session hijacking
- CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, malware and phishing on DNS level
- NoBorders mode for bypassing censorship in restricted regions
Surfshark One: All‑in‑One Security Suite
- Bundles VPN + Surfshark Antivirus, Alert (data breach monitoring), and Search (private ad‑free search engine)
- Antivirus offers real‑time protection, ransomware shield, webcam blocking, cloud scanning, and quarantine features on Windows/macOS/Android
- Alert monitors email, credit card and ID leaks in real time; Search prevents tracking and stores no logs
- Tiers: Starter, One, One+ (includes Incogni data removal), pricing ~$1.99 to ~$20/month depending on length
Pricing & Plans
- Offers a 30-day money‑back guarantee and a 7‑day free trial on most platforms
- One of the best value VPNs: pricing often falls under $2/month, with unlimited devices per subscription
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Outstanding value: cheap subscriptions, unlimited simultaneous connections
- Fast speeds: especially with WireGuard
- Works with major streaming services consistently
- Strong privacy features: RAM‑only servers, audited no‑logs policy
- Full cross‑platform support including Linux GUI
- Bonus tools in Surfshark One package
❌ Cons
- Kill switch reliability issues reported in rare cases (reboot crashes)
- No port forwarding for advanced torrenters
- Occasional latency spikes for gaming or video calls
- Mixed reports about customer support responsiveness in small number of Reddit posts
Comparison with Other VPN Providers
| Feature | Surfshark | NordVPN | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$1.5–2/month | ~$2.4+/month | ~$4+/month |
| Unlimited devices | ✅ | Limited (up to 6) | Limited (up to 8) |
| Speeds | Excellent (WireGuard) | Fastest overall | Fast and stable |
| Streaming | Excellent | Best overall streaming unblocking | Very good, user‑friendly |
| Torrenting | Supported on most servers | P2P optimized servers & port forwarding | Good support |
| Additional tools | Surfshark One bundle | Threat Protection, Meshnet | Password manager included |
| Multi-hop, obfuscation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Tom’s Guide and TechRadar consistently rank Surfshark as the top budget VPN, with NordVPN leading overall due to broader features and speeds
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Surfshark safe and private?
Yes—Surfshark uses AES‑256 encryption, a strict no‑logs policy on RAM‑only servers, independent audits, and is headquartered outside major surveillance alliances, offering strong privacy protection
2. Can Surfshark unblock Netflix, Disney+ or BBC iPlayer reliably?
Yes—Surfshark consistently accesses major streaming platforms worldwide, often on the first try, without needing special servers.
3. Is Surfshark good for torrenting?
Yes—most servers allow P2P, performance is solid, and its privacy and encryption protect you. However, there is no port forwarding and occasional kill switch issues reported
4. Can I connect Surfshark VPN on unlimited devices?
Yes—Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections on one subscription, making it excellent value for families or multiple devices
5. Does Surfshark work on Linux?
Yes—Surfshark now offers a full GUI app for Linux (Ubuntu, Mint, Debian and newer), along with support for CLI configurations. It supports WireGuard as well as OpenVPN on Linux
Conclusion – Is Surfshark Right for You?
Surfshark offers one of the best all‑round VPN experiences in 2025. Whether you’re budget conscious or need unlimited devices, reliable access to streaming services, or strong security features, Surfshark delivers. Occasional drawbacks like kill switch bugs or limited port forwarding shouldn’t deter most users. And the bundled Surfshark One suite adds great long‑term value.
Bottom line: Surfshark is an excellent choice for privacy‑minded users who want fast speeds, streaming access, robust security, and maximum value.
