Surfshark VPN Review 2025: Fast, Secure & Unlimited

Surfshark VPN Review — Surfshark delivers affordable pricing, unlimited connections, and strong privacy with excellent streaming. But in 2025, does it still live up to the hype? Let’s break down its speed, security, and value.

Affiliate Disclosure

Check current deals and plans

Visit Surfshark

Quick Summary

• Top Feature:
• 100% RAM‑only server Network infrastructure
• Multi-year no-logs policy audits
• WireGuard protocol + 10 Gbps server upgrades
• Unblocks major streaming platforms reliably
• GPS spoofing & split tunneling (“Bypasser”)
• Unlimited simultaneous device connections
• Built‑in ad, tracker & malware blocking
• Camouflage Mode for restrictive networks
• Best For:
• Budget‑friendly VPN with strong privacy, streaming & unlimited devices
• Downside:
• Mixed results in censorship regions; low Android rating from billing issues

VPN Score Breakdown

Privacy & Security: 4.3 / 5

Speed & Performance: 4.2 / 5

Streaming & Unblocking: 4.7 / 5

Torrenting & P2P: 4.0 / 5

Apps, Features & UX: 4.7 / 5

Support, Doc & Rating: 4.5 / 5

Pricing & Value: 4.6 / 5

Final Score: Excellent

4.4 / 5

Introduction to Surfshark VPN

Surfshark VPN is a feature-rich, budget-friendly service known for combining strong privacy protections with unlimited device connections. In just a few years, it has grown from a newcomer to one of the most recognized names in the VPN market, competing head‑to‑head with long‑established providers.

It’s ideal for value‑conscious users who still expect premium features, from privacy‑focused travelers and remote workers to streaming fans who want consistent access to global platforms. The ability to secure every device under one account makes it especially appealing for households and multi‑device users.

In this review, we’ll evaluate Surfshark’s real‑world performance across speed, streaming, security, and ease of use. Using verified provider data, independent audits, and public benchmarks, we’ll see how well it holds up in 2025 and whether it truly delivers on its promise of affordable, uncompromised protection.

How scores are calculated: Each score is based on documented features, independent audits, speed benchmarks, support responsiveness and user experience across devices. We apply consistent scoring criteria for all VPNs to ensure fair comparison. A full explanation will be available soon in our upcoming “How We Review” page.

Surfshark Privacy & Security

Surfshark VPN takes privacy seriously, backing its strict no‑logs policy with independent Deloitte audits and a fully RAM‑only server network. All encryption standards, jurisdictional safeguards, and security tools are built to keep your data off‑limits, with clear documentation and transparency reports to prove it.

Logging Policy & Independent Audits

Surfshark operates under a strict no‑logs policy, meaning it does not collect IP addresses, browsing history, DNS queries, or connection timestamps.

Any minimal technical metadata used for troubleshooting is automatically deleted within 15 minutes of a session ending. The policy applies consistently across all devices, protocols, and server types, including both trial and paid accounts.

✅ Independent Audits (2018–2025)

No‑Logs Audits by Deloitte:

• January 2023 – First ISAE 3000 assurance audit, it did verify Surfshark’s no‑logs policy and infrastructure compliance. Confirmed no collection of IP addresses, browsing history, DNS queries, or connection timestamps.
• June  2025 – Second ISAE 3000 assurance audit, it reaffirmed no‑logs compliance across Surfshark’s global infrastructure. Covered server configurations, operational processes, and enforcement consistency.

Infrastructure / Security Audits by Cure53:

• 2018 – Security audit of Surfshark’s Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. Found no major security vulnerabilities.
• May 2021 – Independent infrastructure and security review, examined Surfshark’s VPN servers, backend systems, and deployment hygiene. No significant flaws found.

Jurisdiction & Legal Protections

Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, a country with strong GDPR‑backed privacy protections and no mandatory data‑retention laws for VPN providers. Dutch courts have ruled broad retention proposals unconstitutional, and VPNs remain exempt from such requirements.

However, the Netherlands is a member of the Nine Eyes intelligence‑sharing alliance. While there’s no evidence of compelled VPN data disclosures, this membership means the jurisdiction carries a moderate intelligence‑sharing risk. Surfshark mitigates this by enforcing a strict no‑logs policy, regularly verified by independent audits.

The company is fully transparent about its structure and leadership. It operates as Surfshark B.V., registered in Amsterdam, and is part of Nord Security, a respected cybersecurity group that also owns NordVPN. Corporate registry details, leadership information, and the ownership merger in 2022 are all publicly documented and available through official filings and Surfshark’s website.

Encryption & Protocol Security

Surfshark uses AES‑256‑GCM for OpenVPN and IKEv2 connections and ChaCha20‑Poly1305 for WireGuard, both considered gold‑standard ciphers for modern VPNs. Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) is enabled across all protocols using ephemeral keys, ensuring past sessions cannot be decrypted even if a future key were compromised. Handshake security is reinforced with ECDHE/ECDSA algorithms, and there’s no support for outdated protocols like PPTP or L2TP.

Supported VPN protocols include:

All encryption and protocol configurations are publicly documented in Surfshark’s technical pages and confirmed by independent security audits. This alignment of strong encryption, modern protocols, and transparent implementation gives Surfshark a secure foundation without relying on proprietary or opaque technology.

Surfshark sets WireGuard as the default protocol on all major platforms, giving users fast, secure, and low‑latency connections without any manual setup. Its modern cryptography and lightweight design ensure consistently high performance right from the first connection.

Security Infrastructure & Privacy Features

Surfshark complements its strong encryption with a robust set of security tools designed to protect your privacy in real‑world use. From preventing leaks to bypassing censorship, these features add practical layers of defense for everyday browsing, streaming, and sensitive activities.

Leak Protection: Surfshark’s security stack goes beyond encryption to protect users from leaks, surveillance, and censorship. DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection is enabled by default on all platforms, with independent tests confirming no data leaks during active sessions.

Kill Switch: Is available on all major platforms, stopping traffic if the VPN connection drops. While effective once enabled, it is off by default and does not block traffic at system boot before the VPN connects.

Camouflage Mode: For users in restrictive regions, this mode (OpenVPN obfuscation) disguises VPN traffic to bypass censorship. It works reliably in countries such as China, the UAE, and Russia when using the correct settings.

Advanced Privacy Tools: include Dynamic Multihop for custom double‑VPN routing, CleanWeb ad/tracker/malware blocking, and GPS spoofing on Android. CleanWeb also adds phishing and breach‑alert capabilities, though these are not enabled by default in the VPN apps.

✅ Summary: Despite the kill switch needing manual activation, Surfshark’s mix of leak blocking, obfuscation, and extras offers solid all‑round security.

Transparency & Trust Signals

Surfshark reinforces its privacy claims with independent verification, public accountability, and a clear stance on ethical operations. It builds user trust through open policies, published audits, and clear company information:

• Regular Audits: Two Deloitte no‑logs audits (2023 & 2025) confirmed full compliance; Cure53 audits (2018 & 2021) verified infrastructure and browser extension security.
• Public Leadership & Ownership: Operates as Surfshark B.V. in the Netherlands, part of Nord Security, with leadership and corporate registry details publicly available.
• Transparency Reports & Warrant Canary: Regularly publishes legal request data showing no logs disclosed.
• Ethics & Mission: No ad‑tech ties or data‑monetization history; mission centered on privacy and internet freedom.

With repeat audits, open ownership, and no history of data misuse, Surfshark demonstrates a consistent commitment to transparency and user trust.

Speed & Performance

Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or just browsing, Surfshark delivers impressive real-world speeds. Thanks to its default WireGuard protocol and upgraded 10 Gbps servers, it maintains fast, stable connections across the globe, even during peak hours. But how does it really hold up in independent tests?

Speed Test Summary

Surfshark delivers top-tier performance across download, upload, and regional consistency, especially when using WireGuard.

Download Speeds:
In multiple independent tests, Surfshark consistently achieved 600–850 Mbps on high-speed lines using WireGuard. Servers in Los Angeles, Seattle, and New York all clocked over 630 Mbps, while London servers reached ~556 Mbps. Across average broadband connections, Surfshark retained 75–95% of baseline speeds, placing it firmly in the top VPN tier for downloads.

Upload Speeds:
Surfshark’s upload performance also exceeds expectations. On 500 Mbps lines, it reached up to 260 Mbps, with wired tests retaining ≥75% of baseline in most regions. High-speed upload peaks of ~950 Mbps were recorded in ideal conditions, and consistent performance was noted for tasks like file sharing or cloud backups.

Latency / Ping:
For low-latency connections, Surfshark performs well, especially on local servers. Intra-region ping times (US–US, UK–UK) often stayed below 50 ms, making it reliable for real-time use like voice or video calls. Long-distance connections (e.g. US–Australia) showed moderate ping of ~130 ms, which is expected, but still usable for casual gaming or streaming.

Cross-Region Consistency:
One of Surfshark’s strongest traits is its stability across continents. Tests from SoftwareLab, Comparitech, and Vocal Media show speed variance remained within ±25%, even between Europe, Asia, and North America. Global averages hovered around 202 Mbps, with only minor fluctuation across time zones and geographies.

Overall, Surfshark ranks as one of the fastest and most stable VPNs, especially for users prioritizing consistent performance without breaking the bank.

Global Speed Test Results

Independent benchmarks show that Surfshark consistently delivers high-speed performance across key regions. Using WireGuard, it achieves excellent download and upload rates with minimal latency, proving reliable for streaming, torrenting, and everyday browsing. The table below summarizes tested results from top sources.

Here’s how Surfshark performed in various global locations:

Protocol Performance & Connection Efficiency

Surfshark shines in protocol efficiency by enabling WireGuard as the default across all major platforms. This modern protocol is lightweight, secure, and capable of delivering extremely fast speeds with minimal overhead. It’s especially effective for users seeking low latency and quick connections across regions.

For users who need alternatives, OpenVPN and IKEv2 are both available within the app. However, Surfshark lacks automatic fallback, if one protocol fails, switching must be done manually through settings. Despite this, connection times are extremely fast, averaging under 2 seconds, with few reports of timeouts or delays.

Overall, Surfshark’s protocol setup is well-optimized for speed and security, with WireGuard delivering top-tier performance across devices. While manual fallback and lack of automation slightly limit usability, the connection experience remains fast and stable for most users.

Server Infrastructure & Optimization

Surfshark’s infrastructure has undergone a major upgrade, now offering a 100% 10 Gbps server network with over 3,200 RAM-only servers in 100 countries. This gives it impressive raw performance and geographic coverage. However, it lacks some advanced optimizations found in top-tier rivals.

Despite its lack of advanced routing tech, Surfshark’s server network delivers excellent raw speed and wide coverage. The full 10 Gbps rollout and RAM-only design keep it competitive, though visibility into real-time server health remains limited.

Speed in Real-World Use Cases

When it comes to actual day-to-day use, Surfshark delivers strong, reliable performance in most scenarios, from smooth 4K streaming to torrenting and gaming. That said, mobile users may notice reduced speeds, especially on restrictive networks or older protocols.

Streaming & Unblocking

Surfshark stands out as one of the most reliable VPNs for streaming, offering broad platform support, Smart DNS compatibility, and smooth HD/4K playback. Whether you’re unlocking US Netflix, watching BBC iPlayer abroad, or bypassing regional blocks, Surfshark delivers consistent access with minimal buffering and strong transparency about its streaming tools.

Access to Major Streaming Platforms

Surfshark performs exceptionally well in unblocking popular streaming platforms across multiple regions. It consistently bypasses restrictions on US Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, and more, with high success rates confirmed by third-party testing and user reports. HD and 4K playback are smooth across most platforms and regions.

✅ Netflix US
Reliable 4K access with zero proxy errors.

✅ Netflix Global
Access to 10+ regions:
🇬🇧 🇯🇵 🇨🇦 🇦🇺 🇩🇪 🇫🇷 🇮🇳 🇰🇷 🇪🇸

✅ Disney+
Consistent access and smooth playback.

✅ Hulu
Works well via US servers with HD stability.

✅ Prime Video
Accessible in US, UK, DE with stable performance.

✅ HBO Max
Unblocks easily with high-resolution playback.

✅ BBC iPlayer
Works reliably with UK servers, no issues found.

✅ Peacock
Accessible globally from outside the US.

✅ Other Platforms
Supports ITVX, Channel 4, DAZN, Hotstar, 9Now, 10Play

Surfshark supports seamless streaming across all major devices, including smart TVs, Fire Sticks, mobile phones, gaming consoles, and even routers, ensuring smooth access on any screen you use.

Smart DNS & Streaming Features

While Surfshark doesn’t offer streaming-optimized or platform-labeled servers, it compensates with flexible tools that make streaming easy on most devices, even those that don’t support VPN apps natively.

Bypassing Censorship & Geo-Blocks

Surfshark is one of the most reliable VPNs for users in restrictive countries, offering consistent access even under government-imposed firewalls. Its NoBorders mode and stealth-friendly configurations help evade deep packet inspection (DPI) and regional censorship.

Based on testing and expert reviews, Surfshark successfully works in:

• 🇨🇳 China (via NoBorders + obfuscated protocols)
• 🇷🇺 Russia (accesses blocked news, torrenting, and social media)
• 🇦🇪 UAE (unblocks VoIP services like Skype and WhatsApp)
• 🇮🇷 Iran (bypasses national firewalls with fallback configs)
• 🇹🇷 Turkey (avoids ISP-level blocks and throttling)
• 🇪🇬 Egypt (effective against content filtering and VPN bans)

These capabilities do not require manual configuration in most cases, but switching protocols (OpenVPN/UDP) or changing servers may be recommended for better reliability.

Streaming Performance & Quality

Surfshark delivers excellent performance across HD and 4K streaming, even on high-bandwidth platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+. Independent tests confirm no buffering, smooth playback, and stable speeds when connected to WireGuard-enabled servers.

Startup delay is minimal across supported apps, with most services loading in under 2 seconds. Even under multi-device usage, Surfshark maintains responsiveness, especially on desktop and TV devices.

That said, some performance dips may occur on mobile when using OpenVPN or connecting to faraway regions, but these are exceptions rather than the norm.

Here’s a quick snapshot of real-world performance benchmarks:

Transparency & Streaming Claims

Surfshark earns high marks for clear communication around its streaming capabilities. Its official Help Center and blog list supported platforms, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu, with dedicated setup guides and troubleshooting tips. These resources are routinely updated and confirmed current as of mid-2025.

The provider also avoids overpromising. Surfshark includes disclaimers where relevant, such as advising users to switch servers if a platform fails to load, and noting how access may depend on regional licensing and availability.

Independent reviewers (e.g. TechRadar, Tom’s Guide, Cybernews) consistently affirm Surfshark’s honesty around supported services, limitations, and real-world expectations.

Torrenting & P2P

Surfshark fully supports P2P on all 3,200+ servers with no throttling or caps. Its audited no-logs policy, RAM-only servers, and obfuscation protect privacy, while WireGuard ensures fast downloads. The main drawback is no port forwarding, which can limit seeding.

P2P Server Support & Restrictions

Surfshark makes torrenting simple by allowing P2P traffic on all servers in its 100+ locations. There’s no throttling, bandwidth cap, or hidden limits, and speeds remain consistent even during long downloads. While the app doesn’t label “P2P” servers by default, you can quickly filter them by typing “P2P” in the server search bar.

• ✅ Torrenting allowed on all servers
• ✅ No bandwidth caps or throttling
• ✅ 100+ locations with P2P access
• ⚠️ P2P servers not clearly labeled

Privacy & Legal Protections (DMCA Safety)

Surfshark’s no-logs policy, verified by Deloitte in 2025, ensures it cannot store or share any records of your torrenting activity. This means DMCA or copyright takedown requests cannot be complied with in practice.

The service was originally based in the British Virgin Islands but moved its HQ to the Netherlands in 2021, placing it within the 14 Eyes alliance. While not an ideal jurisdiction for privacy purists, there’s still no history of user data being exposed in P2P-related cases.

📌 What is the DMCA?
The DMCA is a U.S. law that lets copyright holders act against illegal downloads. ISPs may throttle or send warnings, but VPNs with strong privacy policies help protect users from these actions.

Logging & Legal History

Surfshark’s no-logs policy explicitly includes torrent and P2P activity, ensuring that no record of files downloaded, peers connected, or session details is stored. This is reinforced by its RAM-only server infrastructure, which wipes all data with every reboot.

Independent audits (Deloitte, 2025) confirm that no user activity or session logs are collected, making it impossible for Surfshark to comply with DMCA or torrent-related requests, even if legally compelled. The service has no history of disclosing torrent user data in any jurisdiction.

• ✅ P2P covered under strict no-logs policy
• ✅ RAM-only servers — no persistent storage
• ✅ Zero history of sharing torrent user data
• ✅ Verified by independent Deloitte audit

Torrenting Features & Tools.

Surfshark includes some torrent-friendly tools but lacks others that advanced P2P users may expect. While it supports split tunneling (“Bypasser”) on all major platforms and offers built-in Camouflage Mode to hide torrent traffic, it does not support SOCKS5 Proxy and port forwarding, a limitation for users who rely on high seeding ratios or faster peer discovery.

Real‑World Performance & User Feedback

Day‑to‑day results line up with lab tests: downloads fly on nearby WireGuard servers and there’s no evidence of throttling. Advanced users do note occasional seeding/peer reachability gaps because Surfshark doesn’t offer port forwarding.

What users say:
“Fast downloads and no throttling on nearby servers.”
“Seeding is okay for most torrents, but power users miss true port management.”

Apps, Features & UX

Surfshark delivers one of the most versatile app lineups in the VPN market, with native software for nearly every platform, unlimited device connections, and a consistent feature set across desktop, mobile, and streaming devices. Its intuitive design, quick access to core tools, and polished onboarding make it equally appealing to beginners and power users alike.

Platform Availability

Surfshark offers one of the most comprehensive device coverage lists in the VPN market. Desktop users get native apps for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with a dedicated Linux GUI since 2022. Mobile users have full-featured iOS and Android apps, regularly updated with new tools, performance upgrades, and design refinements.

For home entertainment, it supports Fire TV and Android TV, with Smart DNS for Apple TV, consoles, and other devices. Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge offer quick-connect protection, while router setup (AsusWRT, DD‑WRT, OpenWRT) secures every device in your network with a single configuration.

With this breadth of compatibility, Surfshark ensures you can stay protected whether you’re working on a laptop, streaming on a smart TV, gaming on a console, or browsing casually on your phone. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for households and individuals managing multiple connected devices.

Core In‑App Tools & Feature Parity

Surfshark packs the everyday essentials into a clean, consistent toolkit. Here’s what you actually get in the apps and how it translates across platforms.

Day to day, this mix covers the big three: privacy (kill switch), control (split tunneling), and performance (protocol choice), without forcing you into platform‑specific workarounds.

User Interface & Ease of Use

Surfshark’s interface is sleek, uncluttered, and highly beginner-friendly. Whether you’re on desktop, mobile, or TV, the design remains consistent, so switching devices doesn’t require learning a new layout.

Core actions like connecting, switching servers, or changing protocols are usually just one or two taps away. The connection dashboard is responsive and well-organized, with the quick-connect button always in view.

Key usability highlights:

• ✅ Quick Access: Core tools, favorites, and protocol switching within 1–2 taps/clicks.
• ✅ Onboarding: Built-in AI chatbot, tooltips, and setup guides keep the learning curve minimal.
• ✅ Navigation: Favorites list for instant access to preferred servers.
• ✅ Accessibility: Multi-language support, though no documented assistive features like screen reader optimization.

Overall, the app strikes a balance between simplicity for newcomers and efficiency for experienced VPN users, making everyday use fast, intuitive, and frustration-free.

App Performance & Stability

Surfshark’s apps launch quickly and connect in under two seconds in most scenarios, delivering a responsive feel right from startup. While a few users report occasional connection delays, these are rare and usually tied to specific server loads or local network issues.

Stability is a strong point, during extended testing across desktop and mobile platforms, no major crashes or freezes were encountered. The apps handled server switches and protocol changes smoothly, even under heavy load.

Simultaneous Connections & Device Limits

Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous device connections on a single account across all supported platforms. This is a genuine policy, not a marketing caveat, and it works the same on desktop, mobile, smart TVs, and browser extensions. It is one of Surfshark’s most practical advantages for households, shared setups, and small teams.

You can also configure Surfshark on a compatible router, which protects every device on that network in one go. Combined with the unlimited device policy, you are free to connect laptops, phones, consoles, and streaming sticks without juggling logins or hitting caps.

• Why it matters: No need to micromanage which devices stay signed in, you can keep everything protected at once.
• Reality check: Overall performance still depends on your internet bandwidth and device hardware, not on a connection cap.

Missing Features & Limitations

Surfshark offers a strong, well-rounded app experience, though a few limitations remain. Full cross-device settings sync is missing, with most preferences saved locally rather than in the cloud. Accessibility options are basic beyond multi-language support, and while auto-reconnect works reliably in practice, independent cross-platform stress testing is still limited.

Support, Documentation & User Ratings

Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat, responsive email support, and active communities on Reddit and Discord, all in over ten major languages. Agents are known for quick replies and strong technical knowledge, backed by a well-structured help center, clear onboarding, and a solid public reputation for reliability and transparency.

Customer Support Channels & Availability

Surfshark provides a well-rounded support system designed for quick and convenient help, no matter the time zone. You can reach real human agents through 24/7 live chat on the website or in the apps, send queries via a tracked email/ticket system, or seek help from active community channels. The brand also supports more than ten major languages across both live chat and email, making assistance accessible worldwide.

With multiple channels, fast response times, and broad language coverage, Surfshark’s support infrastructure is both reliable and globally accessible, backed by a thriving community that often resolves questions before formal tickets are needed.

Response Speed & Quality

Surfshark’s support team is consistently praised for its speed, clarity, and technical skill. Independent tests show live chat responses in about 45 seconds, significantly faster than the advertised two minutes, with agents moving quickly from chatbot screening to human assistance. Email tickets average a 3–4 hour turnaround and are often resolved within a single day. Agents demonstrate strong knowledge in troubleshooting, setup guidance, and protocol recommendations, and support cases are tracked until issues are fully resolved.

• Live Chat Speed: Replies in ~45s, beating the 2-minute standard.
• Email Turnaround: 3–4 hours on average; most resolved within 24h.
• Agent Knowledge: Handles advanced troubleshooting and setup with ease.
• Follow-Up: Tickets tracked until resolution, with clear continuity.

Whether via chat or email, Surfshark’s support combines rapid response with technically capable agents, ensuring most issues are resolved promptly and without repeat contact.

Documentation & Self-Help Resources

Surfshark’s support library features platform-specific setup guides, from desktop to routers and Linux GUI. Its searchable knowledge base returns quick, relevant results, while in-app onboarding with tooltips, tutorials, and an AI chatbot helps new users. Multimedia resources like annotated screenshots and updated 2025 YouTube tutorials make learning even easier.

With these resources, Surfshark ensures users can find answers quickly, whether they’re new to VPNs or configuring advanced setups.

Public Reputation & Transparency

Surfshark maintains a strong reputation across industry review sites and user communities, backed by a clear commitment to transparency.

Transparency measures include an updated warrant canary (August 2025), regular transparency reports, Deloitte no-logs audits (2023 & 2025), and a SecuRing penetration test in 2025 that found no critical issues. Surfshark has also addressed issues like DNS leaks openly in community discussions.

User Ratings (as of mid-2025):

• Trustpilot: 4.5★ from 27K+ reviews, 74% 5★; responds to ~99% of negative feedback within 24h.
• Apple App Store: 4.7★ from 97.7K reviews — high volume and consistent positive sentiment.
• Google Play: 3.1★ from 181K reviews — low score largely due to older reviews and billing complaints, not current app quality (experts rate Android app 4.4–4.8★).
• Reddit Praise: In r/VPN and r/Surfshark, Reddit users praise Surfshark for its speed, reliability, strong features, and excellent value for money.

While Surfshark’s Android app rating on Google Play remains low due to legacy and billing-related reviews, independent testing and expert evaluations confirm that its current mobile experience is fast, stable, and feature-rich. Overall, its strong Trustpilot score, transparency measures, and positive community feedback make it one of the more reputable VPNs in its category.

Why Surfshark Google Play Rating Is Low?

Surfshark’s current 3.1★ Google Play rating is driven more by perception issues than actual app performance. A large share of 1★ reviews stem from billing and refund complaints, such as unexpected auto-renewals or cancellation confusion, rather than technical faults. Legacy negative reviews from earlier product versions still weigh heavily on the lifetime average, despite recent improvements.

Reddit discussions note that many criticisms relate to service expectations or feature “bloat,” not stability or speed. In independent 2025 tests, experts consistently rate the Android app between 4.4★ and 4.8★ for speed, stability, and features, highlighting a disconnect between current quality and the Play Store average.

Plans, Pricing & Refunds

Surfshark pairs low long-term pricing with full access to core VPN features on every plan. Transparent renewals, flexible payments, and strong performance make it a high-value choice, explored here through its plans, refund policy, trial options, and billing clarity.

Subscription Plan Options

Surfshark offers three main subscription terms: a monthly plan, a standard annual plan, and a long-term 24-month Starter plan that works out to roughly $1.99/month (billed upfront). Renewal rates are clearly disclosed during checkout, with no hidden fees or surprise increases.

All plans include the full set of core VPN features, such as multi-hop, obfuscation, CleanWeb, streaming support, and unlimited devices, while optional extras like antivirus and dark web monitoring are offered separately.

📝 Note: Prices shown are approximate and may vary by region, currency, or promotion.

Key takeaway: the long-term Starter plan delivers excellent value (≈ $1.99/month)
while keeping all core VPN features unlocked; security extras like antivirus and data removal are optional add-ons
in the One and One+ bundles.

Plans Features & Add-ons

While all Surfshark plans include full VPN functionality with unlimited devices, ad and cookie blocking, and advanced privacy tools, extra security and identity features are bundled into higher tiers.

The Starter plan offers the complete VPN experience, One adds antivirus, breach monitoring, and private search, and One+ unlocks data removal services for eligible regions. Below is a breakdown of what each tier includes.

Optional Add-ons:

Payment Methods & Billing Transparency

Surfshark supports a wide range of global and local payment options, making it easy to subscribe from almost anywhere. All renewal prices are clearly shown at checkout and in your confirmation email, with no hidden fees or forced add-ons.

• Credit & Debit Cards: Supports Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and more (varies by region).
• Digital Wallets: Pay easily with PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay and Amazon Pay depending on your region.
• Cryptocurrency (via CoinGate): Supports Bitcoin, Ethereum and more
• Regional Payment Methods: Includes iDEAL, UnionPay, Sofort, and other country-specific options shown at checkout.

Checkout always displays both the first-term discount and the standard renewal rate, ensuring full transparency.

Refund Policy & Satisfaction Guarantee

Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans, exceeding the industry’s standard two weeks. Refunds are available for payments made via cards, PayPal, or cryptocurrency, and the process is quic, most are approved within minutes via 24/7 live chat or email.

Key refund highlights:

• Applies to all plan lengths, from monthly to multi-year
• No usage limits or restrictive conditions
• Refund requests accepted via 24/7 live chat or email
• Crypto payments are fully eligible
• Most refunds arrive within 3–7 business days
• Policy allows a second refund within six months if unused

Most users find the process smooth and no-pressure, with Surfshark standing out for combining crypto-friendly payments with flexible refund rights.

Free Trial Availability

Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial for Android, iOS, and macOS users, accessible via the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or Mac App Store. The trial now requires payment details at signup, a change from its previous “no card” policy.

There’s no trial for Windows or Linux when downloading directly from the website, and Surfshark does not offer a permanent free plan. Users can instead take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee for broader platform testing.

Feature-to-Cost Value Ratio

Surfshark delivers a premium set of VPN features at a budget long‑term rate. You get RAM‑only servers, multi‑hop, obfuscation, full P2P, streaming unlocks, and unlimited devices on every plan, perks many rivals reserve for pricier tiers. In practice, it outperforms most similarly priced VPNs on speed and cross‑platform coverage. The only caveats are mixed reliability in some high‑censorship regions and a few security extras upsold in One/One+ bundles.

✅ Verdict: For its long‑term price, Surfshark’s feature depth and real‑world speed make it one of the best value plays among premium VPNs.

Pros & Cons

Surfshark packs strong privacy tools, unlimited connections, and reliable streaming into an affordable package. While it offers impressive value, a few limitations, like the lack of a permanent free plan, may matter to some users.

Final Verdict

Surfshark continues to stand out in 2025 as one of the most versatile and value-packed VPNs on the market. Backed by an audited no-logs policy, a RAM-only server network, and unlimited device support, it offers a rare combination of strong privacy, reliable streaming access, and advanced extras like multi-hop and Camouflage Mode. Its performance remains competitive across global regions, with excellent speeds for both streaming and P2P use.

It’s an ideal pick for budget-savvy users, digital nomads, and households with many devices, as well as those seeking advanced privacy tools without sacrificing ease of use. While there’s no permanent free plan and the 7-day trial now requires payment details, Surfshark’s long-term plans deliver some of the best value in its class.

If you want a secure, high-performing VPN with unlimited connections and modern security features, Surfshark is a smart, future-proof choice.

Want to try it risk-free?
All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, letting you test the service on all devices before committing.

Fast, feature‑rich, and great value, Surfshark delivers strong privacy,
smooth streaming, and unlimited devices at a budget‑friendly price.

Visit Surfshark

Category	Score
Privacy & Security	4.3 / 5
Speed & Performance	4.2 / 5
Streaming & Unblocking	4.7 / 5
Torrenting & P2P	4.0 / 5
Apps, Features & UX	4.7 / 5
Support, Docs & Ratings	4.5 / 5
Pricing & Value	4.6 / 5

Final Score: 4.4 / 5 Excellent

How scores are calculated: Each score is based on documented features, independent audits, speed benchmarks, support responsiveness, and user experience across devices. We apply consistent scoring criteria for all VPNs to ensure fair comparison. A full explanation will be available soon in our upcoming “How We Review” page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Surfshark VPN safe and private?

Yes. Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, uses 100% RAM-only servers, and has passed multiple independent audits. It also offers features like a kill switch, CleanWeb, and Camouflage Mode for added privacy.

Does Surfshark work with Netflix and other streaming platforms?

Yes. Surfshark consistently unblocks major platforms like US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+, though some regional libraries may require switching servers.

Is Surfshark good for torrenting?

Yes. Surfshark supports torrenting across all servers and offers unlimited bandwidth. Its kill switch, obfuscation, and strong encryption help protect torrent activity.

How many devices can I use with Surfshark?

You can use Surfshark on unlimited devices at the same time with just one account, great for families or users with many gadgets.

Where is Surfshark based?

Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands, part of the 14-Eyes alliance. However, its no-logs policy has been independently verified.

Does Surfshark offer a money-back guarantee?

Yes. Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee across all plans, letting you try it risk-free.

Is Surfshark better than NordVPN or ExpressVPN?

It depends on your needs. Surfshark is more budget-friendly and allows unlimited devices, while NordVPN and ExpressVPN may offer faster speeds or more advanced features.

Ash Sh.
Senior Research Strategist & Editor

I’m the senior research strategist and editor at VPNProxySolutions.com, where I focus on analyzing VPNs, proxy networks along with various online privacy technologies. With over seven years of experience in cybersecurity research, I’ve developed a structured approach to evaluating providers based on documentation, independent audits, public benchmarks and real-world use cases. My goal is to make complex digital privacy tools easier to understand, whether you’re comparing services, troubleshooting connections or just learning how anonymity works in practice.

About us