Surfshark VPN Review 2024

At its core, the Surfshark app is a software application that functions as an intermediary between your device and the internet. It encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through servers located in different parts of the world, effectively masking your IP address and making it difficult for anyone to trace your online activities back to you. Our Surfshark review gives you the low down on what you can get from this VPN contender.

Why do I need a VPN?

1. Online Privacy: A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it incredibly difficult for hackers, ISPs, or government agencies to monitor your online activities. Your personal data, including passwords, IP address, credit card information, and browsing history, remains private and secure.
2. Security on Public Wi-Fi: When you connect to public Wi-Fi networks in cafes, airports, or hotels, your data is vulnerable to cyberattacks. A VPN safeguards your information, protecting you from potential threats on unsecured networks.
3. Bypass Geo-Restrictions: VPNs allow you to access websites and content that may be restricted or blocked in your region. This is particularly useful for streaming services, news websites, or social media platforms unavailable in your country.
4. Anonymity: By masking your IP address and routing your internet traffic through servers in different locations, a VPN ensures your online identity remains anonymous. This is crucial for maintaining privacy and freedom of expression.
5. Torrenting and P2P: VPNs are commonly used for safe and anonymous torrenting and peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, preventing copyright infringement notices and legal issues.
6. Work and Travel: If you travel for work or need access to your home network from abroad, a VPN allows you to securely connect to your home or office resources.

In summary, a VPN is an essential tool for safeguarding your online privacy, enhancing security, and unlocking a world of unrestricted content while maintaining anonymity on the internet.

How Much Does Surfshark VPN Cost?

The cost of Surfshark VPN depends on the subscription plan you choose. Surfshark offers several pricing options to cater to different needs and budgets. These are:

• Surfshark Starter – the basic VPN service
• Surfshark One – the more fully featured offer with many more privacy features
• Surfshark One+ – their premium plan that has each and every feature included

The costs of these will depend on the length of contract you sign up 2, and they have a choice of 3. Monthly, which is the most expensive, 12 months, which gives deep discounts, and 24 months, which is the cheapest of all.

Surfshark VPN often runs promotions and discounts, so it’s a good idea to check their website for any ongoing deals. Regardless of the plan you choose, Surfshark offers a full range of features, including unlimited device connections, strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and access to a global network of servers.

As of January 2024, the monthly pricing is:

Surfshark Starter:

• 1 Month Contract – $10.99
• 12 Month Contract – $3.99
• 24 Month Contract – $1.99

Surfshark One:

• 1 Month Contract – $14.99
• 12 Month Contract – $4.09
• 24 Month Contract – $2.69

Surfshark One+:

• 1 Month Contract – $21.99
• 12 Month Contract – $6.49
• 24 Month Contract – $3.99

Ultimately, the cost of Surfshark VPN is affordable and competitive in the VPN market, with various subscription options to suit your needs. Choosing a longer-term plan can help you enjoy the benefits of online privacy and security at a lower monthly cost.

How secure is Surfshark?

One of the key features that sets Surfshark VPN apart is its commitment to user privacy. The service adheres to a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not keep records of your online activities, ensuring that your browsing history remains confidential. Additionally, Surfshark offers robust encryption protocols to protect your data from hackers, ISPs, and other malicious actors.

Surfshark VPN servers and locations

Surfshark VPN has an extensive network of servers and locations worldwide, making it a versatile choice for users seeking a global online presence. As of January 2022, Surfshark had over 3,200 servers spread across 65 countries. This massive server network enables users to access content from around the world, bypass geo-restrictions, and ensure fast and stable connections.

Is Surfshark VPN good for torrenting?

Surfshark VPN works very well for torrenting. It offers strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and specialized servers optimized for P2P file sharing. These features ensure your online activities remain private and secure while torrenting, making Surfshark a reliable and safe option for users looking to engage in this activity.

Speed: How fast is Surfshark VPN?

Surfshark VPN offers competitive connection speeds that can vary depending on factors like your location, chosen server, and your internet service provider. Generally, Surfshark is known for providing fast and reliable speeds, making it suitable for activities such as streaming, online gaming, and downloading large files. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that using a VPN may lead to a slight reduction in your internet speed due to the encryption process and the distance between your location and the VPN server. To optimize speed, it’s recommended to connect to nearby servers, as Surfshark offers a broad range of server locations to choose from.

Is Surfshark VPN good for streaming?

Surfshark provides access to a vast network of hardware and virtual servers in multiple countries, allowing users to bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy content from around the world. With fast speeds and reliable connections, Surfshark ensures a seamless streaming experience for popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and more.

How to use Surfshark VPN?

To download and install Surfshark is straightforward:

1. Sign Up: Subscribe to Surfshark and create an account on their website.
2. Download: Download the Surfshark app for your device (available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more).
3. Install & Login: Install the app, open it, and log in using your account credentials.
4. Connect: Click the “Connect” button, and Surfshark will automatically connect you to the best server based on your location. Alternatively, choose a server location manually.
5. Browse Securely: Once connected, your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through the VPN server, ensuring online privacy and security.
6. Customize Settings: Surfshark offers various settings and features, including Kill Switch, Whitelister, and CleanWeb, which you can configure as per your preferences.
7. Disconnect: When done, simply disconnect from the VPN by clicking the “Disconnect” button.

DNS Leak Tests

Surfshark VPN rigorously addresses DNS leak issues by ensuring that DNS queries are resolved through encrypted channels. Their robust security measures, including DNS leak protection, prevent your DNS requests from leaking to your ISP, maintaining your online privacy and security while using the VPN.

Surfshark Camouflage Mode

Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode is an advanced feature designed to enhance online privacy and security. It hides the fact that you’re using a VPN, making your VPN traffic appear like regular internet traffic. This helps users bypass VPN blocking and deep packet inspection, ensuring a higher level of anonymity and access to restricted content.

How good is Surfshark’s browser extension?

Surfshark’s browser extension offers proxy-like functionality, allowing users to quickly encrypt their browsing sessions without the need to install the full VPN client. While it doesn’t provide the same level of security as the desktop or mobile app, it’s effective for circumventing geo-restrictions, accessing blocked content, and enhancing privacy while surfing the web. The extension is user-friendly, with a one-click connect feature, and it works seamlessly with popular browsers like Chrome and Firefox.

Alternative VPN Providers

When considering the best VPN services, it’s essential to explore alternatives to Surfshark VPN to find the best fit for your specific needs. Here are some noteworthy alternatives that you can check to see how Surfshark VPN compares.

1. ExpressVPN: Known for its blazing-fast speeds and robust security features, ExpressVPN is a popular choice. It offers a vast server network, a user-friendly interface, and excellent customer support.
2. NordVPN: NordVPN is renowned for its exceptional security measures, including double encryption and a strict no-logs policy. It boasts a large server network, making it an excellent option for accessing geo-restricted content.
3. CyberGhost: CyberGhost is user-friendly and suitable for beginners. It offers strong privacy protections and an extensive server network, making it ideal for streaming and torrenting.
4. Private Internet Access (PIA): PIA is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on security. It provides robust encryption, a no-logs policy, and a large number of servers.
5. IPVanish: IPVanish offers good speeds and a range of advanced features, such as split tunneling and SugarSync cloud storage. It’s an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced users.
6. ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN is known for its commitment to privacy, offering strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy. It’s developed by the team behind ProtonMail, a well-regarded encrypted email service.
7. Windscribe: Windscribe is a free VPN with a paid option, offering a generous free plan with limited servers. The paid version includes additional features like unlimited data and access to a more extensive server network.

The choice of the best alternative to Surfshark VPN depends on your specific requirements, such as speed, security, server locations, and budget. It’s advisable to compare the features, pricing, and performance of these alternatives to determine which VPN aligns most closely with your preferences and needs.

Dedicated IP Address

Surfshark offers a dedicated IP address as an optional feature. A dedicated IP is a unique internet address exclusively assigned to you, providing several advantages. It can enhance online security and make it easier to access specific services, such as online banking, which may require a consistent IP address. Additionally, dedicated IPs can help bypass certain restrictions or blocks more effectively. Surfshark offers dedicated IP addresses in various countries, allowing users to choose the location that best suits their needs. While it’s an additional cost, Surfshark’s dedicated IP option provides added flexibility and control over your VPN experience.

Is Surfshark VPN safe?

Yes, Surfshark is considered a safe VPN service. It employs robust security measures to protect users’ online privacy. Surfshark uses industry-standard encryption protocols, including AES-256 bit encryption, to secure your data, making it virtually impossible for unauthorized parties to intercept or decipher your online activities. Additionally, Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, which means they do not store or track your online activities, ensuring your privacy. They also provide features like a kill switch, which disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks. Surfshark’s commitment to privacy and security makes it a trusted choice for safeguarding your online presence.

Surfshark VPN FAQ

Surfshark VPN Review: Final Verdict

In summary, Surfshark VPN is a versatile and privacy-focused VPN service that provides online users with the tools they need to maintain anonymity, security, and access to a global internet. Whether you’re concerned about online privacy, want to secure your internet connection on public Wi-Fi, or need to access geo-blocked content, Surfshark VPN can be an effective solution.

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