SurfShark VPN

SurfsharkVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service provider that offers secure and private internet browsing. It encrypts your internet connection to ensure that your online activities remain private and protected from potential eavesdropping or hacking. SurfsharkVPN also allows users to bypass geographic restrictions and access content that may be restricted in their region. It’s known for its user-friendly interface, fast connection speeds, and ability to work across multiple devices.

Pros:

1. Affordable Pricing: SurfsharkVPN offers competitive pricing, especially for long-term subscriptions, making it a cost-effective option for users.
2. Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: Unlike many other VPN providers, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can protect all your devices without additional cost.
3. Strong Security Features: SurfsharkVPN employs industry-standard encryption protocols like AES-256, along with additional security features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy.
4. Wide Server Network: Surfshark boasts a large network of servers across multiple countries, allowing users to bypass geo-restrictions and access content from around the world.
5. Fast Connection Speeds: In general, SurfsharkVPN offers fast connection speeds, which is crucial for streaming, gaming, or downloading large files without interruptions.
6. User-Friendly Interface: The Surfshark app has a clean and intuitive interface, making it easy for even beginners to set up and use the VPN service.

Cons:

1. Disappointing anti-censorship mode: Surfshark’s anti-censorship mode may not always effectively bypass censorship measures in certain countries with strict internet controls. Users in such regions may find the anti-censorship features lacking compared to other VPN providers.
2. Based in the Netherlands (EU): Being headquartered in the Netherlands, SurfsharkVPN falls under the jurisdiction of EU data retention laws and may be subject to government surveillance and data retention requirements, which can raise privacy concerns for some users.
3. No port forwarding: SurfsharkVPN does not offer port forwarding, which can limit the ability of advanced users to optimize their connection for specific applications or activities, such as torrenting or online gaming.
4. Kill switch not enabled by default: While SurfsharkVPN does offer a kill switch feature to prevent data leaks in case of VPN connection failure, it’s not always enabled by default, leaving users vulnerable until they manually activate it.
5. Kill switch leaks on macOS: There have been reported instances of the kill switch feature on macOS leaking data in certain situations, potentially compromising user privacy and security.

SurfShark Features

Surfshark offers a comprehensive suite of standard VPN features, along with premium additions available on higher-tier plans. Starting with the essentials, Surfshark employs advanced AES-256 encryption to ensure complete data security. For Android users, there’s an alternative option with ChaCha20 encryption, particularly beneficial for older devices. Password authentication is fortified with SHA-512 encryption, surpassing the industry-standard SHA-256, rendering passwords indecipherable with its 512 binary digit scramble.

Similar to many VPNs, Surfshark includes an optional kill switch, which halts all VPN traffic when disconnected. While advantageous for security, sudden disconnection without notification can be frustrating. Additionally, across all plans, users enjoy ad and cookie pop-up blockers. However, opting for the Surfshark One plan unlocks a plethora of additional features, including 24/7 antivirus protection, webcam security, and personal data security reports.

Alternatively, the top-tier Surfshark One+ plan introduces the innovative Incogni feature. This tool facilitates requests to data brokers for the deletion of user data, spanning details like name, email, and birth date. For a more in-depth understanding of this service, a separate Incogni review is available for those interested in exploring its capabilities further

Server locations

A VPN’s server network is a crucial factor in determining its effectiveness, and Surfshark excels in this area. With over 3,200 servers spanning across 100 countries, including 600+ in the US, 56 in Europe, and presence in 14 Asian countries, Surfshark offers a robust selection of servers for users worldwide.

Surfshark’s servers are not only numerous but also robust and secure, allowing users to access region-restricted content from various parts of the globe. In our testing, we successfully unblocked popular streaming services like BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, different versions of Netflix, and Disney+.

While Surfshark’s server coverage in Africa may not be as extensive as other regions, it still surpasses many competitors. Notably, Surfshark provides servers in South Africa and virtual servers in Algeria, Ghana, Egypt, Morocco, and Nigeria.

Although some regions like Russia, Iraq, Iran, China, and North Korea lack Surfshark server coverage due to VPN restrictions, the service compensates by offering unique features. Unlike most VPNs, Surfshark allows users to unblock local content in India through virtual servers. Despite recent data regulations prompting many providers to withdraw physical servers from India, Surfshark maintains virtual servers, ensuring seamless access to Indian content like Disney+ Hotstar, ALT Balaji, or SonyLIV without regulatory hindrances.

In terms of performance and speed, Surfshark consistently delivers satisfactory results, enabling smooth streaming, browsing, and gaming experiences for users across its diverse server network

SurfShark speed and performance

Surfshark is renowned for its reputation as one of the fastest VPN services available, leveraging the widely acclaimed WireGuard protocol to ensure swift and reliable speeds, minimizing latency. However, during my speed tests, I noticed a discernible variance when connected to a Surfshark server.

Conducting tests around 8 p.m., a peak period for bandwidth demand, I initially achieved a download speed of 253 Mbps. However, upon connecting to a US-based Surfshark server, the download speed reduced notably to 156 Mbps, signifying a significant drop. Despite this, in practical usage, the impact on performance was minimal. I could seamlessly stream content, browse the web, and engage in video calls without encountering buffering or sluggish load times.

In tests conducted on a slower connection during daytime hours, a colleague with typical speeds of 37 Mbps observed a slight reduction to 34 Mbps on a local UK server, while connections to the US and Australia experienced a modest drop to 32 Mbps – all within reasonable margins.

Additionally, during extended DNS leak tests conducted while connected to a Surfshark server, no personal information was compromised, and my actual IP address remained concealed. This facilitated effortless access to region-restricted content on streaming platforms designed to detect and block VPN traffic.

One recurring issue encountered is the occasional delay in establishing a new connection when selecting a different server location. The progress bar may appear to stall momentarily, or an additional attempt may be required. While these delays with Surfshark are relatively brief, lasting around 30-45 seconds in rare instances, they may feel prolonged compared to the swift connectivity of competitors. However, once connected, Surfshark consistently delivers commendable speeds.

SurfsharkVPN is widely recognized for its impressive speed and performance, making it a popular choice among users seeking smooth and seamless online experiences. Leveraging advanced technologies and a vast server network, Surfshark delivers consistent and reliable speeds across various activities, including streaming, browsing, gaming, and file downloading.

• 1. WireGuard Protocol: Surfshark utilizes the WireGuard protocol, a lightweight yet highly efficient VPN protocol known for its exceptional speed and security. By implementing WireGuard, Surfshark minimizes latency and maximizes throughput, ensuring fast and responsive internet connections for users.
• 2. Server Infrastructure: With a global network of over 3,200 servers spanning across 100 countries, Surfshark offers users ample options to find the optimal server for their needs. Whether accessing content from nearby regions or bypassing geo-restrictions to unlock content from distant locations, Surfshark’s extensive server infrastructure contributes to its overall speed and performance.
• 3. Peak Time Performance: Even during peak hours when internet traffic is at its highest, Surfshark maintains commendable performance levels. Users can expect minimal slowdowns or buffering, allowing for uninterrupted streaming, browsing, and online activities.
• 4. Speed Test Results: In independent speed tests conducted by users and reviewers, Surfshark consistently ranks among the top VPN providers in terms of download and upload speeds. While individual experiences may vary depending on factors such as server location, network congestion, and user’s internet connection, Surfshark generally delivers competitive speeds across the board.
• 5. Compatibility and Optimization: Surfshark is compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and more. The service offers user-friendly apps and intuitive interfaces, making it easy for users to connect to servers and customize settings to optimize performance based on their preferences.
• 6. Performance Enhancements: Surfshark continually invests in improving its infrastructure and technologies to enhance speed and performance for users. This includes ongoing optimization of server networks, implementation of advanced encryption protocols, and integration of innovative features to mitigate latency and ensure seamless connectivity.

Overall, SurfsharkVPN excels in delivering fast and reliable performance across diverse use cases, earning acclaim for its speed, stability, and user satisfaction. Whether streaming high-definition content, gaming online, or conducting business activities, Surfshark provides a premium VPN experience characterized by superior speed and performance.

Privacy and security

Surfshark VPN, like any other VPN service, is designed to provide users with privacy and security while browsing the internet. Here are some aspects of Surfshark’s privacy and security features:

• Encryption: Surfshark uses strong encryption protocols like AES-256-GCM to ensure that data transmitted through its servers is secure and unreadable to anyone trying to intercept it.
• No-logs policy: Surfshark claims to have a strict no-logs policy, which means they don’t monitor, track, or store your online activities or connection logs. This is essential for maintaining user privacy.
• Kill Switch: Surfshark offers a kill switch feature, which automatically disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your data from being exposed to your ISP or any other third parties.
• Multi-hop feature: Surfshark offers a Multi-hop feature (also known as double VPN), which routes your connection through multiple servers in different locations for added security and anonymity.
• Camouflage Mode: This feature helps to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN, making it harder for websites and services to detect and block your connection.
• DNS Leak Protection: Surfshark includes DNS leak protection to ensure that your DNS queries are secure and don’t leak outside the VPN tunnel.
• IP Address Masking: Surfshark masks your real IP address with one of its own, making it difficult for websites and online services to track your location or identify you.

While Surfshark appears to offer robust privacy and security features, it’s important to keep in mind that no VPN is 100% foolproof. It’s always a good idea to thoroughly research and understand a VPN provider’s policies and practices before entrusting them with your data. Additionally, staying informed about any potential security vulnerabilities and keeping your software up to date can further enhance your online privacy and security.

Customer support

As you’d hope, Surfshark provides several customer support options if you run into any difficulties. First, its website has plenty of helpful text and video guides to help you research and resolve common issues. Its help center is well organized, so you should be able to find what you’re looking for without any difficulties. And there’s also a search function to help you access the right article instantly.

If you need further help, there’s a 24/7 live chat option. And, although you’ll have to get through a few preliminary interactions with a chatbot, you should reach a live chat agent in a matter of seconds. In my tests, I found the agents I dealt with to be friendly, quick to respond, and genuinely helpful with their answers. They helped me resolve my issue without too much back and forth.

A phone line option would be nice, particularly for people more comfortable speaking to someone directly. But there’s no denying that Surfshark’s 24/7 live chat is highly effective, allowing you to get through to a live agent without any long wait times.