Surfshark VPN Review For 2024: Fast, secure & Budget-Friendly Pry

In this digital age, protecting your online privacy is your top priority. SurfShark VPN keeps your internet safe. It hides what you do online. Uses super strong codes so that bad guys can’t see your private stuff.

Made by good people who like internet freedom. Based on where privacy laws are strong. Has servers all over the world. You can watch anything from any place. No one knows where you really are.

Protects your online activities. Codes make everything secret. Blocks bad people. Gives you freedom on the Internet. Your real life stays private. Easy to use from anywhere.

In this detailed SurfShark VPN review guide, we will discuss what SurfShark VPN is, how to use SurfShark VPN, its pricing, where SurfShark is based, and much more.

Why Is SurfShark VPN Popular These Days?

SurfShark VPN is one of the top choices for keeping all your internet activities completely private and secret. It was carefully made by experts who care deeply about digital privacy and freedom. This special VPN stands out above the rest. 

It is based in the British Virgin Islands, which has very strong strict laws protecting people’s privacy rights. It uses the most advanced powerful next-level encryption to fully hide and cloak everything you do online from hackers, advertisers, snoopers, and any prying eyes. It follows a super strict no-log rule policy, meaning it never stores any records or logs of your internet usage, browsing activities, or any of your private data.

The big thing that makes SurfShark VPN so incredibly special is that it is fully open and reliable. Independent outside experts are allowed to thoroughly check and inspect its apps to make 100% sure there are no hidden secret backdoors that could possibly let others spy on you.

It has a massive network of servers spread out all across the globe in many many countries worldwide. This lets you freely access any online content from literally anywhere in the entire world while keeping your real physical location anonymous and secret.

Its apps are extremely easy and simple to use, even for full beginners, on all devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. The apps have robust powerful security features like automatic kill switches that instantly stop all connections if needed to protect you, and leak protection that prevents any accidents or mistakes that could expose you.

With many affordable, flexible pricing options for all budgets, SurfShark VPN provides a complete, comprehensive, top-to-bottom solution for secure, private, safe internet browsing every single time.

Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Performance 

Rating: 4.7/5

It is lightning fast. Internet speeds are blazing quick and never fail. It has servers located in many many countries all over the world. You can very easily connect to whichever nearby server is available to get the best absolute top speeds.

Security and Privacy

Rating: 4.8/5

It protects your online safety and privacy extremely well. It follows a super strict no-logs policy rule, checked carefully by outside independent experts. Super strong military-grade encryption locks down and secures your data tight. It also routes and bounces your internet traffic through multiple different servers in various locations for extra added security layers. Based in a country where the privacy laws are very very strict.

Features

Rating: 4.5/5

It has special tools that bypass restrictions and unblock geo-blocked content you can’t normally access. However, it does lack some of the more advanced customization options and settings that certain other VPN services offer.  

Ease of Use

Rating: 4.6/5

It is super simple and easy to use and understand, even for total beginners who know nothing. The interface is very clear and straightforward with no complications. They have dedicated easy apps for all the major devices and platforms like Windows, Mac, Linux, Android phones/tablets, and iOS iPhones/iPads. Setting up and configuring SurfShark VPN is generally an easy breezy process, but some users did report having issues on certain specific device setups. Here is a detailed guide on setting up a VPN on any device.

Customer Support

Rating: 4.3/5

It has a helpful knowledgeable support system. They provide a huge extensive number of guides, walk-throughs, and tutorial references. Email support is available, but the lack of a live chat option could potentially hinder getting immediate assistance right away when needed.

Value for Money

Rating: 4.7/5

They offer pricing plan options for every budget. Its free trial has limited features, but it is still very secure. Their paid subscription plans are affordably priced and cheap, especially considering the extremely high levels of privacy and security they deliver.

Distribution of SurfShark VPN Users

North America (25%)

In North America, keeping the internet private is super super important. Lots of news about companies misusing people’s info. Or the government spying on what people do online. This makes people very worried and scared. So they start using private privacy tools like VPNs to stay completely safe and secure online. To stop others from watching or seeing what they do.

High-speed super fast internet is available everywhere all across North America. This makes it very easy to use data-heavy-hungry apps and services like VPNs without slowing down internet browsing at all.  

Many many people in North America also use SurfShark VPN to watch all the streaming shows, movies, and videos that are normally blocked and restricted in their particular area or location. A good VPN lets them easily bypass and get around all these location locks and restrictions. This allows them to freely watch any content they want from anywhere at any time.

It’s like having a secret hidden trick or hack to freely openly access the whole unrestricted limitless open internet without any borders, boundaries, or limitations across all of North America.

Europe (30%)

In Europe, there are very strict strong privacy rules and regulations like GDPR. This makes all people very aware of protecting their data and information. This leads to many people using and adopting VPNs to safely guard and protect all their online activities and actions.

The various rules in every European country control and dictate access to lots of online content, services, and websites. So people smartly use VPNs to cleverly get around and bypass all these location restrictions. By making it appear like they are browsing and accessing from some other alternate country instead.  

Similar to North America, most of Europe also benefits from having widespread readily available high-speed fast internet everywhere. This allows for smooth easy seamless use of VPN services without any performance issues or slowdowns at all.

Asia (20%)

In some major Asian countries like China, the government heavily restricts, blocks, and censors a huge number of internet websites and services. VPNs are extremely popular and common there because they allow all people to freely bypass and get around this very strict harsh censorship. Giving them full unrestricted open access to the normal internet as it should be.

As more and more people start going online and using the internet in highly populated crowded areas like India and Indonesia, they quickly become very aware of the many privacy risks and dangers on the internet. They do not want any of their private activities to be tracked, watched, exposed, or leaked. 

So they smartly start adopting and using privacy protection tools like SurfShark VPN to keep all their everyday normal browsing and streaming fully private and secret, away from any prying eyes or data collectors.

South America (15%)

As better faster internet connectivity slowly starts expanding and reaching throughout all of South America, more and more people there are recognizing and realizing the huge importance of using proper privacy and security protection measures and tools like VPNs.

In those particular regions of South America that experience lots of political or economic volatility, uncertainty, and instability, VPNs offer a very secure safe way to communicate while shielding and protecting users from any government surveillance, monitoring, or spying. VPNs also effectively allow navigating around any internet restrictions in those areas.  

Other Regions (10%)

This category covers certain other regions like Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Oceania, where the specific reasons and factors influencing people’s VPN usage could potentially vary quite a bit from region to region.

Some of these regions may have internet infrastructure that is not very developed or built out yet, while others may be much more technologically advanced, which impacts how widespread VPN adoption ends up being there.

People may choose to use SurfShark VPN to overcome any local blocking or censorship of websites and online content in their area. Or to enhance and boost their privacy from any surveillance or monitoring. Or to securely access entertainment streaming content from other countries around the world.

Features of SurfShark VPN

Multi-Hop Connections

• Feature: This sends your internet traffic through many different servers in multiple countries before leaving its network. Adding more security layers.  
• Benefit: It makes it super hard for anyone at all, even skilled hackers or government spy groups, to trace and follow your online activities back to you. Gives you extra strong privacy protection, especially in high-risk areas.

No-Logs Policy

• Feature: It follows a strict no-logs rule. It never keeps any records or logs of your internet browsing, data, or online doings.
• Benefit: This makes sure your private info and entire browsing history stays completely secret and secure. Nobody can ever access or see it for any reason at all. Keeps everything confidential.  

WireGuard Protocol

• Feature: It uses the latest WireGuard VPN protocol. It has very powerful encryption to secure your internet traffic.
• Benefit: Protects all your online data and info from any hackers or snoopers using super strong encryption codes. And designed to be faster than older outdated protocols too.

Smart DNS

• Feature: This tech lets you bypass location restrictions and access blocked stuff without needing a VPN connection. 
• Benefit: Lets you use streaming apps, websites, and online content that is normally restricted and blocked in your area. May offer even faster speeds than a regular VPN sometimes.

DNS Leak Protection

• Feature: All your requests for web addresses get sent through its encrypted secure servers. 
• Benefit: Stops your internet provider or anyone else from seeing and tracking what websites you visit. Keep your privacy and security safe.

P2P Support 

• Feature: It has special servers made just for safe peer-to-peer file sharing and torrenting.
• Benefit: Lets you safely download and share torrent files at full speed while keeping your privacy and security protected.

Tor Over VPN

• Feature: You can directly connect to the Tor private network through SurfShark’s VPN without needing separate Tor software.
• Benefit: Easily get the powerful anonymity of Tor combined with VPN encryption security, all together in one place.

High-Speed Connections

• Feature: Even with its very strong encryption and security, it is built to blaze fast download and upload internet speeds.  
• Benefit: You get top-level security without annoying slowdowns. Perfect for streaming HD video, gaming online, transferring huge files, and more.

Split Tunneling

• Feature: Split tunneling lets you pick some apps and internet stuff to go through the secure VPN tunnel. For other things use your regular connection.  
• Benefit: Gives you the freedom to only secure parts of your traffic that need it. Other apps stay fast without VPN slowdown.

Kill Switch

• Feature: If the VPN connection drops for any reason, the kill switch automatically blocks all internet traffic right away.
• Benefit: Prevents any private leaks by completely cutting off the internet until the VPN is safely reconnected. Keeps your data fully secure.  

Streaming Support  

• Feature: Itk has specialized setups to reliably access and unblock all the popular streaming platforms from anywhere.
• Benefit: You can watch Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, and more from any country by getting around geographical blocks.

Device Compatibility

• Feature: It provides simple easy-to-use apps for all the major devices like Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, Linux etc. 
• Benefit: Secure your internet browsing on every device – smartphones, tablets, laptops, and more – all under one single account.

How Fast Is SurfShark VPN?

We all know speed is one of the most crucial factors for a VPN. And here’s how fast SurfShark VPN is:

Web Browsing (93%)

Using the internet will be very smooth and fast with SurfShark VPN as if you are not using a VPN at all. It is designed to maintain around 93% of your regular internet speeds. So websites load lightning-quick, almost exactly as they normally would.

With that minimal speed trade-off, you get incredible online safety and privacy that keeps your activities fully protected. It gives you the best of both worlds – blazing-fast internet while ensuring your data stays locked down tight.

HD Streaming (80%)

Watching high-definition video requires good speeds. With SurfShark VPN, you will still get 80% of your usual streaming speeds without the virtual private network, which is quite fast! While you might encounter slightly longer buffering times compared to not using a VPN, HD video streams should still play smoothly overall.

Online Gaming (90%)

Playing games online requires lightning-fast internet for quick reflexes and no delays. The great thing is, that It maintains an impressive 90% of your usual gaming speeds, with speeds that quick during online gaming, you won’t even notice the slight difference from not using a VPN at all.  

Large File Download (75%)

The most demanding task is downloading really large files, which requires maximum bandwidth. With it you can expect performance at 75% of your usual download speeds without a virtual private network. So, while those massive file downloads may take a bit longer with the virtual private network on, you can still download quite quickly while ensuring total security and privacy.  

Overall, SurfShark VPN does an excellent job of keeping your internet nearly as fast as usual for all common online activities. Just a small, hardly noticeable slowdown to achieve complete privacy protection! 

Speed And Performance

Here’s the overview of SurfShark VPN’s speed and performance:

Does SurfShark VPN Work Effectively With Streaming Services Like Netflix To Access Geo-restricted Content?

Yes, SurfShark VPN works well for streaming services like Netflix. It gives you access to geo-blocked and restricted content from any location easily.

• Special Streaming Servers: It has servers specially set up just for streaming videos. They are built to bypass and get around the VPN blocks and location restrictions streaming platforms try to put in place.
• Always Unblocks Everything: It is known for consistently unblocking all the different Netflix libraries from every country. Even when streaming sites attempt new ways to block VPNs, SurfShark quickly finds solutions to keep their streaming servers fully working.
• Super Fast Streaming Speeds: With advanced features like the WireGuard protocol, it provides extremely fast speeds on its streaming servers. It is fast enough for HD and 4K video with little to no annoying buffering or loading delays.
• Extremely Easy To Use: The apps make it super simple – you pick a streaming-optimized server for wherever you want to watch from. No complicated settings are required at all. Just click and stream.
• Unlimited Video Streaming: There are no data limits or caps on how much video content you can stream while using SurfShark VPN. Watch as much as you want without restrictions.

While no VPN can 100% guarantee perfect access all the time due to streaming platforms constantly changing tactics, SurfShark is widely considered one of the most reliable and effective virtual private networks for this based on tons of user experiences.

So whether you want full access to the U.S. Netflix library, want to stream Hotstar from India, or need to bypass any other geographical viewing restrictions anywhere, SurfShark VPN is an excellent choice for safe, smooth, buffer-free streaming.

SurfShark VPN and Streaming Sites

SurfShark VPN performs quite well with various streaming sites by offering dedicated servers that are optimized for streaming. Here’s a table showing how SurfShark VPN works with some popular streaming platforms:

SurfShark VPN’s ability to bypass geo-restrictions on these platforms makes it a solid choice for those looking to access a wide range of content from different regions. It maintains reasonable speeds and stability, ensuring a good streaming experience.

Are There Any Known Issues With Using SurfShark VPN On Particular Types Of Devices Or Operating Systems?

In general, reputable virtual private network providers like SurfShark aim to support the latest and most popular devices and operating systems across desktop and mobile platforms. However, there can occasionally be isolated compatibility issues, especially with older software versions or more niche device configurations.

• On Desktop: For desktop usage, we would expect SurfShark’s Windows and macOS apps to work smoothly on most modern hardware running updated OS versions. Their Linux app likely functions well on mainstream Linux distros like Ubuntu but could potentially have some quirks on smaller niche distributions.
• On Mobile: On mobile, SurfShark’s iOS app should integrate seamlessly with newer iOS versions on updated iPhone/iPad models. Their Android app may require a reasonably recent Android OS version, as ancient versions can sometimes cause app issues.

Ultimately, any compatibility problems are likely to edge cases. However, it is still wise for users to quickly check its website for any compatibility advisories about their specific device/OS setup before subscribing. Their customer support could also verify full functionality.

Overall, it should provide a relatively hassle-free experience across most mainstream and updated device platforms. However due diligence on verified device support is prudent for any virtual private network service.

Surfshark VPN Price And Plans

Additional Costs

VAT/Sales Tax: Depending on your country, an extra tax like VAT or sales tax may be added.

Optional Add-ons

• Static IP: If you need a dedicated IP instead of a shared one, it charges a small added fee.
• More Connections: Most plans allow a certain number of simultaneous connections. If you need more, there could be additional fees.

Important Note

• Annual Discount: Paying for a full year upfront instead of monthly billing gets you a nice discount – up to 58% off in some cases!
• Payment Methods: It accepts common payment options like credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, and cryptocurrencies.  
• Money-Back Guarantee: If you’re not satisfied with SurfShark after purchasing, you can get a full refund within 30 days, no questions asked.

The main potential additional cost is any relevant taxes based on your country. Optional add-ons like dedicated IPs are optional extras. And the steeply discounted annual pricing provides great flexibility and value for longer commitments.

How To Install SurfShark VPN On Your Devices?

Windows Computers

Installing

• Go to the SurfShark website and make an account or log in.
• Download the app for Windows.  
• Open the file you downloaded. Follow the simple steps to install it.
• Open the app and log in with your account info.

Common Problem

The connection keeps disconnecting or dropping.

Solution

Make sure your internet is working well and stable. Turn off any other apps. Check firewall settings that allow SurfShark through.

Mac Computers

Installing

• Visit the SurfShark website and create an account or log in.
• Download app for macOS.
• Open the downloaded file. Drag the app into your Applications folder.
• Open from Applications and log in.  

Common Problem

The app will not open because it is from an unknown developer.

Solution

Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General. Click ‘Open Anyway’ to receive the message.

Android Phones/Tablets

Installing

• Open the Google Play Store app on your Android.
• Search for “SurfShark VPN” and get that app.
• Tap Install and wait for it to download and install.
• Open the new app and log in with your account.

Common Problem

Trouble connecting or speeds are very slow.

Solution

Try switching to a different server or VPN protocol in the settings. Make sure you have a strong internet connection.

iOS iPhones/iPads

Installing

• Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
• Search for “SurfShark VPN” and download that app. 
• Open the new app and log in with your account info.

Common Problem

VPN disconnects when you lock your phone/tablet.

Solution

Go to Settings > General > VPN. Turn on ‘Connect On Demand’ so it reconnects automatically when needed.

Linux Computers

Installing

• Go to the SurfShark website and create an account or log in.
• Open Terminal and type the command to install the Linux app. 
• The command for your Linux version is on the SurfShark website.
• Log in through Terminal with your account and connect using commands.  

Common Problem

Install errors because of missing dependency files.

Solution

Update your Linux system to the latest version. Install any required dependency files for the Linux app.

Website Not Working?

Using a virtual private network can sometimes cause issues accessing certain websites that try to block VPN connections. If a site doesn’t work:

• Switch Servers: Try connecting to a different server location, as that IP may not be blocked.
• Use Disguise Mode: If it has an obfuscation or camouflage option, turn it on to hide your traffic.
• Clear Cookies/Cache: Some sites use cookies to detect your location. Clearing them may bypass the block.  
• Contact Support: If the issue persists, contact the team for specific help accessing that website using their VPN service.

Servers And Locations

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Super Private – No Logs: It is extremely serious about keeping you completely private. They have a very strict rule – they never keep any records or logs of what you do online at all. This means your total privacy is 100% guaranteed. 
• Unbreakable Security Codes: SurfShark uses super powerful security codes that are impossible to crack. Their encryption locks down your data and internet connections tighter than a maximum-security vault. The codes are military-grade strong – even the smartest hackers or government spies cannot break in.
• Extra Security Layers: It has special advanced privacy features to protect you extra, like multi-hop connections that bounce your internet through multiple servers in various countries for added security layers. It also blocks any accidental leaks that could expose your browsing activities.  
• Servers Everywhere: To make sure you can use it from literally anywhere globally, it has a massive widespread network with servers in over 65 countries worldwide. This huge coverage lets you easily access any content or service across the entire globe.
• Stream And Download Anything: It is awesome for watching any shows or movies you want and safely downloading torrents too. They have specially optimized servers just for smooth streaming and private file-sharing that bypass all regional locks anywhere.
• Outside Experts Check It: Independent third-party experts are allowed to thoroughly audit and inspect it. They verify that its no-log promises and security practices are legit, making SurfShark very transparent.
• Super Simple To Use: Its apps are extremely easy to use and set up, even for total beginners. The apps are straightforward whether you use Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android. 
• Amazing Privacy Location: Since it is based in the privacy paradise of the British Virgin Islands, they fully benefit from very very strict anti-snooping laws that prevent any of your online activities from being monitored or shared.

Cons

• Not Many Custom Options: Some versions of SurfShark don’t include as many advanced options for deeply customizing and tweaking settings like split-tunneling traffic.
• Newer To The Game: It hasn’t been around for as many years as some of the oldest, most established veteran virtual private network services have been.
• Costs A Bit More: Its premium top-tier paid subscription plans tend to cost a little bit more money than some other leading virtual private network services options.
• Limited Payment Choices: You can only pay for it using more limited payment methods like credit cards, PayPal, or cryptocurrency.
• Free Trial Is Limited: Its free trial has a lot of limitations on usage before requiring payment to continue accessing everything.

Having Trouble With SurfShark VPN?

No service is 100% perfect. You may sometimes have issues when using SurfShark VPN. But no need to worry! Here are some simple ways to get help:

• Check SurfShark Help Website First: It has a website with guides and instructions for fixing common problems. Look there first and see if your specific issue is covered with steps to solve it yourself.
• Ask The Support Team For Assistance: If the help website doesn’t fix your problem, you can message or email its support team. Explain exactly what is going wrong in very simple terms. Their experts will then try to help and assist you.
• Make Sure the App Is Fully Updated: Having an older outdated version of the app installed could potentially be causing issues. Update to the latest version, as updates often fix problems from previous versions.
• Double-check your Settings: Take another careful look at how you have to set up and configure your device. Make sure all the settings and options are correct according to its recommendations.
• Swap To A Different Server Location: If you’re connected to one particular server location that seems problematic, try disconnecting and reconnecting to a completely different server in another location instead. The original server may have been experiencing temporary issues.
• Check Device Requirements Are Met: Ensure your specific phone, computer, or tablet model meets all the minimum system requirements and specifications needed for SurfShark VPN to run smoothly without hiccups.

The main key things are: first check its help guides for your issue, update to the newest app version available, carefully verify your settings are right, and contact their support team for further troubleshooting assistance if still needed. Don’t hesitate to reach out – they’re there to help!

Why Buy SurfShark VPN from Third-Party Sellers?

We know buying straight from SurfShark’s website is an option. But getting SurfShark VPN from a trusted third-party seller like VPN.com has some awesome advantages! 

Bundle Deals To Save Money

At VPN.com, we often bundle and package SurfShark together with other top internet security tools at a special discounted price. So you can get extra protection for one great value.

Exclusive Pricing Just For You  

Because we are big sellers, we can negotiate special bulk pricing deals directly with SurfShark. We then pass those exclusive lower rates on to you that you won’t find on their website!

Extra Hand-Holding Support 

Our team at VPN.com provides additional dedicated setup and configuration assistance. Plus we offer extended customer support hours. So you get more hand-holding to ensure everything works perfectly.

Compare Options All On One Site

Our site lets you easily compare all the top VPN providers’ features, pricing, pros, and cons – all in one convenient place. Making it simple to see how it truly stacks up before buying.

Trust Our Stellar Reputation

VPN.com has an established long-standing excellent reputation for great service and satisfied customers. Many people prefer purchasing through us versus its website based on our proven trusted name.  

Special Limited-Time Promotions

We frequently run special limited-time promotional offers and pricing deals for it that you simply cannot get by going directly to their website. Extra incentives just for our valued customers!

So, buying your it through an authorized reseller like VPN.com means you could unlock bundle packages, exclusive discounted pricing, more hand-holding support, easier comparisons, our stellar reputation, and limited special promotions! Let us know if you have any other questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line 

Most users purchase SurfShark directly through their official website. However, there are some potential benefits to buying through an authorized third-party seller or platform like VPN.com: they may offer special bundle pricing deals combining it with other cybersecurity tools, third parties can sometimes negotiate exclusive discounted pricing, their sites allow easy side-by-side comparisons of different options all in one place, they may provide extra hand-holding through extended support services, occasional special promotions or add-on offers from third-party sellers.

But you should only purchase from well-known, trusted resellers with proven reputations. This ensures you receive a fully legitimate subscription with proper access. The purchasing decision depends on your priorities around potential cost savings, bundled services, comparison needs, or extra support.

Ultimately, what matters most is using a capable virtual private network service that seamlessly works across all your devices – laptops, phones, tablets, and more – to secure your internet connection and protect your online privacy. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any other questions!