Quick Verdict
Surfshark Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Best value at $2.19/month (2-year plan)
- CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware
- 7-day free trial on mobile platforms
- Multi-hop and IP rotation features
- Strong streaming support (12+ Netflix libraries)
- Fast WireGuard speeds (83% retention)
Where It Falls Short
- Netherlands jurisdiction (14-Eyes country)
- Slightly slower than NordVPN and ExpressVPN
- Newer company (founded 2018)
- No dedicated IP option
- Most recent audit from 2023
Speed & Performance
Surfshark retained 83% of our 487 Mbps baseline using WireGuard - delivering 404 Mbps download and 378 Mbps upload with 16ms added latency. This ranks third in our ratings, behind NordVPN (89%) and ExpressVPN (85%).
While not the absolute fastest, 404 Mbps is more than sufficient for any use case: 4K streaming requires just 25 Mbps, and the 16ms latency addition is acceptable for online gaming. The difference from top-tier providers is barely perceptible in daily use.
Speed Comparison - All Providers
Protocol: WireGuard | Baseline: 487 Mbps | Higher = better
Surfshark supports WireGuard, OpenVPN UDP/TCP, and IKEv2. WireGuard delivers the best performance and is the default protocol on all apps. Connection times are under 2 seconds.
Privacy & Security
Surfshark's no-log policy was audited by Deloitte in November 2023, confirming no storage of IP addresses, browsing history, session data, or connection timestamps. Cure53 also audited the browser extensions and server infrastructure.
Headquartered in the Netherlands - which is technically within the 14-Eyes alliance but has strong data protection laws under GDPR. Surfshark has never received or complied with a data request, as they have no data to provide.
Security Features
- Encryption: AES-256-GCM
- Kill Switch: Available on all platforms
- MultiHop: Route through 2 countries simultaneously
- CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing
- IP Rotator: Automatically changes IP without disconnecting
- RAM-Only Servers: All servers run on volatile memory
- Dark Web Monitor: Alerts if credentials are leaked
- NoBorders Mode: Works in restrictive network environments
Streaming & Unblocking
Surfshark unblocks 12+ Netflix libraries, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and DAZN. While not quite matching ExpressVPN's 20+ Netflix regions, it covers all major content libraries reliably.
Smart DNS is included for devices without native VPN support. The streaming performance is consistent across the major platforms.
Streaming Platform Support
| Platform | Works? | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix US (+ 11 more) | Yes | 4K UHD |
| Disney+ | Yes | 4K UHD |
| BBC iPlayer | Yes | HD |
| Hulu | Yes | HD |
| Amazon Prime | Yes | 4K UHD |
| DAZN | Yes | HD |
Pricing & Plans
Surfshark offers the best value in the VPN market at $2.19/month on the 2-year plan (86% off). This includes unlimited device connections - making it the most cost-effective option for families or users with many devices. A 7-day free trial is available on mobile.
Surfshark Pricing Plans
Server Network
Surfshark operates 3,200+ servers across 100 countries. All servers support P2P traffic and run on RAM-only infrastructure. The network has grown rapidly since launch in 2018.
- Total servers: 3,200+
- Countries: 100
- RAM-only: Yes (all servers)
- P2P support: All servers
- MultiHop servers: Available
- Static IP servers: Available in select countries
Unlimited Devices
Surfshark's standout feature is unlimited simultaneous connections. Most competitors limit you to 5-10 devices. With Surfshark, one subscription covers your entire household - phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, routers, and gaming consoles - with no restrictions.
This makes Surfshark the clear winner for families. A single $2.19/month account protects every device in a household of any size.
If Surfshark Isn't Right for You
Surfshark is our top value pick, but if you need faster speeds or stronger privacy credentials, these are worth a look:
Strong Alternatives to Surfshark
NordVPN
Best for: Speed & privacy (premium)
From $3.09/mo
Try NordVPNCyberGhost
Best for: Budget & server coverage
From $2.03/mo
Try CyberGhostPIA
Best for: Open-source & torrenting
From $2.03/mo
Try PIA