Surfshark Review

Quick Verdict

Surfshark offers one of the best value-for-money VPN packages in 2025, combining solid security features, good speeds, and strong unblocking capabilities at a price most competitors can’t touch. Its unique offering of unlimited device connections makes it ideal for families or multi-device users. While it may not be as polished or consistent as premium names like ExpressVPN, it holds its own remarkably well — especially with features like MultiHop, CleanWeb, and a clear no-logs policy.

✔ Best for: Budget-conscious users, streaming, multi-device households

✘ Not ideal for: Those needing maximum speed or highest audit transparency

Pros and Cons

Privacy and Logging Policy

Surfshark is headquartered in The Netherlands, part of the EU but not subject to mandatory data retention when operating VPN services. The company claims to maintain a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not monitor or store IP addresses, browsing history, bandwidth usage, or session data.

While Surfshark has undergone an infrastructure audit by Cure53 and has published the results, it has yet to undergo a full audit of its logging policy. Nonetheless, the company’s transition to 100% diskless (RAM-only) servers in 2023 adds weight to its privacy promises, as no user data can be stored locally on any server.

To bolster user trust, Surfshark also supports anonymous payments via cryptocurrencies and does not require identifying information to create an account.

Streaming Capabilities

Streaming is one of Surfshark’s key strengths. It successfully bypasses geo-restrictions on a wide range of streaming platforms and is particularly reliable with multiple regional libraries.

Tested and working in 2025:

Thanks to Smart DNS and optimized streaming servers, most users will experience fast load times and minimal buffering. Unlike some VPNs that require trial and error to find a working server, Surfshark typically connects to a suitable location automatically.

Speed and Performance

Surfshark supports modern protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, offering a balance between speed and security. WireGuard delivers the best results, with minimal connection delays and solid throughput even over long distances.

Speed test results (on 500 Mbps connection, using WireGuard):

• Netherlands server: ~440 Mbps

• UK server: ~425 Mbps

• US East server: ~395 Mbps

• Singapore server: ~350 Mbps

While Surfshark doesn’t quite match ExpressVPN or NordVPN at the top end, it’s more than fast enough for HD and 4K streaming, online gaming, and large file transfers.

Security and Encryption

Security is another area where Surfshark performs admirably. It uses AES-256-GCM encryption, along with modern protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN. Connections are authenticated with secure algorithms like SHA-512.

Key security features:

• Kill switch (on all major platforms)

• Private DNS and DNS leak protection

• MultiHop: Route your traffic through two VPN servers

• NoBorders mode: Designed to bypass censorship in restricted regions

• Camouflage mode: Obfuscates traffic to look like normal browsing

Surfshark also includes CleanWeb, a built-in feature that blocks ads, malware domains, and trackers at the DNS level.

Server Network and Locations

Surfshark has expanded rapidly in recent years and now operates 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries. All servers are RAM-only, meaning data is wiped on reboot, and the network includes physical and virtual servers depending on location.

Highlights of the network:

• Coverage in often-neglected regions (Africa, Middle East, South America)

• Streaming-optimized and P2P-ready servers

• All servers support all protocols, including WireGuard

• No server overcrowding during peak hours

While Surfshark doesn’t offer dedicated servers for specific use cases (like Double VPN for each country), the default network is flexible and well-optimized.

User Experience and Interface

The Surfshark apps are lightweight, responsive, and consistent across platforms. Users can connect with one click, switch protocols easily, and manage settings like CleanWeb and MultiHop without needing technical knowledge.

Supported platforms:

• Windows, macOS, Linux

• Android, iOS

• Fire TV, Android TV

• Smart TVs and consoles via Smart DNS

• Chrome and Firefox browser extensions

The design is modern and uncluttered, with quick server access and search functionality. The 24/7 live chat is fast and helpful, and setup guides are available for more advanced configurations, including router setups.

Torrenting and P2P

Surfshark supports P2P on all servers, though some are specifically optimized for faster speeds. There are no bandwidth limits, and features like the kill switch and DNS leak protection are critical for secure torrenting.

Best features for torrenting:

• P2P-friendly servers available globally

• Works with all major clients (qBittorrent, uTorrent, Vuze)

• Optional MultiHop and Camouflage mode for extra anonymity

• CleanWeb blocks malicious domains often tied to torrent files

Though it doesn’t offer port forwarding or SOCKS5 proxy access, Surfshark is still a solid option for safe, anonymous torrenting.

Device Compatibility

One of Surfshark’s standout features is its unlimited device connections — a rarity even among premium VPNs. You can protect every device in your household under one subscription without worrying about hitting a limit.

This makes it especially appealing for:

• Families

• Shared households

• Multi-device power users

Setup on routers is also supported, allowing VPN coverage for smart TVs, consoles, and other non-native devices.

Additional Features

Surfshark has added a number of extras that elevate it beyond a basic VPN service.

Notable features:

These extras make Surfshark more than just a cheap VPN — it’s evolving into a full-featured privacy toolkit.

Pricing and Plans

Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs for what it offers, especially when subscribed to long term.

All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, and Surfshark regularly offers promotions with bundles like Surfshark One (includes antivirus, search, and breach monitoring).

Frequently Asked Questions