Surfshark VPN Review 2024: Is It Good?

Among its industry peers, Surfshark VPN (virtual private networks) has positioned itself as a contender well worth considering. But does it truly meet the rigorous demands of 2024’s digital landscape? 

This Surfshark review delves deep into Surfshark’s features, performance, and value to determine whether it meets the high standards expected by today’s internet users. 

Join us as we explore whether Surfshark could be the key to enhancing your online privacy and security without compromise. 

Security, speed, and cost: is Surfshark the VPN service for you?

Read on to discover our comprehensive analysis and see if Surfshark aligns with your digital needs in a world where internet safety – that includes personal data protection, cryptocurrency interactions, and website management – is more critical than ever. Surfshark VPN servers keep you safe wherever you go.

What we’ll examine in this review:

• Overview of Surfshark VPN
• Key Surfshark VPN Features and Specifications
• Security Tools and Privacy Features
• Special Modes for Restricted Environments
• Platform Compatibility
• Performance Analysis
• Speed Testing
• Server Infrastructure Responsiveness
• Privacy and Security – Is Surfshark VPN safe?
• User Experience
• Cost and Value
• Support and Customer Service
• Surfshark Pros and Cons
• Is Surfshark VPN the Right Choice for You in 2024?

Overview of Surfshark VPN

Surfshark VPN emerges as a comprehensive and robust digital security solution, adept at providing users with an extensive suite of features to enhance online privacy and streamline internet accessibility. 

Renowned for its solid performance and user-centric design, Surfshark operates across a vast network of over 3,200 servers distributed in more than 140 locations across 100 countries, ensuring reliable and fast connections worldwide.

The service stands out for its unlimited simultaneous connections policy, which allows users to protect multiple devices with a single subscription—a significant advantage for families or businesses seeking uniform network traffic security measures across varied platforms and unlimited devices. 

Cross Platform Support

Surfshark supports a broad array of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, and offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, enhancing its versatility.

Key features of Surfshark include AES-256 encryption, a no-logs policy, and protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard, which cater to both security purists and those seeking speed. Additionally, the service boasts innovative functionalities like the Kill Switch, which safeguards user data in case of connection loss, and CleanWeb, which blocks ads and malicious links. 

For users needing to bypass geo-restrictions, features like MultiHop—connecting via multiple countries to mask footprints further—and NoBorders Mode, which allows use in restrictive regions, are particularly valuable.

Moreover, Surfshark offers GPS Spoofing on Android devices to protect physical location details and provides P2P support across most of its servers, enhancing its appeal to a wide range of users from streamers to torrent fans.

Key Surfshark VPN Features and Specifications

Surfshark VPN is equipped with a rich set of features and technical specifications designed to provide an exceptional level of online security and utility. Here is a detailed overview of its core offerings:

Server Infrastructure and Global Coverage: Surfshark maintains a large and strategically dispersed server network consisting of over 3,200 servers located in more than 140 locations across 100 countries. This extensive network ensures that users can access a reliable and fast VPN service connection from virtually any location around the world.

Simultaneous Connections: One of Surfshark’s standout features is its support for unlimited simultaneous connections. Unlike many other VPN providers that limit the number of devices, Surfshark allows users to connect as many devices as they like under a single subscription, making it an ideal choice for families or businesses looking to protect multiple devices.

Security Tools and Privacy Features

• Encryption and Protocols – Surfshark uses industry-leading AES-256 encryption and supports a variety of secure protocols including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard to ensure robust protection and fast connections.
• Kill Switch – The Kill Switch safety feature automatically cuts off internet connection and access if the VPN IP address connection drops, ensuring that no data or DNS leak can occur.
• CleanWeb – Surfshark’s ad and malware blocker prevents intrusive advertisements and blocks malware and phishing attempts, enhancing browsing safety.
• GPS Spoofing – Available on Android, this feature allows users to mask their physical location to match their VPN server location, adding an extra layer of privacy.

Special Modes for Restricted Environments

• MultiHop – Jump your internet connection through multiple countries to keep your trail hidden.
• NoBorders Mode – Surfshark’s technology detects when access is restricted due to your geographical location and adjusts to provide uninterrupted service.

Platform Compatibility

Surfshark offers dedicated applications for all major platforms including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. Additionally, it provides browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, and manual setup options for various routers.

Additional Services

• Cryptocurrency Payments – Surfshark accepts payments in various cryptocurrencies, providing an additional layer of anonymity for privacy-conscious users.
• Surfshark One – A suite of cybersecurity tools including an antivirus, a private search engine, and data breach alerts that offer further protection beyond typical VPN providers functionalities.

These features demonstrate Surfshark’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive, versatile, and secure VPN experience to its users across the globe. Whether for streaming, browsing, gaming, or professional use, Surfshark adapts to a wide range of needs and preferences, ensuring users’ privacy and security in the digital world.

Performance Analysis

Surfshark VPN’s performance metrics, as assessed through comprehensive speed tests across various servers and locations, reveal its capability to deliver consistently fast and reliable connection speeds. 

These tests measure latency, download speeds, and upload speeds, offering insights into the efficiency of Surfshark’s data transmission under diverse network conditions. 

The results indicate that Surfshark ensures smooth browsing, streaming, and downloading experiences, thereby affirming its suitability for a range of online activities and user needs. 

Speed Testing

Surfshark VPN’s performance analysis underscores its proficiency in delivering consistent and reliable connection speeds, proven through extensive testing across its wide-ranging server infrastructure and network. 

While using a VPN typically reduces internet speed, Surfshark’s impact on speed is minimal, making it barely noticeable during activities like browsing and streaming. 

Users can enjoy lag-free HD streaming and smooth online gaming experiences. Plus, Surfshark excels in bypassing geo-restrictions, which is particularly beneficial for accessing international content on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. 

One more benefit is that Surfshark VPN’s ‘NoBorders Mode’ is especially effective at navigating more stringent geo-blocks, ensuring users have reliable access to a wide range of global entertainment.

Server Infrastructure Responsiveness

The speed of a VPN connection is significantly influenced by the proximity of the user to the VPN services server and the server’s load. 

With over 3200 VPN servers spread across 100 countries, Surfshark ensures that users can almost always connect to a nearby server with low traffic, enhancing the likelihood of a swift and efficient VPN experience regardless of the user’s location.

Privacy and Security – Is Surfshark VPN safe?

At its core, Surfshark VPN prioritizes privacy and security, making it a formidable tool for safeguarding online activities. 

The tool employs AES-256 encryption—the benchmark for secure data encryption—alongside contemporary VPN protocols and a stringent no-logs policy to establish a robust foundation for user privacy. 

To copper fasten security even further, Surfshark premium VPN includes features such as a Kill Switch, private DNS, and obfuscated servers, which work collectively to maintain user anonymity and protect data integrity consistently.

Additionally, Surfshark offers the Surfshark One or One+ subscription bundles. These packages extend security features beyond typical VPN capabilities by integrating an antivirus, data breach alerts, webcam protection, and more. 

User Experience

While infrastructure, security, and speed are the critical elements of a successful VPN, the user experience can truly make or break its appeal. 

Surfshark has fully recognized this and has focused on simplifying both the installation and usage processes of its app, ensuring that it is user-friendly and accessible for all levels of tech-savviness. 

Additionally, the Surfshark app enhances the browsing experience by integrating ad and cookie pop-up blockers directly into the service. This ensures that users enjoy a smooth, clean, and uninterrupted browsing experience every time they use the Surfshark VPN.

Cost and Value of a Surfshark VPN Server

People often ask, is Surfshark free? Unfortunately not, but Surfshark provides three distinct and affordable subscription packages, each tailored to meet different user needs. 

• The Standard Surfshark VPN price plan is the most economical option, available at just $2.49 per month, offering all the essential VPN functionalities. 
• For those seeking enhanced digital security, Surfshark One is slightly more expensive at $2.73 per month and includes additional cybersecurity features such as antivirus protection, webcam protection, and data breach alerts.
• For the most comprehensive coverage, the Surfshark One+ plan, priced at $4.11 per month, extends the offerings of the One plan by including access to Incogni, a service designed to further protect user privacy. 

This tiered pricing structure allows users to choose a plan that best fits their security needs and budget, with each step up in price bringing substantial value through added features and protections. 

Support and Customer Service

The quality of customer support is a critical factor that should not be underestimated when choosing a VPN server. 

Effective support can help improve user satisfaction, particularly in situations requiring swift resolution of issues. 

Surfshark provides comprehensive customer support around the clock. Users have access to 24/7 live chat, which ensures immediate assistance whenever needed. 

Surfshark also provides a ticketing system along with email support for more detailed inquiries that may require investigation or documentation.

To help users to help themselves, Surfshark also maintains an extensive, searchable knowledge base. This resource is packed with helpful articles, guides, and FAQs that address common issues and provide detailed instructions on using Surfshark’s services effectively.

Surfshark Pros and Cons

Surfshark VPN offers a range of significant advantages that make it a compelling choice for many users, but, like any service, it also comes with certain drawbacks. Here’s a balanced overview:

Pros:

• Vastly improves online security
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• WireGuard protocol
• Streaming and torrenting optimized servers
• Extra cheap subscription price
• Alternative ID feature on all plans
• Ad blocker
• Kill switch ensures DNS leak protection
• RAM servers
• Dark web monitoring
• Excellent speed and unblocking performance
• Multiple Surfshark plans for pricing
• Available as a browser extension
• Dedicated Apple TV app
• 31-day money-back guarantee
• FAQs

Cons:

• No router applet
• No free version
• No *split tunneling on the iOS app

*Split tunneling is a feature in Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology that allows you to route some of your device or application traffic through the encrypted VPN tunnel while other data accesses the internet directly through your local network connection. 

Final Thoughts – Is Surfshark the right VPN connection for You in 2024?

Surfshark VPN presents itself as a highly viable option for those seeking a secure, affordable, and feature-rich VPN solution in 2024. 

With its expansive server network, a strong commitment to privacy and security, and a user-friendly approach to simultaneous connections, Surfshark stands out in the crowded VPN market. 

The competitive pricing and comprehensive customer support further enhance its appeal, making it particularly attractive to both individual users and businesses.

While Surfshark generally offers robust performance, potential users should be aware of possible speed inconsistencies and the platform-specific limitations of some advanced features. 

Ultimately, Surfshark’s combination of features, usability, price, and security against data breaches makes it a commendable choice for most users in 2024. 

For more information go to the Surfshark website.

FAQs

What makes Surfshark VPN stand out among other VPN providers?

Surfshark VPN distinguishes itself by allowing users to protect as many devices as they like with a single subscription. It also offers unique features like MultiHop and Camouflage Mode, enhancing security and privacy. Plus, Surfshark’s no-logs policy and its user-friendly interface further set it apart in a crowded market.

Can Surfshark VPN access geo-restricted content, such as streaming services?

Yes, a Surfshark VPN server excels in unblocking geo-restricted content, including popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Its extensive server network across more than 100 countries ensures reliable access to international media.

Is Surfshark VPN suitable for online gaming?

Surfshark VPN software is well-suited for online gaming thanks to its low latency and fast server speeds, which minimize lag and reduce ping times. The Surfshark app infrastructure ensures a stable VPN connection, even during intensive multiplayer gaming sessions. Additionally, its security features protect users from potential threats and DDoS attacks commonly targeted at gamers.

How does Surfshark VPN ensure the security and privacy of its users?

A Surfshark VPN connection ensures user security and privacy through AES-256-GCM encryption, the highest standard of encryption currently available. It supports secure VPN protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. The no-logs policy means that Surfshark does not store any data about user activities, ensuring complete privacy. Features like a kill switch, private DNS requests on each server, and DNS leak protection provide additional layers of security, safeguarding users’ data from any potential exposure.

What is a DNS Query?

A DNS query is essentially how a device on the internet finds the correct IP address associated with a specific domain name (like www.example.com). When you type a web address into your browser, your device doesn’t inherently know where that site is located on the internet. Instead, it needs to find out the exact IP address where the website’s data is stored. This is where the Domain Name System (DNS) comes in—it acts like a phone book for the internet.

What is a dedicated IP address?

A dedicated IP address is a unique Internet Protocol (IP) address exclusively assigned to a single hosting account or device, distinguishing it from shared IP addresses that are used by multiple users or multiple websites. 

Unlike shared IPs, which might be blacklisted or rated poorly due to the actions of other users (like sending spam), a dedicated IP maintains its own reputation. This is crucial for businesses that rely on email marketing, as it reduces the risk of emails being marked as spam.

What is a shared IP address?

A shared IP address is an Internet Protocol (IP) address that is used by multiple users or devices simultaneously. Unlike a dedicated IP address that is exclusively assigned to one hosting account or device, a shared IP is common among various users on the same server or network. 

One of the primary advantages of using shared IP addresses is cost efficiency. Since the IP address is used by multiple parties, the cost of maintaining it is distributed among all users, making it a more affordable option for individuals and small businesses.

Shared IP addresses are practical for general browsing, small websites, and users who do not require unique IP features. However, for those needing greater control, enhanced security, or specific IP configurations, a dedicated IP might be a more suitable choice.