Surfshark has become one of the most competitive VPN services for users who want privacy, speed and value without dealing with a clunky app or a complicated setup.
It is no longer just seen as a cheaper VPN alternative.
In 2026, Surfshark sits among the fastest mainstream VPN providers, backed by a large server network, modern WireGuard performance, unlimited device connections and a growing suite of privacy tools.
For most users, the biggest question is simple: will a VPN slow my internet down? With Surfshark, the answer is increasingly “not by much” — and in some local-server tests, barely at all.
If you want a VPN that can protect every device in the house without slowing everything down, Surfshark makes a strong case.
It offers unlimited simultaneous connections, more than 4,500 servers across 100-plus countries, fast WireGuard performance, CleanWeb ad and malware blocking, Camouflage Mode for restricted networks, IP Rotator, MultiHop, and split tunnelling.
In our 2026 hands-on testing, Surfshark reached speeds of up to 901 Mbps on nearby servers and had no trouble unlocking more than 16 Netflix libraries, along with BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
For households with several devices, regular streamers, travellers, and privacy-conscious users, it is one of the most complete VPN packages available this year.
Surfshark has also built serious momentum in a crowded VPN market. Although it only launched in 2018, it now sits near the top of the field in several key areas, including speed, usability, streaming access, security tools, and overall value.
Our latest tests show that Surfshark VPN continues to deliver strong real-world performance, backed by a feature set that goes well beyond basic online privacy.
Surfshark Review: Key Findings
Here is an overview of our Surfshark review findings, including the main advantages, a few drawbacks, and what stood out during testing.
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- User-friendly apps for all major devices and operating systems
- CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware
- Works well with Netflix and many other streaming services
- 24/7 live chat support
- Strong encryption and audited security features
Cons
- Limited support for VPN routers
- Monthly pricing is higher than some competitors
Speed: Surfshark’s Biggest Strength
Speed has become one of Surfshark’s clearest selling points. The service operates a network of more than 4,500 servers across 100 countries, with high-capacity 10Gbps servers designed to reduce congestion and support stable performance for browsing, streaming, gaming and remote work.
That infrastructure matters. A VPN can have a polished app and strong privacy claims, but if its servers are overloaded, users will notice it immediately through buffering, lag, failed downloads, slow page loads or unstable video calls.
Surfshark’s investment in faster server capacity is one reason it now competes closely with the highest-performing VPNs on the market.
For users with a 1Gbps internet connection, that is the number that matters. In practical terms, a fast fibre user connected to a close local Surfshark server can still see speed-test results around the 900 Mbps mark.
That does not mean every user will hit gigabit speeds every time. Wi-Fi quality, router hardware, device limits, ISP routing, server load and distance from the VPN server all affect results.
But it does show that Surfshark is no longer the kind of VPN that automatically cuts a high-speed connection in half. On the right setup, connected to a nearby local server, Surfshark can be fast enough that the VPN almost disappears from the experience.
Surfshark VPN Pricing Plans
Surfshark offers three main VPN bundles: Starter, One and One+. Longer subscriptions usually deliver the lowest monthly price, while monthly billing gives more flexibility at a higher cost.
| Subscription | Price |
|---|---|
| 24-month plan | $2.49/mo |
| 12-month plan | $3.39/mo |
| 1-month plan | $16.45/mo |
- Secure VPN
- Unlimited devices
- Ad blocker
- Cookie pop-up blocker
- Bypasser / split tunnelling
- Rotating IP
- Dynamic MultiHop
- Alternative ID
| Subscription | Price |
|---|---|
| 24-month plan | $2.79/mo |
| 12-month plan | $3.59/mo |
| 1-month plan | $18.95/mo |
- Everything in Starter
- Surfshark Antivirus
- Real-time protection
- Webcam protection
- Surfshark Alert
- Credit card leak alerts
- ID leak alerts
- Private, ad-free search
| Subscription | Price |
|---|---|
| 24-month plan | $4.49/mo |
| 12-month plan | $7.49/mo |
| 1-month plan | $21.85/mo |
- Everything in Surfshark One
- Data removal by Incogni
- Removal from data broker databases
- Removal from people-search sites
- Identity theft coverage where available
- Stronger privacy control for high-risk users
Why Local Servers Perform So Well
VPN speed depends heavily on distance. The closer the server, the less work your traffic has to do. Surfshark’s own server guidance says the best server is usually the one closest to your physical location, because shorter distance generally improves speed and responsiveness.
That is why local connections are where Surfshark looks strongest. A user in Melbourne connecting to an Australian server, for example, should generally expect better results than the same user routing traffic through Europe or North America.
The same applies in the US, UK, Singapore, Japan or any other region with nearby Surfshark infrastructure.
For everyday users, this makes Surfshark particularly useful for:
- Streaming 4K video without constant buffering
- Downloading large files
- Gaming on nearby servers
- Video conferencing
- Working remotely through encrypted connections
- Running multiple household devices under one VPN account
The key is using the right protocol. For speed, WireGuard should be the first choice. It is modern, lightweight and widely used by the fastest VPN providers. Surfshark also supports OpenVPN and IKEv2, but WireGuard is the protocol most users should select when performance is the priority.
Server Network and Infrastructure
Surfshark’s network is large enough for most users, covering 100 countries and more than 4,500 servers. It also uses RAM-only servers, meaning data is wiped when servers are rebooted rather than being stored on traditional hard drives.
That is both a speed and privacy advantage. RAM-only infrastructure reduces the risk of data being retained on seized or compromised hardware. It also keeps the network cleaner and easier to reset.
Surfshark has also started pushing beyond the standard 10Gbps server model, with limited 100Gbps VPN servers introduced in Amsterdam.
The rollout is not yet network-wide, but it signals the direction Surfshark is heading: more bandwidth, less congestion and better consistency for high-demand users.
That does not mean every Surfshark user is connecting to a 100Gbps server today. Most users will still be using its broader 10Gbps network. But the direction is clear. Surfshark wants to compete at the top end of the VPN speed market, not just on price.
Apps for All Major Devices, Plus Unlimited Connections
Surfshark starts with a strong advantage: it gives users simple, polished apps across major platforms and allows an unlimited number of devices to connect to the VPN at the same time.
1. User-Friendly Apps
The Surfshark VPN team has developed a full range of easy-to-use apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. It also supports Smart TV devices, Xbox and other game consoles, along with browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.
Surfshark does not offer a custom router app in the same way ExpressVPN does. However, it does provide detailed setup instructions for installing Surfshark on a range of popular routers.
The apps are designed to deliver a smooth and secure VPN experience, with features that suit different use cases. A student may use Surfshark to get around geo-restrictions, while a business user may rely on it for safer remote access. Either way, the app experience is simple enough for everyday users while still offering advanced controls for those who want them.
Major Surfshark App Features
Here are some of the key features available inside Surfshark VPN apps. We will look at each of these in more detail later in this review.
- VPN Kill Switch with strict kill and soft kill modes
- CleanWeb and CleanWeb 2 to help block ads, trackers, and malware
- Bypasser split tunnelling for choosing which apps or websites use the VPN
- IP Rotator to make online tracking more difficult
- NoBorders mode for restricted regions and networks
- MultiHop and Dynamic MultiHop to route traffic through multiple VPN servers
- Static IP servers for services that work better with a consistent IP address
- Dedicated IP servers for users who need a fixed private IP address
Privacy and Security
Speed is only half the review. A fast VPN is pointless if it cannot be trusted with user data.
Surfshark has a no-logs policy and says it does not monitor, track or store user browsing activity. Its no-logs claims have also been independently verified by Deloitte in 2023 and again in 2025, giving the service stronger credibility than VPN providers that rely only on marketing claims.
The service includes the expected VPN security features: encryption, kill switch, secure protocols, DNS leak protection and auto-connect. WireGuard is the best option for users who want speed, while OpenVPN remains available for those who prefer a more established protocol.
Surfshark also offers extras such as CleanWeb, which blocks ads, trackers and some malicious domains. It is useful, but it should not be treated as a full replacement for dedicated security software.
CleanWeb adds value as part of the broader VPN package, but users who need serious malware, phishing and endpoint protection should still use dedicated security tools alongside it.
Unlimited Devices Is a Major Advantage
One of Surfshark’s best features is unlimited simultaneous connections. A single subscription can cover phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs and other devices without forcing users to count how many are connected.
That makes Surfshark especially attractive for households, small teams, families and users with multiple devices. Many rival VPNs still place limits on simultaneous connections. Surfshark does not, which gives it a practical advantage beyond raw speed.
For a household with a 1Gbps connection, this matters. A VPN that can maintain strong local-server speeds and protect multiple devices at the same time is far more useful than a fast VPN limited to only a handful of connections.
Streaming, Gaming and Everyday Use
Surfshark performs well for everyday streaming and general browsing. Strong local speeds mean users are less likely to notice the VPN during normal use. Pages load quickly, apps remain responsive and streaming platforms are less likely to buffer when connected to a nearby server.
For gaming, the main issue is not just download speed but latency. A VPN can deliver hundreds of megabits per second and still feel poor if ping is high.
That is why local servers are essential. Nearby Surfshark servers are the best choice for gaming, while long-distance servers should only be used when location matters more than responsiveness.
For streaming, Surfshark is generally strong, though not flawless. VPN streaming access changes regularly, and no provider can guarantee every service will work perfectly all the time. Performance can vary depending on the platform, country, device and server being used.
Dedicated IP and Double Hop VPN Features
Dedicated VPN IP
- Surfsharks Dedicated IP is currently around $3.75 per month
A dedicated IP gives you your own static VPN IP address, instead of sharing the same VPN IP with many other users.
That can make a major difference for people who regularly log in to banking portals, business dashboards, cloud platforms, admin panels, remote work tools or services that flag unusual sign-ins.
With a normal VPN connection, your IP address may change depending on the server you connect to. That is fine for general privacy, but it can sometimes trigger extra verification, CAPTCHAs, account warnings or temporary login blocks.
A Dedicated IP also helps solve that by giving you a consistent VPN address that remains tied to your chosen location.
Surfshark’s Dedicated IP feature also lets users select where they want their dedicated server IP to be located, with Dedicated IP availability across multiple global locations.
That means a user can choose an IP location that better suits their needs. For example, someone who needs stable access to Australian services could choose a local or nearby region if available, while a business user may prefer a location close to their customers, office systems or remote access tools.
It is also a relatively low-cost upgrade compared with many business-grade static IP or remote-access solutions.
For everyday users, the main benefit is convenience. For business users, the benefit is control. A Dedicated IP can make VPN use feel cleaner, more predictable and less likely to trigger security systems that dislike constantly changing IP addresses.
Double Hop VPN
Surfshark also includes a Double Hop VPN feature, branded as MultiHop.
Instead of routing your traffic through one VPN server, MultiHop sends it through two separate VPN servers before it reaches the open internet. Surfshark describes this as a privacy feature that routes traffic through two VPN servers, often called Double VPN.
The idea is simple: your connection enters through one VPN location and exits through another. For example, your traffic could enter through Singapore and exit through the United States, or enter through Germany and exit through the Netherlands, depending on the available route.
This gives users an extra layer of privacy because the entry server and exit server are separated. It makes the connection path harder to trace and gives privacy-conscious users more control over how their traffic moves across the VPN network.
Surfshark’s Dynamic MultiHop feature also allows users to create custom Double VPN routes by selecting entry and exit locations, rather than being limited only to preset routes.
Double Hop is especially useful for journalists, researchers, remote workers, privacy-focused users and anyone handling sensitive online activity.
It may not always be the fastest option because traffic is travelling through two VPN servers instead of one, but it gives users a stronger privacy setup when protection matters more than raw speed.
Why These Features Matter
Dedicated IP and Double Hop solve two very different problems.
- A Dedicated IP is about stability, access and control. It gives users a consistent VPN address and helps reduce login friction with services that do not like changing IPs.
- A Double Hop VPN is about privacy. It routes traffic through two VPN servers, making the connection path harder to follow and giving users a more layered form of protection.
Together, these features make Surfshark more than a basic VPN. It can be used as a simple everyday privacy tool, but it also has stronger options for people who need stable access, controlled IP location, extra routing privacy and more advanced protection without moving into expensive enterprise VPNs
Unlimited Simultaneous Connections – As Many Devices As You Need
The real value of Surfshark becomes obvious when you look around the average home. Phones, laptops, tablets, Smart TVs, gaming consoles, streaming boxes, work devices, kids’ devices — almost everything now connects to the internet.
Many VPNs still limit protection to five or six devices at the same time. Some also make it awkward, or impossible, to protect devices such as Smart TVs and game consoles. That creates a problem for busy households: which devices get protected, and which ones are left exposed?
Surfshark removes that issue with unlimited simultaneous connections. One subscription can cover the whole household, across different device types, without having to count active connections or disconnect one device to protect another.
For families, shared homes, remote workers, streamers, and anyone with several internet-connected devices, this is one of Surfshark’s strongest selling points. It also makes Surfshark one of the better-value VPNs for people who need protection across multiple devices.
Surfshark Background and Privacy Position
Surfshark has grown quickly since launching in 2018, helped by strong speeds, simple apps, unlimited simultaneous connections, and competitive pricing.
One of its biggest corporate changes came in 2022, when Surfshark announced its merger with Nord Security. The two brands continue to operate separately, but Surfshark now has the backing of a much larger cybersecurity group.
That consolidation does reduce the number of fully independent VPN providers in the market, which is not ideal for consumer choice. However, Nord Security has built a strong record across privacy and security products, including NordPass and NordLocker.
Surfshark has also expanded beyond VPN services, adding products such as antivirus protection, private search, ad blocking, and data removal tools.
Privacy Jurisdiction
Surfshark was previously based in the British Virgin Islands, with earlier customers contracted through Surfshark Ltd. Since October 1, 2021, new subscriptions have been handled through Surfshark B.V., based in the Netherlands.
The move to the Netherlands is not a major concern from a privacy perspective. The country does not impose mandatory VPN data-retention requirements, which supports Surfshark’s no-logs position. Surfshark also states that, because it is based in the Netherlands, it is not required to store user logs.
Interestingly, Surfshark’s Terms of Service remain governed by the laws of the British Virgin Islands, regardless of which Surfshark entity a customer contracts with.
For privacy-focused users, that is generally preferable to being under US or UK jurisdiction, although the Netherlands is still part of the broader “14 Eyes” intelligence-sharing group.
Surfshark’s No-Logs Policy
Surfshark says it does not keep logs that can identify users or track their online activity. That means it does not record IP addresses, browsing history, session information, bandwidth usage, or other activity data tied to individual users.
Its apps do include optional crash reporting, which sends anonymised diagnostic data if the app fails. This can be disabled in the settings. Surfshark’s mobile apps may also include an advertising ID, which privacy-conscious users can turn off.
The stronger point is that Surfshark’s no-logs policy has been independently audited. Deloitte reviewed Surfshark’s no-logs claims and confirmed that the company does not retain user activity data. That third-party verification gives the privacy policy more weight than a simple marketing promise.
Secure Encryption and Leak Protection
Surfshark uses AES-256-GCM encryption, widely regarded as a strong industry standard for VPN security, along with RSA-2048 key exchange.
It also gives users a choice of VPN protocols, depending on the device and app being used.
The main options include:
- OpenVPN A long-standing VPN protocol known for strong security, open-source transparency, and reliable performance. It remains a trusted option, although WireGuard has become the faster modern alternative.
- WireGuard Surfshark’s fastest protocol option and the best choice for most users. It is built directly into Surfshark’s apps, so there is no need for manual configuration. Surfshark supports WireGuard across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
- IKEv2 A secure and fast protocol that often performs better than OpenVPN, particularly on mobile devices. Its main drawback is that it is not open source.
- Dausos Introduced in April 2026, Dausos is Surfshark’s proprietary protocol. It is designed to improve speed and security by assigning each user a dedicated encrypted tunnel.
Surfshark also added post-quantum encryption support for WireGuard in early 2026, strengthening protection against future cryptographic threats.
For most users, the default protocol settings will be enough, but advanced users can switch protocols directly inside the Surfshark app settings.
Surfshark One and Surfshark One+
Surfshark is not limited to its VPN. Users can also upgrade to Surfshark One or Surfshark One+, which add extra privacy and security tools on top of the standard VPN subscription. These are not core VPN features, but they broaden Surfshark into a more complete online protection package.
Surfshark One
Surfshark One includes the VPN’s existing ad and pop-up blocking tools, then adds several extra layers of protection:
- 24/7 antivirus protection, with a virus database updated every three hours.
- Custom file and folder scanning, giving users control over what gets checked.
- Webcam protection, which blocks unauthorised camera access and alerts users when apps or websites try to use it.
- Credit card and ID breach alerts, helping users respond quickly if sensitive details appear in a breach.
- Personal data security reports, showing where personal information may be exposed.
- Alternative ID, which creates online aliases and safe email addresses for sites users do not fully trust
Surfshark One+
Surfshark One+ includes everything in Surfshark One, while adding personal data removal from company databases and people-search sites.
This feature is available in the USA, Canada, the UK, and the EU, and is closely tied to Surfshark’s Incogni data-removal service.
Together, these bundles are useful for users who want broader protection without paying for several separate tools.
Surfshark One adds antivirus, breach monitoring, webcam protection, and privacy aliases, while Surfshark One+ goes further by helping remove personal information from data brokers.
The value depends on how much of the bundle you will actually use. Free private search engines are widely available, and dedicated identity-protection services exist, although they can be expensive.
For users who want a single subscription covering VPN, antivirus, alerts, and data-removal support, Surfshark One and One+ are worth considering.
Surfshark’s 30-Day Refund Policy
Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee across its main VPN plans. That is a solid refund window, especially when some VPN providers limit refunds to much shorter trial periods.
There are a few standard exceptions.
Surfshark says refunds may not apply when a subscription is purchased through the iTunes/App Store or with a prepaid card or gift card, as those payments are handled outside its direct billing system. In those cases, users need to follow the refund rules of the relevant app store or payment provider.
For most direct purchases, the 30-day refund period works much like a risk-free VPN trial. You can use Surfshark, test the speeds, apps, streaming access, and features, then cancel within the refund window if it is not the right fit.
24/7 Live Chat Support
Surfshark also provides 24/7 live chat support through its website. During this review, support responses were fast, clear, and useful. For a VPN service, that matters. Connection issues, streaming problems, billing questions, and setup help often need quick answers, not slow email back-and-forth.
Surfshark FAQ
Here are some of the most common questions that came up during our Surfshark VPN review.
Can you use Surfshark with Linux?
Yes. Surfshark works with Linux and now offers a Linux GUI desktop app, which makes it much easier to use than older command-line-only VPN setups.
It also supports the WireGuard VPN protocol on Linux, giving users a strong mix of speed, security, and usability.
Does Surfshark work for torrenting?
Yes. Surfshark supports torrenting and other P2P file transfers. According to Surfshark, all of its servers are P2P-friendly, which makes the service a practical option for users who need a VPN for lawful file sharing.
The combination of WireGuard speeds, strong leak protection, secure apps, and a no-logs policy makes Surfshark well suited to P2P use.
Is Surfshark VPN trustworthy?
Surfshark has built a strong reputation as a reliable VPN provider, backed by strong encryption, secure apps, and a strict no-logs policy.
Its no-logs claims have also been independently audited by Deloitte, giving users more confidence that Surfshark is not simply relying on marketing claims around privacy.
Does Surfshark work in China?
Surfshark includes a feature called NoBorders, which is designed to help users connect in regions where VPN traffic may be restricted or blocked.
NoBorders can be enabled directly inside the Surfshark app. Surfshark also includes Camouflage Mode, which disguises VPN traffic when using the OpenVPN protocol. While the two features are similar in purpose, they are separate tools.
Does Surfshark work for gaming?
Surfshark can work well for gaming, provided you connect to a fast nearby server. A gaming VPN needs three things:
- Fast servers with low latency
- A large network that can deliver consistent speeds
- Reliable apps for the devices used for gaming
Surfshark meets those requirements with a large server network, strong WireGuard performance, and support for major desktop, mobile, browser, Smart TV, and console environments.
Is Surfshark still worth it in 2026?
Yes. Surfshark remains one of the strongest-value VPNs in 2026, especially for users who want fast speeds, unlimited device connections, and a broad set of privacy tools in one subscription.
Its value comes from more than the VPN alone. Surfshark now includes features such as CleanWeb 2.0, Alternative ID, Incognito Mode, breach alerts, and wider security bundles through Surfshark One and Surfshark One+.
For families, streamers, remote workers, travellers, and anyone with several connected devices, Surfshark is still difficult to beat on price, speed, and overall feature depth.
Final Takeaway
Surfshark is best suited to users who want one affordable VPN subscription that can protect every device in the household, unlock streaming platforms, support fast browsing, and add extra privacy tools without becoming difficult to use.
