Quick Verdict
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
- Excellent value – under $2.50/mo
- CleanWeb ad & tracker blocker
- Strong streaming & torrenting
Cons
- Slightly slower long-distance speeds
- Shorter money-back guarantee (30 days)
- Based in Netherlands (14-Eyes)
Table of Contents
Overview
Surfshark storms into our #3 spot in 2025 by delivering premium VPN features at a budget price. Launched in 2018 and headquartered in the Netherlands, Surfshark has rapidly grown to serve millions with its standout unlimited device policy — perfect for families, shared households, or power users with dozens of gadgets.
In our 200+ hours of testing across 70+ locations, Surfshark impressed with consistent speeds, reliable unblocking of Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer, and innovative extras like CleanWeb (ad/malware blocking) and Nexus (dynamic IP switching). While it trails #1 NordVPN in network size and #2 ExpressVPN in long-distance speed, its value proposition is unmatched at under $2.50/month on long-term plans.
With a clean no-logs policy, RAM-only servers, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, Surfshark proves you don’t need to pay premium prices for premium protection.
Features & Functionality
Surfshark packs a surprising amount of advanced tools into a simple, affordable package:
Unlimited Devices
Connect as many devices as you want — no limits.
3,200+ Servers
In 100 countries with city-level options in many locations.
CleanWeb
Blocks ads, trackers, and malware system-wide.
Camouflage Mode
Obfuscates VPN traffic to bypass restrictions.
Nexus Technology
Dynamic IP switching for enhanced privacy.
Kill Switch
Automatic protection if VPN drops.
Specialty Features
Surfshark goes beyond basics with innovative tools:
- MultiHop: Double VPN routing through two servers
- NoBorders Mode: Automatically enables obfuscation in restricted regions
- IP Rotator: Changes IP every 5–10 minutes without disconnecting
- Alternative ID: Generate a fake online persona for privacy
- Smart DNS: For streaming on unsupported devices
Pricing & Plans
Surfshark offers aggressive pricing with three simple plans — all include unlimited devices:
Monthly
- Unlimited devices
- All premium features
- 30-day money-back
- No commitment
1-Year Plan
- Save 69% vs monthly
- 3 months FREE
- Best value
- Priority support
2-Year Plan
- Save 81% vs monthly
- 3 months FREE
- Long-term savings
- 30-day refund
Important Pricing Notes
Renewal Rates: 1-year renews at $4.98/mo; 2-year at $3.99/mo after promo.
Money-Back Guarantee: 30 days on all plans (7 days on iOS/Android app purchases).
Payment Options: Credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, crypto (Bitcoin, Ethereum).
Performance & Speed
Surfshark’s WireGuard implementation delivered strong results in our 1 Gbps tests:
Speed Test Results
WireGuard averaged 820 Mbps locally and 280+ Mbps to Australia. Excellent for 4K streaming and large downloads, though slightly behind ExpressVPN on transcontinental routes.
Streaming & Gaming
Unblocked 18/20 Netflix libraries, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more. Gaming ping averaged 18ms with CleanWeb reducing lag from ads/trackers.
Ease of Use
Surfshark’s apps are modern, intuitive, and consistent across platforms — ideal for beginners and experts.
Desktop & Mobile Apps
Clean interface with quick-connect, server search, and one-click feature toggles. Mobile apps include auto-connect on Wi-Fi and GPS spoofing (Android).
Browser Extensions
Chrome/Firefox extensions with WebRTC blocking and CleanWeb built-in.
Router Support
Manual setup guides for DD-WRT, Tomato, and OpenWRT. No dedicated router app.
Customer Support
Surfshark provides responsive 24/7 support despite its budget positioning:
Support Channels
- Live Chat: 24/7, average response 1 minute
- Email Support: Replies within 2–4 hours
- Knowledge Base: 150+ articles, video tutorials, setup guides
- Troubleshooting Tools: Built-in diagnostics in apps
Support Quality
Agents are knowledgeable and empowered. Our MultiHop setup issue was resolved in 5 minutes via chat.
Security & Privacy
Surfshark maintains high security standards with transparency and regular audits:
- No-Logs Policy: Audited by Deloitte (2022) and Cure53
- RAM-Only Servers: All 3,200+ servers wipe on reboot
- WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2: Modern protocols with AES-256
- Perfect Forward Secrecy: New keys per session
- Netherlands Jurisdiction: 14-Eyes member but strong privacy laws
- CleanWeb: Blocks malware, phishing, and trackers
No leaks in DNS, WebRTC, or IPv6 tests. MultiHop and Camouflage Mode work reliably in China and UAE.
How Surfshark Compares (#1–#2 & #4–#10 in Our Rankings)
Surfshark punches above its price class but here's the full picture:
Bottom Line
Surfshark is the ultimate value VPN — delivering unlimited device protection, strong privacy, and reliable performance at a fraction of premium prices. While it doesn’t match ExpressVPN’s polish or NordVPN’s network depth, its innovative features, aggressive pricing, and flawless family-friendly design make it a top contender.
We recommend Surfshark if you want: Unlimited connections, ad/tracker blocking, budget-friendly long-term plans, or a modern VPN that “just works” across all your devices.
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