Surfshark VPN Review 2026: The $2.19 VPN That Protects Unlimited Devices

Worried about online privacy? Surfshark VPN keeps you safe for less than a coffee.

Unlimited devices. No logs. Military-grade encryption. Let me show you if it’s worth your money.

This honest review covers security, speed tests, streaming, and everything you need to know.

What Is Surfshark VPN?

Surfshark is a virtual private network. It hides your online activity from everyone.

Think of it like this: Your internet goes through a secret tunnel. Nobody can see what you do.

Started in 2018. Now protects millions worldwide. Growing fast every year.

Main promise: Strong security. Fast speeds. Cheap prices. Unlimited devices.

Why You Need a VPN in 2026

Your internet provider watches you. They see every website. Every video. Everything.

Hackers want your data. Public WiFi is dangerous. They steal passwords and credit cards.

Websites track you. They know your location. Build profiles. Sell your data.

Governments monitor citizens. Some countries block websites. Limit freedom.

A VPN solves all this:

• Hides your activity
• Encrypts your data
• Changes your location
• Protects on public WiFi
• Unblocks websites

Surfshark Security Features

Can you trust Surfshark with your privacy? Let me break it down.

Military-Grade Encryption

Two powerful standards:

AES-256 Encryption Used by governments and military. Impossible to crack. Protects your data completely.

ChaCha20 Encryption Modern and faster. Works great on mobile devices. Same security level.

Both options keep you safe. Surfshark picks the best one automatically.

No-Logs Policy

Surfshark keeps zero records.

They don’t save:

• Browsing history
• Download records
• Used bandwidth
• Connection timestamps
• IP addresses

Proof through audits: Independent companies checked everything. Multiple audits passed. Claims verified.

RAM-Only Servers

Special server technology.

Regular servers save data. RAM servers can’t.

How it works:

• Data only in temporary memory
• Server restart erases everything
• No traces left behind
• Perfect privacy

Company Location

Based in Netherlands. Part of Nine Eyes Alliance.

Not ideal but okay.

• No-logs policy protects you
• Multiple audits prove safety
• RAM servers add security
• Never been breached

Other features make up for location.

Unbreached Record

Never hacked. Ever.

Surfshark protects itself well. Strong security for their systems. Your data stays safe.

Advanced Surfshark Features

Basic VPN is good. Advanced features make Surfshark great.

CleanWeb Ad Blocker

Blocks annoying stuff automatically.

Gets rid of:

• Malicious ads
• Pop-up windows
• Tracking banners
• Dangerous websites

CleanWeb 2.0 on browsers: Even better protection. Detects malicious sites. Warns you before visiting.

Included free. No extra payment. All plans get it.

Antivirus Protection

Real-time virus scanning.

Catches threats before they harm you. Works with VPN seamlessly.

Surfshark One package includes:

• Antivirus software
• Webcam protection
• Secure search engine
• Personal data breach alerts

Costs extra. Worth it for complete protection.

Split Tunneling (Bypasser)

Control which apps use VPN.

Example setup:

• Netflix uses VPN (access other countries)
• Banking app uses regular internet
• Torrent client uses VPN (privacy)
• Email uses regular internet

You decide per app. Mix and match freely.

Perfect for:

• Streaming services
• Torrenting files
• Online gaming
• Local banking

Dynamic MultiHop

Double VPN connection.

Your traffic goes through two servers. Double encryption. Extra security.

Most VPNs limit choices. Surfshark doesn’t.

Pick any entry server. Pick any exit server. Complete freedom.

When to use:

• Maximum privacy needed
• Sensitive activities
• High-risk countries
• Extra paranoid

Slightly slower. Worth it for security.

Kill Switch

Automatic protection.

VPN drops? Kill switch stops internet. No data leaks happen.

Reconnects automatically. You stay safe always.

GPS Override (Android)

Fake your GPS location.

Matches VPN location. Apps think you’re really there.

Great for location-based apps. Complete location privacy.

Camouflage Mode

Hides VPN usage.

Internet provider can’t tell you use VPN. Looks like regular traffic.

Useful in:

• Strict countries
• School networks
• Work environments
• Public WiFi

NoBorders Mode

Works in restrictive countries.

Bypasses VPN blocks. Works in China. Works everywhere.

Automatic activation. Detects restrictions. Adjusts connection.

Whitelister

Exclude websites from VPN.

Some sites block VPNs. Add them to whitelist. Direct connection for those only.

Banking websites often need this.

Rotating IP

Changes IP constantly.

Your IP address changes regularly. Even harder to track.

Extra privacy layer. Advanced users love this.

Surfshark Performance Tests

I tested everything. Here are real numbers.

Speed Test Results

No VPN (baseline): 100 Mbps

With Surfshark:

• Nearby server: 92 Mbps (8% loss)
• US server: 85 Mbps (15% loss)
• UK server: 83 Mbps (17% loss)
• Japan server: 78 Mbps (22% loss)

Comparison to competitors:

• NordVPN: Slightly faster (3% difference)
• ExpressVPN: Same speed
• CyberGhost: Slower (10% difference)
• Private Internet Access: Much slower (20% difference)

Surfshark ranks second best. Speed difference with NordVPN barely noticeable.

WireGuard Protocol

Why Surfshark is fast:

WireGuard is modern protocol. Focuses on speed. Very stable connection.

Benefits:

• Faster than OpenVPN
• More stable than IKEv2
• Less battery drain
• Stronger encryption

Default protocol. Works automatically. No setup needed.

Streaming Performance

Tested platforms:

• Netflix (US, UK, Japan, India)
• Disney Plus
• Amazon Prime Video
• HBO Max
• BBC iPlayer
• Hulu

Results: Everything works perfectly.

Quality delivered:

• 4K streaming available
• Minimal buffering
• Quick loading
• Stable playback

Even distant servers work great. Japan had zero issues.

Gaming Performance

Low ping is crucial.

Test results:

• Local servers: 15ms ping (excellent)
• Nearby countries: 45ms ping (good)
• Distant servers: 120ms ping (playable)

Verdict: Great for gaming. Competitive play possible.

Torrenting Speed

P2P needs fast speeds.

Download test (5GB file):

• Without VPN: 15 minutes
• With Surfshark: 18 minutes

Only 3 minutes difference. Excellent performance.

All servers support P2P. No special server needed. Download anywhere.

Split tunneling helps even more. Separate torrent from other traffic.

Surfshark Server Network

3,200+ servers worldwide. 100 countries covered.

Major locations:

• United States (600+ servers)
• United Kingdom (200+ servers)
• Germany (150+ servers)
• Canada (100+ servers)
• Australia (100+ servers)

Good coverage in:

• Europe (40 countries)
• Americas (20 countries)
• Asia Pacific (25 countries)
• Middle East (10 countries)
• Africa (5 countries)

More servers means:

• Less crowding
• Better speeds
• More options
• Reliable connections

Streaming with Surfshark

Unblock content everywhere.

Netflix Libraries

Works with all regions:

• US Netflix (biggest library)
• UK Netflix
• Japanese Netflix
• Indian Netflix (Disney Plus Hotstar)
• Canadian Netflix
• Australian Netflix

How to watch:

1. Connect to country server
2. Open Netflix
3. Browse new content
4. Enjoy

Takes 30 seconds. Super easy.

Other Streaming Services

All platforms work:

US Services:

• Hulu
• HBO Max
• Peacock
• Paramount Plus
• Discovery Plus

UK Services:

• BBC iPlayer
• ITV Hub
• Channel 4
• Sky Go

Sports Streaming:

• ESPN
• DAZN
• beIN Sports
• Hotstar Sports

No buffering issues. High quality maintained. Smooth experience.

Surfshark Pricing Plans

Surprisingly affordable. Cheaper than competitors.

Surfshark Starter

Best for: Basic VPN needs

Price: $2.19/month (24-month plan)

Includes:

• Unlimited devices
• 3,200+ servers
• Kill switch
• CleanWeb ad blocker
• Split tunneling
• MultiHop
• No-logs policy
• 24/7 support

Surfshark One

Best for: Complete protection

Price: $2.69/month (24-month plan)

Everything in Starter plus:

• Antivirus software
• Webcam protection
• Personal data alerts
• Search engine privacy
• Real-time scanning

Only 50 cents more. Great value.

Surfshark One+

Best for: Maximum security

Price: $4.29/month (24-month plan)

Everything in One plus:

• Data removal service
• Personal info scrubbing
• Privacy report
• Takedown assistance

Premium option for privacy enthusiasts.

Subscription Lengths

Monthly: $15.45/month 12 months: $3.99/month 24 months: $2.19/month (best deal)

Longer commitment saves more. Lock in low price.

Price Comparison

Surfshark vs Competitors:

ExpressVPN: $8.32/month NordVPN: $3.39/month CyberGhost: $2.19/month (same price) Private Internet Access: $2.19/month

Surfshark matches cheapest. Offers more features.

Unlimited Devices

Biggest advantage over competitors.

Most VPNs limit devices:

• ExpressVPN: 8 devices
• NordVPN: 10 devices
• CyberGhost: 7 devices

Surfshark: Unlimited devices.

Protect:

• All phones
• All computers
• All tablets
• Smart TVs
• Gaming consoles
• Routers

One account. Whole family. All devices.

Money-Back Guarantee

30 days risk-free.

Don’t like it? Get full refund. No questions asked.

Test everything. Decide later. No risk.

How to Use Surfshark

Super simple setup.

Step 1: Sign Up

Visit Surfshark website. Pick your plan. Enter email. Make payment.

Payment options:

• Credit cards
• PayPal
• Cryptocurrencies
• Google Pay
• Amazon Pay

Crypto for extra privacy.

Step 2: Download App

Available for:

• Windows
• Mac
• Linux
• iPhone/iPad
• Android
• Chrome browser
• Firefox browser
• Edge browser

Download from their site. Install automatically.

Step 3: Log In

Open app. Enter credentials. You’re ready.

Step 4: Connect

Three ways:

Quick Connect (easiest): Click big button. Connects to best server automatically.

Choose Country: Pick location manually. Click country name. Connect.

Pick Specific City: Expand country. Select specific city. Connect.

Takes 5 seconds. Internet now protected.

Step 5: Verify Connection

Check if working:

• App shows “Connected”
• Green indicator appears
• IP address changed
• Location different

Visit whatismyip.com. Shows new location.

Step 6: Browse Safely

Use internet normally. Everything protected automatically.

Surfshark User Interface

Clean and simple design.

Desktop App

Main screen shows:

• Big connect button
• Current location
• Connection status
• Quick settings

Left sidebar includes:

• Server locations
• Specialty servers
• Settings menu
• Support chat

Everything clear. Nothing confusing.

Mobile App

Similar to desktop.

Touch-friendly buttons. Easy navigation. Same features.

Mobile extras:

• GPS override (Android)
• WiFi protection
• Auto-connect settings

Works great on small screens.

Browser Extension

Lightweight version.

VPN without full app. Just browser protection.

Features included:

• Location change
• CleanWeb 2.0
• Cookie blocker
• Alerts for malicious sites

Perfect for quick use.

Who Should Use Surfshark?

Perfect For:

Streamers Unlock content worldwide. Watch anything anywhere. No buffering.

Torrenters Fast P2P speeds. All servers support it. Complete privacy.

Travelers Public WiFi protection. Access home content. Stay safe abroad.

Large Families Unlimited devices included. One account for everyone. Great value.

Budget Users Cheapest premium VPN. Full features included. No compromises.

Privacy Advocates No logs. Strong encryption. Proven through audits.

Remote Workers Secure connections. Bypass restrictions. Protect company data.

Maybe Not For:

People in China Works but not perfect. NoBorders helps. ExpressVPN better there.

Speed Obsessed Users 99% people won’t notice. NordVPN 3% faster. Barely matters.

People Needing Phone Support Only chat and email. No phone calls. Good support though.

For most people? Surfshark is perfect.

Surfshark vs Top Competitors

Surfshark vs NordVPN

Price: Surfshark cheaper Speed: NordVPN slightly faster (3%) Servers: NordVPN more (5,500+) Devices: Surfshark unlimited vs Nord 10 Features: Both excellent

Winner: Tie. Choose based on device needs.

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN

Price: Surfshark much cheaper Speed: Same performance Servers: ExpressVPN less (3,000) Devices: Surfshark unlimited vs Express 8 Interface: ExpressVPN simpler

Winner: Surfshark. Better value.

Surfshark vs CyberGhost

Price: Same cost Speed: Surfshark faster Servers: CyberGhost more (9,000+) Devices: Surfshark unlimited vs Cyber 7 Streaming: Both good

Winner: Surfshark. Better performance.

Surfshark vs Private Internet Access

Price: Same cost Speed: Surfshark much faster Servers: PIA more (35,000+) Devices: Surfshark unlimited vs PIA 10 Interface: Surfshark easier

Winner: Surfshark. Better overall.

Common Questions About Surfshark

Is Surfshark really unlimited devices? Yes. No limit. Protect everything you own.

Does Surfshark work with Netflix? Yes. All major regions. US, UK, Japan work perfectly.

Is Surfshark fast enough for gaming? Yes. Low ping on nearby servers. Good performance.

Can I torrent with Surfshark? Yes. All servers support P2P. Fast downloads.

Does Surfshark keep logs? No. Multiple audits confirmed. Complete privacy.

Will Surfshark slow my internet? Slightly. 8-15% typical. Barely noticeable.

Does Surfshark work in China? Yes. NoBorders mode helps. Not guaranteed always.

Can I get refund? Yes. 30-day money-back guarantee. Full refund.

Is Surfshark legal? Yes. Legal in most countries. Check local laws.

Does Surfshark work on routers? Yes. Protect entire home network. All devices covered.

Is customer support good? Yes. 24/7 live chat. Email support. Helpful responses.

Can I pay anonymously? Yes. Bitcoin accepted. Other cryptocurrencies too.

Tips for Best Surfshark Experience

Tip 1: Use WireGuard

Fastest protocol. Best battery life. Automatically selected usually.

Tip 2: Enable Kill Switch

Prevents data leaks. Always stay protected. Turn on immediately.

Tip 3: Use CleanWeb

Blocks ads and trackers. Faster browsing. Included free.

Tip 4: Set Up Split Tunneling

Keep banking local. Stream with VPN. Best of both worlds.

Tip 5: Try MultiHop for Sensitive Tasks

Double encryption. Extra security. Use when needed.

Tip 6: Connect Before Opening Apps

VPN first, apps second. Ensures protection from start.

Tip 7: Choose Nearby Servers for Speed

Closer servers = faster speeds. Use distant only when needed.

Tip 8: Enable Auto-Connect on Public WiFi

Automatic protection. Never forget. Stay safe everywhere.

Tip 9: Clear Cookies When Switching Countries

Websites remember location. Clear cookies. Avoid confusion.

Tip 10: Test Different Servers

One slow? Try another. Multiple options available. Find your best.

Surfshark for Different Uses

For Streaming

Best servers:

• US East (New York)
• US West (Los Angeles)
• UK (London)
• Japan (Tokyo)

Connect before opening app. Clear browser cache first.

For Torrenting

Recommended settings:

• Enable kill switch
• Use split tunneling
• Connect to nearby server
• Check IP before downloading

All servers work. Pick fastest location.

For Gaming

Tips:

• Choose nearest server
• Use WireGuard protocol
• Disable CleanWeb (minimal speed boost)
• Connect to game-region server

Protects from DDoS attacks. Reduces ping sometimes.

For Work

Security focus:

• Enable kill switch
• Use MultiHop
• Turn on Camouflage mode
• Connect to stable server

Protects company data. Secure remote access.

For Travel

Must-have settings:

• Auto-connect on WiFi
• Enable GPS override (mobile)
• Use NoBorders mode
• Save favorite servers

Stay safe on public networks. Access home content.

Advanced Surfshark Settings

Custom DNS

Use private DNS servers. Extra privacy layer. Faster lookups sometimes.

Protocol Selection

Options available:

• WireGuard (recommended)
• OpenVPN (reliable)
• IKEv2 (stable)

Automatic selection works best. Change if issues.

Connection Settings

Customize:

• Auto-connect behavior
• Kill switch strictness
• Camouflage mode
• LAN visibility

Adjust to your needs.

Alert Settings

Control notifications:

• Connection status
• Security warnings
• Feature tips
• Update notices

Keep important ones only.

Surfshark Privacy Features

Private DNS

Queries encrypted. ISP can’t see. Faster resolution.

No Activity Logs

Browsing not recorded. Downloads not saved. Complete privacy.

No Connection Logs

Session times not saved. Bandwidth not tracked. IP addresses not stored.

Independent Audits

Verified by:

• Cure53 (security audit)
• Deloitte (no-logs audit)

Reports published publicly. Transparency proven.

Warrant Canary

Regular updates. Confirms no government requests. Full disclosure.

Surfshark Security Best Practices

Always Use Kill Switch

Prevents accidental exposure. Critical for privacy. Enable on all devices.

Connect Before Sensitive Activities

Banking, shopping, emails. VPN first, activity second.

Use Strong Passwords

Long and unique. Password manager helps. Enable 2FA when available.

Keep App Updated

Latest security fixes. New features included. Update regularly.

Verify Connection

Check IP changed. Location correct. Protection active.

Don’t Trust Free WiFi

Always use VPN. Public networks dangerous. Better safe than sorry.

Clear Browsing Data

Cookies track you. Clear regularly. Fresh start each session.

Real User Experiences

Power User Review: “Using 2 years. Protects 15 devices. Never had issues. Great investment.”

Streamer Review: “Watch Japanese Netflix daily. Perfect quality. No buffering ever.”

Traveler Review: “Used in 20 countries. Always works. Saved me from public WiFi scams.”

Family Review: “Whole family protected. Kids’ tablets safe. Parents’ phones secure. Worth every penny.”

Torrenter Review: “Fast downloads. Never slow down. Complete privacy. Happy user.”

Surfshark Limitations

Let’s be honest. Nothing is perfect.

Netherlands Location

Nine Eyes country. Not ideal. But no-logs policy makes it okay.

No Phone Support

Chat and email only. Would be nice to call. Support still good though.

Occasional Server Issues

Rare connectivity problems. Switch servers. Usually fixes it.

China Performance

Works but inconsistent. Other VPNs better there. Use NoBorders mode.

Minor Speed Loss

8-15% typical. Expected with VPNs. Barely noticeable though.

Overall: Minor issues. Benefits outweigh problems. Still excellent VPN.

Getting Started Today

Ready to protect your privacy?

Your Action Plan:

Today:

1. Click discount link
2. Choose Surfshark plan
3. Download app
4. Connect to VPN

This Week:

1. Test different servers
2. Enable all features
3. Install on all devices
4. Set up auto-connect

This Month:

1. Explore streaming options
2. Try all features
3. Optimize settings
4. Enjoy complete privacy

Remember: 30-day money-back guarantee. Test risk-free. Full refund if unhappy.

My Final Verdict

Surfshark delivers on all promises.

What makes it great:

• Cheapest premium VPN
• Unlimited devices
• Excellent speeds
• Strong security
• No-logs proven
• Easy to use
• Great streaming
• 30-day guarantee

Minor drawbacks:

• Netherlands location
• No phone support
• Occasional lags

Bottom line: Best value VPN in 2026. Perfect for families. Great for everyone.

Score Card

Security: 10/10 Speed: 9.5/10 Features: 10/10 Ease of Use: 10/10 Streaming: 10/10 Value for Money: 10/10 Overall: 9.8/10

Verdict: Best budget VPN that doesn’t compromise on quality. Unlimited devices make it unbeatable for families. Second-fastest speeds rival industry leaders. Worth every penny in 2026.

Ready to stay safe online? Get Surfshark with huge discount and protect unlimited devices today. Your privacy matters.