In the hyper-competitive VPN market, Surfshark has managed to survive, even growing its user base with low-cost prices, unlimited simultaneous connections, and unparalleled privacy protections. Now, in 2025, with numerous other options available, does it still meet the top-tier standard? As one who has tested its performance, visited its features, and compared it with other competitors, here is a detailed review that is reader-friendly, providing you with all the information you need.
Quick Overview:
- Headquarters: Netherlands (privacy-friendly jurisdiction)
- Connections: use any device on a single account
- Best For: Those on a budget, families, heavy streamers
- Most Notable Feature: The best long-term plans at an affordable price with premium features
- Achilles Heel: No split tunneling on Apple Devices
What Does Surfshark Do Well?
1- Unlimited Device Connections:
Unfortunately, the maximum number of clients per one common session is usually around 5-10 simultaneous connections that VPN providers limit for their users. And that is what Surfshark defies fully: you can secure all your devices under a single billing account.
You can connect with a single ExpressVPN account, so use your phone, laptop, smart TV, and tablet; all are connected and not charged (the picture below displays what happens when you try to use both connections simultaneously).
In some families or with people who have a tech-heavy lifestyle, this can make Surfshark worth the price just by itself.
2- Strong Streaming Performance:
Surfshark is the go-to name when it comes to unblocking streaming services without constant buffering.
Unblocks Netflix in 15+ countries:
Works with Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and others
Comes with SmartDNS for game consoles and some TVs
It is therefore a good choice for a travel partner seeking to catch up on their home country shows or restrict content libraries overseas.
Speed and Stability with WireGuard:
Surfshark impressed us in terms of speed. It employs the WireGuard protocol and sustained good performance over long distances as well. During tests, it hit almost 950 Mbps on a 1 Gbps connection, and it did not drop below about 90% of base speed for day-to-day browsing, streaming, and gaming.
This might cause speeds to drop slightly during peak hours, but indeed, the option to change servers can resolve this issue.
3- Packed with Advanced Features:
Not only does Surfshark cover the basics, but it goes beyond them. It offers features you would normally find in pricier premium VPNs.
- CleanWeb: Ad and tracking blocking & access to malware protection at the network level.
- Stealth Mode: Hides the VPN traffic as normal internet traffic to avoid censorship.
- NoBorders Mode: Allows you to connect in regions with strict internet regulations
- Dynamic MultiHop: And it sends your traffic through two VPN servers!
- Kill Switch: This technology ensures your data doesn’t leak if the VPN connection ever goes down.
- Alternate ID: Builds specific email aliases to keep you safe online
4- Affordable Long-Term Pricing:
While Surfshark is a little more expensive on a month-per-month plan, its longer-term plans are often the cheapest on the market at under $2 per month on sale. Considering the unlimited connections and additional services, this is outstanding value.
5- 24/7 Live Chat Support:
There will be no longer waiting for business hours to get your support. 24/7 live chat support and a knowledge base with tutorials, troubleshooting guides, and FAQs. While there are occasional delays, usually during peak hours, most queries get resolved within minutes.
6- Transparency and Social Initiatives:
Surfshark is an active member of international digital rights organizations: VPN Trust Initiative, EDRi, and the Global Encryption Coalition. It does have an independent infrastructure audit, which is a good point in its favor.
6- Security and Privacy:
Privacy is the key component of the Surfshark service.
- No-logs: They retain no browsing history, IP addresses, or usage data.
- Diskless servers: Since data is stored only in RAM, all the information is lost upon restarting.
- Encryption: AES-256 is coupled with WireGuard and OpenVPN.
- Two-factor authentication: Additional optional login security.
Surfshark’s VPN headquarters in the Netherlands provides a benefit over VPNs in more surveilled countries, as Surfshark is not subject to invasive data retention laws.
7. Split Tunneling on iOS and Android
This VPN is notable for its support of split tunneling on both iOS and Android. You can choose which apps get the VPN connection and which ones can use your normal internet. You can, for instance, stream content safely while leaving your banking app out of the VPN for ease of access.
In testing, split tunneling was easy to use on both platforms, providing greater flexibility and performance than VPNs that send all traffic down a single tunnel. It’s a valuable feature for customers who desire increased control, increased speed, and optimized bandwidth usage on their handheld devices.
Surfshark for Everyday Use:
Surfshark, during everyday use, is smooth and simple:
- The user’s user-friendly and neat apps.
- The server list is not complex
- One click ensures being online in a flash
Users are not tech-savvy enough to navigate streams, so marking ensures ease. That’s not to say it is difficult to learn, as first-time users are embraced.
How Surfshark Stands Out From Competitors
This segment is dominated by both ExpressVPN and NordVPN, so Surfshark’s low long-term pricing and unlimited devices are a distinct advantage. Many VPNs can match its speed or streaming capabilities, but few offer all these perks at such a low cost.
Another strength? Feature depth for the price. With extras like Alternative ID, MultiHop, and CleanWeb included at no extra charge, Surfshark punches above its weight.
Questions that were frequently asked concerning the Surfshark VPN:
1. Is Surfshark VPN secure for use?
Yes, it is indeed secure. Surfshark utilizes highly advanced AES-256-GCM encryption, as well as secure tunneling protocols such as WireGuard and OpenVPN, while maintaining the strictest no-logs policy. The firm runs all its servers on RAM, as it purports that no user information is stored on any physical hard drive. Therefore, it is registered in the Netherlands, which has no compulsory data retention laws, further ensuring Surfshark’s privacy.
2. Does Surfshark work with Netflix?
Definitely. Surfshark is a reliable unblocking service for more than 15 Netflix libraries, including those in the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada. Also, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video can be used. The SmartDNS feature gives you access to the service without having the device support a VPN app.
3. How many devices can I connect to Surfshark?
No limits at all.
Every single gadget that you own, from mobile phones to laptops to smart televisions and even tablets, can be connected to a single Surfshark account—meaning that it is perfect for big households that have more than one internet-blessed user or even those with multiple devices.
4. Surf the waves. Does Surfshark slow down internet speed?
Well, Surfshark, although it’s true with all VPNs because speed drop happens, it occurs very impressively with the WireGuard protocol. Most of the tests were able to maintain between 80% and 80%-90% of the initial internet speed, which is more than enough for 4K streaming, gaming, video calls, etc.
6. Is Surfshark Worth the Money?
If it’s long-term plans. In fact, for below $2 per month in promotional offers, you get those features that you would typically see in prepaid VPNs. Unlimited connections, ad blocking, and MultiHop connections.
7. Does Surfshark keep logs?
No. Surfshark has a verified no-logs policy; it does not track someone’s browsing, IP address, or online activities. This claim has been confirmed through independent auditing.
8. Which devices and platforms does Surfshark support?
Surfshark apps are provided for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. Moreover, it includes the use of Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions. But it also supports routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other devices that can be manually configured.
9. How is Surfshark different from NordVPN or ExpressVPN?
While the two are known for their reputation as speed monsters among the big names, NordVPN and ExpressVPN have better global infrastructure. Surfshark’s secret is even lower, along with the unlimited device connections. Added features such as Alternative ID or CleanWeb, with no extra charges, are included.
10. Can I use Surfshark for free?
Surfshark is not free forever. However, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can sign up, explore all the features, and if it’s not right for you, request a refund.
Final Verdict
The few gaps Surfshark does have are that Apple users are missing split tunneling and months, but the rest do not change the focus:privacy, streaming, and value
