Surfshark VPN

OUR VERDICT :

A feature-packed VPN for a really eye-catching price slightly below $3/-.

Budget VPNs do not have to be feature-free, and Surfshark is that the proof - it's absolutely full of advanced functionality, yet you'll check-in for half the worth of some competitors.

Surfshark’s latest pricing discounts make it the most cost-effective

VPN I’ve tested. But does its quality match its price?

Surfshark claims to be the simplest all-around VPN, great for Netflix, torrenting, anonymous browsing, and staying safe on public WiFi. So I put it to the test. I investigate every feature, from its torrenting ability and security protocols to its device compatibility, unlimited connections, and customer support.

I’ve got everything you would like to understand what it can do (and whether it does it well) detailed below.

Short on time? Read what matters most

Can it bypass geo-blocks so you'll stream Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer?

Yes, here’s what I found.

How’s its speed? Is it fast enough? Some servers slowed us down, but speeds were congruous and reliable. Is it safe to use? Yes, it’s loaded with security measures.

I also verified for you:

Does it have a money-back guarantee? A free trial? Learn all about pricing here. How is customer support? The 24/7 live chat answered in under a moment. Is it easy to use? The interface is straightforward and intuitive, even for beginners.

The Basics

Surfshark may be a well-rounded VPN service that claims it can do everything from torrenting and streaming to browsing the Dark Web. But how well does it really perform? Can it really bypass geo-restrictions and unblock Netflix? and the way about its speeds? Streaming – Does Surfshark Work with Netflix?

Great news if you’re trying to find a streaming fix:

Surfshark can unblock Netflix. It’s actually one of our greatest VPNs for streaming. I acknowledged that Surfshark also can unblock Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO GO, and BBC iPlayer.

Surfshark Netflix connection screen. Surfshark Netflix US connection screen. Surfshark’s high-speed servers meant that I used to be ready to stream in high definition, albeit I used to be connected to a world server.

I switched its CleanWeb ad blocker on while I used to be testing out CWTV and YouTube to urge obviate the pesky midroll ads, which made for an overall smoother streaming experience.

Netflix:

If you're uninterested in VPNs who vaguely hint about their unblocking abilities, but never make any real engagement, you'll love Surfshark. Not only does the corporate say up-front that it unblocks Netflix, it also names the 15 Nations where it currently works (US, France, Japan, Italy, Australia, and more.).

Surfshark is a stimulating VPN which comes full of features, runs almost everywhere and has one among the simplest value introductory deals around.

The network has 1,700 servers distributed across a powerful 160 locations in 63 countries. Whatever you're using, there is no got to worry about annoying 'simultaneous connection' limits - you'll install and run Surfshark on as many devices as you like.

Want to undertake Surfshark? inspect the web site here

Editor's Note:

What immediately follows maybe a rundown of the latest changes and extensions since this review was last updated. Server coverage changed. Surfshark now has over 1700 servers in 63 countries. (June 2020) .

Surfshark upgraded its infrastructure to 100% RAM-only servers. (July 2020) .

Mobile apps :

Mobile VPN apps are often much more basic than their desktop cousins, but Surfshark's Android offering is surprisingly similar. There's more or an equivalent interface, an equivalent location list, multihop connections, CleanWeb's ad, and malware blocking, and split subway for apps and websites with the Whitelister.

Performance :

Surfshark's support for OpenVPN insert providing downloads of configuration files for every one of its servers. That's excellent news if you're planning on manually setting the service abreast of other platforms which may use them, and it also allowed us to use our automated performance testing software to see out a sample of Surfshark's locations.

There was excellent news all around. We had no connection failures, connection times were faster than average, and everyone server returned IP addresses for his or her advertised locations.

We ran the performance tests from a US location. Speeds were a touch higher (and more consistent) at 100-105Mbps.

Is Surfshark Good for Torrenting?

Surfshark may be a secure and reliable choice for torrenting.

All of its servers allow P2P sharing, and lots of are optimized for fast torrenting. It offers all the required security measures to guard you and keep you anonymous while you torrent. Approximal 256-bit encryption and its strict no-logs policy, Surfshark passed all my IP and DNS leak tests.

It’s compatible with P2P clients like BitTorrent and uTorrent also as streaming players like Ace Player, VLC, and Popcorn Time.

If you would like an excellent VPN for torrenting, try NordVPN. WIth many P2P-optimized servers, you’ll get fast speeds also as strong encryption to guard your online privacy while file sharing. My team and that I tested many services. Providers to seek out the simplest VPNs for torrenting — inspect the list if you would like more options.

Security – Is Surfshark Safe?

My test results show that Surfshark may be a secure VPN. It offers multiple high-end security features, which I’ll take a better check out below.

DNS and IPv6 Leak Protection Before I trusted Surfshark with my very own data, I tested its DNS and IPv6 leak protection. DNS leak protection is vital because it prevents security flaws in your browser from routing your DNS requests through your ISP rather than your VPN. Similarly, IPv6 leak protection prevents IPv6-enabled websites from requesting your real IP address and checking out your location.

I was pleased to seek out that Surfshark wasn’t leaking my DNS requests or IPv6 address. My IP address seemed to be based within the UK, albeit I'm within the US. this is often excellent news because it means Surfshark’s IP masking works. DNS/IP Leak test results Image: IPLeak

Encryption:

Surfshark guards your traffic with 256-bit encryption. this is often the very best level of protection available, and means third parties, including your ISP, can’t see any of your activity or personal data.

Automatic Kill Switch:

Surfshark’s automatic kill switch kicks in and temporarily detach your internet if your VPN connection fails. This prevents data and IP leaks, and it automatically revives your internet when the VPN connection is reestablished.

Double VPN:

MultiHop mode – Surfshark’s version of Double VPN – routes your traffic through two servers rather than one. This adds an additional layer of encryption, but it also slows your connection down. It’s useful for journalists in restrictive countries, but most regular users won’t get to switch it on.

Surfshark multi-hop image. Image: Surfshark’s Windows App

HackLock:

You can use HackLock to watch your email and passwords for any security breaches. Once you’ve enrolled within the program, if your information is found during a leaked database online, you’ll receive a message from Surfshark telling you that you’re in danger.

Blind Search:

Blind search is Surfshark’s search tool. Unlike Google’s program, Blind Search is private and ad-free. It doesn’t track or record your search bygone times, either.

Camouflage Mode:

This mode is beneficial if you’re trying to bypass a firewall, otherwise, you sleep in a rustic that restricts VPN usage. It makes your encrypted traffic appear as if regular traffic under deep packet inspection (DPI) in order that nobody can see you’re employing a VPN. Regrettably, it’s only available on Windows, Android, and iOS.

NoBorders Mode:

Trying to urge online during a heavily-censored region, like China? No problems. Surfshark’s NoBorders mode will automatically detect this, and present you with a special list of servers that you simply can hook up with.

Does Surfshark Keep Logs?

Surfshark is headquartered within the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, outside the jurisdiction of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. The privacy policy confirms that Surfshark doesn't collect any usage or connection data.

The provider only stores the subsequent information:

• Your statement email address (used just for customer service purposes)
• Your password (encrypted)
• Basic billing information

Don’t just like the idea of delivering your payment details and exposing your identity? you'll avoid this and luxuriate incomplete anonymity by paying with Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency instead. The only part of the logging guidelines I’m not a lover of is that Surfshark may collect unique advertising identifiers from third parties for marketing purposes and user analytics.

This isn’t a serious concern, however, since you'll reset your advertising identifier or cop-out of this data collection at any time in your app settings.

Overall, Surfshark features a transparent and privacy-friendly logging policy.

None of the subsequent information is collected:

• IP addresses
• Browsing history
• Session information
• Bandwidth used
• Connection time stamps
• Network traffic

Further proof of Surfshark’s trustworthiness is often found in its warrant canary, which may be a way for businesses to legally inform users of secret government requests for personal information.

Surfshark’s warrant canary is fully up so far and available on the website:

Surfshark warrant canary Jan 2020 . Does Surfshark Have an AdBlocker? Surfshark features a built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker called CleanWeb. I deliberately visited sites that are usually full of ads, like Facebook, tweeter. The CleanWeb feature worked was awesome.

Plans and pricing :

As you'd uncover from our dedicated Surfshark price and deals guide, the service's monthly plan is costlier than some, at $12.95, and paying for six months up-front still only cuts the value to $6.49. But the 12 months +12 months free plan seems like a true bargain at $2.49, one of the rock bottom prices we have seen for a full-featured VPN.

Does Surfshark Have a Free Version?

Surfshark doesn’t have a free version, but it does offer a 7-day free trial for mobile users. you'll activate your free trial by downloading the app from Google Play or the Apple App Store.

Surfshark’s Refund Policy :

You get a 30-day, money-back guarantee on all subscriptions. If you submit a refund request within 30 days of signing up, you'll receive a full refund. you'll submit your request via email or live chat. once I tested this, Surfshark asked me a couple of inquiries to determine which aspects of the service I didn’t like.

Is Surfshark Compatible with My Device?

Surfshark is compatible with all major operating systems. It has trait-rich apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Chrome, and Firefox. There also are apps for a few smart TVs, including FireTV and Apple TV. You can use its SmartDNS feature to attach devices that don’t normally support VPN connections, like your Xbox and PlayStation. You'll use SmartDNS to unblock and watch US-based content, but it doesn’t change your IP or encrypt your traffic. I noticed some feature inconsistencies between Surfshark’s apps. for instance, its Windows and Android apps allow you to choose your preferred VPN protocol, but the macOS and iOS apps don’t.

I was relieved to seek out that each one of its apps has an automatic kill switch, CleanWeb, NoBorders mode, and MultiHop. Another wonderful advantage of a Surfshark subscription is that it allows unlimited simultaneous connections. this suggests you'll connect all of your computers, phones, tablets, and other devices, and use all of them at an equivalent time without having to check-in for multiple VPN subscriptions.

Encryption :

Surfshark keeps all users safe with robust AES 256-bit encode and provides optional ChaCha encryption for Android users. It supports OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols, also as Shadowsocks protocol for Windows. Shadowsocks is an open-source encrypted proxy. It’s another helpful tool to bypass strict internet censorship, especially in areas like China.

It’s usually best to stay with an OpenVPN connection for the simplest security. Surfshark’s macOS and iOS apps use IKEv2 by default, but you'll manually configure an OpenVPN connection if you favor.

Windows, iOS, and Android apps allow you to settle on between TCP and UDP OpenVPN connections.

Pricing:

Pro Tip: Surfshark has been twiddling with their prices lately. Check the "always lowest price" page to ascertain the simplest prices available.

Surfshark has several subscription lengths and different price points in order that you'll choose an idea that most closely fits your needs and budget. regardless of which plan you select, you will have access to all or any equivalent premium features.

Discounts are offered on longer subscriptions, which makes the service far more affordable.

There is a 7-day free trial if you download the app from Google Play or the Apple Store, and a 30-day, money-back guarantee.

A variety of payment methods are accepted, including:

• Major credit cards (American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
• PayPal
• Amazon Pay
• Google Pay
• Alipay
• Cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ripple, Ethereum)

Reliability & Support:

If you encounter any issues while using Surfshark, you've got several places to show. The web site features a Help section with installation tutorials, troubleshooting guides, FAQs, and other useful information.

You can also contact Surfshark directly via 24/7 live chat support or a ticket request system. My interaction with Surfshark customer service was positive.

I used the live chat feature, and therefore the representative was fast, friendly, and informative.

Final verdict:

• Surfshark could also be a strong and (initially) low-priced VPN with an array of advanced features.
• Fast and reliable VPN that’s splendid for streaming and torrenting
• Surfshark is particularly worth considering if you’re trying to find a long-term VPN, due to the budget-friendly deals offered on longer subscriptions.

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