Surfshark VPN Review 2025

Surfshark VPN Review Surfshark 2025 made our list of the best VPNs of 2025 for a number of reasons. You can connect as many devices as you’d like at once. In order to prevent excessive slowdowns in your internet speeds, the double VPN feature selects two nearby locations. Additionally, it’s affordable, particularly if you sign up for two years.

There are dozens of additional reasons, from security features to the ability to stream content from countries other than our own. However, Surfshark was not at the top of our list of the best VPNs. There were a few things that confused us while we were testing Surfshark. similar to how IP addresses are logged. Learn what we liked and didn’t like about our Surfshark experience by reading on.

Surfshark VPN Review 2025

Surfshark VPN Review In 2025, Surfshark VPN is still a great option because of its remarkable blend of low cost, strong security features, and an intuitive user interface. The VPN protects user privacy by prohibiting any data tracking or storing, and it is well-known for its stringent no-logs policy. Users are protected when browsing or streaming by Surfshark’s sophisticated security features, which include AES-256 encryption, MultiHop, and a kill switch.

Its vast server network, which covers more than 100 nations, provides dependable and quick connections for gaming, streaming, and getting around geo-restrictions. It is also a great deal for families or many devices due to its limitless device connections. In 2025, Surfshark will still provide an excellent VPN experience thanks to its emphasis on innovation and frequent updates.

What We like

• Camouflage Mode: Surfshark concealed the fact that we were utilizing a VPN using this option. It’s helpful if you’re in places like China and Russia where VPNs are restricted.
• Strong and adaptable VPN connections: Surfshark provides a range of VPN protocols, including the more recent WireGuard protocol and OpenVPN.
• Unlimited concurrent connections: We weren’t constrained by how many devices we could connect to Surfshark at once.

What We Dislike

• IP address logging: It is not recommended for “no-logs” VPNs that Surfshark log IP addresses.
• located in the Netherlands: As a member of the Nine Eyes, the government has the authority to require Surfshark to divulge client data when required.
• Cost: Surfshark’s monthly plan is expensive at $15.45 per month, but it’s reasonable if you’re purchasing a long-term subscription (one year or more). 

The bottom line

Because of Surfshark’s flexibility, we were able to browse the internet with the assurance that no one could follow us. It is quick and safe. We know we can use Surfshark and still conduct all of our regular online activities thanks to its several VPN protocol options, and you can too.

Surfshark Features Overview

Kill switch	Available
Split tunneling	Available
Servers	3,200+ in 100 countries (all RAM-based)
Obfuscation	Camouflage Mode and NoBorders Mode
VPN protocols	WireGuard and OpenVPN

Background of the Company

Surfshark VPN Review Investigating the background of the VPN provider you intend to work with is always a smart move. You never know; what if, rather than safeguarding your data, they are genuinely trying to make money off of it? Surfshark is in an excellent position because of its location in the Netherlands. The Netherlands respects individual privacy. Nonetheless, the nation is a member of a global group of nations that exchange data. Furthermore, these nations have the power to compel businesses that fall within their purview to provide private client data.

Surfshark’s “no-logs” policy is a wonderful thing. This policy states that it will not record any private browsing information, such as the files you have downloaded or the websites you have visited, while you are using the service. However, Surfshark does record the IP address of users who connect to its VPN, which is concerning. The majority of reliable VPNs don’t do that.

To defend itself, Surfshark removes that data within 15 minutes of your disconnect. A third-party auditing company that examined Surfshark’s servers attested to such.One Additionally, it’s not dangerous to know your IP address alone. Your IP address cannot be used to trace back your VPN activity as long as Surfshark is unaware of the websites you visited. In summary, even though Surfshark logs IP addresses, it is reliable.

Note From Our Experts: Although Surfshark’s IP address logging is acceptable to us, there are better VPNs available that do this better. NordVPN, Private Internet Access, ExpressVPN, and PureVPN are among the top “no-logs” VPNs in our list.

Features of Surfshark

It’s time to learn more about Surfshark as a VPN now that you are familiar with the firm. We saw a VPN that could encrypt web traffic and conceal IP addresses from websites and internet services after testing Surfshark across several devices. Using the DNS and WebRTC leak tests we ran on the VPN, we demonstrated that.

However, this is what we anticipate from any VPNs. Among the many other features that Surfshark offers are the ability to download torrents, unblock geo-locked content, and run certain programs and traffic through its VPN using a regular connection. Let’s take a closer look at each of these security elements.

Streaming and torrenting

Surfshark VPN Review Although VPNs are effective tools for securing your privacy online, they may also be used for more recreational purposes. More than 25% of VPN users use them to access online content that is unavailable to them locally, according to a recent survey we did on the topic. This covers both streaming and torrenting, which is why we have separate sections for the greatest VPNs for streaming and torrenting. Copyright rules in the United States particularly require the usage of a VPN in order to torrent.

We were able to safely pirate non-copyrighted content using Surfshark, which also has other features like camouflage mode to enhance the experience. Most of the time, the speeds were likewise excellent. When we downloaded without a VPN, our torrent downloads didn’t last any longer than they usually do. It’s always a positive indication if the VPN has the technology to deliver fast internet.

We ranked Surfshark as one of the top Netflix VPNs for streaming. It was able to get around Netflix’s VPN detection technologies and quickly altered our Netflix region. We should also note that, in addition to its Android TV apps, Surfshark also has an Apple TV app. Using Surfshark to watch on Netflix and other streaming services like Hulu, Prime Video, and Disney+ is made simple by these built-in apps for smart TVs.

Expert Tip: Gaming consoles like the PlayStation and Xbox are among the many devices with internet access that do not enable VPN software. Surfshark is an excellent choice for these devices because it can be installed on a Windows laptop and used as a virtual router. Another option is to have a separate VPN router, although configuring one requires some technical expertise.

Camouflage and No-Borders Mode

Surfshark VPN Review Obfuscation is another name for camouflage mode, which basically conceals the fact that you are using a VPN. However, why would you require that? Well, since different networks have different restrictions. VPNs, for instance, are strictly regulated in China. If they discover that you are using a VPN that has not been authorized by the government to conceal your surfing behavior, you may face consequences. The issue is that VPNs authorized by the Chinese government allow backdoor access to their networks. Therefore, even if Surfshark isn’t authorized by the Chinese government, it’s one of the VPNs we suggest for people who live or visit China.

On the other side, when Surfshark determines that you are in a restricted nation, NoBorders Mode instantly activates and restricts your server choices to those that are specifically made to get beyond censorship. It is not limited to nations with strong laws. Additionally, it activates when Surfshark notices that your network—such as business and campus networks—may be blocking VPN traffic. Use these features at your own risk, though, as they aren’t infallible. Even better, abide by the law and avoid using a VPN unless it is absolutely required when in a country with restrictions.

Pro Tip: Have an overseas trip coming up? A VPN is a great travel companion. We found Surfshark to be one of the best VPNs for traveling when we’re abroad. The excellent privacy features give us peace of mind when we connect to public hot spots and the hotel Wi-Fi.
when we connect to public hot spots and the hotel Wi-Fi.

Kill switch

Surfshark VPN Review Connections fail. It occurs. However, it also implies that your ISP may be able to see what you do online. To prevent this, a kill switch immediately stops all of your internet traffic. It is therefore an essential VPN feature. Surfshark has one, thank goodness.

During one of our tests, our Wi-Fi unexpectedly dropped, and the kill switch instantly cut off our internet while we waited for Surfshark to reconnect. We were testing torrent downloads at the time, so it’s fortunate that it did. Our ISP could have been concerned if there hadn’t been a kill switch.

Split tunneling

Surfshark VPN Review You can set up specific websites or programs to get beyond Surfshark’s VPN tunnel by using a function called Whitelister. This is helpful if you’re utilizing services like online banking that don’t permit VPN connections. To access the online banking website outside of Surfshark’s VPN tunnel, you can whitelist it rather than disable it, which would jeopardize all other tabs that are open in your browser.

Split tunneling is accessible for Surfshark’s browser extensions via a configuration called bypass list. You can use it to list all the domains and websites you wish to get around Surfshark’s encryption, causing them to connect outside of the encrypted tunnel the next time you visit them.

Dedicated IP Address

Surfshark VPN Review Our subscription did not include this feature, but it is available as an add-on service for an extra $3.75 a month. Although it’s somewhat expensive, you could need it. Using a VPN alters your IP address to match the VPN server’s, as we previously discussed. Typically, you have no control over the IP address that is issued to you. Each time you connect, this will be different. We refer to that as a dynamic IP address.

Additionally, VPN IP addresses are shared, so it’s possible that you and another user will share a VPN IP address if you connect to the same server. For the majority of users, that is acceptable; however, there may be a few minorannoyances. For instance, Google may ask users to complete a CAPTCHA before allowing them to continue if it notices that multiple people are connected to its services using the same IP address. Even worse, a shared IP address can be blocked by websites and Google.

That is resolved by a dedicated IP address. An IP address that is exclusive to you will be provided by Surfshark if you purchase a subscription. The IP address may be located in the Netherlands, the United States, or the United Kingdom. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about IP blacklisting once you have your own VPN IP address.

Pro Tip: When connecting to a private server, such as an FTP server at home or at work, for instance, a dedicated VPN IP address can be helpful. If you’re using a standard VPN, it would be impossible to restrict which IP addresses can connect to these servers. However, you can configure your home or office server to allow your own dedicated IP address to pass through.

Dynamic MultiHop

Surfshark VPN Review Do you want more privacy and security? Often referred to as a double VPN, MultiHop connects you via two VPN servers. That translates to twofold anonymity and double data encryption. Other highly regarded VPNs, such as NordVPN (also known as Double VPN), exhibit the same behavior.

The “Dynamic” feature is what distinguishes Surfshark. The majority of multihopping VPNs have server pairings that have already been chosen. Due to the limited number of server pairs available, this restricts your ability to move your device. For instance, NordVPN currently provides nine multihop server pairings.

You can assign your first and second servers to be utilized for multihopping when you use Surfhark. For the first (entry) server, we advise picking a nearby server; for the second (exit) server, we advise selecting the IP address location of your choice. Compared to conventional multihopping, that will provide you with faster rates.

Alternative ID

Surfshark VPN Review Although this isn’t a VPN feature in and of itself, it does help safeguard your anonymity and privacy. And regardless of the bundle you choose, Surfshark gives you access to this feature.

As its name suggests, Alternative ID accomplishes just that. You are given an alias. For instance, suppose you want to learn about a company’s most recent offers and you sign up for their email newsletter. If you haven’t read their privacy policy, it could be dangerous for you to give your actual name and email address.

They may have inadequate data protection in place, leaving their databases vulnerable to breaches, or they may be selling data to advertising and other third parties.

You can utilize Alternative ID to construct a phony online identity that you can use to register, complete with a name, email address, and even a birthday. Your actual personal information will remain secure in the event of a data breach.

As part of the Surfshark One package, which we’ll talk about next, Surfshark introduced the Alternative ID feature in 2023. However, it made the service available to all Surfshark subscribers in January 2024.

Surfshark One

Surfshark VPN Review Finally, Surfshark One is a comprehensive digital security subscription that offers identity monitoring, antivirus software, a safe search engine, and access to the Surfshark VPN.

By combining these traits, Surfshark One is intended to improve your online privacy and identity protection. You are protected from malware that may be used to steal digital data by the antivirus program. The identity monitoring service actively monitors for online breaches that could potentially expose your personal information.

The secure search engine provides a substitute for well-known search engines like Google that may pose a privacy risk.

There are two levels in Surfshark One. For a two-year subscription, the regular Surfshark One plan costs $3.49. All of the aforementioned features are included in this plan. If you pay for two years, the advanced plan, Surfshark One+, costs $6.49 per month. It improves identity protection by removing personal information from people’s search engines and data broker listings.

FYI: Read our review of Surfshark work to find out more about this surfshark VPN. It was on our list of the top antivirus programs this year.

How Fast Is Surfshark?

Surfshark VPN Review Since your internet data must be encrypted and routed through a VPN server, it’s no secret that utilizing a VPN tends to slow down your internet connection. However, speed loss can be minimized with fast VPNs.

We connected an Acer laptop running Windows 10 and a Macbook Pro running macOS to the VPN and ran a few performance tests to see how fast Surfshark was. Although its performance on the Macbook was superior, it was also quite good on Windows.
However, keep in mind that performance is dependent on numerous factors, including your distance from the server, your device’s make and model, your operating system, the type of browser you’re using, and more.Later, we conducted another test of Surfshark against other VPNs, this time using a more thorough methodology.

Despite not being the fastest, Surfshark performed well, with steady latency, respectable upload speeds, and good download speeds. Our VPN speed test page has more information about this test.

Devices tested on	MacBook Pro 2011	Acer Aspire 5 (Windows 10)
Ping without VPN (in ms)	54	7
Ping with VPN (in ms)	53	199
Ping difference	2%	2742%
Macbook download speed without VPN (in mbps)	16.21	23.69
Download speed with VPN (in mbps)	11.87	19.61
Download speed difference	31%	17%
Upload speed without VPN (in mbps)	22.01	24.09
Upload speed with VPN (in mbps)	24	10.58
Upload speed difference	9%	56%

Logging Policy

Surfshark VPN Review However, that was plenty for us. No, we wanted to see exactly what information Surfshark retained about us and vice versa by reading the tiny print of their privacy policy. Our conclusions?

• What Surfshark logs: In VPNs, there are two kinds of data logging. When you first join up for the service, your email address, membership details, and payment information are typically the data that is logged. All of those are gathered by Surfshark, however they are required in order to create a VPN account. The data logged while utilizing the service, that is, when you are connected to Surfshark, is the second category. Despite having a “no-logs” policy, Surfshark’s servers do save user ID and IP address data, but they only remove it 15 minutes after a session concludes.
• What Surfshark doesn’t log:Our session data, browsing history, connection timings, bandwidth usage while using the VPN, network traffic, etc. were all deleted by Surfshark.

You have excellent reason to be concerned about Surfshark’s IP address tracking. One of a VPN’s primary purposes is to conceal one’s IP address; therefore, if your VPN logs your actual IP address, it negates the whole point of utilizing a VPN.

IP addresses are only stored by Surfshark for a maximum of 15 minutes following the conclusion of a session. That data is not kept on file indefinitely.

In addition, the IP address is useless without other pertinent VPN usage information. A VPN user’s IP address, the VPN server they connected to, and their browsing history from that server are all necessary for tracking them. Surfshark protects the privacy of its users by not recording any of those other kinds of data.

Data	Does Surfshark log it?
IP addresses	Yes, but immediately removes it after a session
Browsing history	No
Session information	No
Used bandwidth	No
Time stamps	No
Network traffic	No
User’s email address	Yes
User’s password	Yes
Payment data	Yes, unless you utilize cryptocurrencies or other anonymous payment methods.

Surfshark Pricing Overview

Surfshark Starter	1 Month	1 Year (+3 Months Free)	2 Years (+3 Months Free)
Total price	$15.45	$41.85	$59.13
Average monthly cost	$15.45	$2.79	$2.19

Surfshark VPN Review You only need to decide whether you want to use Surfshark for a month, a year, or two because all of those memberships offer the same services. If you want to purchase a one-month subscription to Surfshark, it is noticeably expensive. In a year, that $15.45 a month comes to $185. Thankfully, you can choose to pay far less for a one-year or two-year subscription.

It’s important to note that VPN subscriptions typically work like that. For instance, if we look at NordVPN’s pricing, if you buy a two-year plan, the average monthly cost decreases from $12.99 to $3.49. Additionally, we can observe that Surfshark is more cost-effective over the long term, even though its monthly plan costs more than NordVPN’s. Of course, price isn’t the only consideration; for a more thorough analysis of how they stack up, check our Surfshark vs. NordVPN comparison.

FYI: A 15% discount on a Surfshark subscription is available to students who have registered with Student Beans. To receive the best deals, we advise committing for a period of two years.

Conclusion

Surfshark VPN Review For anyone looking for speed, adaptability, and robust online privacy, Surfshark VPN in 2025 turns out to be an outstanding choice. Families or users with multiple devices will love its smooth experience and limitless device connections. You may watch your preferred material or visit websites from any location in the world thanks to its capacity to get around geo-restrictions. Strong security features, including sophisticated encryption, a no-logs policy, and extra tools like CleanWeb to remove trackers and advertisements, are other noteworthy aspects of Surfshark.

Surfshark is a fantastic option for daily online activity because it offers dependable performance and fast connections, whether you’re streaming, gaming, or just surfing. All of this, along with affordable prices and intuitive interfaces, makes Surfshark a versatile VPN that can be used by both novice and experienced users.

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