In 2022, the digital world is simply a cliff. One false move on the internet, and your data and identity might be jeopardised.Many people, however, use Surfshark VPN Reviewto hide their online identities.However, in a market flooded with enticing VPN service options, finding a VPN provider that accomplishes what it claims without making misleading promises is tough.Surfshark, a VPN service provider that promises ultimate protection while being inexpensive, is one such competitor in this industry.
See: Surfshark vs NordVPN, Which VPN is Best in 2022?
Is it able to back up these claims?
Well, I recently put it to the test and purchased a subscription.I’ve been using Surkshark VPN for a few days now, and here is what I have to say about it.I’ll go through the VPN’s top features, speed and performance, ability to access select streaming services, privacy policy, and price in depth.
Review of Surfshark VPN (2022)
While my review will go over all of Surfshark’s features in depth, the section below will give you a quick overview.
However, I strongly advise you to read the complete review to see whether or not this VPN service is a suitable fit for your needs.
Cut to the chase with Surfshark VPN
Surfshark is a VPN service that provides a secure connection and anonymizes all of the user’s browsing activities. It is designed to safeguard an internet user’s privacy and security.Surfshark uses the fastest and most secure WireGuard Protocol to ensure no significant reduction in VPN speed while ensuring online anonymity.Surfshark is an amazing VPN service with a host of extra features including Multi-Hop, Split Tunneling, Kill-Switch, no device restriction, and a nice privacy policy.With pricing starting at $2.5 per month, endorsing Surfshark is a no-brainer.
Pros and Cons of Surfshark VPN
Surfshark, like any other service, has its own set of fantastic perks as well as little annoyances.While I go into length about them in my review below, if you’re short on time, here are the benefits and downsides of the VPN service:
PROS
- Consistent performance and speed
- More options for the browser extension might be used.
- WireGuard Protocol is a fast protocol with viable alternatives.
- Server overload on occasion
- Privacy policies are friendly.
- The CleanWeb function isn’t compatible with all browsers.
Lowest possible pricing
- The VPN’s move to the Netherlands may annoy some users.
- Platform apps that are simple to utilise
- Customer service that is knowledgeable and responsive
Plans & Pricing for Surfshark VPN
When it comes to VPNs, going for the long term is always preferable to paying monthly.Because Surfshark isn’t the only kid on the block, I decided to compare its costs to those of its competitors.However, I was relieved to see that Surfshark offers one of the most reasonably priced VPN services available.Furthermore, once you subscribe, Surfshark activates all premium features rather than withholding part of them (through a distinct ultra-premium plan) in order to extract more money from you.Surfshark’s 2-year subscription gives the best value for money when compared to competitors like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost.
Furthermore, the corporation offers deals on a regular basis with discounts as high as 81 percent.
If you’re hesitant to spend a lot of money on a VPN all at once, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
With that in mind, here’s how much a Surfshark VPN subscription will cost you:
Plan of Subscription Tenure Price
1-month subscription : $12.95
1-year strategy : $47.88 or $3.99/month
2-year strategy : $59.76 or $2.49/month
User Experience with Surfshark VPN
As a typical web user with limited time, I search for programmes that are simple to use while yet performing well.
From the very beginning, Surfshark nails it.I was up and running in under two minutes after a quick download and sign-in.The VPN comes with a single set of programmes for PC, macOS, iOS, Android, and even browser extensions.
Surfshark Mac and Windows Desktop App with two columns
On its applications and extensions, Surfshark uses a basic two-column style.It’s as simple as touching on a country’s name to connect to a server.That’s it.Your connection will be established in a matter of seconds, and you will be in New York.While I would have preferred a map to sift among nations, the list itself is concise, and the countries are represented by flags.
The browser extensions follow the same design idea and provide a convenient method to connect to a VPN tunnel through your browser.However, I recommend using the PC app because it conceals your IP across the board and has additional features.
Settings for surfshark
Even though I had the choice, I appreciated not having to wrestle with settings and protocols.Users who wish to get deeper into the settings can do so by clicking the settings cog in the left sidebar, which will take them to Surfshark’s extensive customization choices.I’ll go through these features in further depth below, but before you ask, Surfshark does include a dark mode.
Apps for Android and iOS
The Surfshark VPN mobile applications for Android and iOS are similarly simple, with a clean and slick design that just works.I was able to examine the finer details at a glance, like my new IP address, encryption status, and more, with a fast tap on a server.
iOS App
The Settings page, like the PC apps, has a lot of settings, but if you don’t want to modify anything, you can just connect and forget about anything else.During my time using these programmes, I didn’t come across any serious problems or difficulties that caused me any inconvenience.My iOS app had problems connecting to a Boston server twice, but that minor issue didn’t happen again.
Surfshark’s no-nonsense approach will appeal to regular people who wish to connect to a VPN server without jumping through hoops.It simplifies a potentially aggravating procedure.
Countries and Server Locations Supported
Surfshark has over 3200 servers in 65 locations, giving you a lot of options when it comes to VPN connections.
The servers are RAM-only and run on the most recent updates, wiping themselves once no data is stored.
If speed is a concern, be assured that Surfsark offers at least a single 1GBps connection, with more being added daily.
Surfshark has spread out its servers all around the world when it comes to location.There are several servers available in Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.While you might run across a busy server once a week, the large number of servers available means you can quickly move to another and still have a fast and safe experience.
Performance and Speed
It doesn’t matter how nicely a corporation packages a product if it doesn’t work.I chose to connect to 5 different servers across the world to check if the Surfshark VPN could genuinely provide me a respectable connection speed (London, New York, Tokyo, Singapore, and Hong Kong).It was now time to put the shark to the test, using a connection that enables native download and upload rates of 387 Mbps and 304 Mbps, respectively.
- Speeds of Surfshark VPN
- Download and upload speeds are native.
- Speeds of Surfshark VPN
Download And Upload Speeds Are Native
Download and upload speeds are native.Note that VPN connection speeds fluctuate depending on your ISP connection and server status at any given time, so expect a slight rise or drop in connection speed when you join.The VPN service handled everything with ease, and my connection remained exceptionally fast.In Singapore, my download speed never dropped below 320 Mbps, and my upload speed increased by 10 Mbps.The link was established in a matter of seconds and was steady.I also tested the VPN connection for packet loss by playing Apex Legends, Fortnite, and even GeForce NOW while connected.I did not have any packet loss, which was something I was concerned about.
The loss of almost 50% of my speed is the first thing I expect when connecting to a VPN.Surfshark VPN’s servers and speed retention to even remote regions, on the other hand, have pleased me.If you’re connected to a place to hide your online identity, you can practically turn on Surfshark and forget about it because the performance will be near to native.
Performance that is consistent across protocols
Surfshark’s use of the innovative, fast, and secure WireGuard Protocol is one of the reasons for the high speed and consistent connection.This allowed me to connect to whatever server I wanted while maintaining the same high-speed Internet experience I’d grown to expect.
Surfshark with wireguard
While any VPN user worth their salt would utilise WireGuard, Surfshark also supports IKEv2 and OpenVPN (TCP & UDP), all of which work admirably depending on the distance to the server and the server load at the moment.
However, I would recommend changing the Protocol to “Automatic” and letting the VPN handle the rest, as Surfshark seems to utilise the best possible configuration on its own.
Surfshark is a VPN built for speed, with over 3200 server locations and fast speeds all around the world.While utilising multiple protocols may alter your experience, I appreciated Surfshark’s overall consistency and reliability when it came to connecting and anticipating adequate bandwidth from a VPN service.
Is Surfshark a Good Browser for Everyone?
Surfshark is as simple to use as you’d imagine when it comes to regular browsing.You may access the Internet by simply selecting your preferred nation and opening a web browser.Websites identify you from the virtual nation you’re currently in and display settings accordingly.Furthermore, if you live in an area where VPN ports are blocked, you don’t have to worry since Surfshark’s Camouflage aka Obfuscation mode may enable you access while utilising the OpenVPN protocols.
The constant adverts that do not go away are a major issue when perusing the internet.When you’re connected to the VPN, Surfshark includes a handy “Clean Web” function that filters all adverts, trackers, and even viruses.While this worked perfectly on Chrome, I did notice an ad or two in Opera, so it may still be in need of improvement.
You may have even more privacy when using the VPN on your phone by enabling GPS override and faking your position.When it comes to casual Internet use and accessing geo-locked websites and applications, though, Surfshark shines.
Surfshark Streaming Performance
Surfshark is known for unblocking over 30 Netflix libraries worldwide, as well as a slew of other streaming services.
As a Netflix subscriber, I decided to put it to the test and connected to VPN servers in Japan, Canada, Australia, France, the United States, and the United Kingdom.When it came to streaming Netflix movies and TV programmes from all around the world, Surfshark excelled.The PC version had a bug that prevented me from connecting at first, but I was able to repair it by restarting the software.
During the streaming, there was no change in quality or performance, and Netflix did not detect the use of a VPN.
I had pleasure viewing Japan-exclusive Netflix episodes and anime while sitting in India now that I had geo-locked shows at my disposal.I didn’t stop there, though.Other services I tried out Surfshark on were Disney+, AppleTV, BBC iPlayer, HBO Now, and even YouTube TV.My whole experience was fantastic, and I experienced no speed degradation or the need to wait for the video to buffer, as I had previously.
Considering Surfshark has no device limit, I was able to do so for all three of my devices at the same time.If you’re a serial binger searching for unrestricted access to international TV and movies, Surfshark’s exceptional streaming performance will accomplish just that.
Surfshark VPN: How Safe Is It?
Surfshark is created in such a manner that you don’t have to be concerned about security.Nobody can see what you’re doing online, regardless of which server you’re connected to.Surfshark’s audited no-logs policy powers it.
This implies that the VPN retains no logs of your online activities, including what you do, download, or your IP address.Cure53 testers have examined Surfshark twice to check if these claims are still valid, and they are.
Policy of no logs
The firm used to be based in the British Virgin Islands, but has since moved its headquarters to the Netherlands.
While the Netherlands is part of the Nine-Eyes Alliance, the VPN provider claims it is not obligated to log any of our data, therefore the no-logs policy remains in place.Users also benefit from RAM-Only servers, which ensure that no data is physically collected and that all data is deleted after usage.Some of the Safety Surfshark features that attracted me, aside from the fantastic no-logs policy, were:
Protocols for encryption and tunnelling
Encryption is the process of encrypting data so that it is unreadable by others.Surfshark, like other VPN services, supports data encryption.However, instead of the normal AES-256 encryption, the Surfshark VPN provides AES-256-GCM, which is a more secure and updated kind of encryption.So don’t be concerned about the security of the information you provide.
Despite the fact that I mentioned the different protocols Surfshark offers, they are easy to recall due to their overwhelming performance.WireGuard, which Surfshark employs in most circumstances, is the most contemporary and quickest.If you do decide to acquire a VPN subscription, the business advises that your mileage may vary, so try out several protocols to discover the best match.
Multi-Hopping Enhances Security
Multi-Hop is one of my favourite security features in Surfshark.It enables you to connect to two distinct VPN servers at the same time, enhancing your security.Because the connection is rerouted to a new server, even if a malevolent individual manages to monitor the server you’re connected to, they won’t know your personal information.A list of Multi-Hop servers is already available in the Surfshark app, which you may connect to with a single click.If the VPN is blocking your required sites, you may utilise the built-in Bypasser (also known as split-tunneling), which will redirect specific internet traffic without the usage of a VPN.
leakage of DNS
Because I was concerned about the VPN leaking DNS requests, I decided to investigate more.Using a DNS Leak Test, I discovered that Surfshark VPN was incredibly secure, leaking none of my data.
Kill-Switch
Surfshark, like other VPNs, offers a kill-switch option that turns off your Internet unless you’re connected to one.
This is especially useful for preventing your true digital identity from being exposed.This function used to knock off Internet access even when the VPN was switched down intentionally.Surfshark has improved since then.Kill-Switch to turn it on only if the connection is lost.If you do important work online, the kill-switch is a must-have.
For Once, a Clear Privacy Policy
If you can’t trust a corporation, it’s useless.Most services include terms of service and privacy rules that will put you to sleep.So you don’t have to, I combed through Surfshark’s privacy policy looking for irregularities.I was pleasantly pleased, to say the least.Jargon and needless terminology are not used by the firm.Instead, the language has been broken down into easy English, so that the typical user can read and comprehend it.To summarise, Surfshark pledges not to gather sensitive information such as IP addresses, browsing history, traffic, or total network usage.
As a result, you may use this VPN without worrying about timestamps or data breaches.The firm does, however, gather some data, such as anonymised analytical data and account information.This is required to get the service up and running, but never more.You may even contact Surfshark to have their data modified or restricted further.The firm also does not employ third-party cookies, which is great to know.So, in terms of services, Surshark is rather open about it, as seen by their website and products.
Customer Service and User Reviews
You’re not alone if you think I’m overly enthusiastic about Surfshark.If you look around online, you’ll see that this VPN is frequently praised by both users and reviews.Given this VPN’s performance, this isn’t surprising.
But what happens if you have an issue with Surfshark?
Center for assistance
Surfshark offers excellent customer service, including a comprehensive knowledge base, live chat assistance 24 hours a day, and email support if needed.My search through the knowledge base was quick because the data dump had solutions to a wide range of inquiries.There is a separate area called ‘Surfschool’ that offers guides to everything about the service.If I had a specific query, such as how to utilise Surfshark’s Smart DNS on my PS5, I would put it into the search box and see if it had already been answered.
Intelligent DNS
When I didn’t, the support group was merely a few clicks away, and after some typical troubleshooting queries, I was able to talk with Sharbot or even obtain an agent.My questions were generally answered fast and effectively.While I had no downtime while using Surfshark, it’s comforting to know that excellent help is there if I need it.
Do you want more? Purchase Surfshark One
While the Surfshark VPN is a terrific offer in and of itself, there is even more if you are ready to spend a little more.
Surfshark One, which was just introduced, is a new service that may help you better safeguard your data and stay safe online.Surfshark Alert, Surfshark Search, and the new Surfshark Antivirus are all included with Surfshark One.
Surfshark Alert allows you to safeguard your most sensitive information, such as personal identification numbers, identification cards, passwords, and even credit cards.It will notify you quickly if there is a data breach involving your information, so you may take appropriate action.
Surfshark Search is a search engine that only shows organic results and is free of trackers.This search engine is quickly becoming one of the most popular Google alternatives.Finally, Surfshark Antivirus guards your computer against viruses and malware.You may have the VPN plus all of the above-mentioned services in one package by adding an additional $1.5 to your Surfshark subscription.So, if you want to be as safe as possible, you should acquire Surfshark One.
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