SurfShark is one of the younger VPN providers. Even so, the company has gathered a loyal following. With features like no-logging and a built-in kill-switch, SurfShark seems to deserve the positive attention that it is getting. Let’s take a closer look in this brief SurfShark review.
About Surfshark VPN
SurfShark is based in the British Virgin Islands. Its base of operation gives the company a few advantages. Specifically, SurfShark is outside the purview of the so-called 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. There is also a strong no-logging policy maintained by the company. SurfShark is still young compared to many other VPN providers, but they have quickly vaulted to the top of many ratings for VPN service.
SurfShark has made it a point to go right after the big players in the VPN market. It has marketed itself as a speedy solution with many different server locations at a price that can’t be beat. Based on our tests, it appears that SurfShark can back up many of its claims.
Surfshark VPN Privacy & Protection
SurfShark uses the most current security protocols on its network of servers. This means 256-bit AES/OpenVPN, IPSec, and IKEv2. This is definitely a company worth looking into if security and privacy is among your reasons for using a VPN. Some people only care about unblocking Netflix, and SurfShark will do that, but the person that wants anonymity will like SurfShark.
You have to also add in the fact that only a minimum amount of personal data is retained by SurfShark. This includes usernames, emails, and basic payment information. When it comes to logging the activity of individuals, SurfShark VPN account does not keep records of browsing activity, network traffic, bandwidth, or IP addresses.
Tests have also revealed that there are no IP or DNS leak issues to worry about. Torrenting and P2P activity is allowed by SurfShark, so users should always remember that sharing personal information with other individuals online defeats the purpose of using a VPN.
We also like the kill-switch feature as well as other tweaks that are designed to improve the VPNs overall security.
Surfshark VPN Servers & Speed
You would expect any VPN provider that allows torrenting and unlimited streaming to have decent speed. This is an area where SurfShark seems to fall a little short. Testing on the USA Chicago server resulted in download speeds of about 45 Mbps. Using the Japanese server from the US only notched 14 Mbps download speed, and that would make streaming a hit and miss proposition.
To be fair, the download speed of any VPN is going to be affected by your normal ISP speed. A VPN can’t make a slow connection faster. We think that using reliable and fast Internet with SurfShark would be adequate for unblocking those Netflix libraries while you are traveling. It should also be fast enough to use with a gaming console if you so desire.
At the time of this writing SurfShark has a network of over 1,000 VPN servers in 61 different countries. The trend today is to offer the maximum number of servers, and we agree that more choices means better overall service. You should not have a problem accessing content from anywhere in the world when you use the SurfShark VPN. The server coverage is exceptional.
Surfshark VPN Service Pricing
The prices that we have gathered for SurfShark are those offered at the time this review was written. You should always check the provider website for the latest pricing.
The SurfShark VPN rates are:
- $11.95 per month for monthly plan
- $5.99 per month for yearly plan
- $1.99 per month for 2-year plan
The claims the company makes about being the most affordable VPN are a little dubious. There are many good VPN providers out there with plans in this same price range.
Surfshark VPN Verdict
SurfShark VPN merits many of the positive reviews that it has been given. The only area that we found to be over-hyped was the pricing of the VPN. SurfShark is competitive, but that’s about it.
When it comes to security, all the pieces are in place to make SurfShark a reliable VPN. Users also have a wide number of servers to choose from. Those who like using a VPN to torrent and stream media or share files will also like that they are welcome.
Ready to Sign up?
If you got this far, you must be really considering Surfshark VPN. Internet Freedom, Privacy & security just a few clicks away. More VPN Providers Reviews here.