A quick VPN for informal customers

Surfshark is without doubt one of the youngest main VPNs, nevertheless it’s grown quickly over the past seven years. Since 2018, it is expanded its community to 100 international locations, added a set of apps to its Surfshark One package deal and experimented with superior touches like servers that continuously rotate your IP handle.

Previously a funds VPN, Surfshark continues to be fairly reasonably priced however the price of a one-month subscription is approach too excessive. As of late, it is extra taken with innovation than affordability. Its options might not all the time be cutting-edge — Nexus is principally Tor and Everlink is a barely higher kill swap — nevertheless it’s uncommon to seek out both carried out so effectively in a business VPN. Plus, obtain and add speeds are unbelievable.

All of it provides as much as the most effective VPNs for informal customers, even when in comparison with others in its weight class. However these already deeply conversant in VPNs may journey over some facets. For this assessment, I studied 11 totally different angles on Surfshark’s service, some by hands-on checks and others with old style journalism. Take a look at the sections most essential to you, then head to the top for my remaining verdict.

Editor’s observe (9/25/25): We have overhauled our VPN protection to offer extra detailed, actionable shopping for recommendation. Going ahead, we’ll proceed to replace each our best VPN list and particular person opinions (like this one) as circumstances change. Most not too long ago, we added official scores to all of our VPN opinions. Take a look at how we test VPNs to be taught extra concerning the new requirements we’re utilizing.

Desk of contents

Findings at a look

This desk summarizes every thing I found about Surfshark. For particulars on any bullet level, see its part within the full assessment.

Putting in, configuring and utilizing Surfshark

For this part, I will be going over the way it feels to make use of Surfshark. I will have a look at how straightforward or troublesome it’s to put in, what it’s a must to do to set it up and whether or not the consumer interface (UI) helps out or will get in the best way on every platform.

Home windows

Surfshark is straightforward to obtain and set up on Home windows. You may get it by the Microsoft retailer, however going instantly by the Surfshark web site makes certain you could have the newest and most full model. The downloader asks you to click on “Sure,” however principally handles itself, and finally ends up in a short while.

The primary level that may divide informal customers and VPN veterans comes when you open the app for the primary time. Surfshark insists on taking you thru a guided setup course of for all its options. That is extraordinarily useful should you’ve by no means used a VPN earlier than. If in case you have, its repeated insistence on sending you thru the tour can get aggravating.

This sample repeated itself as I went by the app. The entrance web page is sensibly organized and organized so I might see all of the details and settings — nevertheless it stays approach too reliant on unskippable pop-ups to offer info. Messages appeared after I tried to cancel a caught connection, after I turned settings on and off and even after I tried to shut the app. It is normally essential info, however displaying a message that freezes each different button is a nasty transfer.

It is a disgrace, as a result of every thing else works fantastic. The settings tabs do an admirable job of packing a number of, semi-related apps right into a single UI. Simply take observe that numerous stuff is enabled by default, together with auto-connect and NoBorders, which can make the VPN behave in methods you do not want.

Mac

Surfshark’s app for macOS is usually the identical as its Home windows app, for higher or worse. It is obtained the identical split-second obtain and set up and the identical clear group of tabs with well-explained options. It is also obtained the identical relentless popups, settings on by default and sometimes sticky connections. If it will get hung up at 95 p.c, simply wait — it is nonetheless working.

Android

The Surfshark Android app, obtainable by the Google Play Retailer, is prepared after you merely obtain and login. It would not reinvent the wheel, however Surfshark’s design language seems to be very straightforward to compress into cell — besides that it is dark-mode by default, whereas all the opposite three are gentle. I discovered every thing I wanted inside moments. Android even removes virtually all of the full-screen stop-everything notifications.

One factor to pay attention to: while you begin up the Android app, the VPN is seen, however the touchdown web page consists of all of the options of Surfshark One. To get the VPN-only entrance web page, click on the arrow throughout from “VPN” on the high of the display screen. That mentioned, you are able to do virtually every thing you want to do regardless of which web page you are on.

iOS

It is uncommon to see an enormous distinction between a VPN’s apps on the 2 cell platforms, however Surfshark switches up its design from Android to iOS. All the pieces now lives in 4 tabs on the underside of the window. The settings tab is nice, largely as a result of it appears to be like like how preferences do on Mac and Home windows.

The primary VPN window is a bit jankier. It really works fantastic, however with a view to make the server listing continuously seen (pointless IMO), it relegates the precise VPN connection to a floating field that appears like an afterthought. It even features a button to open the server listing that is already open. I freely admit that is only a private criticism, nevertheless it nonetheless baffles me.

Browser extensions

Surfshark’s browser extensions for Firefox and Chromium are virtually clones of its desktop apps, with just a few variations. The Alert tab tells you if the location you are on has suffered a safety breach not too long ago. CleanWeb 2.0 is the principle motive so as to add Surfshark to your browser; it is a a lot stronger blocker that even works on some video insert advertisements.

Surfshark velocity check: Tremendous quick with some latency

All VPNs add to your internet browser’s workload, so it is regular to see speeds drop. The perfect VPNs handle to maintain the drops as small as doable. I used speedtest.net to see how rapidly my obtain speeds declined at six of Surfshark’s server places — that is a measure of how briskly a browser can load internet pages, buffer movies and obtain giant recordsdata.

I additionally regarded for latency, which impacts real-time communication with one other server (essential for avid gamers) and add velocity, which impacts how rapidly your gadget can ship knowledge (essential for torrenting). My outcomes are within the desk.

By way of obtain and add speeds, Surfshark is the quickest VPN I’ve examined to date, beating out ExpressVPN, Proton VPN and NordVPN — and none of these are precisely sluggish. If you happen to have a look at the Indonesia row, you will see I truly obtained the next add velocity than I did with out the VPN lively. That in all probability has extra to do with pure fluctuations from my ISP than something Surfshark did, nevertheless it nonetheless signifies how little this VPN weighs down your looking.

Latency is extra of a blended bag. Jumps in ping time are anticipated throughout lengthy distances, however I additionally noticed a pretty big soar on a server in the identical state as me. Surfshark will not be excellent for fast-paced on-line video games, however its speeds are nearly good for some other process.

Surfshark safety check: Easy however efficient protocols

To find out whether or not Surfshark can hold you secure, I will be three components: whether or not it makes use of safe and up-to-date VPN protocols, whether or not any of these protocols leak your IP handle and whether or not encryption is being utilized to all knowledge packets. The primary is a matter of researching the expertise, however I’ve run sensible checks for the opposite two.

VPN protocols

Surfshark makes use of the VPN protocols WireGuard, OpenVPN (over TCP or UDP) and IKEv2. All of those are field-tested protocols that depend on uncracked encryption and confirmed authentication strategies. There is no proprietary protocol with shady supply code, nor any outdated legacy choices that may pose a danger should you choose them. My solely criticism is that OpenVPN is not obtainable on Mac.

Every of those protocols does the identical factor: set up communication between your gadget, VPN servers and the web. They deal with the steps in a different way, however the common consumer is just more likely to see small variations. If one protocol is not working, you may swap to a different — or simply choose the automated protocol choice choice, which labored fantastic throughout my checks. If you wish to choose for your self, use the desk under for reference.

Leak check

Subsequent, I picked 5 of the servers I did not use for the velocity check and checked all of them for 3 totally different sorts of leaks utilizing ipleak.net. Surfshark has its personal DNS servers, so DNS leaks are unlikely — these normally come from a VPN utilizing public servers to resolve DNS requests. As anticipated, DNS requests did not reveal my IP handle in any of the checks.

There’s extra potential for IPv6 leaks, as Surfshark would not assist IPv6. It recommends turning it off as an alternative, and has guides on doing that. To totally put Surfshark by its paces, although, I ran my checks with IPv6 nonetheless lively on my laptop. On all 5 servers, the IPv6 check couldn’t run. This means that Surfshark actively blocks IPv6, which (till extra of the web begins operating on the brand new protocol) is a fantastic approach to forestall IPv6 leaks.

The leak testing device additionally checks for WebRTC leaks, so I ran every check with a Google Meet name lively, however that did not leak both. Briefly, Surfshark did not spring a leak regardless of what number of instances I poked it. I am ready to name it watertight.

Encryption check

To be completely certain I used to be recommending a secure VPN, I used WireShark (no relation) and HTTP Forever to see whether or not its encryption works. From inspecting the information stream earlier than and after connecting to a Surfshark server, it is clear that encryption is really being utilized. Have a look for your self — the truth that you may’t get any info from the screenshot means the VPN protocol is working.

How a lot does Surfshark price?

Surfshark is a part of a set of safety merchandise — so much like its sister model NordVPN, however with the choices per tier a little bit extra coherent. It is available in three subscription sorts, every of which is obtainable at three durations. The desk under exhibits the entire vary of prices.

Notice that the 24-month plans are introductory solely. You possibly can solely renew for one month or 12 months. The costs under additionally think about further months you will get while you join the primary time, which are not obtainable in renewals.

Surfshark’s worth drops steeply from its shortest to its longest subscriptions. $15.45 is approach overpriced (even for a service we fairly like), however $1.99 monthly is concerning the least you will pay for any VPN value recommending. The soar from Starter (which solely consists of the VPN service) to One (which incorporates every thing else besides Incogni) can also be tiny on the 12-month plan — solely an additional $0.20.

Surfshark is sort of actually doing this to juice lively consumer numbers — however that does not imply you may’t make the most of it. To our thoughts, the 12-month subscription to Surfshark One is extraordinarily good worth, offered you already know you need Surfshark VPN.

Each plan comes with a 30-day money-back assure. At any level earlier than 30 days have elapsed, you can begin a stay chat dialog to get your a reimbursement. That is solely allowed as soon as each six months.

You may also get a free trial for seven days by putting in the Surfshark app from the Apple or Android app retailer, creating an account, then selecting the plan that features the 7-day free trial. Nevertheless, since it’s a must to enter a cost methodology for this — and it is not accessible on Home windows — the 30-day interval is usually extra handy.

Surfshark aspect apps and bundles

This is what you may get from Surfshark except for its VPN service. So as to hold our give attention to the VPN, we did not have time to scrupulously check all these, however we have included the essential info that can assist you make your determination.

Different ID

Different ID is included together with VPN service in a Surfshark Starter plan. It consists of two options: masked electronic mail generator and private element generator.

Masked electronic mail generator provides you a random electronic mail handle that sends all messages alongside to your actual inbox. Because it auto-forwards every thing, an electronic mail masks is not for lowering spam. As an alternative, it enables you to hold your actual electronic mail handle secret when signing up for on-line providers — since offering your precise handle runs the chance of leaking it. For an additional $2.89 monthly, it’s also possible to get an alternate cellphone quantity that works equally.

Private element generator creates pretend names, addresses and birthdays you should utilize to enroll in any web sites you are unsure about. Be sure you use it together with the VPN, or your IP handle will reveal the precise particulars. It additionally may be useful for randomly producing your subsequent RPG character.

Surfshark Antivirus

Surfshark Antivirus is included in Surfshark One and One+ subscriptions. It might scan recordsdata as you obtain them and also can scan your entire system for malware, checking in opposition to an inventory of undesirable applications it claims to replace each three hours.

AV-Take a look at gave it a perfect score in safety. A high rating (6 out of 6) means Surfshark Antivirus caught one hundred pc of malware thrown at it, each identified threats and zero-day assaults. It additionally obtained an ideal usability rating for completely avoiding false positives, and a 5.5 out of 6 on efficiency — it had practically no influence on downloading apps or copying recordsdata, however slowed down standard web sites by round 30 p.c on common.

Surfshark Alert

Surfshark Alert, which can also be a part of Surfshark One and One+, scans the data launched in knowledge breaches to see if any of your essential knowledge has been compromised. It might verify for electronic mail addresses, usernames, passwords, bank card numbers and authorities IDs. It might additionally warn you when malware in your laptop is able to stealing your knowledge.

Surfshark Search

You may get entry to Surfshark Search, a search engine akin to Google, with a One or One+ subscription. It gives an a variety of benefits over Google, together with being completely ad-free (a perk of being backed by subscription). You may also change the area from which you get outcomes. Surfshark claims that every one outcomes are completely natural, with no trackers or studying from logged searches.

Incogni

Incogni, an automatic knowledge removing service, is the one characteristic restricted to Surfshark One+ plans. It searches knowledge brokerages to see if they’ve any of your info, then contacts them so that you can request they purge the information. Brokers do not need to honor all deletion requests, nevertheless it by no means hurts to attempt. Incogni retains looking so long as your subscription is lively, so it may routinely ship a number of requests to the identical dealer if vital.

Saily eSIM

A number of VPNs now present their customers with Saily eSIM reductions, which can be utilized to get common cellphone service in international international locations. Surfshark grants varied reductions by the coupon code surfshark5, which seems to be usable even with no Surfshark account.

Shut-reading Surfshark’s privateness coverage

Surfshark’s privateness coverage exhibits us its outward perspective towards consumer privateness. Whereas it is doable for a VPN supplier to lie outright in its posted coverage, they like to not for legal responsibility causes. An unreliable service will as an alternative use loopholes, vagueries and incomplete statements to make privateness guarantees it would not plan on maintaining.

In contrast, a VPN service value your cash might be as particular as doable about any exceptions to its no-logs coverage. I learn Surfshark’s whole privateness coverage to see which sort of VPN it’s — no small feat, because it’s effectively over 5,000 phrases lengthy. The web page consists of summaries, however they’re pared down a little bit too far to be helpful, so it is into the total textual content I am going.

Surfshark is predicated within the Netherlands, which makes it topic to the European Union’s Normal Knowledge Safety Regulation (GDPR). That is excellent news, since GDPR does not permit any company to retain data with out justifying it. The Netherlands is probably going a part of the 9 Eyes intelligence-sharing settlement, however businesses cannot spy on a VPN’s customers except that VPN is already saving activity logs — and whether it is, it is obtained a lot larger issues than the place it is primarily based.

Surfshark’s whole server community runs on RAM-only infrastructure, so any saved exercise is erased at common intervals. Even higher, the coverage is evident that your exercise on any server is deleted inside quarter-hour. If we take Surfshark at its phrase, there’s little or no motive to fret about servers being seized or searched.

Meaning the one danger is that Surfshark itself may make the most of its entry to your info. It does, sadly, declare the proper to view info gathered by third-party trackers, such because the cookies utilized by social media websites to trace advert efficiency. However none of these trackers are watching what you do while you use the VPN, nor digging into your precise looking exercise — which, as we have seen, would not exist after quarter-hour.

Impartial privateness audits

Though we will not conclusively confirm any VPN’s privateness coverage, since that entails the logically inconceivable feat of proving a adverse, we will get very shut by checking unbiased audits. Third-party auditors can confirm a VPN’s public statements by a mix of interviews, doc assessment and instantly tinkering with the infrastructure.

Surfshark handed its most up-to-date audit in June 2025, which — at time of writing — leaves little or no room for interference. Deloitte, the audit agency, concluded that “the configuration of IT programs and administration of the supporting IT operations is correctly ready, in all materials respects in accordance with the Surfshark’s description set out within the Appendix I.”

I checked that description and located that it matches as much as Surfshark’s public privateness coverage. So, as a lot as we will say that any VPN is personal, Surfshark is personal. It might not cease all personalised advertisements, however it’ll at the least hold your private info secret.

Can Surfshark change your digital location?

If you happen to primarily want a VPN for streaming, that is the part for you. Right here, I check whether or not Surfshark can change your location convincingly sufficient so that you can see content material from different international locations, with out getting caught and blocked by streaming platforms.

The process is straightforward: I choose 5 check places, join to a few totally different servers in every and cargo Netflix. If I get in cleanly with out error messages, and truly see totally different exhibits than I’d with no VPN, I will know Surfshark convincingly modified my location. (As a reminder, when unblocking with any VPN, all the time be sure you’re logged into your streaming account first.)

Surfshark carried out extraordinarily effectively on this check, not solely unblocking each location at the least twice but additionally sustaining quick sufficient speeds to maintain the movies from stuttering. The one failure was that one server in Japan obtained spied out as a VPN and blocked. Nevertheless, merely disconnecting and reconnecting was sufficient to get me over the hurdle.

Any failure to alter digital location counts in opposition to a VPN, however even the perfect providers cannot hold their servers off one hundred pc of blocklists. NordVPN, one other top-five VPN, scored the same 14/15. So far as I am involved, that is a passing grade for streaming — but when it is a dealbreaker for you, keep in mind ExpressVPN and Proton VPN each have good scores.

Investigating Surfshark’s server community

Surfshark has a complete of 100 server places in 141 international locations. Of these places, 47 are digital and 92 are bodily. A digital VPN server provides you an obvious digital location totally different from the place it is actually situated. There’s little safety tradeoff, however speeds might differ relying on how far you might be from the server’s precise place. The one rely in opposition to Surfshark right here is that it would not make clear the place its digital servers are actually situated, so utilizing them is a velocity crapshoot.

The desk under exhibits the proportions of server places in every area, so you may determine whether or not Surfshark is more likely to be helpful for the place you might be. You will discover a full listing on Surfshark’s website, although solely the apps present which servers are literally digital.

These numbers are fascinating in just a few methods. First, Surfshark’s server community is just about one-third digital, the bottom proportion of any main VPN I’ve reviewed to date. There’s additionally no continent with no single bodily server. This makes Surfshark an excellent alternative to ensure usable web speeds whereas globetrotting.

As standard, servers are principally in Europe and North America, though there is a truthful quantity of Asia represented by the digital places. Surfshark is newer than most of its opponents, so it is spectacular that it is constructed such an in depth community in half the time. The desk reveals a VPN service that is taken with increasing, however will not achieve this on the expense of building high quality places that really work.

Further options of Surfshark

Surfshark units itself aside from the VPN pack with a number of options, some seen to the consumer and a few working behind the scenes. Principally, its options are acquainted ideas carried out effectively, reasonably than outright improvements like NordVPN’s Meshnet — however there’s numerous chance for thrilling new instructions.

Underlying expertise: Surfshark Nexus and Everlink

Surfshark has two technological improvements beneath the hood that make its VPN comparatively distinctive. The primary is Nexus, which has been lively since 2022. Nexus connects all Surfshark’s servers collectively right into a tighter community than most VPNs use. All its servers are nodes in an internet of interconnected paths, a lot like the Tor network, besides proprietary to 1 firm.

While you select a server location, you are solely choosing the final node in a sequence. Surfshark software program selects the entry level and the trail to your chosen exit. This provides each consumer extra choices for a working connection path, and permits Surfshark to recurrently rotate your obvious IP handle so exercise on one masked id cannot hint again to you. It is also what makes it doable to choose the 2 steps in a double-hop connection (see “Dynamic MultiHop” under).

Everlink is a more recent expertise that Surfshark calls a “self-healing VPN infrastructure.” Any time you are linked to Surfshark by the WireGuard protocol, you are additionally linked to Everlink — a parallel infrastructure that watches your VPN connection. If it ever drops, Everlink immediately reconnects you to a different server close by, theoretically so quick you will not discover the outage.

That is principally one step up from a kill swap. As an alternative of reducing off your connection, Everlink switches it to the following server as an alternative. This makes it troublesome to check — the best way to verify a kill swap is to simulate a server drop by reducing off your personal web connection, which makes Everlink’s operate inconceivable. Nevertheless, I can at the least say I am cautiously enthusiastic about Everlink’s potential energy to negate server drops.

Limitless simultaneous connections

One factor you will recurrently hear about Surfshark is that it places no limits on what number of gadgets can join by your account. In principle, one subscription is sufficient for you, your family and any pals that wish to borrow it.

In observe, although, “limitless” is a stretch. A support article acknowledges that some folks might abuse the privilege by reselling entry, or by masking unlawful botnet exercise behind a whole lot of Surfshark connections.

The article would not explicitly say Surfshark will restrict or ban abusers, however questions to the support team revealed that an account could possibly be locked if an automatic system detects fraud. If you happen to use a excessive variety of simultaneous connections, even legitimately, you could possibly be flagged — although you could possibly unlock your account by telling customer support what occurred.

Bypasser cut up tunneling

Bypasser enables you to cut up your web connection so sure apps or web sites undergo the VPN whereas others stay exterior. This will get you higher speeds on websites and apps that do not contain any delicate info. Additionally, every time a service requires your actual IP handle, you may hold utilizing the VPN for every thing else. Torrenting is a basic use case — you may hold BitTorrent protected within the background whilst you do one thing innocuous with out VPN safety, bettering speeds for each processes.

Bypasser cut up tunneling is obtainable on all of Surfshark’s desktop and cell purchasers, although iOS customers can solely cut up by web site, not by app. Home windows and Android customers also can select between two types of cut up: “Bypass VPN,” which retains all listed websites and apps exterior the VPN tunnel, and “Route through VPN,” by which solely the listed websites and apps keep inside the VPN tunnel.

Dynamic MultiHop

Many VPNs have a double-hop choice, which routes connections by two VPN servers to maintain you protected in case one breaks. Nevertheless, most of them limit you to set paths of two servers. Surfshark is the one VPN that permits you to select each steps, due to Nexus pre-establishing paths between all of the servers.

For the perfect efficiency, I like to recommend choosing an entry node close to your actual location, then selecting your exit node primarily based on what you want to unblock. If you happen to aren’t unblocking something particularly, your greatest wager is to easily select two nodes in your personal nation.

Camouflage Mode obfuscation

VPN obfuscation refers to VPNs hiding the truth that they’re VPNs in any respect — so not solely is your IP handle not your actual one, nevertheless it would not seem to have been modified. Surfshark’s obfuscation known as Camouflage Mode. So long as you are linked through OpenVPN, it is lively routinely. So, should you suspect an outdoor firewall is stopping you from getting on-line whereas operating Surfshark, switching to OpenVPN may resolve the issue.

NoBorders mode

NoBorders is an alternative choice for getting on-line with Surfshark beneath exterior restrictions, particularly these imposed by whole governments (just like the Nice Firewall of China). If Surfshark detects restrictions on web utilization, NoBorders prompts and switches you to a server well-placed to get round these restrictions — for instance, an IP handle from the following nation over.

The issue with NoBorders is that it is lively by default, which can limit you to sure servers when you do not want the assistance. I like to recommend switching NoBorders off within the settings for higher efficiency. It might activate once more if it detects doable restrictions, so verify the setting once more should you discover your speeds slower than standard.

CleanWeb

CleanWeb, Surfshark’s advert blocker, is obtainable in two kinds. The essential model of CleanWeb, which blocks banner advertisements and trackers, comes with all Surfshark apps.

CleanWeb 2.0 comes as a browser extension, which suggests it solely works in-browser. Nevertheless, it is a a lot stronger blocker, able to cancelling video advertisements on streaming and YouTube. It additionally routinely rejects non-vital cookies on each website so you do not have to click on the button — which I appreciated, as my ADHD mind is well distracted by pop-ups.

Static and devoted IPs

Surfshark provides you an inventory of static IP addresses at no further cost, one other rarity amongst main VPNs. A static IP means you will have the identical handle each time you connect with the VPN, so you will not look suspicious for recurrently opening the identical service with a unique IP. With out this, you will end up hitting CAPTCHAs extra typically. You may also hold your own home gadget linked to a static IP server and use that to entry your own home community remotely.

For an additional price, Surfshark additionally gives devoted IPs, that are the identical as static IPs besides you are the one particular person utilizing them. Typically, a static IP can get blocked due to one unhealthy consumer’s habits; a non-public devoted IP removes that danger.

Different options

Just a few different options are value noting. Surfshark has a kill swap that cuts off your web connection in case your VPN server ever drops — that is largely out of date with Everlink, however stays within the background as an additional precaution. You possibly can set the VPN to attach routinely besides on trusted networks, and may select the placement to which it auto-connects.

If you want to briefly work with out the VPN, you may pause Surfshark for 5 minutes, half-hour or two hours. Lastly, Android customers can have their VPN server override their GPS location, shifting it to wherever their IP handle is presently. You clearly do not wish to use this whereas your cellphone is navigating you someplace, however in any other case it is helpful for privateness.

Surfshark buyer assist choices

Surfshark features a few hyperlinks to troubleshooting pages instantly within the app, a tantalizingly unfinished characteristic. If you happen to go to the settings tab and click on Get Assist after which Browse Guides, you will see a number of hyperlinks to FAQ articles concerning the model of the VPN shopper you are utilizing. Clicking any hyperlink opens the web page in your default browser. Leaping instantly from the app to the related information is absolutely handy, but when your downside is not one of many 5 commonest, you are out of luck — simply click on Extra Guides to go to the principle assist web page.

When you’re right here, you will discover a useful set of articles that make good design selections to place the common consumer comfortable. “Getting began” consists of setup guides for each Surfshark app, with plentiful screenshots. Assist articles are successfully written from the consumer’s perspective. As an alternative of technical descriptions of issues, they begin with matters like “I can not connect with Surfshark” or “I am getting an error,” then present a sequence of DIY options.

The one class with no clear route is “Surfschool,” which gathers a disparate bunch of characteristic explanations, superior suggestions and fundamental VPN info beneath one heading. If you cannot discover what you want within the different sections, it might be simpler to make use of the search bar as an alternative of digging round in Surfschool.

The stay assist expertise

To succeed in stay assist, scroll to the underside of the principle assist web page, then click on “Chat with us.” A chat window will open within the nook of your display screen. I used the stay chat assist to ask about receiving a hyperlink to the check account I used to jot down this assessment. As is now commonplace, I needed to work my well beyond a chatbot first, however that did not take too lengthy. As soon as I reached an actual particular person, they resolved my downside immediately.

The e-mail ticket system is for troublesome issues that may’t be resolved in a single alternate, so I made a decision to check it with one thing a little bit extra difficult. I requested concerning the standing of IKEv2, which Surfshark promised to remove in 2022 however has solely faraway from Home windows (that is in reality what they promised to do, however I wasn’t conscious of that but).

I heard again about 22 hours later with a speedy and relevant reply: a consultant mentioned that “presently, Surfshark doesn’t have plans to take away IKEv2 from all working programs.” See the following part for particulars about that danger.

Surfshark background verify: No actual blemishes

Surfshark was founded in 2018, making it a relative newcomer to the safety scene, and the VPN was its first product. Alert and Search debuted in 2019, whereas Antivirus and Incogni joined them in 2021. For the primary two years of its existence, Surfshark was part of the Tesonet group, a Lithuanian startup incubator that additionally helped launch NordVPN (see “Connection to NordVPN” under).

Its youth could also be why there are few critical blemishes on Surfshark’s report. Like Proton VPN, which is only a yr older, it merely hasn’t had time to place a foot incorrect but. Nevertheless, that does not imply it is inevitable that Surfshark will screw up sooner or later. Up to now, it seems to be studying from its predecessors and avoiding their errors.

The trusted root certification authority danger

The one potential error I can level to hasn’t compromised anybody but, however might sooner or later. In 2022, Surfshark was considered one of a number of VPNs cited for counting on a trusted root certification authority — a verification methodology that, if compromised, might let an attacker sneak malware onto a consumer’s gadget utilizing Surfshark’s ID badge. There is no report of the certificates truly being exploited, and Surfshark claimed it was essential to allow the IKEv2 protocol.

In response to the report, Surfshark deprecated IKEv2 from its Windows app, which was the one one which used trusted root CAs for IKEv2. It is nonetheless obtainable on all OSes besides Home windows, however a Surfshark rep informed me in an electronic mail that they do not use trusted root CAs on these platforms, so there isn’t any danger.

Connection to NordVPN

In 2022, Surfshark announced a merger with NordVPN, although each corporations repeatedly pressured that nothing about both service would change. In line with Surfshark’s announcement on the time, “The thought behind the deal is to align on a tactical degree in reaching mutual objectives whereas maintaining the autonomy of our operations.”

As of 2025, nothing appears particularly merged about NordVPN and Surfshark. Publicly, they’re nonetheless utterly totally different manufacturers with few mentions of the opposite on their respective web sites. In an electronic mail, a Surfshark consultant informed me that “Surfshark and Nord Safety function as autonomous corporations counting on separate infrastructures, totally different product growth plans and separate buyer bases.”

That mentioned, it is value noting that Surfshark and Nord have a shared lineage in Tesonet, the Lithuania-based tech incubator that, with Nord, shares Tom Okman and Eimantas Sabaliauskas as co-founders, and nurtured Surfshark for the primary two years of its life. Ultimately, a Surfshark consultant informed Engadget that Surfshark presently “operates independently” of Tesonet. Be that as it might, the mixture of Surfshark and NordVPN is yet one more instance an more and more consolidated VPN business, the place opponents like Kape Technologies and Ziff Davis function a number of digital service manufacturers beneath one company roof.

Last verdict

In numerous methods, Surfshark works onerous to earn your belief. Its reliance on brick-and-mortar servers testifies to that, as do its speeds, common privateness audits and refusal to relaxation on its laurels. Nexus and Everlink will not be completely implicated, however they do have tangible outcomes that point out they’re much more than simply advertising and marketing gimmicks. Each are constructive indicators of a VPN supplier genuinely attempting to face out in a crowded discipline.

It is also an incredible signal that Surfshark responded to the trusted root CA danger with a focused intervention. I want they’d discovered a approach to run IKEv2 on Home windows with out as a lot danger (different VPNs handle it), however I can not deny they appear critical about addressing potential points earlier than they turn out to be crises. It is good that I can enthusiastically suggest Surfshark for its consideration to safety in addition to its speeds and easy options.