Surfshark VPN

Launched in 2018 and headquartered in the Netherlands, Surfshark is a VPN provider committed to delivering free, open, and secure internet access for all. Prior to October 1, 2021, users contracted with Surfshark Ltd., based in the British Virgin Islands. From that date forward, all new and renewed contracts are handled by Surfshark B.V., located in the Netherlands. Surfshark VPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, independently audited to ensure their dedication to user safety and security. The service offers a range of compelling features that make it an excellent choice. In this review, we’ll cover only Surfshark Starter plan and discuss it in detail.

Privacy

Surfshark’s choice of location in the Netherlands is a favourable option for users concerned about legal compliance. The Netherlands boasts robust data protection regulations and does not mandate VPN providers to retain user data. This aligns seamlessly with Surfshark’s no-logs policy, ensuring that they do not keep records of your online activities. In practical terms, this means that when you connect to a Surfshark VPN server to access the internet, they do not retain information about your visited IP addresses, browsing history, session details, used bandwidth, or connection timestamps.

Surfshark’s Privacy Policy, while generally strong in terms of user privacy, contains some nuances users should be aware of:

1. Our servers do store information about your connection to a particular VPN server (user ID and/or IP address and connection time stamps), BUT this information is automatically deleted within 15 minutes after termination of your session. And be assured that no information is stored about the websites you visit.
2. When you visit our Website or navigate within our app (collectively referred to as ‘Website’), we collect and use some information to improve the performance of our Website. The information we collect on our Website may include anonymous “traffic information” provided by the host or similar provider of such information (e.g. Google Analytics) that does not personally identify you. This information is statistical and includes information about which pages on Surfshark’s Website visitors visit and how long visitors stay on a particular page. It also provides information about what browser, network, or device is used to visit our Website.
3. In case we would process your personal information, legal basis for such processing is our legitimate interest to analyse and improve the performance of our Website/Services and user experience.

On the whole, Surfshark’s privacy policy appears to adhere to a strict no-logs policy for user online activity. Nevertheless, as is the case with any VPN service, it is advisable to read their comprehensive privacy policy and terms of service for a full understanding of their data handling practices.

It’s noteworthy that Surfshark has undergone independent audits conducted by Cure53 in 2021 and Deloitte in 2022. These audits ensure the safety of using Surfshark and the integrity of their no-logs policy, providing users with confidence in choosing the VPN without hesitation. You can access the audit reports, Surfshark Cure53 Audit Report and Surfshark Deloitte Audit Report, by following the provided links.

Security

Surfshark VPN for encryption uses AES-256-GCM. It also utilizes three popular, free, and open-source encryption protocols—IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard—ensuring top-notch security for its users. Surfshark’s customer support response was somewhat perplexing as they mentioned security concerns as the reason for not using Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS), even though PFS is a security feature. The disadvantage of not implementing PFS is that it could leave the VPN potentially vulnerable. Without PFS, if a long-term encryption key is ever compromised, past communications could be decrypted. PFS, on the other hand, generates a unique key for each session, ensuring that even if one session’s key is compromised, it doesn’t affect the security of previous or future sessions.

Speed and Performance

Surfshark delivers impressive speeds when connected to their VPN servers. In my testing, I observed excellent download and upload speeds on servers located in Germany, United States and United Kingdom. You can verify the results from the table below which provides the data.

* Tested on 100 Mbps optical fibre connection.

Surfshark VPN provides fast and seamless server connections. I conducted performance tests on both Windows and smartphones and found it to be exceptionally reliable. I didn’t experience any connection drops, further confirming its dependability.

No DNS Leak

Surfshark VPN does not result in any DNS leaks when connected to their VPN servers. I conducted a thorough test using bash.ws, dnsleaktest.org and dnsleaktest.com and found no DNS leaks.

Server Network Coverage

Surfshark VPN boasts an extensive server network with over 3,200 servers across more than 100 countries, which is truly impressive. Surfshark’s use of 100% RAM-only servers offers a compelling advantage for users. These servers prioritize data security and privacy by not retaining information persistently. When a server is rebooted or powered off, all data is wiped clean, ensuring no user logs or sensitive information are stored. Additionally, Surfshark imposes no bandwidth restrictions, making it suitable for use on any device without concerns about limitations.

User Interface

The Surfshark VPN user interface is both straightforward and informative. Key information such as VPN IP, Connection Uptime, Downloaded/Uploaded data, and the active Protocol is readily available on the screen, eliminating the need for navigation. An advantageous feature is that any settings you enable are conveniently added to the main screen, allowing you to adjust them on the fly. However, it’s worth noting that you cannot change the VPN protocol directly from the main screen, which could have been a convenient addition.

Device Compatibility

Surfshark is available on Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook, iOS, Android, Smart TV’s, Routers, Gaming Consoles, Web Browser Extension.

Simultaneous Connections

Surfshark VPN offers unlimited simultaneous connections to your devices, making it an excellent choice for users looking to share with their family or connect multiple devices at once.

Pricing

When it comes to pricing, Surfshark VPN isn’t among the most budget-friendly options. Our review is based on the Surfshark Starter plan, which is priced at $15.45 per month for the 1-month plan, $3.99 per month for the 1-year plan, and $2.49 per month for the 2-year plan. However, if you want to thoroughly explore all the features and functionalities, you can do so with confidence as it includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. Additionally, Surfshark VPN supports cryptocurrency payments, enhancing user privacy. While the pricing may appear higher than that of some other VPN providers, many may find it a worthwhile investment considering the exceptional features it offers.

Additional Features

CleanWeb

Surfshark VPN utilizes CleanWeb, a DNS filtering feature designed to block domains used for advertisements, tracking, and malware. My testing of the regular CleanWeb on both Windows and smartphones revealed its effectiveness in blocking ads on Windows and system-wide ads on smartphones. However, it was less successful at blocking static and dynamic ads and pop-ups on certain websites. Notably, the regular CleanWeb lacks a statistics view, which could provide users with insights into the number of ads, trackers, and malware blocked per VPN session.

In contrast, CleanWeb 2.0, available as a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, exceeded expectations. It effectively blocked all pop-ups, static and dynamic ads, and other intrusive content that regular CleanWeb struggled with. Even though it blocked website ads on YouTube, it was unable to prevent sponsored ads, albeit displaying a blank screen for them. CleanWeb 2.0 offers the advantage of showing statistics about blocked ads and trackers, a valuable feature. However, it didn’t alert me to malware on certain websites, raising concerns about its security. It’s worth noting that the advanced ad and tracker blocking of CleanWeb 2.0 is limited to browser extensions.

One missing feature in both regular CleanWeb and CleanWeb 2.0 is integration with popular third-party filters and customization options for users to manually whitelist or blacklist domains.

Static IP

Surfshark’s standout feature, the inclusion of a Static IP, truly sets it apart in the world of VPN providers. This feature is a game-changer, especially when it comes to overcoming the challenges posed by reCAPTCHA checks and evading IP bans. ReCAPTCHA hurdles can be a major annoyance, but Surfshark’s dedicated Static IP minimizes these encounters by providing an exclusive, clean IP address. It ensures a smoother and more seamless browsing experience. What truly distinguishes Surfshark is that it offers the Static IP as part of its standard service without any extra cost. This not only saves users money but also simplifies their VPN experience, eliminating the need for complex configurations or costly add-ons. Currently, Static IPs are available for regions including Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Singapore, United Kingdom, and United States, with multiple servers in each region. In my testing, although I used a Static IP address, I still encountered frequent reCAPTCHA challenges while using a search engine.

Bypasser

Bypasser, also known as Split Tunnelling, empowers users to choose which apps or websites to route through the VPN. Surfshark offers two options for this purpose:

• Bypass VPN: This option allows selected apps and websites to connect to the internet without going through the VPN.
• Route via VPN: With this choice, users can selectively route specific apps and websites through the VPN for enhanced security and privacy.

It’s important to note that only one of these options can be active at a time. You can either bypass or route your apps and websites through the VPN, but not both simultaneously. I’ve personally tested both options, and they function flawlessly without any issues. The key advantage of Bypasser is that it provides users with the flexibility to fine-tune their VPN experience. Plus, it offers the convenience of including or excluding both apps and websites for Windows and Smartphone devices.

Kill Switch

Surfshark employs a robust Kill Switch feature designed to enhance online security by blocking internet access if the VPN connection drops. This ensures that your sensitive data and online activities remain protected, even in the event of an unexpected VPN disruption. For Windows users, Surfshark offers both Soft and Strict Kill Switch options.

• Soft Kill Switch (Windows): This selection is designed to provide flexibility. It allows you to continue using specific apps and websites even if the VPN connection drops. However, please note that Soft Kill Switch doesn’t work with apps and websites added to Bypasser.
• Strict Kill Switch (Windows): On the other hand, the Strict Kill Switch takes a more stringent approach. It completely blocks all internet access unless you’re connected to the VPN. However, it’s important to be aware that, for Windows, the Strict Kill Switch won’t function when Bypasser is enabled.

For Smartphone users, Surfshark offers two Kill Switch options:

• App-Provided Kill Switch: This feature blocks internet access if the VPN is turned off or encounters a connection issue. It ensures that your online activities remain protected.
• Native Kill Switch: This robust option is capable of blocking apps and websites added to Bypasser, enhancing the security of your VPN connection on smartphones.

In my extensive evaluation of Surfshark’s Kill Switch features, I can affirm their dependable performance. Whether you’re utilizing Surfshark on a Windows system or a smartphone, these options work seamlessly to maintain the security of your online activities, even in situations where the VPN connection encounters unexpected disruptions.

Dedicated IP

Surfshark significantly enhances the VPN experience for users through its dedicated IP service. This feature effectively reduces the inconvenience of frequent reCAPTCHA challenges and concerns about blacklisted IPs, offering a cleaner and more secure online experience. It’s important to note that while Surfshark provides this dedicated IP to users, there are some default concerns regarding data exposure. Surfshark’s privacy policy contains essential information in this regard:

“If you use the Dedicated IP service, we will process your email address, therefore, certain online activities can be traced back to your account information as long as you don’t select an anonymous Dedicated IP option after the Dedicated IP installation process. Anonymous Dedicated IP option removes any information we have in our database about your Dedicated IP address.”

Source: https://surfshark.com/privacy

If you wish to use Surfshark’s Dedicated IP and remove all your purchased Dedicated IP information from their servers, you’ll need to opt for their ‘Anonymous Dedicated IP’ feature. By default, attempting to use a Dedicated IP without anonymizing it could potentially lead to tracking your activities back to you. I reached out to their customer support to inquire about which ‘online activities’ might be associated with a user, but unfortunately, I did not receive a response. This default setup raises security concerns, as it could potentially link email addresses and billing information to your Dedicated IP address. I would recommend providers who utilize a separate token-based system for such purposes, which is a more secure approach.

Dynamic Multi-Hop

Surfshark’s implementation of Dynamic Multi-Hop in its VPN service represents a ground-breaking advancement that prioritizes customization in the user experience. This innovative feature sets Surfshark apart from traditional VPN providers and offers a multitude of impressive benefits. In contrast to standard VPNs that offer predefined server connections, Dynamic Multi-Hop empowers users to create personalized server pairs tailored to their unique needs. This heightened level of personalization not only enhances security by routing data through multiple servers but also significantly improves speed. Surfshark’s Dynamic Multi-Hop revolutionizes the VPN landscape, providing users with the ability to strike the perfect balance between their desired security level and the speed they require.

Exploring how Surfshark achieves global server pairing through its innovative Surfshark Nexus feature is equally fascinating. Surfshark Nexus utilizes Software Defined Networking (SDN) to unite all VPN servers into a single, global network. This ground-breaking approach seamlessly connects servers from diverse locations, resulting in a customizable and secure user experience. Users can effortlessly connect to servers in various countries, switch between them, and enjoy a high level of security, all made possible by this unified server network.

Rotating IP

Surfshark employs another unique approach to enhance user privacy and security through its Rotating IP feature. When activated, this feature automatically reassigns a new IP address every 5 minutes while staying connected to the same server. This continuous rotation of IPs is an impressive security measure as it ensures your connection remains unbroken, offering a significantly safer browsing experience while minimizing the risk of being tracked. It’s important to note that, due to IP address limitations, you might occasionally encounter the same IP, as only a limited number of IP addresses are allocated to each server. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that the Rotating IP feature is not compatible with Static IP addresses or Dedicated IP addresses.

GPS Spoofing

Surfshark’s GPS spoofing feature enhances your privacy by aligning your GPS location with your chosen server’s location, effectively blocking location tracking. I’ve thoroughly reviewed it, and it works seamlessly, safeguarding your online anonymity.

Customer Support

Surfshark provides fairly good customer support. When I contacted their customer support via email with some queries, I found their responses to be accurate. However, their response time was a bit longer than expected. On the bright side, their live chat feature offers capable customer support agents who can effectively assist you. I was particularly impressed with their technical knowledge in resolving issues. In terms of their refund policy, I decided to test it, and I can confidently say you won’t be disappointed as my refund claim was processed instantly.

If you’ve decided to purchase Surfshark VPN to try out its features, it’s important to remember that if you contact their customer support for a refund, you should also request to have the auto-renewal turned off at the same time. They will provide you with a link to cancel the auto-renewal afterward. Applying for a refund doesn’t automatically disable auto-renewal. It’s worth noting that once you’ve entered your payment card information, it cannot be removed. This practice may be perceived as questionable, and it’s something that VPN companies should avoid as it can deter users who encounter refund issues due to such tactics.

Final Verdict

Surfshark VPN presents a compelling choice among VPN providers. It features a robust no-logs policy, innovative security functions like Dynamic Multi-Hop and GPS spoofing, and an unlimited simultaneous connections feature. The inclusion of a Static IP at no extra cost is a noteworthy advantage, particularly for those concerned about reCAPTCHA and IP bans. Surfshark stands out with independent security audits and GPS spoofing for enhanced user privacy. Its innovative approach offers a secure and customizable online experience. The Rotating IP feature is another positive addition. Nonetheless, there are minor drawbacks, such as the absence of port forwarding and limited support for CleanWeb 2.0. Overall, Surfshark’s dedication to user privacy and advanced features makes it an appealing option for both novice and experienced VPN users.

Key Features:

• Headquartered in Netherlands
• Maintains a No-Logs Policy
• Records No Usage Logs
• Utilizes Closed Source for Transparency assurance
• Conducts Independent Audits
• Employs AES-256 bit Encryption
• Supports IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard Protocols
• Offers Unlimited Bandwidth
• Ensures High Connection Speed
• Boasts 3200+ Servers in 100 Countries
• Includes DNS Leak Protection
• Allows Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
• Fully Utilizes RAM-only Servers
• Supports Perfect Forward Secrecy
• Offers Dedicated Streaming Servers and P2P/Torrenting Support

Important Note Regarding Product Information and Pricing:

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