A quick VPN for informal customers

Surfshark is among the youngest main VPNs, nevertheless it’s grown quickly during the last seven years. Since 2018, it is expanded its community to 100 nations, added a collection of apps to its Surfshark One bundle and experimented with superior touches like servers that always rotate your IP deal with.

Previously a finances VPN, Surfshark remains to be fairly reasonably priced however the price of a one-month subscription is means too excessive. As of late, it is extra all for innovation than affordability. Its options could not at all times be cutting-edge — Nexus is mainly Tor and Everlink is a barely higher kill swap — nevertheless it’s uncommon to seek out both carried out so properly in a industrial VPN. Plus, obtain and add speeds are incredible.

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

Editors’ notice: We’re within the strategy of rebooting all of our VPN opinions from scratch. As soon as we do a contemporary move on the highest providers, we’ll be updating every assessment with a ranking and extra comparative info.

Desk of contents

Findings at a look

This desk summarizes all the pieces 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 take a look at how straightforward or troublesome it’s to put in, what you need to do to set it up and whether or not the person 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 straight by the Surfshark web site makes certain you could have the most recent and most full model. The downloader asks you to click on “Sure,” however principally handles itself, and winds 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 in case you’ve by no means used a VPN earlier than. 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 info and settings — nevertheless it stays means too reliant on unskippable pop-ups to supply info. Messages appeared once I tried to cancel a caught connection, once I turned settings on and off and even once 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 all the pieces else works effective. The settings tabs do an admirable job of packing a number of, semi-related apps right into a single UI. Simply take notice that a variety of 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 acquired the identical split-second obtain and set up and the identical clear group of tabs with well-explained options. It is also acquired the identical relentless popups, settings on by default and infrequently sticky connections. If it will get hung up at 95 %, 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 all the pieces I wanted inside moments. Android even removes virtually all of the full-screen stop-everything notifications.

One factor to concentrate on: whenever 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 all the pieces you might 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. The whole lot 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 effective, however to be able to make the server record always 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 record 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 primary cause 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 take a look at: Tremendous quick with some latency

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

I additionally regarded for latency, which impacts real-time communication with one other server (essential for avid gamers) and add velocity, which impacts how shortly your machine 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 this point, beating out ExpressVPN, Proton VPN and NordVPN — and none of these are precisely sluggish. In case you take a look at the Indonesia row, you may see I truly acquired the next add velocity than I did with out the VPN lively. That most likely 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 very best for fast-paced on-line video games, however its speeds are nearly excellent for every other job.

Surfshark safety take a look at: Easy however efficient protocols

To find out whether or not Surfshark can maintain you protected, 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 deal with 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 assessments 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 not any proprietary protocol with shady supply code, nor any outdated legacy choices that may pose a danger in case you decide 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 machine, VPN servers and the web. They deal with the steps in another way, however the common person is barely prone to see small variations. If one protocol is not working, you’ll be able to swap to a different — or simply decide the automated protocol choice possibility, which labored effective throughout my assessments. If you wish to decide for your self, use the desk beneath for reference.

Leak take a look at

Subsequent, I picked 5 of the servers I did not use for the velocity take a look at and checked all of them for 3 completely 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 deal with in any of the assessments.

There’s extra potential for IPv6 leaks, as Surfshark would not assist IPv6. It recommends turning it off as a substitute, and has guides on doing that. To totally put Surfshark by its paces, although, I ran my assessments with IPv6 nonetheless lively on my laptop. On all 5 servers, the IPv6 take a look at 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 effective technique to forestall IPv6 leaks.

The leak testing software additionally checks for WebRTC leaks, so I ran every take a look at with a Google Meet name lively, however that did not leak both. In brief, Surfshark did not spring a leak regardless of what number of occasions I poked it. I am ready to name it watertight.

Encryption take a look at

To be completely certain I used to be recommending a protected VPN, I used WireShark (no relation) and HTTP Forever to see whether or not its encryption works. From analyzing 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’ll be able to’t get any info from the screenshot means the VPN protocol is working.

How a lot does Surfshark value?

Surfshark is a part of a collection of safety merchandise — lots like its sister model NordVPN, however with the choices per tier a little bit extra coherent. It is available in three subscription varieties, every of which is on the market at three durations. The desk beneath reveals the entire vary of prices.

Notice that the 24-month plans are introductory solely. You’ll be able to solely renew for one month or 12 months. The costs beneath additionally think about additional months you may get whenever 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 means overpriced (even for a service we fairly like), however $1.99 per 30 days is in regards to the least you may pay for any VPN price recommending. The soar from Starter (which solely consists of the VPN service) to One (which incorporates all the pieces else besides Incogni) can also be tiny on the 12-month plan — solely an additional $0.20.

Surfshark is sort of definitely doing this to juice lively person numbers — however that does not imply you’ll be able to’t reap the benefits of it. To our thoughts, the 12-month subscription to Surfshark One is extraordinarily good worth, supplied 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 reside chat dialog to get your a refund. That is solely allowed as soon as each six months.

You too can 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. Nonetheless, since you need to enter a fee technique for this — and it isn’t accessible on Home windows — the 30-day interval is usually extra handy.

Surfshark aspect apps and bundles

This is what you will get from Surfshark other than its VPN service. With a view to maintain our concentrate on the VPN, we did not have time to scrupulously take a look at all these, however we have included the essential info that will help you make your determination.

Various ID

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

Masked e-mail generator offers you a random e-mail deal with that sends all messages alongside to your actual inbox. Because it auto-forwards all the pieces, an e-mail masks is not for decreasing spam. As a substitute, it permits you to maintain your actual e-mail deal with secret when signing up for on-line providers — since offering your precise deal with runs the chance of leaking it. For an additional $2.89 per 30 days, you may also get an alternate telephone quantity that works equally.

Private element generator creates pretend names, addresses and birthdays you should use to join any web sites you are unsure about. You’ll want to use it together with the VPN, or your IP deal with will reveal the precise particulars. It additionally could be useful for randomly producing your subsequent RPG character.

Surfshark Antivirus

Surfshark Antivirus is included in Surfshark One and One+ subscriptions. It might probably scan information as you obtain them and can even scan your complete system for malware, checking towards an inventory of undesirable packages 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 100% of malware thrown at it, each recognized threats and zero-day assaults. It additionally acquired an ideal usability rating for completely avoiding false positives, and a 5.5 out of 6 on efficiency — it had almost no affect on downloading apps or copying information, however slowed down common web sites by round 30 % on common.

Surfshark Alert

Surfshark Alert, which can also be a part of Surfshark One and One+, scans the knowledge launched in knowledge breaches to see if any of your essential knowledge has been compromised. It might probably verify for e-mail addresses, usernames, passwords, bank card numbers and authorities IDs. It might probably 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 too can 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 function 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 strive. Incogni retains looking so long as your subscription is lively, so it might probably robotically 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 telephone service in international nations. Surfshark grants numerous reductions by the coupon code surfshark5, which seems to be usable even and not using a Surfshark account.

Shut-reading Surfshark’s privateness coverage

Surfshark’s privateness coverage reveals us its outward perspective towards person 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 a substitute use loopholes, vagueries and incomplete statements to make privateness guarantees it would not plan on retaining.

Against this, a VPN service price your cash can be as particular as doable about any exceptions to its no-logs coverage. I learn Surfshark’s complete privateness coverage to see which sort of VPN it’s — no small feat, because it’s properly 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 complete textual content I am going.

Surfshark is predicated within the Netherlands, which makes it topic to the European Union’s Basic Information 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 companies cannot spy on a VPN’s customers until that VPN is already saving activity logs — and whether it is, it is acquired a lot greater issues than the place it is based mostly.

Surfshark’s complete 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 cause to fret about servers being seized or searched.

Meaning the one danger is that Surfshark itself may reap the benefits of its entry to your info. It does, sadly, declare the appropriate 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 whenever you use the VPN, nor digging into your precise looking exercise — which, as we have seen, would not exist after quarter-hour.

Unbiased privateness audits

Though we won’t 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 straight 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 methods 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 non-public, Surfshark is non-public. It could not cease all personalised advertisements, however it’s going to at the least maintain your private info secret.

Can Surfshark change your digital location?

In case you primarily want a VPN for streaming, that is the part for you. Right here, I take a look at whether or not Surfshark can change your location convincingly sufficient so that you can see content material from different nations, with out getting caught and blocked by streaming platforms.

The process is easy: I decide 5 take a look at areas, join to 3 completely different servers in every and cargo Netflix. If I get in cleanly with out error messages, and really see completely different reveals than I’d and not using a VPN, I will know Surfshark convincingly modified my location. (As a reminder, when unblocking with any VPN, at all times be sure you’re logged into your streaming account first.)

Surfshark carried out extraordinarily properly on this take a look at, 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 acquired spied out as a VPN and blocked. Nonetheless, merely disconnecting and reconnecting was sufficient to get me over the hurdle.

Any failure to vary digital location counts towards a VPN, however even the most effective providers cannot maintain their servers off 100% 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 excellent scores.

Investigating Surfshark’s server community

Surfshark has a complete of 100 server areas in 141 nations. Of these areas, 47 are digital and 92 are bodily. A digital VPN server offers you an obvious digital location completely different from the place it is actually situated. There’s little safety tradeoff, however speeds could fluctuate relying on how far you might be from the server’s precise place. The one rely towards 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 beneath reveals the proportions of server areas in every area, so you’ll be able to determine whether or not Surfshark is prone to be helpful for the place you might be. You will discover a full record on Surfshark’s website, although solely the apps present which servers are literally digital.

These numbers are attention-grabbing in just a few methods. First, Surfshark’s server community is barely about one-third digital, the bottom proportion of any main VPN I’ve reviewed to this point. There’s additionally no continent and not using a single bodily server. This makes Surfshark an excellent alternative to ensure usable web speeds whereas globetrotting.

As common, servers are principally in Europe and North America, though there is a honest quantity of Asia represented by the digital areas. Surfshark is newer than most of its rivals, so it is spectacular that it is constructed such an intensive community in half the time. The desk reveals a VPN service that is all for increasing, however will not achieve this on the expense of creating high quality areas that really work.

Surfshark units itself aside from the VPN pack with a number of options, some seen to the person and a few working behind the scenes. Largely, its options are acquainted ideas carried out properly, reasonably than outright improvements like NordVPN’s Meshnet — however there’s a variety of risk 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 online of interconnected paths, a lot like the Tor network, besides proprietary to at least one firm.

If 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 offers each person extra choices for a working connection path, and permits Surfshark to usually rotate your obvious IP deal with so exercise on one masked identification 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” beneath).

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 mainly one step up from a kill swap. As a substitute of slicing off your connection, Everlink switches it to the subsequent server as a substitute. This makes it troublesome to check — the best way to verify a kill swap is to simulate a server drop by slicing off your personal web connection, which makes Everlink’s perform inconceivable. Nonetheless, 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 may usually hear about Surfshark is that it places no limits on what number of units can join by your account. In concept, one subscription is sufficient for you, your family and any buddies that wish to borrow it.

In apply, although, “limitless” is a stretch. A support article acknowledges that some individuals could abuse the privilege by reselling entry, or by masking unlawful botnet exercise behind tons of 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 may very well be locked if an automatic system detects fraud. In case you use a excessive variety of simultaneous connections, even legitimately, you might be flagged — although you might be able to unlock your account by telling customer support what occurred.

Bypasser break up tunneling

Bypasser permits you to break up your web connection so sure apps or web sites undergo the VPN whereas others stay outdoors. This will get you higher speeds on websites and apps that do not contain any delicate info. Additionally, at any time when a service requires your actual IP deal with, you’ll be able to maintain utilizing the VPN for all the pieces else. Torrenting is a basic use case — you’ll be able to maintain BitTorrent protected within the background whilst you do one thing innocuous with out VPN safety, enhancing speeds for each processes.

Bypasser break up tunneling is on the market on all of Surfshark’s desktop and cell shoppers, although iOS customers can solely break up by web site, not by app. Home windows and Android customers can even select between two types of break up: “Bypass VPN,” which retains all listed websites and apps outdoors 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 possibility, which routes connections by two VPN servers to maintain you protected in case one breaks. Nonetheless, most of them limit you to set paths of two servers. Surfshark is the one VPN that permits you to select each steps, because of Nexus pre-establishing paths between all of the servers.

For the most effective efficiency, I like to recommend selecting an entry node close to your actual location, then selecting your exit node based mostly on what you might want to unblock. In case you aren’t unblocking something specifically, your finest guess 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 deal with 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 robotically. So, in case 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 complete 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 deal with from the subsequent 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 could activate once more if it detects doable restrictions, so verify the setting once more in case you discover your speeds slower than common.

CleanWeb

CleanWeb, Surfshark’s advert blocker, is on the market in two varieties. The fundamental 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. Nonetheless, it is a a lot stronger blocker, able to cancelling video advertisements on streaming and YouTube. It additionally robotically rejects non-vital cookies on each web site so you do not have to click on the button — which I appreciated, as my ADHD mind is definitely distracted by pop-ups.

Static and devoted IPs

Surfshark offers you an inventory of static IP addresses at no additional cost, one other rarity amongst main VPNs. A static IP means you may have the identical deal with each time you connect with the VPN, so you will not look suspicious for usually opening the identical service with a special IP. With out this, you may end up hitting CAPTCHAs extra typically. You too can maintain your own home machine linked to a static IP server and use that to entry your own home community remotely.

For an additional value, Surfshark additionally gives devoted IPs, that are the identical as static IPs besides you are the one individual utilizing them. Generally, a static IP can get blocked due to one unhealthy person’s conduct; a personal devoted IP removes that danger.

Different options

A couple of different options are price 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’ll be able to set the VPN to attach robotically besides on trusted networks, and may select the placement to which it auto-connects.

If you might want to briefly work with out the VPN, you’ll be able to pause Surfshark for 5 minutes, half-hour or two hours. Lastly, Android customers can have their VPN server override their GPS location, transferring it to wherever their IP deal with is presently. You clearly do not wish to use this whereas your telephone 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 straight within the app, a tantalizingly unfinished function. In case you go to the settings tab and click on Get Assist after which Browse Guides, you may see a number of hyperlinks to FAQ articles in regards to the model of the VPN consumer you are utilizing. Clicking any hyperlink opens the web page in your default browser. Leaping straight from the app to the related information is actually handy, but when your drawback is not one of many 5 most typical, you are out of luck — simply click on Extra Guides to go to the primary assist web page.

When you’re right here, you may discover a useful set of articles that make good design selections to place the common person comfortable. “Getting began” consists of setup guides for each Surfshark app, with plentiful screenshots. Assist articles are successfully written from the person’s perspective. As a substitute of technical descriptions of issues, they begin with subjects like “I am unable to connect with Surfshark” or “I am getting an error,” then present a sequence of DIY options.

The one class and not using a clear route is “Surfschool,” which gathers a disparate bunch of function explanations, superior suggestions and fundamental VPN info beneath one heading. If you cannot discover what you want within the different sections, it could be simpler to make use of the search bar as a substitute of digging round in Surfschool.

The reside assist expertise

To achieve reside assist, scroll to the underside of the primary assist web page, then click on “Chat with us.” A chat window will open within the nook of your display screen. I used the reside chat assist to ask about receiving a hyperlink to the take a look at account I used to write down this assessment. As is now commonplace, I needed to work my well past a chatbot first, however that did not take too lengthy. As soon as I reached an actual individual, they resolved my drawback instantly.

The e-mail ticket system is for troublesome issues that may’t be resolved in a single trade, so I made a decision to check it with one thing a little bit extra sophisticated. I requested in regards to the standing of IKEv2, which Surfshark promised to eradicate in 2022 however has solely faraway from Home windows (that is the truth is 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 methods.” See the subsequent 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” beneath).

Its youth could also be why there are few severe blemishes on Surfshark’s file. Like Proton VPN, which is only a 12 months older, it merely hasn’t had time to place a foot flawed but. Nonetheless, that does not imply it is inevitable that Surfshark will screw up in some unspecified time in the future. To date, 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 could sooner or later. In 2022, Surfshark was one among a number of VPNs cited for counting on a trusted root certification authority — a verification technique that, if compromised, might let an attacker sneak malware onto a person’s machine utilizing Surfshark’s ID badge. There is not any file 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 instructed me in an e-mail that they do not use trusted root CAs on these platforms, so there is not any danger.

Connection to NordVPN

In 2022, Surfshark announced a merger with NordVPN, although each firms repeatedly burdened that nothing about both service would change. In line with Surfshark’s announcement on the time, “The concept behind the deal is to align on a tactical stage in reaching mutual targets whereas retaining the autonomy of our operations.”

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

That mentioned, it is price 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 instructed Engadget that Surfshark presently “operates independently” of Tesonet. Be that as it could, the mixture of Surfshark and NordVPN is one more instance an more and more consolidated VPN business, the place rivals like Kape Technologies and Ziff Davis function a number of digital service manufacturers beneath one company roof.

Last verdict

In a variety of methods, Surfshark works exhausting 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 gimmicks. Each are constructive indicators of a VPN supplier genuinely making an attempt to face out in a crowded discipline.

It is also an ideal signal that Surfshark responded to the trusted root CA danger with a focused intervention. I want they’d discovered a technique to run IKEv2 on Home windows with out as a lot danger (different VPNs handle it), however I am unable to deny they appear severe about addressing potential points earlier than they grow to be crises. It is good that I can enthusiastically suggest Surfshark for its consideration to safety in addition to its speeds and simple options.