Surfshark VPN Review 2024: Affordable VPN with Unlimited Device Connections
Surfshark VPN has emerged as one of the top VPNs in 2024, offering a balance between performance and affordability. With a rise in online threats and privacy concerns, more people are seeking reliable VPN solutions.
Surfshark stands out with its unique features, including unlimited device connections and robust security protocols. It’s a great option for families, tech enthusiasts, and privacy-conscious users alike. But does Surfshark live up to the hype in 2024?
- Affordable pricing with long-term plans, especially the 2-year plan.
- Unlimited device connections, ideal for families or multiple devices.
- No-logs policy ensures your data isn’t tracked or stored.
- Advanced security features like AES-256 encryption, RAM-only servers, and MultiHop for extra privacy.
- Easy-to-use interface on both desktop and mobile apps.
- Unblocks major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
- P2P support on all servers, making torrenting secure and fast.
- Split tunneling feature is limited to Windows and Android, unavailable on macOS and iOS.
- Manual configuration needed for IPv6 and WebRTC leak protection.
- Some features like MultiHop and Bypasser can feel clunky at first use.
- No support for Tor over VPN, which may be a drawback for advanced privacy needs.
Surfshark VPN Features
Security and Privacy
Surfshark excels in terms of security, ensuring your online activities remain private. Its AES-256-bit encryption is military-grade, making your data nearly impossible to crack. Along with that, Surfshark operates under a strict no-logs policy, which means it doesn’t store your browsing data or IP address. This privacy guarantee has been independently audited, ensuring the company’s claims hold up.
Another crucial feature is the kill switch, available on most platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. The kill switch ensures that if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, your internet access is immediately blocked, preventing any potential data leaks. To enhance your privacy further, Surfshark uses RAM-only servers, meaning all data is wiped with every reboot.
Additionally, DNS leak protection keeps your identity secure by ensuring that your internet service provider cannot track your DNS queries. Although IPv6 and WebRTC leak protection are not automatic, manual configuration is possible. In short, Surfshark provides a comprehensive suite of privacy features to protect your online identity.
Speed and Server Locations
When it comes to speed, Surfshark does not disappoint. With over 3,200 servers across 100+ countries, it offers a vast network for users to choose from. This large server fleet ensures that no matter where you are, there’s likely a server nearby, minimizing latency and increasing overall connection speed. In speed tests, Surfshark performed exceptionally well, with download speed reductions as low as 10-15% compared to the baseline, which is above industry standards.
Surfshark also supports the WireGuard protocol, which significantly enhances connection speed without compromising security. Whether you’re browsing, streaming, or downloading large files, WireGuard ensures fast and stable connections. Even the traditional OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec protocols provide reliable performance, but WireGuard outshines them with faster speeds.
Another benefit of Surfshark’s server network is its ability to unblock geo-restricted content. With servers spread across various locations, it can easily bypass restrictions for platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Surfshark’s global reach ensures that users can stream content from different regions without buffering or lag.
Device Compatibility and User Experience
One of Surfshark’s standout features is its unlimited simultaneous device connections. Unlike most VPNs that cap device connections at five or ten, Surfshark allows you to connect as many devices as you want under a single subscription. This makes it ideal for families or small businesses with multiple gadgets like phones, tablets, laptops, and even smart TVs.
Surfshark is also compatible with a wide range of platforms. Whether you use Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, or Linux, the VPN offers a user-friendly app with all the essential features. The desktop and mobile apps are designed to be simple yet functional, providing easy access to features like split tunneling (called Bypasser), multi-hop connections, and the kill switch.
One minor drawback, however, is that certain features—such as split tunneling—are only available on Windows and Android. For Mac and iOS users, this limitation could be a deal-breaker if split tunneling is essential to you. That said, the apps are intuitive, and the setup process is straightforward, even for non-tech-savvy users.
Streaming and Torrenting Capabilities
Surfshark excels at unblocking popular streaming platforms, making it a top choice for streamers worldwide. Whether you want to access Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, or Disney+, Surfshark reliably bypasses geo-restrictions. During testing, it consistently unblocked content libraries from different countries without buffering or speed drops. This makes it perfect for users who travel frequently and need access to region-locked content.
For torrenting, Surfshark allows P2P file sharing on all its servers, which is a significant advantage. Many VPNs restrict torrenting to specific servers, but Surfshark’s flexibility ensures you can download torrents securely and without bandwidth limitations. Coupled with its kill switch and no-logs policy, you can torrent with peace of mind, knowing your identity and activity are protected.
Additionally, Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode prevents your ISP from detecting VPN usage, which is particularly useful if you live in a country where VPNs are restricted. It keeps your online activities private while ensuring stable streaming and torrenting experiences. All in all, Surfshark offers a seamless and secure way to stream and torrent content from anywhere in the world.
Pricing and Plans
| Plan | Total Price | Average Monthly Cost | Duration | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Month Plan | $12.95 | $12.95 | 1 Month | Full access to all features, no limit on devices |
| 1 Year Plan | $41.85 | $3.49 | 12 Months (includes 3 free months) | Full access to all features, no limit on devices |
| 2 Year Plan | $59.13 | $2.49 | 24 Months (includes 3 free months) | Full access to all features, no limit on devices |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 Days | Payment Options | Credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, Cryptocurrency |
Surfshark is known for offering some of the most affordable VPN pricing plans, especially when compared to other premium services. The VPN provides three main subscription plans: a 1-month plan, a 1-year plan, and a 2-year plan. The 1-month option is the most expensive, costing around $12.95 per month. However, if you’re looking for long-term savings, the 2-year plan is much more economical at just $2.49 per month, making it one of the best deals in the VPN market. Additionally, Surfshark frequently runs discounts, such as during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, where prices can drop even further.
Each plan includes the same features, such as unlimited device connections, advanced security tools, and access to all servers. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test the service risk-free. Payment methods are flexible, supporting credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, and even cryptocurrencies for those who prefer anonymity.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)
Is Surfshark VPN good for gaming?
Yes, Surfshark is a solid choice for gaming due to its low latency and fast connection speeds. With its global server network, it reduces lag by connecting you to nearby servers. It also offers unlimited bandwidth, so you can game without worrying about data caps. Features like WireGuard protocol enhance speed, making it suitable for online gaming.
Does Surfshark VPN work in China?
Yes, Surfshark works in China, thanks to its NoBorders mode, which bypasses government-imposed restrictions and censorship. This feature allows you to access websites and services blocked in highly censored countries, making it reliable for users traveling or living in places with strict internet regulations.
How does Surfshark compare to NordVPN and ExpressVPN?
Surfshark stands out for its unlimited device connections and lower pricing compared to NordVPN and ExpressVPN. While Surfshark may not have all the advanced features that these competitors offer, such as Tor over VPN, it provides excellent value for money with its robust security features, affordability, and ease of use. Surfshark is ideal for users looking for great performance at a lower price point.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, Surfshark VPN stands out as one of the best VPN services in 2024, offering a balance of affordability, security, and ease of use. Its unlimited device connections and robust privacy features make it an excellent choice for families, frequent travelers, and privacy-conscious individuals. Whether you’re looking to stream geo-restricted content, torrent securely, or maintain privacy while browsing, Surfshark has all the essential tools to keep you safe online.
