In today’s hyper-connected world, your online activity is constantly monitored — by advertisers, hackers, even your own internet provider. Every click, every search, every video you watch is tracked and stored somewhere. That’s why more people than ever are turning to VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) for privacy, security, and freedom online.
And when it comes to VPNs, one name stands out in 2025: Surfshark.
Over the last few years, Surfshark has gone from an underdog to one of the most trusted, feature-rich, and affordable VPNs on the market. Whether you want to browse privately, unlock global streaming content, or stay safe on public Wi-Fi, Surfshark offers a full suite of tools to protect you.
In this in-depth review, we’ll cover:
- What Surfshark is and how it works
- Key features and benefits
- Pricing and value for money
- How it compares to competitors like ExpressVPN and NordVPN
- Real-world performance (speed, reliability, streaming)
- Why Surfshark is our top VPN recommendation in 2025
What is Surfshark?
Surfshark is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service that encrypts your internet connection, hides your IP address, and routes your traffic through secure servers worldwide. This prevents anyone — including hackers, ISPs, and government agencies — from tracking your online activity.
Founded in 2018, Surfshark quickly gained a reputation for its excellent privacy policies, user-friendly apps, and competitive pricing. Today, it has over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, making it one of the largest VPN networks in the industry.
Surfshark isn’t just a VPN — it’s an all-in-one security platform. With extras like Surfshark Antivirus, Ad Blocker (CleanWeb), Data Breach Alerts, and even Incogni (personal data removal service), it’s more like a digital safety toolbox.
Why Use a VPN Like Surfshark?
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s quickly address why VPNs are essential today.
A VPN like Surfshark helps you:
- Protect your privacy — Encrypts your internet traffic so no one can see what you’re doing online.
- Stay safe on public Wi-Fi — Prevents hackers from intercepting your data at cafes, airports, or hotels.
- Access global content — Unlocks streaming libraries from Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more in other countries.
- Avoid censorship — Lets you bypass government restrictions in countries with limited internet freedom.
- Stop tracking — Blocks advertisers and trackers from profiling you.
With Surfshark, you get all of these benefits without sacrificing speed or convenience.
Surfshark’s Key Features
Let’s break down what makes Surfshark stand out.
1. Unlimited Devices
Most VPNs limit you to 5–10 simultaneous connections. Surfshark? Unlimited.
That means you can protect your phone, laptop, smart TV, tablet, and even your router — all under one subscription. Perfect for families or people with multiple devices.
2. CleanWeb (Ad & Malware Blocker)
CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites automatically, improving page load speeds and reducing distractions.
3. Camouflage Mode
This hides the fact you’re using a VPN, even from your internet provider. Essential in countries with heavy censorship.
4. MultiHop
Routes your traffic through two VPN servers for extra privacy — like wearing two invisibility cloaks at once.
5. Kill Switch
If your VPN connection drops unexpectedly, Kill Switch instantly cuts your internet to prevent data leaks.
6. GPS Spoofing (Android)
Fools apps into thinking you’re in a completely different location — great for mobile privacy and location-based deals.
7. NoBorders Mode
Designed for bypassing strict internet firewalls, letting you access the free internet anywhere.
8. Surfshark Antivirus & One
Surfshark One bundles VPN with antivirus protection, breach alerts, and secure search for an all-in-one solution.
Privacy & Security: How Safe is Surfshark?
When it comes to VPNs, security is non-negotiable — and Surfshark delivers.
- Encryption: Uses AES-256-GCM (military-grade encryption).
- Protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec.
- No-Logs Policy: Independently audited to prove Surfshark doesn’t store user activity data.
- RAM-Only Servers: All data is wiped automatically upon reboot — nothing is stored long-term.
- Based in the Netherlands: Outside 14-Eyes intelligence-sharing agreements.
Simply put: Surfshark is as secure as VPNs get.
Surfshark for Streaming
Streaming services often block VPN traffic, but Surfshark consistently bypasses those restrictions.
We tested it with:
- Netflix (US, UK, Japan, Canada) — Works flawlessly
- Disney+ — Unlocked US-exclusive content
- BBC iPlayer — Streamed in HD without buffering
- Hulu & Amazon Prime Video — No issues at all
With Surfshark, you can travel virtually anywhere and still watch your favorite shows and movies.
Surfshark for Gaming
Gamers benefit from Surfshark’s low latency and DDoS protection. It’s especially useful for:
- Reducing ping in some cases by connecting through optimized servers
- Accessing region-locked game content and early releases
- Staying protected from swatting or targeted attacks
Speed & Performance
A VPN can slow down your connection, but Surfshark’s WireGuard protocol delivers excellent speeds. In our tests:
- Local connections lost only 2–5% of base speed.
- Long-distance connections (US to Europe) maintained 70–80% speed.
- Streaming in 4K was smooth, even on servers 5,000+ miles away.
Pricing: Incredible Value
Here’s where Surfshark really shines.
- Monthly Plan: $12.95/month
- 12-Month Plan: $3.99/month
- 24-Month Plan: $2.49/month + 2 free months
For the price of a coffee, you can secure unlimited devices and get premium privacy. Plus, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark vs. Competitors
| Feature | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (2-year) | $2.49/mo | $8.32/mo | $3.29/mo |
| Devices | Unlimited | 5 | 6 |
| Servers | 3,200+ | 3,000+ | 5,800+ |
| Countries | 100+ | 94 | 60 |
| Ad Blocker | Yes | No | Yes |
| MultiHop | Yes | No | Yes |
Surfshark wins for value, device limits, and extras.
Real User Testimonials
“Surfshark is the first VPN that didn’t slow my internet to a crawl. Plus, I can finally watch my home Netflix while traveling.” — Sarah T.
“The unlimited devices thing is a game changer. My whole family is protected without buying multiple accounts.” — James L.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Started with Surfshark
- Go to the Surfshark website and choose your plan.
- Download the app for your device (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TV, browser extension).
- Log in with your account credentials.
- Connect to any server and start browsing securely.
It takes less than 2 minutes to set up.
Tips to Maximize Surfshark
- Use MultiHop for sensitive activities like online banking.
- Enable CleanWeb to speed up browsing and block malicious ads.
- Set up Surfshark on your router to protect all devices automatically.
- Pair with Incogni to remove your data from data broker sites.
Final Verdict: Is Surfshark Worth It in 2025?
Absolutely.
Surfshark combines top-tier security, blazing speeds, unlimited devices, and unbeatable pricing into one package. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, streamer, gamer, or privacy advocate, Surfshark is the best all-around VPN you can get today.
