Read this Surfshark review to fully understand the service’s pros, cons, pricing, and features.

In the vast ocean of VPN services, navigating through detailed reviews becomes essential for making an informed choice. With numerous providers boasting about impressive speeds and military-grade encryption, it’s crucial to separate fact from fiction. Get ready to dive deep into the realm of Surfshark as we unravel its intricacies, revealing the ultimate VPN solution.

Surfshark Key Findings for 2023

These are my instant key findings for Surfshark review 2023:

• Unblocks all the major streaming sites:Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more
• The number of available servers: 3200+ servers in 100 countries
• Moneyback Guarantee: Offers a 30-day moneyback guarantee
• A Manual WireGuard connection is available 
• 24/7 support via email and live chat
• Unlimited simultaneous connections are available
• Ad tracker and malware blocking are available

Cons:

•  Monthly plans are costly 
• Split tunneling is not available on iOS
• Netherlands-based jurisdiction with potential government data-sharing obligations.

Surfshark VPN- An Overview 

Surfshark has carved its place as a leading VPN provider by delivering impressive speeds, unlimited connections, a user-friendly Windows app, and an extensive server network. Additionally, Surfshark offers convenient privacy features, enhancing its appeal. With all these remarkable offerings bundled into an affordable package, Surfshark emerges as a compelling choice, providing excellent value for a wide range of users in need of a VPN solution.

Surfshark- Features and Capabilities 

Surfshark shines as a highly secure VPN service provider, prioritizing user safety. With an audited no-logs policy in place, Surfshark ensures that your data remains completely private. You have the flexibility to choose your preferred encryption standard and benefit from the safest tunneling protocols available, namely OpenVPN and WireGuard.

When it comes to safeguarding your personal information, Surfshark takes no chances. The service only requires your email to create an account, and it employs advanced hash functions to secure your passwords, rendering them virtually impossible to crack.

Let’s delve into some key features that establish Surfshark as a secure VPN option:

• Encryption
• Tunneling protocols
• MultiHop
• Search
• DNS leak protection
• Nexus
• Kill switch
• RAM-only servers
• Audits
• Camouflage mode

Surfshark- Privacy & Security 

Surfshark takes data encryption seriously by utilizing the robust AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) with 256-bit keys (AES-256). This ensures that your data remains encrypted and well-protected, minimizing the risk of any leaks or unauthorized access.

For enhanced security, Surfshark offers the Search feature as part of Surfshark One, available for an additional cost. This feature not only blocks ads and malware but also provides protection against phishing attempts. Furthermore, Surfshark One (a comprehensive package) includes a valuable personal data breach alert feature and an antivirus to safeguard your devices from malware threats.

Additionally, Surfshark goes the extra mile to prioritize your data security by employing strong encryption measures, offering ad and malware blocking capabilities, proactive alerts for personal data breaches, and antivirus protection to create a safe online environment.

Surfshark Top Features Review 

1. Multihop 

Surfshark introduces a unique feature that enables users to connect to two distinct VPN servers simultaneously. Typically, this entails connecting to servers located in different countries. The primary advantage of this functionality is the ability to enhance security by effectively concealing your real location. By leveraging this feature, Surfshark suggests that users may also experience potential improvements in internet speeds, offering an additional benefit alongside heightened privacy and security measures.

2. Split Tunneling 

Surfshark provides a user-friendly split tunneling feature known as Bypasser, which simplifies the process of accessing specific websites that typically block VPN connections. Unlike other VPN providers, Surfshark streamlines the usage of this feature, eliminating the need for constant VPN connect and disconnect cycles.

With Bypasser, you gain the flexibility to direct certain internet traffic through your regular internet provider while routing the rest through the VPN. This means you can seamlessly access websites or devices that necessitate direct internet access without the hassle of repeatedly toggling your VPN connection on and off. Surfshark’s Bypasser feature offers a convenient solution that enhances your browsing experience and provides greater control over your online activities.

3. Kill Switch 

To ensure your privacy remains intact even if your VPN connection unexpectedly drops, Surfshark, like many other VPNs, incorporates a Kill Switch feature. The Kill Switch acts as a safeguard by automatically disabling your internet connection in such situations. By doing so, it prevents any potential exposure of your sensitive information, offering an additional layer of protection and peace of mind.

4. Dedicated IP 

It’s disappointing that Surfshark is currently not offering this core feature. A dedicated IP allows users to access the internet using a unique IP address for enhanced internet security. While some VPN providers offer this feature for an additional cost, Surfshark does not currently include dedicated IP functionality.

5. Anonymous Browsing Feature 

Surfshark VPN employs advanced techniques to conceal your real address and operates in a mode referred to as “camouflage mode,” ensuring that your ISP is unaware of your VPN usage. With a strong commitment to privacy, Surfshark does not retain any activity logs, including details of your browsing history and DNS queries. By implementing these measures, Surfshark prioritizes anonymity and safeguards online activities.

6. DNS Leak Protection 

Surfshark takes immediate action to protect against DNS leaks as soon as you connect to any of its servers. This ensures that all DNS requests originating from your device are blocked, preventing potential leaks. Furthermore, Surfshark owns and operates its own DNS servers, ensuring no activity or connection logs are recorded and eliminating third-party interference. With end-to-end encryption applied to all your traffic, Surfshark guarantees the privacy and security of your online activities.

While DNS leaks can occur due to various reasons, such as improper manual VPN configuration, the consequences remain consistent. Without proper protection, your online traffic becomes susceptible to tracking by third parties, including your ISP, thereby exposing your browsing activity. By addressing this vulnerability, Surfshark mitigates the risks associated with DNS leaks, preserving your online privacy and enhancing your overall security.

7. Nexus 

Surfshark introduces Nexus, its latest security feature that leverages Software Defined Networking (SDN) to seamlessly connect its VPN servers into a unified network. With Nexus technology, user traffic is routed through an extensive network of servers, expanding beyond a single VPN encryption tunnel.

Nexus offers more than just traffic concealment; it enhances overall performance stability and can potentially improve VPN connection speeds. By utilizing this innovative feature, Surfshark ensures that users not only benefit from increased privacy but also enjoy a more reliable and optimized VPN experience.

Surfshark Pricing Review for 2023 

Surfshark offers flexible subscription options for its VPN service, including month-to-month and one-year plans. Additionally, there is an enticing introductory BOGO (Buy One Get One) deal, which grants users two years of service for the price of one, along with an additional bonus month. It’s important to note that the BOGO offer will automatically renew at the annual rate.

To accommodate diverse preferences, Surfshark accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal,  Amazon Pay, Google Pay, and cryptocurrencies. Check out the mentioned table below to see Surfshark’s latest pricing. 

Surfshark Compatibility with Devices

Surfshark sets itself apart by offering the convenience of unlimited simultaneous device connections, allowing you to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously without any restrictions. This is a notable advantage compared to the typical limit of five to seven devices imposed by most other VPN providers.

Surfshark is designed to work seamlessly across a wide range of hardware and software platforms, including:

• Desktops and laptops: Surfshark is compatible with popular operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Smartphones and tablets: Surfshark supports both Android and iOS devices, ensuring protection for your mobile browsing. You can also use it on Firestick, Kodi, and Roku.
• Routers: Certain routers can be configured with Surfshark to provide VPN protection for all devices connected to the router.
• Streaming devices: Surfshark is compatible with streaming devices like LG TV, Apple TV, and Android TV, enabling secure access to your favorite streaming platforms.
• Gaming consoles: Surfshark extends its compatibility to gaming consoles such as PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox, allowing you to enjoy gaming with enhanced privacy and security.
• Browser extension: Surfshark offers a dedicated browser extension for Chrome, providing a streamlined VPN experience directly within your browser.

With its extensive device compatibility and user-friendly features, Surfshark ensures that you can protect your online activities and enjoy a secure browsing experience across a wide range of devices and platforms.

Surfshark Speed Test Review 

Surfshark has made significant improvements in its speed performance, making it one of the fastest VPN providers I’ve tested. In fact, it shares the top spot with TorGuard, reaching an impressive speed of 950Mbps during my tests.

This significant speed boost of over 100Mbps demonstrates the dedication of Surfshark’s developers to continuously enhance and future-proof their service, particularly as gigabit connections become more widespread worldwide.

While the speeds achieved using OpenVPN were not as remarkable, reaching a maximum of 160Mbps, it still provides more than enough speed for the average user. However, it falls short compared to the 400Mbps+ speeds observed with other providers.

But does this speed difference really matter? For the majority of users, not at all. WireGuard has become the standard protocol for VPNs, and Surfshark uses it as the default option. This means that nearly every user will be connecting with WireGuard, benefiting from its excellent speed and performance.

Overall, there’s no need to worry about speed when using Surfshark VPN. It can easily keep up with the fastest internet connections available, ensuring a seamless browsing experience for users around the globe.

Surfshark VPN for Gaming- Performance Review 

Surfshark is a fast and reliable option for gaming on local servers, offering seamless gameplay with minimal load times and lag. By utilizing the “Fastest server” feature, I could enjoy gaming with excellent speeds that rival my base internet connection. However, I encountered significant delays and latency issues when attempting to connect to distant servers like those in Australia.

For a smooth online gaming experience, it is recommended to have download speeds of 15+ Mbps, upload speeds of at least 1 Mbps, and the lowest possible ping. Latency exceeding 100 ms can introduce substantial lag, making fast-paced gameplay nearly impossible.

To put Surfshark to the test, I initiated my gaming session by utilizing the “Fastest server” feature, which connected me to a server in the UK. Within a matter of seconds, I loaded Team Fortress 2 on Steam and joined a match without any interruptions or slowdowns. Encouraged by the positive experience, I then connected to a server in the Netherlands, yielding similar results.

However, when I decided to test Surfshark’s performance on long-distance servers, such as the one in New York, I experienced a slight slowdown in loading times, taking approximately 2 minutes. Fortunately, I did not encounter any noticeable lag during gameplay. Conversely, when connected to servers on the west coast, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, I did experience more significant slowdowns. It took me longer to react to attacks and find cover, impacting my ability to respond swiftly to the opposing team’s shots.

Surfshark’s GPS Spoofing on Android 

To address the concern of personal information privacy on mobile devices, Surfshark goes beyond the standard VPN protection. It offers a unique GPS spoofing feature that tackles the use of GPS to track your location by certain sites and apps. By connecting to a Surfshark VPN server, this feature makes it appear as if you are physically located in the same place as the server, masking both your IP address and GPS coordinates. This ensures that no intrusive apps can track your whereabouts for marketing or other purposes.

Is Surfshark a Good Torrenting VPN?

While torrenting is not the primary focus of Surfshark, it does support P2P connections on most of its servers. This allows users to engage in torrenting activities while benefiting from the platform’s features. For enhanced anonymity, Surfshark also accepts payments in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.

Overall, Surfshark can be used for torrenting purposes, providing satisfactory performance. However, other VPN providers with more extensive torrenting-specific features better meet the needs of dedicated torrenters.

Surfshark Review- Final Verdict 

In our assessment, Surfshark VPN offers a solid and reliable service with several noteworthy features. It provides good speeds, unlimited simultaneous connections, and a user-friendly interface across various devices and platforms. The company’s commitment to privacy is evident through its strict no-logs policy and strong encryption protocols. Additionally, features like CleanWeb, GPS spoofing, and split tunneling add extra value to the service.

While Surfshark performs well in most areas, there may be some limitations for long-distance gaming and slower speeds when using OpenVPN compared to other protocols. However, these factors are often outweighed by the VPN’s overall performance and security.

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