Surfshark VPN Review for 2026: Speed, Streaming, Torrenting - Cybernews

Surfshark is a popular VPN used by people worldwide, and it consistently ranks among the top providers in most VPN comparisons. I wanted to see how it performs in everyday use, so I ran speed tests, leak checks, and hands-on usability trials, while also digging into how well Surfshark handles streaming, web protection, and privacy. As someone who’s used Surfshark for years, I’ll also share what’s impressed me (and what hasn’t) lately. Surfshark was launched in 2018 and quickly became a go-to VPN for many users. Its unlimited device policy, advanced security tools, and reliable performance put it in the same league as NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Today, Surfshark is more than just a VPN, with added tools like antivirus, Alternative ID, and Everlink technology that boosts connection stability. That said, there’s more to unpack, so let’s get into it. 📢 LIMITED OFFER: Now up to 88% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE Surfshark VPN in 2026 – overview ⭐ Rating: 4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 🥇 Overall rank: #2 out of #41 📖 No logs policy: No logs 💵 Price: From $1.78/month 🖥️ Servers: 4,500+ servers in 100 countries 🍿 Streaming services: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more 🔥 Coupons: Surfshark coupon 88% OFF Choose Surfshark if: You want an affordable VPN that delivers strong speeds, solid privacy protection, and a rich set of features. You want a VPN that will reliably unblock and stream foreign streaming services without buffering. You’re looking for a dependable VPN to secure everyday activities like browsing and online shopping. You need a VPN that supports unlimited device connections with a single subscription. You want a VPN that supports torrenting with strong leak protection. You want built-in features like ad blocking and antivirus. Avoid Surfshark if: You want the absolute fastest VPN on the market. In that case, I would recommend NordVPN. If you’re looking for a broader security suite with extras like advanced threat protection and additional online identity protection, NordVPN may be a better choice. You want a fully privacy-focused VPN. If maximum anonymity is your top priority, Proton VPN may be a better fit. More VPN reviews Check out our NordVPN and ProtonVPN reviews for more information about these providers. Why You Can Trust Cybernews We spare no effort to test the products & their features. All information is gathered by our in-house research team & fact-checked by our team of experts. Discover the ins and outs of our testing procedures. 600+ Detailed VPN guides 230+ Products and services tested 3900+ Hours of testing Surfshark VPN pros and cons 2026 Surfshark continues to be one of the best VPNs on the market, offering strong privacy protection, reliable speeds, and a setup that works across multiple devices. It’s a solid choice for streaming, torrenting, and secure browsing without overspending. Things I liked Value for money. Surfshark remains one of the most affordable premium VPNs, especially if you opt for the 2-year plan Easily bypasses geo restrictions. Reliably unblocked all my tested streaming libraries and restricted websites Great extras. Surfshark includes built-in antivirus, Alternative ID and CleanWeb Very fast. Surfshark often ranks as one of the fastest VPNs, with barely noticeable speed loss Unlimited device connections. You can connect every device in your household on a single subscription – a rare and valuable perk Beginner-friendly apps. Surfshark’s apps are uncluttered, simple, and consistent across desktop, mobile, and streaming devices Things I didn't like Price increases upon renewal. The initial deal is excellent, but expect the cost to rise once your first term ends Low server count. Surfshark has fewer servers than top competitors like NordVPN or Proton VPN Surfshark VPN review methodology To evaluate Surfshark, I followed the Cybernews VPN testing methodology – the same rigorous process our team uses for every VPN review. Here’s a breakdown of the key areas I focused on: Privacy overview. I examined where Surfshark is based (matters for surveillance alliances), how its no-logs policy holds up, and whether recent audits support its privacy claims. Leak protection and kill switch. I intentionally interrupted the VPN connection to see if my IP or DNS data leaked and whether the kill switch worked as advertised. Connection speed tests. Using servers in multiple regions, I ran download and upload tests to check how much speed drop you can expect day to day, and compared them with no-VPN baseline speed. Features. I explored tools like CleanWeb, MultiHop, and Bypasser to see if they’re actually useful or just filler on the feature list. Server network. I looked at Surfshark’s server count, location spread, and whether it offers specialized options like P2P or obfuscated servers. Streaming access. I tried unlocking Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and a few other streaming services to see if Surfshark could consistently bypass geo-blocks without errors. Torrenting support. I tested Surfshark’s performance on several P2P-friendly servers, checking how well it handled downloads in terms of stability, speed, and throttling resistance. Apps and ease of use. I installed Surfshark on several platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Apple TV, to see how easy it is to use across devices. My MacBook Air was a primary testing device. Customer support. I reached out to Surfshark’s support team via live chat and email to evaluate how fast and helpful their replies were. Pricing. I broke down Surfshark’s value and cost, including renewal rates, and compared it with what you get for the money. Streaming with Surfshark VPN Surfshark ranks as one of the best VPNs for streaming, thanks to its reliable unblocking capabilities and fast, stable connections. During testing, I was able to access every platform I tried, including multiple foreign Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer in the UK, and even GLOBO TV in Brazil. Netflix Japan I connected to a Japan server and was able to watch Netflix Japan straight away, with smooth playback the whole time. Streaming Netflix Japan with Surfshark Netflix US I accessed Netflix US easily and watched a few titles without buffering or quality drops. Streaming Netflix US with Surfshark BBC iPlayer After connecting to a UK server, BBC iPlayer opened right away and I could stream without any error messages. Streaming BBC iPlayer with Surfshark Hotstar Using both an Indian server and a UK server, Hotstar loaded normally and videos started playing without problems. Streaming Hotstar with Surfshark Surfshark handles VPN detection well, especially considering that most streaming platforms try to block VPNs. In my testing, it consistently got around those restrictions. On Netflix, I switched between different country libraries without running into location errors, and everything loaded smoothly. Thanks to fast protocols like WireGuard, streams started quickly and played in HD or 4K without buffering. As long as my base connection was stable, playback was smooth and uninterrupted. On top of that, there are dedicated apps for devices like the Amazon Fire TV Stick and Apple TV, making installing and using the VPN straightforward on your streaming device. However, as of February 2026, Surfshark has discontinued its SmartDNS feature. That’s not ideal for users who prefer SmartDNS on devices without native VPN support, since it's sometimes simpler and doesn’t route all traffic through the VPN. Now, those users will need to rely on router setup or supported apps instead. Is Surfshark VPN safe? Overall, yes, Surfshark is one of the most secure VPNs you can get in 2026. It combines strong encryption, advanced privacy tools, and a strict no‑logs policy – all backed by independent audits and a transparent track record. From my testing, it’s clear that Surfshark takes user security seriously without cutting corners on performance or usability. Whether you're streaming, browsing, or torrenting, it provides a reliable layer of protection across all devices. Privacy aspect Details Encryption standard AES‑256 and ChaCha20 encryption for VPN traffic – the industry standard for secure VPN tunnels VPN protocols Supports fast and secure protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), and IKEv2. Nexus technology Surfshark’s SDN-based technology that routes traffic across a unified server network to boost privacy, speed, and connection stability No-logs policy Strict no‑logs policy – independently verified that it does not store browsing activity, IPs, or traffic details. The latest audit conducted in 2025 by Deloitte Independent audits No‑logs compliance has been confirmed in multiple third‑party audits by trusted firms like Deloitte in recent years Jurisdiction Based in the Netherlands, which is part of the Nine Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, though, Surfshark enforces a strict no-logs policy to minimize exposure Server infrastructure Operates over 4,500 RAM‑only servers across 100 countries, ensuring data is never stored on disk DNS and IP leak protection Built‑in DNS, WebRTC, and IP leak protection to prevent traffic exposure Kill switch Automatic kill switch available across desktop and mobile apps to block internet traffic if the VPN connection drops Encryption Surfshark uses industry-leading encryption to keep your data safe, specifically AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20, both trusted by cybersecurity experts worldwide. AES-256-GCM is widely adopted in government and enterprise-grade systems, while ChaCha20 offers excellent security on devices with lower processing power. So far, there aren’t any safer alternatives. What strengthens Surfshark’s encryption even more is Perfect Forward Secrecy – a feature that generates a unique key for every session. This means that even if someone intercepted your traffic, they wouldn’t be able to decrypt past or future sessions. In practice, this allows you to browse safely on public Wi-Fi, access private accounts, and make secure payments without worrying about data exposure. Best of all, Surfshark manages to deliver this protection without noticeably slowing down your connection, whether you're traveling, working, or just surfing the web. Surfshark VPN protocols Surfshark gives you a choice of three VPN protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, so you can pick the best balance of speed and privacy for your needs. VPN protocols control how your data is encrypted and transmitted. Some prioritize top-tier security, while others are built for speed and efficiency. Having multiple options lets you adjust based on your device or activity. WireGuard. Surfshark’s default protocol on most platforms. It’s lightweight and fast, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and general browsing, all while maintaining strong encryption. OpenVPN. A highly secure and open-source protocol known for its reliability. It’s great for privacy-focused users, especially when using public networks or in countries with internet restrictions. IKEv2. It offers quick reconnections and stable performance, especially on mobile devices. It’s useful for switching between networks (like Wi-Fi and mobile data) without dropping the VPN. With these three options, Surfshark keeps your data secure while letting you optimize performance based on how and where you’re connecting. Nexus technology Launched in early 2025, Surfshark Nexus is a major upgrade to how its VPN network operates. Instead of routing your traffic through a single server, Nexus connects you to a network-wide infrastructure using software-defined networking (SDN). This allows Surfshark to manage your connection across multiple servers at once. With Nexus, your traffic is dynamically routed based on factors like speed, server load, and stability. This means fewer connection drops, faster performance, and a more consistent experience, especially during high traffic or when switching locations. Nexus also brings a boost to privacy. Because your traffic flows through a wider network rather than one fixed server, it's harder to trace and less vulnerable to potential exposure. It also enables advanced features like rotating IPs without disconnecting your session. Overall, Nexus is Surfshark’s way of making VPNs smarter, improving both speed and security while laying the groundwork for even more advanced privacy tools. RAM-only servers Surfshark runs its entire VPN network on RAM-only servers, meaning no data is ever written to physical hard drives. This setup ensures that every piece of information, including session data, is wiped automatically whenever a server is rebooted. Surfshark made the switch to a fully RAM-based infrastructure in 2020, reinforcing its no-logs policy with hardware that physically can’t retain user data. Even if a server were compromised, there would be nothing to recover. This kind of diskless architecture has become a security benchmark in the VPN industry, and Surfshark was one of the earlier providers to adopt it network-wide. It’s a major reason users can trust that their browsing activity stays private. No-logs policy Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, and based on its latest independent audit, that claim continues to hold up. I reviewed the provider’s privacy policy and found that while Surfshark doesn’t track your online activity, there is a small detail worth noting. According to the policy, Surfshark temporarily stores limited technical data, such as user ID, IP address, and connection timestamps, during active sessions. However, this information is automatically deleted within 15 minutes after you disconnect from the VPN. It’s not linked to your browsing or app usage, and it can’t be used to identify what you did online. Excerpt from Surfshark’s privacy policy explaining connection data retention Here’s a table summarizing what information Surfshark collects: Data Does Surfshark store it? IP address Temporarily, for 15 minutes Customer’s email address ✅ Yes Customer’s encrypted password ✅ Yes Payment data ✅ Yes (if provided) Browsing history ❌ No Session information ❌ No User bandwidth ❌ No Network traffic ❌ No It’s clear that Surfshark only stores the essential data needed to run your account, things like your email address, encrypted password, and payment details. These are standard for any subscription-based service. What it doesn’t collect is just as important: Surfshark doesn’t log your browsing history, VPN session metadata, bandwidth usage, or any data that could link your activity back to you. The only exception is the temporary storage of your IP address during an active connection, which is wiped within 15 minutes of disconnecting. For most users, that won’t be a major concern – the data isn’t retained or used beyond managing active sessions. But if even short-term IP storage is a dealbreaker for you, NordVPN might be a better fit, as it avoids IP retention altogether during VPN use. Surfshark VPN is based in the Netherlands Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands, a country that is part of the Nine and Fourteen Eyes alliances, but notably does not enforce mandatory data retention laws. This legal backdrop, combined with Surfshark’s own privacy safeguards, helps create a secure environment for private browsing, streaming, and online payments. Naturally, I wanted to dig deeper. So I asked Surfshark about this directly. Their response was clear: Dutch law doesn’t require VPN providers to log or store user data. So, while the Netherlands is within an intelligence-sharing alliance, Surfshark says there’s nothing to hand over – because nothing is collected to begin with. They also emphasized their strict no-logs policy and RAM-only server infrastructure, which ensures that all data is wiped automatically with every reboot. No logs, no lingering session info – nothing stored long term. You can read Surfshark’s full answer below. For more insights, check out our full interview with Martynas Dainys. Expert comment Martynas Dainys VPN service manager at Surfshark "The laws of the Netherlands do not establish any obligation to log or retain user data. Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes stand for cooperation alliances between countries' intelligence authorities in relation to information sharing, but if the authorities do not collect information, they do not have what to share with the intelligence authorities of other countries. This is very important for Surfshark due to our no-logs policy being a significant feature of our services. It means that we do not collect any information about what our users do online. Additionally, all servers run on volatile (RAM) memory, meaning that any information that would usually be on the hard drive is wiped off automatically whenever a server is turned off. Thus, in case we receive a data request from the law enforcement agencies, we wouldn't have any significant information to disclose about our users’ online activities." Surfshark’s leak protection test Surfshark includes built-in safeguards to prevent your real IP address from showing, even if something goes wrong. That includes DNS leak protection, WebRTC blocking, and a kill switch, all of which help keep your identity secure while connected to the VPN. I ran multiple leak tests on Surfshark using tools like dnsleaktest.com and ipleak.net. The results were clear – no DNS or WebRTC leaks during testing. That means your online activity stays private, and your real IP never shows, even during real-time communications like video calls. Surfshark IP leak test – IP matches the server I connected to Kill switch Surfshark’s kill switch adds another layer of protection. If your VPN connection suddenly drops, it instantly cuts off internet access to prevent any unencrypted data from leaking. You can use it system-wide or apply it to specific apps. I tested this by forcing connection drops while using the WireGuard protocol. Surfshark blocked traffic every time and kept my IP hidden. Surfshark VPN kill switch activated in app Surfshark also uses Everlink, a built-in stability feature that automatically re-routes your connection to another server if something fails. It’s enabled by default with WireGuard, so there’s nothing to set up. In my testing, it made the connection more stable overall. All of these tools run automatically in Surfshark’s apps, making it easy to maintain airtight privacy without extra effort. Surfshark VPN review: speed test When it comes to VPNs, speed is really about how much of your original connection the service can retain. Every VPN adds some slowdown – that’s the tradeoff for encryption and secure tunneling – but the top providers keep that impact barely noticeable. This is especially important if you’re streaming, gaming, or just want your VPN to feel seamless in everyday use. High speed retention means you can enjoy buffer-free video, quick downloads, and smooth browsing, all without constantly thinking about whether the VPN is slowing you down. For this Surfshark review, I tested performance using the WireGuard protocol, which is known for offering the best speeds. I measured speed retention across two scenarios: first, using a local server in my own country, and second, connecting to various global servers to simulate real-world usage across different regions. My baseline internet speed, according to OOKLA, without the VPN was 246.5Mbps download and 291.9Mbps upload. Next, I connected to Surfshark to see how much of that performance it could maintain. My home network baseline speed Surfshark’s speed connected to a local server Not everyone uses a VPN to spoof their location. In fact, many users connect to local servers in their own country just to protect their privacy without compromising speed. That’s why speed retention on local servers matters – it ensures the VPN won’t slow down your day-to-day browsing, streaming, or remote work. To test Surfshark’s local performance, I used the WireGuard protocol and connected to a VPN server in my country. My baseline speed without the VPN was 246.5Mbps download and 291.9Mbps upload. Speed test results when connected to Surfshark’s local server With Surfshark enabled, I recorded 238.4Mbps download and 258.4Mbps upload speeds, with a minimal drop in speed and no signs of throttling or instability. That’s a 97% speed retention rate, which puts Surfshark among the fastest VPNs I’ve ever tested. Even ping increased by just 1ms. Download speed, Mbps Upload speed, Mbps Ping, ms Speed retention, % Baseline connection speed 246.5 291.9 4 – WireGuard 238.4 258.4 5 97 Testing Surfshark’s speed in different locations Our research team tested Surfshark’s connection speeds with WireGuard across multiple locations since the protocol showed the most potential during our initial testing round. Its average download speed retention was 81%, while upload speed retention was slower at 52%. Our findings confirm that, most of the time, speed retention is best in nearby countries, while distant regions lead to lower speeds. The research team conducted the speed tests from Vilnius, Lithuania. Their baseline download speed without a VPN was 940Mbps, while the upload speed was 600Mbps. This should give you a reference of the distance between our testing location and Surfshark’s servers they connected to. So, let’s see how Surfshark fared in specific locations: Location Latency Download speed Download speed retention Upload speed Upload speed retention Local 1ms 904Mbps 96% 569Mbps 94% Perth, Australia 231ms 642Mbps 68% 85Mbps 14% Montreal, Canada 111ms 784Mbps 83% 178Mbps 29% Berlin, Germany 34ms 877Mbps 93% 561Mbps 93% Paris, France 35ms 860Mbps 91% 521Mbps 86% Tokyo, Japan 290ms 537Mbps 57% 71Mbps 11% Amsterdam, Netherlands 29ms 873Mbps 92% 559Mbps 93% Stockholm, Sweden 12ms 900Mbps 95% 569Mbps 94% Singapore, Singapore 185ms 713Mbps 75% 108Mbps 18% London, UK 213ms 830Mbps 88% 290Mbps 48% New York, USA 98ms 785Mbps 83% 206Mbps 34% As you can see, the results vary quite a bit by country, although there aren’t many extreme slowdowns in any particular region. Let’s go over each country individually to analyze the specifics. I’ll describe the ping and speed retention rates to keep things simple. Australia was the first location tested by our research team. We had the second-highest ping here at 231ms, meaning the servers aren’t great for gaming (at least in our case). The download speed retention was 68%, which is pretty good. However, the upload speed retention was only 14%, which is one of the slowest results from the entire test. Surfshark’s speed test results when connected to its servers in Australia Next was Canada, where the ping was a decent 111ms. The upload speed retention was 83%, which is above average and very good considering the distance. However, the upload speed retention took a significant hit, slowing down to only 29%. Surfshark’s speed test results when connected to its servers in Canada Then we tested Germany, which delivered excellent results, most likely because the country is close to Lithuania. Ping was only 34ms, while the download and upload speed retention was an impressive 93%. Surfshark’s speed test results when connected to its servers in Germany France was next in line, and it was a bit slower than Germany. The ping was great at 35ms, and upload speed retention was 91%. Meanwhile, upload speed was marginally slower at 86%. Surfshark’s speed test results when connected to its servers in France Now, onto the other side of the world with Japan. We had the highest ping results here with 290ms, which would make online video games noticeably laggy. The download speed retention was also lowest here at 57%. Similarly, the upload speed retention dropped to a measly 11%, making Japan the slowest location from our tests. Surfshark’s speed test results when connected to its servers in Japan Back to Europe with the Netherlands, where ping was only 29ms. The overall results were very similar to those of Germany. Here, the download speed retention rate was 92%, while the upload retention rate was 93%. Surfshark’s speed test results when connected to its servers in the Netherlands Surfshark’s Swedish servers showed the best results in our tests. The ping was only 12ms, which should have no impact on online gaming. Moreover, the download speed retention rate was 95%, which is incredible. The upload speed retention rate wasn’t too far off, with 94%. Surfshark’s speed test results when connected to its servers in Sweden Next, we went back to Asia. The ping results in Singapore were 185ms, which is decent, but I wouldn’t game with such latency. The download speed retention rate was 75%, which is pretty good considering the distance. Sadly, the upload retention rate wasn’t as good, at only 18%. Surfshark’s speed test results when connected to its servers in Singapore The speed test results were a bit surprising in the United Kingdom. Firstly, ping was pretty high at 213ms. The download speed retention rate was good at 88%, although the upload speed was only 48%. Honestly, I was expecting better results since the UK is relatively nearby and a popular spot for unblocking exclusive streaming content like BBC iPlayer. Surfshark’s speed test results when connected to its servers in the UK Lastly, we have the United States. Latency was pretty good at 98ms. Meanwhile, the download speed retention rate was above average at 83%. Finally, upload speed retention was only 34%. Surfshark’s speed test results when connected to its servers in the US In conclusion, we had the best overall speeds when connecting to Surfshark’s servers in Sweden. This isn’t surprising since the country is pretty close to our actual location. Other European countries demonstrated similar results, although the UK had surprisingly high ping. Naturally, Asian countries like Japan and Singapore weren’t as good, especially in terms of upload speed retention. This is an expected outcome since these countries are relatively far from us. Japan was at the bottom regarding overall speed retention, but even then, the results weren’t terrible. Lastly, overseas countries like Canada and the US showed relatively good download speeds, meaning you can use Surfshark to unblock content from these countries without lag issues. Based on these results, it’s clear that Surfshark is pretty fast, although it has room for improvement in terms of upload speed retention. Either way, it’s natural for VPNs to lose some connection speed, and your results will inevitably differ from ours. Surfshark VPN features As expected, Surfshark packs in all the essential security features you’d want from a trustworthy VPN, including a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and ad blocking. But it doesn’t stop there. Surfshark is steadily evolving into a broader cybersecurity solution, thanks to extra tools like Alternative ID and antivirus, which offer protection beyond what most VPNs provide. Below is a quick rundown of Surfshark’s key security features. Feature How it works DNS leak protection Ensures your DNS requests are handled by the VPN service to properly mask your activities from your ISP MultiHop (double VPN) Allows connecting to two VPN servers for more encryption and greater security Alternative ID Generates alternative data for personal details like names and email addresses to improve your online anonymity Antivirus Protects your device in real time from common cyberthreats like malware, scams, and dangerous websites Surfshark Search A private, ad-free search engine that shows organic results without tracking, storing data, or showing personalized ads CleanWeb Eliminates online ads and trackers to improve your online browsing experience NoBorders Mode Allows secure VPN usage even on networks with strict limitations on VPN services Camouflage Mode Makes your VPN traffic appear as regular HTTPS traffic to minimize suspicion in certain circumstances Bypasser (split tunneling) Allows you to pick which apps or websites should pass through or avoid the VPN tunnel WireGuard protocol Facilitates swift and secure connections, no matter which VPN server you use Private DNS Boosts anonymity by redirecting your DNS requests through Surfshark’s private servers Surfshark Antivirus Surfshark is an exceptional VPN because it offers the option to include antivirus capabilities alongside its standard security suite. Note that the antivirus isn’t available in the most affordable Starter subscription tier – you must choose the One or One+ plan to gain this perk. However, if you’re looking for something that’s more than just a VPN, Surfshark is definitely a worthwhile option. Independent antivirus labs, such as AV-TEST, rank it highly among other antivirus providers. The most recent June 2025 evaluation gave the service near-perfect scores, with only a tiny detraction in the performance and usability categories. It’s even part of the Microsoft Virus Initiative, highlighting Surfshark's commitment to adhering to top antivirus standards. The Surfshark Antivirus package includes typical antivirus features, such as real-time protection and device scanning capabilities, to safeguard your gadgets. You also gain webcam protection and extensive customization options to adjust the antivirus to your needs. You’ll find more details about its tools in our Surfshark Antivirus review. On the other hand, the service lacks a few features that are sometimes included alongside antivirus features. I’m referring to tools like parental controls and device cleanup, which aren’t really related to cybersecurity. I’m actually glad that Surfshark doesn’t have such tools because they could negatively impact device performance. Instead, the service includes only the essentials, without any unnecessary extras. Antivirus interface The Surfshark Antivirus interface includes all you need to customize the protection tool to your needs. The Surfshark Antivirus interface on the desktop displays an overview of security settings and scan options Scanning Surfshark Antivirus offers a customizable scanning tool to analyze your entire system or just parts of it. Surfshark’s Antivirus completed the scan on the desktop, displaying results with recommended actions Obfuscated servers (Camouflage mode) Surfshark includes obfuscated servers through its Camouflage mode, which disguises VPN traffic to look like regular HTTPS traffic. This is especially useful for bypassing VPN blocks in restrictive regions like China or on networks that typically block encrypted connections. It’s a feature commonly found in top-tier VPNs, and Surfshark is right up there alongside providers like NordVPN, Proton VPN, and ExpressVPN. Connecting to Surfshark’s obfuscated servers is simple, albeit not exactly intuitive. All you have to do is switch to the OpenVPN protocol in the app’s settings menu, and then obfuscation will be enabled automatically. This is great if you’re already familiar with the feature and know what to do. The Surfshark Windows app settings menu, where you can enable obfuscation by switching to the OpenVPN tunneling protocol However, it might be confusing if you’re a first-time Surfshark user and start looking for a feature called obfuscation on the app, only to come up empty handed. I think NordVPN does it better by offering a separate obfuscated server category. Apart from that, the feature is excellent, and it worked well during our tests. Dedicated IP Like many other VPNs, Surfshark offers the option to purchase a dedicated IP address tailored to your specific needs. It gives you exclusive access to an unchanging IP address in another country, making it superior to the provider’s Static IP servers. After all, if an IP address is used by multiple people, then you are more likely to encounter CAPTCHA and other issues while connected to a VPN server. A list of dedicated IP country options from Surfshark’s website Surfshark’s website lists 11 countries (the US, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, and South Africa) as options for dedicated IP addresses. However, even more options become available once you go to the checkout page. There’s also Brazil, Greece, Poland, Singapore, and Turkey. The point is that location availability will change over time. Pricing for this feature starts at $3.75/month, and you can get only one dedicated IP per account. MultiHop (Double VPN) Double VPN is a go-to feature for users who want extra layers of privacy, and Surfshark delivers with its own version called MultiHop. It routes your connection through two different VPN servers instead of one, making it even harder to trace your online activity. While this added protection comes with a dip in speed due to the longer travel path, it’s a solid option when maximum privacy matters. Using Surfshark’s MultiHop feature to route my connection through Lithuania and Poland Surfshark’s MultiHop has a few compelling perks that make it more appealing to me. Namely, it allows you to create custom combinations between any available countries. Moreover, you can save your favorite combos for easy access later. This is something that is missing from other providers with Double VPN, such as NordVPN and Proton VPN. Alternative ID As the name suggests, Alternative ID creates substitute details you can use instead of your actual personally identifiable information. The feature is available with all subscription plans, meaning every Surfshark customer benefits from it. However, you can pay extra if you want an alternative phone number. My favorite feature of Alternative ID is the ability to mask my actual email address. I can use the alternative email when creating new online accounts, meaning the services won’t know my real email address. Meanwhile, messages to the alt email will be redirected to my primary inbox, meaning I won’t lose any functionality. This also ensures that my actual email remains unaffected if these websites are struck by data leaks. Another benefit of this perk is seeing which online services are responsible for spam emails. You’ll also get an alt persona – a completely fake identity with a generated name, birthdate, and address. It’s designed to help you stay anonymous when filling out forms or signing up for services, reducing your exposure to tracking and data collection. Overall, it’s a standout feature, and the fact that Surfshark includes it in its most affordable plan makes it even better. It’s a smart way to boost your anonymity and shield your real identity from potential leaks, something most other VPNs don’t offer at all. Alt email interface The Alternative ID feature is available in a separate menu on the left. The feature includes three alternative emails to mask your personal ones. Surfshark’s Alternative ID feature on desktop showing the alternative email feature Alternative persona interface The alt persona feature generates a full name, birth date, and address with all the necessary information for various online forms. Surfshark’s Alternative ID feature on desktop showing the alt persona feature Pro tip You can combine the substitute details from Alternative ID with a reliable password manager to quickly autofill them when creating new accounts. Bypasser (split tunneling) Surfshark’s Bypasser is essentially split tunneling, which lets you choose which apps or websites bypass the VPN. It’s available on all plans and gives you more control over how and when your VPN is used, which is especially useful for apps that don’t play well with encrypted connections. Most VPN services include this feature in their Windows and Android apps, as it’s easiest to implement on these operating systems. Meanwhile, Surfshark offers Bypasser on its Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS apps, which is pretty rare. To my knowledge, only PIA (Private Internet Access) offers split tunneling on all these platforms. Split tunneling is helpful when you want to access your online bank account without encountering restrictions or triggering unnecessary alerts. Alternatively, you can set it up to protect only a particular app, such as your torrenting client, while the rest of your traffic remains unaffected by the VPN, allowing you to retain speedy connections. Surfshark’s Bypasser feature on desktop, using split tunneling to route two websites through different IP addresses Surfshark's server network Surfshark offers a solid global network with 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, covering major cities and key regions around the world. While the country count is impressive, its total server number is smaller compared to VPN giants like NordVPN or Proton VPN (which now operates a fleet of over 20,000 servers). That said, Surfshark’s servers are fully optimized for speed, privacy, and reliability, making them well-suited for tasks like geo-unblocking, torrenting, and secure browsing. In addition to its standard servers, Surfshark also includes specialty options tailored to specific use cases. Server type What it does Main benefit Standard servers Regular VPN servers in many countries Protects your connection and hides your IP P2P Optimizes connections for torrenting Faster and safer file sharing MultiHop (Double VPN) Routes traffic through two VPN servers Extra privacy and harder tracing Static IP Gives the same IP every time you connect Stable access and fewer logins blocked Dedicated IP Unique IP that only you can use Better whitelisting and reduced CAPTCHA NoBorders mode Servers designed for restricted networks Helps bypass censorship in tough regions Torrenting with Surfshark VPN Surfshark is a great VPN for torrenting, thanks to its P2P‑friendly servers, strong privacy protection, and consistently high speed retention. These elements work together to make file sharing both fast and secure, which is exactly what you want when using peer‑to‑peer networks. During our in-house tests, Surfshark delivered reliable performance across protocols that support P2P traffic, and its strong encryption and leak protections kept activity private throughout. The VPN also automatically steers torrenting traffic to appropriate servers, so you don’t have to hunt for the right endpoint. For this review, Surfshark tests delivered reliable torrenting performance with fast downloads on modern protocols like WireGuard and IKEv2, while older OpenVPN options were noticeably slower. Overall, it handled P2P traffic smoothly and consistently in real-world use. Protocol/feature Avg. speed (Mbps) Download time Notes WireGuard 24.4 ~4m 18s Strongest overall performance for torrenting IKEv2 24.0 ~4m 21s Nearly identical to WireGuard OpenVPN UDP 6.7 ~21m 31s Very slow; not recommended for torrenting OpenVPN TCP 11.0 ~9m 02s Better than UDP, but still slow General torrenting 86% speed retention – Good efficiency compared to uncapped baseline Overall, Surfshark proves to be a dependable choice for torrenting, balancing speed, privacy, and ease of use in a package that works well for casual and frequent P2P users alike. Surfshark VPN apps and ease of use Testing Surfshark’s apps across different platforms was a key part of this review. I focused on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Apple TV to evaluate how the experience holds up across devices. On desktop, Surfshark offers a clean, customizable interface with quick access to features like kill switch and MultiHop. Mobile apps, on the other hand, are clearly designed with simplicity in mind – they’re fast, intuitive, and great for casual users. The Surfshark app on Apple TV was also smooth and responsive, working well for streaming without connection hiccups. Surfshark supports unlimited simultaneous connections and works on a wide range of platforms, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, browsers, and routers. It’s one of the most versatile VPNs I’ve tested – ideal whether you’re securing a single device or your entire home setup. Let’s focus on individual platforms. Surfshark on desktop Surfshark’s desktop app can be described as simple, straightforward, and minimalistic. It doesn’t have any excessive graphics that don’t contribute to the overall user experience. Some may say that it lacks a world map for navigation, similar to the ones included by NordVPN and Proton VPN. However, I don’t think such a feature is strictly necessary, although I understand that it can be a deal-breaker for some. The home screen is dedicated to the VPN connection and includes all the essentials for picking a suitable server. You can scroll through all available country locations and select a specialty server category to fine-tune the selection process. Other Surfshark features are docked on the left-hand side of the app. There are separate menus for Alternative ID, Alert, Antivirus, Search, and settings. There’s even a feedback form if you want to share your thoughts about the app with the creators. I think the overall experience is excellent and should be suitable for beginners and advanced users alike. Surfshark VPN macOS desktop interface Surfshark on mobile (Android and iOS) Surfshark’s look and feel on mobile is pretty similar to its desktop software counterpart. For starters, the home screen is primarily dedicated to enabling a VPN connection. You scroll up and down to choose a country, while swiping to the side swaps between server categories. It was pretty clear from the app’s design and layout how everything worked, and I had no trouble using it from the moment I installed it. As is common on mobile apps, the other menus are located at the bottom of the screen. Unsurprisingly, not all of Surfshark’s features fit into separate menus, which means many are now packed in the same Products menu for convenience. While this adds a few extra clicks to reaching the Search and Antivirus features, it does make the interface cleaner and less cluttered. Surfshark VPN mobile app interface Surfshark on AppleTV Surfshark offers a dedicated app for the Apple TV media device, allowing you to easily change your virtual location and unblock geo-restricted streaming services and other content. The user interface is simple and intuitive, allowing you to quickly connect to a suitable server. There aren’t many features since you don’t need many to unblock foreign movies and TV shows. Plus, the tvOS ecosystem isn’t as open as Android TV. All you can do is choose a server selection, add it to favorites, and enable NoBorders mode to improve your chances of bypassing geographical restrictions. Surfshark VPN app on Apple TV Surfshark customer support Surfshark provides reliable customer support with 24/7 availability and several ways to get help, whether you prefer live assistance or self-service resources. Support option Available 24/7 live chat ✅ Yes Email support ✅ Yes Troubleshooting guides ✅ Yes Setup tutorials ✅ Yes Knowledge base ✅ Yes Surfshark’s live chat support is available around the clock and connects you with a human agent relatively quickly. In my experience, response times were short, and answers were clear and helpful for both technical and billing-related questions. However, there is no phone line to call for support. If you prefer solving issues on your own, Surfshark’s help center includes detailed setup guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting articles for all supported platforms. Overall, Surfshark’s customer support is dependable and easy to access, covering both quick fixes and more advanced issues without unnecessary friction. How much does Surfshark cost? Surfshark is one of the most affordable premium VPNs, offering competitive pricing while still providing strong features. The lowest price currently available is $1.99/month with the Surfshark Starter plan when billed over two years. Surfshark offers three plan tiers: Starter, One, and One Plus, each adding more features as you go. The longer your subscription, the lower the monthly cost. So while monthly plans are on the higher side, long-term plans offer significant savings. Check the table below to compare features and pricing between the available options. Surfshark Starter Surfshark One Surfshark One+ 1-month price $15.45/month $17.95/month $20.85/month 1-year price $3.19/month $3.38/month $6.98/month 2-years price $1.78/month $2.08/month $4.18/month Unlimited devices ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Ad and pop-up blocker ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Alternative ID ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Antivirus ❌ No ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Personal data and ID leak alerts ❌ No ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Incogni ❌ No ❌ No ✅ Yes Get Surfshark Starter Get Surfshark One Get Surfshark One+ From my testing, here’s a quick look at the plans and who they’re best for: Starter: a solid choice if you just need a VPN for streaming, browsing, or casual torrenting. It covers all the basics at the lowest cost. One: on top of the VPN, it adds antivirus protection and personal data alerts, so it’s perfect if you want extra security for online activities. One Plus: includes everything from the One plan, plus tools like Incogni for identity protection. This one’s best if you handle sensitive info across multiple devices and want the full privacy suite. Cybernews tip From my experience, the Surfshark One plan offers the best value for money and includes everything most users need. I recommend choosing a longer subscription, as it lowers the monthly price. Video review Check out our Surfshark review in the video below if you prefer watching over reading. It covers everything from key features to pricing and overall value. Surfshark VPN vs competitors: 2026 overview Surfshark competes closely with other top-tier VPNs like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Proton VPN, and IPVanish, and it holds its ground impressively well. What makes Surfshark stand out is its budget-friendly pricing, combined with feature-rich apps that include MultiHop, CleanWeb, Alternative ID, and strong speed retention thanks to the WireGuard protocol. While some providers might edge it out in server count or ultra-premium features, Surfshark offers one of the best value-to-performance ratios on the market. For users focused on privacy, streaming, or casual torrenting, it covers all the essentials, and then some, at a lower cost than most competitors. The only major drawback? Surfshark’s server network is smaller than what competitors like NordVPN and Proton VPN offer. But unless you need thousands of server choices, the 4,500+ RAM-only servers across 100 countries are more than enough for the average user. Below is a quick overview of how Surfshark compares to other top VPNs. VPN Best for Starting price Server count Feature highlight Surfshark Budget-friendly premium VPN $1.78/month 4,500+ in 100 countries CleanWeb, Unlimited devices, Alternative ID, antivirus NordVPN All-around performance $3.09/month 9,300+ in 137 countries Meshnet, Threat Protection Pro ExpressVPN Streaming and simplicity $2.79/month Undisclosed number of servers in 105 countries TrustedServer, MediaStreamer Proton VPN Privacy-focused users $2.99/month 20,000+ in 145 countries Secure Core, NetShield IPVanish Flexible device support $2.19/month 3,200+ in 113 countries Unlimited devices, SugarSync Check out how Surfshark compares to other top VPN services in our dedicated comparison reviews and in-house tests: Surfshark vs NordVPN Surfshark vs ExpressVPN Surfshark vs IPVanish Surfshark vs Proton VPN Final verdict on Surfshark VPN Surfshark continues to earn its place among the top VPNs on the market, and for good reason. It delivers fast speeds, unlimited device support, and a wide global server reach, all for a price that’s hard to beat. Features like Alternative ID, Surfshark Alert, and a built-in antivirus push it beyond the basics, giving users real tools for privacy and device protection. Who do I recommend Surfshark VPN to? Surfshark is a great choice for budget-conscious users who want a fast, reliable VPN without cutting corners on privacy or performance. It’s especially well-suited for those who stream a lot, thanks to its strong ability to unblock geo-restricted content across popular streaming platforms. Beyond the basics, Surfshark stands out with unique extras like built-in antivirus, Alternative ID, and support for unlimited simultaneous device connections – a rare combination in this price range. If you’re after premium protection at a lower cost, Surfshark delivers. FAQ What is Surfshark? Surfshark is a high-quality VPN service from the Netherlands. It’s an affordable provider that offers robust security features, swift connections, and excellent performance in various daily situations, such as streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Is Surfshark a safe VPN to use? Yes, Surfshark VPN is safe to use. It uses strong encryption and the latest security protocols to protect your privacy. It doesn’t track your browsing history and has passed independent security checks to prove it’s serious about protecting your privacy. Although it does keep some connection data for up to 15 minutes, it’s used to prevent abuse and improve performance. Can I use Surfshark on all my devices? Yes, Surfshark VPN lets you connect as many devices as you want simultaneously. You can log in to your Surfshark account on multiple devices using the same email address and use them all together without any issues. Does Surfshark work with Netflix and other streaming platforms? Yes, Surfshark works with Netflix and other streaming platforms. It lets you access content from different regions by bypassing geo-restrictions, all while keeping your streaming sessions secure and private. Is Surfshark considered expensive? No, Surfshark isn’t considered expensive. In fact, it’s one of the cheapest VPNs on the market, with plans starting as low as $1.78/month, offering great value for its features. Disclaimer Cybernews is owned by Mediatech, a publishing house whose investors are the founders of Surfshark VPN. Ple