Check Surfshark Reviews - Surfshark. Best VPN for 2023| Pros & Cons
In this review, we will explore Surfshark VPN, a versatile and affordable Virtual Private Network (VPN) service known for its robust security features and user-friendly interface. We'll cover everything potential users need to know about Surfshark VPN, from its features and pricing to its performance and customer support.
What is Surfshark?
Surfshark is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service that provides users with enhanced online privacy, security, and freedom. Established in 2018 and headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, Surfshark aims to protect users' internet activities from cyber threats, bypass geo-restrictions, and maintain anonymity online by encrypting their internet traffic and masking their IP addresses. Despite being a relatively new entrant in the VPN market, Surfshark has rapidly gained popularity due to its affordability, robust feature set, and user-friendly interface.
Key Features
Security and Privacy
Surfshark employs AES-256-GCM encryption, the highest standard in data encryption, ensuring that all internet traffic remains secure and unreadable to unauthorized entities. Complementing this is its strict no-logs policy, assuring users that their online activities, IP addresses, and connection timestamps are never monitored, tracked, or stored. The built-in kill switch adds an extra layer of security by automatically disconnecting the internet if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, preventing data leaks.
Global Server Network
With a network spanning over 3,200 servers across 65 countries, Surfshark offers extensive server coverage worldwide. This global presence enables users to select from diverse server locations, facilitating seamless browsing, streaming, and gaming experiences. The MultiHop feature enhances security by routing internet traffic through two VPN servers, bolstering anonymity and protection against surveillance.
Streaming and Bypassing Restrictions
Surfshark effectively bypasses geo-restrictions, allowing users to access content from popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, regardless of their physical location. Optimized servers and protocols ensure minimal speed reduction, delivering smooth streaming and uninterrupted browsing experiences.
Multi-Device Support
Surfshark supports unlimited simultaneous device connections on a single account, accommodating households and individuals with multiple devices. Compatible with major operating systems including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and offering browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, Surfshark ensures seamless integration across various platforms.
Additional Features
- CleanWeb: Integrated ad blocker and malware protection enhance browsing safety and improve page loading times by blocking intrusive ads, pop-ups, and malicious websites.
- Whitelister (Split Tunneling): Allows users to exclude specific apps or websites from the VPN connection, providing flexibility to access local content while maintaining VPN protection for other activities.
Performance
Surfshark VPN excels in performance with its optimized server infrastructure and strong encryption protocols. Users experience consistent speeds across different server locations, ensuring reliable connectivity for browsing, streaming, and gaming activities. The VPN's stability and reliability contribute to a seamless internet experience, meeting diverse user needs and preferences.
Security and Privacy
Security is a top priority for Surfshark VPN, underpinned by AES-256-GCM encryption and stringent privacy measures. The VPN's no-logs policy guarantees user anonymity by not collecting or storing personal information, reinforcing trust and transparency in safeguarding user data. Additional features like the kill switch and MultiHop further enhance security, providing robust protection against potential threats and data breaches.
Customer Support
Surfshark offers 24/7 customer support via live chat and email, ensuring prompt assistance for technical issues and inquiries. The comprehensive knowledge base includes setup guides, troubleshooting tips, and FAQs, empowering users to resolve queries independently.
Pricing and Plans
Surfshark offers competitive pricing plans tailored to suit various budgets and subscription lengths:
- Monthly Plan: $12.95 per month
- Annual Plan: $3.49 per month ($41.88 billed annually)
- Two-Year Plan: $2.30 per month ($55.20 billed every 2 years)
All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to explore Surfshark VPN risk-free before committing to a long-term subscription.
SurfShark Alert lets users know when one of their accounts is in danger, so they can quickly change their passwords and get back to being safe.
Customer support
Surfshark offers a wide range of support options that are accessible through its website and live chat feature. It also provides guides and tips on how to use its service, as well as troubleshooting guides for common issues. In addition, Surfshark has a FAQ section that covers many of the most common questions. The quality of Surfshark’s customer support isn’t known, as it doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee or a free trial. This means that you’ll have to pay for a subscription before you know whether or not you’ll get value from its service.
Technical capabilities
Like many VPN providers, Surfshark advertises that it can provide various benefits to users. There are no industry standards for what a VPN can or can’t do, so it’s important to take these claims with a grain of salt. We’ll explore the various claims made by Surfshark, and examine the technical aspects of its software. Let’s take a look at the following: - Bypassing internet censorship - There are some regions that block access to certain websites, such as social media, online banking, and news sources. Surfshark has the ability to unblock these websites, as it’s capable of changing your IP address and making it appear as if you’re in a different country. - Protecting your identity and privacy - Surfshark’s encryption protocols and no-logging policy protect the identities of its users, preventing others from tracking their online activities and identities. - Keeping your data safe from hackers and scammers - Hackers and scammers can try to break into your network and steal sensitive data. Surfshark’s firewall feature protects against malicious attacks and prevents hackers from accessing your data.
Device compatibility
There are some limitations to Surfshark’s device compatibility. It offers support for the following operating systems: - Windows - 10 - Mac - Android - iOS It also supports the following browsers: - Chrome - Firefox - Safari - Internet Explorer - Microsoft Edge
SurfShark Pros and Cons
Pros of using Surfshark
There are many advantages to using Surfshark, including: - Simple and intuitive user interface - The user interface of Surfshark’s apps is simple and easy to navigate. Its one-click activation process means that you can start using it within seconds. - Strong encryption and privacy protections - Surfshark has strong encryption protocols that protect your data as it travels to and from its servers. Its no-logging policy means that it keeps minimal data related to your account, and only retains that data for 30 days. This data cannot be used to identify you or your online activities. - Unrestricted data flow - Some countries have strict internet filtering policies that block access to certain websites. Surfshark is able to bypass these restrictions and provide unfiltered internet to users in any country.
Cons of using Surfshark
There are also some potential downsides to using Surfshark, including: - Higher cost compared to other VPN providers - While Surfshark offers a number of useful features and benefits, it also has a higher cost than many other VPN providers. - No free trial or money-back guarantee - Surfshark doesn’t offer a free trial or a money-back guarantee. If you’re unsure about its service, you’ll have to pay for a subscription and hope for the best.
Is SurfShark Worth it?
In this comprehensive review, we explored the pros and cons of Surfshark. We explored its features, capabilities, and pricing. We also examined the quality of its customer support and its device compatibility. Overall, we feel that Surfshark is a good option for most users who are looking for better privacy, security, and internet freedom. It has a wide selection of features, and it’s easy to set up and use.
