Surfshark Review: Simple, Secure, and Affordable VPN in 2025

Stay safe online is more important than ever in today’s digital world. With the rise of hacking, data breaches, and snooping, finding a reliable VPN has become necessary for many. A few months ago, I used free Wi-Fi at a busy coffee shop while working on a project. I couldn’t shake the feeling that my sensitive information might be at risk. That’s when I decided to try Surfshark, and it’s been a game-changer ever since.

In this Surfshark review, I’ll share my experience with this VPN, how it’s helped me feel secure online, and why it’s a great choice for anyone looking to protect their data. Let’s start and see if it’s the right fit for you.

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What is Surfshark?

Surfshark is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service designed to keep your internet connection secure and private. It acts like a digital shield, hiding your personal data and browsing activities from prying eyes.

Think of it as a secret tunnel for your online activities—a way to browse freely and safely, whether you’re shopping online, streaming your favourite shows, or connecting to public Wi-Fi. Surfshark was established in 2018 and has quickly gained popularity for its user-friendly approach and feature-packed services. Its headquarters in the Netherlands positions it as a global service provider, despite concerns about jurisdiction, which we’ll cover later.

Why Do You Need a VPN?

Do you feel safe using public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop or airport? Unfortunately, these networks are often the target of hackers. A VPN like Surfshark can protect your sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card details, by encrypting your internet connection.

Beyond security, a VPN can:

• Help you access region-restricted content: Imagine watching your favourite Netflix shows that are only available in the U.S. while travelling abroad.
• Keep your data private from advertisers: Without a VPN, companies can track your browsing habits and bombard you with targeted ads.
• Shield you from malware and phishing attacks: Surfshark offers real-time protection by scanning files before they download to your device.

By providing these benefits, Surfshark helps create a safer and more enjoyable online experience.

Key Features of Surfshark

Here are the standout features that make Surfshark worth considering:

Unlimited Devices

Unlike most VPNs, Surfshark allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices. Whether you have a laptop, smartphone, tablet, or smart TV, you’re covered—and so is your family. This makes Surfshark perfect for households with multiple users. You won’t need to pay for additional licenses, and you can ensure every device in your home is secure.

Ad Blocker with CleanWeb

Have you ever been bombarded with ads while browsing? Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, and even malicious websites. It’s like having a built-in security guard for your internet. CleanWeb doesn’t just make your browsing safer—it makes it faster, too, by eliminating unnecessary ad-related data loads.

24/7 Protection

Surfshark doesn’t take a day off. With its always-on protection, you can browse with peace of mind knowing your data is safe. This constant vigilance ensures you’re protected whether you’re checking emails on public Wi-Fi or streaming at home.

Privacy-Friendly Technology

Surfshark uses RAM-only servers. This means no data is stored permanently, and any information is wiped clean when the servers are rebooted. It’s an extra layer of privacy that ensures your activities remain confidential. With regular third-party audits and transparency reports, Surfshark reinforces trust in its commitment to user privacy.

Performance: Is Surfshark Fast?

Speed is crucial for any VPN, especially if you’re streaming or gaming. Surfshark’s speeds are fast enough for most users, though it may not match the performance of some competitors like NordVPN.

In tests:

• Streaming: Smooth and buffer-free for Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+. Users have reported seamless streaming even in 4K resolution.
• Gaming: Minimal lag, even during intense multiplayer sessions. For gamers, latency is a big deal, and Surfshark manages to keep it low.
• Downloads: Fast speeds for torrenting. Whether you’re downloading large files or small updates, Surfshark delivers consistent performance.

Here’s a quick comparison of download speeds:

While Surfshark may not win every speed test, its performance is more than adequate for the average user.

Security: Can You Trust Surfshark?

One of Surfshark’s main goals is to keep you safe online. It uses advanced encryption to protect your data, along with features like:

Kill Switch

If your VPN connection drops, the Kill Switch ensures your real IP address isn’t exposed. This feature is especially important for anyone using a VPN to maintain anonymity or access restricted content.

Malware Scanner

Surfshark’s built-in antivirus scans files before you download them, adding another layer of safety. For example, if you accidentally try to download a malicious file, Surfshark will warn you before it’s too late.

Webcam Protection

Ever worried about apps spying through your webcam? Surfshark blocks unauthorized access and alerts you to any attempts. This feature provides peace of mind, especially for people working remotely or using video conferencing frequently.

Privacy: What About Data Collection?

Surfshark operates under Netherlands jurisdiction, which is part of the 9-Eyes Intelligence Alliance. This could be a privacy concern for some users. However, Surfshark’s no-logs policy and transparency about data retention are reassuring. Additionally:

• Data collected during your session is wiped within 15 minutes. This is faster than many other VPNs that might retain data for hours or days.
• RAM-only servers ensure no permanent storage of your activity. This technology ensures your online activities cannot be retrieved even if someone gains access to the servers.

While not perfect, Surfshark’s efforts to maintain user privacy are commendable and demonstrate their dedication to user trust.

Pricing: Is Surfshark Worth It?

Surfshark’s pricing is one of its strongest points. Plans start as low as $2.19/month with a 24-month subscription. This makes it one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, especially considering the features it offers.

Here’s a breakdown of the pricing:

Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. Compared to other premium VPNs, Surfshark offers a competitive price-to-value ratio that’s hard to beat.

I’ve been using Surfshark for six months, and here’s what I’ve noticed:

• Easy Setup: Installing Surfshark on my phone and laptop took less than five minutes. The app’s interface is clean and simple, making it easy even for beginners.
• Streaming: Watching Netflix shows from different countries was smooth. I even accessed content not available in my region. For example, I could watch a U.S.-exclusive series while traveling in Europe.
• Security: I felt secure using public Wi-Fi, knowing my connection was encrypted. One time, I received an alert about a suspicious file download, which Surfshark blocked automatically.

But, like any service, it’s not perfect. Setting up Surfshark on my router was tricky and took some trial and error. After installation, however, it worked flawlessly, securing every device in my home.

Who is Surfshark Best For?

Surfshark is ideal for:

• Families: Unlimited device connections make it perfect for households. Everyone in the family can enjoy online safety without extra costs.
• Travelers: Access region-locked content and secure your connection on public Wi-Fi. Whether you’re at an airport, hotel, or cafe, Surfshark ensures your data is safe.
• Budget-Conscious Users: Affordable plans with premium features mean you don’t have to sacrifice quality for price.

If you’re a tech-savvy gamer or need the absolute fastest speeds, you might explore other options like NordVPN. But for everyday users, Surfshark delivers excellent value.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable long-term plans.
• Unlimited device connections.
• Strong security features like RAM-only servers.
• Effective ad blocker (CleanWeb).

Cons:

• Privacy concerns due to Netherlands jurisdiction.
• Slightly slower speeds than top competitors.
• Complicated router setup.

Final Thoughts

So, is Surfshark worth it? Absolutely! It’s affordable, packed with features, and user-friendly. While it has minor drawbacks, the positives far outweigh the negatives.

If you’re looking for a reliable VPN that’s easy to use and doesn’t break the bank, Surfshark is a fantastic choice. Try it out today and experience the difference for yourself.

What do you think? Does Surfshark meet your needs? Give it a try, and let us know about your experience! Your feedback could help others make the right choice.