- Latest tests: No data leakage in 2022 tests, and 40% internet speed loss in 2023 tests
- network: More than 3,200 in 99 countries
- Jurisdiction: Holland
- price: Unlimited connections for $48 for the first year (then $60 annually), or $13 per month; Two-year subscriptions are available.
Surfshark features an impressive set of privacy and security features, unlimited simultaneous connections, an intuitive interface and an expansive global network. And it’s still much cheaper than most of its competitors. This is what helped Surfshark earn CNET’s Editors’ Choice for Best VPN in 2022.
Besides standard VPN features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection, some of Surfshark’s most popular features include Camouflage Mode (which hides the fact that you’re using a VPN), split tunneling, NoBorders mode (which lets you use Surfshark in areas where VPNs are restricted) and connections Multi-store VPN. You’ll also get access to Surfshark’s CleanWeb technology, which blocks ads and malware and helps you avoid phishing attacks.
One of the innovations we’re excited to introduce to Surfshark next year is its Nexus network, which ties your entire VPN server network together and lets you choose multiple servers to route your connection through. The functionality is somewhat similar to Tor, but Surfshark says it’s faster. With Dynamic MultiHop, IP Randomizer, and IP Rotator functionality, Nexus Network can give you a few extra layers of protection while using a VPN – which can be especially useful for users with critical privacy needs.
Surfshark says it doesn’t log any user activity. And while no-logs claims are nearly impossible to prove with 100% certainty, German cybersecurity firm Cure53 declared Surfshark’s security “strong” in its 2021 security audit of the VPN. Surfshark passed its first independent no-log audit in January.
As of February 2022, Surfshark and NordVPN share the same parent company, but Surfshark has said it is legally obligated not to share any information between entities that conflicts with its privacy policy or terms of service. We found no language in either document indicating that Surfshark has any obligation to share user data with its parent company or any sister companies, including NordVPN.
Surfshark used to be consistently rated as one of the fastest VPNs available, but we’ve been disappointed with its inconsistent speeds lately. The 40% speed loss we measured in February and March of 2023 was more than double the 19% speed loss we measured in 2022. Although speeds through WireGuard were impressive, only reporting an 8% speed loss However, the 76% speed loss we recorded with OpenVPN lowering Surfshark’s overall speed rating considerably. The company tells us that it’s working on OpenVPN’s speed issues.
In our tests, Surfshark had no problems unblocking Netflix and Amazon Prime Video content, but we had a lot of trouble accessing Disney Plus. After testing several servers in the US and other countries where Disney Plus is available, we were finally able to access the content when we connected to a server in Boston. You may need to test some servers yourself before accessing Disney Plus content with Surfshark.
Surfshark offers cheaper introductory rates that jump after the first billing cycle. However, Surfshark manages to keep its prices lower than most other VPNs—helping it earn CNET’s Editors’ Choice for best value. The annual plan starts at $48 for the first year, then jumps to $60 for any additional years of service. If you choose the two-year plan, you’ll pay $60 up front for the first two years combined, then $60 annually for any additional years. Surfshark’s monthly plan remains fixed at $13 per month. If you are not satisfied with the service for any reason, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark review.