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Surfshark Review
THE BOTTOM LINE: Surfshark has been around for roughly three years now, and while their server network remains small, they have improved in almost every other aspect. Some of the highlights from this VPN include advanced security and privacy features like AES-256-GCM algorithm, NoBorders Mode, RAM-only servers, and their own version of split-tunneling. In this review, we'll test the rest of Surfshark's features, including server network, compatible platforms and devices, pricing, and customer support.
👍 PROS:
- Privacy-friendly jurisdiction
- Robust privacy features — private DNS and leak protection, kill switch
- Offers two versions of obfuscation tools
- Choose from 5 different security protocols — IKEv2, L2TP, OpenVPN, Shadowsocks, and WireGuard®
- Audited no-logs policy
- Multi-Hop Connection
- Reduces risk of data breaches with its RAM-only servers
- Blocks malicious ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempt with CleanWeb
- Split-tunneling feature
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Wide payment methods accepted, including Google pay and cryptocurrencies
- 24/7 live chat and email support
👎 CONS:
- Small server infrastructure
- The split-tunneling feature is not available on iOS
Security and Privacy Features
Surfshark is well equipped to protect you against unwanted snoopers, including your ISP, government agencies, advertising firms, and even Facebook. First off, it uses IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, Shadowsocks, and WireGuard with the AES-256-GCM algorithm. For the uninitiated, AES-256-GCM happens to be the fastest and most modern encryption method available today. Yes, it's better than the already virtually impenetrable AES 256. Aside from this first-class encryption technology, Surfshark also enforces a strict no-log policy, private DNS and leak protection, and a kill switch feature for when your connection drops.
Surfshark's impressive array of privacy tools include two versions of stealth or obfuscation technology, including the NoBorders Mode for total internet freedom. Thanks to this technology, Surfshark works in countries like China, Russia, Myanmar, Vietnam, the UAE, and more.
As of July 2020, Surfshark has also upgraded all its servers to run on RAM-only. This move from traditional HDD-based servers to RAM-only takes your privacy to a whole new level. RAM can be easily wiped clean during a regular reboot compared to hard drives, which stores your data until they're manually erased, raising the possibility of a data breach. Every Surfshark subscription also comes with an ad-blocker branded as CleanWeb. This feature blocks malicious ads and websites, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts. If you want certain apps and websites to bypass the VPN, that is also possible with Surfshark's split-tunneling feature.
Server Network
Surfshark doesn't have the most extensive network around, with only 3200+ servers in 65 countries. With that said, all the servers we've tried were pretty fast, stable, and reliable. Surfshark covers several regions in Europe, The Americas, Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific, so chances are, you'll find a nearby server wherever you are.
Speed and Reliability
If you're a gamer or someone who studies or works from home, you know that internet speed matters. Study shows that for a consistently good video chat or gaming experience, you'll need to have at least 25Mbps. Despite its relatively small server network, we found Surfshark fast enough for gaming and video conferencing. We tested several servers in different locations and times of the day, Wireguard or no Wireguard. With our base download speed of 100Mbps, Surfshark recorded an average speed of 53Mbps.
Compatible Platforms and Devices
The best thing about Surfshark is that they don't impose limitations on both bandwidth and devices, so you can use as many devices as you want without any drop in your connection speed. Surfshark has user-friendly apps for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Chrome, Firefox, Linux, Playstation, Xbox, Flashrouters, and routers. It also offers extensions for browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
Pricing
At this point, you're probably expecting to pay a pretty penny for a Surfshark subscription. Not at all! Surfshark is surprisingly affordable at just $2.49/month for a 2-year plan. Click on our link to grab this limited offer and save 81%. Surfshark is also available on a 6-month plan for $6.49/month and a monthly plan for $12.95. If you want to get Surfshark Antivirus, Alert, and Search functionalities, you can bundle it with your chosen package for just $1.99 per month. All plans are covered with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Customer Service
Surfshark has a dedicated support site loaded with setup tutorials, troubleshooting guides, FAQs, and more. While it covers a decent range of issues, you're bound to find yourself wishing for more definitive and real-time support. Fortunately, Surfshark offers 24/7 assistance over live chat or email. We tried their live chat option and got connected to an agent in just a few seconds. The support agent was also straightforward in answering all our questions. For emails, you can either submit a ticket request or send an email at support@surfshark.com.
Surfshark is well equipped to protect you against unwanted snoopers, including your ISP, government agencies, advertising firms, and even Facebook. First off, it uses IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, Shadowsocks, and WireGuard with the AES-256-GCM algorithm. For the uninitiated, AES-256-GCM happens to be the fastest and most modern encryption method available today. Yes, it's better than the already virtually impenetrable AES 256. Aside from this first-class encryption technology, Surfshark also enforces a strict no-log policy, private DNS and leak protection, and a kill switch feature for when your connection drops.
Surfshark's impressive array of privacy tools include two versions of stealth or obfuscation technology, including the NoBorders Mode for total internet freedom. Thanks to this technology, Surfshark works in countries like China, Russia, Myanmar, Vietnam, the UAE, and more.
As of July 2020, Surfshark has also upgraded all its servers to run on RAM-only. This move from traditional HDD-based servers to RAM-only takes your privacy to a whole new level. RAM can be easily wiped clean during a regular reboot compared to hard drives, which stores your data until they're manually erased, raising the possibility of a data breach. Every Surfshark subscription also comes with an ad-blocker branded as CleanWeb. This feature blocks malicious ads and websites, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts. If you want certain apps and websites to bypass the VPN, that is also possible with Surfshark's split-tunneling feature.
Server Network
Surfshark doesn't have the most extensive network around, with only 3200+ servers in 65 countries. With that said, all the servers we've tried were pretty fast, stable, and reliable. Surfshark covers several regions in Europe, The Americas, Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific, so chances are, you'll find a nearby server wherever you are.
Speed and Reliability
If you're a gamer or someone who studies or works from home, you know that internet speed matters. Study shows that for a consistently good video chat or gaming experience, you'll need to have at least 25Mbps. Despite its relatively small server network, we found Surfshark fast enough for gaming and video conferencing. We tested several servers in different locations and times of the day, Wireguard or no Wireguard. With our base download speed of 100Mbps, Surfshark recorded an average speed of 53Mbps.
Compatible Platforms and Devices
The best thing about Surfshark is that they don't impose limitations on both bandwidth and devices, so you can use as many devices as you want without any drop in your connection speed. Surfshark has user-friendly apps for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Chrome, Firefox, Linux, Playstation, Xbox, Flashrouters, and routers. It also offers extensions for browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.
Pricing
At this point, you're probably expecting to pay a pretty penny for a Surfshark subscription. Not at all! Surfshark is surprisingly affordable at just $2.49/month for a 2-year plan. Click on our link to grab this limited offer and save 81%. Surfshark is also available on a 6-month plan for $6.49/month and a monthly plan for $12.95. If you want to get Surfshark Antivirus, Alert, and Search functionalities, you can bundle it with your chosen package for just $1.99 per month. All plans are covered with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Customer Service
Surfshark has a dedicated support site loaded with setup tutorials, troubleshooting guides, FAQs, and more. While it covers a decent range of issues, you're bound to find yourself wishing for more definitive and real-time support. Fortunately, Surfshark offers 24/7 assistance over live chat or email. We tried their live chat option and got connected to an agent in just a few seconds. The support agent was also straightforward in answering all our questions. For emails, you can either submit a ticket request or send an email at support@surfshark.com.
Surfshark
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