August 22, 2025

Surfshark Review 2025: Is This VPN Worth It?


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Surfshark Review 2025: Is This VPN Worth It? Featured Image

10BestVPN is happy to include SURFSHARK in the top VPN choices for 2025. So, this in-depth Surfshark VPN review covers it all. We will also compare it with the services of NordVPN and ExpressVPN to help you make up your mind.

What is Surfshark VPN?

Surfshark is a 2018-vintage virtual private network service. It offers global secure web access services. Surfshark is a good choice to keep your online activity private at a relatively low cost. There is no limit to how many devices you can connect per account.

The service itself comes from the Netherlands. Surfshark follows strict no-logs policies. Independent security audits of the company were conducted. These characteristics are what supply assurance to the customers.

How Much Does Surfshark Cost and Is It Worth It in 2025

How expensive is Surfshark? In 2025, the price of the tool has been significantly increased. This year, Surfshark increased the renewal cost by 33%. That does mean it misses out on the low-end spectrum where it is still popular with users, but if you were looking for a cost-effective upgrade from what’s in your old setup today, alternatives aren’t going to be any cheaper.

Pricing Structure

Pricing now starts at $2.99 per month only for the 24-month plan. If you pay monthly, Surfshark costs $12.95 per month. The cost increase and its impact on long-term value.

While on the more expensive side, Surfshark is still cheaper than leading premium rivals. ExpressVPN costs more per month. Surfshark is as cheap as NordVPN now. This makes PIA VPN potentially more attractive to users looking for budget alternatives.

Surfshark vs NordVPN Comparison

NordVPN vs Surfshark overall winner: Sadly, both services have superb security features. NordVPN is slightly faster overall. Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections.

Server Network Comparison

You will find a lot of love for the server network in any NordVPN review site. The service has more than 5,000 servers globally. Surfshark provides 3,200 servers worldwide. Both numbers provide adequate coverage.

Security Features

Different security features are present in the services. NordVPN includes Double VPN encryption. Surfshark offers CleanWeb ad blocking. Both provide kill switch protection.

NordVPN reviews often praise NordVPN for its dependability. The unlimited device policy on Surfshark is appreciated by its users. Pick by your priority features.

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN Analysis

Surfshark vs ExpressVPN Analysis

Is Surfshark better than ExpressVPN? It all comes down to what you specifically need. ExpressVPN offers faster connection speeds. Surfshark is a better value for money.

Although ExpressVPN is more expensive per month, advanced features are balanced with premium pricing. Similar security with Surfshark for less money. Budget-conscious users prefer Surfshark generally.

ExpressVPN has an around-the-clock live chat support system for its users. Surfshark offers the best customer support as well. For streaming, both services should work fine. This depends on what you can afford and the speed you require.

Best VPN Rankings 2025

What is the number one best VPN? Rankings vary by testing criteria. ExpressVPN often tops speed tests. NordVPN leads in server count. Price and features: Surfshark is the winner here.

Common Features of Top VPN Services

Top VPN services all have some things in common:

  • They offer strong encryption protocols
  • Reliable connection speeds matter significantly
  • No-logs policies protect user privacy

Here are the top three VPN best choices: services like Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN stand out. Each service has unique strengths. Consider your priorities when choosing.

Surfshark Security and Privacy

Is Surfshark a trustworthy VPN? Yes, independent audits confirm security. The company is well known for its stringent no-logs policies. Surfshark underwent Cure53 security audits. These verified the privacy claims.

Encryption and Protocols

This service utilizes AES-256 encryption. This military-grade encryption secures data well. Surfshark supports multiple VPN protocols. It supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard.

Privacy Protection Features

It protects data from leaks using kill switch protection. Enable the internet kill feature when the VPN disconnects. Surfshark includes DNS leak protection. All of these are features to help maintain privacy.

Surfshark Server Network

Surfshark has more than 3,200 servers worldwide. Over 100 countries have servers. Due to this large network, better coverage is provided. Below are a few ways by which users can find access to even geo-blocked content.

Best Server Locations

Additionally, which country is better for VPN Surfshark? Well, it just depends on what you require and where you are. Speed tests are faster when used with nearby servers. Top quality and reliable to work with US content.

Good European privacy laws make the Netherlands’ servers offer strong protection. Use Singapore servers or Germany servers for better speed for Asian users. Determine what servers are right for you.

Streaming Performance

Does Surfshark work with Netflix? Yes, it reliably unblocks Netflix. Works with multiple Netflix regions. Accessible to libraries in the US, UK, and Canada. Streaming quality remains consistently high.

Supported Streaming Services

You can also stream more on Surfshark. This includes Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime. The service updates servers regularly. This maintains streaming compatibility effectively.

It is possible to stream without buffering with Surfshark. High Definition and 4K video is supported for connections. Stream-blocking is not common in the service. That means it’s great for entertainment.

Device Compatibility and Apps

How many devices does Surfshark support? Unlimited simultaneous connections are provided with the service. So it stands alone from rivals. NordVPN, however, has a maximum of six devices. ExpressVPN allows only five connections.

Supported Platforms

Download Surfshark for all platforms:

  • Windows, Mac, and Linux are supported by the service
  • Mobile applications on iOS and Android
  • Chrome and Firefox supported browser extensions

TV Installation

How to install Surfshark on TV? Solid TV integration. Yes, smart TV apps work on Android TV and Fire TV. Secures all protected devices with router configuration. Setup guides make installation simple.

Geographic Availability

Is Surfshark available in all countries? Service is available worldwide in most locations. In some countries, VPN costs and restrictions are so prohibitive that the use of VPN is temporarily or completely blocked.

Country Switching Capability

Does Surfshark let me switch my country? So, you can relocate anywhere virtually. Just connect to the servers in different countries that you want. This bypasses geo-restrictions effectively. This is a simple and fast process.

Some countries have the tightest restrictions on VPN services. China blocks most VPN traffic. Russia has strict VPN regulations. It is important to be aware of local laws when using a VPN.

Speed and Performance

Speed and Performance

Is Surfshark a slow VPN? No, it offers competitive speeds. From our testing, performance is pretty solid overall. Speed loss averages around 20-30%. This is standard practice for VPN services.

Protocol Performance

The WireGuard protocol provides the fastest speeds. OpenVPN offers better compatibility. Best suited for mobile devices, uses IKEv2 connections. It is based on your requirements that you choose the protocol.

Decent download speeds, still stream-worthy. Video calls work well, with strong upload speeds. It has maintained gaming latency in check. Overall performance satisfies most users.

Surfshark Free Trial

Surfshark offers a free trial for new users. The trial is usually for 7 days. Free trial extensions for mobile users. This allows proper service evaluation.

Trial Features

You get full premium access to the trial. No restrictions apply during testing. Surfshark download provides full functionality. If you cancel within the free trial period, no bills are issued when the free trial period expires.

The free trial helps users decide if the service is for them. Test streaming capabilities during trials. Before you do that, verify the connection speeds in your area. Evaluate app usability across devices.

Corporate Structure and Ownership

Is Surfshark owned by Nord? No, they are different companies. Both companies came under the Cyberspace umbrella. They maintain independent operations. This creates potential competition concerns.

Company Information

In which country is Surfshark located? The company operates in the Netherlands. This means that this jurisdiction has powerful privacy laws. EU regulations protect user data. The jurisdiction supports VPN services.

Who is the CEO of Surfshark? Vytautas Kaziukonis leads the company. He has extensive cybersecurity experience. The leadership team is privacy-focused. Transparency efforts have increased recently.

Cheapest VPNs: Budget VPNs That Are Worth Your Money

What is the best VPN for the money? Others cost less than Surfshark. PIA VPN offers lower pricing. Mullvad provides flat-rate pricing. These services sacrifice some features. For those seeking the best free VPN services, there are options available, though with limited features.

PIA VPN vs Surfshark

Which is better: PIA VPN or Surfshark? This depends on priorities. PIA costs significantly less monthly. Surfshark offers better streaming performance. PIA provides more advanced features. This is not a package for the budget reader.

Generally speaking, Surfshark offers a better user experience. The interface is more polished. Customer support responds faster generally.

Extra Features

There are a few additional features with Surfshark:

  • CleanWeb prevents ads and malware
  • Whitelister is used for split tunneling
  • MultiHop for double VPN
  • Static IPs are also offered

This helps with banking applications. For some applications, the VPN removes the bypasser. These features add practical value.

The service includes breach monitoring. This is a flag for users about data leaks. Surfshark offers 2FA authentication. Strong security features beyond a basic VPN. For comprehensive digital security, consider pairing with the best antivirus software.

Good Customer Support

24/7 Live chat support is available. Response times are generally quick. Excellent tech support from folks who know what they are talking about. Email support handles complex problems.

Help Resources

They also have FAQs (knowledge base). In-depth and informative setup guides. Video tutorials explain advanced features. Self-help resources are comprehensive.

Can you cancel Surfshark anytime? Yes, cancellation is straightforward. The 30-day money-back guarantee applies. It may take a few business days to process refunds. Customer service assists with cancellations.

Regional Performance

To give you a clearer picture, take a look at the average test results, categorized according to Surfshark regional download speed: (Asian users can expect the lowest speed.) European connections perform consistently well. US servers provide reliable performance. Surfshark offers similar regional performance.

Local server selection improves speeds. Distance affects connection quality significantly. Choose nearby servers when possible. The services also offer regularized optimization of server networks.

Performance improvements happen frequently. User feedback influences server placement. Geographic coverage continues expanding.

Business and Enterprise Use

Yes, Surfshark offers business VPN solutions. Enterprise features include centralized management. Multiple user accounts are supported. Business-level use, not consumer plans, is another matter in pricing.

Enterprise Features

Corporate security is provided. These include dedicated IP addresses. Advanced encryption meets business requirements. Compliance features support regulatory needs.

For small businesses that have cropped up on the service, unlimited connections would slash the per-user cost to mere pennies. Team collaboration remains secure. Here’s how the VPN use case for work from home kicks in.

Gaming Performance

Gaming Performance

Surfshark Review Reddit Surfshark is fine for gaming. Latency increases are minimal, generally. Connection stability remains good overall. Gaming-specific servers aren’t available.

Competitive gamers might prefer alternatives. Specialized gaming VPNs to dive even deeper down the optimization rabbit hole. Surfshark suits casual gaming well. Connection speeds support most games.

Port forwarding isn’t available currently. This limits some gaming applications. Most of the new games are good enough. Console gaming is fully supported.

Mobile App Performance

The Surfshark mobile apps are solid performers. They’re well polished for iOS and Android. It’s sleek, simple, and obvious design. Connection speeds match desktop performance.

Mobile Features

There’s nothing wild with battery use for the most part. Auto-connect features work reliably. Mobile-specific optimizations improve performance. Widget support provides quick connections.

Mobile kill switch works properly. DNS leak protection functions properly. Mobile apps receive regular updates. Feature parity matches desktop versions.

Transparency and Audit Results

Surfshark has stepped up its level of transparency more recently. Independent security audits verify claims. No-logs policies underwent verification. The company publishes transparency reports.

Cure53 audited browser extensions thoroughly. Infrastructure audits confirmed security measures. These efforts build user trust. Transparency continues improving over time.

Warrant canary policies protect users. The company publishes legal requests. Privacy policies are written. Data collection practices are minimal.

FAQs

Is Surfshark a good VPN?
Surfshark is a reliable VPN service. Cure53's independent security audit of the company. It follows strict no-logs policies. The Dutch company is based in a country known for its tight privacy regulations.
Best country for VPN Surfshark?
For the highest speeds, select servers in your country or the closest countries. American content might work well on US servers. Netherlands-based servers protect privacy decently. Singapore servers are good for Asian audiences.
What is the number one best VPN?
It just depends on which one has the best VPN for your needs. ExpressVPN leads in speed tests. NordVPN excels in server count. Surfshark offers the best value. They're each among the very best VPN services.
Is Surfshark better than ExpressVPN?
Value for money: Surfshark has more to offer. ExpressVPN provides faster connection speeds. Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Every month, ExpressVPN costs significantly more.
How expensive is Surfshark?
The pricing for Surfshark is $2.99 per month on the 24-month plans. $12.95 for monthly plans. In 2025, prices increased by 33%. Surfshark is still cheaper than ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
Is Surfshark owned by Nord?
No, Surfshark is not a part of NordVPN. Both companies came under the Cyberspace umbrella. They exist independently and compete with each other. This raises some market concentration issues.
Does Surfshark work with Netflix?
Surfshark unblocks Netflix libraries. It works with US, UK, and Canadian Netflix. It also bypassed Hulu and BBC iPlayer. Streaming performance remains consistently good.
What is the cheapest VPN?
Both PIA VPN and Mullvad are at a lower price point than Surfshark. The features that budget options sacrifice are noticeable. Surfshark provides better streaming performance. Choose based on the features that are your priority.
Who is the CEO of Surfshark?
Surfshark CEO is Vytautas Kaziukonis. He has extensive cybersecurity experience. Leadership team with emphasis on privacy. He has led increased efforts toward transparency.
Does Surfshark work in every country?
Surfshark runs in nearly every country on earth. Some nations entirely block VPN access. China restricts most VPN traffic. Users should be aware of the legal uses of VPNs in the country where they are using a VPN.

Does Surfshark allow me to change my country?

With Surfshark, you can be almost anywhere virtually. All you have to do is connect via servers located in various countries. This bypasses geo-restrictions effectively. It’s fast and easy to do.

Best for anyone looking to overcome internet restrictions. With double hop and split tunneling, Surfshark can manage any internet restrictions that other VPNs might struggle with.

Unlike most VPN services, Surfshark does have some things going for it. It has ad blocking and malware protection as well. Unlimited connection policy is what makes it valuable. Compare specific features before deciding.

Surfshark operates from the Netherlands. This location has strong privacy laws. The user data is tightly secured through the use of EU regulations. Good VPN service that works well with various applications.

Conclusion & Recommendation

Surfshark remains a solid VPN in 2025. But it has been compromised by price rises, which dented its value case. Sure, the service remains a great value. Unlimited connections benefit large households. It seems that Surfshark is a reliable top-tier VPN.

It is a capable rival to NordVPN and ExpressVPN. The feature set justifies the pricing. Really good user experience.

If you want to make as many simultaneous connections on the same server as you like, which is practically unheard of at this point in time, then go with Surfshark. Excellent for streaming. Security features meet modern requirements. Customer support responds quickly.

Surfshark is no longer the most affordable. Those seeking a budget option might prefer PIA or Mullvad instead. Surfshark offers better streaming performance. It will depend on what your priorities are.

About the Author: (Saeed) & William Delaney

Headshot of Saeed, Tech Analyst at XYUltra
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SAEED, (MS) Verified XYUltra Author

Tech Industry Analyst & Developer

As a Certified Full-Stack WordPress Developer and Tech Industry Analyst, Saeed brings extensive expertise in modern web technologies (React, Next.js, Laravel) and cybersecurity to XYUltra.com. He delivers authoritative reviews and insightful analysis on the latest gadgets, smart tech, and digital innovations.

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