Surfshark Review
Final Verdict
Surfshark has positioned itself in 2025 as one of the leading value-VPNs, offering a rich feature set normally found in more expensive providers. With RAM-only servers, verified no-logs policy, support for streaming, and tools like CleanWeb, MultiHop, and Camouflage Mode, it strives for both security and usability.
Based in the Netherlands, it operates under EU jurisdiction with privacy-friendly laws, and emphasizes transparency through audits and public reports. For users seeking strong privacy without paying top-tier rates, Surfshark often delivers.
Surfshark VPN Ratings
| Overall Rating | 8.8/10 |
|---|---|
| Speed | 9.1/10 |
| Streaming | 9.0/10 |
| Privacy | 8.7/10 |
| Security | 8.3/10 |
| Server Locations | 9.5/10 |
| Torrenting | 8.6/10 |
| User Experience | 8.5/10 |
| Device Compatibility | 9.1/10 |
| Additional Features | 8.3/10 |
Pros
- Unblocks 9 Netflix libraries
- Budget-friendly price of $1.99
- Audited logging policy & diskless servers
- Advanced security tools included
- Torrenting allowed with ease
- Unlimited device connections
Cons
- Struggles to bypass strict censorship
- Based in the Netherlands (EU)
- No port forwarding
- Kill switch disabled by default
- Occasional IPv6 leaks
Surfshark VPN Features Overview
Owned Company Name
Surfshark Ltd.
Geographical Location
Based in the Netherlands
Does Privacy Policy Imposed by Govt
Netherlands jurisdiction; subject to Dutch & EU laws, but operates a verified no-logs policy with audits.
Countries with Servers
100+ countries; ~3,200+ servers.
Simultaneous Connections
Unlimited devices per account.
Streaming Supported
Yes — works with Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, etc.
Torrenting Supported
Yes — P2P/torrenting allowed.
Works in Russia?
Limited / no reliable access reported. (No servers currently in Russia in some reviews)
Works in China?
Partially — via obfuscation / camouflage / NoBorders mode.
Works in the Middle East?
Yes — using supported protocols and obfuscation tools.
Free VPN Available?
No free plan; 30-day money-back guarantee.
Customer Support Available?
Yes — 24/7 live chat & email/ticket support.
Routers Supported?
Yes — Surfshark supports router setups.
Extensions Available?
Browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) available.
AdBlocker Available?
Yes — CleanWeb feature blocks ads, malware, trackers.
Dedicated IP Available?
Yes — paid add-on in some plans.
Surfshark VPN Review
Surfshark has positioned itself in 2025 as one of the leading value-VPNs, offering a rich feature set normally found in more expensive providers. With RAM-only servers, verified no-logs policy, support for streaming, and tools like CleanWeb, MultiHop, and Camouflage Mode, it strives for both security and usability.
Based in the Netherlands, it operates under EU jurisdiction with privacy-friendly laws and emphasizes transparency through audits and public reports. For users seeking strong privacy without paying top-tier rates, Surfshark often delivers.
Surfshark VPN Recognition by Privacy and Security Experts
- Independent audits by Deloitte (2023 and reaffirmed in 2025) confirming no-logs policy.
- Audits by Cure53 for browser extensions.
- Warrant canary and transparency reports showing no user data disclosures.
- Named high value in many 2025 reviews for balancing performance, features, and cost.
Surfshark VPN Background Check
Surfshark Ltd. is headquartered in the Netherlands. It operates with a strict privacy policy, has repeatedly engaged independent auditors to verify its no-log claims, and uses RAM-only servers so that data stored on servers is volatile. The jurisdiction is EU, which has its own laws, but Surfshark’s design aims to limit any compelled data disclosure.
Surfshark VPN for Privacy – Is It the Right Choice?
Netherlands Jurisdiction: Why It Matters
Although located in the Netherlands (which is part of the 9-Eyes Alliance), the country does not impose mandatory data retention obligations for VPN providers as some jurisdictions do. Surfshark’s policies and architecture (no-logs, RAM-only servers) are designed to ensure that even if legal orders were made, there is minimal retained data to disclose.
How This Affects Surfshark’s Privacy Policy
- No retention of browsing history, traffic content, or session data permanently.
- Some metadata (like connection to a VPN server: IP/user ID + timestamps) is stored temporarily, but auto-deleted within 15 minutes after session ends.
- DNS, IPv6, WebRTC leak protections are built in.
- Open-source / audited components for added transparency.
Surfshark VPN Privacy Policy: What’s Under the Hood?
Surfshark’s privacy policy asserts that it does not collect or store browsing activity (visited websites, content, online communications), IP addresses, session durations, or bandwidth usage in a manner that identifies users.
Temporary metadata such as user ID, connection IP, and timestamps are kept only for operational purposes and are automatically deleted within ~15 minutes after disconnection.
Key Security / Privacy Mechanisms:
AES-256-GCM encryption; ChaCha20 option with WireGuard; OpenVPN & IKEv2 protocols.
RAM-only server infrastructure.
Kill switch, leak protections (DNS, IPv6, WebRTC).
Obfuscation (Camouflage Mode / NoBorders) for censored regions.
CleanWeb for blocking ads, trackers, malware.
Surfshark VPN Massive Server Network
Surfshark runs ~3,200+ servers across 100+ countries. All servers are RAM-only. The server network spans many continents, offering excellent geographic coverage.
Server Infrastructure (2025 Data)
- Total Servers: ~3,200+
- Countries: 100+
- Cities / Locations: ~140+ main server-locations, widespread coverage.
- Server Type: RAM-only
- Dedicated IPs: Available as paid add-on in some regions.
- P2P: Supported on many/most servers.
Surfshark VPN’s Speed and Performance
Surfshark performs very well on local and regional servers. WireGuard protocol is typically the fastest. On long-distance/rural servers, there are some drop-offs.
Test Region
| Region | Download Speed Loss | Upload Speed Loss | Latency Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearby / Regionally close | ~10–20% | ~8–15% | +5–15ms |
| Long Distance (e.g. Asia ↔ Americas / Europe ↔ Australasia) | ~25–35% | ~20–30% | +25–40ms |
Overall, performance is comparable to premium VPNs in many tests; sometimes slightly behind at long distance or peak times.
Surfshark VPN Compatibility
Surfshark supports a wide range of platforms and devices.
Supported Operating Systems
Windows
macOS (recent versions)
Linux
Android
iOS (latest supported versions)
Some router firmware
Browser Extensions
Chrome
Firefox
Opera / others
Router Support
Popular firmwares / custom routers supported.
Other Devices
Smart TVs (via Smart DNS / router)
Firestick / streaming devices
Gaming consoles (via router setup)
Surfshark VPN Security and Privacy Features
- AES-256-GCM / ChaCha20 encryption options.
- Multiple VPN protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2.
- Kill switch & leak protection (DNS, IPv6, WebRTC) built in.
- Obfuscation / Camouflage / NoBorders modes.
- MultiHop (double-VPN style routing) for extra privacy.
- CleanWeb suite: ad, tracker, malware & phishing blocker.
- RAM-only infrastructure ensures no persistent storage of user data.
- Transparent privacy policy with automatic deletion of connection metadata ~15 mins after session end.
Streaming & Unblocking Websites with Surfshark VPN
Surfshark reliably unblocks streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer in many regions. Its large and distributed network, combined with obfuscation tools, helps bypass geo-blocks.
Surfshark VPN and Torrenting: A Safe and Fast Choice
Surfshark supports P2P / torrent traffic, with tools like port forwarding on supported setups, strong encryption, and IP masking. It is generally good for torrenting, though upload speeds may be lower on distant servers.
Pricing Plans and What’s Included
| Plan | Duration | Price* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly | 1 Month | ~$12.95/month | Highest flexibility, no long-term commitment. |
| Yearly | 1 Year | ~$3.99/month equivalent (billed yearly) | Better value vs monthly. |
| 2-Year / Long-term | 2 Years | ~$2.19/month (or similar promotional rate) | Best value, locking in low price. |
*Prices may vary by region, promotions, and currency.
Included Features
- Unlimited devices
- Access to 100+ countries, ~3,200+ servers
- CleanWeb ad/malware blocker
- MultiHop, Camouflage / Obfuscation modes
- Kill switch, leak protection
- Dedicated IP (optional)
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Is Surfshark VPN Worth It?
Yes — for many users, Surfshark offers one of the best balances of privacy, features, speed, and cost in 2025. If you want strong streaming, good privacy / audit proofs, and unlimited devices without paying the highest premium, Surfshark is a very solid choice.
If your priorities are extreme speed in all regions, dedicated malware protection at enterprise-grade levels, or maximum anonymity (e.g. no jurisdiction concerns), there may be more specialized options. But for most users, Surfshark delivers excellent value and performance.
Conclusion
Surfshark in 2025 is a compelling VPN option. It brings together important privacy features (RAM-only servers, verified no-logs, obfuscation), wide compatibility, unlimited device support, and strong streaming/torrenting capability — all at a price that’s very competitive.
While it isn’t perfect (speed may vary, and some features are complex for beginners), it stands out especially for people who want good security and full features without paying the top-tier price. If you’re looking for a well-rounded VPN that doesn’t cut corners, Surfshark is definitely worth your consideration.
Pricing Plans
- 1 month $15.45 ($15.45)
- 16 months $47.84 ($2.99/mo)
- 28 months $55.72 ($1.99/mo)
- Money-Back Guarantee 30 days
- Free Trial 7 days (mobile & Mac)
- 100% Free Plan (No)
