Founded in 2018, Surfshark is an upstart but it’s a big one. It comes crammed with features and works across most devices.
Its split tunneling feature lets you whitelist apps and websites that shouldn’t connect through the VPN, such as your online banking app. This saves on data costs and increases privacy.
Streaming
Streaming video is where Surfshark shines, offering plenty of speedy servers, a well designed Windows app and compatibility with a wide range of devices. It also has ad, tracker and malware blocking and other useful extra features like multi-hop and dynamic multi-route.
Its network is based in the Netherlands, which is privacy-friendly and doesn’t require VPN providers to keep data logs. Moreover, the provider’s no-logs policy has been verified by third parties. This is an important factor if you’re concerned about privacy and security.
Additionally, Surfshark is compatible with a wide range of devices and has intuitive apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and Fire TV. It can also be configured on VPN-capable routers to protect all devices in a home network, including smart TVs and gaming consoles. It also offers Smart DNS, which can be used to connect devices that don’t support a VPN. Its Camouflage mode is helpful if you’re trying to bypass a firewall or unblock content in a country that restricts VPN use.
Gaming
Dedicated gaming VPNs have a lot going for them. They allow multiple devices to connect, offer speedy performance and take privacy seriously. They’re a great choice for gamers looking to avoid internet service provider (ISP) throttling, as well as DDoS attacks. They also work in China, which is a huge benefit for users who live there.
Surfshark has over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, giving gamers a wide range of options for quality connections without lag or ping time. The company also supports the OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols for optimal security, along with a no-log policy independently verified by Deloitte.
Getting started with Surfshark is simple and straightforward. After choosing a plan, you can download the app compatible with your device and start playing. You can even set up Surfshark on a router so that your entire household can enjoy gaming and streaming without ISP throttling. With the option to try out a free trial, Surfshark makes it easy to decide whether or not it’s right for you.
Privacy
Using the Alternative ID feature, Surfshark gives users a virtual identity and email address that forwards correspondence to their real-world email account. This helps protect personal information from being collected and sold.
The VPN also offers a kill switch, which blocks internet access and prevents your data and location from leaking out in the event of a dropped connection. It’s a useful security measure, especially when traveling or working remotely.
Surfshark’s user-friendly portal has setup and installation tutorials, troubleshooting guides and FAQ articles. Its live chat service isn’t the gold standard, but operators break from script in more in-depth circumstances and offer useful advice. Its multi-platform support allows you to connect an awe-inspiring number of devices, and it includes a hefty number of free locations. It also accepts most major credit and debit cards, PayPal, Amazon Pay and cryptocurrencies. This is an excellent deal for the money and a great option for those who take privacy seriously.
Security
The internet is a treasure trove of information, but it also hosts a lot of malware. Surfshark’s antivirus capabilities deliver robust protection with quick and full system scans. The software detects most malware types we tested with minimal system slowdown. It features real-time protection, a drag-and-drop feature for isolated file scanning, and a customizable schedule for automatic scans.
The service’s VPN offering is solid, too, with support for the latest iOS and MacOS operating systems, as well as a wide range of devices that can connect to compatible home routers. A kill switch prevents data leaks in the event that the VPN connection is lost.
A wide range of protocols are available, including IKEv2, OpenVPN UDP and TCP, and WireGuard (depending on your operating system). Camouflage Mode obfuscates VPN traffic to make it look more like regular internet data, which can help bypass restrictive governments’ firewalls. Surfshark also encrypts data with standard AES-256 encryption. Its privacy policies are transparent and include a no-logs policy.