Updated on July 2025

Surfshark VPN Review: Affordable, Capable — But What's the Catch?

Surfshark has become a fan favorite in the budget VPN scene—and it’s easy to see why. It offers affordable plans with functional bundles like antivirus and breach alerts, plus cheaper barebones options for users who just want basic VPN protection. It boasts an easy-to-use interface, great streaming support, and unlimited device connections at a competitive price. But if you look past the low cost, there are a few trade-offs you’ll want to be aware of.

7.0 Our Rate
Visit Website
Malware Prevention
Safe & Secure
Round-the-clock customer service

Smooth UI, No Major Snags

Surfshark’s apps are clean and responsive across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Setup was quick and painless on all platforms. While not quite as slick as NordVPN’s or ExpressVPN’s interfaces, it’s intuitive enough even for VPN beginners.

 

Free Trial? Sort Of

Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial—but only if you sign up through mobile (Android/iOS). Desktop users miss out, unless they subscribe and use the 30-day money-back guarantee to test risk-free. Not exactly generous, but manageable.

 

Feature Highlights

 

  • Static IP, MultiHop, and Dedicated IP
    Surfshark gives you flexible connection options:

    • Static IP: Use the same IP each session.

    • MultiHop: Route your connection through two VPN servers for added anonymity.

    • Dedicated IP: A paid add-on for a private, persistent IP.

  • Antivirus (part of Surfshark One)
    Included in the Surfshark One bundle, the antivirus tool is surprisingly capable:

    • Real-Time Protection blocks threats as they happen.

    • Web Protection flags malicious sites.

    • Scheduled Scans let you run either Quick or Full device scans.

  • Key Settings & Privacy Tools
    Under the hood, Surfshark packs useful tools in its settings menu:

    • CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware.

    • Kill Switch: Prevents your data from leaking if the VPN disconnects.

    • Protocol Switching: Choose between WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. WireGuard (especially on auto) performed best in our tests.

    • Bypasser (Split Tunneling): Route specific apps or sites outside the VPN.

    • Advanced Security:

      • Invisible on LAN: Hide your device from others on the same local network.

      • Rotating IP: Changes your IP periodically without dropping the connection, improving privacy.

I tested Surfshark’s 1-month Surfshark One plan, which includes extra tools beyond the standard VPN. The Antivirus feature stood out the most—it doesn't just run in the background but also offers on-demand malware scans for free. It’s fast, easy to use, and feels like a genuine value-add.
You also get data breach alerts, which notify you if your email appears in known leaks, and Anonymous Search, Surfshark’s private search engine that delivers clean results without trackers.


Speed: Fast Enough for Most

 

Using WireGuard, Surfshark delivered solid speeds in our tests. It wasn’t the fastest VPN out there, but performance was stable and reliable for browsing, streaming, and even light torrenting.


Streaming: Yes, It Unblocks

 

Netflix US? Check. BBC iPlayer? Check. Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime? Check, check, check. Surfshark handled region-blocked content well. Occasionally, you may need to switch servers, but it gets the job done.

 

Security: Strong Tools, But Surprisingly Lenient

 

Surfshark generally takes security seriously—but during testing, it showed some leniency.
While its built-in Antivirus was able to block malware-laced pop-ups and flag suspicious scripts as threats, the VPN itself allowed access to risky or grey-area sites like:

By contrast, VPNs like ProtonVPN or ExpressVPN often block these outright. Surfshark appears more permissive, which can be good for freedom, but not ideal for those seeking stricter content filtering.

 

Pricing: A Bargain—Until Renewal

 

Surfshark shines with its pricing... at first.

  • The 2-year plan costs $59.76, or just $2.29/month.

  • But after the initial term, it renews at $59.76 per year—still affordable, though nearly triple the monthly rate.

  • Add-ons: Surfshark One (antivirus, search tool, data breach alerts), Dedicated IP.

  • Feedback on Add-ons: While nicely packaged, most of these extras duplicate what you likely already have from your browser, OS, or free services.

     

No renewal shock as harsh as NordVPN’s, but still something to note.

 

Privacy: Mostly Solid, But Based in the Netherlands

 

Surfshark follows a strict no-logs policy, and it’s been independently audited. No IP or activity logs are stored.
However, it’s headquartered in the Netherlands—a Nine Eyes country. While this doesn’t mean Surfshark spies on users, it may raise eyebrows for privacy purists who prefer providers based in privacy-haven jurisdictions.
The good news? Surfshark recently introduced RAM-only servers, meaning no data is stored long-term. They’ve also merged infrastructure with Nord Security (NordVPN’s parent company)—raising both concerns and credibility, depending on how you see VPN consolidation.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Surfshark offers tremendous value for the price. Unlimited devices, strong features, and dependable performance make it one of the best budget VPNs out there.
The Surfshark One bundle is especially worth calling out—you get a working antivirus, breach monitoring, and a private search engine all in one. While it’s lenient with what sites it blocks, its threat detection system still quietly works behind the scenes to protect you.


For most users—especially streamers and multi-device households—it’s a top-tier deal. Just know where it shines, and where to add your own safety nets.