Ever been on the wrong side of the internet or want to access a page that is often restricted? Well, that makes the two of us. And it’s honestly very frustrating when we pay a huge sum of money for internet access only to have restrictions put our way.
Well, let’s just say we’re closer to finding an end to all our surfing problems with my detailed review on the Surfshark VPN, which is seeming to hit the benchmark; landing it among the best VPN’s till date.
I know this may seem like just another review or the more famous term “clickbait” but take a minute and truly see why Surfshark may just land up being your personal favorite.
Surfshark – A 2019 Abridged Review
Surfshark is the VPN that satisfied customers call “The Perfect Package”. You never have to worry about downloading or streaming your favorite movies ever again; rendering its services to everyone with a satisfactory budget of $1.99/mo. But I know for a fact that as a customer, most of us still wonder if there is more to a VPN besides having an amazing discount. If you check out my review in more detail, you’ll be thoroughly surprised. Let’s start with the core points:
| Base | Secure |
| Price | $1.99.mo |
| Servers | 1040+(61+Countries) |
| Logs | No Logs |
| Multi-Login | Innumerable Devices |
| Refund | Within 30 Days Trial |
| Recommended | Very much yes! |
| Website | surfshark.com |
- Hailing from the British Virgin Island, it started off with a minimum of 100 servers which turned into 1040+ and 61+ countries, in a short time span.
- You never have to worry about streaming or torrenting your favorite movies online and without interruptions.
- It’s got a 24/7 online helpline, that’ll assist you from wherever you may be.
- It has an impeccable speed which we will test further on!
- It really sticks to all its security promises which we’ll find out in detail further-on; offering 256-bit encryption, a multi-hop, kill switch, Whitelister, CleanWeb and a lot more, all for that major $1.99/mo.
The Ratings Guide You All Have Been Looking Forward To
It’s not every day that we get an honest full-fledged review on how a VPN works and how exactly it is protecting us. You deserve to know the truth about how this great VPN works and what all it can do for us; what it did for me. The following points are what I based all my research on. Ready? Let’s go!
- Security
- Invisibility
- Servers
- Streaming
- Speed
- Devices and apps
- Locality
- Pricing
- Reliability
Security – Should you trust Surfshark’s security measures?
Yes! You absolutely can and should! Security is one of the biggest concerns when going for the right VPN; all of which Surfshark proudly offers. It has definitely succeeded in making my internet experience a secure one.
It has made it to the list of exceptional VPN’s all around and I’m pleased to say that it is by far one of the best I’ve come across. It offers multiple features; highlighting an unstoppable AES 256-GCM encryption, a Kill Switch, leak protection, and other secure protocols, which is mentioned below.
VPN Protocols and Encryption
Keeping it to a wide option, Surfshark splits into two protocols; the IKEv2 and the OpenVPN (TCP and UDP). It’s been tried and tested and though TCP is reliable, it often works slightly slower than UDP. Besides the two, there is now a protocol feature added to it called the Shadowsocks protocol; allowing you to access geo-restricted areas in China, which is still under beta testing.
The best part about VPN is its encryption. It revolves around the AES-256-bit encryption that basically cannot penetrate or can’t be disrupted; protecting each and every piece of information/data during all your surfing needs. This is perfect just in case you find yourself on the wrong side of the internet; even if on purpose.
CleanWeb
This is also one of my favorite built-in features that fulfill the purpose in its name. Everyone hates webs that just keep cropping up from time to time. That’s where CleanWeb comes in and sweeps away all those annoying ads that constantly pop up or stalk you when you least expect or want it to.
Multihop Feature
Taking the masking of your IP address to a whole new level of security. It allows you to string along two servers at one time; simultaneously. For example, I logged into one of Surfshark’s servers like the United Kingdom and the other France, side by side and virtually be at both locations in one go. I know what you’re thinking. And it’s the exact same thing I asked myself too. “Will being logged into two servers slow down the speed?” Absolutely not. When I tested it out, to my surprise it actually didn’t make much of a difference towards the speed.
Kill Switch
This has got to be the smartest feature. It basically kills your internet as soon as it senses a drop in the connection of the VPN server. Here’s what you should do to test it out for yourself. While downloading a movie or even a song, shut the connection of the VPN and you’ll see how it immediately shuts out your internet along with it.
Whitelister
Another in-built feature that allows you to protect any website or app that you feel needs protecting. What’s amazing and super relevant about this feature, is that it works both ways. You either add an app or website that you would like to protect or exclude certain sites or apps you think you should disregard. It all depends on your preference really, if you’d like to use or deduct certain apps or pages from your usual surfing experience.
DNS and Leak Protection
It leads or transfers all your network requests or needs through its own Surfshark DNS servers rather than the ones available on default DNS servers used or run by your ISP. On the other hand, the Leak Protection feature works as a barricade, keeping your IP, DNS, and WebRTC from leaking out.
Camouflage Mode
Living up to its name, this feature hides you or rather blends you into the background, away from prying ISP eyes. They’ll never find you.
IP Masking
Sounds simple? It actually is. This feature throws the cloak of invisibility over your original IP address, hiding both your identity and your location. How amazing is that?
Additional security – always comes with a cost
Besides the amazing features that really seem way more than enough to satisfy all my concerns, the additional features are like the cherry on top. They include:
- The Hacklock – scans for damages and possible leakages.
- BlindSearch – allowing to surf every internet turf without hampering your privacy and crowding of ads
But of course, it comes with a price. You’ll have to tip into your spare change jar, since it only costs around $0.99/mo for all the extra features if you require them.
Invisibility – Will Surfshark Put a Leak into My “Boat”?
I think by now we all get the gif with what I mean when I say “boat”. No one wants to have to surf the net with the best VPN on the block only to have it sink your IP and DNS, right? So to put this to the test, I conducted my own little testing to check and prove to you how amazing Surfshark actually is. The results I got were very pleasing, because…..
For the IP I used ipleak.org with servers United States – Atlanta
For the DNS leak, I used dnsleak.com with server United States – Weehawken
They’re leak-free!
Servers – Can We Surf in China?
Remember we mentioned earlier about China being a geo-restricted area? Well, you don’t have to worry about that anymore. China is always on the go for trying to track down and kill VPN’s but according to many users, they reported that Surfshark really does run free in China, letting you hit through censorship and VPN blocks.
Surfshark serves among some of the best VPN’s for breaking down all geo-restricted areas and have now expanded their horizons towards working and providing very stable connections throughout some parts of mainland China. Thanks to its’ NoBorders feature which also aids in allowing you to gain access to restricted content.
Surfshark is still on the run to make more improvements, giving other VPN’s a run for their money, especially to enhance access to restricted areas, like that of China. That’s where Shadowsocks comes in; though under beta testing, will be applicable towards Android in no time.
All these are inclusive in their rankings with 1040+ servers and 61+ countries. Who knows, it may just expand again; that’s how good it is!
Speaking of maximum coverage, its servers work across every continent except Antarctica. Having a great feature of both virtual and physical servers, it serves as a compensation door. For example, if a physical server doesn’t work in a particular region, the VPN will still give you limited virtual access to some parts in that restricted zone.
Streaming – Will Surfshark Let Me Netflix and Chill in Peace?
Yes! It turns out that Surfshark is great for streaming on Netflix! This has got to be one of the most commonly asked questions of today. I won’t lie, this was on the top of my “have to know” questions. And I’m super stoked with the results! Surfshark really does work wonders with Netflix and many other streaming platforms like YouTube.
Want to know another fun fact? Surfshark swears that it can unblock 16 other Netflix libraries and that’s the best thing about it!
Having an amazing ranking especially in its speed and ability to smack down geo-restricted entities, gives you a super-smooth streaming allowance.
Speed – Is Surfshark fast?
In a nut-shell, Surfshark’s speed is not all that bad.
For Surfshark to be great it has to take a trip right into our social feelings, especially where streaming movies or downloading your favorite torrents are concerned; without the constant hassle of buffering. To clarify and pull out my results to whether Surfshark is acceptable in terms of speed, I conducted a few tests.
You and I both know what it’s like waiting for hours and hours just to download a single torrent; that sometimes is interrupted mid-way. It is said to offer speedy torrenting with unlimited bandwidth. If you scroll down further, we’ll see if Surfshark checks all the right boxes for speed.
Speed is one of the main features for me. I took a test before connecting to the Surfshark VPN, which resulted:
After connecting to Surfshark, I connected with a US-New York server for testing:
And pulled out a 27.13 Mbps download speed on a 34.35 Mbps local connection. The results are a little on the poorer side but still good enough for streaming and downloading movies or videos.
I went ahead and ran some tests on two other servers to check if there still was a damp in the speed. I connected to a UK-London server for testing and yielded:
And for the third I connected to an AUS-Sydney server for testing and pulled out a:
Even though the speeds after VPN connectivity was a little slower, it still makes reasonably good speed for downloading and torrenting; and highlighted compatibility with torrent software like uTorrent and BitTorrent. I mean I didn’t have to wait an entire day or long hours to download all your favorite movies. Surfshark, having its multiple servers also works well not only for torrenting but for P2P overall; being optimized according to it.
All in all, it really does depend on the servers you’re using.
Devices and Apps – Do I Have Compatibility or Not?
The best thing about investing in Surfshark is its compatibility. I mean, who would miss out on the chance to be compatible, right? Being completely compatible with innumerable devices and apps is not the only plus side, it allows you to make multiple connections simultaneously. Let’s take a closer look towards the kinds of devices it meshes with:
- macOS
- Windows
- Linus
- iOS
- Android
- Chrome
- Firefox
- FireStick
- Apple TV
- Other smart TV’s
- Xbox
- PlayStation
- Trust DNS
Keeping the point of experience in mind, the main key-point is giving every user the ultimate front-seat with an extra bit of user-friendliness added to its books. It is designed with the intention to let new-timers to the tech world, have an easy experience while using the Surfshark VPN service; one that’s visually appealing and simple to the touch.
Location – In case you’re wondering where Surfshark is located and why it will help you
The reason why Surfshark completely revolves around keeping your identity a secret and focuses all its efforts on providing you with the best security measures you can think of, is because it hails directly from the British Virgin Islands with a great deal of its manpower scattered around Europe. Did you know that it is a privacy-friendly region, keeping a close check on the perks of having no data retention laws? It doesn’t get any better than this right? But of course, it does. It adds to the no-logs policy.
Some of you may be wondering why its location matters or rather; what exactly is it doing for you? Well, let me tell you a little something about the British Virgin Islands, it works outside the watchful eyes of the jurisdiction. It may seem a little shady, but it really does help fight against all the service providers from harvesting your data or from other forms of law enforcement agencies.
Pricing – Will It Burn A Hole In Your Pockets?
It most definitely does not! And that’s not even the best part! But before diving straight into the open waters of Surfshark or rather any VPN really, the question on everyone’s mind is usually regarding the amount, the money they’re going to be spending.
Well, here’s the thing: You’re not alone! I too thought about it for a hot minute. But again, ask yourself, are we really going to talk about putting a price on your security?
Luckily, Surfshark is extremely affordable, in fact, one of the best VPN’s out there to have an affordable price to the kind of amazing services it provides. And after discussing all the amazing features it provides, I highly recommend it! It has:
Before looking at its original price plan, you should know that SurfShark is currently having a limited time only discount!
And after discussing all the amazing features it provides, I highly recommend! It price plan includes:
- The 1-month plan (which is a little bit pricy) costs around $11.95/mo. without any discounts
- A 12-month plan coming to $5.99/mo. giving you a 50% discount
- A 24-month plan costing you an easy $1.99/mo. with an 83% discount
Which one would you choose?
It doesn’t end there, Surfshark also offers you a discounted coupon with a money-back guarantee! But of course, which lasts only 30-Days, just in case you aren’t completely satisfied. Keeping in mind, that before jumping in to buy Surfshark, be sure to read the Terms of Service section. There are two things that restrict you from getting a refund back and those are through purchases made through:
- Gift Cards
- Prepaid Cards
For some of us, that may find it a little overpriced, I believe Surfshark does offer you your money’s worth. Here’s what Pcmag had to say,
“While a bit pricey, Surfshark does offer excellent value for that money. For one thing, it lets you use an unlimited number of devices on one account, whereas most companies cut you off after just five simultaneous connections”.
Do I get any freebies?
Seems to me that Surfshark really does think of everything. Before I bought it, I gave the 7-day free trial a quick run through; rendering its free trial only to Android and iOS apps. Also note, you will feel like tapping into the refund after the 30-days trial, you will have to provide your Credit Card credentials; just for the safe side!
Reliability – Let’s Clear Out the Air a Little
After running through this entire review, of course, most of us intense researchers still have a few questions in mind. And that’s completely alright! You have every reason to be sure that what you’re investing in is well worth the money. A few common questions that I’ve come across are whether Surfshark keeps a tab on all your logs, Trustpilot Reviews, Warrant Canary and Support.
As I’ve mentioned before; which also came to my surprise about how trustworthy Surfshark actually is, it follows a strict no-data logging policy. But again, you need to read through the privacy policy sector to get a better view of things. It does mention that is it does not capture on to the following details:
- Browsing history (YES!)
- IP addresses
- Session information
- Connection timestamps
- Used bandwidth
- Network trafficking etc.
On the other hand, what Surfshark does collect is emails, billing information, encrypted passwords, and well your order history; not putting damp into your privacy.
24/7 Customer Support – for further queries, Surfshark does have a 24/7 Customer Support system, which most of us don’t usually rely on but it actually does work!
What others had to say about Surfshark
Now that you’ve been through the entire review with me, I bet not everyone shares the same opinions. I’ve taken the time out to gather up some unbiased reviews from other sources like a Reddit review, an outlook from Australia, UK, and Italy. Combining my results through a list of pros and cons, we get:
Pros:
- Exceptional speed
- Simple to use
- Functional Killswitch
- Functional support on multiple platforms
- Acceptable streaming speed
- Great value for money (per month)
Cons:
- A couple of the servers IP’s are restricted for Netflix (try other servers)
- No trials available without payment
Surfshark – (An Approval from AV-Test)
To prove what other think about Surshark, why not read what AV-Test has to say!
To Conclude – I, By All Means, Recommend Surfshark
Well, I’ve finally found an end to all those surfing problems and was more than happy to share my new secret with you and that is Surfshark; my number one VPN of choice.
I believe that some of you love to just skip to the ending without reading anything in between, and that’s alright. I do that too sometimes! But not to worry, I won’t let you leave empty-handed. Let’s talk about what this review is all about in little details.
For starters, I prefer Surfshark mainly because of its security and speed rankings! The amount of times I’ve been on Netflix streaming without any interruptions is impeccable! It offers up to 1040+ servers and 61+ countries for only $1.99/mo. and that is pretty reasonable.
And since I’m giving an honest review, the only thing I wish that Surfshark would work on is towards adding a well-rounded server for China. Regardless of this, I think the price matches the speed and other superlative features just perfectly.
I’d still love to know your reviews or feedback in the comment section below! Don’t hold back, I know I didn’t!
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