Surfshark VPN Review 2026

Overview Summary:

In this Surfshark review, we evaluate speed, privacy, security tools, streaming compatibility, and device support. Pros, cons, pricing, and overall value are included to help you decide if Surfshark suits your VPN needs.

surfshark vpn review

Surfshark Features Overview

Feature

Details

Owned Company Name

Surfshark Ltd.

Geographical Location

Netherlands

Does Privacy Policy Impose Govt Oversight

No mandatory logging; privacy governed by company policy

Countries with Servers

100+ Countries

Simultaneous Connections

Unlimited

Streaming Supported

Yes

Torrenting Supported

Yes

Works in Russia?

Yes, via obfuscated servers

Works in China?

Yes, requires obfuscation

Works in the Middle East?

Yes

Free VPN Available?

No permanent free tier

Customer Support Available?

Yes, 24/7

Routers Supported?

Yes

Extensions Available?

Chrome, Firefox, Edge

AdBlocker Available?

Yes (CleanWeb)

Dedicated IP Available?

Yes

Antimalware Protection Available?

Yes (CleanWeb)

Surfshark – Rating Table (out of 100)

Criterion

Max Points

Score

Notes

Jurisdiction & Privacy Policy

10

9

Netherlands-based, strict no-logs policy, strong privacy safeguards

Server Network

10

9

7,000+ servers in 100+ countries; reliable coverage with obfuscation and P2P servers

Offered Apps & Device Compatibility

10

10

Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, smart TVs, extensions

Speed

10

9

WireGuard delivers consistent high-speed performance

Protocol Selection

10

9

WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec; strong flexibility for security and speed

Additional Features

10

10

CleanWeb, MultiHop, Whitelister, Kill Switch, DNS leak protection

Streaming Compatibility

10

9

Works with Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer; occasional server switching required

Refund Policy

5

5

30-day money-back guarantee

Free or Trial VPN

5

2

No permanent free plan; relies on refund window

Simultaneous Connections

5

5

Unlimited device connections

Customer Support

5

4

24/7 chat and email; documentation clear but some response times vary

Total Score: 91 / 100
 (A high overall performance with notable flexibility, security, and device support.)

In-Depth Surfshark Review Based on Key Criteria

  1. Jurisdiction & Privacy Policy
    Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands. Privacy measures include:
  • Strict no-logs policy
  • RAM-only servers to prevent persistent data storage
  • Open-source components for transparency
  • Regular privacy audits

These safeguards ensure strong user privacy without government interference.

  1. Server Network
    Surfshark operates 7,000+ servers across 100+ countries. Highlights:
  • Obfuscated servers for censorship circumvention
  • P2P-optimized servers for torrenting
  • MultiHop routing for added privacy
  • High-speed servers with low congestion

This network provides versatility for global access.

  1. Apps & Device Compatibility
    Surfshark supports all major platforms:
  • Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Android, iOS
  • Smart TVs, Fire TV, Android TV
  • Chrome, Firefox, Edge extensions
  • Routers

Apps are intuitive, lightweight, and customizable.

  1. Speed
    WireGuard ensures fast connections:
  • Minimal latency on nearby servers
  • Streaming in HD and 4K supported
  • Long-distance speeds remain competitive
  • Efficient performance on mobile and desktop

  1. Protocol Selection
    Protocols include:
  • WireGuard: high-speed, low overhead
  • OpenVPN TCP/UDP: maximum compatibility and security
  • IKEv2/IPSec: mobile stability

Flexibility balances speed, security, and reliability.

  1. Additional Security Features
    Surfshark offers advanced tools:
  • CleanWeb: blocks ads, trackers, and malware
  • Kill Switch: prevents IP leaks
  • MultiHop: routes traffic through multiple servers
  • Whitelister: split tunneling for selective app routing
  • DNS leak protection

These features strengthen security without complexity.

  1. Streaming Compatibility
    Surfshark works with:
  • Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer
  • HD and 4K streaming
  • Occasional server switching needed for geo-restrictions
  1. Refund Policy
    30-day money-back guarantee covers:
  • Speed and performance
  • Streaming reliability
  • Security features
  • Multi-device testing
  1. Free or Trial VPN Option
    No permanent free tier exists. Users rely on:
  • 30-day refund period
  • Occasional limited trials

  1. Simultaneous Connections
    Unlimited connections include:
  • Smartphones, laptops, tablets
  • Routers and smart TVs
  • Useful for large households or tech enthusiasts
  1. Customer Support
    Support includes:
  • 24/7 live chat
  • Email support
  • Detailed setup guides and troubleshooting
  • Staff knowledgeable, occasional delays on complex issues

Expert Notes & Highlights

  • WireGuard ensures fast speeds and stable connections
  • CleanWeb protects against ads, malware, and trackers
  • MultiHop and Whitelister add flexible security options
  • Open-source components increase transparency and trust
  • Unlimited device support is rare and convenient

Verdict: Where Surfshark Excels – And Where It Falls Short

Strengths

  • Strong privacy and RAM-only server approach
  • Unlimited simultaneous device connections
  • Reliable streaming with HD/4K support
  • CleanWeb ad, tracker, and malware protection
  • MultiHop and Whitelister for flexible routing
  • Lightweight, intuitive apps

Weaknesses

  • Smaller server network compared to PIA or NordVPN
  • Occasional streaming blocks require switching
  • No permanent free tier
  • Advanced features may need manual setup

Does EXP VPN Recommend Surfshark?

After testing speed, privacy, security, streaming, and usability, EXP VPN recommends Surfshark for:

  • Users who value privacy and RAM-only servers
  • Multi-device households
  • Streamers needing HD/4K performance
  • Users seeking flexible security features without complexity

Verdict:
 ✔️ Yes – Surfshark is highly recommended. It provides fast, secure VPN service with unlimited device support, strong privacy practices, and practical security features.

Surfshark VPN 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Is Surfshark VPN safe to use?
     Yes. Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption, strict no-logs policy, WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPSec protocols. RAM-only servers and CleanWeb enhance safety.
  2. Can I stream Netflix and other platforms with Surfshark?
     Yes. Surfshark supports Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer. Occasional server switching may be needed.
  3. Does Surfshark work in China, Russia, or the Middle East?
     Yes. Obfuscated servers bypass censorship, though setup may require manual configuration.
  4. How fast is Surfshark?
     WireGuard ensures fast and consistent speeds. Local and medium-distance servers provide minimal latency, long-distance servers remain competitive.
  5. How many devices can I connect simultaneously?
     Unlimited simultaneous connections across all supported platforms, including routers and smart TVs.
  6. Does Surfshark offer a free plan or trial?
     No permanent free plan. Users rely on a 30-day refund window or occasional limited trials.
  7. What extra security features does Surfshark include?
     CleanWeb, Kill Switch, MultiHop routing, Whitelister split tunneling, DNS leak protection.
  8. Where is Surfshark based, and is my data safe there?
     Netherlands-based. Privacy is strong due to no-logs policy, RAM-only servers, and secure encryption.
  9. How do I contact Surfshark customer support?
     24/7 live chat, email support, and extensive knowledge base with setup guides and troubleshooting tutorials.
  10. Is Surfshark suitable for torrenting and P2P activities?
     Yes. Optimized P2P servers and privacy features make it safe and efficient for torrenting.

Pricing Plan

  • 1 month $15.45 ($15.45 /mo)
  • 15 months $47.85 ($3.19 /mo)
  • 24 months $53.73 ($1.99 /mo)
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 7 Days free trial on 3 devices
  • Unlimited devices