Surfshark VPN review in 2025

Surfshark earned its spot as one of the best VPNs of 2025, praised for its robust security features, unlimited device connections, and user-friendly design. Its standout tools, like IP Rotator, CleanWeb ad blocker, and MultiHop server category, make it an excellent choice for streaming, gaming, and secure browsing. We also liked its affordable pricing, especially for the two-year subscription plan.

However, there are some concerns worth noting, such as the nuanced no-logs policy and the company’s headquarters location. In this Surfshark VPN review, I’ll cover its pricing, performance, pros, and cons to help you decide if it’s the right VPN for your needs.

Surfshark VPN review – overview

To thoroughly assess Surfshark VPN, I narrowed down some key information in the table:

Encryption	256-bit AES or ChaCha20
VPN protocol	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
Logging policy	No logs
Speed retention rate	86%
Server network	3200 servers in 100 countries
Simultaneous connections	Unlimited
Compatible with	Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Supported browsers	Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Opera
Unblocks	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more
Jurisdiction	The Netherlands
Support	Knowledge base, 24/7 live chat, email support
Best deal	Now up to 86% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE

Is Surfshark safe?

Yes, Surfshark is one of the safest VPNs available. It offers industry-leading AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and advanced tools like MultiHop and CleanWeb to enhance privacy and security. It is based in the Netherlands, which, while part of the Nine Eyes alliance, imposes no mandatory data retention laws. With these measures, Surfshark provides a secure environment for browsing, streaming, and online transactions.

Encryption

Surfshark employs cutting-edge encryption protocols, such as AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20, which are widely recognized as industry gold standards. AES-256-GCM is renowned for its near-impenetrability, making it the encryption of choice for governments and top-tier cybersecurity solutions. ChaCha20, used in specific situations, is equally robust and optimized for devices with lower computational power.

One standout feature is Perfect Forward Secrecy, which generates a unique encryption key for every session. This ensures that even if malicious programmers intercept one session, they cannot access previous or future communications. Combined, these encryption methods create a secure shield around your online activities, safeguarding sensitive information like passwords, personal data, and financial details.

This level of encryption means users can confidently connect to public Wi-Fi, browse securely, and conduct transactions without fear of being intercepted. Surfshark’s implementation prioritizes user security and maintains optimal speeds, ensuring that advanced encryption doesn’t slow you down. Whether you’re working remotely, streaming content, or simply browsing, Surfshark’s encryption guarantees peace of mind.

No-logs policy

Like most VPN services, Surfshark claims to have a no-logs policy. I read the provider’s privacy policy in February 2025 to check whether that’s the case, and for the most part, it’s true. However, there is a potential issue, albeit a reasonably insignificant one.

The document’s first section is called “1. What information is collected and why?” and it mentions a concerning detail. Namely, Surfshark VPN servers store information (user ID, IP address, connection time stamps) about your connection to a particular VPN server. Thankfully, this information is automatically deleted within 15 minutes after finishing your session. Moreover, the VPN doesn’t log any other data that would tell the provider anything about your online activities.

Here’s a table summarizing what information Surfshark collects:

Data	Does Surfshark store it?
IP address	Yes, but it’s deleted within 15 minutes
Customer’s email address	Yes
Customer’s encrypted password	Yes
Payment data	Yes (if provided)
Browsing history	No
Session information	No
User bandwidth	No
Network traffic	No

As you can see, Surfshark VPN collects and stores only the most essential details it needs to provide its service. For example, the provider will obviously have your account information, like email address, encrypted password, and payment data, since these are critical to creating an account and paying for the subscription.

Conversely, details like browsing history, session information, bandwidth, and other specifics about VPN usage aren’t logged. The temporary IP address storage is the only concern here, but I wouldn’t worry about it too much. After all, the IP address information will be deleted once you disconnect from the VPN, meaning Surfshark won’t be able to share that information with third parties in the future. However, if this detail is a red flag for you, consider NordVPN, which doesn’t store your IP address while using the VPN.

Surfshark DNS leak tests

The DNS (domain name system) is responsible for attributing website IP addresses with their domain names. This is done using DNS servers, which are assigned to users by their internet service providers.

A DNS leak occurs when you connect to a VPN, but your device still communicates with the default DNS servers assigned by your ISP. When that happens, your online activities remain exposed, thus negating the benefits of using a VPN.

The research team tested Surfshark for DNS leaks using various DNS leak checkers and found no issues whatsoever. As such, it’s safe to conclude that Surfshark VPN is free from DNS leaks.

Surfshark WebRTC leak tests

WebRTC (web real-time communication) is a set of technologies that enables browsers to facilitate real-time communications more efficiently. It allows browsers to connect with each other directly without intermediary servers to reduce lag while making video calls. However, WebRTC only works when the browsers know each other’s IP addresses, which could lead to privacy issues.

Thankfully, you can use services like browserleaks.com to check for WebRTC leaks. We did precisely that while Surfshark was enabled, and the results showed no leaking issues. That means Surfshark VPN is safe to use for real-time communications without leaks.

Advanced security features

A great VPN isn’t just about hiding your IP address. It’s about offering tools that keep you safe, private, and free online. Surfshark does precisely that. In addition to a range of powerful features, our Surfshark VPN review revealed that it also goes beyond essential protection, offering enhanced control over your digital security and privacy.

Feature	How it works
Kill Switch	Instantly disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing accidental data exposure
DNS leak protection	Ensures DNS queries are routed securely through the VPN, preventing exposure to your ISP or third-party entities
MultiHop (double VPN)	Routes your traffic through two servers for an extra layer of encryption and privacy
Alternative ID	Creates alternative information you can use instead of your actual email address, name, and other personal details
CleanWeb	Blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites, creating a safer and smoother browsing experience
NoBorders Mode	Enables secure VPN usage in restrictive regions by bypassing censorship and firewalls
Camouflage Mode	Masks VPN activity to look like regular traffic, hiding it from ISPs or network administrators
Bypasser (split tunneling)	Allows specific apps or websites to bypass the VPN while others stay encrypted
WireGuard protocol	Ensures a fast, secure, and reliable connection using cutting-edge VPN technology
Private DNS	Protects your online activity by routing DNS queries through Surfshark’s private servers
Unlimited connections	Connect an unlimited number of devices to the VPN simultaneously under one subscription

CleanWeb

I found CleanWeb one of Surfshark’s standout features, comparable to NordVPN’s Threat Protection. It blocks ads, trackers, and malware, creating a smoother browsing experience. CleanWeb worked seamlessly during testing, eliminating YouTube ads and blocking phishing sites flagged by cybersecurity tools.

Camouflage mode

Camouflage Mode is a feature I’d recommend for users in countries with internet restrictions. It disguises the VPN traffic to make it look like regular browsing, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. In my tests, it easily bypassed network firewalls, particularly in regions where deep packet inspection (DPI) might typically block VPN use.

Kill Switch

The Kill Switch feature is a must-have for anyone concerned about data exposure. When I tested it under simulated network interruptions, Surfshark’s Kill Switch worked flawlessly, cutting off internet access instantly. It’s particularly beneficial for safeguarding sensitive information, whether managing financial data or working remotely.

Bypasser

Bypasser is a feature I used frequently to manage traffic efficiently. For instance, I routed Netflix through the VPN to access geo-restricted content while keeping local apps like online banking on my regular network. The setup was straightforward, and the feature performed without glitches, making multitasking smooth and secure.

Alternative ID

Alternative ID is an excellent privacy feature that’s included in the Starter tier. As the name suggests, it creates alternative information you can use instead of your personal details when filling in various online forms. Thus, you’ll significantly improve your online anonymity while minimizing the risk of data leaks.

For me, the alt email perk is a highlight because it lets you keep your primary email address completely hidden. Simply input the alt email address, and any messages sent to it will be forwarded to your main inbox. This feature lessens the chance of your email address leaking while also showing where certain messages are coming from.

MultiHop

Surfshark’s MultiHop feature goes beyond standard encryption by routing traffic through two servers for added privacy. I found it especially useful for tasks requiring high anonymity, like accessing restricted sites or sensitive accounts.

While it slightly impacted the speed, the trade-off was minimal, given the enhanced security.

NoBorders

The NoBorders feature is designed to bypass restrictions in heavily censored regions. When I tested it in environments with strict internet controls, it automatically adjusted settings to ensure access to blocked content. It’s an invaluable tool for travelers or users in countries with restrictive online policies.

Surfshark’s features are diverse and highly practical, offering something for everyone. From CleanWeb’s ad-blocking prowess to Camouflage Mode’s stealth capabilities, each tool is thoughtfully designed and performs as promised. Whether you're looking for privacy, security, or unrestricted access, Surfshark stands out as a comprehensive and user-friendly VPN solution.

Surfshark VPN price

Surfshark offers versatile and competitive pricing that caters to different user needs while maintaining an excellent cost-to-value ratio. Here's an overview of its three subscription tiers.

	Starter	One	One+
Monthly cost	$15.45/month	$17.95/month	$20.65/month
Annual cost	$3.19/month	$3.39/month	$6.09/month
Two-year cost	$2.19/month	$2.69/month	$4.29/month
Servers and countries	3200+ servers in 100 countries	3200+ servers in 100 countries	3200+ servers in 100 countries
Cookie pop-up blocker	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Strict no-logs policy	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
DNS leak prevention	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Kill switch/always-on VPN	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Real-time email breach alerts	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Personal data security reports	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Malware and ad-blocker	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Data removal from company databases and people search sites	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes

Surfshark Starter plan

Surfshark’s Starter plan is an excellent starting point, offering robust VPN features that include multiple tunneling protocols, specialty servers, and an ad blocker. At just $2.19/month for a two-year subscription, it provides core security tools without breaking the bank. However, remember that this plan doesn't include advanced features like antivirus protection or breach monitoring.

Surfshark One plan

For those seeking enhanced privacy and security, the One plan adds antivirus protection, credit card and ID breach alerts, and webcam protection to the Starter package. Priced at $2.69/month for a two-year subscription, it’s a comprehensive privacy solution ideal for users looking to secure their digital life beyond VPN capabilities.

Surfshark One+ plan

The One+ plan offers the ultimate package, including all the features of Surfshark One and a data removal service to erase personal data from third-party databases. At $4.29/month for a two-year subscription, this tier caters to privacy-conscious users prioritizing maximum digital security.

All Surfshark plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee for risk-free testing. Mobile users can also take advantage of a 7-day free trial to explore Surfshark’s features before committing.

Payment options and discounts

Surfshark supports various payment methods, including traditional options like credit and debit cards and privacy-focused alternatives like cryptocurrency and gift cards. Seasonal promotions, such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, further reduce costs, making it easy to secure an affordable plan.

Automatic renewals and price considerations

Like most VPN providers, Surfshark subscriptions renew automatically at higher rates after the initial period. To avoid surprises, Surfshark provides renewal notifications 30 days in advance.

Is Surfshark VPN fast?

Yes, Surfshark is very fast, thanks to its WireGuard protocol implementation and high-quality server network. You can easily use the VPN for UHD video streaming, online gaming, torrenting, and web browsing without noticeable performance issues.

The research team and I measured Surfshark’s VPN speeds separately on Windows and Mac devices to see whether there’s a notable difference between the two operating systems. However, since our Mac laptop doesn’t have an Ethernet port, we measured its speeds while connected wirelessly using Wi-Fi. Conversely, the Windows laptop was connected with an Ethernet cable for maximum performance. This also explains why the two devices have different baseline speeds.

Below is a table summarizing our February 2025 test findings:

	Mac device	Windows device
Baseline ping	4ms	1ms
Baseline download speed	400Mbps	500Mbps
Baseline upload speed	420Mbps	500Mbps
Average ping	133ms	125ms
Average download speed	267Mbps	419Mbps
Average download speed retention	66%	83%
Average upload speed	173Mbps	260Mbps
Average upload speed retention	41%	52%

As you can see, Surfshark was slower overall on Mac, which isn’t surprising since it was connected wirelessly. So, it’s clear that you should pick a device with an Ethernet port if you want the fastest speeds possible. After all, some speed loss is expected over a wireless connection, and our tests confirm that.

The average download speed retention on the MacBook Air M2 was 63%, which is pretty good but not impressive. Meanwhile, the upload retention was slower, at 41% on average.

On the flip side, the Windows 11 laptop had an average speed retention rate of 83%, which is excellent since even the baseline speed was high. Moreover, the average upload retention was 52%, again outpacing the Mac device’s performance.

Before we move on, here’s an explanation of some of the above terms to clarify our findings.

• Upload speed. This is an indication of your upload speeds, measured in Megabits per second (Mbps). It tells how quickly data from your device is sent to the internet. It influences activities like live streaming, video conferencing, and uploading various content to the web. Higher speeds mean quicker uploads, which is essential if you’re a content creator on sites like YouTube, where users post large videos. Our tests showed that Surfshark retains less of your original upload speed compared to download speed, but that’s common among most VPNs. It’s still enough for most online activities.
• Download speed. Download speeds are also measured in Mbps, which indicates the rate at which you download files from the internet. It impacts almost all online activities, such as web browsing, video streaming, gaming, and file downloads. Higher speeds lead to a smoother overall experience, such as faster page load times and no buffering while watching Netflix. That’s why it’s crucial to pick VPN providers with excellent download retention rates, which, as shown in our tests, is the case with Surfshark.
• Ping. This metric is also known as latency, and it is measured in milliseconds (ms). It shows the response time between you and an internet server. Ping is vital in online gaming; you want it to be as low as possible to ensure smooth gameplay without input delay. During in-house tests, our ping was between 1 and 5ms when connecting to local servers, which is a tremendous achievement.

Now, let’s compare Surfshark’s long-term speed retention results against those of other top-tier VPNs on the market. We tested the providers in multiple countries to get a well-rounded idea of their performance. As you can see, Surfshark showed impressive results, thus highlighting its excellent price-to-performance ratio.

VPN provider	The US server	The UK server	Japan server	Canada server	Germany server	Australia server
Surfshark	94%	94%	93%	95%	94%	89%
NordVPN	91%	97%	94%	93%	95%	92%
ExpressVPN	92%	92%	89%	93%	90%	91%
IPVanish	83%	90%	92%	93%	93%	93%

Surfshark’s speedy connections result from the WireGuard tunneling protocol, a modern and open-source alternative to older options like OpenVPN. Many fast VPN services, including IPVanish, Proton VPN, and CyberGhost, use WireGuard as their primary protocol for blazing-fast speeds. Even NordVPN, the fastest VPN on the market, based its proprietary NordLynx protocol on WireGuard.

Additionally, Surfshark supplements the swift protocol with other speed-enhancing measures. The most notable one is its unique Nexus technology. It utilizes SDN (software defined networking) to connect all of the provider’s servers into a single cohesive network. In short, it means customers connect to the whole network instead of separate servers, as with other VPNs. This technology also enables Surfshark’s IP Rotator and Dynamic MultiHop features.

While Surfshark isn’t the fastest VPN available, it’s definitely up there among the top performers. Its excellent speed retention rates guarantee lag-free streaming, online gaming, and web browsing. It had no issues with any of these activities while testing Surfshark, and I’m sure your experience will be similar.

Surfshark's server network

Surfshark offers over 3200 servers across 100 countries, giving its users tremendous worldwide coverage. The country variety is excellent, although still not up to par with NordVPN (118 countries) and ExpressVPN (105 countries). Let’s overview some of the specifics about Surfshark’s server fleet:

• The service includes specialty server options like Static IP, MultiHop, and Dedicated IP for added flexibility.
• Surfshark offers around 600 servers across 22 cities in the US, allowing you to easily access the state-specific content you want.
• You can customize the server connection experience to your liking by picking your favorite server locations and creating custom MultiHop variations.

Connecting to a Surfshark server is pretty straightforward. For starters, there’s a separate button for connecting to the fastest server, meaning you can customize the quick-connect button to another location. You can also mark any country as a favorite so it will appear at the top of the server selection menu. And while there’s no world map for navigation, the compact scroll menu makes it easy to peruse all the available country locations. Plus, there’s a search bar if you’d like to type in the country name.

Overall, I think Surfshark is a top-tier provider regarding servers, even if its network isn’t as vast as NordVPN’s or Proton VPN’s. Customers get plenty of countries and specialty servers to choose from, which is enough for most use cases.

Surfshark VPN vs competitors

Choosing the right VPN can be overwhelming, especially when faced with so many options promising top-notch privacy, security, and performance. Surfshark has quickly gained recognition as one of the most versatile VPNs on the market, offering features like unlimited device connections, advanced security tools, and affordable pricing. But how does it measure against industry leaders like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or CyberGhost?

VPN provider	Cybernews rating	Price	Average speed retention	Malware protection	Ad blocking	Server and location count	Streaming service unblocking (Most, Some, None)	Customer support options (Multiple, Some, Few)
Surfshark	4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	From $2.19/month	93.3%	✅ Yes (CleanWeb)	✅ Yes (blocks YouTube ads)	3200+ servers in 100 countries	Most	Multiple
NordVPN	4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	From $3.39/month	93.6%	✅ Yes (Threat Protection)	✅ Yes (blocks YouTube ads)	7400+ servers in 118 countries	Most	Multiple
ExpressVPN	4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	From $4.99/month	91%	✅ Yes (Threat Manager)	✅ Yes (blocks YouTube ads)	Unspecified number of servers in 105 countries	Most	Multiple
IPVanish	4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	From $2.19/month	91.8%	✅ Yes (Threat Protection)	✅ Yes (blocks YouTube ads)	2400+ servers in 109 countries	Some	Multiple
CyberGhost	4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	From $2.19/month	91.2%	✅ Yes (Block Content)	✅ Yes (blocks YouTube ads)	11500+ servers in 100 countries	Most	Multiple

As the table shows, Surfshark offers an excellent balance of affordability and performance, with top-tier speed retention and strong ad-blocking capabilities. While NordVPN has a slightly larger server network and faster speeds, Surfshark holds its own with great streaming support and unlimited device connections. ExpressVPN is reliable but significantly more expensive, and CyberGhost boasts a huge server count but falls short on speed retention compared to the others.

Testing Surfshark use cases

Surfshark is incredibly versatile, thanks to its impressive server network and vast feature array. However, the Cybernews research team and I had to thoroughly test the provider to ensure its tools actually deliver the results users expect. The following sections will detail the findings of our evaluations.

Unblocking streaming platforms

The research team and I tested Surfshark with various streaming services to thoroughly measure its unblocking performance. We prioritized popular platforms from different regions, such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, ESPN, and Max.

We started with Netflix because it's the most popular streaming service worldwide as of February 2025, according to Flixpatrol. The service offers around 30 regional libraries, but we tested only the most relevant ones, like the US and Europe, to get a general sense of the provider’s effectiveness. Overall, the results were excellent, and we had no issues unblocking region-exclusive Netflix content using Surfshark VPN. Moreover, connection speeds were more than enough to stream in UHD video quality.

The second platform we tested was Disney+ because it’s home to some of our favorite Disney and Marvel content. The service is available in many countries worldwide, although the content differs by region. Overall, we had no trouble unblocking various Disney Plus movies and TV shows with Surfshark VPN.

Then, we tested Hulu, a US-exclusive streaming platform with an excellent content selection. This service required a few attempts and server switches to unblock, but once we gained access, everything ran smoothly.

Surfshark also worked with BBC iPlayer, which is only available in the UK. However, we couldn’t actually watch any content because the platform requires a TV license, which you can only get if you’re a UK resident. That means you can use Surfshark to watch BBC iPlayer abroad, but only if you’re a UK citizen.

Max (previously HBO Max) worked just as well as Disney+ since both platforms are available in various countries worldwide. However, the best content selection is in the US, so I suggest unblocking the service with those servers. Luckily, Surfshark has over 600 servers in the US, and they worked well in our evaluations.

Social media site features

Some social media features are region-exclusive, such as Facebook’s Lock Profile feature, which is available in countries like Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, and the UAE. Naturally, I was curious to learn whether Surfshark can unlock this feature.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t access this feature even after multiple attempts with Australian and New Zealand servers. I later learned that I can get its benefits by adjusting specific settings, meaning the feature isn’t that necessary anyway.

However, our tests uncovered that Surfshark can unblock various social media sites in regions where they are blocked or restricted, such as China and India. This applies to services like Facebook, X, Reddit, Instagram, and WhatsApp. So, it’s safe to say that Surfshark can unblock critical communication channels when they’re being disrupted.

Surfshark for traveling

Traveling often involves challenges related to accessing your usual online services and staying secure on public Wi-Fi. Our tests showed that Surfshark VPN is a very capable VPN for traveling. Simply connect to a VPN server in your home country, and you’ll have access to your usual online services and content. Plus, since Surfshark offers servers in over 100 countries, most users will have plenty of home server options.

Meanwhile, security on public Wi-Fi networks will be covered by CleanWeb and Antivirus features. The former will ensure you don’t visit malicious websites, while the latter will deal with malware if it enters your device. Remember that you must enable these features, and that Antivirus is included in the pricier One plan.

Surfshark and torrenting

Surfshark is an excellent torrenting VPN that increases your anonymity while downloading files using P2P. It offers swift connectivity for excellent download speeds and a wide range of security features to prevent cybersecurity issues.

To test Surfshark for torrenting, we used a Mac laptop to download an Ubuntu ISO file using qBittorrent. Note that Surfshark will work with any other torrent client, but this is the one we highly recommend. After all, qBittorrent supports binding the client to the VPN, which greatly improves security while torrenting.

Overall, Surfshark performed exceptionally well in our torrenting tests. The VPN maintained excellent speeds throughout the test and downloaded the 5GB file quickly. However, remember that your torrenting speeds mainly depend on your base internet connection, seeder amount, and other factors.

Gaming with Surfshark

Surfshark is an excellent gaming VPN because of its speedy connections, expansive server fleet, and reliable security features. Although it doesn’t offer any features specifically for gaming (such as CyberGhost’s gaming servers), our tests showed that Surfshark is more than capable in this regard.

Like any VPN, Surfshark will mask your IP address, which is essential for protecting yourself from DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attacks. It also hides your location, granting you anonymity while playing online games.

Surfshark’s server fleet across 100 countries means gamers have plenty of options for unblocking geo-blocked video games or region-exclusive in-game rewards. Moreover, the worldwide spread of servers makes it easier for more people to find an optimal server for gaming with low ping.

We tested all these aspects by enabling Surfshark VPN and playing a few popular online games like Fortnite, Warzone, Minecraft, and Roblox. During this time, we monitored connection speeds, ping, and each game’s overall performance. Naturally, we enabled the WireGuard protocol and connected to the fastest servers at the time for optimal speeds.

Overall, we didn’t notice any significant lagging or connectivity issues with any of the games we played. The upload and download speeds weren’t as impressive as NordVPN’s during similar tests, but that didn’t result in any performance issues.

Video review

Check out our freshly updated Surfshark VPN video review for more visual insights and a better understanding of this VPN's capabilities.

Surfshark VPN review: final verdict

Surfshark VPN stands out as one of the top VPNs on the market, offering a perfect blend of affordability and robust features. Our Surfshark VPN review shows that it provides unlimited device connections, advanced privacy tools, and excellent streaming capabilities, making it a versatile choice for individuals and families alike.

Its budget-friendly long-term pricing ensures that high-quality online protection is accessible without breaking the bank, solidifying Surfshark's position as a leader in the VPN industry.

How we tested Surfshark

At Cybernews, we maintain a thorough VPN testing process to ensure our reviews and evaluations are always up to date. We frequently test Surfshark VPN to provide the most accurate and reliable information. For my latest review, our research team and I ran tests on the following devices:

• Android – version 11 on a Nokia 6.2 (model TA-1198)
• iOS – version 15.7.1 on an iPhone 7 (model MN8X2)
• Windows – version 11 on a Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 4
• macOS – version 14.5 Sonoma on a MacBook Air M2

We also tested Surfshark's compatibility with AndroidTV and tvOS 17.

Here’s a summary of the key tests our research team and I conducted to evaluate Surfshark:

• DNS and IP leak tests to assess how effectively Surfshark protects your identity while browsing
• Kill switch effectiveness to test how well users are protected once a connection drops or the app crashes
• Ad-blocker efficiency n blocking ads, pop-ups, and trackers
• A review of the privacy policy and audit to ensure the transparency and validity of Surfshark’s no-logs policy
• Speed tests to compare Surfshark's performance to previous tests and other providers to measure its speed
• Usability evaluation to determine how user-friendly the app is for everyday tasks
• Feature functionality tests to check whether all advertised features are operational and functional
• Compatibility tests, during which I downloaded the app on various devices to evaluate its performance
• Customer support evaluation, which was performed by reaching out via live chat and email while also reviewing online resources
• Connection stability, which was tested across different locations to ensure minimal interruptions

FAQ