SurfShark VPN Overview
As with most VPNs today, there is usually always an apparent gap in the market that they focus on, yet with SurfsharkVPN, they perform above the norm across most categories and appeal to a wide user base.
What’s even more impressive is they have only been around for three years, coming in as an underdog in 2018 in a highly competitive environment.
SurfShark offers the WireGuard protocol, amongst others, that implements encrypted virtual private networks and is designed with ease of use, high-speed performance, and low attack surface in mind and now uses a 100% RAM-based server system.
The result is that it has boosted SurfShark VPN speeds above that of the industry average and removes the risk of any accumulated information held, something usually found across traditional hard drive server-based systems.
The speeds available are fast enough for almost anything you want to do online, from gaming to streaming and downloading torrents, and I have not had any issues.
Check out our list of fastest VPNs here!
SurfShark can come across as intimidating as it has a boatload of features, but each tab provides a clear description, and more information is available on their resource page.
So that gives you an overview of SurfShark VPN but let’s dig deeper.
SurfShark VPN Key Features
- Ideal for heavy bandwidth activity
- Optimized for secure torrenting
- Best-in-class security & encryption
- No activity logs & no connection logs
- Vast server network
- Safe & private connection
- Multi-hop connection available
- Fast WireGuard protocol performance
- Strong global server presence 3,200+ Servers
- Smooth streaming of geo-blocked content
- Great price
SurfShark VPN Plans, Pricing Payment
SurfShark VPN allows payment from multiple channels, such as Visa, Amex and Mastercard to PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
SurfShark also accepts payment via Coingate and Coinpayments from several cryptocurrencies.
There are three payment options available from month to month to a 24-month option.
And coming in at a reasonable price, considering all it has to offer, with a free trial available across most platforms and a 30 day money-back guarantee.
SurfShark VPN Encryption, Protocols and Security
SurfShark VPN protects your privacy on many levels and includes leak protection AES 256 encryption protocols, which has four of the best tunnelling protocols available today: OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec and WireGuard.
SurfShark also offers *Shadowsocks for countries with restricted VPN access, two-factor authentication, something not seen yet in most VPNs today, and a kill switch that works well, but does not provide any notice or application pop up when activated. Check our list of most secure VPNs here.
It’s important to note that Shadowsocks is not available on Apple Mac.
SurfShark also provides you with malware and ad blocker.
MulitHop and a camouflage mode stop your ISP from knowing you’re using a VPN, with a GPS override for Android mobile users.
An optional service is the incognito search browser and data leak protection modes. What’s more, it works with Twitch allowing you to stay anonymous.
SurfShark VPN No-Logs policy
SurfShark is based in the British Virgin Island and benefits from some of their privacy policies.
They are not a part of allegiance sharing alliances or five-eyes surveillance alliance.
The only logs SurfShark VPN keeps is your SurfShark email address and password, along with the billing information required; no data is kept ever and therefore can never be handed over to authorities.
SurfShark VPN Device support
Has apps for most platforms across; Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS with similar features.
Mobile applications are a little more basic than desktop versions, from what’s to be expected, but still ahead of the competition.
Linux has a command-line interface and router configurations available with user guides if you get stuck.
There are browser plugins for Chrome, Firefox as well as device extensions for other devices; Apple TV, Fire TV Xbox and PlayStation.
It’s important to note that SurfShark has a One Subscription policy with unlimited connections making it the perfect option for large households or smart homes.
Streaming with SurfShark VPN
SurfShark has a dedicated Amazon Fire TV app, an intelligent DNS, that works with Kodi while unblocking most streaming platforms; Netflix, Prime, BBC iplayer, Disney, Hulu and DSTV across multiple territories.
Torrenting is secure and fast, supporting P2P across all servers, and SurfShark VPN offers a NoBorders and Camouflage mode in countries with restricted internet access and government firewalls concealing your internet traffic.
SurfShark VPN Customer Support
I value customer care, especially if you are new to the world of VPNs or even a technophobe that only needs secure access to the internet.
SurfShark has a F.A.Q. page with tutorials and a 24/7 live chat support that is helpful and offers a quick turnaround on all questions; there is also a direct ticket page if you prefer.
SurfShark VPN Review Conclusion
So, is the underdog now the top dog? I think so.
It’s hard to find fault with a complete package like this, and only time will tell if they can keep up with the innovation and tremendous growth they have seen over the past few years.