Surfshark VPN 2024: Dive into Safety, Superiority, and Unbeatable Value
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If you’re on the lookout for an excellent yet budget-friendly VPN in 2023, Surfshark VPN should be on your radar. With competitive pricing, unlimited simultaneous connections, impressive connection speeds, and a robust set of security features, it’s a top choice for safeguarding your online privacy. Plus, it strictly follows a no-logs policy, audited by Deloitte for added reliability.
What Sets Surfshark VPN Apart?
Surfshark VPN has gained popularity for several reasons. Let’s dive into the features we explored to provide you with the latest and most reliable information.
Pros and Cons at a Glance:
Things We Like:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Fast performance and speeds
- Strong security features
- Independently audited privacy policies
- Powerful unblocking and streaming capabilities
- Camouflage and NoBorders mode
- Superb 24/7 customer support
- Affordable long-term plans
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 7-day free trial
Things to Consider:
- No split tunneling on iOS
- Slightly weaker Apple product apps
- No router app
Is Surfshark VPN Safe?
Absolutely! Surfshark VPN prioritizes security, offering AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and RAM-only servers. Multiple independent audits of its no-logs policy, including one by Deloitte, confirm that your online activities are neither tracked nor stored. The option to choose your preferred encryption standard and the use of secure tunneling protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN add an extra layer of protection.
Key Security Features:
Encryption: AES-256-CBC with SHA-512 hash function Tunneling Protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 Kill Switch: Yes Ad Blocker: Yes RAM Servers: Yes (all servers) Dark Web Monitoring: Yes
No-Logs Policy:
Surfshark operates from the Netherlands, and while it’s part of the 9-Eyes surveillance alliance, third-party audits confirm their no-logs policy. Deloitte’s independent audit in 2023 affirmed that Surfshark VPN doesn’t store any customer activity logs. The use of RAM-only server infrastructure reinforces this commitment to user privacy.
Kill Switch:
Surfshark VPN’s kill switch blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection is lost, preventing information leaks. While effective, it could benefit from better notifications during connection interruptions.
Camouflage Mode:
This feature, also known as obfuscated servers, makes VPN traffic look like regular network traffic. It’s handy in situations where VPNs are blocked, providing a workaround for free internet access.
MultiHop:
Enhance your security with MultiHop, or double VPN, which routes connections through two VPN servers for dual data encryption. While this may lead to speed drops, it adds an extra layer of privacy.
DNS and WebRTC Leak Protection:
Surfshark’s default DNS leak protection ensures all DNS requests are blocked, and WebRTC integrity checks confirm that no information is leaking during VPN connections.
Nexus:
A unique feature, Nexus, uses Software Defined Networking to connect VPN servers into one network. This not only hides user traffic but also enhances overall performance and VPN connection speed.
Surfshark VPN Pricing:
Surfshark offers three plans catering to different cybersecurity needs. Prices vary based on the plan and duration. The 2-year Surfshark One+ subscription at $3.99/month combines a VPN with antivirus, private search engine, and data removal.
Starter: $1.99/month (2-year plan), $3.99/month (1-year plan), $10.99/month (1-month plan) One: $2.69/month (2-year plan), $4.09/month (1-year plan), $14.99/month (1-month plan) One+: $3.99/month (2-year plan), $6.49/month (1-year plan), $21.99/month (1-month plan)
Speed:
Surfshark VPN impresses with its speed, losing only around 20-30% of the original speed on average. This, coupled with its stable performance, makes it ideal for streaming and other online activities.
Comparison with Other VPNs:
When compared to other top-quality VPNs, Surfshark stands out with its unlimited connections, extensive server network, and affordable prices. It earns a top spot in overall rankings.
Comparison with Leading VPNs:
- Surfshark: 4.7/5
- NordVPN: 4.9/5
- ExpressVPN: 4.3/5
- CyberGhost: 4.2/5
- PureVPN: 4.2/5
- AtlasVPN: 4.1/5
- Proton VPN: 4/5
How to Download and Install Surfshark VPN:
Downloading Surfshark is straightforward for Mac, Windows, and Android users. Visit the official website, choose your plan, fill in the details, download the app, and install it following the instructions. Log in to your account, and you’re all set.
How to Use Surfshark VPN:
Surfshark’s user-friendly interface makes it easy to use on any device. After installation, log in to your account, enable the WireGuard protocol and kill switch in settings, choose a server location, and connect.
Surfshark VPN Servers and Locations:
With over 3200 servers in 100 countries, Surfshark offers extensive coverage. While it has fewer servers than some competitors, its diverse location options make it a strong choice.
Server Distribution:
- Europe: 46 countries
- Americas: 18 countries
- Asia and Oceania: 26 countries
- Africa and the Middle East: 9 countries
Surfshark’s connection variety in the United States, with over 600 servers across 25 major cities, is particularly noteworthy.
Surfshark VPN in China: A Gateway to Unrestricted Internet
Many VPN users are concerned about their VPN’s functionality in China. Fortunately, Surfshark works seamlessly in both Hong Kong and mainland China. The Camouflage Mode feature, available automatically with the OpenVPN protocol, adds an extra layer of security, making it an effective tool to bypass internet restrictions. Even during periods of reinforced blocks on the Great Firewall of China, Surfshark remains reliable. The NoBorders mode, available on Windows and mobile devices, offers an alternative protocol for connection, ensuring accessibility even in challenging scenarios.
Streaming Bliss with Surfshark: Your Gateway to Global Content
Surfshark proves to be a stellar choice for streaming enthusiasts. Its advanced features, including Smart DNS, make it stand out. Smart DNS allows users to unblock geo-restricted content on devices that don’t support VPNs, providing a hassle-free streaming experience. Whether it’s Netflix, Apple TV, BBC iPlayer, YouTube TV, or other platforms, Surfshark delivers, ensuring smooth streaming in full HD without compromising speed or resolution.
Torrenting Unleashed: Surfshark’s P2P-Friendly Servers
For those embracing the world of torrents, Surfshark is a secure and trustworthy companion. Optimized servers for P2P downloads ensure a seamless experience with popular torrenting clients like uTorrent, BitTorrent, Transmission, Deluge, Torrentz3, and qBittorrent. The absence of bandwidth limits and data caps, coupled with minimal speed reductions, cements Surfshark’s position among the best VPNs for torrenting.
User-Friendly Interface Across Platforms
The usability of Surfshark VPN shines across various platforms. The desktop and mobile applications boast a clean and intuitive design. While the Windows app offers a comprehensive set of features, the macOS version, while good, lacks some functionalities like split tunneling and NoBorders. Linux users, accustomed to a lack of graphical interfaces, are treated to a user-friendly GUI, and mobile apps for iOS and Android are well-crafted and beginner-friendly.
A Closer Look at Surfshark’s Features
Surfshark doesn’t just stop at the basics; it offers a plethora of features to enhance online security:
- CleanWeb: Blocks ads and online trackers for safer browsing.
- Surfshark Antivirus: A full-fledged antivirus tool for protection against malware.
- NoBorders: Bypass heavy restrictions in countries and networks automatically or manually.
- Smart DNS: Unblock streaming content on devices without native VPN support.
- Incogni: Remove personal information from online data brokers for increased privacy.
- Alerts: Receive real-time alerts on data breaches related to your accounts.
- Dedicated IP: Get a dedicated IP address for specific needs, such as accessing work networks.
- Alternative ID: Generate a fake online identity for added privacy and security.
Recent Updates and Awards: A Testament to Continuous Improvement
Surfshark‘s commitment to improvement is evident in its recent updates and accolades:
- October 2023: Released Social Engineering 101 cybersecurity course and improved Alternative ID.
- August 2023: Expanded Dedicated IP locations and introduced Alternative ID feature.
- June 2023: Awarded Best Value VPN by The Independent Advisor.
- January 2023: Passed a no-logs assurance report with auditing firm Deloitte.
- November 2022: Won “VPN Solution of the Year” by CyberSecurity Breakthrough.
Surfshark Customer Support: A Comprehensive Approach
Surfshark provides various customer support options, including 24/7 live chat, email, guides, articles, and FAQs. The knowledge base offers valuable resources, and the live chat ensures quick and helpful assistance.
Why Choose Surfshark in 2023?
Surfshark stands out for several reasons:
- Affordability: One of the most cost-effective VPN options, starting at $1.99/month.
- Multi-Device Support: Protect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously.
- Top-notch Encryption: Utilizes advanced AES-256 encryption for unparalleled security.
- No Logging Policy: Guarantees user privacy with a strict no-logs policy.
- RAM-Only Servers: Wipes all connection data whenever servers are shut down for enhanced security.
- Streaming and Torrenting Capabilities: Excels in providing a seamless streaming and torrenting experience.
Final Verdict: Surfshark – A Top-Tier VPN in 2023
In conclusion, Surfshark VPN emerges as one of the best VPN services in 2023. Its affordability, feature-rich packages, commitment to user privacy, and continuous improvements make it a top-tier choice. Whether you’re in China, streaming your favorite content, or engaging in torrenting activities, Surfshark proves to be a reliable and efficient companion. With a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, there’s no reason not to experience the benefits of Surfshark for yourself. Unlock the internet’s potential with Surfshark VPN.
