Last Updated on November 18, 2023 by VPNPioneer
Pro
- Unlimited Devices
- Great User Interface
- 65+ Countries, 3200+ Server
- Great Price at 2.49$ per Month!
Contra
- Small FAQ / Knowledge Base
The VPN market remains dominated by some big-name companies (we’re looking at you, ExpressVPN and NordVPN), but a recent uptick in the amount of smaller services has seen an influx of even more quality VPNs to the market.
One of these newcomers is Surfshark. In this review, we will take a deeper look at Surfshark to see if this VPN can keep up with the other big names in the VPN world. Here you will find several review videos of tested Surfshark compatibilities, such as: Surfshark Netflix test, Surfshark BBC test, Surfshark torrenting test, and Surfshark speed tests.
To start with, watch our Surfshark VPN Review Video below.
Watch Surfshark VPN Review 2022 as Video
Today we’re going to take a look at Surfshark VPN, a compact-sized VPN service that provides over 100 different servers in fewer than twenty countries across the world.
Some have hailed Surfshark as one of the best VPNs for its size, and others have compared it to some of its larger competitors.
We’ decided to put these claims to the test and see for ourselves just what the hype is all about. We did this by measuring Surfshark across a variety of categories – from its features to its customer support – in order to provide a comprehensive review.
Does Surfshark Work With Amazon Prime?
We have tested Surfshark with Amazon Prime and it does work. You can use Amazon Prime wherever you are in the world under this VPN.
Just connect to a server in the US. All of the server that Surfshark provided worked in our test. Surfshark makes it very easy to gain access to your Amazon Prime account. All in all easy to connect, good speed and stable connection. Surfshark is a great choice for Amazon Prime. Surfshark is our favorite streaming VPN.
Can You Watch Netflix With Surfshark?
We tested Netflix with Surfshark, which you can see the results of in the video below. We concluded that you can watch Netflix with this VPN provider. You get access to 7 Netflix libraries in the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, France, India and the Netherlands.
In this video you can take a look how good Surfshark works with Netflix:
Can You Use The BBC Iplayer With Surfshark?
We conducted a BBC iPlayer test with Surfshark and discovered that it is easy to connect to a UK server with Surfshark. There were no streaming errors or long buffering times when we tried to watch BBC live stream with Surfshark. Surfshark is our favorite streaming VPN.
In this video you can take a look at how well Surfshark works with the BBC Iplayer:https://www.youtube.com/embed/b6OnCdvrLds
Does Surfshark Work In China?
When I traveled through China I tested out Surfshark.
Features of Surfshark
Surfshark comes with a large variety of features. We really like the easy-to-use software of this VPN. As you can see in the screenshots of Surfshark below, you can connect to a new server in a matter of seconds.
Firstly, we noticed that Surfshark offers a variety of features that really help to seperate it from other VPN services of its size. But most notably, Surfshark provides top-notch security and encryption, and does not track your surfing history.
It has a ‘strict no logs policy,’ which the company notes is in place because they do not ‘monitor, track, or store your online activity.’ This is a really critical feature for those looking to browse anonymously.
It boasts several other eye-catching features, such as the ability to access geo-restricted content and the option to connect to an unlimited number of devices on your plan.
Use Surfshark On Any Device
You can use Surfshark on any device out there. The company has even recently released a VPN solution for Xbox, Playstation, AppleTV and FireTV, which not many VPN providers support. Take a look here at all the devices supported by Surfshark.
To sum it up, Surfshark is available for Desktop & Laptops with the operating systems Windows, MacOS, Linux, as well as browser plugins for Chrome and Firefox.
There are also Surfshark apps for Smartphones & Tablets and both iOS and Android.
A specialty of Surfshark is the support of Smart TVs & Consoles such as FireTV, AppleTV, Other Smart TVs, Xbox and Playstation.
Get Protection – Built In Kill Switch, Clean Web & Whitelister
Users who are concerned about their privacy and security have the option to use Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature to block trackers and malware. Surfshark notes that its CleanWeb technology also comes with a built-in ad blocker to help boost user experience.
It’s Whitelister functionality also gives users the option to allow selected apps and websites to bypass/not use the VPN. This is a similar approach as the Splittunneling feature from PureVPN.
Finally, Surfshark comes with a built-in ‘Kill Switch’ that protects your information in case your connection becomes compromised.
A quick look and use of the Surfshark VPN has given us the impression they’re a company that actually cares first-and-foremost about your security, which is something we greatly value in a VPN.
Features Rating
Yes we the VPN Pioneer are Honest and Critical
Overall, we give the app a 5/5 for its features that are designed to protect your sensitive information.
Our Rating for premium feature is:
SurfShark Usability – Clean And Easy To Use Interface
Surfshark’s usability really stands out among other small-name VPN services. Though it doesn’t have as many servers as more well-known VPN providers, they all prove rather reliable.
The mark of a true high-quality VPN comes when assessing just how much it can allow you to do. And this is where Surfshark shines.
We wanted to test just how effective Surfshark is by checking out its ability to do two main tasks:
- Download torrents
- Access geo-restricted content
We were pleasantly surprised by its ability to deliver in both areas.
But before we go in depth about those, let’s take a look at Surfshark’s simple, yet effective, user interface.
To start accessing Surfshark, users will need to sign up. There are three paid options available to users, and the service does offer a limited free trial. We will discuss the pricing and different payment methods below, but for now let’s assume you are a paying user.
Pick A Connection – Get A New Location With A Single Mouse Click
Once you’re signed into the mobile app, you’ll be directed to a simple screen that allows for four separate VPN connection options:
- Quick Connect – By pressing this button, users will be connected to nearby VPN server. For us, it seems as if the quick connect option will typically be the same as the optimal location one.
- Optimal Location – This option is represented by a small lightning bolt, and it connects users to the optimal VPN server location based on their location.
- All Locations – Here, users are able to select between different servers based on their own personal preferences.
- MultiHop – For users looking for a more secure VPN connection, Surfshark provides a MultiHop option. This allows for your Internet traffic to be encrypted through two separate VPN servers for maximum security. To access this option, users must first select “All Locations” and then click “MultiHop” at the top right of the screen.
So what server locations are available? 50+ Countries
Currently, Surfshark offers connections to servers in the following countries:
As you can see, Surfshark offers some of the hottest locations around the world, with the majority concentrated in the West.
There are, however, some good options in East Asia, as well, with servers in Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong.
With this in mind, how functional is each server?
Remember, we mentioned before that we measured Surfshark’s usability in terms of torrents and geo-restricted locations.
Torrenting, P2P and Gain Access To Geo Restricted Content
And in both, this pint-sized VPN holds up with some of the biggest names of the industry.
- Torrenting—Surfshark offers surprisingly-fast torrent speeds across a variety of different servers, but the best part of all is that it’s MultiHop encryption technology allows you to torrent safely without revealing your IP address.
- Geo-restricted Content—If you’ve ever tried to watch Netflix abroad, you understand just how frustrating it can be to know that some content is only available in certain locations. That’s why we wanted to know how well Surfshark does in providing access to geo-restricted content.
And to our surprise, we were able to load Netflix and stream without a problem. This incredible functionality shows just how powerful Surfshark actually is and really sets it apart from other VPNs its size.
Overall, we’re very impressed with Surfshark’s usability. From its simple and user-friendly interface to its powerful security and encryption, Surfshark excels at providing a top-notch VPN service.
Usability Rating
Always Honest and Critical
In my opinion this could be improved:
Not much improvement needed great interface and easy usage. Made for beginners in the VPN world. You are able to download torrents and access geo restricted content.
Our Rating for usability is:
SurfShark Pricing and Payment
Surfshark offers upfront and simple payment options. Currently, they are separated into three options:
- Monthly – This is the most expensive option available, but it’s better for those who plan to use the service for a short period of time. The monthly price clocks in at right under $12 a month at $11.95. This is a tiny bit higher than some might expect for a monthly price for a VPN of this size, but the quality of Surfshark makes it totally worth it.
- Bi-Yearly – Starting with Surfshark’s bi-yearly option, users will have to make a one-time payment of $47.76. Keep in mind that while this is a cheaper alternative than paying for six months at the monthly price, you will have to pay it all in one lump sum.
- Yearly – The yearly option provides the best deal of all in terms of price, coming in at $71.88 on the year. Like the bi-yearly option, users will be required to make a one-time payment to start enjoying access.
Surfshark’s usability makes it well worth the price—no matter the option you choose.
One of the more incredible aspects we noticed when reviewing each option is that Surfshark provides full functionality no matter what payment plan you choose. That is to say that those who pay the monthly option aren’t limited in any way when compared to those who choose to pay with the yearly option.
The only limited option you will find comes with the 7-day free trial Surfshark offers. Users who opt for the trial will enjoy restricted access to the app unless they decide to choose one of the payment options above.
Overall, there’s not much to be displeased with in regard to Surfshark’s pricing. Its flexible options give users the ability to choose a payment plan that works for them while still enjoying full functionality.
Price and Payment Rating
Honest and Critical
Surfshark comes with very fair pricing when you compare it to other VPNs. However we miss a PayPal purchase option.
Our Rating for the Price and Payment is:
SurfShark Support – Fast And Responsive Support
Another integral part in determining the value of any VPN service comes with its customer support. And as with other important aspects of VPN service, Surfshark continues to shine.
Surfshark offers 24/7 customer support and appears very responsive to addressing user questions and concerns.
Those looking to get in touch with Surfshark customer support may do so by email or through the service’s built in live-chat customer support option at the bottom of their browsers. Because representatives are available 24/7, users can always expect to receive a prompt answer to any questions they may have regarding the service.
This customer service dedication really stands out among VPN service providers of this size and helps to give Surfshark another leg up on its competitors.
Knowledge Base Of Surfshark – Needs Some Improvement
The Knowledge base does not cover a lot of questions and the answers are not very detailed. I miss here specific tutorials like a tutorial how to access US Netflix with Surfshark.
Take a look at the example below:
Here I would like to see some screenshots or a video that describes the process in full detail.
Support
Honest and Critical
The support is good. The tutorials in the knowledge base could offer more details. I miss here video tutorials or deeper instructions of how to use the VPN.
Our Rating for the Support is:
SurfShark Speed – Good Speed For A Fair Price
Surfshark offers incredible VPN speeds across a variety of servers. Popular servers, in the US for instance, may be slightly faster than less-commonly-used ones, but overall, there’s a fairly even surfing speed available throughout the platform’s servers.
We tried the VPN both through its optimal location recommended for us (inside the US) and an out-of-country server to compare speeds. The disparity between the two was fairly even, and we were able to surf the web and watch YouTube videos without a problem.
As you can see in the video Surfshark is not slowing you down. It is not limiting your download speed or upload speed as other VPN do.
Screenshot Of Surfshark VPN Speedtest
As mentioned, streaming speeds allow for uninterrupted watching of popular services such as Netflix and for effective torrenting speeds.
Surfshark does not lag behind the big-name competitors in being able to provide the fastest-possible torrenting speeds. For a VPN of its size, it does a good job of providing a fast service to its users.
Speedtest Rating
Honest and Critical
Great speed you can’t notice that you use a VPN when you use Surfshark. Recommended!
Our Rating for the Speed is:
SurfShark Summary – Definitely A Great Choice!
Overall, we’ve been very pleased with Surfshark and believe it truly lives up to its hype.
What stood out to us the most is Surfshark’s commitment to helping users protect their personal data. While it’s also a great tool for accessing geo-restricted content, Surfshark really shines in its ability to provide extra encryption and security for those looking to protect their identity and their surfing history.
The app’s built-in MultiHop technology and its no-log policy help bolster its ability to protect users’ data. The inclusion of a “kill switch” to add a final layer of protection is really telling of the company’s ability to safeguard user information.
These features are complimented by fast surfing speeds across a variety of different servers in several different countries. Though this VPN has a limited number of servers compared to some of its big-name competition, they all provide great speeds and the ability to watch geo-restricted content—such as country-specific movies on Netflix.
While we felt that the torrent speeds could have been slightly better, Surfshark does an excellent job of protecting your identity with reasonable download speeds.
And because it features a user-friendly interface and flexible payment options, Surfshark is great for nearly everyone.
Our only downside is that torrent speeds could be higher, and the number of servers could be greater, but overall Surfshark offers a solid VPN service.
Looking For A Medium Sized VPN Service – Surfshark Is a Great Choice!
If you’re looking to purchase a medium-sized VPN service, Surfshark should be at the top of your list. With great user compatibility, maximum security and protection, and fast speeds, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed. And with Apple and Windows apps coming soon, Surfshark looks to gain even more traction in the VPN market.
Overall, we have to give Surfshark a 4.7/5. This quality VPN service may just be what you’re looking for with its great security and fast server speeds.
Overall Surfshark Rating
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