Surfshark
Surfshark encrypts internet traffic and hides a user's IP address across unlimited devices simultaneously, enabling private browsing, streaming access, and secure connections on any network.
Premium VPN features at a budget price — with the only plan that covers every device you own, no limit.
Surfshark is a VPN service launched in 2018 and now headquartered in the Netherlands under Nord Security, the same parent company as NordVPN. It has grown rapidly to become one of the most widely recommended VPNs in the market, distinguished by two things above all others: its unlimited simultaneous device connections policy and its position as one of the most affordable premium VPNs available on long-term plans.
The service covers over 3,200 servers across 100 countries and uses AES-256 encryption across WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and its own proprietary Dausos protocol. Its no-logs policy has been independently audited by Deloitte twice — in 2023 and again in 2025. CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware-hosting sites system-wide, and Camouflage Mode disguises VPN traffic for use in restrictive network environments.
Surfshark runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Plans start from around $1.99 to $2.49 per month on a two-year commitment, with a 30-day money-back guarantee on all tiers.
Apps are frequently updated and may change over time. While we aim to keep our reviews accurate and up to date, some information may become outdated or no longer reflect the current version.
Disclaimer ▽ (click open)
How to Use
Getting started with Surfshark requires creating an account, choosing a plan, and downloading the app for each device. The interface is clean and straightforward across all platforms: the main screen shows a connect button, the current server location, and a sidebar for accessing settings and features. A Quick Connect button selects the fastest available server automatically.
Surfshark’s unlimited device policy means there is no cap on how many devices can be protected simultaneously under a single account. Every family member’s phone, laptop, and tablet can run the app at the same time without any restriction or additional cost.
The CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, and connections to malicious websites across the entire device, not just in the browser. Camouflage Mode activates automatically when the OpenVPN protocol is used, disguising VPN traffic as regular HTTPS to bypass detection in restricted environments. NoBorders Mode is a separate setting designed specifically for regions with heavy censorship, surfacing a curated list of servers that are most likely to work in those conditions.
MultiHop routes traffic through two different countries simultaneously for added anonymity. A rotating IP option changes the assigned IP address at regular intervals without disconnecting. The Nexus network infrastructure, introduced in 2025, routes traffic dynamically across multiple servers rather than a fixed single server, improving consistency and speed. A kill switch is available on all platforms and cuts the internet connection if the VPN drops.
Strongest Points:
✓ Unlimited simultaneous device connections on every plan — the only major premium VPN to offer this without restriction or added cost
✓ One of the most affordable long-term plans among premium VPNs, starting from around $1.99 per month on a two-year commitment
✓ No-logs policy independently audited by Deloitte twice, in 2023 and 2025, with confirmed deletion of session IP addresses within 15 minutes of disconnection
✓ CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware system-wide; Camouflage Mode disguises VPN traffic automatically without any configuration
✓ MultiHop, rotating IP, Nexus dynamic routing, and post-quantum encryption give it an advanced feature set that outpaces most VPNs at this price point
Weaker Points:
✕ Based in the Netherlands, a Nine Eyes country, which means authorities can legally compel Surfshark to share customer data if required — though the no-logs policy limits what can actually be handed over
✕ Session IP addresses are temporarily retained during active connections and deleted 15 minutes after disconnection, which is not a pure no-logs approach
✕ Monthly pricing is high at around $15.45 per month — the long-term value only applies to users willing to commit to one or two years upfront
✕ Renewal rates after the introductory period are significantly higher, jumping to around $5.99 per month on the 24-month plan
✕ Server network is smaller than NordVPN’s and some antivirus and identity protection features require an upgrade to the One or One+ bundle tiers
How to Use
Getting started with Surfshark requires creating an account, choosing a plan, and downloading the app for each device. The interface is clean and straightforward across all platforms: the main screen shows a connect button, the current server location, and a sidebar for accessing settings and features. A Quick Connect button selects the fastest available server automatically.
Surfshark’s unlimited device policy means there is no cap on how many devices can be protected simultaneously under a single account. Every family member’s phone, laptop, and tablet can run the app at the same time without any restriction or additional cost.
The CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, and connections to malicious websites across the entire device, not just in the browser. Camouflage Mode activates automatically when the OpenVPN protocol is used, disguising VPN traffic as regular HTTPS to bypass detection in restricted environments. NoBorders Mode is a separate setting designed specifically for regions with heavy censorship, surfacing a curated list of servers that are most likely to work in those conditions.
MultiHop routes traffic through two different countries simultaneously for added anonymity. A rotating IP option changes the assigned IP address at regular intervals without disconnecting. The Nexus network infrastructure, introduced in 2025, routes traffic dynamically across multiple servers rather than a fixed single server, improving consistency and speed. A kill switch is available on all platforms and cuts the internet connection if the VPN drops.
Strongest Points:
✓ Unlimited simultaneous device connections on every plan — the only major premium VPN to offer this without restriction or added cost
✓ One of the most affordable long-term plans among premium VPNs, starting from around $1.99 per month on a two-year commitment
✓ No-logs policy independently audited by Deloitte twice, in 2023 and 2025, with confirmed deletion of session IP addresses within 15 minutes of disconnection
✓ CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware system-wide; Camouflage Mode disguises VPN traffic automatically without any configuration
✓ MultiHop, rotating IP, Nexus dynamic routing, and post-quantum encryption give it an advanced feature set that outpaces most VPNs at this price point
Weaker Points:
✕ Based in the Netherlands, a Nine Eyes country, which means authorities can legally compel Surfshark to share customer data if required — though the no-logs policy limits what can actually be handed over
✕ Session IP addresses are temporarily retained during active connections and deleted 15 minutes after disconnection, which is not a pure no-logs approach
✕ Monthly pricing is high at around $15.45 per month — the long-term value only applies to users willing to commit to one or two years upfront
✕ Renewal rates after the introductory period are significantly higher, jumping to around $5.99 per month on the 24-month plan
✕ Server network is smaller than NordVPN’s and some antivirus and identity protection features require an upgrade to the One or One+ bundle tiers
Use it For:
🏠 Households with many devices who want every phone, laptop, tablet, and smart TV covered under a single affordable subscription with no device limit
💰 Budget-conscious users who want premium VPN features — MultiHop, obfuscation, rotating IP, post-quantum encryption — at one of the lowest prices in the market
📺 Streaming enthusiasts who need reliable access to global Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video across multiple devices at once
🌐 Users in countries with restricted internet access who need Camouflage Mode or NoBorders Mode to bypass VPN detection and censorship
🛡️ Privacy-focused individuals who want bundled data breach monitoring, antivirus, and a private search engine alongside their VPN on a single subscription
App Usable on:
Phone
Tablet
PC
TV
Applications and Features
Surfshark’s core VPN uses AES-256-GCM encryption across WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and the proprietary Dausos protocol, introduced in 2025 and designed to deliver up to 30% faster average speeds than WireGuard. The Nexus infrastructure routes traffic through a software-defined network rather than a fixed single server, improving consistency and enabling features like rotating IP addresses and dynamic MultiHop connections.
CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware-hosting sites system-wide and is available on all plans. Camouflage Mode automatically obfuscates VPN traffic as regular HTTPS when OpenVPN is in use. NoBorders Mode surfaces a curated list of servers optimised for bypassing censorship in restrictive regions. MultiHop routes connections through two servers in different countries simultaneously, adding a second encryption layer. Rotating IP changes the user’s assigned IP at intervals without disconnecting. Split tunneling is available on Android and Windows, allowing specific apps to bypass the VPN.
Higher-tier Surfshark One bundles add Surfshark Antivirus, Surfshark Alert for data breach monitoring, Surfshark Search (a private, ad-free search engine), and Alternative ID for generating a pseudonymous identity for online sign-ups. Surfshark One+ adds data removal tools that scan and request deletion of personal information from data broker databases. The Everlink system, launched in 2025, automatically reconnects to a working server if the VPN drops, reducing both connection interruptions and data exposure risk.
▽ Gadgets Related to this App ▽
App Summary
Surfshark’s strongest argument is straightforward: it offers a feature set that competes with NordVPN and ExpressVPN at a significantly lower long-term price, with the added advantage of unlimited device connections that no other major VPN matches. For households, that distinction alone often makes the decision easy.
Its advanced features — MultiHop, rotating IP, Nexus dynamic routing, post-quantum encryption, and Camouflage Mode — go well beyond what most budget VPNs offer, and the Deloitte-audited no-logs policy provides credible independent backing for its privacy claims. The One and One+ bundles extend its value further for users who want antivirus and data removal tools alongside their VPN.
The main caveats are the Netherlands jurisdiction and the temporary session IP retention, which fall short of the purest privacy standards. For most everyday users those are acceptable trade-offs. For the price-to-feature ratio alone, Surfshark is one of the hardest VPNs in the market to argue against.
Pricing:
Free
Cheap
Mid
Pricy
High
Free
Cheap
Mid
Pricy
High
Free
Cheap
Mid
Pricy
High
Free
Cheap
Mid
Pricy
High
Free
Cheap
Mid
Pricy
High
Surfshark’s Starter plan begins at around $1.99–$2.49 per month on a two-year commitment, making it one of the most affordable premium VPNs available. The One bundle adds antivirus, data breach alerts, and a private search engine from around $2.49–$3.49 per month; One+ further includes data removal tools. All plans cover unlimited devices and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Monthly pricing is significantly higher at around $15.45 per month. Renewal rates after the introductory period also increase.
Learning Difficulty:
Surfshark’s interface is clean and beginner-friendly across all platforms, with Quick Connect handling server selection automatically and advanced features like MultiHop and Camouflage Mode clearly labelled in a well-organised settings menu.
Required Skill Sets:
Educational Content:
▽ Related Apps ▽
Widgetsmith lets users design custom widgets by choosing a type, size, and style, then place them on the home screen, lock screen, or Control Center with full control over fonts, colors, and themes.
ProtonVPN encrypts internet traffic and masks a user’s IP address through a global server network, with a free unlimited tier and a premium suite offering advanced privacy tools including Secure Core routing, Stealth protocol, and Tor over VPN.
SimpleX Chat lets users send end-to-end encrypted messages, make voice and video calls, and share files with contacts connected via private links or QR codes, with no account or identifier required.
1/4
Questions & Answers: ⮛ (click to open)
Does Surfshark really allow unlimited devices?
Yes. Every Surfshark plan — including the lowest-priced Starter tier — supports unlimited simultaneous device connections. There is no cap on how many devices can run the app at the same time under a single subscription, which makes it uniquely practical for large households or users with many devices.
Is Surfshark’s no-logs policy trustworthy?
Surfshark’s no-logs policy has been independently audited by Deloitte in 2023 and again in 2025, confirming that no user activity or connection logs are retained. The audits did note that session IP addresses are temporarily stored during active connections and deleted within 15 minutes of disconnection — a distinction worth knowing for users with strict privacy requirements.
What is Camouflage Mode and when should it be used?
Camouflage Mode is an obfuscation feature that disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS web traffic, making it harder for ISPs or network administrators to detect and block VPN usage. It activates automatically when OpenVPN is selected and is particularly useful in countries with restrictive internet policies or on networks that block VPN connections.
How does Surfshark compare to NordVPN, given they share the same parent company?
The two remain separate services with different infrastructure, pricing, and feature sets. Surfshark is generally cheaper, offers unlimited device connections, and includes more bundled privacy extras at lower tiers. NordVPN has a larger server network, more independent audit history, and more advanced features like Meshnet and Threat Protection Pro. Most users will find Surfshark the better value; users who want the most audited, feature-rich option may prefer NordVPN.
Good to Knows: ⮛ (click to open)
• Surfshark is owned by Nord Security, the same parent company as NordVPN — the two remain separate products and services but share corporate ownership since merging in 2022.
• The Alternative ID feature generates a pseudonymous name, address, and email alias that can be used when signing up for online services, helping users keep their real identity off third-party databases.
• Surfshark’s first 100 Gbps server was launched in Amsterdam in October 2025, offering ten times the bandwidth of standard servers to handle 4K streaming, gaming, and VR use cases with minimal latency.
Takeaways: ⮛ (click to open)
• Surfshark is the best value long-term VPN in the premium market — delivering a feature set that competes with providers twice its price, with unlimited device connections that no other major VPN offers.
• Its combination of advanced privacy tools — MultiHop, rotating IP, Camouflage Mode, post-quantum encryption — makes it far more capable than its price point suggests.
• The Netherlands jurisdiction and temporary session IP retention are the clearest privacy trade-offs and worth factoring in for users with strict threat models.
Did You Get Any of That?
Related Science Articles:
Explore Other App Solutions With our Blogs
Discover how different apps approach common challenges, what they do well, and where they fall short — helping you understand which tools are best suited for your specific goals and daily routines.
Swipe Less, Talk Better: 5 AI Dating Apps That Might Actually Fix Your Texting
Five AI dating and relationship apps compared — find out which ones build real skills and which ones just write your messages for you.
Gadgifyr Apps
July 30, 2026
-
9 min
The Quiet Ones: 5 Apps Doing Something No One Else Bothered To
Five genuinely inventive apps compared — find out which ones are simply clever and which are actually useful.
Gadgifyr Apps
July 19, 2026
-
9 min
After You Hit "Book": 5 Apps That Make the Trip Itself Better
Five travel apps compared on what they offer before, during, and after the trip — beyond flights, hotels, and bookings.
Gadgifyr Apps
July 14, 2026
-
9 min
Notes That Talk to Each Other: 5 Apps for Thinking, Not Just Typing
Obsidian, Notion, Evernote, OneNote, and Joplin compared — find out which one turns scattered notes into a system that actually connects your ideas.
Gadgifyr Apps
July 11, 2026
-
9 min
Where Curiosity Finds Its Match
Dive into Gadgifyr’s world of honest gadget reviews, scientific clarity, app reviews, and real tools designed to make everyday life smarter and simpler.
Clarity Behind Every Tool
Gadgifyr reviews apps and gadgets through structured analysis and science-backed insight. It focuses on how tools actually work, where they deliver real value, and how they fit into everyday routines.
Each review highlights functionality, usability, and limitations in a clear and practical way. This approach helps users understand which tools are worth using and make informed decisions with confidence.
Why People Trust Gadgifyr App Reviews
Because we go beyond popularity — we uncover new apps, explain how they work, and show what truly adds value. From hidden tools to well-known platforms, we help you understand what fits your needs.
