Pros
ConsThe details
Surfshark is your best bet if looking for a budget VPN. With a two-year subscription of $2.49 per month the VPN boasts all the basic features of a paid VPN. It has more than 3000 servers, uses AES-256 encryption and allows you to route through more than one server thanks to its MultiHop feature.
Speed
During our tests, we hardly experienced connection problems but the speed overly relied on the location and servers used. When tested in the US, the VPN clocked speeds of 100-105 Mbps but when tested on a UK data center, it clocked a low 70-90 Mbps.
We also tested its speed using WireGuard and it hit an impressive 200+Mbps. We’d suggest trying out the VPN using its 30-day money-back guarantee, before committing to the long two-year plan.
Protection
Apart from the standard AES-256 encryption, Surfshark uses a private DNS on each server. The feature adds a layer of protection and prevents third parties from intercepting browsing sessions.
What’s more, with Surfshark’s built-in Whitelister panel you can create whitelists of IP addresses, apps, and websites. This means you can filter out foreign IP addresses and allow access to trusted resources.
Ease of Use
The installation process is straightforward as it takes only a few minutes. Once launched click on the connect button to start using the software. We tested the VPN on Windows 10 and the overall experience was pretty flawless. You can install a Mac VPN too.
Value
Its monthly subscription is a little overpriced as you’d have to part with $12.95. If you’re not ready to pay that much you can choose the two-year plan that costs $2.49 a month or pay every six months for $6.49 per month. The lengthy plan may be off putting to some users but it makes the most economic sense if looking to save a few bucks.
Other Features
- Device Compatibility: The app supports mobile devices too. Whether you’re using an iOS or Android mobile device, the experience is similar to using a desktop. Mobile users can also take advantage of Surfshark’s multiple protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN/IVEv2, and Shadowsocks)
- Customer Support: The company has a dedicated support site that features an FAQ section and tutorials to address a decent range of issues. If this section isn’t helpful you can talk to Surfshark’s representative via their live chat option
- Streaming Sites Unblocked: Not only does Surfshark unblock Netflix in 15 locations but also lists where the VPN works. During our tests we discovered users can access US Netflix in up to five separate locations as well as Amazon Prime, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max and Disney+
Final verdict
Surfshark is indeed a reliable budget pick. It doesn’t compromise on standard VPN features and offers lots of extras. The integration of WireGuard for Android and iOS apps has primarily introduced a range of admirable improvements. However we found its support site rather disappointing as it requires users to keep on updating it to the latest version.
