Surfshark Review 2025: Budget VPN with Premium Performance
In this detailed Surfshark review for 2025, we explore why this budget-friendly VPN has become a fan favorite among users seeking a cheap VPN that doesn’t skimp on quality. Known for its unlimited device connections, impressive speeds, and robust security, Surfshark offers incredible value without breaking the bank. Whether you need a fast VPN for streaming, a secure VPN for privacy, or a versatile tool to unblock content worldwide, Surfshark delivers a compelling package. Join us as we dive into what makes Surfshark one of the best VPNs of 2025 and why it’s a must-consider option for cost-conscious users in the VPN warzone.
In This Surfshark Review
- What is Surfshark?
- Key Features of Surfshark in 2025
- Performance and Speed: How Fast is Surfshark?
- Security and Privacy: Is Surfshark Safe?
- Usability: How Easy is Surfshark to Use?
- Pricing and Plans: Is Surfshark Worth the Cost?
- Pros and Cons of Surfshark
- Surfshark for Streaming, Gaming, and Torrenting
What is Surfshark?
Surfshark, launched in 2018 and based in the Netherlands (recently moved from the British Virgin Islands), is a relative newcomer that’s quickly risen to prominence. With 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, it offers a vast network that rivals pricier competitors. Surfshark’s mission is simple: provide top-tier VPN services at an affordable price, making online privacy accessible to everyone.
In 2025, Surfshark stands out as a VPN for streaming, torrenting, and multi-device households, with apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and even Fire TV. Its unlimited connections feature sets it apart, but does it hold up under scrutiny? Let’s break down its features, performance, and value to find out.
Key Features of Surfshark in 2025
Surfshark packs a punch with features that rival premium VPNs. Here’s what you get in 2025:
- Unlimited Connections: Protect as many devices as you want with one subscription—a game-changer for families or tech lovers.
- WireGuard Protocol: Delivers fast, secure connections—perfect for streaming and gaming.
- AES-256 Encryption: Industry-standard encryption keeps your data locked tight.
- CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware, improving speed and safety.
- No-Logs Policy: Audited by independent firms, ensuring your activity stays private.
- Kill Switch: Cuts your internet if the VPN drops, preventing leaks.
- Camouflage Mode: Hides VPN usage from ISPs—great for restrictive regions.
These features make Surfshark a standout in the top VPN services category. It’s affordable, but don’t let the price fool you—it’s packed with premium tools.
Performance and Speed: How Fast is Surfshark?
Speed matters in any VPN review, and Surfshark impresses with its WireGuard protocol. In our 2025 tests on a 100 Mbps connection, we saw download speeds averaging 82-87% of our base speed, with ping times under 20ms on nearby servers. That’s more than enough for 4K streaming, online gaming, and everyday browsing.
For VPN streaming, Surfshark is a champ. It unblocks Netflix (US, UK, Canada, and more), Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video effortlessly. We streamed in UHD without buffering, even on servers in distant locations like Australia from the US. Torrenting is seamless, with P2P support on most servers and no data caps—downloads were fast and secure.
While it may not match ExpressVPN’s long-distance consistency or NordVPN’s NordLynx speeds, Surfshark holds its own as a fast VPN at a fraction of the cost. It’s a stellar choice for performance on a budget.
Security and Privacy: Is Surfshark Safe?
Surfshark takes security seriously with AES-256 encryption and a no-logs policy audited by Cure53, proving it doesn’t track your activity. The kill switch works across all platforms, ensuring your IP stays hidden if the connection drops. We tested for DNS and WebRTC leaks and found none—Surfshark’s security is airtight.
Features like Camouflage Mode disguise your VPN traffic, making it ideal for bypassing firewalls in countries like China. MultiHop (similar to NordVPN’s Double VPN) routes your connection through two servers for added protection—perfect for high-stakes privacy needs. In 2025, Surfshark’s CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites, doubling as a security and performance booster.
Based in the Netherlands (within the 9 Eyes alliance), Surfshark’s jurisdiction raises slight concerns, but its audited no-logs policy and RAM-only servers mitigate risks. For most users, it’s a secure VPN they can trust.
Usability: How Easy is Surfshark to Use?
Surfshark’s apps are clean and intuitive. The interface features a quick-connect button and a server list sorted by location or purpose (e.g., streaming, P2P). In 2025, it’s available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
Setup is effortless: download, log in, and connect in seconds. Features like MultiHop and CleanWeb are toggleable with clear explanations, making it beginner-friendly. Advanced users can switch protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2) or use Whitelister (split tunneling) to bypass the VPN for specific apps.
Support is top-notch, with 24/7 live chat, email, and a robust help center. We got responses in under a minute—ideal for quick troubleshooting or setup help.
Pricing and Plans: Is Surfshark Worth the Cost?
Surfshark’s pricing is its killer feature. In 2025, plans start at $2.49/month for a 2-year subscription, $3.99/month for a year, or $12.95/month-to-month. Every plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it risk-free to try.
Compared to ExpressVPN ($6.67/month) or NordVPN ($3.99/month), Surfshark is the cheapest VPN among premium options. Unlimited connections alone make it a steal—perfect for households or small businesses. Frequent promos (like 3 months free) sweeten the deal further.
For the price, Surfshark’s value is unmatched. It’s a budget VPN that performs like a premium one.
Pros and Cons of Surfshark
Pros:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Unblocks all major streaming platforms
- Strong security and audited privacy
- Super affordable pricing
- 30-day refund policy
Cons:
- Slightly slower on distant servers
- Netherlands jurisdiction (9 Eyes)
Surfshark for Streaming, Gaming, and Torrenting
Need the best VPN for Netflix? Surfshark unlocks libraries worldwide with ease—US, UK, Japan, you name it. Gaming performance is solid, with low ping (under 20ms locally) for smooth play in titles like Valorant or Apex Legends. Torrenting shines, with P2P-friendly servers and fast speeds—no throttling here.
From movies to multiplayer, Surfshark handles it all at a price that’s hard to beat.
Final Verdict: Is Surfshark the Best VPN for 2025?
Our Surfshark review for 2025 crowns it the king of value. It’s not the fastest or most feature-heavy VPN, but its unlimited connections, solid performance, and dirt-cheap pricing make it a winner. For budget-conscious users seeking a reliable VPN, Surfshark is tough to top. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, there’s no excuse not to try it.
Ready to surf the web securely and affordably with one of the best VPNs of 2025? Click “Try It Now” below and see why Surfshark is making waves in the VPN warzone.