What Is Surfshark? A Deep Dive Into This Popular VPN Service

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In a crowded market, Surfshark is a VPN that helps you surf the web without any worries that your actions are being tracked or logged. Even if you're aware that you want or need to find a VPN service to subscribe to, with how many options you have to sift through, it can be tough to determine which VPN is the right one for you. Hopefully we'll help you determine if Surfshark is a good VPN for you.

Like any VPN, Surfshark acts as a secure middleman, keeping your connection private so websites can't track you directly. This is crucial for anyone handling sensitive data, but even for something as simple as streaming your favorite shows while traveling, a VPN proves to be an incredibly useful tool.

Of course, the VPN market is very crowded, and it can be hard to parse the dozens of options, not least of which include Private Internet Access, ExpressVPN and even Surfshark's own sister company NordVPN. 

What is Surfshark? Is Surfshark Safe?

Founded in 2018, Surfshark is one of the youngest VPNs on the market, though that doesn't mean it hasn't proven itself to be one of the best. Surfshark uses RAM-only servers, meaning no data is stored long-term — so even if the company wanted to track user activity, it would be nearly impossible. With Surfshark's strong track record of successful audits, you can trust that your data stays secure. Plus, it offers high-speed servers that rival fiber-optic home connections for a smooth, fast experience.

If you're unsure about getting a VPN, remember — it's better to have one before you need it than regret it after. Chances are you trust your home connection — but what if you need to get work done with sensitive data while out and about? When connecting to a hotel, cafe or airport's connection, you can never truly know just how secure their connections are — or if they're snooping in on your activities. With over 3,200 servers in more than 100 countries, you won't have to worry if Surfshark will have the capacity to safeguard your connection when you need it most.

As part of Surfshark's overall package, they even offer some features that normally fall out of a scope of a normal VPN. Want to sign up for an email newsletter, but don't feel comfortable handing out your address? Surfshark offers a masked email-forwarding service, and even the ability to spoof your personal information for whenever you need to sign up for a website you're not sure you trust. As for the VPN itself, Surfshark allows you to route your connection through two separate VPN servers for extra security, and allows for connection to obfuscated servers so even your ISP (Internet Service Provider) isn't aware you're connecting over a VPN — alongside many, many more features to help control how you browse the web. Surfshark offers tools to help keep your connection in your hands.

Where Can You Use Surfshark?

Beyond any privacy concerns, there are many reasons why you might consider Surfshark as your VPN. If you're out of the country, streaming services tend to silo what content you have access to based off the licenses they have to offer content per region. There's nothing more frustrating than being blocked from your favorite show just because you're on vacation. Even if you don't quite care about being geoblocked, nobody likes the feeling that their actions are being tracked.

Surfshark helps with both situations. Obfuscating servers making it so that not even your connection knows you're using a VPN, and even if some connections don't play nice with the service, split tunneling lets you silo those connections so you don't have to worry about them interfering with any of the other servers you're connected to. Maybe you're visiting family in the U.K., but you live in Australia — Surfshark will help you connect to your favorite local comedies while making it easy to connect with any of the other services you need to access while out-of-country, no matter where your travels might take you.

Surfshark offers 3200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries, including Canada, the U.S., the U.K. and much more. Although using a VPN is perfectly legal, we have to remind you: just because it protects your privacy doesn't mean you have free rein to break the law. Please do your own research to ensure that whatever service you're trying to access doesn't land you in violation of local ordinances. It's up to you to make sure that you're using a VPN lawfully, so plan accordingly. 

How Much Does Surfshark Cost?

As with many other VPNs, Surfshark comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If Surfshark doesn't match your expectations, you can simply get a refund. Surfshark offers three separate tiers for its service, with different rates depending on if you pay monthly, yearly or every two years.

Here's a look at the current pricing, as of this post:

Surfshark Starter: This is the most basic VPN package, coming with only the VPN itself and Alternative ID services.

• Monthly: $15.45/month
• Yearly: $3.19/month or $47.85 a year. Currently, this plan comes with 3 extra months of service.
• Biyearly: $2.19/month or $59.13 for 2 years. Much like the yearly rate, this currently comes with 3 extra months of service.

Surfshark One: This is the next step up, and Surfshark's advertised recommended package on their website. In addition to everything included with Starter, this comes with access to Surfshark's antivirus, search and data leak alert services.

• Monthly: $17.95/month
• Yearly: $3.39/month or $50.85 a year. Currently, this plan comes with 3 extra months of service.
• Biyearly: $2.69/month or $72.63 for 2 years. Much like the yearly rate, this currently comes with 3 extra months of service.

Surfshark One+:In addition to everything else, One+ comes with Incogni - Surfshark's data removal service.

• Monthly: $20.65/month
• Yearly: $6.09/month or $91.35 a year. Currently, this plan comes with 3 extra months of service.
• Biyearly: $4.29/month or $115.83 for 2 years. Much like the yearly rate, this currently comes with 3 extra months of service.

Should You Get Surfshark?

At their core, VPNs sell themselves on how they help you gain better control of your internet connection, and your data. While Surfshark hasn't been around as long as some other VPNs, it's still made a name for itself with verified privacy, security, and a level of control over how you can view the web. Even something as simple as NoBorders — a feature which alerts you to which servers will work best for you, depending on network restrictions — Surfshark offers all of the tools to best tailor your VPN experience to your own needs.

Of course, with so many bespoke features, it can be difficult to figure out which ones will work best for you. Thankfully, Surfshark's 24/7 customer support is there to help guide you through everything the service has to offer. 

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