Most VPNs make you count devices. Surfshark doesn’t. Every plan covers unlimited simultaneous connections, so one subscription can protect your phone, laptop, TV stick and everyone else’s gadgets in the house. Add long-term prices that undercut most big-name rivals, and it’s easy to see why Surfshark became one of the most popular VPNs around.
We rate it highly for households and travelers. It’s fast enough for streaming, it’s had its no-logs claims independently audited, and the apps are simple. What deserves attention is the pricing structure: the headline monthly rate depends on a 2-year prepayment, and renewals cost more. Plan for that, and it’s still one of the best-value VPNs you can buy.
Surfshark prices and renewal costs
Surfshark sells three bundles. These are US-dollar prices for the 24-month plan, which includes 3 extra months, checked October 24, 2026 during an early Black Friday promotion. Tax is extra.
| Plan | Intro price | Paid upfront (27 months) | Renews at (yearly) | What’s added |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $2.49/mo | $67.23 | $79/yr | VPN, ad and tracker blocker, Alternative ID |
| One | $2.49/mo | $67.23 | $99/yr | Adds antivirus and identity alerts |
| One+ | $3.99/mo | $107.73 | $119/yr | Adds Incogni data removal |
With One priced the same as Starter during this promotion, One is the obvious pick. Shorter 12-month and 1-month plans cost more per month. Every plan has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The renewal step matters. After the first 27 months, Starter renews at $79 a year, roughly $6.58 a month. That’s still fair for a VPN with unlimited devices, but it’s not $2.49.
What you get
- Unlimited simultaneous devices on every plan
- Servers in 100 countries, with Surfshark’s network upgraded to 10Gbps ports
- WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols
- CleanWeb to block ads, trackers and malicious sites
- Kill switch, split tunneling (Bypasser) and MultiHop double-VPN routes
- Alternative ID, which creates a separate online persona and email alias
- Apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, browsers, Fire TV and smart TVs
The bundles add extras. One brings antivirus and alerts when your data appears in breaches. One+ adds Incogni, which asks data brokers to remove your personal information.
Privacy and security record
Surfshark is based in the Netherlands and part of the Nord Security group, the company behind NordVPN, though the products run separately. It says it keeps no logs of your browsing, and independent audits of its no-logs policy have backed that up. Its servers run in RAM rather than on hard drives, so data is wiped on reboot.
No VPN makes you anonymous, though. The Electronic Frontier Foundation’s guide on choosing a VPN explains what a VPN does and doesn’t protect, and it’s worth reading before you rely on one.
Speed and streaming
Surfshark is consistently fast in independent tests, especially on WireGuard, and its large network keeps nearby servers available in most regions. It’s popular for streaming abroad and works with major services in many regions, though streaming access changes as platforms block VPN IP ranges. If one server doesn’t work, switching usually solves it.
Getting started and getting a refund
Setup takes a few minutes. You buy a plan on the website, install the app on each device, sign in and tap connect. Quick-connect picks the fastest nearby server, and you can pin favorite locations for streaming or travel. Because devices are unlimited, you never need to manage a device list or log old gadgets out of your account to make room.
If it doesn’t suit you, the 30-day money-back guarantee applies to purchases made on Surfshark’s website, and you request it through customer support. Subscriptions bought through Apple’s App Store or Google Play follow those stores’ refund processes instead, so buying direct is simpler if you might cancel.
Routers are the one setup that takes longer. Surfshark supports manual configuration on compatible routers, which covers devices like games consoles that can’t run a VPN app.
What users complain about
Most reviews are positive about value and ease of use. The common complaints are:
- Renewal prices that are much higher than the intro rate
- Occasional slow servers at busy times or long distances
- Streaming blocks on some services, fixed by switching servers
- Upsells to the One and One+ bundles inside the apps
None of these is unusual for a big VPN brand. The renewal one is easy to avoid with a calendar reminder.
Tips for using a VPN well
- Turn on the kill switch so traffic stops if the VPN drops.
- Use WireGuard for the best balance of speed and security.
- Protect public Wi-Fi sessions. The FTC’s advice on public Wi-Fi networks explains the risks.
- Check local laws before using a VPN abroad, as some countries restrict them.
- Set a renewal reminder before your 27 months end.
Surfshark vs alternatives
| Surfshark | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Proton VPN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous devices | Unlimited | Limited by plan | Limited by plan | Limited by plan |
| Long-term value | Very strong | Strong | Higher price | Strong, plus free tier |
| Extras | Antivirus, Alternative ID, Incogni | Threat Protection, extras | Simple, premium apps | Secure email ecosystem |
| Best for | Households with many devices | Feature-rich users | Simplicity | Privacy-first users |
A VPN protects your connection, not your files. For secure cloud storage, see our pCloud review, and for safer PDF editing our Foxit review. Travelers may also want our KAYAK review and GetYourGuide review. If you run a website, our SiteGround review covers hosting. More tools sit in our software reviews.
Who should skip Surfshark
Skip it if you only need a VPN on one device for a month, if you want a free VPN, or if you dislike long prepaid plans. The pros and cons are below.
Our verdict on Surfshark
Surfshark is one of the best-value VPNs available, mainly because unlimited devices turn one subscription into protection for a whole household. It’s fast, audited and easy to use, and the One bundle adds real extras at no extra cost during current promotions. Just budget for the renewal price after the first 27 months.
Our review method explains how we research software we haven’t tested hands-on.
