Surfshark test and review
Surfshark is a VPN service whose operator is registered in the British Virgin Islands. The extensive client has several interesting and useful features, such as camouflage mode or MultiHop, all of which are included in a neat and clear application. However, the aesthetic look counts above all in the fashion industry, so we’re interested in how Surfshak looks against the background of its functionality and parameters. What download and upload speeds does this VPN actually achieve?
Is Surfshark safe?
The exotic location of the service provider’s head office allows the company not to collect and store any data concerning its users. Surfshark doesn’t monitor your network traffic and doesn’t record the time you have used it. All applications are natively equipped with the killswitch function, which completely disrupts network data traffic in case a spontaneous VPN tunnel disconnection occurs. Additionally, clients are also protected against DNS query leaks that could potentially reveal your real data and location. The camouflage function makes your connection look normal and doesn’t raise suspicion from your Internet provider. In addition, you can enable MultiHop, which is a VPN connection cascade that transfers all network traffic through several separate servers in different countries, further minimizing the risk of discovering your real identity.
The military grade AES-256-GCM encryption algorithm ensures the security of data downloaded and sent, and the exchange of security keys is performed by IKEv2/IPsec protocols. If for some reason you prefer Open Source solutions, you will be happy to know that you can choose OpenVPN. By subscribing to the Surfshark subscription, you can connect an unlimited number of devices, and the built-in feature makes it easy to block advertising, allowing you to enjoy the Internet without pushy popups.
What can you use the Surfshark for and who should use the VPN?
With an extensive network of over 1700 servers in 63 countries around the world, Surfshark allows you to bypass regional blockages and freely change your geolocation. If you travel frequently, “smooth” geolocation is of great importance. A good quality VPN should become one of the most basic and at the same time essential elements of tourist equipment. We live in times when the geopolitical situation is becoming increasingly tense. Many countries actively introduce various forms of censorship and limit access to the Internet. Thanks to the effective and reliable VPN service, you will be able to have unlimited access to the free Internet and reliable information – even where the state’s experts are trying to prevent it.
Another practical application that every keen traveler will find for Surfshark is the use of unsecured wi-fi networks and free hotspots in hotels and airports. When you connect to the Internet through such networks, you’re strongly exposed to the attack of a hacker who is just waiting to intercept your valuable information and passwords and logins. A very common practice of cybercriminals is to set up a fake wi-fi network, signed for example as “FreeAirport wi-fi”, which is actually a giant honeypot, luring unconscious tourists like bear honey. If a potential victim logs on to a site that doesn’t have HTTPS encryption implemented, then the hacker will see all the login data that you have typed yourself.
How much does it cost to use Surfshark?
The cost of a monthly subscription is USD 11.95 (about PLN 50). If you decide to choose an annual plan, you will get a 50% discount on the basic price, and the monthly cost will be USD 5.99, or about PLN 25. As expected, the cheapest is a two-year subscription, for which we will have to pay USD 1.99, which is a little over PLN 8. Additionally, the 24-month subscription plan opens up the possibility of a trial period, after which we can receive a refund if we’re not satisfied with the standard of services provided.
Does Surfshark allow me to watch Netflix?
Surfshark is able to unlock regionally “rationed” content on popular streaming services. On the service provider’s website you will also find a complete guide showing how to connect to Netflix and which server unlocks specific regions. VPN will also come to our senses when we’re greeted with the message “This video isunavailable in your country”, which is both common and frustrating on YouTube.
What are the download and upload speeds of Surfshark?
Before we started VPN testing, we traditionally checked the speed of our Internet. The results are: 147 Mbpsdownload, 148 Mbpsupload and 2 milliseconds delay.
Polish server allowed to reach 139 Mbps download speed and 140 Mbps upload speed. The ping was only 13 milliseconds, which allows the VPN Surfshark to be used all the time without any discomfortable feeling of performance drops. The above bandwidth is completely sufficient to watch 4k videos and play all online games. LoL and CoD fans can triumph! 😉
The American server was doing quite well. Download speed of 82 Mbps and upload speed of 92 Mbps, along with 208 millisecond ping – that’s quite a solid result. This allows us to comfortably watch Hulu and many other streaming services.
The British server provides a stable download speed, oscillating around 95 Mbps and an upload speed of 98 Mbps. Ping could be a bit smaller, but 51 milliseconds is still a good result.
After selecting an outgoing call in Germany, we managed to get very solid results. The delay of data packets was about 46 milliseconds, as well as 105 Mbps and 109 Mbps for download and upload speeds respectively.
Is it possible to download torrents with the Surfshark?
Surfshark provides specialized servers, designed for downloading files and using P2P networks. Simply connect to them, then run the torrent client and start downloading easily.
Is Surfshark convenient to use?
VPN service provider provides applications for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. Additionally, we can use plugins for Chrome and Mozilla Firefox browsers, and even download the application to FireStick. The application itself is very clear and its operation shouldn’t cause any problems to anyone. From the menu on the left, we select the server we’re interested in. In addition, it’s possible to automatically select the optimal location. Also worthy of praise is the tab with settings, the scope of which will satisfy even the most demanding users.
SurfShark VPN Summary
Surfshark is a good product that offers many features and doesn’t burden our home budget. The connection is established quickly and is stable. During our tests the VPN tunnel didn’t break even once. The speeds achieved are also good, which is enough to watch foreign streaming services. If for some reason you have a problem with deciding to buy a VPN Surfshark, then you can use the trial version to solve any possible doubts. This option is, of course, available in a package with a 30-day money back guarantee in case of dissatisfaction and discrepancies between the service and your expectations.
