How Fast is Surfshark VPN? Unpacking Its Speed and Performance

Thinking about how fast Surfshark VPN really is? To get the most out of Surfshark VPN, you should generally expect strong and consistent speeds, especially when using the WireGuard protocol, which often clocks over 950 Mbps in tests. While any VPN introduces some overhead, Surfshark typically sees a speed reduction of around 17% to 21% compared to your regular internet speed, which most people won’t even notice during daily tasks like streaming or browsing.

Hey everyone! If you’ve been wondering whether Surfshark can keep up with your online life, you’re in the right place. We’re going to break down everything about Surfshark’s speed performance, from official test results to real-world usage for things like streaming, gaming, and torrenting. A lot of people ask, “is Surfshark VPN reliable?” and “is Surfshark VPN safe to use?” – and speed plays a big part in the overall user experience.

, a VPN isn’t just about privacy. it’s also about maintaining a smooth, uninterrupted online experience. Nobody wants a VPN that makes their internet crawl to a halt. Surfshark has built a solid reputation for offering a great balance of security, features, and, crucially, speed, all while being pretty affordable. They don’t limit your bandwidth or data, which is a huge plus, meaning you can browse, stream, and game without worrying about hitting a cap. So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what makes Surfshark tick when it comes to speed.

Diving Deep into Surfshark’s Speed Performance

When it comes to VPNs, speed is often the first thing people look at after security. After all, what’s the point of being private if your internet is too slow to enjoy anything? Surfshark has consistently performed well in speed tests, often ranking among the fastest VPNs out there.

What the Speed Tests Say

Recent tests in 2025 show that Surfshark maintains impressive speeds, especially with its favored WireGuard protocol. For instance, in-house tests have shown an average download speed retention of about 81%, which is fantastic. Upload speed retention, while typically lower with any VPN, was around 52%. This means if your baseline download speed is, say, 100 Mbps, you could still be pulling in around 81 Mbps with Surfshark connected, which is more than enough for most online activities.

Some expert reviews have even reported Surfshark hitting speeds over 950 Mbps using WireGuard, essentially maxing out the test connection line. That’s seriously fast! Even when compared to a baseline of 1,000 Mbps, Surfshark has achieved speeds around 650 Mbps on some servers. Of course, the exact numbers can jump around depending on where you are, the server you pick, and your own internet connection.

Let’s break down some protocol-specific numbers: Unlocking the Power of Surfshark VPN DNS Servers: Your Guide to a Faster, More Private Internet

• WireGuard: This is where Surfshark really shines. It consistently delivers the best results, making it the go-to for speed. It’s a modern protocol designed for speed and security, which is why you’ll see it recommended so often.
• OpenVPN UDP: This protocol is also quite good, showing an average download speed retention of about 62% and upload speed retention of 34% in some tests. It’s a solid choice for security, often used when WireGuard isn’t available or preferred.
• OpenVPN TCP: This one usually offers the slowest speeds, with average download speed retention dropping to around 7% and upload to 13%. While very secure, it’s generally not recommended if speed is your priority.

So, if you’re looking for raw speed, WireGuard is your best friend with Surfshark.

Real-World Performance: Streaming, Gaming, and Torrenting

what do these numbers mean for your everyday online activities?

• Streaming: Surfshark is a beast for streaming. With its fast speeds and servers in 100 countries, you can easily unblock and enjoy content from platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer without any buffering or slowdowns. I’ve found it works great even for HD and 4K streaming. You’ll want at least 5 Mbps for HD and 25 Mbps for 4K, and Surfshark easily handles these.
• Gaming: If you’re into online gaming, lag is the enemy. I’ve had a good experience using Surfshark for gaming, even without dedicated gaming servers. The stable connection and low ping, especially when using WireGuard and connecting to a nearby server, mean you can play games like Among Us, Counter-Strike 2, Fortnite, and Roblox without noticeable lag. In some cases, you might even get better ping than your base connection!
• Torrenting: For those who engage in P2P file sharing, Surfshark is a solid option. It offers P2P-optimized servers in all 100 countries, and the WireGuard protocol delivers excellent speeds for quick and safe downloads. Plus, features like a no-logs policy and strong encryption help ensure your activities remain private and secure.

Surfshark’s Edge: Why It’s So Fast

Surfshark doesn’t just get lucky with speed. it’s by design. Several key elements contribute to its impressive performance:

• Optimized Server Infrastructure: Surfshark boasts a vast network of over 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. Many of these are 10 Gbps servers, meaning they have a huge capacity to handle traffic without getting bogged down. This extensive network helps in finding a less congested server closer to you. Plus, their server network is constantly optimized for speed and efficiency.
• Modern VPN Protocols: As we’ve discussed, Surfshark primarily uses WireGuard, which is known for being incredibly fast and efficient. They also support OpenVPN and IKEv2, giving you options depending on your device and needs. These protocols are the backbone of a speedy and secure connection.
• FastTrack Technology: This is a neat feature that Surfshark has introduced. FastTrack technology is designed to optimize user traffic, potentially improving connections by up to 70%. It works by routing your traffic through multiple servers instead of just one direct route, especially for faraway connections. Right now, it’s mainly on macOS, but it shows their commitment to boosting speed.
• No Bandwidth Limitations: Unlike some providers that might throttle your internet speeds based on data usage, Surfshark offers unrestricted bandwidth across all its connections. This means you can use as much data as you need without worrying about your speed being artificially slowed down by the VPN itself.
• RAM-only Servers: Surfshark uses RAM-only servers, which are wiped with every reboot. This means no user data is ever stored long-term, enhancing privacy and also contributing to better performance due to less overhead.

Factors That Affect Your VPN Speed and How Surfshark Handles Them

Even the fastest VPN can experience slowdowns, and it’s usually not entirely the VPN’s fault. Several factors outside of the VPN itself can influence your connection speed. Understanding these can help you get the best possible experience.

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Server Location and Distance

This is a big one. The further away the VPN server is from your physical location, the longer it takes for your data to travel, leading to higher latency ping and slower speeds.

• How Surfshark handles it: Surfshark has a massive global network with servers in 100 countries. This means you’re more likely to find a server close to you, or at least close to the content you want to access. For example, in testing, nearby servers often retained over 92% of original speeds with lower latency. While connecting to a server in Japan from Europe might see a significant speed drop, connecting to a server in the Netherlands or Sweden often yields excellent results.

Server Load

Imagine a highway during rush hour versus late at night. The same applies to VPN servers. If too many people are connected to a single server at once, it can get congested and slow down your connection.

• How Surfshark handles it: With over 3,200 servers, Surfshark has a good distribution that helps spread out the user load. Their network is designed for efficiency, and they likely use load-balancing algorithms to prevent bottlenecks, aiming to keep server congestion to a minimum.

VPN Protocols

We’ve already touched on this, but the protocol you choose makes a huge difference.

• How Surfshark handles it: Surfshark offers WireGuard, OpenVPN UDP/TCP, and IKEv2. WireGuard is their star performer for speed, so it’s often the default or recommended choice. If you’re experiencing slow speeds, double-check that you’re using WireGuard.

Encryption Strength

Stronger encryption is great for security but can sometimes add a little overhead, potentially reducing speed. Disney Plus Not Working with Surfshark VPN: Your Ultimate Fix Guide

• How Surfshark handles it: Surfshark uses AES-256-GCM encryption, which is the industry standard for strong security. This type of encryption is highly efficient and designed to be fast, minimizing the impact on your speed while keeping your data super secure.

Your Baseline Internet Speed & Device

Your internet connection speed before you even connect to the VPN is obviously a major factor. If you start with a slow connection, even the fastest VPN won’t make it faster. Also, the processing power CPU and RAM of your device can impact how quickly it can encrypt and decrypt data.

• How Surfshark handles it: Surfshark can sometimes improve your connection speed if your Internet Service Provider ISP is throttling your connection. A VPN can bypass this throttling. As for your device, Surfshark offers well-designed, easy-to-use apps for almost all platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and Fire TV, optimizing performance across different hardware.

Surfshark vs. NordVPN: A Speed Showdown

The “is Surfshark faster than NordVPN” question comes up a lot. Both are top-tier VPNs and often considered industry leaders for speed and security.

Generally, in recent speed tests 2025, NordVPN often shows slightly better speed retention. For example, NordVPN might retain 94% of base download speeds, while Surfshark retains around 93%. NordVPN also has a larger server network with over 8,000 servers in 126 countries compared to Surfshark’s 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. This larger fleet can sometimes contribute to better speeds by offering more options for less congested servers. Does Surfshark Really Work? Your Honest Guide to This Popular VPN

However, the difference in real-world performance is often negligible. Many users, including myself, might not even notice the slight speed difference in day-to-day use. TechRadar even states that Surfshark beats NordVPN on speed in their tests, calling it “blisteringly fast.”

Here’s why Surfshark still holds its own:

• WireGuard Implementation: Both VPNs use the WireGuard protocol. NordVPN uses its proprietary NordLynx protocol, which is built on WireGuard. Surfshark’s implementation of WireGuard is also incredibly efficient.
• AES-256-GCM Encryption: Surfshark uses AES-256-GCM encryption, which is faster for encryption/decryption than the AES-256-CBC variant sometimes used by NordVPN, contributing to better speeds without sacrificing security.
• Unlimited Devices: A key differentiator is that Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous device connections on a single subscription, whereas NordVPN typically limits you to 10. This is a huge advantage for households with many devices, as you won’t have to compromise on protecting any of them due to speed concerns on too many active connections.

In conclusion, while NordVPN might edge out Surfshark in some specific benchmarks, Surfshark is still incredibly fast and more than capable of handling high-bandwidth activities. For many, Surfshark’s affordability and unlimited device connections make it a compelling choice, especially when the speed difference is so minor that it’s practically unnoticeable.

Is Surfshark VPN Reliable and Safe to Use?

Beyond speed, reliability and safety are paramount for any VPN. So, is Surfshark VPN reliable? Absolutely. Surfshark is a well-regarded VPN service known for its strong security features and consistent performance. They have a solid track record and a commitment to user privacy.

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Here’s a quick rundown of what makes Surfshark reliable and safe:

• AES-256-Bit Encryption: This is the gold standard of encryption, used by governments and cybersecurity experts worldwide. It means your data is virtually unbreakable.
• No-Logs Policy: Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t collect any data on your online activities, IP address, browsing history, or connection timestamps. This policy has been independently audited multiple times, confirming its trustworthiness.
• Kill Switch: This crucial feature automatically disconnects your internet if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly, preventing any data leaks and ensuring your online activities remain private.
• Modern VPN Protocols: We’ve already talked about WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 – these are not just fast but also highly secure protocols.
• RAM-Only Servers: As mentioned, their entire server network runs on RAM, meaning all data is wiped with every reboot, adding an extra layer of privacy and security.
• Independent Audits: Surfshark has undergone multiple independent audits of its no-logs policy and server infrastructure by reputable firms like Cure53, which found no serious issues. This commitment to transparency is a strong indicator of its reliability and safety.
• CleanWeb: This feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware, making your browsing experience cleaner, faster, and safer.

So, yes, Surfshark VPN is safe to use, providing robust protection for your online privacy and security.

Tips for Maximizing Your Surfshark Speed

Even though Surfshark is already fast, there are a few things you can do to ensure you’re getting the absolute best speeds possible:

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1. Choose the WireGuard Protocol: If it’s not already the default, switch to WireGuard in your Surfshark app settings. It consistently offers the fastest speeds.
2. Connect to a Nearby Server: The closer the server, the faster your connection generally will be. Use Surfshark’s “Fastest server” option or manually select a server in your country or a neighboring one.
3. Check Server Load: Some VPN apps, including Surfshark, might show server load. If you have the option, pick a server that isn’t too busy.
4. Use Wired Connection Ethernet: If possible, connect your device to your router with an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi. Wired connections are usually more stable and faster.
5. Restart Your Router and Device: Sometimes a simple restart can clear up network issues that might be affecting your speed.
6. Disable Other Bandwidth-Heavy Apps: Close any applications running in the background that might be consuming a lot of bandwidth.
7. Try FastTrack if available: If you’re on a macOS device and connecting to a distant server, try using a FastTrack server if one is available.
8. Update Your Surfshark App: Always make sure your Surfshark application is up to date. Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes.
9. Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall: In rare cases, your antivirus or firewall software might interfere with your VPN connection. Try temporarily disabling it to see if it makes a difference but remember to re-enable it for security.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that you’re always getting the best possible speed and performance from your Surfshark VPN.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Surfshark VPN good for everyday browsing and streaming?

Yes, Surfshark VPN is excellent for everyday browsing and streaming. It offers consistently fast speeds, especially with the WireGuard protocol, which allows for smooth HD and 4K streaming without buffering. Its extensive server network in 100 countries also makes it great for unblocking a wide range of geo-restricted content from platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer.

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How much does Surfshark VPN slow down your internet speed?

On average, you might experience a speed loss of around 17% to 21% when using Surfshark VPN compared to your normal internet speed. However, this reduction is often minor and usually goes unnoticed during daily online activities. In some cases, if your ISP is throttling your connection, using Surfshark can actually help bypass that and potentially improve your speed.

Is Surfshark faster than NordVPN?

While some recent speed tests 2025 suggest NordVPN might have a slightly higher speed retention e.g., 94% vs. Surfshark’s 93%, the real-world difference is often negligible and not easily noticeable. TechRadar has even reported Surfshark as being faster in their tests, clocking over 950 Mbps with WireGuard. Both are considered among the fastest VPNs available.

What factors can make Surfshark VPN slow down?

Several factors can affect Surfshark VPN’s speed, including the physical distance between you and the VPN server, the current load or congestion on the server, the VPN protocol you’re using WireGuard is generally fastest, the strength of encryption, your baseline internet speed, and the processing power of your device.

Does Surfshark have unlimited bandwidth?

Yes, Surfshark offers unlimited bandwidth and data on all its connections. This means you can browse, stream, download, and game as much as you want without worrying about data caps or your speed being throttled by the VPN service itself. Your Exclusive Online Highway: Everything You Need to Know About Surfshark’s Dedicated IP VPN

Is Surfshark VPN good for gaming?

Yes, Surfshark VPN is good for gaming. It provides stable connections and low ping, especially when using the WireGuard protocol and connecting to a server close to your game server. Users have reported smooth gaming experiences without noticeable lag or performance issues with various popular titles.

Can Surfshark VPN improve my internet speed?

While a VPN generally adds a small overhead that can slightly reduce your speed, Surfshark can indirectly improve your internet speed if your Internet Service Provider ISP is throttling your connection. By encrypting your traffic and routing it through its servers, Surfshark can bypass ISP throttling, potentially restoring your speeds to their unthrottled level.