To really understand Surfshark’s ranking in the ever- VPN world, you need to look at how it stacks up against the competition in terms of speed, security, features, and, let’s be honest, price. Surfshark has consistently positioned itself as a top contender in 2025, often hailed as a “best value VPN” or a “top 3 VPN” that truly punches above its weight. This VPN isn’t just about getting online. it’s about doing it fast, securely, and without breaking the bank, offering an impressive array of features that make it an all-rounder for most people. It’s a solid choice whether you’re streaming your favorite shows, handling sensitive work, or just browsing with peace of mind.

Table of Contents

What Makes a VPN Rank Highly? Understanding Our Criteria

When we talk about a VPN’s ranking, we’re not just pulling numbers out of thin air. We consider several crucial factors that collectively paint a picture of how good a service really is. Think of it like this: if you’re buying a car, you don’t just look at its top speed. you also check its safety features, fuel efficiency, reliability, and how much it costs. The same goes for VPNs.

Here are the key areas that really matter:

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Speed and Performance: Nobody likes a slow internet connection. A top-tier VPN should offer blazing-fast speeds, especially for things like streaming, gaming, and downloading large files. It’s all about minimizing that speed loss that naturally happens when you use a VPN.
Security and Privacy: This is the core of any VPN. We’re looking for robust encryption, secure protocols, a strict no-logs policy and proof of it!, and advanced features that protect your digital life from prying eyes.
Server Network: A wide and well-distributed network of servers means you’ll have plenty of options to connect to, helping you bypass geo-restrictions and find faster connections closer to you.
Features: Beyond the basics, what extra tools does the VPN offer? Think ad blockers, double VPN options, split tunneling, and protection against various online threats. These can seriously enhance your experience.
Pricing and Value: Can you get all these great features without emptying your wallet? A good VPN offers competitive pricing, especially for longer subscriptions, providing excellent value for your money.
User Experience and Compatibility: The best VPN in the world is useless if it’s too complicated to use or doesn’t work on your devices. We look for intuitive apps, ease of setup, and support across a wide range of platforms.
Reliability: Does the VPN consistently deliver on its promises? Does it maintain stable connections and unblock content without constant issues?

By digging into these aspects, we get a clear idea of where Surfshark stands in the competitive VPN of 2025.

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Surfshark’s Position in the 2025 VPN Rankings

So, where does Surfshark really land in the 2025 rankings? Well, it’s consistently up there, often battling it out for a spot in the top three with big names like NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Many reviewers, myself included, often see it as a “best value VPN” thanks to its robust features and competitive pricing.

In recent evaluations, Surfshark frequently earns praise for its impressive speed, strong security features, and its incredibly user-friendly apps. It’s recognized as a service that delivers a lot of bang for your buck, making it a compelling choice if you’re looking for comprehensive protection without a premium price tag. For instance, Cybernews notes that Surfshark stands out as one of the top three VPNs in 2024, recognized for being private, fast, user-friendly, and affordable. Others like TechRadar call it “the cheapest and fastest VPN – an excellent choice on a budget.”

While some might place NordVPN or ExpressVPN slightly higher for specific niches, Surfshark consistently holds its own, especially when you factor in its generous policy of unlimited simultaneous connections – a huge perk that many competitors don’t offer. This means you can protect all your devices, and even those of your family members, with just one subscription.

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Speed: Is Surfshark the Fastest VPN?

When it comes to speed, Surfshark has really stepped up its game, consistently delivering impressive performance that often places it among the fastest VPNs out there. In my experience, and according to various tests, Surfshark excels, especially when using the WireGuard protocol. TechRadar, for example, reported Surfshark clocking internet speeds at over 950Mbps on WireGuard, easily handling demanding activities like HD and 4K streaming, gaming, and video calls.

Surfshark’s network infrastructure plays a big role here. They boast over 3200+ servers in 100 countries, all of which are 10Gbps and RAM-only. This optimized setup means you’re more likely to find a fast server close to your physical location, which is key for minimizing latency and maximizing speed.

Now, every VPN will introduce some level of speed loss, it’s just how the technology works. But Surfshark manages to keep this loss impressively low. In CNET’s 2025 tests, Surfshark registered a marginally higher speed loss of 21%, but they noted that in practical terms, this difference is negligible and unlikely to be noticed during regular use. This kind of consistency is important. it means you can rely on Surfshark for a smooth online experience.

They’ve even introduced FastTrack technology, which is designed to optimize traffic and enhance speeds, especially for faraway connections. It works by routing traffic through multiple servers rather than a single direct route, with some reports suggesting it can improve connections by up to 70%. Currently, FastTrack servers are available in select locations like Sydney, Seattle, and Vancouver for macOS users, with plans for wider rollout. Turn Your Raspberry Pi into a Secure Surfshark VPN Hub!

While NordVPN sometimes shows a slight edge in speed, especially for very long distances or specific proprietary protocols like NordLynx, Surfshark is often a very close second, sometimes even outperforming NordVPN in certain locations. Compared to ExpressVPN, Surfshark usually holds its own or even pulls ahead in speed tests, making it a fantastic choice if speed is a top priority for you.

Security & Privacy: How Reliable is Surfshark?

When you’re talking about a VPN, security and privacy are non-negotiable. It’s the whole reason most of us use one, right? And Surfshark really delivers in this department, making it a very reliable choice for protecting your digital footprint.

Encryption & Protocols

At its core, Surfshark uses AES-256-GCM encryption, which is the gold standard for security and incredibly difficult to crack. It’s the same level of encryption used by governments and militaries worldwide. Beyond that, you get a choice of robust VPN protocols: Level Up Your Downloads: A Deep Dive into Surfshark and qBittorrent

WireGuard: This is often the go-to for speed and modern security.
OpenVPN: A highly respected open-source protocol known for its balance of security and flexibility.
IKEv2: Great for mobile devices, offering stable connections when switching networks.

This flexibility means you can choose the protocol that best fits your needs, whether you prioritize speed, security, or stability.

No-Logs Policy

A VPN that truly protects your privacy should have a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t collect or store any information about your online activities. Surfshark has committed to this, and crucially, it has been independently audited multiple times to prove its claims. These audits, which have found no flaws in its performance, server infrastructure, or no-logs policy, really build trust.

RAM-only Servers

Here’s another big win for privacy: Surfshark uses RAM-only servers. This means that all data on their servers is wiped with every reboot. There’s no hard drive for data to be permanently stored on, significantly reducing the risk of any information falling into the wrong hands, even in the unlikely event of a physical server breach. It’s an extra layer of protection that many top VPNs are now adopting.

Jurisdiction

Now, let’s talk about jurisdiction. Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is part of the 9-Eyes intelligence alliance and falls under EU GDPR laws. For some, this raises a flag because these alliances involve data sharing. However, Surfshark has been transparent about this and takes significant steps to mitigate any potential privacy concerns. For instance, any minimal data collected for operational purposes is reportedly wiped within 15 minutes of you ending your VPN connection. Coupled with their RAM-only servers and no-logs policy, this multi-step approach ensures your privacy remains intact, despite the jurisdictional location.

Key Security Features

Beyond the fundamentals, Surfshark packs a ton of extra features designed to boost your security and privacy: Quanto costa Surfshark VPN: La tua guida completa ai prezzi nel 2025

Kill Switch: This is a lifesaver. If your VPN connection unexpectedly drops, the kill switch automatically cuts your internet access, preventing your real IP address or any sensitive data from being exposed.
CleanWeb: Say goodbye to annoying ads, trackers, and malicious websites. CleanWeb blocks these before they even load, making your browsing experience cleaner, faster, and safer.
Bypasser Split Tunneling: This feature is super handy. It lets you decide which apps or websites use the VPN connection and which bypass it. For example, you can use the VPN for secure browsing while your banking app connects directly. It’s available on Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS.
Dynamic MultiHop Double VPN: If you’re really serious about privacy, MultiHop routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers instead of one. This encrypts your data twice, making it even harder to trace your online activity.
NoBorders Mode / Camouflage Mode: These features are designed to help you bypass internet restrictions, especially in regions with heavy censorship. Camouflage Mode makes your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic, so even your internet service provider ISP can’t tell you’re using a VPN.
Rotating IP & Alternative ID: Rotating IP regularly changes your IP address without disconnecting you from the VPN, adding an extra layer of anonymity. Alternative ID lets you generate new personal details and an email address for online registrations, helping you avoid spam and protect your real identity.

All these features, combined with their strong encryption and verified no-logs policy, make Surfshark a seriously reliable and safe VPN to use in 2025.

Server Network: Global Reach & Performance

A robust and extensive server network is a huge part of a VPN’s appeal. It means more options for bypassing geo-restrictions, potentially faster connection speeds by connecting to a closer server, and better overall reliability. Surfshark really shines here, boasting one of the largest networks in the industry.

Server Count and Geographical Distribution

Surfshark currently operates over 3200+ servers spread across 100 countries. That’s a massive global footprint, covering nearly every corner of the world. You’ll find servers distributed across: Unlocking the Internet in Qatar: My Honest Review of Surfshark VPN

Europe: With numerous locations including key countries like the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and more.
The Americas: Strong presence in the US with many city-specific options like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Canada, and South American countries.
Asia Pacific: Including locations in Australia, Singapore, Japan Tokyo, and various other nations.
Middle East & Africa: Ensuring coverage in regions that some other VPNs might overlook.

Many of these countries also offer multiple city locations, which is fantastic for pinpointing the fastest server or accessing specific regional content. For instance, the US has servers in over two dozen cities, giving you plenty of flexibility.

All of Surfshark’s servers are RAM-only and 10Gbps, as mentioned earlier, which not only boosts privacy but also ensures high-speed, stable connections across the network.

Server Types

Surfshark isn’t just about raw numbers. it offers different types of servers tailored to specific needs:

Standard Servers: These are your everyday servers, offering a new IP address to mask your location for general browsing, streaming, and P2P activities.
MultiHop Servers: These are the “double VPN” servers, routing your traffic through two different VPN servers for enhanced privacy and security.
Static IP Servers: Unlike regular VPN servers where your IP address changes each time you connect, static IP servers give you the same IP address every time. It’s not a dedicated IP meaning you share it with other Surfshark users who choose that static IP, but it can be useful for accessing certain online services that might flag constantly changing IPs. Surfshark offers Static IP servers in five countries: the USA, Germany, the UK, Tokyo, and Singapore. These are included at no extra cost with your subscription.

P2P/Torrenting Support

For those who engage in P2P file sharing or torrenting, Surfshark is a great choice. They support torrenting across all of their servers in 100 countries. This means you don’t have to hunt for specific P2P-optimized servers. you can just connect to any server and start downloading securely, helping to prevent your ISP from throttling your connection or tracking your activity.

This extensive and diverse server network is a clear indicator of Surfshark’s commitment to providing flexible, high-performing, and private internet access to users worldwide. Unlock Your PS5’s Full Potential: A Gamer’s Guide to Surfshark VPN

User Experience & Compatibility

A VPN can have all the best features in the world, but if it’s a pain to use, most people won’t stick with it. Thankfully, Surfshark gets high marks for its user-friendliness and broad compatibility, making it an excellent choice for both VPN beginners and seasoned users.

Ease of Use

One of the first things you’ll notice about Surfshark is its slick, clean, and intuitive app interface. It’s really well laid out and easy to navigate, no matter which device you’re using. CNET noted the subtle tweaks Surfshark made recently to make the app even more user-friendly, clearly displaying important settings like the protocol, kill switch status, and your current VPN IP address without cluttering the screen. This consistency across platforms means that once you learn it on one device, you’ll feel right at home on another.

Connecting is usually just a single click, and finding the settings you need is straightforward. This focus on a smooth user experience is a big part of why Surfshark ranks so well for everyday users. Proton VPN vs Surfshark VPN: Picking Your Perfect Privacy Partner

Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

This is a massive selling point for Surfshark and one of its standout features. While many premium VPNs limit you to 5, 6, or 10 devices, Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections with a single subscription. This is incredibly valuable for families, tech enthusiasts, or anyone with multiple devices phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles, etc.. You don’t have to pick and choose which devices get protection. everything can be secured at once, making it a highly cost-effective option.

Broad Compatibility

Surfshark’s reach extends to virtually every popular platform and device:

Desktop: Windows, macOS, Linux including a GUI app.
Mobile: iOS, Android with additional features like GPS spoofing.
Streaming Devices: Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV.
Browsers: Extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
Routers: You can even set it up on a VPN-compatible router to protect every device on your home network, including those that don’t natively support VPN apps.

This extensive compatibility means you can truly secure your entire digital life with Surfshark, no matter what devices you’re using.

Streaming Performance

For many, a VPN’s ability to reliably access geo-restricted streaming content is crucial. Surfshark performs exceptionally well with streaming services. It’s consistently able to unblock popular platforms like:

Netflix accessing multiple regional libraries, including the US.
Disney+.
Hulu.
Max.
Amazon Prime Video.
BBC iPlayer.

With its fast speeds and wide server network, you can enjoy high-quality, lag-free streaming without interruptions.

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Gaming Performance

While some VPNs can cause noticeable lag in online gaming, Surfshark’s consistent speeds and optimized servers make it a good option for gamers. Though competitive gamers might sometimes bypass a VPN for minimal latency, for casual gaming, Surfshark delivers a smooth experience, especially when connecting to a server close to the game server.

In essence, Surfshark makes it easy and convenient to stay protected across all your devices, enhancing your online experience whether you’re working, streaming, or just browsing.

Pricing & Value: Is Surfshark Still a Budget-Friendly VPN?

One of Surfshark’s longest-standing claims to fame has been its incredible affordability, especially when you consider the rich feature set it offers. In 2025, it still holds up as an exceptionally budget-friendly VPN, often dubbed the “best cheap VPN” or “best value VPN” on the market.

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Pricing Structure and Plans

Surfshark offers a tiered pricing model with three main plans: Starter, One, and One+. Each plan builds on the previous one, adding more security and privacy tools beyond just the VPN.

Surfshark Starter: This is the core VPN offering, including the VPN service and the Alternative ID feature.
Surfshark One: Adds features like Antivirus, Alert data breach monitoring, and Search a private search engine.
Surfshark One+: Includes everything in the One plan, plus the Incogni data removal service.

The real savings come with longer subscriptions, which is pretty standard for VPNs. While month-to-month plans can be a bit pricier around $15.45 for Starter, committing to a 12-month or 24-month plan drastically reduces the average monthly cost. For instance, you can often find deals for the Starter plan as low as $1.99 to $2.19 per month if you sign up for a 24-month commitment often with extra months thrown in for free.

Renewal Price Increase & Value Proposition

It’s important to be aware that Surfshark did implement a renewal price increase in 2025, which means the price you pay after your initial introductory period might be higher. However, even with this adjustment, Surfshark remains significantly cheaper than many premium competitors like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, especially considering the extensive range of features and unlimited simultaneous connections it offers.

For example, a one-year plan for Surfshark can be less than half the cost of an ExpressVPN subscription for the same period. TechRadar notes that it costs less than NordVPN and is half the price of ExpressVPN, with the added benefit of unlimited devices. Surfshark VPN Price in the Philippines: Your Ultimate Buying Guide

Money-Back Guarantee and Payment Options

Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee across all its plans. This is a great way to try out the service risk-free and see if it fits your needs. They also support a wide range of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Amazon Pay, and various cryptocurrencies Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, etc., which is good for those seeking maximum anonymity.

Add-on Features

Beyond the core VPN, Surfshark’s higher-tier plans and optional add-ons provide even more value:

Surfshark Antivirus: An industry-recognized antivirus software that works across your devices.
Surfshark Alert: Monitors your email, passwords, IDs, and credit card info for leaks online.
Surfshark Search: A private search engine that delivers organic results without ads or tracking.
Incogni: A service that automatically requests data removal from data brokers, saving you countless hours.
Dedicated IP address: For an additional cost, you can get an IP address assigned exclusively to you.

In summary, while there was a slight adjustment to renewal prices, Surfshark continues to offer some of the most competitive pricing in the VPN market, especially for its long-term plans, making it an excellent choice for those seeking premium features at a budget-friendly price point.

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Surfshark vs. The Competition: Where Does It Stand?

In the crowded VPN market, Surfshark is definitely not alone. It consistently finds itself compared to other industry giants, particularly NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Let’s break down how Surfshark holds its own against these top competitors in 2025.

Surfshark vs. NordVPN

This is often a tight race, with both VPNs offering a lot of great features.

Speed and Performance: NordVPN, with its proprietary NordLynx protocol, often edges out Surfshark in raw speed tests, especially over long distances. However, Surfshark is typically a very close second, sometimes even faster in specific locations, thanks to its WireGuard implementation and 10Gbps servers. Both are excellent for streaming and downloading.
Security and Privacy: Both offer robust AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy independently audited, and features like a kill switch and double VPN Surfshark’s MultiHop, NordVPN’s Double VPN. NordVPN also has Threat Protection, which acts as an ad and malware blocker similar to CleanWeb. Surfshark’s RAM-only servers are a strong privacy plus.
Server Network: NordVPN has a larger server count over 6,300 servers across more countries 111+ than Surfshark’s 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. However, Surfshark’s network is still very extensive and highly optimized.
Unlimited Devices: This is a major differentiator. Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections on a single account, while NordVPN typically limits you to 6 or 10 devices. This makes Surfshark a clear winner for larger households or those with many devices.
Pricing: Surfshark is generally more affordable, especially on longer-term plans, offering a better price-to-value ratio. NordVPN is more expensive.

Verdict: If absolute top speed is your singular priority and you only need to protect a few devices, NordVPN might win. But if you value unlimited devices, a slightly lower cost, and still excellent speed and security, Surfshark often provides more bang for your buck.

Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is another premium VPN, often seen as a benchmark for ease of use and reliability, though it comes at a higher price. Level Up Your Online Privacy: How to Install and Use Surfshark VPN on Your PC

Ease of Use: Both VPNs offer very user-friendly apps. ExpressVPN is often lauded for its simplicity and “just choose your location and switch it on” approach. Surfshark is also highly intuitive and well-designed across all platforms.
Security and Privacy: Both offer robust security features, including strong encryption and audited no-logs policies. ExpressVPN uses its proprietary Lightway protocol, known for speed and security. Surfshark’s RAM-only servers are a strong privacy advantage.
Server Network: ExpressVPN covers more countries 105 but doesn’t disclose its total server count, making direct comparison tricky. Surfshark’s 3,200+ servers in 100 countries is a very substantial network.
Speed: ExpressVPN is reliable, but in many recent tests, Surfshark and NordVPN have shown marginally faster speeds. CNET’s 2025 tests, for example, placed Surfshark’s 21% speed loss behind ExpressVPN’s 18% in some instances, but it varies by server and protocol. However, other tests indicate Surfshark can be faster.
Unlimited Devices: Again, Surfshark wins big here with unlimited simultaneous connections compared to ExpressVPN’s limit typically 5 to 8 devices.
Pricing: ExpressVPN is significantly more expensive than Surfshark. Surfshark offers superior value for money given its features and unlimited device policy.

Verdict: If you prioritize absolute simplicity and are willing to pay a premium, ExpressVPN is a solid choice. However, for a more affordable VPN with comparable and often better speed, similar security, and the huge advantage of unlimited connections, Surfshark offers superior value.

Is Surfshark VPN Reliable and Safe to Use in 2025?

Based on everything we’ve looked at, the answer is a resounding yes, Surfshark VPN is indeed reliable and safe to use in 2025.

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Industry-Leading Encryption: Surfshark uses AES-256-GCM encryption and supports modern, secure protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, ensuring your data is virtually impenetrable.
Verified No-Logs Policy: Their commitment to not collecting your online activity has been independently audited multiple times, with no issues found. This transparency is crucial for building trust.
RAM-Only Servers: The entire server network runs on RAM, meaning all data is wiped clean with every reboot, adding an extra layer of privacy and security against potential data breaches.
Essential Security Features: Tools like the Kill Switch which prevents data leaks if your connection drops, CleanWeb for blocking ads and malware, and Dynamic MultiHop for double encryption all work together to provide a robust defense against online threats.
Transparent Practices: While its Netherlands jurisdiction might raise questions for some, Surfshark’s transparent approach to data handling wiping data within 15 minutes and using RAM-only servers demonstrates a strong commitment to user privacy despite legal frameworks.
Positive Independent Reviews: Cybersecurity experts and major tech publications consistently rank Surfshark highly for its security, speed, and feature set. It’s seen as a highly polished, powerful, and trustworthy VPN.

Surfshark has firmly established itself as a top-tier VPN provider that prioritizes user security and privacy without compromising on performance or affordability. It’s a reliable tool for anyone looking to enhance their online protection in 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Surfshark VPN considered a top-tier VPN in 2025?

Yes, Surfshark VPN is widely considered a top-tier VPN in 2025. It consistently ranks among the top 3-5 VPN services in various independent reviews and comparisons, often highlighted for its excellent balance of speed, strong security features, extensive server network, and particularly its exceptional value with unlimited simultaneous connections and competitive pricing.

How fast are Surfshark VPN’s servers?

Surfshark’s servers are very fast, often ranking among the fastest VPNs available. They utilize a network of over 3200+ 10Gbps RAM-only servers in 100 countries, especially performing well with the WireGuard protocol. Independent tests in 2025 showed an average speed loss of around 21%, which is considered negligible for most users and activities like 4K streaming, gaming, and large downloads. Mastering Your Surfshark VPN: Usernames, Passwords, and Seamless Login

Does Surfshark VPN keep logs of my online activity?

No, Surfshark VPN maintains a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not collect or store any information about your online activities, IP address, or connection timestamps. This policy has been independently audited multiple times by third-party firms, confirming its commitment to user privacy. Additionally, their use of RAM-only servers ensures that any operational data is wiped with every server reboot.

Can I use Surfshark VPN on multiple devices?

Yes, absolutely! One of Surfshark’s most significant advantages is its allowance for unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription. This means you can protect all your devices – including phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, smart TVs, and even routers – and share your account with family members without any device limits.

Is Surfshark VPN good for streaming services like Netflix?

Yes, Surfshark VPN is excellent for streaming. It consistently works well with popular streaming platforms such as Netflix unblocking multiple regional libraries, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. Its fast and stable server network ensures that you can enjoy high-definition content without buffering or interruptions.

Is Surfshark VPN budget-friendly compared to competitors?

Yes, Surfshark VPN is widely regarded as one of the most budget-friendly premium VPNs on the market. While its monthly plans are comparable to some competitors, its long-term subscriptions 12-month or 24-month offer significantly lower per-month costs, often coming with generous discounts and extra months for free. Even after a renewal price adjustment in 2025, it remains more affordable than many rivals like ExpressVPN and NordVPN for a similar or even broader range of features and benefits.

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