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Surfshark VPN’s Jurisdiction & Ownership

Surfshark, founded in 2018, is headquartered in the Netherlands, part of the Nine Eyes alliance. While this raises mild privacy concerns, the Netherlands lacks data retention laws, and Surfshark operates under strict GDPR compliance. The company merged with Nord Security in 2022 but maintains independent operations.

Pros & Cons of Surfshak VPN

👍 What We Like

• Unlimited device connections.
• RAM-only servers + no-logs policy.
• Affordable long-term plans.
• Advanced tools (MultiHop, CleanWeb, Bypasser).

👎 What We Don’t Like

• Based in Nine Eyes jurisdiction (Netherlands).
• Short-term IP address storage (15 minutes).
• OpenVPN speeds vary on macOS.

Privacy Policy

Surfshark adheres to a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not track or store your browsing activity. While it temporarily stores IP addresses for about 15 minutes after sessions end, this information is automatically deleted. Surfshark’s privacy policy is transparent and audited by third-party firms to ensure compliance.

• Logged Data: Email, payment info (necessary for account creation) and temporary IP address storage within 15 minutes.
• Unlogged Data: Browsing history, session timestamps, bandwidth usage, network traffic.
• Transparency: Independent audits confirm no user activity logging.

Surfshark’s Speed and Performance

Surfshark is known for one of the fastest VPN, with a minimal speed loss of around 21% in recent tests. It offers over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, ensuring reliable connections worldwide. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or browsing, Surfshark maintains high-speed performance across various protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN.

• Speed Retention: 86% average (21% loss in 2025 tests).
• Server Network: 3,200+ servers in 100 countries.
• Protocols: WireGuard (fastest), OpenVPN, IKEv2.
• Performance Highlights:

• Outperforms ExpressVPN (35% loss) but trails NordVPN (3% loss).
• Minor macOS OpenVPN inconsistencies (slower New York speeds due to high server load).

Surfshark’s Encryption Technology

Surfshark employs industry-leading encryption protocols, including AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20. It also uses Perfect Forward Secrecy, which generates a unique encryption key for every session, ensuring that even if one session is compromised, previous or future sessions remain secure.

• Encryption:

AES-256-GCM (default) and ChaCha20 (optimized for mobile).
Perfect Forward Secrecy: Unique session keys for enhanced security.

• RAM-Only Servers: Ensure no permanent data storage.

Data Leak Protection

Surfshark provides robust data leak protection through its DNS leak protection feature. It ensures that all DNS requests are routed through encrypted tunnels, preventing unauthorized access to your browsing data. This feature is crucial for maintaining privacy and security online.

• Kill Switch: Blocks internet access if VPN disconnects.
• DNS Leak Protection: Routes all DNS queries through encrypted tunnels.
• MultiHop (Double VPN): Routes traffic through two servers for added anonymity.

Security Features	Function
CleanWeb	Blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
Camouflage Mode	Masks VPN traffic as regular HTTPS.
NoBorders Mode	Bypasses censorship in restrictive regions (e.g., China, Iran).
Bypasser (Split Tunneling)	Allows selective app/website VPN usage.

Surfshark’s Compatibility

Surfshark VPN is compatible with a wide range of devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. It also supports integration with routers, allowing you to secure all devices connected to your network.

• Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge).
• Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited devices under one subscription.
• User Interface: Intuitive design with quick-connect functionality.

Owned Servers and RAM Servers

Surfshark operates over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, all of which are RAM-based. This means that no data is stored on hard drives, enhancing security and privacy. RAM servers ensure that all data is wiped upon server restart, providing an additional layer of protection.

Moreover, it actively engages with the cybersecurity community through its bug bounty program. This initiative encourages researchers to identify vulnerabilities in Surfshark’s systems, which are then promptly addressed to maintain the highest level of security.

Payment Options and Pricing

Surfshark offers competitive pricing with plans starting at $2.19 per month for a 2-year subscription. It accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies, providing flexibility for users.

Plan	Subscription Period	Price per Month	Total Cost	Main Features
Starter	2-Year	$2.19	Under $48	Basic VPN Services
One	2-Year	$2.69	Under $65	VPN + Antivirus + Webcam Protection + Private Search
One+	2-Year	$4.29	Under $96	All One Plan Features + Data Removal
Starter	1-Year	$2.79	Under $48	Basic VPN Services
One	1-Year	$3.19	Under $49.2	VPN + Antivirus + Webcam Protection + Private Search
One+	1-Year	$5.09	Around $78	All One Plan Features + Data Removal
Starter	Monthly	$15.45	Under $16 (Monthly)	Basic VPN Services
One	Monthly	$15.95	Under $17.7 (Monthly)	VPN + Antivirus + Webcam Protection + Private Search
One+	Monthly	$17.95	Around $20 (Monthly)	All One Plan Features + Data Removal

Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try its services risk-free. While it doesn’t provide a free trial, the money-back guarantee ensures that you can test its features without committing long-term.

Surfshark’s Ability to Bypass Restrictive Networks

It includes features like Camouflage Mode and NoBorders Mode, which help bypass censorship and restrictive networks. These features are particularly useful in regions with strict internet controls, allowing users to access blocked content securely.

• Streaming: Unblocks Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and more.
• Censorship Evasion: NoBorders and Camouflage Mode bypass firewalls in restrictive countries.

Customer Support

It provides 24/7 customer support through live chat and email. Its support team is responsive and helpful, ensuring that any issues are resolved quickly. Additionally, Surfshark offers extensive guides and FAQs on its website for self-help.

• 24/7 Live Chat: Instant troubleshooting.
• Email/Contact Form: Detailed technical assistance.
• Knowledge Base: Guides, setup tutorials, and FAQs.