Article updated 06 September 2025

Surfshark VPN is a virtual private network service that has been operating since 2018 and is owned by Surfshark B.V., headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. In just a few years, it has expanded its infrastructure to hundreds of servers in numerous countries and offers a set of tools designed to protect internet connections and maintain user privacy.

In the context of personal security, privacy, and mobility, Surfshark can be useful for those who want to reduce the risk of online tracking, gain access to resources restricted in certain regions, or protect their data when using public networks.

For individuals who follow the grayman approach, prepare as preppers, or plan for a bugout scenario, a VPN can be one of the essential tools for digital security. It helps maintain access to critical information and ensures the privacy of communications in situations where regular communication channels may be unavailable or unsafe to use.

Disclosure: Before we dive into the details, please note: some links in this article are affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission - at no extra cost to you.

Key Features of Surfshark VPN

Jurisdiction

Surfshark is owned by Surfshark B.V., registered in the Netherlands. The country is part of the extended intelligence-sharing alliance known as the 9 Eyes - a group of nations that exchange intelligence data (the 5 Eyes alliance includes the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand; the 9 Eyes adds France, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway; the 14 Eyes includes several additional European countries). While participation in these alliances does not automatically mean VPN user data is accessible, some users take this factor into account when choosing a service. The provider states it follows a no‑logs policy, but the final assessment of trust remains with the user.

5 9 14 Eyes — groups of nations that exchange intelligence data

Number of Servers and Countries

The service's network includes over 3,200 servers in more than 100 countries, allowing users to choose locations based on their needs - from accessing region-specific content to optimizing connection speed.

Supported Protocols

Surfshark supports several modern VPN protocols:

WireGuard - lightweight and efficient, with a focus on speed and security.
IKEv2/IPsec - a stable option for mobile devices, performing well when switching between networks.
OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) - a time-tested, open-source protocol compatible with many devices and routers.

Encryption

To protect traffic, Surfshark uses AES‑256‑GCM - a symmetric encryption algorithm with a 256‑bit key, considered secure for most scenarios.

Multi‑Platform Support

The service is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and also supports configuration on compatible routers. Browser extensions are available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, adding flexibility to its use.

Advantages for Grayman / Prepper / Bugout

Staying Unnoticed Online

Using Surfshark VPN allows you to hide your real IP address by replacing it with the address of a server in a chosen country. This makes it more difficult to identify the user and reduces the possibility of tracking their online activities. For those following the grayman approach, this helps maintain a low digital profile and avoid unwanted attention.

Access to Information in Unstable Regions

In situations where internet access is restricted or certain resources are blocked, a VPN can help bypass these limitations. Connecting through servers in other countries enables access to news, maps, instructions, and other important materials that may be unavailable locally. This is particularly relevant for preppers preparing for potential crisis scenarios.

Protection in Public Networks

When using open Wi‑Fi networks in cafes, train stations, shelters, or other public places, data can be vulnerable to interception. Encrypting traffic through a VPN reduces the risk of third parties gaining access to personal information, passwords, or messages.

Secure Communications During Evacuation or Travel

In cases of forced relocation or travel to high‑risk regions, a VPN can help maintain the confidentiality of correspondence and internet calls. This applies to both personal contacts and access to work resources when it is important to avoid data leaks or communication channel blocks.

Security and Privacy

No‑Logs Policy

Surfshark states that it does not store user activity logs - meaning it does not record visited websites, transferred files, or other online actions. The company is registered in the Netherlands, where legislation does not require VPN providers to keep records of internet activity. To confirm this policy, in 2022 Surfshark underwent an independent audit by Deloitte, which reviewed the configuration of IT systems and operational management, confirming compliance with the stated no‑logs policy.

Independent Security Audits

In addition to verifying its no‑logs policy, Surfshark previously commissioned an audit of its browser extensions from Cure53, which assessed them for security and protection against data leaks. While such audits do not guarantee absolute security, they provide external confirmation of the claimed features.

Protection Against DNS / IPv6 / WebRTC Leaks

The service implements protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks to prevent the disclosure of a real IP address or DNS queries, even in the event of a connection failure. This is especially important when working in public networks or under censorship conditions.

Additional Features

Kill Switch - automatically cuts off the internet connection if the VPN stops working, preventing data leaks.
Multi‑Hop - routes traffic through two VPN servers in sequence, adding another layer of encryption.
Obfuscation (Camouflage Mode) - disguises VPN traffic as regular traffic, helping to bypass blocks in countries with restricted internet access.

Speed and Stability

Speed tests of Surfshark VPN conducted using various servers show that when connecting to nearby locations, the reduction in internet speed is moderate. For example, when connected to servers in Europe, the average download speed was around 186 Mbps with a baseline speed of approximately 200 Mbps without VPN, and the upload speed was about 221 Mbps. When connecting to servers in the United States, the download speed dropped to roughly 180 Mbps, and in Australia - to about 160 Mbps.

Connection stability remains at an acceptable level even when switching networks, such as moving from mobile internet to Wi‑Fi. The IKEv2 protocol is particularly well-suited for mobile devices, as it quickly re-establishes the connection after changing access points.

Regarding the impact on online services, Surfshark in most cases does not cause noticeable issues for messengers, VoIP calls, or streaming video. During testing, video calls on Zoom and in messaging apps remained stable, and HD and 4K streaming played without significant buffering, provided an optimal server was selected.

Torrenting (P2P) Usage

Surfshark supports P2P traffic on all its servers but recommends connecting to specially optimized P2P locations for better performance. In tests, the average torrent download speed on local servers was about 8.7 MiB/s (approximately a 13% speed loss from the baseline). The service does not offer port forwarding but includes a kill switch to prevent IP leaks in case of a connection drop. For secure file sharing, it is recommended to use the OpenVPN or WireGuard protocol and remain connected to the VPN until the download is complete.

Ease of Use

Interface and Setup Simplicity

Surfshark's applications have a straightforward layout: the main screen displays a connection button and a server list. Settings are organized into a few tabs, where you can choose a protocol, enable additional features (such as Kill Switch or Multi‑Hop), or adjust security parameters. For basic use, it is enough to install the app, log into your account, and click the connect button - the rest of the settings are preconfigured by default.

Quick Connect Modes

The service includes a Quick Connect feature that automatically selects the server with the best speed and stability for the user's current location. This is convenient when you need to establish a secure connection quickly without manually searching for the optimal location.

Manual Server Selection

Users can manually choose a country or a specific city from the list of available servers. There are also categories for specialized tasks, such as P2P servers or Multi‑Hop routes. This allows you to tailor the connection to specific needs - from accessing region-specific content to increasing anonymity.

Interface Localization

The Surfshark interface is available in several languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, and others.

Pricing and Plans

Subscription Plans

Surfshark offers several subscription options that vary in duration and cost:

Monthly plan - paid each month, with no long-term commitment.
Annual plan - a 12-month subscription at a lower rate compared to the monthly plan.
Two-year plan (27 months including a 3-month bonus) - the lowest monthly cost.

At the time of writing, prices start at approximately $1.99/month for the longest plan (Surfshark Starter) and go up to $3.99/month for the Surfshark One+ package with additional features. Prices may vary depending on region and applicable taxes.

Surfshark – 1‑Month Plan (Prices in USD for US customers; may vary in other countries)

Plan	Monthly Price (USD)	Features	Money‑Back Guarantee
*Surfshark Starter*	$15.45	VPN only, unlimited devices, AES‑256 encryption	30 days
*Surfshark One*	$17.95	VPN + antivirus + search tool + data breach alerts	30 days
*Surfshark One+*	$20.95	All One features + identity protection tools	30 days

Surfshark – 1‑Year Plan (Prices in USD for US customers; may vary in other countries)

Plan	Monthly Price (USD)	Total (per year)	Features	Money‑Back Guarantee
Surfshark Starter (Best Value)	$3.99	$47.88	VPN only, unlimited devices, AES‑256 encryption	30 days
*Surfshark One*	$4.49	$53.88	VPN + antivirus + search tool + data breach alerts	30 days
*Surfshark One+*	$5.49	$65.88	All One features + identity protection tools	30 days

Surfshark – 2‑Year Plan (Prices in USD for US customers; may vary in other countries)

Plan	Monthly Price (USD)	Total (per 27 months)	Features	Money‑Back Guarantee
Surfshark Starter (Best Value)	$1.99	$53.73	VPN only, unlimited devices, AES‑256 encryption	30 days
*Surfshark One*	$2.49	$67.23	VPN + antivirus + search tool + data breach alerts	30 days
*Surfshark One+*	$3.49	$94.23	All One features + identity protection tools	30 days

Try Surfshark VPN

Trial Period and Money-Back Guarantee

There is no full free trial available for all platforms, but the service offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. This allows users to test the functionality and request a refund within a month if they are not satisfied.

Payment Methods

Surfshark accepts payments via credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, and cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple) for those who wish to maintain greater anonymity. Payment via cash vouchers is not officially supported.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Support for modern protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2) and reliable AES‑256‑GCM encryption.
Ability to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously under one account.
P2P traffic supported on all servers, with optimized locations available for torrenting.
Additional security features: Kill Switch, Multi‑Hop, traffic obfuscation.
30‑day money‑back guarantee.
Wide geographic coverage — over 100 countries.

Cons:

Jurisdiction in a country that is part of the 9 Eyes alliance (may be important for users with heightened privacy requirements).
No fully free trial available for all platforms.
No port forwarding feature, which may be a limitation for certain P2P scenarios.
Speeds on distant servers are noticeably lower than on local ones.

Recommendations for Scenarios

Grayman

For those who aim to remain unnoticed in everyday life, a VPN can be a tool for reducing digital visibility. Using Surfshark to mask your IP address and encrypt traffic helps avoid unwanted tracking by ISPs, advertising networks, or open Wi‑Fi hotspots. It is recommended to set the VPN to connect automatically at device startup and to use the Camouflage Mode feature so that VPN traffic appears as regular traffic.

Prepper

As part of a personal security and communications plan, a VPN can be an essential component of a basic digital toolkit. Surfshark enables the creation of secure communication channels for exchanging messages, documents, and coordinates. Using Multi‑Hop routes adds an extra layer of protection, and connecting through servers in other countries helps maintain access to important resources even in the event of local restrictions. For greater reliability, it is advisable to have VPN clients installed on multiple devices — a laptop, smartphone, and tablet.

Bugout

During evacuation or relocation to another country, a VPN can help maintain access to familiar online services, bank accounts, and work platforms that may be blocked in the new region. Surfshark allows you to quickly change your virtual location, which is useful for bypassing geographic restrictions. Using the mobile app with a quick connect feature enables you to establish a secure connection promptly, even in unstable conditions.

FAQ

1. Does Surfshark keep logs of my online activity?
Surfshark states it has a no‑logs policy — meaning it does not store information about visited websites, transferred files, or other user activities. This policy was verified by independent audit firm Deloitte in 2022.

2. Can Surfshark be used for torrenting?
Yes, the service supports P2P traffic on all servers, but for better speeds it recommends connecting to optimized P2P locations.

3. Does Surfshark work in countries with restricted internet access?
The service includes a traffic obfuscation feature (Camouflage Mode) that helps bypass VPN blocks in countries with censorship. Effectiveness may vary depending on specific conditions and the level of restrictions.

4. How many devices can use one subscription?
Surfshark allows an unlimited number of simultaneous connections under a single account.

5. Is there a free version of Surfshark?
There is no fully free version, but a 30‑day money‑back guarantee is available, allowing you to test the service and request a refund if it does not meet your needs.

6. What payment methods are supported?
Available options include credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, and cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple) for more anonymous payments.

Conclusion

Surfshark VPN offers a set of features that can be useful for users who value privacy, want to reduce the risk of online tracking, and maintain access to information in various conditions. In the context of Grayman, Prepper, and Bugout approaches, this service can be part of a digital toolkit for securing communications, working in public networks, and bypassing regional restrictions.

Surfshark will be most beneficial for those who:

are looking for a multi‑platform solution with the ability to connect an unlimited number of devices;
plan to use a VPN while traveling, working on open Wi‑Fi networks, or in regions with restricted access to resources;
want additional security tools such as Multi‑Hop or traffic obfuscation.

If you are considering a VPN as part of your digital security strategy, it is worth reviewing Surfshark’s technical specifications and comparing them with other services in our series of reviews. This will help you choose the solution that best fits your needs and usage scenarios.

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We Don’t Insist — We Share

This material reflects our perspective on a tool that can become part of your digital autonomy. We are not urging you to purchase Surfshark specifically. You decide whether you need a VPN, and if so — which provider to choose. The key is making an informed decision. With this article, our primary goal is to provide value, not to earn commissions from your registration, even though it contains affiliate links to the Surfshark service. Services come and go, but the community remains.