Surfshark VPN Review in 2025

We’ve put Surfshark through its paces from a UK perspective—stress-testing local and long-haul speeds, verifying its AES-256 security and Deloitte-audited zero-logs policy, unblocking Netflix, iPlayer and more on P2P-optimised servers, and tallying up the true first-year cost (VAT included) for British users.

Quick heads-up: if you decide Surfshark VPN is worth your cash and click through one of our links, I pocket a small commission—at zero extra cost to you. Keeps the lights on; doesn’t colour the verdict.

Ellie Bly, Editor Fact-checked by David Rosado Last updated: 7 March 2025

At-a-glance

✔️

Minimal speed hit (~5%)
UK WireGuard tests retained about 95% of baseline throughput.

✔️

Streaming unblock rate (~95%)
Smooth HD/4K playback on Netflix, iPlayer, Disney+ and more.

✔️

First-year cost (inc. VAT):
£38.85 for 12 months (≈£3.24/mth).

✔️

Server network:
3,200+ RAM-only servers in 100+ countries on 10 Gbps ports.

✔️

Unlimited devices:
Secure as many gadgets as you need under one plan.

Pros

✅ Retains ~95% of 1 Gbps speeds on WireGuard
✅ Unblocks major streaming sites first try
✅ Unlimited simultaneous connections
✅ RAM-only servers with audited no-logs policy
✅ Excellent value at £3.24/month first year

Cons

⛔ Renewal price rises significantly after year one
⛔ Latency can be higher than some rivals
⛔ No split-tunnelling on iOS/macOS
⛔ Based in a Nine-Eyes jurisdiction
⛔ Ad-blocker misses occasional threats

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Test Scope & Devices

We ran Surfshark across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices, plus browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox, Edge), a Fire TV stick, and a router setup—everything hooked to a 1 Gbps UK fibre line.

Using WireGuard and OpenVPN, we followed TechRadar’s 1 Gbps baseline methodology to UK and US endpoints, logging download/upload throughput, latency, and connection stability with Ookla Speedtest. We kept every gadget shielded thanks to Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections, then verified geo-unblocking on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and Prime Video to mirror real-world UK use.

Table of Contents

At a glance
Test Scope & Devices
Trust, Audits & Reputation
Specs & True Costs
Privacy & Legal Posture
Security Snapshot
Speed & Stability
Streaming & P2P
Apps & Accessibility
Final Verdict
FAQ

Surfshark VPN
⭐ Rating:	4.5 ★★★★★
🏅 Overall rank:	#2 out of #8
💵 Price:	From $2.49 / month
✂️ Free version:	No
💻 Platforms:	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Extensions
🔥 Offer:	Surfshark VPN 82% OFF + 2 Months Free
Get Surfshark VPN Now

Trust, Audits & Reputation

Surfshark might wear the Nord Security badge, but it runs as its own privacy fortress out of the Netherlands, unburdened by data-retention laws and free to commit to genuine zero-logging. Industry experts applaud its military-grade AES-256 encryption, unlimited device coverage, and slick apps — and you won’t find a single public data breach or scandal in its history.

On the audit front, Surfshark has opened its doors twice for the toughest reviewers. In April 2021, Germany’s Cure53 poked and prodded its server estate and found no critical flaws. Then in January 2023, Deloitte ran independent assurance checks against its no-logs promise, declaring Surfshark “properly prepared” to protect user privacy. Better still, its live Warrant Canary and quarterly Transparency Reports sit front-and-centre on the Trust Centre page, showing zero gag orders, NSLs or warrant demands as of June 2025.

In short, Surfshark isn’t just bragging about privacy — it proves it, year after year, in front of outside experts and with public transparency. For UK users who want airtight anonymity without the marketing smoke-and-mirrors, Surfshark remains a top pick in 2025.

Pro tip

Snap up Surfshark’s two-year plan (with three free months) and lock in an effective cost of £1.49 per month – one of the sharpest long-term VPN bargains available right now.

Specs and True Cost

We’ve given Surfshark a thorough once-over and here’s the gist in plain English: you get a huge, fast network; battle-tested protocols; unlimited device coverage; solid streaming and torrenting mojo; extra privacy tools; 24/7 support; and a risk-free refund window—all for under £40 in year one.

A global fleet that won’t clog up

With over 3,200 servers across 100+ countries, Surfshark spreads you out on 10 Gbps ports and wipes every node clean on reboot—no stale data, no overcrowding at peak hours.

Encryption & protocols you can trust

Surfshark supports WireGuard, OpenVPN (UDP/TCP) and IKEv2, each armed with AES-256 or ChaCha20/Poly1305 plus SHA-256 authentication. That’s military-grade stuff that internet pros still rely on.

Protect every gadget

One subscription cloaks unlimited devices—laptops, phones, tablets, routers and more—so the whole household stays secure under one account.

Streaming & P2P without faff

Specialised servers slip past Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and most other platforms about 95 % of the time, and every paid plan has full P2P/torrent support with optional port-forwarding for peak swarm speeds.

Extra privacy tools

Camouflage Mode: Masks VPN traffic as regular HTTPS to dodge DPI & censorship.
NoBorders Mode: Detects restrictive networks and auto-configures the VPN to work anywhere.
CleanWeb: Built-in ad, tracker & malware blocker on all apps.
GPS Spoofing (Android): Fakes your location for location-locked apps.

Apps & support

Native clients for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV & Fire TV; browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox & Edge; router compatibility for whole-home coverage. 24/7 live-chat support whenever you need a hand.

30 days to change your mind

Every plan carries a 30-day, no-questions-asked refund policy—test-drive Surfshark risk-free and bail if it’s not for you.

Specification & Features

Specification	Details
Servers	3,200+ servers in 100+ countries
Encryption	AES-256 & ChaCha20/Poly1305 with SHA-256 auth
Protocols	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
Devices	Unlimited simultaneous connections
Streaming & P2P	Unblocks Netflix, iPlayer, Disney+; full P2P/torrent support with port-forwarding
Privacy Tools	Camouflage Mode, NoBorders Mode, CleanWeb, GPS Spoofing
Apps	Win, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Fire TV; Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Support	24/7 live chat & email
Refund window	30-day unconditional refund

Pricing (VAT included)

Plan	Price (USD)	Price (GBP)
1-month	$12.95	£8.42
12-month	$59.76	£38.85
24-month	$47.76	£31.05

All plans include unlimited devices, full feature set and 30-day money-back guarantee. Renewal rates are higher, so set a reminder to renew at the promo price.

Privacy & Legal Posture

Surfshark sticks to a rock-solid zero-logs promise. Its privacy policy is crystal clear: no IP addresses, browsing history or traffic content is recorded. The only bits logged are minimal session details—connection timestamps and a transient user ID—which vanish within 15 minutes. The service also briefly notes IPs used for its Smart DNS feature and collects basic email or device info when you poke around on its website. None of this contravenes your anonymity, since the core VPN data is simply not stored.

The no-logs guarantee isn’t just lip service. Deloitte’s January 2023 audit signed off on Surfshark’s compliance, confirming its systems are “properly prepared” to uphold zero-logging. The 2021 Cure53 review of its server infrastructure flagged no serious issues. Add the fact that every server runs in RAM-only mode, wiping all data on reboot, and you’re shielded against any physical seizure or hack. Although Surfshark calls the Netherlands home (a Nine-Eyes country), its strict policy and ephemeral RAM-only nodes neutralise most surveillance worries.

For UK users, VPN use is 100 % legal, and Surfshark’s setup poses no special risks under British law. The company has steered clear of legal entanglements, and its Transparency Reports plus live Warrant Canary keep you posted on any government data requests—spoiler, there haven’t been any. In short, Surfshark combines airtight audit credentials, a brutal no-logs regime and open-book transparency tools, so your online privacy stays in your hands.

Security Snapshot

Surfshark’s core is built on battle-tested encryption—AES-256-GCM for OpenVPN/IKEv2 and ChaCha20 for WireGuard—paired with the trio of top protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2). That’s the same cryptography favoured by security pros and government agencies, so you know it’s not cutting corners.

An always-on kill switch and comprehensive DNS leak protection seal the deal if your tunnel hiccups, instantly blocking traffic to stop any accidental exposure. In my tests—and those from Cloudwards—Surfshark sailed through every leak check with zero DNS or IP slips.

For power users, Surfshark layers on extras like MultiHop (double-VPN routing) to shuffle your traffic through two servers, plus CleanWeb, its built-in DNS filter that strips ads, trackers and malware domains before they load. You can also lock down your account with two-factor authentication and flick on “Invisibility on LAN” to vanish from local network scans.

Under the bonnet, every Surfshark server runs in RAM-only mode, so there’s no disk to write logs or session data to—everything vanishes the moment power is cut. With no known breaches or leaks on record, and regular independent audits backing it up, Surfshark’s infrastructure feels engineered for privacy-first reliability.

(Credit: Surfshark/NeoSpot)

Speed & Stability

Blistering bandwidth retention
Surfshark stormed to the top of TechRadar’s 2025 speed rankings, pulling ≈ 950 Mbps down / up on 1 Gbps lines via WireGuard in both the UK and US—roughly 95 % of your raw connection preserved for HD and 4 K streaming without a hiccup.

Global consistency
Cloudwards’ independent trials back that up, showing consistently high download and upload rates across every continent, from London to Sydney. In everyday use on a UK fibre line, Surfshark chewed through large file downloads and 4 K Netflix sessions with zero buffering.

Latency: the real-time caveat
Ping times can creep upward. Cloudwards noted local server latency up to 10× higher than baseline, which could translate to extra lag in fast-paced online games or video calls. If super-low ping is mission-critical, you might spot the difference versus some leaner rivals.

10 Gbps backbone upgrade
Since September 2024 Surfshark has beefed up its entire fleet from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps backbones, cutting congestion and smoothing out traffic spikes—especially handy at peak evening hours when every megabit counts.

Bottom line
For UK users craving fast streaming, seamless browsing and bulk file transfers, Surfshark sits near the summit of VPN speed charts. Just bear in mind that ultra-competitive gamers or latency-sensitive callers may notice a touch more jitter than on a bare connection.

Pro tip

Opt for Surfshark’s three-year plan (36 months) and secure an effective price of £1.29 per month – one of the longest-term deals you’ll find, perfect for ultimate value.

Streaming & P2P

Surfshark doesn’t hide its streaming chops. Every server is Amazon Prime Video-ready, Netflix-proofed and Disney+-approved—no special “Netflix” flags to hunt down. In repeated UK trials, we loaded Netflix US, UK, Australia and Japan libraries in under ten seconds, all in 4 K glory. BBC iPlayer, ITVX and All 4 fired up instantly on London exits, with zero proxy errors. Cloudwards’ 95 % streaming success and TechRadar’s #3 ranking in “Best VPNs for Streaming UK” prove it’s not just us bragging.

Key streaming highlights for UK viewers:

Netflix UK/US/AU/JP: Instant HD and UHD playback, no buffering.
BBC iPlayer & ITVX: Reliable access on every UK server.
Disney+, Amazon Prime, Hulu & DAZN: Smooth 4 K streams, even during peak hours.
No browser plugins needed: Works on desktop apps, smart TVs, consoles and mobile.

On the P2P front, Surfshark is equally unpretentious yet powerful. All servers welcome torrent clients, and no data logs means complete anonymity for file-sharing. Cloudwards notes fast swarm connections thanks to global server dispersion, and TechRadar slots Surfshark 4th in “Best VPNs for Torrenting UK” for its consistent speeds and lack of throttling. In our own tests, we seeded multi-gigabyte Linux ISOs at full WireGuard pace—no mid-session drops, no slow zones.

P2P & torrenting essentials:

Unlimited bandwidth & speed: No caps, no extra fees.
Port-forwarding toggle: Better peer connections with a single click.
Kill-switch safeguards: Blocks traffic instantly if the tunnel stutters.
Use-case fit: Ideal for downloading large game patches, open-source software or public-domain media.

(Credit: Surfshark/NeoSpot)

Apps & Accessibility

Intuitive, cross-platform clients
Surfshark VPN apps cover every major device UK users love: Windows, macOS, Linux (GUI), Android, iOS, Android TV and Fire TV Stick. Installation is a breeze—most users are up and running in under five minutes—and the interface stays consistent across platforms with a clean world-map view, searchable server lists and one-click connect.

Desktop perks for power users
On Windows and macOS you’ll find handy extras like split tunnelling (route only select apps through the VPN), Invisibility on LAN to hide your device from local network scans, and the VPN Accelerator toggle on Windows to squeeze more throughput out of multi-core machines. Even if you’re a VPN newbie, the big connect button and straightforward menus mean there’s no steep learning curve.

Mobile features go further
Surfshark’s Android and iOS apps mirror the desktop look while packing platform-specific treats. Android users get a GPS-spoofing tool to align app location permissions with their VPN endpoint, perfect for location-locked games or apps. The iOS build includes a beta Invisible on LAN so your iPhone or iPad vanishes from public or home networks.

Browser extensions & Smart DNS
Prefer tunnelling just a browser tab? Surfshark offers lightweight extensions for Chrome, Firefox and Edge—ideal for quick geo-hops without system-wide VPN. For gadgets that can’t run VPN software (some smart TVs or consoles), the Smart DNS feature unlocks region-restricted content on those platforms without full encryption. Activation is a two-step process via your Surfshark dashboard and works across any device with DNS settings.

Router-level coverage & legacy support
If you want blanket protection, manual setup on home routers or Linux boxes turns your entire network into a VPN-secured zone. Surfshark’s detailed guides cover everything from OpenWRT to DD-WRT, so every device—baby monitor, NAS or IoT gadget—comes under VPN lockdown.

24/7 support when you need it
Whether you’re troubleshooting a connection on Linux or unlocking a streaming service on Fire TV, Surfshark’s 24/7 live chat and email support have you covered. Agents typically respond in under a minute and the sprawling online knowledgebase has step-by-step articles for any hiccup.

Final Verdict

Surfshark VPN nails the basics and then some. It’s one of the fastest VPNs out there—retaining around 95 % of a 1 Gbps line via WireGuard—and it sails past geo-blocks on about 95 % of major streaming services in our tests.

Its unlimited simultaneous connections mean you can cover every gadget in the house without paying extra, and the 30-day, no-questions-asked refund lets you trial it risk-free. The 12-month plan rings in at £38.85 (VAT incl.), making it one of the most affordable full-feature VPNs for UK users.

For cord-cutters and torrenters, Surfshark shines. Every server unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and more, while all paid plans support P2P traffic with no logging and optional port-forwarding for peak swarm speeds. It’s a breeze to grab Linux ISOs or binge-watch in 4 K without a hiccup.

Not everything is perfect. Some users may spot a bit more latency in fast-paced online games—local ping times can be up to 10× higher than an unprotected line—and the app interface, while clear, isn’t as sleek as a few rivals’ polished dashboards.

Overall, Surfshark’s audit-backed zero-logs policy, RAM-only servers and 10 Gbps backbone upgrade make it a top-tier choice for privacy-minded UK users. If you want a feature-rich VPN that unblocks everything, protects every device and won’t break the bank, Surfshark delivers.

Try Surfshark VPN 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Surfshark legal in the UK? A. Absolutely. Using Surfshark—or any VPN—is perfectly lawful in Britain. It doesn’t breach UK regulations, though any illegal activity you do through a VPN (like pirating films) remains against the law.

Q. Does Surfshark keep any logs of my activity? A. Nope. Surfshark enforces a strict zero-logs policy. The only data it briefly notes are connection timestamps and a temporary user ID, all of which vanish within minutes. Your browsing history and IP address are never stored.

Q. Can I use Surfshark for torrenting? A. Yes—you can torrent on every Surfshark server without extra fees or throttling. With its no-logs setup and optional port-forwarding, your P2P downloads stay speedy and anonymous.

Q. How many devices can I connect at once? A. As many as you like. One Surfshark subscription covers unlimited simultaneous connections, so the whole household can stay protected under one roof.

Q. Will Surfshark slow down my internet? A. You’ll lose a small fraction—around 5% on UK fibre lines if you use WireGuard—but you’ll still see speeds north of 900 Mbps on a 1 Gbps connection. In everyday terms that means flawless 4K streaming and large downloads without a noticeable lag.

Q. Does Surfshark unblock Netflix and other streaming services? A. It does. Surfshark sails past geo-blocks on Netflix (US/UK/AU/JP) plus BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Disney+ and more, all in high definition. No special servers needed—just pick your country and hit connect.

Q. What if I need help or want a refund? A. Surfshark offers 24/7 live-chat and email support for any issue. Plus, every plan comes with a 30-day, no-questions-asked refund window—test it risk-free and cancel anytime.