Surfshark: VPN für mehr Schutz

Surfshark: VPN für mehr Schutz

Surfshark VPN is a premium VPN service with 10M+ downloads and 4.6/5 rating, offering unlimited device connections, strong security features, and 3,200+ servers, though it comes with recent connection stability issues and customer service challenges.

Surfshark VPN is a popular premium VPN service with over 10 million downloads and a strong 4.6/5 rating on Android. The service has built a reputation for offering unlimited device connections and comprehensive security features, making it a competitive choice among premium VPN providers. What sets Surfshark VPN apart is its unique value proposition of unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing users to protect all their devices with a single subscription. Unlike NordVPN which limits to 10 devices, Surfshark offers unlimited connections. The service offers 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries, military-grade encryption, and advanced features like CleanWeb 2.0 for ad blocking and Dynamic MultiHop for enhanced security. However, Surfshark VPN's premium positioning comes with both benefits and drawbacks. While the service offers excellent security features and good value for money, it has faced some criticism for recent connection stability issues and customer service challenges. The recent rating drop to 3.16/5 in the last 100 reviews suggests some recent quality concerns. For users who prioritize unlimited device connections and are willing to pay for premium features, Surfshark VPN remains a solid choice. However, those seeking free alternatives or experiencing budget constraints might find better value with services like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, which offer strong free tiers with fewer limitations.

Key Features

  • Unlimited device connections – Connect unlimited devices simultaneously with a single subscription
  • 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries – Access to servers worldwide for bypassing geo-restrictions
  • Military-grade encryption (AES-256) – Strong encryption to secure your connection and protect your data
  • No-logs policy with independent audits – The service does not collect or store any user data
  • CleanWeb 2.0 ad blocking – Block ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts
  • Dynamic MultiHop – Connect via two different servers simultaneously for enhanced security
  • Alternative ID – Generate alternative online identities for enhanced privacy
  • Built-in antivirus protection – Shield your device from viruses and malware
  • 24/7 customer support – Helpful support team available to assist you

Pros

  • Unlimited device connections
  • Comprehensive security features
  • Good value for money
  • Strong ad blocking capabilities
  • Alternative ID for privacy
  • Built-in antivirus protection
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Multi-platform support

Cons

  • No free tier available
  • Recent connection stability issues
  • Customer service challenges
  • Billing and cancellation issues
  • Some servers may be slow or unreliable
  • Limited free trial options
  • Requires subscription for full features
  • Auto-renewal concerns

Pricing

Surfshark VPN operates on a subscription-based model with no free tier, positioning itself as a premium VPN service.

Subscription Plans:

  • 1-Month Plan: $10.99/month
  • 12-Month Plan: $47.99/year (effectively $4.00/month)
  • 24-Month Plan: $59.99 for 2 years (effectively $2.50/month)
  • 7-Day Free Trial: Available for new users

Key Features Included:

  • Access to 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries
  • Military-grade encryption (AES-256)
  • No-logs policy with independent audits
  • Kill switch protection
  • CleanWeb 2.0 (ad and malware blocking)
  • Dynamic MultiHop for enhanced security
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Alternative ID for online privacy
  • Built-in antivirus protection

Payment Methods:

  • Credit cards
  • PayPal
  • Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.)
  • Google Play/App Store (for mobile subscriptions)

Money-Back Guarantee:

  • 30-day money-back guarantee for all plans
  • Full refund if not satisfied with the service

Additional Services:

  • Surfshark One (comprehensive security suite)
  • Alternative ID (online identity protection)
  • Alert (data breach monitoring)

Surfshark VPN's pricing reflects its premium positioning, with costs competitive with other premium VPN services. Unlike Proton VPN which offers a free tier, Surfshark VPN focuses exclusively on premium features with unlimited device connections. The service justifies its price through unlimited device connections, advanced security features, and comprehensive privacy protection. For users seeking free alternatives, Thunder VPN offers a more user-friendly free experience with minimal ads.

Review

7.5

In our review of Surfshark VPN, we considered the categories Features, Design, Ease of Use, Security & Privacy, Value for Money and Performance. Each category was given equal importance and we'll dive into the details of each in the following section.

Features
8.5

Surfshark VPN offers an impressive array of features that justify its premium positioning. The service includes military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and advanced security protocols. The unlimited device connections, CleanWeb 2.0 ad blocking, and Dynamic MultiHop provide comprehensive security options for different use cases.

What sets Surfshark VPN apart is its unique value proposition of unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing users to protect all their devices with a single subscription. Unlike NordVPN which limits to 10 devices, Surfshark offers unlimited connections. The service also includes advanced features like Alternative ID for online privacy, built-in antivirus protection, and comprehensive ad blocking capabilities.

However, the service lacks some advanced features found in newer VPN providers, such as specialized servers for specific use cases and some cutting-edge privacy features. The service also doesn't offer some advanced features like obfuscated servers or specialized streaming servers that some competitors provide.

Compared to free alternatives like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, Surfshark VPN offers significantly more features, but the premium pricing means users need to evaluate whether these additional capabilities justify the cost. The service provides excellent value for users who need comprehensive VPN features.

Design
8.0

Surfshark VPN's interface strikes a good balance between functionality and user-friendliness. The main screen provides quick access to connection controls, server selection, and key settings. The server selection process is intuitive and visually appealing, making it easy to choose servers in different countries.

The app's design is clean and professional, with a modern interface that's easy on the eyes. The connection status is clearly displayed, and the kill switch toggle is easily accessible. The settings menu is well-organized, allowing users to customize their experience without feeling overwhelmed.

The interface is generally user-friendly and doesn't overwhelm users with complex options. The server selection process is straightforward, and the connection process is smooth and reliable. The app provides clear feedback about connection status and server performance.

Compared to other premium VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, Surfshark VPN's design is competitive and well-polished. The interface is functional and professional, with good attention to detail and user experience. The design reflects the premium positioning of the service.

Ease of Use
7.0

Surfshark VPN is generally easy to use for basic VPN functionality, with a simple one-tap connection process that requires no technical knowledge. The app's interface is intuitive, and most users can get connected quickly without any setup or configuration.

The service offers automatic server selection and connection, making it accessible to users of all technical levels. The app doesn't require complex configuration, and the connection process is straightforward. The service works well for most use cases and provides good performance when functioning properly.

However, the service's ease of use is compromised by recent connection stability issues. Many users report frequent connection drops and the need to manually reconnect multiple times per day. The app can be slow to connect, and some users experience issues with the auto-connect feature not working reliably.

Compared to other premium VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, Surfshark VPN's ease of use is similar but not significantly better. The connection stability issues can be frustrating for users who expect reliability from a paid service, and the premium pricing doesn't translate to a significantly better user experience.

Security & Privacy
8.0

Surfshark VPN takes security and privacy seriously, with military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited. The service uses AES-256 encryption and supports multiple VPN protocols. The kill switch protection ensures that internet traffic is blocked if the VPN connection drops.

The service's no-logs policy is comprehensive and has been verified by independent security firms. Surfshark VPN is based in the Netherlands, which provides some legal protection for user privacy. The service also includes advanced features like Dynamic MultiHop for enhanced security and privacy protection.

However, Surfshark VPN has faced some security concerns in the past, particularly around its acquisition by Nord Security. While the company has maintained its privacy commitments, some users remain concerned about the service's ownership and data practices. The service also lacks some advanced privacy features found in newer VPN providers.

Compared to other premium VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, Surfshark VPN's security practices are solid but not exceptional. The service provides good protection for most users, but those with high security requirements might want to consider alternatives with more advanced privacy features.

Value for Money
7.5

Surfshark VPN's value proposition is strong, with unlimited device connections and comprehensive security features for a competitive price. The service offers good value for money compared to other premium VPNs, with the ability to connect unlimited devices simultaneously being a significant advantage.

The service's pricing is competitive with other premium VPNs, and the unlimited device connections make it particularly attractive for families or users with multiple devices. Unlike NordVPN which limits to 10 devices, Surfshark offers unlimited connections. The comprehensive security features and ad blocking capabilities add value beyond basic VPN functionality.

However, the service's value is impacted by recent connection stability issues and customer service challenges. Many users report frequent disconnections and the need to manually reconnect multiple times per day. The premium pricing doesn't translate to the reliability and performance that users expect from a paid service.

Compared to free alternatives like Proton VPN or Windscribe VPN, Surfshark VPN offers more features but at a significantly higher cost. The connection stability issues make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives that offer similar performance with fewer limitations.

Performance
6.0

Surfshark VPN's performance is inconsistent, with good speeds when working but frequent connection issues that significantly impact usability. The service offers decent connection speeds and server coverage, but the frequent disconnections and advertising make it difficult to use reliably.

The service works well for basic geo-blocking and content access when connected, but many users report frequent connection drops and the need to manually reconnect multiple times per day. The connection stability issues are particularly concerning given the premium pricing.

The service's performance issues are particularly concerning given the premium pricing. Users expect reliability and performance from a paid service, but Surfshark VPN's connection problems make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives that offer similar performance with fewer limitations.

Compared to other premium VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, Surfshark VPN's performance is below average. The connection stability issues make it difficult to justify the premium pricing, and users might find better value with alternatives that offer similar features with better reliability.

Conclusion

Surfshark VPN is a premium VPN service that offers excellent value for money with unlimited device connections and comprehensive security features, but its value proposition is compromised by recent connection stability issues and customer service challenges. The service provides good security and privacy protection, but the frequent disconnections and reliability problems make it difficult to recommend over free alternatives. For users who prioritize unlimited device connections and are willing to deal with connection issues, Surfshark VPN offers a solid feature set with good performance when working. However, those seeking reliability and consistent performance might find better value with alternatives like Proton VPN that offer similar features with better stability, or Thunder VPN for a more user-friendly free experience. Ultimately, Surfshark VPN's premium pricing doesn't translate to the reliability and performance that users expect from a paid service. While the service offers good security features, the connection stability issues make it difficult to justify the cost over free alternatives that provide similar performance with fewer limitations.