VPN review
Surfshark review
Surfshark provides unlimited simultaneous VPN connections, desktop and mobile apps, WireGuard/OpenVPN and Bypasser split tunneling on supported platforms.
By VPNTrends · Updated 2026-10-21
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Our assessment
A flexible device allowance, with regional pricing to check
Unlimited simultaneous connections remove a fixed device-count constraint. Starter is the tier compared here; additional Surfshark bundles should be evaluated separately rather than assumed to be included.
Key capabilities
Surfshark provides unlimited simultaneous VPN connections, desktop and mobile apps, WireGuard/OpenVPN and Bypasser split tunneling on supported platforms.
Limitations to check
The US/USD 27-month offer now has a verified USD 79 annual renewal. The separate 15-month offer still has no confirmed renewal amount.
See platform support ↓
Surfshark privacy and server design
Surfshark combines a no-logs policy with RAM-only server infrastructure. Its privacy programme includes Deloitte no-logs assessments in 2023 and 2025. Running VPN servers in RAM reduces the persistence of data on those servers after a reboot; it does not mean that a customer account or payment relationship stops existing.
For a buyer, the important distinction is between protection of VPN traffic and other ways a website can identify a visitor. Logging into an account, allowing browser tracking or sharing location permission can still reveal information independently of the VPN. Treat Surfshark as a network privacy tool, with browser and account choices handled separately.
Unlimited connections and multi-device use
Starter’s unlimited simultaneous-device allowance removes a fixed numerical cap from a household’s planning. That is helpful if you want to keep several phones, computers and tablets connected without deciding which one to disconnect first. It does not imply unlimited speed on your home connection: the devices still share the available network capacity.
Surfshark covers the main desktop and mobile systems. Split-tunneling support is established here for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android, but the precise app controls can vary. Linux app availability by itself does not establish the same split-tunneling behaviour. Match the platform-specific function to the device on which you need it.
Choosing features rather than buying a bundle by name
The reviewed tier is Starter. Surfshark sells a wider family of security products, so compare the VPN allowance and features of Starter before attributing every product in a higher bundle to the entry-level subscription. A dedicated IP is a paid add-on, rather than a consequence of having unlimited device connections.
A dedicated address can help with repeat access to a system that expects a stable IP. A standard shared exit is usually the more straightforward starting point when you simply want a VPN connection. Neither choice replaces GPS settings on a phone or guarantees that a streaming service will accept a VPN exit address.
Why Surfshark’s currency and renewal details matter
Surfshark’s introductory offers need to be compared within their own currency and region. The US/USD quote now establishes USD 67.23 for 27 initial months and USD 79 for each 12-month renewal. The separate 15-month introductory offer still has no verified renewal amount; an amount from another offer or currency is not substituted.
This makes the first-payment column particularly useful. A long prepaid subscription can advertise a low monthly equivalent while charging the whole initial term immediately. Before purchasing, confirm the checkout currency, taxes, renewal amount and renewal period. An unknown renewal is a reason to check the order terms, not a reason to assume that the promotional rate will continue.
Who benefits most from Surfshark Starter?
Surfshark is worth comparing when the number of simultaneously connected devices is a practical concern and you want one VPN subscription across a mixed household. Its documented split-tunneling coverage on several major platforms can also be relevant when direct and VPN traffic need to coexist.
The documented 27-month USD offer has a verified 12-month renewal amount; the separate 15-month offer still requires a renewal check before buying. Likewise, Linux users with a specific routing requirement should check that requirement independently of the general Linux app listing. The strongest case for Starter is its match to your devices and workflow, rather than simply the length of the introductory discount.
Plans, first payment and renewal
Introductory offers and renewals are different billing periods. Compare the actual charge and included months, not only an advertised monthly equivalent.
| Plan | First payment | Monthly equivalent | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter — 2 years + 3 extra months | USD 67.23First 27 months | USD 2.49Introductory equivalent | USD 79.00Every 12 months |
| Starter — 1 year + 3 extra months | USD 50.85First 15 months | USD 3.39Introductory equivalent | USD 79.00Every 12 months |
| Starter — monthly | USD 18.95First 1 months | USD 18.95Introductory equivalent | USD 18.95Every 1 months |
Starter US/USD quote confirms USD 67.23 for 27 initial months, then USD 79 every 12 months. Monthly is USD 18.95 and renews monthly at that amount. The separate 15-month introductory offer still has no verified renewal amount. Taxes and regional offers may differ.
Features and platform support
Support can differ between apps and operating systems. Platform coverage and limitations are shown below.
- Windows
Native Windows application is listed on the official download page.
- macOS
Native macOS application is listed on the official download page.
- Linux
Native Linux application is listed on the official download page.
- iOS
Native iOS application is listed on the official download page.
- Android
Native Android application is listed on the official download page.
- WireGuard / WireGuard-based protocol
WireGuard is supported; protocol choices depend on application/platform. Official current WireGuard article explicitly lists all five app platforms. The generic support protocol article omits Linux from its WireGuard note; dedicated Linux pages independently document support.
Verified platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.- OpenVPN
OpenVPN UDP/TCP supported on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. Official support explicitly lists Android, macOS, Windows, iOS and Linux under OpenVPN availability.
Verified platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.- Kill switch
Kill Switch blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. The section Surfshark Kill Switch on your devices explicitly lists iOS, macOS, Android, Windows and Linux.
Verified platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.- Router support
Router firmware must have an OpenVPN or WireGuard client; router setups omit many app features.
- Split tunneling
Bypasser documented on Windows, macOS, Android and iOS. Options vary; this page does not list Linux Bypasser. Official Bypasser platform list names Windows, macOS, Android and iOS; options differ (applications versus websites). Linux is not added without explicit feature documentation.
Verified platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android.- Dedicated IP available
Purchased separately; one Dedicated IP per account, with supported manual protocols including OpenVPN and WireGuard.
Paid add-on; excluded from VPN price
Questions about Surfshark
How many devices can connect simultaneously?
Paid VPN subscriptions allow unlimited simultaneous connections. A free trial is limited to three devices.
Is the introductory monthly equivalent the renewal price?
No. It divides the exact first payment by its initial service period. Renewal is shown separately with its own charge and period; an unknown renewal is never inferred from the introductory offer.
Does a supported platform include every feature?
No. Protocols, split tunneling and kill switches can have different platform support. Use the feature descriptions above to check the app you intend to use.
Does unlimited devices mean unlimited speed?
No. The allowance removes a fixed simultaneous-device cap. Your internet connection and the network path still limit the capacity available to all connected devices.
Can a renewal in another currency be used for the USD offer?
No. An introductory charge and renewal must belong to the same currency, region and subscription. Unknown renewal amounts remain unknown.
Before you choose
Regional offers, taxes and purchase channels can change the amount billed. Paid add-ons are identified separately, and unavailable pricing remains marked as not verified.
We have not conducted hands-on speed, streaming or app tests for this review. No numerical ratings or test badges are assigned.