Score Breakdown
Pros & Cons
What We Liked
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Clean apps
- CleanWeb ad blocker
- MultiHop servers
Room for Improvement
- Speeds inconsistent on some servers
- No split tunneling on iOS
Speed Performance
Surfshark delivered 720 Mbps download and 510 Mbps upload on our 1 Gbps test line. Latency averaged 12ms to the nearest server — excellent for real-time applications. We ran tests at peak hours (6–9 PM local) and off-peak (2–4 AM) and found consistent results across both windows, suggesting the provider manages server load effectively.
Streaming Performance
We tested Surfshark against the major streaming platforms from UK and US servers. Here is what we found:
Unblocked
- ✓ Netflix US/UK
- ✓ Disney+
- ✓ HBO Max
- ✓ BBC iPlayer
Unreliable / Blocked
- ✗ DAZN
Security
Surfshark supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2. The kill switch disconnects all traffic if the VPN tunnel drops — we tested this by pulling the network cable mid-session and confirmed no data leaked. DNS leak protection is active by default. We verified using ipleak.net — all DNS queries resolved through the VPN's servers, not our ISP.
Privacy & Logging Policy
The provider is based in Netherlands and claims a strict no-logs policy. Deloitte independent audit. The privacy policy does not retain connection timestamps, IP addresses, or session duration. Users in high-surveillance jurisdictions should be aware of the local legal environment.
Windows App & Platforms
Surfshark provides a native Windows app compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11. Installation takes under three minutes. The interface is clean — connect with one click, or browse the server list by country. Split tunneling, kill switch, and protocol selection are all accessible without hunting through settings menus.
Additional platforms: macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, browser extensions, and select router firmware.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | $2.19/month | Unlimited |
| 1 Year | $2.19/mo (billed annually) | Unlimited |
| 2 Years | Best value per month | Unlimited |
Verdict
Surfshark earns rank #3 in our 2026 Windows VPN rankings. It excels at unlimited simultaneous connections but falls short on speeds inconsistent on some servers.
