This Surfshark VPN review covers my hands-on tests for speed, streaming, and privacy from the Netherlands. Surfshark is one of those rare VPNs that actually delivers on the hype: super fast speeds, dirt cheap pricing, and unlimited devices so you can protect your whole family or gaming setup without extra costs. I tested it on my Samsung phone over Dutch Ziggo WiFi, and it handled Netflix streaming, torrenting, and daily browsing without a hitch, all while keeping my data private with a solid no logs policy. If you’re looking for a budget pick that punches way above its weight in 2025, this is it.
Overall rating
4.7 out of 5
Pros
- Unlimited devices on a single account
- Very reliable at unblocking Netflix and other popular streaming services
- Strong security with modern protocols and a strict no-logs approach
- Pricing that is very competitive, especially on long-term plans
- Fast WireGuard speeds that keep everyday browsing and streaming smooth
Cons
- Speeds can drop more on very distant servers
- Finding the best P2P setup can be a bit confusing for beginners
Best for
Budget-conscious streamers and anyone who wants to protect a lot of devices at once without paying premium prices.
Surfshark VPN review: How I Tested Surfshark
I tested Surfshark over a few days on my everyday setup here in the Netherlands. For example, I used my Samsung Galaxy S24 on Ziggo fiber internet (base speed 940Mbps download). Additionally, I tested my Windows laptop and Apple TV for streaming checks.
However, I wanted real-world results. Therefore, I checked Netflix binging, quick torrent downloads, and protecting my cycling GPS routes on public WiFi.
Here’s what I did exactly:
- Speed tests: Connected to 10+ servers (local NL, UK, US East/West, Singapore) using WireGuard protocol. Ran Speedtest.net and iperf3 multiple times, morning and evening, to catch peak hours.
- Streaming: Loaded Netflix NL/US/UK, Disney+, and RTL in 4K, watched full episodes without buffering.
- Privacy checks: DNS/IP/WebRTC leak tests on ipleak.net, plus a 5GB torrent download to test P2P servers.
- Mobile/gaming: 4 hours browsing on Samsung during a workday, plus Battlefield latency on Dutch servers.
- Stress test: Killed WiFi 20 times to check the kill switch, no leaks, Everlink reconnected fast.
No major complaints, apps were snappy, battery drain minimal on phone. This is hands-on from my home network, not lab stuff.
Surfshark Pricing Plans
Surfshark keeps it simple with three plans that all include unlimited devices and a 30-day money-back guarantee. The current deal knocks 87% off the 2-year Starter plan, making it just $1.99 per month, which is tough to beat for what you get.
| Plan | 2-Year Total | Per Month | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $53.73 | $1.99 | Core VPN, unlimited devices, streaming |
| One | $59.28 | $2.19 | + Antivirus, Incogni data removal |
| One+ | $113.04 | $4.19 | Full suite: CleanWeb, MultiHop, alerts |
Perfect entry point if you just want fast VPN protection across all your phones, TVs, and laptops. Compared to Proton VPN, this is half the price for way more devices.
Surfshark vs Proton VPN vs NordVPN
| Feature | Surfshark | Proton VPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price/mo | $1.99 (87% off) | $4.99 | $3.99 |
| Devices | Unlimited | 10 | 6 |
| Speed | 81% retention | 75% retention | 85% retention |
| Netflix | US/UK/NL ✅ | US/NL ✅ | All ✅ |
| P2P/Torrent | Most servers | Limited | Optimized |
| Battery Drain | Low | Average | Low |
| Dutch Servers | 50+ | 20+ | 200+ |
| Best For | Budget/family | Privacy max | Speed/stream |
Surfshark wins for unlimited devices at half the price
Speed Test Results
For this Surfshark VPN review, I ran detailed speed tests on Surfshark using WireGuard protocol, which is their fastest option. My base connection on Ziggo fiber is 940Mbps download and 420Mbps upload, so I wanted real numbers from Dutch servers and farther ones to see how it holds up for streaming, gaming, and downloads.
Here’s what I got from multiple runs (morning peak hours):
- Local Dutch servers: 81% download retention (760Mbps), 75% upload (314Mbps). Netflix 4K loaded instantly, no buffering at all.
- UK servers: 73% download (685Mbps), 12ms ping. Perfect for Battlefield gaming, felt native.
- US East Coast: 68% download (640Mbps), still smooth for Hulu or work calls.
- Singapore: 61% download (570Mbps), noticeable drop but fine for browsing or YouTube.
- Australia (farthest): 52% download (490Mbps), okay for casual use but not ideal for big torrents.
WireGuard beat OpenVPN by 25% every time. Gaming latency stayed under 50ms on nearby servers, and battery drain on my Samsung was minimal during 4-hour tests. Great for everyday Dutch users, just connect local for max speed.
Streaming and Torrenting
Surfshark shines here, especially for Netflix fans and occasional torrenters like me. I tested all the popular services from my Dutch setup to make sure it actually works in real life, not just marketing claims.
Streaming results:
- Netflix NL, US, and UK libraries loaded every time in 4K, no buffering during full episodes of shows like The Office or Stranger Things.
- Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and even Dutch RTL/Viaplay worked perfectly, including on my Apple TV.
- Smart DNS is built-in, so no extra setup needed for TVs or consoles.
Torrenting:
- P2P works on most servers, just search “P2P” in the app to find optimized ones.
- Downloaded a 5GB test file in 18 minutes on a Dutch server, average 70Mbps, no throttling.
- Kill switch caught every disconnect, no IP leaks during the process.
Camouflage Mode also bypassed hotel/public WiFi blocks easily. If you stream a lot or download occasionally, Surfshark handles it without issues, way better than free VPNs.
Surfshark VPN review: Security and Privacy
Surfshark has solid security that covers the basics and then some, which is why I trust it for daily use on my Samsung and laptop. No fancy gimmicks, just reliable protection without slowing things down.
Key features I checked:
- AES-256 encryption, the same standard banks use, so your data stays locked even on public WiFi.
- Strict no-logs policy, independently audited in 2025, meaning they can’t hand over what they don’t keep.
- Multiple protocols: WireGuard for speed, OpenVPN for max security.
- Full leak protection: Passed DNS, IP, and WebRTC tests every time on ipleak.net.
Extras that make a difference:
- CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware right in the app.
- MultiHop routes through two servers for extra privacy.
- Kill switch (with Everlink auto-reconnect) and split tunneling so you control exactly what goes through VPN.
From my Dutch perspective, it’s perfect for avoiding ISP tracking or data retention laws. No leaks during torrenting or streaming tests, feels secure without being complicated.
Apps and Ease of Use
Surfshark’s apps are clean and straightforward, which is a big plus on my Samsung Galaxy S24 and Windows laptop. No confusing menus, just quick connects that work right away.
What I liked on Samsung:
- One-tap connect, favorites list for Dutch/UK servers.
- Battery-friendly during 4-hour workday browsing or cycling GPS apps.
- Split tunneling lets me VPN just banking apps, not Spotify.
- GPS spoofing works for location-based stuff without root.
Across devices:
- Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Apple TV, Firestick, even routers.
- Apple TV connected in 30 seconds, Netflix instant.
- UI is simple: big connect button, server map, quick settings.
Setup took 90 seconds total, no manual config needed. Updates automatic, no crashes during tests. If you’re not super techy, this is easier than Proton’s apps while still powerful. Perfect for phones, TVs, and family setups.
Surfshark VPN review: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get the best deals on a VPN?
Look for seasonal sales like winter deals or Black Friday offers, and always pick long-term plans like 2-year subscriptions. They give you the lowest monthly price, like Surfshark’s current 87% off dropping it to $1.99/mo. That’s how I snag the best value without hunting around.
Why shouldn’t I miss the VPN winter deal?
The winter deal stacks huge discounts on top of already cheap long-term plans, often better than Black Friday leftovers. For Surfshark, it means paying peanuts for unlimited devices and Netflix unblocking. I grabbed it last year and saved a ton compared to monthly billing.
Is Surfshark a reliable VPN?
Yes, I’ve used it daily on my Samsung over Dutch WiFi and it never dropped during Netflix or torrenting. Tech sites like TechRadar rave about the encryption and no-logs policy too. It’s solid for privacy without complications.
How do I use Surfshark One?
Sign up for a plan, download the app on your phone or PC, log in, and you’re connected in 30 seconds. From there, turn on extras like antivirus or CleanWeb in the settings. Super simple on Samsung, no hassle.
Final Thoughts
Surfshark gives you way more than the price tag suggests, unlimited devices, fast Netflix streaming, and solid privacy all for $1.99/mo on the current deal. I tested it hard on my Samsung over Dutch Ziggo and it delivered every time, no surprises.
Don’t sleep on this: Grab the 87% off + 30-day money-back guarantee right now while it’s live. Perfect for families, streamers, or anyone protecting multiple gadgets without breaking the bank.
