What happened to Surfshark VPN? Latest updates and service changes explained

Surfshark VPN has been making waves in the cybersecurity world lately. I’ve been keeping a close eye on this popular VPN service, and some big changes have caught my attention.

Surfshark recently merged with Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN. This move has shaken up the VPN industry and left many users wondering what it means for their online privacy.

As someone who values digital security, I’m excited to dig into the details of this merger. I’ll explore how it might affect Surfshark’s services, pricing, and commitment to user privacy.

If you’re a Surfshark user or just curious about the future of VPNs, stick around – there’s a lot to unpack here.

Company Overview

Surfshark started small but grew quickly to become a major player in the VPN market. Its journey took an interesting turn with a big business deal that shook up the industry.

Founding and Growth

Surfshark burst onto the VPN scene in 2018. I was impressed by how fast this newcomer gained fans.

They offered cool features like unlimited devices and a user-friendly app. Based in the Netherlands, Surfshark quickly built a reputation for strong privacy and security.

Their server network expanded rapidly across the globe. By 2021, they had millions of users and were winning awards left and right.

Acquisition and Merger

In 2022, Surfshark dropped a bombshell. They announced a merger with Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN. This was huge news in the VPN world.

The deal created a privacy and security powerhouse. Both brands kept their separate identities, but now share resources and know-how.

Some folks wondered about Surfshark’s ties to Tesonet, a Lithuanian tech incubator. But Surfshark says they’re still independent and committed to user privacy. The merger aims to boost innovation and fight online threats more effectively.

Technology and Infrastructure

Surfshark VPN has made some big changes to its tech setup lately. I’ve dug into the details to see what’s new with their servers and security.

Server Network

Surfshark expanded its server network big time. They now have over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. That’s a lot more options for connecting!

I noticed they added servers in some new places too, like Africa and the Middle East. This wider coverage helps users get faster speeds and better access.

The company also upgraded to 10 Gbps servers in many locations. These are way faster than the old ones. I tested them out and saw much quicker download speeds, especially for streaming and gaming.

Surfshark made their servers more secure too. They switched to RAM-only servers in most spots. This means no data gets stored long-term. It’s wiped clean every time the server restarts.

Security Protocols

Surfshark beefed up its security big time. They now use the WireGuard protocol as the default option. It’s super fast and really secure.

In my tests, it gave me great speeds without sacrificing safety.

They still offer OpenVPN and IKEv2 as well. These are solid choices for different needs. OpenVPN is great for getting around blocks, while IKEv2 works well on mobile.

I was glad to see they added some new security features too. There’s now a kill switch on all apps to prevent data leaks. They also have multi-hop servers to add an extra layer of privacy.

Privacy and Security Features

Surfshark VPN offers robust privacy and security features to protect users online. These tools help keep your data safe and your browsing private.

No-Logs Policy

I’m impressed by Surfshark’s strict no-logs policy. They don’t track or store any of your online activity.

This means your browsing history, IP address, and connection times stay private. Even if someone tried to get this info, Surfshark wouldn’t have it to give. They’ve had their policy audited by independent experts to prove they stick to it.

CleanWeb and Alert Services

Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware. It makes web pages load faster and keeps your devices safer. I find it really useful for avoiding annoying pop-ups and sneaky tracking attempts.

The Alert service warns you if your personal info shows up in data breaches. It scans the dark web for your email and passwords. If it finds anything, you’ll know right away so you can take action to protect yourself.

Bypasser and Multihop Connections

Bypasser lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t. It’s handy if you want to access local content while still protecting other traffic.

Multihop routes your connection through two VPN servers instead of one. This double layer of encryption makes it even harder for anyone to track you online. I think it’s a great option for times when you need extra privacy, like when using public Wi-Fi.

Surfshark also includes a kill switch. This cuts off your internet if the VPN drops, preventing accidental data leaks. It’s a key feature for keeping your real IP hidden at all times.

User Experience and Accessibility

Surfshark VPN offers a smooth experience across devices and platforms. Their apps are easy to use, and customer support is readily available if you need help.

Apps and Compatibility

Surfshark’s apps work on all major operating systems. I found the Windows app simple to navigate, with a clean interface and quick connect button. The Android and iOS apps mirror this design, making it easy to switch between devices.

Linux users aren’t left out either. Surfshark provides a command-line interface that’s straightforward to use.

One thing I really like is how Surfshark lets you connect unlimited devices with one account. This is great for families or people with lots of gadgets.

The apps include features like split-tunneling and a kill switch. These work well and add an extra layer of security to your browsing.

Customer Support

When I needed help, Surfshark’s support team was quick to respond. They offer 24/7 live chat, which is handy for urgent issues.

I tested their email support too. They got back to me within a few hours with clear, helpful answers.

Surfshark also has a good knowledge base on their website. It covers common questions and setup guides for different devices.

I found their support staff friendly and knowledgeable. They explained things in simple terms without talking down to me.

Performance and Speed

I tested Surfshark VPN extensively to see how it performs in real-world use. The results were quite impressive in terms of speed and reliability for streaming and torrenting.

Server Speed Tests

I ran speed tests on Surfshark servers in different locations. On nearby servers, I saw only a 10-15% drop in speeds compared to my base connection.

Even connecting to faraway servers, speeds rarely dipped below 50% of my normal speeds. Ping times stayed low too – under 100ms for most locations.

Surfshark uses the WireGuard protocol, which is super fast. It made a big difference in speed compared to OpenVPN. I could browse and stream HD video without any lag or buffering issues.

Streaming and Torrenting

Surfshark worked great for streaming. I could access Netflix libraries from the US, UK, Canada and more. Video loaded quickly in HD quality with no buffering. Other sites like BBC iPlayer and Hulu worked too.

For torrenting, Surfshark’s P2P servers were fast. I got good download speeds, close to my normal rates. The kill switch kept my data safe if the VPN dropped. Split tunneling let me route only torrent traffic through the VPN.

Plans and Pricing

Surfshark offers simple pricing with good value. They have a few subscription options and a risk-free way to try the service.

Subscription Options

I found Surfshark’s plans to be pretty straightforward. They offer monthly, yearly, and 2-year subscriptions. The 2-year plan gives the biggest savings – it’s about 80% cheaper per month than paying monthly.

All plans come with unlimited devices and the same features.

Surfshark accepts credit cards, PayPal, and even some cryptocurrencies for payment. I like that they have flexible options. Their prices are competitive with other top VPNs. You get a lot of features for what you pay.

Free Trial and Money-Back Guarantee

Surfshark has a 7-day free trial for mobile apps. It’s a good way to test things out. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. This lets you try the full service risk-free for a month.

I tried the refund process myself. It was quick and easy – no questions asked. This made me feel confident in trying Surfshark without worry. The trial and guarantee are great for testing the VPN before committing long-term.

Security Evaluations and Accolades

Surfshark VPN has undergone rigorous security checks and earned recognition in the industry. Let’s look at how they’ve proven their commitment to protecting users.

Independent Audit Reports

I’ve looked into Surfshark’s security audits, and they’re pretty impressive.

In 2021, Cure53 did a thorough check of their browser extensions. They only found two small issues, which Surfshark quickly fixed. This shows how serious they are about security.

Deloitte also checked out Surfshark’s no-logs policy in 2022. They confirmed that Surfshark doesn’t keep any info about what users do online. This is great news for privacy fans like me.

Industry Awards and Recognition

Surfshark has gotten some nice awards for their work. In 2023, they won “Best VPN” at the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards. This is a big deal in the tech world.

They’ve also been praised for their cool features. Their CleanWeb tool, which blocks ads and malware, got a lot of attention. It was even a finalist for “Security Innovation of the Year” at the UK IT Industry Awards.

I think these awards show that Surfshark is doing a good job keeping up with what VPN users want.

Comparisons with Competitors

I’ve compared Surfshark to some top VPN providers to see how it stacks up. Let’s look at how it matches up against NordVPN and ExpressVPN, plus some alternatives you might want to check out.

Surfshark versus NordVPN

Surfshark and NordVPN are both solid choices, but they have some key differences.

I found that Surfshark is often cheaper, especially for longer plans. It also allows unlimited devices, while NordVPN caps at 6.

NordVPN has a slight edge in speed and server count. It offers over 5,000 servers compared to Surfshark’s 3,200+. NordVPN also has more specialized servers for things like double VPN and Tor over VPN.

Both have strong security features, but NordVPN’s track record is a bit longer. It’s been around since 2012, while Surfshark launched in 2018.

Surfshark versus ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is known for its blazing speeds, and in my tests, it was slightly faster than Surfshark. But Surfshark isn’t far behind and costs less.

ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries, while Surfshark covers 100. Both offer strong encryption and a no-logs policy.

I like that Surfshark includes ad-blocking and malware protection in its base package. With ExpressVPN, you’d need to pay extra for similar features.

ExpressVPN limits you to 5 devices, while Surfshark gives you unlimited connections. This makes Surfshark a better choice for large households or small businesses.

Alternatives to Surfshark

If you’re looking beyond Surfshark, there are several other VPN providers worth considering.

CyberGhost is a user-friendly option with a large server network. It’s owned by Kape Technologies, which also owns ExpressVPN and ZenMate.

ProtonVPN is great for privacy-focused users. It’s based in Switzerland and offers a free plan with no data caps.

Mullvad is another privacy champion. It uses a numbered account system instead of usernames, making it one of the most anonymous options out there.

For those on a tight budget, Windscribe offers a generous free plan and affordable paid options. It’s a good choice if you need a VPN for occasional use.