Surfshark VPN for Windows

Quick summary

Surfshark is a full-featured VPN that focuses on security, privacy, and performance. It competes well with major providers by combining a broad server network, modern privacy protections, and tools aimed at streaming, torrenting, and bypassing censorship. If you need a single, versatile VPN to try, Surfshark is worth a look.

Interface and server options

The app is straightforward and user-friendly. The main window includes a simple connection status and quick access to recently used locations, while a dedicated tab lists all available endpoints.

Notable server types

• P2P-enabled servers for torrenting and file sharing
• Virtual locations that mask the server’s physical placement
• Multi-hop connections (labeled Multi-Hop) that route traffic through two countries for stronger location obfuscation
• Traditional physical servers spread across many countries

Additional built-in tools

• NoBorders mode to help circumvent national firewalls and reach blocked sites
• Whitelister, a split-tunneling option that lets specific apps or sites bypass the VPN
• CleanWeb, an integrated blocker for ads, trackers, and some malware

Privacy and encryption

Surfshark uses strong, industry-standard protections to keep data private. The app defaults to IKEv2/IPsec and employs AES-256-GCM encryption. A built-in kill switch prevents leaks if the VPN disconnects, and private DNS on each server reduces external DNS exposure.

Other privacy measures

• Camouflage mode that makes VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic so ISPs are less likely to detect VPN use
• A no-logs policy backed by the provider’s base in the British Virgin Islands, meaning the service does not keep records of user activity
• Only minimal account details are retained (email and billing information)

Speed, streaming, and file sharing

Most Surfshark servers deliver fast enough throughput for HD streaming, online gaming, and large downloads. The service supports P2P on all servers and works with common torrent clients (for example, BitTorrent and uTorrent) as well as media players such as VLC and Popcorn Time.

What to expect

• Reliable speeds suitable for video streaming and gaming on many endpoints
• Full P2P support across the network to facilitate torrenting and file sharing

Recent technical improvements

Surfshark has rolled out several backend upgrades to improve performance and usability:

• Global server capacity increased to 10 Gbps links (up from 1 Gbps), reducing congestion and improving stability
• Desktop client now defaults to x64 architecture for better performance on 64-bit systems
• Streamlined onboarding flow to make setup easier for new users
• Updated referral program to make inviting friends more rewarding

Dedicated IP options now include additional locations such as Singapore and Denver (US), which help reduce CAPTCHAs and lower the chance of being flagged by certain websites.

Final thoughts

Surfshark is a compelling, well-rounded VPN that balances privacy features, speed, and convenience. While no product is perfect, it offers enough advanced options and recent infrastructure improvements to be a strong candidate for most users seeking secure, unrestricted internet access.