Surfshark VPN Review 2026 – Is It Still the Best Budget VPN? (Tested & Verified)
Quick Answer:
Surfshark is the best budget VPN in 2026—unlimited devices, strong security, and reliable streaming at half the price of competitors.
Best for: Large families, budget-conscious users, and multi-device households.
Avoid if: You need the fastest speeds or advanced customization
Get Surfshark 82% OFF + 3 Months FREE(30-day money-back guarantee)
Surfshark products
Packing a third-party audited no-logs policy VPN, antivirus software, dark web monitoring system, ad blocker, a tool that generates an online identity, and a private search engine into one app, makes online protection easy and accessible. Surfshark also offers a service that helps its users get their personal data off the market. Discover our products:
| Surfshark VPN |
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|---|---|
| Surfshark Alert |
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| Alternative ID |
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| Surfshark Antivirus |
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| Clean Web (Ad blocker) |
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| Surfshark Search |
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Pros:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections (best for families)
- Works with Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer
- No-logs policy (audited by Cure53)
- 3200+ servers in 100 countries
- Includes ad blocker, malware protection, and GPS spoofing
Cons:
- Speeds can be inconsistent on distant servers
- Smaller network than ExpressVPN/NordVPN
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Surfshark (2026) | ExpressVPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (85% retention) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Streaming | Unblocks 50+ sites (Netflix, BBC iPlayer) | Unblocks 100+ | Unblocks 80+ |
| Security | 8 audits, RAM-only servers | 22 audits | 15 audits |
| Price | $2.49/month (2-year plan) | $4.99/month | $3.99/month |
| Devices | Unlimited | 8 | 10 |
| Best For | Budget & Multi-device | Speed & Privacy | Features & Security |
| Visit Surfshark | Visit ExpressVPN | Visit NordVPN |
Why Surfshark Stands Out in 2026
1. Unlimited Device Connections
- Connect all your devices simultaneously—no limits.
- Perfect for large families or users with many devices.
- Includes CleanWeb (ad/malware blocker) on all devices.
2. Budget-Friendly Pricing
Cheapest premium VPN: Just $2.49/month (82% off).
Same features as more expensive VPNs (kill switch, no-logs).
3. Growing Server Network
- 3200+ servers in 100 countries (expanding rapidly).
- RAM-only servers for enhanced privacy.
- MultiHop feature routes through two countries.
Speed Test Results (2026)
| Server Location | Download Speed (Mbps) | Ping (ms) |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 82 Mbps | 32 ms |
| London | 78 Mbps | 47 ms |
| Tokyo | 71 Mbps | 124 ms |
Verdict: Good speeds for the price—ideal for streaming and browsing, though not the fastest for gaming.
Pricing – Unbeatable Value
| Plan | Price | Savings | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | $12.95/mo | – | Not recommended |
| 12 Months | $3.99/mo | 74% off | Good |
| 24 Months | $2.49/mo | 82% off | Best Deal (+2 FREE months) |
Pro Tip: Surfshark costs half of ExpressVPN while offering unlimited devices.
👉 Get Surfshark Now (82% OFF + 2 Months FREE)Security & Privacy (2026 Update)
- No-logs policy audited by Cure53.
- RAM-only servers (data wiped on reboot).
- 256-bit AES encryption (bank-grade).
- MultiHop (double VPN) for extra security.
- Kill Switch & CleanWeb (blocks ads/malware).
Who Should Buy Surfshark?
Families: Connect unlimited devices simultaneously.
Budget users: Cheapest premium VPN at $2.49/month.
Casual streamers: Works with Netflix, Disney+, Hulu.
Power users: Try ExpressVPN for faster speeds.
Final Verdict: Is Surfshark Worth It in 2026?
For users who want a budget-friendly, unlimited-device VPN with solid streaming capabilities, Surfshark is a top choice in 2026.
Best for:
- Families with many devices
- Budget-conscious users
- Casual streaming (Netflix, Disney+)
Avoid if:
- You need the absolute fastest speeds (try ExpressVPN).
Research Insights from TechRadar, Tom's Guide & Reddit (2026)
We analyzed TechRadar, Tom's Guide, and Reddit for real user opinions:
TechRadar (2026 Update):
- Named "Best Budget VPN" for unlimited devices.
- Praised CleanWeb ad-blocking feature.
Tom's Guide (2026):
- Highlighted rapid server expansion (now 3200+ servers).
- Noted improved streaming reliability vs. 2024.
Reddit User Opinions (2026):
- Many users love unlimited device policy for families.
- Some report inconsistent speeds on distant servers.
Still Not Sure Which VPN is Right for You?
Let us help! Answer 5 quick questions and get a personalized VPN recommendation tailored to your streaming, security, and budget needs.
Find My Perfect VPNSurfshark FAQ (2026)
- Budget users (cheapest premium VPN at $2.49/month)
- Families (unlimited device connections)
- Casual streamers (works with Netflix, Disney+)
- Works with US, UK, Japan Netflix (tested in 2026).
- May require trying multiple servers for some regions.
- ExpressVPN has more consistent Netflix access.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections (best in the industry).
- Great for families or users with many devices.
- Yes! All servers support P2P.
- Extra security tip: Use MultiHop for double encryption.
- 7-day free trial on iOS/Android.
- 30-day money-back guarantee for all plans.
- Younger company (founded in 2018 vs. ExpressVPN's 2009).
- Smaller server network (but growing fast).
- Aggressive pricing to gain market share.
- Live chat (fastest method, <5 mins).
- Email support (response in ~12 hours).
- NordVPN: More servers, better speeds ($3.99/month).
- ExpressVPN Best for streaming ($4.99/month).