Surfshark Price in 2025: Is This VPN Still a Bargain?

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, where online privacy and security are paramount, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become an indispensable tool for many. Among the myriad of VPN providers, Surfshark has consistently carved out a significant niche for itself, largely due to its robust feature set and, historically, its highly competitive pricing, making it a great choice for users seeking a cheap VPN. As we navigate through 2025, a crucial question arises for both new and existing users: Does Surfshark still offer the exceptional value it once did, especially in light of recent market adjustments and its own pricing evolution? This article aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of Surfshark's pricing in 2025, delving into its various subscription plans, the features bundled with each, and how its overall value proposition stacks up against its closest competitors. By the end of this deep dive, you will have a clear understanding of whether Surfshark remains a budget-friendly option and the right choice for your online security needs.

Surfshark Pricing Plans Explained

Surfshark simplifies its offerings into three distinct tiers: Surfshark Starter, Surfshark One, and Surfshark One+. Each plan is designed to cater to different levels of user needs, from basic VPN protection to comprehensive cybersecurity suites. The pricing structure is typically more favorable for longer-term commitments, with significant discounts offered on annual and biennial subscriptions compared to monthly plans. It is important to note that while introductory prices are often very attractive, renewal prices can be higher, a common practice across the VPN industry.
Below is a detailed breakdown of Surfshark’s pricing plans as of June 2025, incorporating the most current information available from their official website and cross-referenced with reputable review sites.

Note: Prices are approximate and may vary based on region, ongoing promotions, and VAT. The 1-year and 2-year plans often include an additional 3 months free as part of promotional offers, which is factored into the per-month cost shown above.
Surfshark stands by its service with a review 2025 to ensure customer satisfaction. 30-day money-back guarantee [1]. This allows new users to try out any of their plans risk-free. If the service does not meet expectations within the first 30 days, a full refund can be requested. This policy underscores Surfshark’s confidence in its product and provides a safety net for potential subscribers, similar to what is found in the ExpressVPN review.
Regarding renewal pricing, it's crucial for users to be aware that the highly discounted introductory rates for the longer-term plans typically revert to a higher annual rate after the initial subscription period ends. For instance, after the initial 24-month (or 27-month with extra free months) period, the annual renewal price for Surfshark plans has been noted to be around $79 per year [2]. While this is a significant increase from the introductory rate, it often remains competitive when compared to the standard annual pricing of other premium VPN providers.

What Do You Get for Your Money? Features Breakdown

Surfshark’s appeal extends far beyond just its pricing; it’s a feature-rich VPN service that aims to provide comprehensive online security and privacy, making it one of the best Surfshark options available. The features you receive depend on the subscription tier you choose, ranging from essential VPN functionalities to advanced cybersecurity tools. Here’s a breakdown of what each plan offers:

Surfshark Starter

This is Surfshark’s foundational plan, providing all the core VPN features necessary for secure and private browsing, making it one of the best VPN providers. It’s ideal for users primarily seeking to encrypt their internet connection, hide their IP address, and bypass geo-restrictions with a reliable VPN app.

* **Core VPN Functionality:** Surfshark uses advanced encryption to secure your internet traffic, masks your IP address, and allows you to access content from over 100 countries with 3200+ RAM-only servers [1].

* **Ad Blocker (CleanWeb):** Blocks intrusive ads, trackers, and malicious websites, leading to a cleaner and faster browsing experience when connected to Surfshark.

* **Cookie Pop-up Blocker:** Automatically declines cookie consent requests, saving you time and enhancing your privacy while using a VPN.

* **Email Alias Generator (Alternative ID):** Creates a disposable email address to protect your real one from spam and data breaches, which is especially useful for users of a VPN subscription. This is part of the broader Alternative ID feature, which also allows you to generate a full alter-ego (name, birthdate, physical address) for online forms, further safeguarding your personal information [2].

* **Identity Alias Generator:** Similar to the email alias, this feature helps you create a pseudo-identity for online registrations, minimizing your digital footprint while using the Surfshark app.

Surfshark One

Building upon the Starter plan, the Surfshark One bundle integrates additional security layers, transforming the VPN into a more holistic cybersecurity solution. This plan is designed for users who want enhanced protection against various online threats, including those offered by Surfshark antivirus and its three plans.

* **All Surfshark Starter Features:** Includes everything offered in the Starter plan.

* **Antivirus:** Surfshark also provides real-time protection against viruses, malware, and other malicious software. It scans downloaded files, secures your webcam from unauthorized access, quarantines detected threats, and protects your microphone [1]. This ensures your devices remain clean and secure while you browse, stream, or work online.

Surfshark One+

Surfshark One+ represents the most comprehensive offering, bundling all the features from the Starter and One plans with advanced identity protection services. This tier is suited for users who prioritize maximum digital security and want proactive measures against identity theft and data exposure.

* **All Surfshark One Features:** Includes all functionalities from both the Starter and One plans.

* **Alert (Data Breach Monitoring):** Continuously monitors your email addresses, credit card numbers, and personal IDs for any signs of data breaches. If your information is found in a compromised database, Surfshark Alert notifies you immediately, allowing you to take swift action to secure your accounts and bypass the VPN risks [1].

* **Incogni (Data Removal Service):** This unique service takes privacy a step further by contacting data brokers on your behalf to request the removal of your personal information from their databases. Data brokers collect and sell vast amounts of personal data, and Incogni helps you reclaim control over your digital privacy by minimizing your exposure to targeted advertising and potential misuse of your data [1].

Key Features Common to All Surfshark Plans:

Regardless of the plan you choose, Surfshark provides several powerful features that enhance your online experience and security:

* **Unlimited Simultaneous Connections:** One of Surfshark’s most significant advantages is its allowance for an unlimited number of simultaneous device connections [1, 2]. This means you can protect your entire household and all your devices—laptops, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and more—with a single subscription, offering exceptional value for families or individuals with multiple gadgets.

* **3200+ RAM-Only Servers in 100+ Countries:** Surfshark operates a vast network of servers globally, all running on RAM-only infrastructure. This design ensures that no data is permanently stored on the servers, enhancing privacy and security [2]. The wide distribution of servers also allows for optimal speed and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions effectively.

* **Strict No-Logs Policy:** Surfshark adheres to a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not monitor, track, or store your online activities, browsing history, or connection logs, which is crucial for maintaining privacy when using a VPN [1]. While some minimal connection data (like IP addresses at the start of a session) might be temporarily recorded, it is permanently deleted within 15 minutes after the session ends, a claim supported by third-party audits [2].

* **24/7 Customer Support:** Assistance is available around the clock via live chat and email, ensuring that users can get help whenever they encounter issues or have questions [1].

* **Nexus Technology:** This innovative technology allows for advanced features like Dynamic MultiHop and IP Rotator. Dynamic MultiHop enables you to create custom double VPN connections by choosing any two servers from Surfshark’s network, providing an extra layer of encryption and anonymity. IP Rotator automatically changes your VPN IP address periodically without disconnecting you, making it even harder for anyone to track your online movements and ensuring your VPN traffic remains secure [1, 2].

* **Industry-Leading Protocols:** Surfshark supports secure and fast VPN protocols, including WireGuard®, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, allowing users to choose the best balance of speed and security for their needs [2].

* **Broad Device Compatibility:** Surfshark offers dedicated applications for a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, FireTV, Apple TV, and browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. It also supports manual configurations for routers, gaming consoles, and smart TVs, ensuring comprehensive protection across all your devices [1].

* **Split Tunneling (Bypasser):** This feature allows you to choose which applications or websites use the VPN connection and which bypass it. This is particularly useful for accessing local network resources or services that might block VPN usage, while still securing other traffic through a reliable VPN tunnel [2]. Notably, Surfshark offers split tunneling on iOS and macOS, a feature not commonly found in many other VPNs for Apple devices [2].

Surfshark’s commitment to providing a robust set of features, combined with its tiered pricing, allows users to select a plan that aligns perfectly with their security requirements and budget. The inclusion of advanced features like Alternative ID, Alert, and Incogni in its higher-tier plans positions Surfshark as a strong contender in the broader cybersecurity market, not just as a VPN provider.

Surfshark vs. The Competition: A Value Perspective

When evaluating Surfshark’s pricing, it’s essential to consider how it stacks up against its primary competitors in the VPN market, particularly industry giants like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, as highlighted in the incogni review. Historically, Surfshark has been lauded as a budget-friendly alternative, offering a comparable feature set at a significantly lower price point. While recent price adjustments have made it less of an extreme bargain, Surfshark VPN review often continues to present a compelling value proposition, especially for long-term subscriptions.

Pricing Comparison:

| **Surfshark** | $1.99 – $3.99 (2-year plan) | ~$79 |

| **NordVPN** | $3.39 – $4.39 (2-year plan) | ~$140 |

| **ExpressVPN** | $5.32 – $6.67 (1-year/2-year plan) | ~$100 – $150 |

*Note: These are approximate figures based on common promotional offers and publicly available information. Actual prices may vary.* [2]

As the table illustrates, even with its recent price increases, Surfshark generally remains more affordable than both NordVPN and ExpressVPN, particularly for its longer-term plans. While NordVPN and ExpressVPN are often considered premium services with robust features and excellent performance, Surfshark closes the gap significantly in terms of functionality while maintaining a lower price point. The 33% increase in Surfshark’s renewal prices, as noted by CNET [2], has certainly impacted its perception as a pure budget VPN. However, when comparing the annual renewal rates, Surfshark’s $79 is still considerably less than NordVPN’s ~$140 or ExpressVPN’s ~$117-$150. This suggests that Surfshark continues to offer a strong value proposition for users seeking a balance between cost and comprehensive features.

Feature Parity and Unique Offerings:

Beyond just price, the value of a VPN is heavily influenced by its features, which can significantly impact the overall Surfshark cost. Surfshark competes effectively with its rivals by offering a comparable, and in some cases, superior feature set, which includes a VPN with unlimited bandwidth.

* **Unlimited Simultaneous Connections:** This is a significant differentiator for Surfshark. Unlike many competitors that limit the number of devices you can connect simultaneously (e.g., NordVPN typically allows 6, ExpressVPN allows 8), Surfshark offers truly unlimited connections, making it one of the fastest VPN choices available [1, 2]. This makes it an incredibly cost-effective solution for households with many devices or individuals who want to protect all their gadgets without purchasing multiple subscriptions.

* **Comprehensive Security Suite:** With its One and One+ plans, Surfshark expands beyond traditional VPN services to include antivirus, data breach alerts (Alert), and a data removal service (Incogni). This all-in-one approach to cybersecurity provides added value that many standalone VPNs do not offer, positioning Surfshark as a more complete digital protection solution.

* **Advanced Features:** Features like Dynamic MultiHop (customizable double VPN) and IP Rotator are advanced functionalities that enhance privacy and are not universally offered by all VPN providers [1, 2]. The inclusion of split tunneling on iOS and macOS is also a notable advantage, as many VPNs struggle to implement this feature on Apple devices [2].

Addressing Concerns: Jurisdiction and Transparency:

While Surfshark offers compelling advantages, it’s important to address potential concerns that some users, particularly those who need a VPN for critical privacy needs, might have:

* **Jurisdiction (Netherlands):** Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is part of the 14-Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, raising questions about privacy when using a VPN. For some privacy-conscious users, this jurisdiction might be a point of concern, as it theoretically could lead to data sharing with allied nations. However, Surfshark’s strict no-logs policy and RAM-only server infrastructure are designed to mitigate this risk, as there should be no user activity logs to share in the first place, making it a reliable choice for a VPN subscription [1, 2].

* **Transparency and Audits:** Historically, Surfshark has been less frequent with independent no-logs audits compared to some competitors like ExpressVPN, which undergoes multiple audits annually [2]. However, Surfshark has committed to commissioning annual third-party audits going forward, with the next no-logs audit expected in the second half of 2025. They also publish quarterly transparency reports detailing legal requests received and confirming no user data disclosure [2]. This increased commitment to transparency is a positive step towards building greater user trust.

In summary, Surfshark continues to offer a strong value proposition in the VPN market as Surfshark is one of the leading choices for users. While its features are impressive, the Surfshark cost remains competitive compared to other providers.

While pricing has adjusted, its comprehensive feature set, particularly the unlimited simultaneous connections and the expanded cybersecurity offerings in its higher tiers, make it a formidable contender among top VPN providers. For most casual to moderate VPN users, Surfshark provides an excellent balance of performance, features, and affordability.

Is Surfshark Still a Bargain in 2025? Our Verdict

After a thorough examination of Surfshark’s current pricing and its standing against key competitors, including Proton VPN, the question remains: Is Surfshark still a bargain in 2025 compared to other VPN companies? The answer, while nuanced, leans towards a resounding yes for a significant segment of the VPN user base, particularly those considering Surfshark as their secure VPN choice.

While it’s true that Surfshark is no longer the undisputed cheapest VPN on the market, especially with its recent renewal price adjustments, it continues to offer exceptional value. The initial introductory prices for its longer-term plans remain highly competitive, making it an attractive option for those willing to commit for two years. Even the increased renewal rates, when compared to the standard pricing of premium competitors like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, demonstrate that Surfshark maintains a strong position in terms of affordability relative to the features it provides.

Who is Surfshark Best For?

* **Budget-Conscious Users Seeking Long-Term Value:** If you’re looking for a reliable VPN and are comfortable with a 1-year or 2-year commitment, Surfshark’s introductory prices offer significant savings. Even the renewal prices are more palatable than many alternatives.

* **Households and Individuals with Multiple Devices:** The unlimited simultaneous connections feature is a game-changer for families or individuals with numerous gadgets. It allows comprehensive protection across all devices without the need for multiple subscriptions, maximizing the value of a single plan, especially with the Surfshark One plan.

* **Users Desiring a Comprehensive Cybersecurity Solution:** The Surfshark One and One+ plans, with their integrated antivirus, data breach alerts, and data removal services, cater to users who want more than just a VPN. These bundles offer a convenient and cost-effective way to enhance overall digital security, especially at an affordable price.

* **Streamers and Torrent Users:** With its fast speeds, extensive server network, and proven ability to bypass geo-restrictions on popular streaming platforms, Surfshark remains an excellent choice for accessing global content libraries and secure torrenting.

* **Users Who Value User-Friendliness and Advanced Features:** Surfshark’s intuitive applications, coupled with innovative features like Dynamic MultiHop, IP Rotator, and split tunneling on various platforms (including iOS), make it a user-friendly yet powerful tool for enhancing online privacy and security.

Final Recommendation:

Surfshark in 2025 continues to be a highly recommended VPN service. While its

position as the absolute cheapest VPN has shifted, its commitment to a robust feature set, strong privacy practices (including RAM-only servers and a no-logs policy), and the unique benefit of unlimited simultaneous connections solidify its standing as a top-tier VPN that offers excellent value for its price. For most users, Surfshark remains a smart investment for comprehensive online protection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Surfshark in 2025 continues to be a compelling choice for anyone seeking a reliable, feature-rich, and value-driven VPN service. While the landscape of VPN pricing is dynamic, Surfshark has managed to maintain a strong competitive edge by offering a comprehensive suite of security tools at a price point that, especially for longer commitments, remains more affordable than many of its premium counterparts. Its commitment to unlimited simultaneous connections, a strict no-logs policy, and innovative features like Dynamic MultiHop and Alternative ID underscore its dedication to user privacy and convenience.

For those wondering if Surfshark is still a bargain, the answer is nuanced but largely positive. It offers exceptional value for families and individuals with multiple devices, and its tiered plans provide flexibility for users to choose the level of cybersecurity protection they need. While the monthly plan might seem expensive, the significant discounts on longer subscriptions make it a highly attractive long-term investment in your digital security.

Ultimately, Surfshark delivers a powerful combination of speed, security, and features that justify its cost, making it a great VPN option. It’s a VPN that adapts to the evolving threats of the online world, ensuring your digital life remains private and secure.

To ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information, including any ongoing promotions, we highly recommend visiting the official Surfshark website directly.

FAQ

What is Surfshark VPN?

Surfshark VPN is a virtual private network service that allows users to secure their internet connection and protect their online privacy, which is essential for those who need a VPN subscription.

What is a VPN server?

A VPN server is a remote server that users connect to in order to access the internet securely and anonymously through Surfshark’s VPN service.

How does Surfshark search work?

Surfshark search is a feature that helps users find content online while maintaining their privacy and security.

Is there a free trial for Surfshark?

Yes, Surfshark offers a free trial that allows users to test the service before committing to a subscription.

What are the Surfshark subscription plans?

Surfshark offers various subscription plans including monthly and longer-term options, which provide different pricing and benefits.

Why is Surfshark considered the best VPN?

Surfshark is often regarded as the best VPN due to its strong security features, user-friendly interface, and competitive pricing.

Does Surfshark include antivirus protection?

Surfshark offers an antivirus feature that helps protect users from malware and other online threats.

Where can I find Surfshark reviews?

You can find Surfshark reviews on various tech websites and forums where users share their experiences and opinions about the service.

What is the monthly subscription cost for Surfshark?

The monthly subscription cost for Surfshark can vary depending on the plan you choose, but it is generally competitive compared to other VPN services.

How can I use Surfshark?

You can use Surfshark by downloading the app on your device, signing up for a subscription, and connecting to a VPN server of your choice.

How can I test Surfshark?

You can test Surfshark by using the free trial or by signing up for a subscription and utilizing their money-back guarantee if you're not satisfied.