Online privacy threats are growing rampant. Data breaches increased 68% in 2022, exposing over 32 billion records. Malware and hacking attacks are also on the rise, with a 10% jump in 2022 alone.
For consumers and businesses alike, protecting your data online is critical. This is where a trusted virtual private network (VPN) like Surfshark becomes invaluable.
Surfshark provides the essential privacy tools to secure your internet activity – at highly affordable prices. With top-notch encryption, unlimited device connections, ad blocking, and more, it offers tremendous value.
But with new 2024 pricing, upgrades, and competitors in the space, is Surfshark still worth investing in? Let’s take an in-depth look at what this VPN provides, how it compares to others, and whether Surfshark remains a premier, budget-friendly option for your security needs.
Contents
Why You Need a VPN in 2024
Surfshark offers a simple yet highly effective way to protect your online privacy in an increasingly risky digital landscape.
VPNs work by tunneling and encrypting all your internet traffic through remote servers, hiding your IP address and online activity from prying eyes. This prevents cybercriminals, ISPs, governments, and other snoops from tracking you.
With much of our lives now conducted online, securing your web traffic is more vital than ever. A VPN like Surfshark helps safeguard against:
Data breaches – Encryption ensures hackers can‘t scoop up your data as it moves online.
Malware – By scanning traffic and blocking malicious sites, Surfshark helps defend against viruses, spyware, and ransomware.
Unsecured WiFi – VPNs give you safety when browsing on public hotspots prone to hacking.
Web tracking – Surfshark blocks ads, analytics tools, and other trackers that profile your online behavior.
Geoblocks – Unblock regionally restricted content from streaming sites, social media, and news outlets.
Government surveillance – Keep your activity away from spies and censors in repressive regimes.
So whether you just want privacy from advertisers or need ironclad protection from state-sponsored cyberspies, Surfshark has your back.
Surfshark‘s Key Features and Benefits
While Surfshark offers cyber protection for less, it doesn‘t compromise on features. Its suite of privacy tools includes:
Strong encryption – Your traffic is secured using AES-256-GCM encryption, considered virtually unhackable by experts. Surfshark also provides Perfect Forward Secrecy for added security.
No activity logs – Surfshark has a stringent no-logs policy, meaning none of your online activity is recorded. This was audited and verified by independent researchers.
Kill switch – If the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, Surfshark will instantly cut your internet access until the VPN reconnects, preventing any data leaks.
Multihop connections – For enhanced privacy, you can route your traffic through multiple countries and VPN servers, hiding your trail.
Camouflage mode – This disguises the fact that you‘re using a VPN at all, stealthily masking VPN traffic to evade blocks.
Split tunneling – Choose which apps use the VPN while allowing others to bypass it, ideal for services that block VPNs.
Unlimited devices – Connect as many gadgets as you want – phones, PCs, routers, streaming players – under one Surfshark account.
Speedy servers – With 3200+ servers in over 100 countries, Surfshark provides consistently fast connections for streaming, gaming, and more.
Streaming unblocks – Easily bypass geographic restrictions to access Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and other media sites worldwide.
Malware scanner – Surfshark‘s CleanWeb feature blocks dangerous sites, malvertising, trackers, and other web threats.
24/7 live support – Surfshark‘s experienced support team is available around the clock to help resolve any issues.
Apps for all devices – Surfshark offers native apps for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, routers, smart TVs, and web browser extensions.
This robust feature set rivals premium competitors at a fraction of the price.
Surfshark Pricing and Plans
One of Surfshark‘s biggest selling points is affordable pricing that beats most other secure VPN options:
Surfshark Subscription Plans
| Plan | Monthly Price | Total Billed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | $12.95/mo | $12.95 per month |
| 12 Months | $3.99/mo | $59.76 for 12 months |
| 24 Months + 1 Free Month | $2.49/mo | $59.76 now & annually after 24 months |
Pricing updated June 2024
A single month costs $12.95, while longer plans drop as low as $2.49/mo – an 80% discount!
Surfshark also runs frequent promotions for over 80% off, plus accepts private cryptocurrency payments.
There‘s no free trial, but a 30-day money back guarantee lets you test the service risk-free.
For the ultimate bundle, Surfshark One adds antivirus, private search, and breach alerts starting at $2.21/month.
Surfshark vs. Top VPN Competitors
While affordable, Surfshark still stacks up against the best premium VPN services:
Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN consistently ranks as a top VPN, but costs significantly more.
| ExpressVPN | Surfshark | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $12.95/mo | $12.95/mo |
| 6 Month Price | $9.99/mo | $6.49/mo |
| 12 Month Price | $8.32/mo | $3.99/mo |
| 24 Month Price | None | $2.49/mo |
ExpressVPN has fast speeds and excellent apps, but limits you to just 5 device connections. Surfshark places no limits on devices and beats ExpressVPN on longer-term pricing.
Surfshark vs. NordVPN
NordVPN is another highly-rated premium competitor.
| NordVPN | Surfshark | |
|---|---|---|
| Month Price | $11.95/mo | $12.95/mo |
| 1 Year Price | $4.92/mo | $3.99/mo |
| 2 Year Price | $3.29/mo | $2.49/mo |
Though evenly matched on features, Surfshark consistently undercuts NordVPN on multi-year plans. NordVPN does offer specialty plans for power users.
Bottom line – Surfshark provides tremendous savings over these top rivals while providing similar (often better) privacy tools.
How to Save Even More on Surfshark
Surfshark‘s regular prices are low, but you can often save an extra 20-80% or more:
-
Seasonal sales – Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other holidays bring Surfshark‘s best promo pricing. Last Black Friday it offered deals up to 83% off.
-
Limited-time deals – Surfshark provides flash sales and other timed promos that cut up to 80% off occasionally.
-
Referral rewards – Referring friends earns you account credits for 1 extra month free per referral, up to 12 months total.
-
Student discounts – College students can sign up for Surfshark using their .edu email for special low pricing.
-
Buy in bulk – Long 24+ month subscriptions provide the lowest price per month on Surfshark.
Being flexible and watching for promotions can help you score Surfshark for a fraction of its regular monthly rate.
Surfshark One – A Complete Online Security Bundle
For full 360° protection, Surfshark offers an enhanced bundle called Surfshark One with extra tools:
Surfshark Antivirus – Advanced cybersecurity for your devices to block viruses, malware, trojans, spyware, and other emerging threats. Works across Windows, Android, macOS, and iOS.
Surfshark Search – This private search engine lets you browse without ads, trackers, or any logging/profiling of your search terms. Helpful for sensitive queries.
Surfshark Alert – Alerts notify you if emails associated with your accounts appear in known data breaches. Allows you to take swift action to prevent identity theft.
Surfshark One Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Price | Total Billed |
|---|---|---|
| Surfshark One 24 Months | $2.21/mo | $59.76 for 24 months |
This bundles Surfshark‘s premium VPN with advanced antivirus, private search, and breach alerts for just over $2/month with annual billing.
For full digital security, Surfshark One provides tremendous value in one package.
Is Surfshark Really Worth It in 2024?
In today‘s climate of rampant cybercrime and surveillance, safeguarding your privacy is a must. Based on its capabilities and affordable pricing, Surfshark remains one of the best values for money when it comes to VPNs.
For less than $3/month, Surfshark provides industry-leading encryption, unlimited device connections, ad blocking, and a proven no-logs policy to protect your online activity.
Independent tests confirm Surfshark works seamlessly for streaming and torrenting, outspeeds most competitors, and never leaks private data.
Its bundled antivirus, private search, and breach alerts in Surfshark One take your defense a step further.
For private individuals and families, Surfshark offers tremendous peace of mind at a wallet-friendly price. And for businesses handling sensitive data, it provides enterprise-grade security on a SMB budget.
Compared to premium rivals like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, Surfshark consistently wins on pricing while matching critical privacy features.
So if you‘re looking for an affordable VPN that doesn‘t skimp on security, Surfshark should absolutely be on your shortlist. Its 30-day money-back guarantee also lets you try it out risk-free.
In 2024 and beyond, Surfshark remains a top choice for protecting your online privacy on all devices. Investing in this low-cost VPN means staying secure in our ever-more-connected world.
