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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

How Much Does Surfshark Cost? Pricing, Plans & Deals (2024)

Husain Parvez Updated on 16th December 2024 Fact-checked by Ryan Jones Cybersecurity Researcher

Surfshark is a standout choice, offering unlimited device connections and top-notch security features. For families or professionals juggling multiple devices, this unlimited coverage is a game-changer compared to VPNs that cap your connections.

It’s my go-to pick for big families, small offices, and anyone with lots of devices. But let’s be upfront about the costs. I’ll walk you through the pricing, highlight any hidden fees, and share money-saving tips I’ve picked up from testing it out.

How Much Does Surfshark VPN Cost?

Surfshark gives you plenty of subscription options: monthly, 1-year, and 2-year plans. The monthly plan is great for flexibility, but the 1-year and 2-year plans offer the best bang for your buck with upfront payments.

To suit different needs and budgets, Surfshark also offers three bundles: Surfshark Starter, Surfshark One, and Surfshark One+. Each bundle includes a unique set of features and security tools. If you’re just after the basics — safe browsing and bypassing geo-restrictions — the Starter plan is a solid choice. Let’s dive into what each plan includes so you can decide if the extra features are worth it for you.

Surfshark Starter

Surfshark's basic VPN subscription starts at $1.99/month with a 24-month commitment, but this promotional price increases significantly upon renewal. Here's a detailed breakdown of the current pricing structure:

Plan Length Initial Price Total First Payment Renewal Price
1 month $15.45 per month $15.45 $15.45 per month
12 months $2.99 per month $47.84 $59.76 per year ($4.98 per month)
24 months $1.99/month $55.72 $59.76 per year ($4.98 per month)

The 24-month plan offers the best value at $1.99/month. I recommend this option if you're comfortable with the longer commitment, as it saves you over 80% compared to monthly billing.

That said, the advertised $1.99/month rate requires paying $55.72 upfront for 2 years of service. This is important to highlight, as many users miss this detail when signing up. After the initial period ends, your subscription automatically renews at $59.76 annually ($4.99/month).

For more flexibility, the 12-month plan at $2.99/month is a good middle-ground option that still offers significant savings over the monthly rate.

Try Surfshark Risk-Free >>

Screenshot of Surfshark's pricing pageThe 2-year plan offers the best value for money in the long run
Note. The prices mentioned in this article are subject to change, and final costs may vary based on your location and chosen payment method.

Promotional offers like "free" months can be a bit misleading because they aren’t truly free — the total price stays the same. For example, Surfshark's 2-year Starter plan costs $1.99 per month and includes 4 "free" months. Normally, you’d expect to pay $1.99 x 24 months = $47.76. But instead, you’re charged $1.99 x 28 months, making the total $55.72. So, while you get more months of service, you’re still paying for them.

It’s also important to note that new customer prices are often much lower than renewal prices. That’s why I recommend setting a renewal reminder to avoid any unexpected charges.

I found that there are pricing differences based on the platform you’re using:

  • Direct website purchases offer the lowest rates.
  • App Store subscriptions cost around 30% more.
  • Google Play pricing varies by region.
  • Amazon App Store may have different promotional offers.

The payment method that you’ll be using also affects the final price. Here’s how:

  • Credit card and PayPal payments may add additional processing fees.
  • Cryptocurrency payments receive a 5% discount.
  • Some payment processors add local transaction fees.

Surfshark One and Surfshark One+

Surfshark One and One+ are premium security bundles that add extra features beyond the basic VPN service. While the standard VPN plan gives you essential privacy protection, these upgraded tiers provide great digital security tools.

Surfshark One gives you everything in the Starter plan plus extra tools like Surfshark Antivirus, Surfshark Alert, and Surfshark Search:

  • Antivirus protects your devices in real-time, scanning for viruses, malware, and spyware. It also includes Webcam Protection, so you can control which apps have access to your camera.
  • Alert is a handy data monitoring tool that lets you know if any of your saved emails, passwords, IDs, or credit card details are leaked online. It now covers IDs from 90 countries.
  • Search is a private, ad-free search engine that delivers organic results tailored to your chosen region without being influenced by your search history.

Surfshark One+ is the ultimate cybersecurity package. It includes everything from the Surfshark One plan plus an extra tool — Incogni.

Incogni takes the hassle out of protecting your personal data by contacting data brokers on your behalf to request the removal of your information. This includes sensitive details like your name, address, and contact info. Instead of spending hours manually asking databases and search sites to delete your data, Incogni does the heavy lifting for you. All you need to do is sign up, and it takes care of the rest, keeping you updated as your information is removed.

Pro Tip. For most users, I recommend starting with the basic VPN plan before considering these upgrades. You can always add Surfshark One or One+ later if you need the extra features.

Quick Comparison Table: Surfshark Subscription Plans

Here's a detailed breakdown of Surfshark's subscription plans and pricing. Keep in mind that while longer subscriptions offer better value, they require a larger upfront payment.

Price/Feature Surfshark Starter Surfshark One Surfshark One+
Monthly Price $15.45/month $17.95/month $20.65/month
1-Year Plan $2.99/month $3.39/month $5.99/month
2-Year Plan $1.99/month $2.49/month $3.99/month
Unlimited device connections
Masked email generator
Alternative ID and alternative number
Bypasser (split tunneling)
Ad blocker and cookie pop-up blocker
Antivirus protection
Private search tool
Breach alerts
Webcam protection
Data removal from company databases
Data removal from the people search sites
Money-back guarantee 30 days 30 days 30 days
Note. All prices shown are in USD and exclude VAT. Note that prices may vary by region and tax rate.

Hidden Costs & Price Changes

Before committing to Surfshark, you should know that a few pricing factors can affect your total cost. During my analysis of Surfshark's pricing structure, I discovered important details about auto-renewals, promotional rates, and regional pricing that aren't immediately obvious.

Price Increase After Promotion Period Ends

While Surfshark does offer competitive initial pricing, especially for long-term plans, you should be aware of the renewal terms and pricing before subscribing. The 2-year and 1-year plans renew annually at $59.76 per year after the initial two or one-year term, which equates to $4.98 per month.

Surfshark's pricing structure has been criticized for lack of transparency. The renewal prices are not clearly displayed on the main checkout page, and you need to navigate through several steps to find this information.

Surfshark sends email notifications about upcoming automatic renewals for subscriptions longer than one month. The company allows you to turn off auto-renewal, but this process isn’t straightforward. You typically need to contact customer support or use a specific cancellation link to do so.

Regional Prices

Surfshark's pricing varies significantly depending on your location. During my research, I found price differences of up to 30% between regions. For example:

  • US pricing: $1.99 per month (2-year plan)
  • UK pricing: £1.99 per month (approximately $2.52/month)
  • Poland pricing: PLN7.69 per month (approximately $1.86 per month)
Pro Tip. Don't forget to factor in the VAT rate when calculating the total cost. For example, in the US, it’s typically around 7%, in Turkey, 20%, and in Hong Kong, it’s 0%.

How to Save Money on Surfshark Plans

Surfshark already offers a great value-packed deal, but you can claim a bigger discount and get the best value with these money-saving methods:

Free Trial

Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial for mobile devices (Android and iOS) through the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. During the trial, you’ll get full access to premium features.

To start, download the app from your device’s official app store and sign up there — this is the only legitimate way to access the free trial. While you’ll need to provide payment details upfront, you won’t be charged if you cancel before the 7-day trial ends. Set a reminder to avoid being billed!

Discounts

The best way to save money on Surfshark is by choosing a long-term plan. Here are some verified deals:

  • 2-year plan: Save 87% ($1.99/month).
  • Holiday sales: Get an extra 10-15% off during Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
  • Student discount: Save 15% with a valid student ID.
  • Special promo codes: Use verified codes to save up to 20%.

Referral Program

Earn free Surfshark time by referring friends. Here’s how it works:

  • Share your unique referral link.
  • When your friends subscribe, they get 30 days free.
  • You earn 1 free month for each successful referral (up to 12 months total).
Screenshot of Surfshark's referral programYour friend just needs to stick with Surfshark for at least a month

Money-Back Guarantee

While not a direct savings method, Surfshark’s refund policy lets you test the service for free for 30 days. This applies to subscriptions purchased directly from Surfshark’s website. I’ve tested it myself, and the refund process is quick and hassle-free.

Important. Avoid third-party resellers offering discounted Surfshark subscriptions. These often violate Surfshark’s terms of service and can result in your account being terminated.

Surfshark Payment Options

Surfshark accepts most major payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies. I particularly like that you can pay with multiple cryptocurrency options for improved privacy, as these transactions can't be traced back to you.

Payment Method Details Privacy Level
Credit/Debit Cards Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover Basic
PayPal Quick checkout with a PayPal account Basic
Google Pay Available for mobile and desktop payments Basic
Apple Pay iOS and macOS devices only Basic
Amazon Pay Secure checkout using Amazon credentials Basic
Cryptocurrency Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other major cryptocurrencies High
Sofort Available in select European countries Basic

Keep in mind that some payment methods may not be available in all regions, and cryptocurrency payments are non-refundable. If you think you might want a refund later, I recommend using PayPal or a credit card to ensure you can take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Surfshark Key Features Overview

Best Feature You can connect as many devices as you want on a single plan
Server Network 3,200 servers in 100 countries, including 22 US locations
Compatible With Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Chromecast, PlayStation, Xbox, smart TVs, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, routers, and more
Works With Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, Peacock, Crunchyroll, Max, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and more

Surfshark offers unlimited device connections under a single subscription. This is great if you have a large household, as it allows you to protect all your internet-connected devices without any extra cost. During our tests, we connected 7 devices at once and didn’t have any issues.

The VPN’s IP Rotator periodically changes your IP address, making it particularly useful for securely browsing online. Meanwhile, you stay connected to the internet and the VPN the whole time — so there are no interruptions while streaming or playing online games. This feature is a part of Surfshark’s Nexus Technology, which enhances your privacy and further masks your online activity.

Screenshot of Surfshark's Rotating IP settingsThis additional layer of privacy makes it harder to track your online activities

A vast server network lets you safely access your favorite sites from anywhere. Surfshark's servers are P2P-friendly for safe and quick torrenting. They are fast, too — we averaged 200.13Mbps during our tests (around 20% speed drop). While not the fastest VPN we've tested, Surfshark's combination of features and affordable pricing makes it a solid choice for budget-conscious users.

You can get Surfshark for just $1.99/month, making it a budget-friendly choice. It’s also possible to test it for free, thanks to a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

  • No-logs policy. Surfshark follows a strict no-logs policy, audited by Deloitte and Cure53, meaning it doesn’t collect, store, or share your personal data.
  • Camouflage and NoBorders modes. Surfshark's Camouflage mode allows for easy access to blocked sites on restrictive WiFi networks, like those in schools and offices. Similarly, the NoBorders mode detects if you’re somewhere with network restrictions and automatically connects you to the best servers to bypass them.
  • GPS spoofing (on Android). When enabled, your GPS location matches the server you select, making it perfect for keeping your location private or accessing apps that only work in certain countries.
  • Dedicated IP. For an extra fee, you can get an IP (US, UK, Germany, France, Australia, and more) that is unique to you. This is useful for accessing services sensitive to IP changes and avoiding annoying CAPTCHA requests.
Surfshark Pros, Cons, and Needed Improvements
  • Easy to use
  • Military-grade security
  • Fast speeds
  • Clunky torrenting support
  • Based in a 9-Eyes country
  • Might not work in China

Surfshark and Its Alternatives: A Quick Comparison

While Surfshark offers competitive rates and comprehensive security features, understanding how it compares to alternatives can help you make an informed decision about your investment in online privacy.

VPN Lowest Price Server Network Speeds Simultaneous Device Connections Security Features Headquarter Money-Back Guarantee
Surfshark $1.99/month 3,200 servers in 100 countries 20% drop Unlimited IP Rotator, MultiHop, CleanWeb, leak protection The Netherlands 30 days
ExpressVPN $4.99/month 3,000 servers in 105 countries 9% drop 8 TrustedServer Tech, Advanced Protection, military-grade encryption British Virgin Islands 30 days
CyberGhost $2.19/month 11,690 servers in 100 countries 12% drop 7 NoSpy servers, Content Blocker Romania 45 days
PIA $2.19/month 29,650 servers in 91 countries 15% drop Unlimited MACE ad blocker, port forwarding United States 30 days
NordVPN $2.99/month 6,800 servers in 113 countries 18% drop 10 Threat Protection, Double VPN, Onion Over VPN Panama 30 days

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Find out more details on how Surfshark stacks up against other premium VPNs to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you:

Quick Guide: How to Apply Surfshark Discount in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Visit Surfshark. Go to Surfshark's website through our discount link, as this automatically applies the maximum available discount. You don't need to enter any coupon codes manually.
  2. Select a plan. You can choose between a 24-month or 12-month plan. Monthly plans usually don’t offer discounts.
  3. Complete your purchase. Enter your email address and select your preferred payment method. Double-check that the discount appears in your cart and complete the payment process.

FAQs on Surfshark Pricing

How much does Surfshark cost after two years?

After the initial 2-year promotional period ends, Surfshark's price increases to $59.76 per year (equivalent to $4.98 per month). If you want to lock in promotional rates again by signing up for a new subscription, it's recommended that you set a calendar reminder before the auto-renewal date. Plus, you get the added benefit of using a discount code to make the price even more affordable.

Can I get a refund if I'm not satisfied with Surfshark?

Yes, Surfshark offers a 30 money-back guarantee. You can request a full refund through 24/7 live chat support, no questions asked. Depending on your payment method, the refund is typically processed within 5-10 business days. That said, payments done in cryptocurrencies are not refundable.

Which Surfshark subscription is best?

The 24-month Standard plan offers the best savings in the long run — 87%. You can get it for as low as $1.99/month. However, if you want additional security features, you can get a Surfshark One or Surfshark One+ bundle, which includes antivirus, private search, and data breach monitoring.

Can I pay for Surfshark monthly?

Yes, Surfshark offers a monthly subscription for $15.45. However, this is the most expensive payment option. You'll save significantly more by choosing a longer subscription period — the 12-month plan costs $2.99/month, while the 24-month plan reduces the price to $1.99/month.

What are the downsides of Surfshark?

Surfshark’s speeds can be inconsistent during peak hours, and some streaming platforms occasionally require server switching. The base plan also lacks advanced security features like antivirus and data breach monitoring, which require upgrading to Surfshark One. That said, it’s still one of the best VPNs on the market.

Which is better, NordVPN or Surfshark?

Both VPNs are reliable choices — NordVPN offers faster speeds and more reliable servers than Surfshark. However, Surfshark provides better value with unlimited device connections and lower prices.

Will my device work with Surfshark?

Surfshark is compatible with all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and smart TVs. The apps work across multiple devices and are easy to install and use. Plus, with unlimited simultaneous connections, you can protect all your devices with a single subscription.

Is Surfshark Worth It?

Surfshark delivers solid value for money with its low-cost plans starting at $1.99/month. The extensive server network, unlimited device connections, and essential security features make it an attractive budget-friendly option. Even the basic plan includes advanced features like split tunneling and MultiHop servers.

However, I recommend carefully considering whether you need Surfshark One's extra features before upgrading. While the base VPN subscription offers good value, the One bundle's additional cost might not be worth it unless you specifically need the antivirus and data breach monitoring tools. For the best deal, lock in the 24-month subscription with its promotional pricing and 30-day money-back guarantee.

Privacy Alert!

Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!

Your IP Address:

Your Location:

Your Internet Provider:

The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.

VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 61% off.

Visit ExpressVPN

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

About the Author

Husain Parvez is a Cybersecurity Researcher and News Writer at vpnMentor, focusing on VPN reviews, detailed how-to guides, and hands-on tutorials. Husain is also a part of the vpnMentor Cybersecurity News bulletin and loves covering the latest events in cyberspace and data privacy.

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