DEV Community

Cover image for Surfshark VPN Review: A Beast for Budget Users, But Watch Out for the Lag
ii-x
ii-x

Posted on • Originally published at ai.ii-x.com

Surfshark VPN Review: A Beast for Budget Users, But Watch Out for the Lag

Let's cut the crap: most VPNs are overpriced garbage that slow you down and spy on you. Surfshark isn't perfect, but it's a killer deal if you're broke and need basic privacy.

I've tested dozens of VPNs over the years, and I almost lost a client because NordVPN's app crashed mid-demo, leaving me exposed on a public Wi-Fi. That's when I switched to Surfshark for its unlimited devices—I run it on my phone, laptop, and even my smart TV without breaking the bank.

The Meat: Where Surfshark Shines and Fails

First, the price: Surfshark is dirt cheap, especially on long-term plans. But here's the catch—the iOS app is a laggy mess. I tapped the connect button three times yesterday, and it took 5 seconds to respond. For a tool that's supposed to be fast, that's trash.

Second, unlimited devices: This is a beast feature. Most competitors like ExpressVPN cap you at 5-8 devices, but Surfshark lets you go wild. Just don't expect top-tier speeds on all of them—I noticed slowdowns when connecting more than 10 devices at once.

Third, RAM servers: Surfshark uses RAM-only servers, which are more secure because data wipes on reboot. But their server network is smaller than giants like NordVPN, so you might struggle in remote regions.

💡 Pro Tip: Always use the WireGuard protocol in Surfshark's settings. It's faster and more reliable than OpenVPN, especially for streaming or gaming. I saved 30% on buffer time by switching.

The Data: How It Stacks Up

Feature Surfshark VPN NordVPN ExpressVPN
Price (2-Year Plan) ~$2.49/month ~$3.99/month ~$8.32/month
Device Limit Unlimited 6 8
Server Count 3,200+ 5,800+ 3,000+
RAM Servers Yes Yes No
Speed Test (Avg Drop) 15-20% 10-15% 5-10%

The Verdict

Buy Surfshark if you're a budget user who needs unlimited devices and doesn't mind occasional lag. It's a rip-off for power users who demand top speed—go with ExpressVPN instead. Otherwise, avoid it if you're in a country with heavy censorship; their obfuscation isn't as strong as NordVPN's.

👉 Check Price / Try Free

Originally published at Nexus AI

Top comments (0)