Surfshark One Review 2026: Essential Security Stack or Overkill?

If you're looking for an all-in-one cybersecurity solution, Surfshark One combines an impressive VPN, antivirus, ad blocker, and private search into a single platform. Instead of juggling multiple security tools, this bundle aims to simplify online protection while maintaining strong privacy and performance.

In this Surfshark One review, we performed real-world testing on the platform’s key features, including speeds with the VPN enabled, malware detection capabilities, and ad blocking efficiency. We also evaluated its pricing, plan options, and overall value compared with competing services.

Below, you’ll find our full breakdown of Surfshark One to help you decide if it’s the right cybersecurity suite for your needs.

Overview

How we test and rate products

For every product type, we complete standardized hands-on tests so we can put their claims to the test for each review. 

For VPNs, we compare our internet speeds while connected to different servers, check for DNS and WebRTC leaks, and make sure the kill switch works. For antivirus programs, we review their third-party test results and conduct EICAR tests. And for ad blockers, we use websites like adblock-tester.com and canyoublockit.com to test for effectiveness against ads and trackers. 

Once we've completed the testing, we calculate our editorial rating based on key features you'd expect from a good product. This includes price, test scores, and features. 

BLACK FRIDAY: 88% Off + Up to 3 Months Extra

4.8

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

All-In-One

Surfshark One

• Security bundle with a VPN, antivirus, ad blocker, and data breach alerts on unlimited devices
• CleanWeb blocks ads, pop-ups, and cookie consent requests while you browse
• Included Surfshark VPN boosted our US download speeds by 15% in testing and unlocked Netflix in four countries

Learn More

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Our experience

We tested every aspect of Surfshark One, and most features worked as expected. Once you've made your purchase, you only need to download one app for Surfshark VPN, CleanWeb, Antivirus, Search, and Alert. 

During setup, Surfshark provides tips and tutorials at every step of the way. So if you've never used a virtual private network (VPN) or antivirus software, you'll receive plenty of guidance. It also has extensive help guides and 24/7 chat support for help whenever you need it. 

The antivirus ran quietly in the background, and CleanWeb blocked ads without getting in the way of our browsing. The VPN held stable connections and kept our download speeds high.

The one problem we hit was the kill switch. It leaked our real location when we switched servers, which we cover in our kill switch test below.

Overall, Surfshark One balances security and ease of use well, but its kill switch needs work.

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Surfshark One prices and plans

Surfshark One ranges in price from $2.49–$21.85/mo. All plan tiers are available as monthly, annual, and two-year subscriptions. 

See how Surfshark's plan pricing breaks down monthly in the table below. 

Plan comparison

Surfshark One enhances the standard Surfshark plan with antivirus and real-time alerts, while Surfshark One+ adds data removal services to this suite.

Compared to market alternatives, Surfshark One offers considerable value, integrating VPN, ad blocking, and antivirus features into one package, making it an attractive option for those seeking an all-in-one solution for online protection and privacy.

Surfshark VPN features and test results

Surfshark VPN is a well-rounded virtual private network that offers a wide range of features, including a large server network, an audited no-logs policy, and a kill switch for privacy. 

One great feature is its unlimited simultaneous connections, which let you connect all your compatible devices. This is uncommon among VPN providers and can be very useful for families or individuals with multiple devices.

Server count and countries

• 4,500+ servers in 100 countries

Surfshark has an above-average server network size, with thousands of servers in 100 countries. It also has specialty servers for static IP and multi-hop connections. 

Other services like NordVPN and Proton VPN have larger server networks, with 8,400+ servers and 20,700+ servers respectively. 

However, Surfshark still offers more than enough servers with a balance of server quantity and quality. This is proven in its fast speed test results and ability to stream Netflix libraries from around the world.

No-logs policy and headquarters

• Surfshark One logs policy: No logs
• Surfshark One headquarters: The Netherlands

Surfshark's no-logs policy, verified through an independent Deloitte audit, confirms it doesn’t track or share user data. This policy, coupled with Surfshark's headquarters in the Netherlands (a country with robust privacy laws), reinforces its commitment to keeping your data confidential.

However, the Netherlands is part of the Nine Eyes alliance. That means if another member country requests user data, Surfshark would legally have to comply. The Netherlands doesn't have any data retention laws, so this is less of a concern. 

Kill switch

A kill switch protects your data if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly. It cuts off your internet access until the VPN reconnects, so sites and apps shouldn’t see your real IP address.

You can turn on Surfshark’s kill switch in the app’s security settings. But it didn’t fully protect us in our testing, so check our kill switch test results below before you rely on it.

Split tunneling

With split tunneling, you can select which apps or websites go through the VPN connection and which ones connect directly to the internet. This feature is particularly useful for accessing local services while still protecting your main browsing activities. 

You can find the split tunneling option in the Surfshark app settings.

VPN protocols

Surfshark supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPSec protocols, offering a blend of speed, security, and device compatibility.

WireGuard excels in speed, OpenVPN in security, and IKEv2/IPSec in mobile reliability. Surfshark can auto-select the optimal protocol for users, balancing security and performance efficiently, making it a versatile choice for various network conditions.

VPN speed tests

• Speed test results: Surfshark slowed download speeds by 18% or less on all four test routes.

We tested Surfshark on our laptop running Windows from a physical location in the U.S. First, we recorded our baseline internet speed prior to connecting to Surfshark. 

Then, we connected to servers in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia to measure Surfshark's impact on our speeds. 

Surfshark dropped our download speeds by no more than 18%. Although the U.K. and Australian servers caused the steepest drop on our download speeds, the percentage decrease was marginal and definitely not noticeable while streaming. 

VPNs will typically slow your speeds because they force your data to take a longer route to reach its destination. Against that baseline, Surfshark’s download results are impressive.

Netflix tests

• Netflix test results: Surfshark passed all its Netflix tests.

Surfshark excelled as a VPN for streaming Netflix, seamlessly unlocking content across the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Australia. Its ability to bypass geo-restrictions allows you to access a wide range of Netflix content globally. 

Surfshark has had trouble in some regions before, but it streamed smoothly in our tests. Surfshark's consistent performance makes it a good fit for streamers eager to explore international Netflix libraries.

DNS and WebRTC leak tests

• DNS leak test results: Surfshark passed its DNS leak test.
• WebRTC leak test results: Surfshark passed its WebRTC leak test.

DNS translates website names to IP addresses. A DNS leak exposes your browsing via ISP servers, not the VPN's tunnel. Surfshark passed DNS leak tests, effectively securing your internet activities and maintaining online anonymity by routing all traffic securely through the VPN.

WebRTC enables browser-based direct communication but may reveal your IP address. Surfshark passed WebRTC leak tests, demonstrating its ability to prevent such exposure. This helps keep your IP address hidden, enhancing your privacy and security during web browsing and real-time online communication.

Kill switch test

• Kill switch test results: Surfshark failed its kill switch test.

Surfshark’s kill switch should cut your internet connection if the VPN drops. That’s meant to keep your activity hidden on public Wi-Fi and other unsafe networks.

With the kill switch turned on, we switched from a server in Canada to a server in Mexico. During the switch, our internet service provider (ISP) and true location leaked. We got the same result when we repeated the test with other servers.

Since the leak happened every time, we wouldn’t rely on Surfshark’s kill switch to protect you when your connection changes. If you use public Wi-Fi often, keep this gap in mind.

Surfshark Antivirus features and test results

Surfshark Antivirus provides manual and automatic scans, real-time protection, and anti-phishing powered by CleanWeb technology. It can detect and remove malware to help protect you from all sorts of cyberthreats.

On the downside, Surfshark Antivirus lacks a dedicated firewall. This means that it doesn’t have the ability to block incoming traffic and protect against potential cyberattacks.

Malware and antivirus scan

Surfshark Antivirus has flexible scanning options, allowing you to conduct both quick scans for immediate threats and full scans for a system checkup. The process runs in the background and is quick, efficient, and unobtrusive, causing minimal disruption to the user's activities.

Phishing protection

Surfshark Antivirus also uses the CleanWeb technology for additional protection against phishing sites. The setup is simple: just visit the CleanWeb tab and hit the toggle.

Real-time protection

Surfshark Antivirus's real-time protection is effective, having successfully detected and neutralized multiple threats during our testing. Together with the ad blocker, this adds layered protection from harmful websites, phishing attempts, and invasive trackers without affecting your system performance or user experience.

Ransomware protection

Another layer of defense that Surfshark offers is its continuous anti-ransomware, which can protect your device against this group of threats. This works out of the box with other antivirus protections, providing protection without requiring any setup from the user.

Surfshark Antivirus test results

Surfshark Antivirus is a newer antivirus program, but we were impressed by its malware and phishing protection abilities.

EICAR test results

• Results: 3/3

EICAR, the European Institute for Computer Antivirus Research, provides test files for multiple cyberthreats. They're used to test antivirus programs for their detection and response capabilities — all without the need to expose any system to real threats. 

Surfshark Antivirus successfully passed the malware tests, demonstrating effective malware detection and protection. 

In its most recent test, Surfshark Antivirus also detected and blocked us from accessing the phishing page.

Bonus features

Surfshark One's antivirus program is complemented by a range of bonus features that enhance user security without compromising on performance or convenience. These features are designed to provide a more secure and private digital experience across various platforms.

Webcam protection

Surfshark One includes a webcam protection feature that prevents unauthorized access to your camera. This tool allows you to lock your webcam securely and receive immediate alerts if any application or website attempts to use the webcam without permission. 

Surfshark Alert

Surfshark Alert notifies you immediately if your personal information shows up in an online data breach. Information it detects includes email addresses, ID, credit card numbers, or other sensitive data.

This proactive approach helps users take timely action to secure their accounts and prevent identity theft or fraud.

Surfshark Search

If you want to safely and privately browse the web, use the Surfshark Search feature, available on Surfshark One and One+ plans. This private search engine is ad-free, so your online activities aren’t being tracked or monitored.

Surfshark Alternative ID

Surfshark Alternative ID is an identity theft protection feature included with all Surfshark One plans. It helps keep your identity private and protect against hackers, spam, and data brokers. 

You provide the specs, and Surfshark can generate a new online profile with a valid email address for you to use instead of your real contact information. You can create an unlimited number of online personas and store up to three different alternative email addresses.

Incogni data removal services

With Surfshark One+, you have access to the data removal service Incogni. Here’s how it works: Surfshark sends requests on your behalf to remove your data from data brokers. 

That’s it. You don’t need to file or manage negotiation requests with data brokers because Surfshark handles it all for you.

Surfshark CleanWeb features and test results

Surfshark CleanWeb enhances web browsing by providing ad and tracker blocking, as well as phishing and malware protection. Although it lacks a built-in site whitelisting feature, you can use Surfshark's Bypasser feature for customized access control.

CleanWeb's user-friendly interface clearly indicates active protection, ensuring users feel secure. Despite some customization limits, its broad protective capabilities make it a valuable tool for safer internet navigation.

Surfshark CleanWeb test results

To evaluate CleanWeb's effectiveness, we used AdBlock Tester and Can You Block It tools. 

CleanWeb scored 96/100 on AdBlock Tester, having effectively blocked various ads and trackers. The missing points were from tests that were listed as "most likely passed."

It also passed all of the Can You Block It tests, having blocked the interstitial ad, ad blocker detection warning, and banner ads.

Surfshark One compatibility

You can install Surfshark One on a range of devices, whether at home on Wi-Fi or on the move.

Surfshark One customer support

Surfshark ensures you can easily find help, with its extensive range of user-friendly online tutorials, guides, and setup instructions through its Help Center and YouTube channel. 

For more direct support, Surfshark also provides 24/7 live chat and email assistance, available to all users. 

We found Surfshark's customer service to be highly efficient, with a responsive chatbot and a helpful live agent offering quick, courteous assistance. 

Surfshark One alternatives

While Surfshark One offers a comprehensive suite of online protection tools, including VPN, antivirus, and ad-blocking capabilities, there are several alternatives in the market that provide similar or complementary services. 

Here's a look at some notable options:

Price	$3.49–$29.99/mo	$19.00–$49.00/first yr	$1.00-$4.50/mo + cost of VPN
Max # of connected devices	10	8	7
VPN
Antivirus
Ad blocker
Learn more	Get NordVPN	Get TotalAV	Get CyberGhost

Bottom line: Is Surfshark One good?

Surfshark One is a strong pick if you want a VPN, antivirus, and ad blocker in one app. It also includes extras like Surfshark Alert, Surfshark Search, and Alternative ID.

It has a few weak spots. Its kill switch leaked our IP address and location every time we switched servers, so it might not protect you if your VPN connection drops. Surfshark Antivirus also lacks a dedicated firewall, so it can’t block suspicious incoming traffic. And split tunneling isn’t available on every operating system.

Still, Surfshark One passed our malware, phishing, ad blocking, and Netflix tests. If you want one subscription that covers the basics, it’s well worth a look.

FAQs

Full Suite of Cybersecurity Tools on Unlimited Devices

4.8

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

Claim Deal

On Surfshark One's website

All-In-One

Surfshark One

BLACK FRIDAY: 88% Off + Up to 3 Months Extra

• Security bundle with a VPN, antivirus, ad blocker, and data breach alerts on unlimited devices
• CleanWeb blocks ads, pop-ups, and cookie consent requests while you browse
• Included Surfshark VPN boosted our US download speeds by 15% in testing and unlocked Netflix in four countries

Author Details

Ryan L. Clancy

About the Author

Ryan L. Clancy brings a working engineer's perspective to digital security writing. He holds a Master of Engineering from the University of Limerick and spent five years as a mechanical engineer and engineering manager in New York City — experience that shapes how he analyzes VPN encryption protocols and parental monitoring apps beyond what vendor specs say. He has authored more than 220 articles for All About Cookies and has been published in Forbes and MakeUseOf.