Protect yourself when you’re online! With all of the recent security concerns, using a VPN is almost a must these days. Surfshark is supposedly one of the best cheap VPN options. Here, in my Surfshark Review, we’ll go through setting up a VPN to see how well it can protect you. I’ll also go over the other security features you get with Surfshark and see how well they perform.
Using Surfshark or other VPNs can protect you in a number of ways. First, you can browse and search under an IP address other than your own—protecting your location and identity. You can also access sites that may be restricted from certain areas.
Another excellent use of a VPN is when you’re using a public WI-FI such as in a restaurant or hotel. Here, you can keep your connection private and hide your online activity.
Surfshark currently offers three different VPN plans: Surfshark Starter, Surfshark One, and Surfshark One+. I would recommend going with either the Surfshark One or One+ plans as they include additional security features (see below).
What I find impressive about the Surfshark One and Surfshark One+ plans is that you not only get a VPN but also a complete suite of online security tools including antivirus, search tools, security alerts, and email protection.
The setup process for Surfshark is extremely easy. After signing up, you are prompted for some information to customize your user experience. The Surfshark wizard then guides you through installing your browser extension, downloading the app, setting up your antivirus, etc.
The Surfshark control panel is very easy to use with an intuitive layout and all functionality easily accessible. It basically takes one click to activate your VPN. Surfshark will automatically select a close location for better speed and performance, but you can select from an extensive list of locations throughout the world.
Another great feature you get with Surfshark is their alternate ID and email address. It allows you to register on websites without sacrificing your real personal information.
Setting up an Alternate ID is very quick and easy. Also, creating an alternate email and linking it to your actual email address is super easy. Using the Alternate ID and Email features, I was able to sign up on websites without having to reveal my personal email and information. And, the replies to my alternate email messages were quickly forwarded to my real email account without having to wait a long time.
I definitely like the antivirus protection that is included with Surfshark. Once activated, your system is immediately scanned. The antivirus scanning process if quite fast and you’re then presented with the results of the scan.
Overall, the antivirus does a great job of protecting you without being too intrusive on your system or disrupting your online activity.
Another great feature of Surfshark security is the Webcam Protection. In my testing, the webcam protection worked great. As you can see below, unless you have whitelisted an application, your webcam cannot be accessed.
You can perform real incognito searches directly from within Surfshark. It also allows you to search ad-free.
Another great feature you get with Surfshark is their security alerts. When you activate this feature, you are notified if your email address has been compromised. Below, you can see an alert that my email may have been hacked.
I’m happy to report that Surfshark does a good job with their customer support. First, they have a good knowledge base help center that includes both getting started guides plus answers to other questions you may have.
You can also submit a support request if you have a specific issue. And for more immediate help, you can access chat support. Initially, you are connected to an automated bot chat. However, if you need personal assistance, you are quickly connected to a support agent. Like most other live chat support, the quality of help could vary from agent to agent.
Here is a sample snippet of one of my chat support sessions.
So, is Surfshark a VPN you should use?
Overall, I am very pleased with my experience using Surfshark. In fact, I would rate them as the best cheap VPN option. You get great VPN security features. It’s very easy to install and setup Surfshark. It does a great job protecting your online searches and browsing. And, the additional features such as Antivirus, Webcam Protection, Alternate ID, and Alternate Email give you even more security and privacy while you’re online.
If you’re looking for the best low-cost VPN solution, I would definitely recommend checking out Surfshark. See our Surfshark Review Ratings below.
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