Surfshark VPN Review Australia 2024: Performance & Features

If you’re looking for a premium VPN at a budget-friendly price, consider Surfshark. It offers significantly more affordable long-term subscription plans than other top providers like ExpressVPN and NordVPN while still delivering comparable functionality. Surfshark is user-friendly, packed with features, and excellent for streaming.

Through my hands-on testing for this Surfshark VPN review Australia, I found that it isn’t just one of the best and continuously improving providers.

While there are still areas for growth, Surfshark consistently delivers strong performance in speed and security. Continue reading to the end, as my VPN reviews provide deep insights, helping you find the best fit for your needs.

Overall Surfshark VPN Review Australia:

In my Surfshark VPN review Australia, it has been great in most aspects of its features, with some ups and downs here and there. It offers one of the best security features at an affordable price and ensures top-notch user protection.

I also had an amazing streaming experience, especially on Netflix, although I did encounter a few issues while accessing Amazon Prime. The speed was generally fine but may slow down depending on the devices used. Overall, it was a positive experience.

Highlights:

Surfshark VPN Review Australia: Surfshark VPN Pros and Cons:

Below, you’ll find a compilation of Pros and Cons that I discovered during my Surfshark VPN Review Australia:

Surfshark Features – At A Glance

Servers	3200
Countries	100
Surfshark Price	AU$ 3.73/mo (US$ 2.49/mo) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee
Money Back Guarantee	30 Days
Free Trial	7 Days on Mobile
Simultaneous Connections	Unlimited
Compatible Devices	iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, FireStick, Smart TVs, Gaming Consoles, routers
Speeds	80+ Mbps (on 100 Mbps)
Keeps Logs	No
DNS Leak Protection	Yes
Kill Switch	Yes
Where is Surfshark based	The Netherlands
P2P Support	Yes
Customer Support	24/7 Live Chat Support
Other Features	CleanWeb, NoBorders, WireGuard protocol, Multi-Hop, Adblocker, Malware scanner, Alternative ID

Surfshark VPN Pricing and Plans – How much is Surfshark VPN in Australia?

Surfshark’s subscription options can be confusing, especially with the addition of antivirus software and identity monitoring services. Their packages are divided into three tiers: Surfshark Starter, Surfshark One, and Surfshark One+.

Surfshark One includes antivirus features, while Surfshark One+ adds identity monitoring. If you’re only interested in the VPN, Surfshark Starter is the best choice. I’ll focus on that, as the Surfshark VPN is the main highlight.

With Surfshark Starter, you can choose between a one-month, one-year, or two-year subscription, with rates decreasing the longer you subscribe.

This includes secure and private browsing, access to global content, multi-device support, and advanced security features such as Kill Switch and CleanWeb. With the One Plan, users can enjoy comprehensive VPN protection across all their devices with a single subscription.

Surfshark VPN: Refund Policy

What is Surfshark VPN’s refund policy? I am happy that Surfshark provides a genuine 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test their service at no cost for a month. If it doesn’t meet your needs, contact their 24/7 Customer Support Team within the trial period to cancel and receive a full refund.

That said, certain exceptions apply, a fact that many Surfshark VPN reviews do not mention. Users who subscribed via the App Store, Amazon, or iTunes, as well as those who used gift card payments, should contact the respective store for refunds.

One great policy from Surfshark is its willingness to refund cryptocurrency payments, a feature not commonly offered by paid VPN services. Users who paid for Surfshark with cryptocurrency will be given an equivalent amount in US dollars based on the exchange rate at the refund time.

In my testing experience, I received a cancellation confirmation email within 2 hours, and the refund was processed within 8 days. This reflects Surfshark’s commendable refund policy.

Does Surfshark have a Free Trial?

Surfshark offers a free trial for 7 days on Android, iOS, and macOS. However, this Surfshark free trial is exclusive to these platforms and is not accessible to others. Users on other platforms can make use of Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee.

How to cancel Surfshark? If you find Surfshark unsuitable for your needs, you can request a refund within the initial 30 days to receive a full refund. If you’re unsatisfied with the VPN service within the first 30 days of your purchase, you can request a refund and receive your money back. This gives users a risk-free opportunity to try out Surfshark and ensures customer satisfaction.

Surfshark VPN Review Australia – Surfshark VPN for Streaming, Is it Good?

Yes, Surfshark VPN is one of the best VPNs for streaming. With its vast server network spread across numerous countries, Surfshark allows users to access geo-restrictions and popular streaming platforms anywhere in the world. It provides fast and stable connections, ensuring smooth streaming without buffering or interruptions.

Surfshark also offers specialized servers optimized for streaming, allowing users to enjoy their favorite shows and movies in high definition. It offers multiple advanced features to enhance your streaming experience. To start, there’s Smart DNS, which Surfshark can be configured on almost any device, even the ones that don’t support VPNs, allowing you to use the Surfshark Hulu combination on your smart TV.

What is Surfshark’s unblocking ability like? Surfshark VPN is known for successfully unblocking over 20+ streaming platforms. It has been tested and proven to work flawlessly with popular services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.

With Surfshark, users can enjoy seamless access to a wide range of streaming content from different regions, enhancing their entertainment options:

Does Surfshark Unblock Netflix in Australia?

Surfshark VPN effectively unblocks Netflix in Australia and grants access to 30 different Netflix libraries. It’s well known for its ability to access Netflix geo-blocks. This means you can enjoy geo-restricted content worldwide, regardless of your location.

It successfully unlocks content from countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Japan, among others, making it one of the best VPNs for accessing Netflix content. For those looking to change Netflix regions or access international libraries, Surfshark provides a dependable solution.

In my tests, it successfully unblocked over 30 Netflix libraries worldwide, proving that Surfshark works great with Netflix. To access and enjoy the Surfshark Netflix combination and unblock Netflix US, I connected to their US-Boston server, and I can attest to its excellent performance with fast streaming speeds and high-definition picture quality.

I could access all exclusive content in the Netflix US library with Surfshark, making the Surfshark Netflix combination the best VPN-service duo for streamers.

Surfshark VPN’s EU servers are redirected to Netflix US, allowing users to access the desired content conveniently. Despite the redirection, customer support confirmed the safety of using EU servers for watching Netflix US. This feature provides flexibility and a broader range of Netflix content for users.

Customer support clarified that Surfshark servers are configured to open US Netflix for regions they don’t support automatically.

My tests showed that accessing Netflix US from servers in Sweden and the Czech Republic was seamless, without encountering any Netflix proxy errors. This unique server strategy enhances the streaming experience and ensures reliable access to a wide range of Netflix content.

Accessing Netflix US from servers in Swedish and the Czech Republic servers during my tests was smooth, with no Netflix proxy errors. This server approach improves the streaming experience and guarantees consistent access to diverse Netflix content.

Does Surfshark unblock HBO Max in Australia?

Yes, Surfshark effectively unblocks HBO Max in Australiathrough its global server network, which has earned it the reputation of being a trusted HBO Max VPN. This ensures access to the service and fast-loading, high-definition video streaming by connecting to a nearby licensed server location.

Using its Miami server, I could unblock HBO Max with Surfshark and enjoy a buffer-free streaming experience.

Surfshark can easily unblock HBOMax in no time

Can Surfshark unblock Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, etc in Australia?

Surfshark can easily unblock Disney+ Hotstar, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and other streaming services. I can confidently say this after testing Surfshark with various streaming platforms.

In my evaluation, I used Surfshark VPN exclusively to access Amazon Prime and found that all content streamed flawlessly in high-definition quality without any notable errors or interruptions. However, it’s worth noting that I did encounter a minor challenge in finding the optimal server. The Ashburn server eventually proved to be the best.

Surfshark managed to unblock the US Amazon Prime Video library easily.

I then tried accessing Hulu with Surfshark. During my testing, almost every US server I connected to could easily unblock Hulu and stream multiple shows in HD quality. My best experience unblocking Hulu was with Surfshark’s Dallas server, as I did not encounter any buffering or lag:

We could enjoy all popular Hulu content without any buffering.

Finally, I tested Surfshark with Disney+ and got the best performance with its New York server. Again, all the content I streamed on Disney+ played in 1080p HD quality without the expected hiccups of buffering and wait times.

I did not face any issues while streaming Disney+ with Surfshark.

Is Surfshark good for streaming? Yes, it is. Apart from Netflix and the services mentioned above, other popular streaming services like BBC iPlayer and Crackle are also accessible in 1080p HD quality with Surfshark. When seeking the ideal VPN for accessing content in Colorado, the Surfshark Denver server stands out. This server ensures smooth and reliable connections, making Surfshark the best VPN for Colorado because it offers unparalleled performance tailored to local needs.

In summary, I generally had no trouble unblocking websites using Surfshark. Although, when attempting to unblock Hotstar, I encountered some difficulties. It took multiple attempts, connecting to Indian locations before it finally unblocked on the 7th try.

Unfortunately, the speeds were notably slow during testing, resulting in significant buffering issues. It’s possible this was due to the geographical distance, making the video unwatchable.

Surfshark VPN Speed Test Results – How Fast is Surfshark VPN in Australia?

Surfshark is fast enough for different online activities. While testing, I did not face any problems in regular use and could stream in HD and browse the internet without any hindrance. My Surfshark VPN downloads of heavy files were also largely unaffected. Surfshark turned out to be faster than most other VPNs I have tested, so it gets an 8.5/10 speed.

Surfshark has improved its speed since I last reviewed it. When I tested it by connecting to its OpenVPN protocol, I got a speed 0f nearly 78 Mbps on the US server and 75 Mbps on its UK server on my 100 Mbps connection, which didn’t seem quite up to par.

Overall, my experience with OpenVPN was not as pleasant. I expected equal or slightly slower speeds but got average results of around 70- 75 Mbpos, which was lower than expected.

However, I witnessed a noticeable surge in speed after connecting to its WireGuard protocol during my Surfshark speed review. The VPN delivered 80+ Mbps speeds on its US server, while the UK server gave 78+ Mbps. These speeds were stable and consistent every time I connected to the protocol, making Surfshark one of the best VPNs with WireGuard Protocol I have ever tested.

Overall, I did not face extreme slowdowns on any Surfshark server. Here is a brief look at the results of my Surfshark speed test using both the Wireguard and OpenVPN protocols on the US and UK servers:

Generally, I was pleasantly surprised by the performance. For instance, streaming on platforms like Netflix proceeded smoothly without significant buffering or lags, and browsing remained swift. You can expect reliable performance when using Surfshark’s servers in different countries. To get a quick overview, refer to the table below:

Surfshark VPN Review Australia: Servers and Locations

Surfshark has over 3200 servers in 100 countries. The Surfshark server list consists of a global network of servers strategically located across various continents to provide comprehensive VPN coverage.

Here is an overview of Surfshark server locations region-wise:

Virtual Server Locations

I was impressed by Surfshark’s extensive virtual server network, which enhances the overall VPN experience. With a vast global network comprising over 3200 servers worldwide, both physical and virtual, Surfshark ensures top-notch performance and accessibility. What stands out is the inclusion of more than 65+ virtual locations strategically positioned worldwide.

These virtual servers, spanning various countries and cities, offer users seamless access to content and services from diverse regions. Whether you’re looking to connect to a virtual server in the US, Europe, or Australia, Surfshark’s virtual infrastructure guarantees a fast and secure internet connection, regardless of your location.

Static IP Address

Surfshark offers static IP addresses in several countries, but the exact count may change as they expand their network. For the latest information on the number and availability of these static IP addresses, I suggest visiting Surfshark’s official website or reaching out to their customer support.

Benefits of Using Static IP Address

• Compatible with all types of connection protocols.
• Safeguards all of your devices that are connected.
• Ensures secure manual connections.
• Prevents unauthorized usage of your IP address.
• Offers customizable privacy features.
• Facilitates easy access to remote networks.
• Assists in accessing bothersome captchas.
• Enhances access to websites that are sensitive to IP addresses.

Surfshark VPN Security Features Review – How Secure is Surfshark VPN in Australia?

Surfshark VPN is highly secure. It participates in regular audits and provides top-tier security with AES-256-GCM encryption, currently considered the most robust choice. This encryption, with up-to-date protocols and servers that operate entirely on RAM for optimal security, ensures the utmost protection for your data during transfers.

On Android, you can use the ChaCha20 cipher, which offers a similar level of security and performance. Surfshark is known for providing a high level of protection to its users and offers a range of advanced security features. It has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not store any user activity or connection logs.

This commitment to privacy ensures that your online activities remain private and anonymous. It also incorporates a kill switch feature, which automatically cuts off your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. This prevents any data leakage or exposure of your IP address. So is Surfshark safe? My detailed analysis of its features will help you answer the question:

Encryption Protocols

Is Surfshark legit? Yes Surfshark is legit and implements the most robust AES-256-GCM, ensuring maximum data protection. This encryption standard offers an incredibly secure solution for safeguarding your information.

For Android users, Surfshark provides an alternative option called the ChaCha20 cipher. While it offers similar levels of security to AES-256, the main difference lies in the speed performance. Newer devices with AES hardware acceleration work faster with AES-256, while older ones perform better with ChaCha20. It also improves your authentication process security by utilizing SHA-512 encryption.

RAM-Only Servers

Surfshark uses RAM-only servers that erase data whenever the server is powered off, ensuring that it cannot be retrieved. This strict data purging mechanism guarantees complete online anonymity, as no traces of your activities remain.

Security Protocols

Surfshark offers three different protocols, each available in both TCP and UDP variations:

1. IKEv2: This protocol works best for nearby servers but also gave decent speeds during my tests on long-distance servers. It comes with an auto-connect feature that is available on the Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, and FireTV Surfshark apps.
2. OpenVPN: OpenVPN has two versions, UDP and TCP. UDP is faster and ideal for gaming, streaming, and video calls. TCP, on the other hand, is a bit slower.
3. WireGuard: Uses state-of-the-art cryptographic technology, which makes it faster, more stable, and 4 times faster than OpenVPN. Surfshark only offers this protocol for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS device applications.

Using these protocols, you can be secure while accessing your favorite platforms.

I have seen that most people prefer OpenVPN for speed and reliability, but WireGuard is gaining traction. More providers are expected to adopt WireGuard in the coming years. For a detailed comparison, check my comprehensive WireGuard vs. OpenVPN analysis. I tested the protocols and found OpenVPN (UDP) notably slower than IKEv2 and WireGuard.

We tested speeds on 10 different servers using 3 different Surfshark protocols to give you a rough idea about each VPN protocol’s speed and performance.

Surfshark’s OpenVPN was 46% slower on average in my speed tests than IKEv2. I suggest going with IKEv2 for the fastest performance for high internet usage. You can also use the automatic option to let Surfshark choose the best protocol for your needs.

Leak Test Results

I tested 10 Surfshark servers, including those in the UK, US, France, and Italy, and found no DNS, IP, or WebRTC leaks. Surfshark provides DNS and IP leak protection on all its servers using the IPv4 stack, the most common type of IP. While they don’t support IPv6, which is the newer format, my testing did not show any leaks:

Surfshark doesn’t offer IPV6 support, so users better stick to IPv4 with this VPN.

Disabling IPv6 on your devices may affect some apps. Surfshark is a top VPN, but premium VPNs like ExpressVPN handle IPv6 and IPv4 seamlessly. To test Surfshark’s privacy, I conducted leak tests on IPleak.net. Here are the results:

Surfshark passed all the leak tests when we connected to its US server location.

I’m satisfied with the results; there were no DNS or IPv6 leaks when connected to Surfshark. I recommend checking your connection for security as well.

WebRTC leak protection

Checking for WebRTC leaks is crucial but often neglected in VPN connections. Tools like ipleak.net usually perform comprehensive testing, including IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak checks. However, you can use separate tools like browserleaks.com to check for WebRTC leaks specifically.

I conducted these tests with Surfshark VPN enabled to ensure no information leaks. Once again, Surfshark performed exceptionally well in these comprehensive tests, confirming its status as one of the most secure VPN services.

Automatic Kill Switch

Surfshark includes a Kill Switch feature that stops your online activity from leaking if the VPN connection drops. It’s smart, as it instantly disables your internet when the VPN connection is lost, preventing data leaks.

I tested this feature by downloading a torrent file and disconnecting from the VPN server halfway through. Immediately upon disconnection, Surfshark automatically disabled my internet connection.

MultiHop Servers

With Surfshark’s MultiHop servers, I created a VPN chain for enhanced IP masking. For instance, connecting to Surfshark’s US and Netherlands servers simultaneously allows you to appear in two locations, routing your traffic through two servers.

However, during testing, MultiHop servers noticeably slowed down my speeds, which is expected due to the double server routing.

Camouflage Mode

This mode makes your encrypted traffic look like regular traffic under deep packet inspection (DPI) so nobody can see you’re using a VPN. It is a convenient feature of using Surfshark VPN if you connect behind a strict firewall or an Internet Service Provider that restricts VPN usage.

I tested this feature on public Wi-Fi in a library, and it instantly unblocked Netflix and Disney+ without any hiccups. You don’t have to manually enable the Surfshark Camouflage mode, which is automatically enabled when connecting to the OpenVPN protocol. OpenVPN is available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux.

NoBorders Mode

NoBorders is a Surfshark feature tailored for countries with strict VPN regulations and online censorship, like China. When activated, it provides a special server list you can connect to.

Surfshark’s NoBorder mode to access heavy internet restrictions and censorship in regions like China or UAE.

Nexus

Nexus is Surfshark’s latest security feature, using Software Defined Networking (SDN) to combine all VPN servers into a unified network. It connects multiple servers instead of a single tunnel, concealing user traffic, improving stability, and potentially enhancing VPN speed. Nexus optimizes Surfshark’s VPN service, offering increased speed and reliability by routing data through a network of servers.

2FA

Surfshark offers Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for added security. To enable it, log in to your Surfshark account, go to “Account Settings,” and click “Turn on 2FA.” You can set it up with your email or use Google Authenticator for extra privacy. Download the app, scan the QR code, and you’ll need to enter the code from the app when logging in, which changes every 30 seconds.

GPS Spoofing on Android

Surfshark offers a GPS Spoofing feature on Android, which hides your IP address and GPS location to enhance online privacy. This feature makes it appear like you’re in the same place as the server location, preventing apps from tracking your real whereabouts.

To enable it, select “Override GPS Location” in advanced settings. During my test with the Chicago server, Google Maps showed my location near Willis Tower in Chicago, despite my physical presence in the UK. It may not work with location-dependent games like Pokemon Go, as they require your location.

Surfshark VPN Review Australia: Other Features:

Is Surfshark a good VPN for Australia? Yes, it is. Besides the features mentioned above, Surfshark offers tons of other cool in-app features for its users, per my review of my Surfshark VPN. Here are some notable ones:

• Whitelister: As the name suggests, Whitelister is a split tunneling feature that allows you to custom-exclude specific apps or websites from connecting via a VPN. This feature is great if you prefer securing certain sensitive apps and websites while excluding other apps you might use for streaming and general browsing.
• Device Invisibility: With Surfshark, you can also make your VPN-enabled devices invisible to other devices on the same network. This feature offers an extra layer of privacy and is best when using public Wi-Fi and don’t want to be visible to others. Unfortunately, this feature is only available in Surfshark apps for Windows and Android.
• Privacy Beyond VPN: This is a bundled add-on offered by Surfshark with additional costs on its basic subscription deal. It has two features: Surfshark Search, which lets you privately search without any ads or trackers, and Surfshark Alert, which notifies users immediately if their information is found in leaked databases.
• Trust DNS: Surfshark also offers a free Trust DNS app that lets you change your DNS address for free. What’s best is that you can choose from 100+ public DNS servers and access websites that are blocked at the DNS level and even hide your online activity from your ISP. It is only available on Android and iOS apps.
• Surfshark Antivirus review: Surfshark Antivirus is a lightweight, user-friendly virus protection solution that guards against viruses and zero-day threats. It offers manual, scheduled, and real-time scans, ensuring your device’s safety without slowing it down.
• Dedicated IP: Surfshark Dedicated IP is a unique, fixed IP address exclusively for one user. It ensures a consistent IP every time you connect to your designated VPN server, providing both the security of a VPN and a stable IP address. Unlike shared IPs, which multiple users use, a dedicated IP is for your sole use, making it ideal for services sensitive to IP changes and avoiding CAPTCHA requests.
• Alternative ID: Surfshark Alternative ID is a feature that generates a new online identity and email for your use on the internet. You provide the details for the identity you want, and Surfshark creates a new profile with a discreet email address, ensuring your real identity remains confidential. This feature is handy for avoiding sharing personal information with untrusted websites, minimizing the risk of data breaches, and reducing spam from unwanted marketing subscriptions.

Surfshark VPN Review Australia: Privacy

Surfshark is packed with privacy features. The VPN has one of the strictest no-logs policies among available providers, and I consider it one of the best no-logging VPNs because of it. This policy is frequently audited by independent third-party experts and is implemented via RAM-only servers that wipe all your data after every session, leaving no traces behind.

Is Surfshark a good VPN for Australia? Yes, it is. Surfshark is based in the privacy-friendly jurisdiction of the Netherlands, one of the rare European countries that do not have data-retention laws.

It has an open privacy policy documentation available that discusses all important practices. I appreciate their commitment to quality service and effort to communicate transparency. Overall, unlike many premium VPN services, I am satisfied and impressed with the level of privacy Surfshark offers to its users.

Strict No-Logs Policy

Surfshark doesn’t keep logs and strictly follows the concept of no data logging. If you go through Surfshark’s privacy policy, the provider mentions that it does not log any information that may compromise user safety.

Surfshark mentions that it doesn’t collect identifiable user information, answering you’re ‘Is Surfshark safe’ query.

The following table shows what information Surfhark logs and what information it does not retain:

This is seriously impressive because Surfshark only collects emails, encrypted passwords, billing information, and order history. This is pretty standard and cannot pose a threat to user privacy. Surfshark won the Security Software Company of the Year Award at the 17th Annual 2021 Cybersecurity Global Excellence Awards.

Jurisdiction

Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands, which is, unfortunately, a member of the 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, and 14 Eyes Alliance. Now, this can be a bit unsettling for all Surfshark users. That is why the VPN mentions in its privacy policy that despite its headquarters in the Netherlands, it does not store user logs. You can confirm more through the image below:

This means that the VPN won’t collect any data of its users.

Warrant Canary

A warrant canary is a small document informing customers of National Security Letters, Gag Orders, and Warrants the provider has received to date. Since it began operations, Surfshark has not received any subpoena or orders to disclose customer information so far:

Independent Audits

Transparency plays a vital role in establishing trust in cybersecurity companies. Surfshark has undergone independent audits not once but thrice to build and maintain trust.

The initial audit occurred in 2018 and was conducted by Cure53 penetration testers. They focused on examining the security of Surfshark’s Chrome and Firefox extensions, as browser extensions are typically more vulnerable. Fortunately, the results were positive, with the extensions being highly secure.

In 2021, Cure53 conducted a second audit, this time focusing on Surfshark’s server infrastructure and overall security. Once again, Surfshark emerged successful, passing the tests with exceptional results.

The most recent audit occurred in 2023 and was conducted by Deloitte. This audit specifically scrutinized Surfshark’s no-logs policy. The outcome favored the VPN provider, as Deloitte confirmed the validity of Surfshark’s no-logs policy, affirming that the provider genuinely does not retain any user information.

Surfshark VPN for Torrenting: Is Surfshark VPN good for torrenting in Australia?

Yes, Surfshark VPN is an excellent choice for torrenting. It offers a vast network of P2P-friendly servers, exceptional speeds, and full compatibility with major torrent clients, which means you can use Surfshark for torrenting in Australia without hassle.. Best of all, Surfshark emphasizes safety and privacy, ensuring a secure torrenting experience. It also offers the option of cryptocurrency payment for enhanced security.

When using torrent clients like BitTorrent or uTorrent, Surfshark automatically connects you to the nearest P2P server, simplifying the process compared to manual server selection. In my test on an Italy server not optimized for P2P, my IP remained secure, and only the DNS location changed to the Netherlands, an optimized P2P location.

Surfshark automatically connects you to a P2P server when you open a Torrent client like uTorrent.

However, automatic server switching led to slower download speeds than manually selecting P2P servers. When connected to local P2P-optimized servers, the speed averaged 62.17 Mbps, allowing for a quick 12-minute download. On the other hand, connecting to the Italy server resulted in a slower speed of 32.5 Mbps, extending the download time to 23 minutes.

Is Surfshark VPN Good Enough for Gaming in Australia?

Yes, Surfshark VPN is suitable for gaming, particularly on Android devices, due to its high speed, extensive server network, the inclusion of modern protocols like WireGuard, and various other advantages.

Here are some gaming-optimized features that make Surfshark stand out from the crowd:

1. High-capacity Ports: Surfshark servers feature ports with up to 10Gbps capacity, ensuring minimal lag due to server congestion.
2. Enough Servers for Online Gaming: With more than 3200 VPN servers globally, Surfshark offers plenty of options for gamers to connect to a nearby server, reducing the impact on connection speed.
3. No Bandwidth Limitations: Unlike free VPNs, Surfshark doesn’t impose bandwidth limitations, offering an uninterrupted gaming experience.
4. All Device Compatibility: Surfshark supports many systems, making it easy for gamers to install the VPN client on any compatible device.

The service also addresses concerns about VPN’s impact on gaming speed and offers solutions like smart DNS for devices that don’t support VPN apps. Considering these aspects, Surfshark is a strong choice for gaming VPN needs.

Surfshark VPN Review 2024: Does Surfshark Work in China?

Yes, Surfshark works in China. In my Surfshark VPN reviews, I found that this VPN offers speed and security at a reasonable price and performs well in China. I conducted extensive tests to see if it could access China’s strict internet censorship, and the results were impressive. Surfshark consistently provided a reliable connection, enabling access to blocked content and websites without issues in China.

Surfshark’s Hong Kong server is a viable alternative to a Chinese server, effectively addressing its absence by unblocking almost any Chinese content I tried to access. On a similar note, the same Hong Kong servers have access restrictions and access platforms like Instagram, Google Meet, and Snapchat that are blocked in China.

This provides the best of both worlds: access to Chinese and international services, all with one VPN. This is why I consider Surfshark to be the best VPN for China, available at an affordable price.

You can set it up manually if you have issues downloading Surfshark in China. Their helpful Customer support is also available if you need help setting it up on your device.

If you cannot seem to use Surfshark in China, you can contact customer support and set it up manually.

Installation of Surfshark VPN & Ease of Use

Surfshark apps are interactive, user-friendly, convenient, and intuitive, as I discovered during my Surfshark VPN review Australia. The clean layout and well-designed interface make it easy for beginners to use the features. The app supports around 15 languages to assist customers worldwide, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, etc. Sufshark apps are available on the following platforms:

It is also easy to set up Surfshark on other devices that do not have their dedicated apps thanks to its SmartDNS feature:

• Surfshark Nvidia Shield
• Surfshark Apple TV
• Surfshark Firestick
• Surfshark Roku

I discovered that server information like ping time isn’t visible while connected to the VPN. I contacted customer support and learned you need to disconnect from the VPN to see these details. This allows for selecting servers with faster speeds and lower ping times.

View server load and pings of the individual server location to choose the best server in Australia.

Unlimited Simultaneous Device Connections

Surfshark distinguishes itself as one of the best VPNs for multiple devices by offering unlimited simultaneous connections. This is a significant advantage over other VPNs that limit connections to 5-10 devices.

I found Surfshark to be of great value, particularly for large families. I noted no performance degradation in my testing, which included the Surfshark Router setup and connecting devices like laptops and Apple TVs.

Device Compatibility with Surfshark VPN in Australia

Surfshark works with all major operating systems, including iOS, macOS, Linux, and Android, and is an excellent solution for excellent security, performance, and a secure online experience. My experience using it on desktop devices during my Surfshark VPN review Australia was particularly great, which is why I now consider Surfshark one of the best VPNs for Windows.

Aside from offering dedicated apps, this budget-friendly VPN boasts excellent compatibility with a wide range of streaming devices. During my tests I successfully set up and used Surfshark with Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, and Chromecast.

Desktop Apps

Surfshark’s Windows app is straightforward. I tested Surfshark on Windows, and it proved itself to be the best VPN for Windows 10. Its enhanced features on the Mac app also make it a reliable choice among the best VPNs for Mac users.

The Surfshark VPN software features a Connect button, real-time server status details, Whitelister, MultiHop, and kill switch feature, and a convenient menu for selecting server locations, ensuring a seamless and intuitive experience across different operating systems.

The static IP list in Surfshark allows you to connect to servers in Singapore, the UK, Japan, the US, and Germany to set a fixed IP address from a country of your choice on every connection. This particular feature has often been appreciated in the many Surfshark VPN reviews I have seen.

Mobile Apps

My Surfshark VPN review 2024 was not restricted to desktop apps, I tested its mobile apps too. Surfshark’s mobile apps are user-friendly and easy to use, mirroring the Windows app in interface and features like split-tunneling, Ad-blocker, Whitelister, and MultiHop. They offer a pleasing design with a Dark Mode option and support multiple protocols like OpenVPN/IVEv2 and WireGuard, similar to desktop versions.

Surfshark VPN’s Browser Extension

Surfshark seamlessly integrates with popular web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge through its browser extensions. These provide convenient and easy-to-use VPN functionality directly within your browser.

Surfshark Reliability & Customer Support in Australia

Surfshark is known for its reliability, stability, and consistent VPN service. With a vast global server network, Surfshark ensures reliable and uninterrupted connections. I myself used Surfshark’s stable VPN connection to browse the web, stream content, and engage in online activities securely.

Surfshark stands out for its effective and prompt customer support. Available 24/7 through live chat, email, and a detailed knowledge base, they offer reliable assistance for any queries, troubleshooting, or guidance if your Surfshark is not working. Surfshark support can be obtained through the following avenues:

Surfshark has a detailed Help section on its website where you can find troubleshooting guides, installation tutorials for popular devices, and helpful FAQs.

Does Surfshark have Live Chat Support?

Yes, Surfshark does have Live Chat support. It can be accessed by going to the Surfshark support site, scrolling to the bottom of the page, and clicking the “Chat with Us” button. During my Surfshark review, I asked their support agent a simple question and got a response within seconds:

The answer that I got was quite informative.

Why Should You Choose Surfshark in Australia?

You should choose Surfshark because it offers safety and privacy during online activities and enhances your browsing experience with features like ad blockers and unlimited connections. After my Surfshark review, here are some key reasons why you should choose Surfshark:

1. High-Speed Connectivity: With 10Gbps ports on most servers, it offers seamless streaming and browsing without buffering or restrictions, even with heavy data usage.
2. Robust Security and Privacy: Based in the Netherlands, Surfshark encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address, employing AES-256 encryption to safeguard your online activities from external threats.
3. User-Friendly and Affordable: It provides easy-to-use apps for all types of users and is one of the most cost-effective VPNs, starting at extremely affordable rates for a 2-year plan, with a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
4. Unlimited Device Support: A single subscription allows unlimited simultaneous connections, enabling comprehensive protection for all your devices and the option to share with others.
5. No Logs Policy: Surfshark ensures your online activities remain private by not logging your browsing history, downloads, or other actions.
6. Secure Server Network: It operates a 100% RAM-only server network, ensuring all connection data is erased upon server restarts.
7. Exceptional Performance in 2024: Known for its fast speeds, particularly when using WireGuard, it enables lag-free streaming of UHD content from distant regions.
8. Extensive Server Coverage: With over 3200 servers in more than 100 countries, it offers fast connections worldwide and is excellent for accessing geo-restrictions.
9. Additional Features: Surfshark includes an ad blocker (CleanWeb), which blocks ads, trackers, and malware, enhancing your online experience.

Surfshark Rating: Based on my Review [Surfshark VPN Performance Analysis]

As I have tried to reiterate in this detailed Surfshark VPN review 2024, this provider is a robust service. It boasts a myriad of features and delivers top-tier performance. The affordability of the 2-year introductory plan significantly outweighs minor drawbacks, such as subpar OpenVPN speeds or the less reliable kill switch.

It is ideal for those seeking a VPN that functions seamlessly across numerous devices, ensures online anonymity, and provides access to a vast array of global streaming sites. Its combination of performance and versatility makes it a desirable option:

Other Streaming services you can access using Surfshark in Australia

I tested around 50+ servers, including US, British, Canadian, Australian, and other regions, with VPN Surfshark. During my tests in my detailed Surfshark VPN review, I unblocked this entire list of streaming platforms with Surfshark:

Reddit is a vast platform to share suggestions and queries; here are some Surfshark VPN customer reviews.

• I have previously had PIA, Nord VPN, TOR Guard, Cyberghost, and Proton VPN. Surfshark first drew me in with the price-to-feature ratio, which felt unmatched. I couldn’t believe how many server locations they had, how cheap it was, the feature list, how clean the app felt, Netflix locations, and the unlimited devices!
• Pretty stable VPN good number of “Extras” Included in the plan.. Find it to be one of the fastest for torrenting.

I agree that Surfshark is a great VPN service. I had a similarly positive experience with its excellent features, numerous server locations, affordable pricing, clean app interface, and support for unlimited devices. The service is stable, includes valuable extras in the plan, and is impressively fast for torrenting.

FAQs – Surfshark VPN Review Australia

Final Verdict – Is Surfshark VPN worth it?

During my Surfshark review in Australia, I’ve found it to be a formidable contender in the VPN market, providing a versatile and robust service that stands out for its unlimited connections and impressive security features.

It’s an affordable choice that doesn’t compromise quality, offering advanced functionality and reliable performance for streaming and torrenting. While the Surfshark VPN review reveals minor connection delays on certain platforms, the overall user experience remains positive across devices.