Surfshark: Secure VPN service

Encrypted connections on public Wi-Fi and abroad

Traffic sent through the VPN is encrypted, so the internet provider and other users on the same network cannot read it. The listing names airport, hotel and café Wi-Fi as the main case, where logins and card details could otherwise be exposed.

Connections use WireGuard along with a protocol the developer calls its own. Dynamic Multi Hop, Rotating IP and Dedicated IP are listed as advanced options for routing and for the address you appear to browse from. Connecting to a server in your home country lets you reach the streaming services and websites you already use while abroad.

Auto-connect turns the VPN on automatically when you join a Wi-Fi network the phone does not recognise. The developer cites an independent audit by Deloitte as the basis for its privacy claims.

Masking your identity and monitoring data breaches

Alternative ID creates a separate online profile with a new email address and name, so sign-ups do not use your regular email. Personal data masking works the same way for forms and accounts, keeping your real address out of marketing lists.

Phone number masking provides a spare number for the same purpose, so your everyday number stays private. Data leak monitoring watches for your email, ID or card details appearing in a known breach and sends an alert so you can change passwords. The listing says Surfshark One adds virus protection and breach alerts for your devices on top of the VPN.

Blocking ads, trackers and phishing messages

The ad blocker stops ads, trackers and malicious pages, so pages load with fewer scripts and fewer companies building a profile of your browsing. A web content blocker is listed as a separate control for filtering what loads.

Text message protection flags phishing links in your messages before you tap them. The email scam checker looks for fake messages, and an antivirus feature covers devices against viruses. These run inside the same app as the VPN rather than as separate installs.

Devices, subscription and the free trial

A single Surfshark subscription covers unlimited simultaneous connections, which the developer says includes Android phones, tablets and Android TV. Windows and browser extensions are also listed. The VPN and related features are part of that paid subscription.

The developer offers a 7-day free VPN trial that gives access to all of the VPN features before a subscription is required.