Surfshark VPN 3.4.1 Cracked My Vision of Security

My FixThePhoto’s colleague Julia and I got the chance to try out the newest features of Surfshark VPN. We tested it on our work computers for secure browsing, accessing blocked content, and staying safe on public Wi-Fi. The smooth connection and steady speeds made it an effective option for all kinds of online tasks, keeping our data secure without worsening performance.

I’ve tried numerous VPN services before Surfshark, and each had its own strengths and weaknesses. Finding the ideal mix of security, speed, and usability was often tricky. That’s why it’s essential to choose the right VPN that ensures both privacy and performance. This new update makes Surfshark one of the best VPNs, offering a fast and secure browsing experience without the common issues of other VPNs.

✔️ Seamless MultiHop feature. While browsing sensitive content, I found MultiHop to be a game-changer. This feature routes your connection through multiple servers, making it much harder for anyone to track your online activity. In such a way, Surfshark VPN added an extra layer of anonymity without slowing down my connection, which was particularly helpful when accessing content in regions with strict internet restrictions.

✔️ Invisible VPN traffic. One feature I found incredibly useful was Camouflage Mode, which made it impossible for my internet provider to find out that I was using a VPN. This was especially important while traveling, as it allowed me to browse securely and access restricted content without running into VPN blocks or speed issues.
✔️ GPS spoofing for location control. Unlike regular VPNs that only change your IP address, Surfshark also lets you adjust your GPS location. This made it easy to use location-based apps without setting off alarms. It was a game-changer for accessing region-specific content hassle-free, making Surfshark a reliable VPN for travel.

✔️ Unlimited device connections. Dealing with multiple devices can be tricky with VPNs that limit connections, but Surfshark lets me protect my laptop, phone, tablet, and smart TV all at once. This freedom made it easy to keep all my gadgets secure without the hassle of logging in and out repeatedly.
✔️ Rotating IP for enhanced privacy. Instead of keeping the same IP address, this feature automatically switched mine at set times without disconnecting. It added more privacy, stopping websites from tracking my activity while keeping the connection steady.

❌ Occasional slow server connections. I noticed that some Surfshark VPN servers took longer to connect, especially during peak hours. Although switching servers usually helped, it was still frustrating when I needed a quick and stable connection immediately.
❌ Inconsistent speeds on distant servers. When connecting to servers far from my location, I noticed significant speed drops. While this is typical for most VPNs, it meant I had to test different servers manually to find the right combination of speed and security.

After extensively testing Surfshark VPN, I highlighted a few areas where enhancements could further improve the user experience:

• Faster server switching. While the connection is generally stable, switching between servers can sometimes take longer than I’d like. Reducing this delay would make it easier to change locations quickly without disrupting my workflow, making it a better VPN for streaming.
• More advanced split tunneling options. The split tunneling feature is effective, but I’d appreciate more detailed controls, such as the option to exclude specific websites rather than just apps. This would provide greater flexibility in managing my internet traffic.
• Fewer CAPTCHA triggers. When using this VPN, I often had to complete CAPTCHAs on certain websites. If Surfshark could minimize these interruptions without sacrificing security, it would make browsing a lot smoother.
• Expanded smart recommendations. The app already recommends the best servers for speed and security, but adding real-time suggestions based on my activity would be a nice upgrade. For instance, automatically recommending servers optimized for streaming based on the platform I’m using would save a lot of time.
• Better support for high-latency connections. The speed drop is noticeable when connecting to distant servers. Enhancing performance for long-distance connections would ensure faster speeds, no matter the server location.

While testing free alternatives to Surfshark VPN, I compared their security, speed, and user experience. Each free VPN has its own advantages, but none come close to the comprehensive features and reliability that Surfshark provides.

ProtonVPN is a well-known free VPN that offers strong security, but it’s limited in speed and server options compared to Surfshark. While it’s fine for basic browsing, Surfshark’s faster speeds and wider server network make it a much better choice for streaming or more demanding activities.

I also tried Windscribe, a free VPN that offers solid privacy features and 10GB of free data monthly. However, its free plan limits server locations, which often slows things down. Surfshark, on the other hand, gives you unlimited data and a wide range of servers, delivering faster speeds and more reliable connections.

Another free VPN I checked out was Hide.me, which claims no data logging but only gives users 2GB of data monthly. This small limit makes it a poor choice for heavy internet use, especially compared to Surfshark’s unlimited data and faster speeds. Surfshark VPN is a much better option, especially for extended use.

I also tested Atlas VPN, which has a basic, easy-to-use interface. While it offers strong encryption, it limits server options and can perform inconsistently. Surfshark, with features like MultiHop and Camouflage Mode, stands out as a much stronger choice for security and flexibility, particularly for users who need advanced browsing protection.

Finally, I tested the free version of TunnelBear, which is user-friendly and great for casual browsing. However, its 500MB monthly data cap is very restrictive, making it impractical for regular or heavy use. On the other hand, Surfshark’s unlimited data and stronger privacy features provide much greater value for users who prioritize online security.

In short, free VPNs offer basic functionality, but they can’t compete with Surfshark’s speed, security, or features. For a better VPN experience, download Surfshark, as it is the top choice.