Surfshark is a popular VPN service that’s gotten a lot of attention lately. I’ve seen some rumors floating around about its ownership, so I wanted to dig into the facts.
Surfshark is not a Chinese company – it’s actually based in the Netherlands.
As someone who cares about online privacy, I always look into where VPN providers are headquartered. The country a VPN operates from can affect user data protection.
Surfshark being based in the Netherlands is good news for privacy fans.
I’ll break down more details about Surfshark’s background in this post. We’ll look at who owns the company, where they operate, and what that means for users like us who want to stay safe online.
Stick around to learn the full story behind this leading VPN service.
Overview of Surfshark’s Origins
Surfshark is a popular VPN service that’s caught the attention of many privacy-conscious users. Let’s take a closer look at where this company comes from and who’s behind it.
Surfshark and Its Parent Company
Surfshark was born in 2018, starting as a small VPN provider with big dreams. I was surprised to learn it grew so quickly in just a few years.
In 2022, Surfshark joined forces with Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN. This move really boosted Surfshark’s resources and reach.
Nord Security didn’t buy Surfshark outright. Instead, they formed a new parent company together. This setup lets Surfshark keep its own identity while tapping into Nord’s tech know-how.
It’s a win-win that’s helped Surfshark grow even faster.
Is Surfshark Based in China?
No, Surfshark is not based in China. The company is officially registered in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). I chose to highlight this because it’s a key fact for users worried about privacy.
The BVI is a popular spot for VPN companies. Why? It’s outside the “14 Eyes” intelligence alliance and has strong privacy laws. This means Surfshark doesn’t have to keep logs of user activity.
Some folks might confuse Surfshark with Chinese VPNs because it works well in China. But that’s just a feature, not where it’s from. Surfshark is proud of its BVI roots and the privacy benefits that come with it.
Surfshark’s Features and Services
Surfshark offers a range of VPN features and extra services to protect users’ privacy and enhance their online experience. Let’s take a closer look at what this VPN provider brings to the table.
Privacy and Security Enhancements
Surfshark takes privacy seriously. They use strong AES-256 encryption to keep my data safe. I appreciate their strict no-logs policy, which means they don’t track or store my online activities.
The VPN also includes a kill switch that cuts my internet if the VPN drops, preventing data leaks. For extra protection, there’s a MultiHop feature that routes my traffic through two servers.
Surfshark offers some unique privacy tools too. Their CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware. There’s also a Bypasser tool that lets me choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t.
Streaming and Server Locations
Surfshark is great for streaming. It unblocks popular services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. I can access different regional libraries without buffering issues.
The VPN has over 3200 servers in 100 countries. This wide network helps me find fast, nearby servers wherever I am. Many servers are optimized for streaming and P2P file sharing.
Surfshark uses a mix of physical and virtual server locations. While virtual servers can be useful, I like that they’re transparent about which ones are physical.
Additional Surfshark Products
Surfshark has expanded beyond just VPN services. Their Surfshark Alert feature monitors my email and alerts me if my personal info shows up in data breaches.
Surfshark Antivirus is a solid option for extra device protection. It runs in the background, scanning for malware and viruses.
For private web searches, there’s Surfshark Search. This tool lets me search the web without ads or tracking. It’s a nice add-on for those who value their online privacy.
These extra services integrate well with the VPN, creating a comprehensive privacy package.
Technical Aspects and Performance
Surfshark offers solid encryption and protocols to keep users safe online. It also delivers good speeds for streaming and browsing.
Encryption and Protocols
Surfshark uses strong AES-256 encryption to protect user data. This is the same level of security used by banks and governments.
For VPN protocols, Surfshark gives users choices. OpenVPN is available, which is open-source and very secure. I prefer WireGuard though. It’s a newer protocol that’s faster and just as safe.
Surfshark also has some neat security features. There’s a kill switch that cuts internet if the VPN drops. This stops data leaks. They also offer multi-hop connections. These route traffic through two servers for extra privacy.
Speed and Stability
In my tests, Surfshark performed well for speed. Download speeds stayed high on nearby servers. Even far-away ones were usable for HD streaming. Ping times were low enough for online gaming too.
The app connected quickly each time I used it. I didn’t see any random disconnects during regular use.
Surfshark has over 3200 servers in 100 countries. This big network helps with performance and stability.
For streaming, Surfshark worked great. I could watch Netflix and other services without buffering. P2P downloads were fast too, though not the absolute quickest I’ve seen.
User Experience and Support
Surfshark aims to make using a VPN easy and accessible. They offer apps for many devices and provide customer support options.
Device Compatibility and Apps
I found Surfshark’s apps simple to use on my devices. They have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. I liked that I could connect up to unlimited devices with one account.
The apps had clean interfaces that made it easy to connect to servers. I could choose from a list of countries or use the quick-connect feature.
Surfshark also offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. These were handy for protecting just my web browsing.
For more advanced users, Surfshark can be set up on routers. This lets you protect all devices on your home network.
Customer Service and Help Resources
When I had questions, I found Surfshark’s customer support helpful. They offer 24/7 live chat on their website. I got quick answers when I needed help.
Surfshark also has email support if you prefer that. Response times were usually within a few hours in my experience.
I found lots of guides and FAQs on their support site. These covered topics like setup, troubleshooting, and using features. The articles were clear and had step-by-step instructions.
For self-help, Surfshark has setup tutorials for different devices. I used these to get started and found them easy to follow.
Privacy and Security Policies
Surfshark takes privacy and security seriously. They have policies in place to protect user data and have undergone external audits to verify their practices.
No-Logs Policy and Transparency
Surfshark claims to have a strict no-logs policy. This means they don’t track or store any information about what users do online while connected to their VPN.
Surfshark’s privacy policy states they don’t collect:
- IP addresses
- Browsing history
- Downloaded files
- Connection timestamps
They only keep minimal info needed to maintain accounts, like email addresses. I believe this level of privacy is good to see from a VPN provider.
Third-Party Audits and Trustworthiness
To back up their claims, Surfshark has gone through independent audits.
Cure53, a cybersecurity firm, checked their browser extensions in 2018.
Deloitte audited their no-logs policy in 2022.
These audits help build trust. They show Surfshark is willing to let outside experts verify their security practices.
The results were positive. Cure53 found only minor issues in the browser extensions.
Deloitte confirmed Surfshark’s systems are set up to not log user activity.
I think it’s great to see a VPN provider open themselves up to this kind of scrutiny. It gives me more confidence in their commitment to privacy.
I’m Marcus Bextor, a seasoned software engineer passionate about demystifying technology. With over a decade in the tech industry, my journey began with a Computer Science degree, evolving through various roles in software development, system architecture, and project management. At MWTA, I leverage my expertise to provide in-depth, unbiased reviews of the latest tech products, from smartphones to smart homes. My blogs aim to be accessible to all, breaking down complex jargon into simple language. Besides reviews, I share insights on tech trends and practical tips. Connect with me for questions and suggestions as we explore the tech world together.