Surfshark One: Is It Worth It?

Surfshark One: A Comprehensive Security Solution

Surfshark, a prominent name in the VPN market, has expanded its offerings with Surfshark One, a complete security bundle designed for users seeking enhanced online safety and privacy. This suite combines a VPN with antivirus software, a data breach detection system, and a private search engine, providing a multi-layered approach to digital protection.

Key Features of Surfshark One

Surfshark One integrates four core services into a single, cost-effective solution:

  • Surfshark VPN: Known for its robust privacy features, budget-friendly pricing, and high-speed performance, Surfshark VPN boasts a network of over 3,200 servers across 100 countries. Features like NoBorders and Camouflage Mode enable users to bypass censorship and access geographically restricted streaming content from platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. The VPN employs military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and a kill switch to ensure user security. Additionally, Surfshark utilizes its Nexus technology, which connects users to the network’s entire infrastructure rather than isolated servers.

  • Surfshark Antivirus: This component offers real-time protection against cyber threats and malicious software during file downloads, installations, and application usage. It enhances device security through scheduled scans, covering entire devices or specific files and folders. In independent testing, Surfshark Antivirus has demonstrated a high detection rate against advanced malware attacks, earning accolades for its protection, performance, and usability.

  • Surfshark Alert: This data breach detection system promptly notifies users if their sensitive information has been compromised in a data breach. It monitors email accounts, passwords, personal identification numbers, and credit card details, alerting users if any of this information appears in breached online databases or on the dark web.

  • Surfshark Search: This private search tool ensures user privacy by refraining from monitoring or logging search history. It also blocks web trackers that may compromise browsing experiences. Surfshark Search allows users to switch between regions to obtain more relevant search results and delivers organic search results unbiased by previous searches.

Getting Started with Surfshark One

To access the benefits of Surfshark One, users can visit the Surfshark website and select a plan: Surfshark Starter, Surfshark One, or Surfshark One+. The Starter plan includes a VPN and Alternative ID tool. Surfshark One adds Antivirus, Alerts, and Search. Surfshark One+ includes all features of Surfshark One, plus data removal from company databases and people search sites.

After selecting a plan and subscription length (monthly, annual, or bi-annual), users provide their email address, choose a payment method, create a password, and download and install the software. Surfshark One offers a seven-day free trial for 12-month or 24-month subscriptions paid via credit card or PayPal. A 30-day money-back guarantee is also available.

User Interface and Device Compatibility

Surfshark Antivirus is compatible with Android, macOS, and Windows, while Alert, Search, and VPN services extend to iOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. The VPN can also be manually installed on routers, gaming consoles, and smart TV systems like FireTV and Apple TV. Surfshark One supports up to five devices for antivirus protection per account, while the standalone VPN offers unlimited device connections.

The Surfshark One interface is user-friendly, featuring a VPN dashboard for quick connections to optimal servers. The Alternative ID tool allows users to manage their online personas. The Alert dashboard, accessible via a web link, displays detected data breaches. Antivirus options are easily managed, with one-click controls for real-time protection, web protection, and webcam protection. Surfshark Search is integrated within the app, with results opening in a web page. Settings allow users to configure VPN features, application settings, and account details. Help resources, including guides and troubleshooting tools, are available through the app’s settings.

Protection Capabilities

Surfshark One’s Antivirus tool offers continuous device monitoring through real-time scans and website checks. On-demand quick and full scans can be scheduled to run automatically, and the virus database updates frequently. External storage scans are also supported. The cloud protection feature analyzes suspicious files in a secure environment, leveraging a global virus database without impacting device speed. Webcam protection is available to prevent unauthorized access to the camera. Users can exclude trusted files, folders, and websites from scans. Infected files can be automatically deleted after a quarantine period.

Surfshark VPN provides access to a large network of servers, enabling users to bypass geo-restrictions and access streaming content from various platforms. The NoBorders mode ensures internet access worldwide, and a browser extension blocks ads, trackers, and malware. The kill switch, which disables internet access in case of VPN connection failure, is customizable with strict and softer versions. Dynamic MultiHop, a double VPN feature, routes data through two servers for added anonymity. Supported protocols include OpenVPN and WireGuard. The Bypasser option allows users to specify apps, websites, and IP addresses that can bypass the VPN. Additional features include Rotating IP, which automatically changes the IP address, and Invisible on LAN, which hides the device from other devices on the local network.

Additional Features

Surfshark Search delivers unbiased search results in various formats. Surfshark Alert monitors data breaches and provides detailed information about compromised data, including descriptions, dates, severity levels, and recommendations. Users can archive this data and scan for compromised credit card numbers and personal identification numbers. Breach reports can be sent via email. Users can also remove their data from Alert.

The Alternative ID feature allows users to create online alter egos with fake email addresses and personal information.

What’s Missing

While Surfshark One offers extensive protection, it does not include a password manager, parental controls, or a firewall. The Incogni tool, designed to remove personal data from the internet, is included in the Surfshark One+ package and is available as an add-on for other plans. Dedicated IP addresses and alternative phone numbers are also available for an additional fee.

Final Thoughts

Surfshark One provides a comprehensive security suite at a competitive price. Its user-friendly interface, customizable antivirus, high VPN speeds, and extras like webcam protection and alternative ID offer a robust solution for protecting online presence and ensuring digital peace of mind.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You might also like