Macworld USA – August 2019

(vip2019) #1
AUGUST 2019 MACWORLD 89

unexpectedly drops it cuts internet
access to your MacBook. You can
also enable the CleanWeb feature
for ad and tracker blocking.
Surfshark had some really great
speeds in most locations, with the
United States, UK, and Germany all
registering 20-30Mbps on a
connection where the non-VPN base
speed was 85-90Mbps. Australia
was pretty good with double-digit
results, while Japan was weak.
In my tests, I was able to access
Netflix using a U.S. VPN connection.


PRICING
Surfshark’s best pricing option is its
24-month plan, which comes out to $84
total. The one-year subscription is $72,
and the month-to-month price is $12. As is
typical for VPN services, the month-to-
month plan is overpriced to
convince you to commit to a
longer term. Its one-year plan is
a little on the high side, but not
by a whole lot as the norm is
about $60—making the two-year
plan the best value overall.
Despite its higher annual
cost (if you go for a single year),
you get quite a lot. The best
feature is probably unlimited
devices, as most VPN services
limit you to five.


Surfshark also guarantees usage with
Netflix, and it has a bunch of other extras
such as ad and tracker blocking, and
multi-hop for those interested in additional
obfuscation.

BOTTOM LINE
Surfshark is a very good service
with enough features to justify its
higher cost, and some great
speeds. The exotic business
location is a bit much for me
personally, but I know a lot of
users get nervous about VPNs
based within the Fourteen Eyes
countries. I’d like to see the
company add their team bios
and company address to the
About page, but overall
Surfshark is off to a great start. ■

mmmm
Surfshark
PROS


  • Great speeds.

  • Ad and tracker blocking
    built in.

  • Unlimited simultaneous
    device connections.
    CONS

  • Desktop app could be
    better.
    PRICE
    $84
    COMPANY
    Surfshark


Surfshark’s MultiHop feature.
Free download pdf