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Surfshark Promo Codes & Coupons: The Complete Guide to Saving Big on VPN [2025]
Looking for ways to cut your VPN subscription costs? You're not alone. Thousands of people are searching for Surfshark promo codes every single month, and honestly, the deals are genuinely worth hunting for. If you're paying full price for a Surfshark subscription, you're leaving serious money on the table.
Surfshark stands out in a crowded VPN market for solid reasons. The service offers military-grade encryption, works on unlimited simultaneous devices, and actually delivers the speeds it promises. That matters, because plenty of VPN providers claim speed but deliver lag. I've tested Surfshark over multiple years, and it consistently ranks among the fastest VPNs available. You won't notice degradation when streaming 4K content or downloading large files.
But here's the thing: the real value proposition of Surfshark comes when you stack promo codes with already-discounted multi-year plans. We're talking about reducing your monthly cost from the standard
This guide breaks down every legitimate Surfshark promo code currently available, how to stack them for maximum savings, which student discounts actually work, and whether the referral program is worth your time. We've also included answers to the questions people ask most about using VPNs with streaming services, international access, and legal concerns.
If you're ready to lock in a VPN service that doesn't break your budget, keep reading. The timing matters here—some deals rotate monthly, and we've identified the ones that consistently appear year-round.
TL; DR
- Best Overall Deal: 87% off plus 3 extra months on 2-year plans brings cost to approximately $2 per month
- Fast Way to Save: Multi-year subscriptions unlock deeper discounts than monthly billing
- Students Get Extra: Verify through Student Beans for additional 15% off already-reduced prices
- Referral Program: Earn up to $38 or 3 free months by inviting friends who commit to 31 days
- Bottom Line: Most users save $100+ annually by using available promo codes instead of paying standard rates
Surfshark offers the most competitive pricing at
Understanding Surfshark's Current Pricing Structure
Before diving into specific promo codes, you need to understand how Surfshark prices its plans. This foundation makes the discount math much clearer.
Surfshark offers three main subscription tiers. The standard Surfshark plan provides VPN access and covers everything most users need: unlimited simultaneous connections, global server access, and robust encryption. The mid-tier Surfshark One adds extra security features like real-time credit card and ID breach monitoring, personal data security reports, and antivirus plus anti-malware software bundled into one subscription.
At the top, Surfshark One Plus includes everything from One but adds professional data removal services that actively work to remove your personal information from data broker sites.
What makes Surfshark unique compared to competitors is their billing model. You're not limited to monthly subscriptions. You can commit to either a one-year or two-year plan upfront. The two-year commitment offers significantly better per-month pricing. Standard monthly billing runs
Then the promo codes hit. And that's where Surfshark's value becomes genuinely compelling.
Surfshark One pricing starts at
Paid VPN services like Surfshark offer superior data privacy, speed, server options, and reliability compared to free VPNs. Estimated data based on typical service offerings.
The 87% Discount Plus 3 Months Free: How It Works
You've probably seen this number everywhere: 87% off with 3 free months. It sounds too good to be true, but it's legitimate. Understanding exactly how this deal structures itself prevents confusion during checkout.
This promotional offer applies specifically to two-year plans across all subscription tiers. When you select a two-year subscription and apply the current promotional code at checkout, Surfshark applies the 87% discount to that two-year billing cycle, then tacks on three additional months of service at no charge.
Let's do the math so you actually know what you're paying. Using the standard Surfshark plan as an example: normally, a two-year subscription costs approximately
Then add those three free months, and you're getting 27 months of coverage for the price of less than 2 months at standard rates. The per-month cost drops even lower: roughly $0.46 per month when you factor in the free months as part of your total service period.
For Surfshark One, this same discount structure applies to the higher-tier plan. The math follows the same pattern, just with a higher starting price that makes the absolute savings larger.
Why does Surfshark offer such aggressive discounts? The answer is simple: customer acquisition. VPN providers operate on thin margins. Getting you to commit to two years of service locks in predictable revenue. They're willing to discount heavily upfront because they make money on the back half of your contract when you've already become invested in the service.
This deal typically runs year-round, though the specific promo code changes periodically. If one code doesn't work, try alternative codes like "SAVE87" or "VPN87"—Surfshark usually maintains multiple active codes for the same promotion.
One-Year Plans: When Two Years Doesn't Make Sense
Not everyone can commit to two years upfront. Whether you're testing Surfshark before full commitment, or you just can't manage the larger initial payment, one-year plans offer a reasonable middle ground between monthly and two-year subscriptions.
One-year plans typically discount from standard monthly rates but not as aggressively as two-year commitments. Standard Surfshark on a one-year plan runs approximately
Promo codes still apply to one-year plans, though the percentage discounts are often lower. You might see 50% off rather than 87% off. Even at 50% discount, you're looking at approximately
The advantage of one-year plans is flexibility with lower risk. If Surfshark changes pricing, eliminates features you rely on, or you simply want to try a different provider, you're not locked into a two-year commitment. That flexibility has genuine value, especially for users who haven't used VPN services extensively before.
One-year plans also make sense if you're rotating through multiple VPN providers. Some users maintain simultaneous subscriptions to different services for different use cases—using one for streaming, another for general browsing privacy, and a third for accessing work networks. In those scenarios, shorter commitments help you avoid paying for overlapping services you're not actively using.
Surfshark offers significant savings with a two-year commitment, reducing the standard plan cost from
Student Discount: 15% Off for College and Graduate Students
If you're enrolled in college or pursuing a graduate degree, Surfshark offers an additional discount layer that stacks on top of everything else we've discussed. This is legitimately one of the best student deals in the VPN market because it doesn't require special hardware verification or limited-time enrollment periods.
The student discount provides 15% off standard Surfshark pricing across all plan durations. The catch? You need to verify your student status through Student Beans, a third-party student verification platform that Surfshark partners with.
Here's how the verification works: Visit Surfshark's website and locate their student discount page. The site directs you to Student Beans' verification system. This typically requires entering your school email address and might ask for proof of enrollment through your school's system or a photo of your student ID. The process usually completes within minutes, sometimes instantly depending on whether Student Beans can verify your school's directory electronically.
Once verified, you receive a unique discount code that you enter at Surfshark checkout. This code stacks on top of existing promotional discounts, meaning you can combine the 87% off promotion with your 15% student discount.
Let's calculate what this looks like in practice. On a two-year standard Surfshark plan, after the 87% discount, you're at approximately
Graduate students receive the same 15% discount, contrary to some VPN services that tier student benefits by degree level. This makes Surfshark particularly friendly for graduate programs where the cost difference between undergraduate and postgraduate is already substantial.
One important note: verify this benefit while your student status is current. Some users try to maintain student discounts after graduation, which violates the terms. Student Beans verifies ongoing enrollment periodically, so the system will eventually flag inactive accounts.
The Refer-a-Friend Program: Earning Money or Free Months
Surfshark's referral program is genuinely generous compared to most VPN competitors. Instead of forcing you into a single reward structure, they let you choose between cash rewards or free service months. This flexibility matters because different users value different outcomes.
Here's how the program mechanics work: Surfshark provides you with a unique referral link that you can share with friends, family, or colleagues. When someone clicks your link and signs up for Surfshark, both you and the new user receive rewards. The reward amounts depend on what subscription length the referred person purchases.
If your referral purchases a one-month subscription, you both receive one free month of Surfshark service. Both parties get this benefit automatically—it's not one or the other, it's both. The new user essentially gets their first month free (plus whatever promotional pricing they qualified for), and you get an additional free month added to your active subscription.
When your referral commits to a longer plan (one year, two years, or any multi-month option), the reward jumps to three free months for both parties. This is significant. Three free months represents roughly $10-40 in value depending on which plan tier you're using.
Alternatively, instead of accepting free months, you can choose to receive cash payments via PayPal. For single-month referrals, you get approximately
The program operates on an activation delay: you don't receive your reward immediately when someone clicks your link. The referred person must keep their account active for a minimum of 31 consecutive days before the reward activates. This prevents gaming the system through quick signups and cancellations.
Cash-out thresholds don't apply—you can request your PayPal payment whenever you reach any amount. Some users start with free months during their initial Surfshark subscription, then switch to cash rewards as their subscription rolls forward and they don't need additional free time.
The referral rewards accumulate—there's no limit on how many people you can refer. Users who actively share their Surfshark referral link in relevant online communities, Reddit threads, or forums have earned substantial rewards. Some dedicated referrers claim to cover their entire subscription cost through referral rewards alone.
This chart illustrates the difference between discounted and standard monthly pricing for VPN services. Surfshark's aggressive discount strategy offers significant savings compared to average VPN pricing. Estimated data.
Understanding VPN Pricing Psychology and Why Discounts Matter
Surfshark's aggressive discount strategy isn't random. It reflects fundamental economics of the VPN market and consumer psychology.
VPN providers face intense competition. Dozens of established services exist, with new entrants launching regularly. Consumer perception of VPN services has evolved significantly over the past five years. What used to be considered a niche security tool has become more mainstream as privacy concerns increase. With mainstream adoption comes price pressure.
A VPN provider's actual costs—primarily server infrastructure and bandwidth—don't justify the standard pricing you see on many services. If Surfshark can offer a two-year subscription for less than
Promo codes work as loss leaders. That $0.50 monthly subscription is below the company's actual cost per user in many cases. They're not making money on that initial purchase. Instead, they're betting on your long-term relationship with the service.
Once you've used Surfshark for 24 months, you become familiar with the interface, establish trust in their security claims, and develop habits around the service. When that discounted subscription expires, you're statistically more likely to renew at higher price points or upgrade to premium tiers than a completely new user would be.
This is customer lifetime value (LTV) in action. The company acquires you at or below cost, then monetizes you through renewals and upgrades as your relationship deepens. This model works if they can acquire customers cheaply enough and retain a high percentage for subsequent purchases.
Understanding this psychology helps you make better decisions. Those "87% off" promotions aren't necessarily unsustainable. They're calculated bets that you'll stick around. For users who do value the service and plan to renew, these discounts are genuinely great deals. For users thinking "I'll try it at this price then drop it," the company is essentially betting you'll change your mind.
Best Practices for Applying Promo Codes Without Mistakes
Surfshark promo codes seem straightforward, but application errors can cost you significant savings. Here's how to avoid the most common mistakes.
First, timing matters. Surfshark typically introduces new promotional codes around major holidays, the beginning of months, and during industry events. If you're flexible on when you subscribe, waiting for these known discount windows usually provides better offers than random times. You can monitor Surfshark's Twitter, newsletter, or browsing sites like this one to catch new promotions.
Second, the coupon code field is separate from the promotional banner discounts. If Surfshark's landing page advertises "87% off," that discount should automatically populate at checkout. However, you still have a separate coupon code field where you might enter additional codes. Don't assume the advertised discount is already applied. Always check the cart summary before payment to confirm the discount appears.
Third, codes have validity windows. A code that works today might expire next week. If you're planning ahead, test the code during your shopping process but before final payment. If a code doesn't work, try alternative variations. Surfshark frequently maintains multiple active codes for the same promotion—if "SAVE87" doesn't work, try "VPN87" or "GETOFF87."
Fourth, plan tier matters. Some promotional codes apply exclusively to specific subscription lengths or plan tiers. A code that works on two-year standard plans might not apply to one-year Surfshark One subscriptions. The checkout page will indicate whether your code is valid for your selected plan.
Fifth, region can affect discounts. Surfshark operates globally and sometimes offers region-specific promotional codes. If you're using a VPN to browse from a different location than your billing address, disable it during checkout. Using a VPN during payment can confuse detection systems and cause valid codes to appear invalid.
Lastly, don't submit payment if your total seems wrong. Calculate the expected cost using the discount percentages we've discussed. If you expect to pay
Surfshark excels in price and device support, making it ideal for budget-conscious users with multiple devices. Estimated data based on typical VPN reviews.
How to Stack Promotions for Maximum Savings
Stacking promotions means combining multiple discount offers into a single purchase. Surfshark allows this in limited ways, and understanding exactly what combines and what doesn't prevents wasted opportunities.
The primary stack is promotional discount plus referral bonus. If you have a referral link from an existing Surfshark user, you can use that link to access the service, then apply a promotional code at checkout. Both apply: you get the referral benefit (free or discounted first month) plus the promotional code discount on your full subscription.
Student discounts don't truly stack—instead, they replace standard promotional pricing with their own promotional structure. If Surfshark is running an "87% off plus 3 months" promotion and you apply a student discount, you get the better of the two offers, not both combined. Usually, the 87% off promotion is superior anyway.
Birthday discounts, if available in your region, work similarly to student discounts. They're alternative promotional offerings, not stackable additions.
The most effective stacking for most users is: two-year commitment (better per-month pricing) plus 87% off promotion plus referral link (if available). This combination produces the absolute lowest per-month cost.
Another underutilized stack is using multiple referral codes across different years. If you have access to referral links from multiple users, you could theoretically apply different links across multiple subscription purchases, earning referral bonuses each time. This is more relevant for users subscribing multiple times over years rather than a single long-term commitment.
Why Streaming Services Block VPN Access and How Surfshark Handles It
One of the most common Surfshark use cases involves accessing geographically restricted content on streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. Understanding why this works (and sometimes doesn't) is important for setting realistic expectations.
Streaming services restrict content by geographic region for licensing reasons. They purchase the rights to show specific shows and movies in specific countries. Netflix might own the rights to show a series in the US but not in France. Licensing agreements prevent them from allowing access from unauthorized regions—it violates contracts with content studios.
When you access Netflix from the US with a US IP address, their systems see a US customer and serve your region's content catalog. When you connect through a VPN that masks your actual location and assigns a US server IP, Netflix's systems see what appears to be a US customer. This creates the appearance of regional access.
Streaming services counter this through VPN detection. They maintain lists of IP addresses known to belong to VPN services. When a VPN's IP appears in their requests, they either block access entirely or display a message indicating they've detected proxy usage.
Surfshark's approach to this involves maintaining a large pool of residential IP addresses—IPs that appear to come from actual homes rather than commercial VPN servers. These residential IPs are harder for streaming services to detect because they don't match known VPN patterns. Surfshark also continuously updates their IP pool as services identify and block specific addresses.
This creates an ongoing arms race. Streaming services identify and block VPN IPs. Surfshark obtains new residential IPs. Services develop more sophisticated detection. Surfshark evolves their anti-detection measures. The advantage oscillates between services and VPN providers.
Currently, Surfshark generally works with most major streaming services, though performance varies. Netflix access succeeds more consistently than Disney+. BBC iPlayer has proven particularly challenging. Success also depends on which country's servers you're connecting through.
Importantly, using a VPN with streaming services exists in a gray legal area. The terms of service for most streaming platforms explicitly prohibit VPN usage and location masking. However, enforcement is spotty—services focus on blocking access rather than pursuing individual users. No major platforms have taken legal action against individuals for VPN usage in the US.
The student discount reduces the already discounted Surfshark two-year plan from
Legal Status of VPN Usage in the United States
One question that genuinely concerns potential Surfshark users is legality. Can you actually use a VPN legally in the US without facing consequences?
Yes, absolutely. VPN usage is completely legal throughout the United States. No federal or state law prohibits installing or using VPN software on your personal devices. You can freely run a VPN without restriction from your internet service provider, government agencies, or law enforcement.
This differs significantly from some countries. Russia heavily restricts VPN usage and actively blocks VPN services. China prohibits VPNs entirely without government approval. Several Middle Eastern countries restrict or ban VPN access. The United States, by contrast, treats VPNs as a legitimate privacy tool.
The legal distinction matters: VPN usage itself is legal, but activities conducted through a VPN remain subject to all applicable laws. If you use Surfshark to access illegal content or conduct illegal activity, the VPN doesn't make that activity legal. You're simply conducting it with privacy. Law enforcement can still pursue crimes regardless of VPN usage—it might be slightly more difficult for them to identify perpetrators, but it's not impossible.
Streaming service terms-of-service violations (using a VPN to access geographically restricted content) aren't crimes. They're contract breaches. Streaming platforms can ban accounts, but they don't pursue legal action against individual users.
ISPs generally can't see what you're doing through a VPN, but they can see that you're using a VPN. Many ISPs don't care. Some throttle VPN traffic or have policies against VPN usage. Violating an ISP's acceptable use policy can result in account termination, though this is rare.
The key takeaway: use Surfshark without legal concerns in the US. Your activities through the VPN are subject to the same laws as without a VPN, but VPN usage itself is completely legal.
Comparing Surfshark Pricing to Competitors
Understanding Surfshark's value requires context about how it compares to other VPN services on price and features.
ExpressVPN is often considered the premium VPN option. Their pricing runs roughly $6.67 per month on their cheapest annual plan (compared to Surfshark's discounted rates). ExpressVPN doesn't offer multi-year discounts, and they rarely run aggressive promotional codes. You typically get their standard pricing regardless of promotional periods. For this premium positioning, ExpressVPN delivers slightly faster speeds in most testing scenarios and arguably better customer service. If price were no object, many experts prefer ExpressVPN. If price matters (and it does for most people), Surfshark offers superior value.
NordVPN operates in the middle pricing tier. Their annual plan runs approximately
ProtonVPN (from the creators of ProtonMail) emphasizes privacy and offers a free tier with limited features. Their paid plans start around $5.99 monthly, positioning them similarly to Surfshark's standard pricing. ProtonVPN is sometimes considered the "privacy-first" option because the company has demonstrated commitment to privacy beyond just VPN services. For users particularly concerned about privacy and trust, Proton represents a compelling alternative despite similar pricing.
Windscribe is budget-focused and offers a decent free tier. Paid plans start at approximately $5.95 monthly. Windscribe emphasizes transparency and privacy, maintaining detailed privacy policies. For budget-conscious users who want a simpler feature set, Windscribe competes effectively with Surfshark on price.
In comparative pricing, Surfshark's promotional rates are aggressive enough that they typically end up cheaper than competitors after discounts. ExpressVPN rarely discounts, so even their cheapest annual plan exceeds Surfshark's promotional pricing. NordVPN offers similar discounts, so comparing promotional rates yields roughly equivalent pricing. The advantage shifts based on when you subscribe and which promotions each service is currently running.
Using Surfshark with Different Devices and the Multi-Device Advantage
One significant Surfshark advantage compared to many competitors is true unlimited simultaneous connections. You don't buy separate subscriptions for phone, tablet, and computer—one subscription covers everything simultaneously.
This unlimited device feature makes Surfshark particularly valuable for families, households with multiple people, or individuals with numerous devices. A household with two adults and two teenagers requires only a single Surfshark subscription to protect everyone's devices simultaneously. Competitors typically limit simultaneous connections to 5-6 devices, requiring additional subscriptions for larger households.
Surfshark provides client applications for virtually every platform: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and even router configuration for advanced users. Each platform functions similarly but with slight interface variations reflecting each OS's conventions.
The Windows application installs like any standard software and runs in the background. Connecting to a VPN server requires one click. Advanced users can configure split tunneling (routing specific apps through the VPN while others use your normal connection), customize kill-switch behavior, and access protocol preferences.
Mac users get a native application that integrates with macOS conventions. iOS offers a full-featured app optimized for mobile with quick-connect functionality for minimal taps. Android users also get a dedicated application with similar features.
Linux support, often an afterthought for VPN providers, is handled seriously by Surfshark. They provide both command-line and GUI options for Linux, recognizing that Linux users often prefer maximum control.
The multi-device advantage becomes clearer during daily usage. You subscribe once, then deploy protection across your entire digital life simultaneously. Every device connects through Surfshark automatically (assuming you've configured auto-connect), providing consistent protection whether you're home, in a coffee shop, or traveling internationally.
For families, parents can configure Surfshark once and know that children's devices are protected during school field trips, at friends' homes, or anywhere outside the home network. This is particularly valuable given how much time young people spend on mobile devices in public spaces.
Advanced Features: Surfshark One and Beyond
While the base VPN service handles core privacy needs, Surfshark offers premium tiers with additional security features bundled into single subscriptions.
Surfshark One expands beyond VPN access to include several complementary security tools. Real-time breach detection monitors whether your email addresses or usernames appear in data breaches affecting major services. When a breach occurs, you receive alerts enabling proactive password changes before criminal actors exploit the compromised credentials.
The antivirus and anti-malware components run on your local devices, scanning files and applications for known malicious code. This provides traditional antivirus protection within the Surfshark ecosystem.
Searching for identity theft services reveals that Surfshark provides personal data security reports showing your exposed information across the internet. This includes leaked passwords, email addresses appearing in breach databases, personal information sold by data brokers, and identification details circulating online. While Surfshark doesn't remove this information directly (that's One Plus), having visibility into your exposure helps you understand your privacy risk.
Surfshark One Plus includes everything from One but adds active data removal services. This attempts to have your information deleted from data broker databases, people search sites, and similar platforms. Data removal services have mixed effectiveness—some data brokers immediately comply with removal requests, while others resist. Surfshark manages this process on your behalf, which is valuable since doing it manually would be incredibly time-consuming.
For most users, the base VPN plan is sufficient. The One and One Plus tiers appeal to users particularly concerned about identity theft, data breaches, and personal information circulation. If you're already cautious about your digital footprint, One Plus offers meaningful additional protection.
Troubleshooting Common Issues and Customer Support
Occasionally, VPN connections fail, disconnect unexpectedly, or cause connectivity issues. Knowing how to troubleshoot prevents frustration and helps determine whether the problem is Surfshark's service, your network, or device configuration.
Connection failures often result from selected VPN servers being down or overloaded. The solution is simple: switch to a different server. Surfshark's app automatically sorts servers by load and connection status, so selecting "fastest server" usually finds working alternatives quickly.
Split tunneling not working typically indicates you've enabled the feature but not configured it correctly. Split tunneling requires explicitly specifying which apps route through the VPN and which use your normal connection. If you don't specify apps, the feature defaults to routing everything through the VPN. Check your split tunneling configuration to ensure you've added the specific applications you want excluded.
Streaming services blocking access usually means the VPN server's IP address is blacklisted by that service. Try connecting to a different server, preferably one in the same country but different IP pool. Alternatively, try a different country's server entirely. What matters is getting an IP address that hasn't been blacklisted yet.
Slow speeds might indicate either network congestion at your location or a distant VPN server. Try connecting to a geographically closer server. Speeds improve as you reduce the distance between your device and the VPN exit point. Also verify your normal internet speed (without VPN) hasn't degraded—if your base internet is slow, a VPN won't help.
Surfshark's customer support is available 24/7 through their website's live chat. Response times are typically immediate to a few minutes during business hours, occasionally longer during off-hours. Email support exists but is slower, usually responding within 24 hours.
The company maintains a comprehensive knowledge base covering most common issues. Before contacting support, searching their documentation often solves problems instantly.
Regional Server Network and Global Coverage
Surfshark's power largely comes from their extensive server network spanning 100+ countries. This global footprint enables reliable connections almost anywhere and allows accessing content from virtually any region.
Server distribution emphasizes geographic diversity. Surfshark maintains multiple server locations within major countries and concentrates more servers in regions with high user demand. The United States has dozens of server options across different cities. Popular European countries (UK, Germany, Netherlands) have multiple locations. Even less-populated regions have server representation.
This server diversity matters for several reasons. First, it enables failover reliability. If you connect to a server and it underperforms, switching to a different location usually improves speeds. Second, it supports content access from varied regions. Some content is available in specific countries—UK-specific sites work best through UK servers, for instance.
Server rotation and anonymity benefits from this network size. When millions of Surfshark users connect through 1000+ servers, your individual traffic becomes harder to identify or track. Your connection mingles with traffic from potentially thousands of other users on the same server, reducing the correlation between your activity and your actual IP.
Surfshark also operates RAM-only servers (sometimes called "no-disk" servers) that store no data after shutdown. This means server hard drives can't store information about your connection history, as technically no persistent storage exists. This architecture is considered the gold standard for privacy-conscious VPN providers.
Making Your Final Decision: Is Surfshark Right for You?
After reviewing features, pricing, and capabilities, you need to decide whether Surfshark matches your specific needs and situation.
Surfshark makes sense if: You prioritize price and want an affordable VPN that doesn't sacrifice security or speed. You have multiple devices you want to protect simultaneously. You're interested in bundled security features beyond VPN. You want straightforward service without convoluted tier structures.
You might prefer alternatives if: You demand the absolute fastest speeds regardless of cost (ExpressVPN generally wins here). You live in a restricted region where VPN access faces legal challenges. You need VPN functionality specifically optimized for corporate networks or business use. You require 24/7 phone support (Surfshark uses live chat, not phone support).
For most people considering VPN subscriptions, Surfshark checks the right boxes. The combination of aggressive promotional pricing, unlimited simultaneous connections, solid speeds, and functional security features makes it genuinely valuable.
The decision path is straightforward: verify that one of the current promo codes (87% off plus 3 months for the best deal) is working, commit to a two-year plan to maximize savings, add student discount if applicable, and subscribe. At $2-3 per month with promotional pricing, the financial commitment is minimal enough that even if you're uncertain about VPN value, the risk is low.
After 31 days of active use, you'll understand whether VPN protection benefits your situation. Most users quickly discover that masking their IP, hiding their browsing from ISPs, and accessing geographically restricted content justify the subscription many times over.
FAQ
What exactly does a VPN do and why would I need one?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through secure servers, masking your actual IP address and location from websites, ISPs, and potential attackers. You'd need a VPN to protect your data on public Wi-Fi networks, prevent your ISP from seeing which websites you visit, access geographically restricted content, or maintain privacy from overly data-hungry corporations tracking your browsing behavior.
How is Surfshark different from free VPN services?
Free VPN services sound appealing until you understand their business model. Since they don't charge users, they monetize through advertising injection, selling user data to third parties, or intentionally degrading service to push users toward paid tiers. Paid services like Surfshark generate revenue directly from subscriptions, eliminating incentives to exploit user data. Paid VPNs also offer faster speeds, more server locations, and better reliability than free services which typically suffer from congestion and performance limitations.
Can I really stream Netflix or other platforms with Surfshark, or is that against the rules?
Surfshark can access Netflix and most major streaming services, though success varies by region and changes over time as services improve VPN detection. Streaming service terms technically prohibit VPN usage, but enforcement is minimal—services block access rather than pursue users legally. Using a VPN to access geographically restricted content exists in a gray area legally, but accessing content through legitimate subscription services you're already paying for carries minimal practical risk. That said, the terms are technically binding, so understand you're violating a contract if you do this.
How long should I commit to Surfshark—one month, one year, or two years?
If you're completely new to VPN services, start with one-year commitments to test whether the service meets your needs without long-term financial commitment. If you already use VPNs and like Surfshark's approach, two-year plans offer the best per-month pricing (often dropping to $2-3 monthly) and lock in rates if prices increase later. Monthly plans exist but cost roughly 4-5 times more per month than two-year commitments, making them only sensible if you need VPN for a short-term project.
Do I really need "Surfshark One Plus" or is the base VPN plan sufficient?
The base VPN plan handles 99% of use cases—it provides privacy protection, masks your IP, enables geographic content access, and secures public Wi-Fi connections. One Plus adds identity theft protection and data removal services, which appeal primarily to people who've experienced data breaches or have specific identity theft concerns. Most users don't need it, but if you've had credentials leaked in major breaches, the breach monitoring and identity theft protection become valuable investments.
What happens to my connection if Surfshark gets hacked or security is breached?
This is a legitimate question, though the actual risk is lower than many assume. Surfshark uses military-grade encryption that would take centuries to break with current technology, meaning even if hackers accessed encrypted traffic, they couldn't decrypt it into readable data. The more realistic scenario would be compromised credentials (your Surfshark login information), not encrypted traffic. Using a strong unique password for your Surfshark account limits this risk substantially. Surfshark's privacy practices and security track record are publicly verifiable through third-party audits.
Can I use Surfshark while traveling internationally, and will it work in countries that restrict VPNs?
Surfshark works in most countries, but some nations restrict or ban VPN usage. China, Russia, Iran, and several Middle Eastern countries actively block VPN services. If traveling to restricted areas, you might not be able to connect. That said, Surfshark's technology includes obfuscation features that mask VPN usage as normal encrypted traffic, increasing the chances of working even in moderately restrictive environments. In most democracies and developed nations, Surfshark functions without issue. Check current conditions before traveling to politically restrictive areas where VPN usage might violate local law.
How often should I change my VPN server, and does it matter which one I use?
You don't need to change servers frequently. Using the same server continuously is fine for privacy—you're still protected by encryption and IP masking. Changing servers occasionally can help prevent servers from becoming associated with specific user patterns, but this is a minor concern for most users. Server choice matters more when accessing geographically restricted content—using servers in the country whose content you're accessing works best. For general privacy, pick any server and keep it unless experiencing speed issues.
Are there any downsides to using Surfshark that I should know about before subscribing?
Potential downsides include occasional streaming service blocks (services continuously evolve their VPN detection), slightly slower speeds compared to direct connections (though Surfshark minimizes this relative to competitors), and the requirement that your email address links to an account (offering some identification if subpoenaed, though Surfshark has actually fought such subpoenas successfully in the past). Speed reduction is typically imperceptible for browsing and streaming but occasionally noticeable during high-bandwidth activities. Most limitations are minor enough that they don't outweigh the privacy and access benefits.
If my subscription ends, will Surfshark delete my data, and can I reactivate if I need VPN again later?
Surfshark maintains no user activity logs, so there's nothing to delete—the company intentionally doesn't store your connection history. If your subscription lapses, you can reactivate anytime by logging back in and purchasing a new subscription. Your account remains accessible, your settings persist, and there's no penalty for cancellation and return. Some services require new subscriptions from scratch; Surfshark lets you pick up where you left off with account reactivation.
Maximizing Your Surfshark Investment
You've found a promotional code and subscribed at a significant discount. Now ensure you're actually getting value from the service.
First, configure split tunneling if you want specific apps bypassing the VPN. This is useful if you want your bank app to use your regular connection while browsers route through Surfshark. Second, enable auto-connect so Surfshark connects automatically when you open the app or join untrusted networks. Third, test your connection's speed and reliability against your baseline (check without VPN to understand what's normal).
Actually use the service, especially during the first month. VPN value isn't theoretical—it manifests in preventing ISP tracking, accessing restricted content, and secure public Wi-Fi usage. Give yourself time to experience these benefits before deciding whether renewal makes sense.
When your subscription approaches expiration, you'll receive renewal reminders. At that point, reassess whether continued VPN usage justifies the cost. For most people, the answer is yes, and renewal at full price is still reasonable given the alternative.
Final Thoughts on VPN Value in 2025
VPN services have evolved from niche privacy tools to mainstream essential security infrastructure. Your ISP tracks your browsing. Websites track your behavior. Cellular networks expose your data to attackers. Streaming services geofence content. In this environment, VPN services provide meaningful protection for genuinely affordable costs.
Surfshark specifically represents one of the best cost-to-value propositions in the VPN market. The aggressive promotional pricing means testing the service carries minimal financial risk. The unlimited simultaneous connections suit families and multi-device households. The functional interface and reliable speeds make daily usage painless.
If you've been considering a VPN, the promo codes we've discussed make this the right moment. Seven dollars per month sounds reasonable. Seventy cents per month—which is what you're paying with current promotions—sounds too good to refuse. That's the situation Surfshark promotions create for new subscribers.
Grab a promo code, verify it's working, and subscribe. You'll either discover that VPN protection is essential to your digital life, or you'll try it, decide it's not for you, and cancel without significant financial loss. Either outcome is fine. The important thing is testing whether VPN value applies to your specific situation rather than remaining uncertain indefinitely.
Key Takeaways
- Surfshark's 87% discount plus 3 free months on two-year plans brings monthly cost to approximately $0.46—among the lowest VPN pricing available
- Multi-year commitments unlock significantly better per-month rates than monthly subscriptions; two-year plans justify the upfront cost through savings
- Student verification through StudentBeans adds 15% additional discount on top of promotional pricing, creating exceptional value for college and graduate students
- Referral program allows earning up to $38 or three free months per referred user after 31-day activation, providing genuine income for active sharers
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections differentiate Surfshark from competitors limiting connections to 5-6, making it ideal for families and multi-device households
- VPN usage is completely legal in the United States; streaming service access through VPN violates terms of service but faces minimal enforcement against individual users
- Promo codes require manual entry at checkout; automatic promotional discounts don't eliminate the need to verify code application before payment
