⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: Surfshark starts at $1.99/mo (2-year plan) vs FastestVPN at $0.83/mo (1-year plan) or $40 lifetime
- Best for: Surfshark for unlimited devices and streaming, FastestVPN for lifetime budget buyers
- Key difference: Surfshark has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries; FastestVPN has around 800 servers in 49 countries
- Our pick: Surfshark for most users — faster speeds, bigger server network, and unlimited simultaneous connections
Surfshark VPN and FastestVPN target very different buyers.
One offers unlimited device connections and a huge server network.
The other offers a rare lifetime plan for a one-time $40 fee.
This comparison breaks down which VPN service fits your needs and budget.
Overview
This Surfshark VPN vs FastestVPN comparison covers pricing, VPN features, speed, and security features for both providers.
We also break down who each VPN company works best for.
Our sources include published specs, documentation, and user reviews on G2 and Trustpilot.
By the end, you’ll know which VPN connection fits your needs.
What is Surfshark?
Surfshark is a VPN service with over 3,200 servers across 100 countries.
It lets you connect unlimited devices on a single subscription.
The Surfshark app includes tools like CleanWeb, Alternative ID, and MultiHop.
Surfshark security features include virtual servers, DNS leak checks, and Camouflage Mode.
Most users choose it for the mix of low pricing and strong online privacy.
Surfshark
Protect all your devices with one subscription. Surfshark offers AES-256 encryption and a no-logs policy audited by Deloitte. Accepts Google Pay, credit cards, and PayPal.
Surfshark Pricing
Here’s what Surfshark costs in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 24 Months +3 Extra | $1.99/month | Best long-term value |
| 12 Months +3 Extra | $3.19/month | Mid-term commitment |
| 1 Month | $15.45/month | Short-term or testing |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: Yes — 7-day free trial on the Android app and iOS devices. No credit card needed upfront on mobile. You can also install Surfshark on Surfshark’s Windows app to test it during the trial.
Money-back guarantee: 30-day money back guarantee on all plans. Monthly plans are excluded from this offer.
📌 Note: Students registered with Student Beans can get a 15% discount on any Surfshark subscription. The 2-year Starter plan includes three free bonus months. Surfshark pricing is among the lowest for a premium VPN with ad and malware blocker features.
⚠️ Warning: Surfshark pricing increases at renewal. The introductory rate applies only to the first billing cycle. Check your renewal price before signing up for a long-term plan.
Key Benefits of Surfshark
Here’s what makes Surfshark worth considering:
- Unlimited Devices: Connect every phone, laptop, tablet, and smart TV in your house. No cap on simultaneous connections.
- Large Server Network: Over 3,200 VPN servers spread across 100 countries. All servers run on 10 Gbps connections.
- CleanWeb Ad Blocker: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the VPN level. Works across all connected devices.
- Dynamic MultiHop: Route your internet traffic through two VPN servers. You can pick custom server pairs instead of preset options.
- Alternative ID: Create a fake identity, email, and virtual phone number for online sign-ups. Keeps your real IP address and personal data safe from shared IP address exposure.
- IP Rotator: The IP rotation feature automatically changes your virtual IP address without disconnecting. Adds extra privacy to your browsing history.
- Audited Privacy: Deloitte and Cure53 have both verified Surfshark’s no-logs policy. Surfshark also supports obfuscated servers and standard VPN features like static IP addresses and a dedicated IP option.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Surfshark and spent several days exploring the platform. Here’s what stood out:
Surfshark Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections on all plans
- 3,200+ servers across 100 countries with 10 Gbps speed
- No-logs policy audited by both Deloitte and Cure53
- Unique features like Alternative ID, IP Rotator, and CleanWeb
- 7-day free trial on mobile apps plus 30-day money back guarantee
❌ Cons
- Based in the Netherlands (part of the Nine Eyes alliance)
- Monthly plan is expensive at $15.45/month
- Renewal prices increase after the first billing period
- Inconsistent connection times on certain servers
What is FastestVPN?
FastestVPN is a budget VPN provider based in the Cayman Islands.
FastestVPN’s servers number around 800 in 49 countries.
The biggest draw is a lifetime subscription plan for a one-time $40 payment.
It supports up to 10 simultaneous device connections per account.
FastestVPN
A budget VPN with a rare lifetime plan. FastestVPN includes AES-256 encryption, a NAT firewall, and a built-in ad blocker.
FastestVPN Pricing
Here’s what FastestVPN costs in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Year + 1 Year Free | $0.83/mo | Best recurring value |
| 1 Month Plan | $5/mo | Short-term testing |
| Exclusive Lifetime Plan | $40 | Pay once, use forever |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: No free trial available. FastestVPN offers a 31-day money back guarantee instead. You can install FastestVPN on up to 10 devices and request a refund if you’re not satisfied. Dedicated IPs are available as an add-on.
Money-back guarantee: 31-day money back guarantee on all plans, including the lifetime option.
📌 Note: The lifetime plan is a one-time $40 payment with no recurring fees. Every subscription includes a free password manager (FastestPass). You can add extra device logins for $4 per device per month.
⚠️ Warning: Some Capterra reviews report slow speeds and connection errors on the lifetime plan. The small server network can lead to overcrowding during peak hours.
Key Benefits of FastestVPN
Here’s what makes FastestVPN worth considering:
- Lifetime Plan: Pay $40 once and get VPN access forever. No recurring bills or renewal price hikes.
- Cayman Islands Jurisdiction: Based outside any surveillance alliance. No mandatory data retention laws apply.
- NAT Firewall: Blocks unwanted inbound network traffic from reaching your device. Adds a layer of protection beyond the VPN tunnel.
- Built-in Ad Blocker: FastestVPN’s ad blocker stops ads and malware while connected. It handles DNS queries through its own servers to block tracking.
- Streaming Servers: Dedicated streaming optimized servers for Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. FastestVPN claims these work with most major streaming sites.
- Password Manager Included: Every FastestVPN subscription comes with a free year of FastestPass password manager. Antivirus software is not included.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for FastestVPN and explored the platform for several days. Here’s what stood out:
FastestVPN Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Lifetime plan for a one-time $40 payment
- Based in the Cayman Islands with no data retention laws
- No-logs policy audited by Altius IT
- Includes NAT firewall and built-in ad blocker
- Free password manager with every subscription
❌ Cons
- Small server network with only around 800 servers in 49 countries
- Download speeds drop significantly on long-distance connections
- Split tunneling only available on Android and Windows
- Reports of DNS leaks on Windows in some reviews
Feature Comparison
Let’s compare Surfshark VPN and FastestVPN across 10 key features. This breakdown covers everything from server locations to split tunneling.
| Feature | Surfshark | FastestVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $1.99/month | $0.83/month |
| Lifetime Plan | ❌ | ✅ $40 |
| Server Count | 3,200+ in 100 countries | 800+ in 49 countries |
| Device Connections | Unlimited | 10 |
| Kill Switch | ✅ | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ All platforms | ✅ Android/Windows only |
| No-Logs Audit | ✅ Deloitte + Cure53 | ✅ Altius IT |
| Ad Blocker | ✅ CleanWeb | ✅ Built-in |
| Double VPN | ✅ Dynamic MultiHop | ✅ Double VPN |
| Best For | Households, streamers | Budget buyers, casual users |
1. Server Network
Surfshark: Surfshark’s servers span over 3,200 locations across 100 countries. All servers run on 10 Gbps connections. The large network means less overcrowding and more options for finding a nearby VPN server with good download speeds.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN servers number around 800 across 49 countries. That’s a small server network compared to most VPN providers. Fewer server locations means fewer options if you need a specific country for streaming or web traffic routing.
2. Device Connections
Surfshark: Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections. You can install Surfshark on every device in your household. Phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, Apple TV, and routers — all protected under one Surfshark subscription.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN allows 10 simultaneous connections per account. That’s enough for most individual users. If you need more, you can add extra device logins for $4 per device per month.
3. Speed and Performance
Surfshark: Surfshark uses the WireGuard protocol and supports the OpenVPN protocol as well. Speed tests from multiple review sites show strong download speeds on nearby servers. All Surfshark servers now run on 10 Gbps connections. Android users and Windows computer users both report fast performance. Surfshark encrypted connections stay reliable even on long-distance routes.
FastestVPN: Despite its name, FastestVPN is not the fastest VPN available. Speed tests show download speed drops of around 26% on nearby US servers and up to 46% on distant connections. It supports WireGuard protocol and OpenVPN TCP, but the small server network can cause slow speeds during peak hours. Testing FastestVPN on a Windows computer showed similar results to tested FastestVPN benchmarks from review sites.
⚠️ Warning: FastestVPN’s speed drops increase the farther you are from the VPN server. If you need consistent download speeds for streaming, Surfshark’s larger network handles distance better.
4. Privacy and Security
Surfshark: Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption and has a strict no logs policy. This policy has been independently audited by both Deloitte and Cure53. Surfshark’s privacy policy states it does not log browsing history, IP addresses, or network traffic. IP addresses are stored for a maximum of 15 minutes after a session ends. You never share the same IP address with visited IP addresses being rotated automatically through the IP rotator feature.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN also uses AES-256 encryption. Its no-logs policy has been audited by Altius IT. Being based in the Cayman Islands puts it outside surveillance alliances with no mandatory data retention laws. However, some reviews have reported DNS leaks on the Windows app. DNS leak tests are worth running after you install FastestVPN to verify your VPN IP address is not exposed.
5. Split Tunneling
Surfshark: Surfshark’s split tunneling feature (called Bypasser) works on all major platforms. You can choose which apps and websites go through the VPN tunnel and which use your regular internet connection.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN calls its split tunneling feature “Smart Tunneling.” It is only available on Android and Windows. iPhone and Mac users cannot use this feature at all.
6. Streaming and Unblocking
Surfshark: Surfshark can unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. G2 reviews highlight buffer-free streaming experiences on streaming sites. The Camouflage Mode disguises VPN traffic to avoid detection. Surfshark VPN continues to update its server list for unblocking streaming content. It’s a good VPN for accessing geo-restricted content on all your devices.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN has dedicated streaming optimized servers for Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. Streaming FastestVPN content can be hit-or-miss. Some users report issues accessing specific Netflix libraries. The FastestVPN iOS app and Mac apps support streaming, but the server list is smaller than competitors.
7. Kill Switch
Surfshark: Surfshark includes a kill switch that blocks all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. This prevents your real IP address from being exposed. It works across desktop and mobile apps.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN also includes an internet kill switch. It disconnects your internet connection if the VPN drops to prevent data leaks. Some reviews have questioned how reliably it activates.
8. Browser Extensions
Surfshark: Surfshark offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. These extensions encrypt only browser traffic, leaving other apps on your regular internet connection.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN does not have browser extensions. You must use the full VPN app on your device. This means all network traffic goes through the VPN tunnel, not just web traffic.
9. Customer Support
Surfshark: Surfshark provides 24/7 live chat and email support. The Surfshark app includes in-app help articles. Reviews on G2 and Trustpilot praise the quick response times.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN offers 24/7 live chat with real human agents. Trustpilot reviews specifically praise the customer support team. However, some users on Capterra report generic answers that don’t solve specific issues.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan Type | Surfshark | FastestVPN |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $15.45/month | $5/month |
| Annual | $3.19/month | $0.83/month |
| Long-term | $1.99/month (2-year) | $40 lifetime (one-time) |
| Free Trial | 7-day (mobile) | ❌ |
| Money-back | 30-day | 31-day |
Surfshark: Surfshark pricing starts at $1.99/month on the 2-year plan. You pay $53.73 upfront for 27 months of protection. The monthly option at $15.45 is pricey but flexible. Students get an extra 15% off through Student Beans.
FastestVPN: FastestVPN’s monthly plan costs just $5. The annual plan drops to $0.83/month. But the real draw is the $40 lifetime plan — pay once and never pay again. No other major VPN provider offers this.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest upfront cost | FastestVPN | $40 lifetime plan |
| Unlimited devices | Surfshark | No device cap at all |
| Biggest server network | Surfshark | 3,200+ servers, 100 countries |
| Best streaming access | Surfshark | More reliable unblocking |
| Strongest privacy jurisdiction | FastestVPN | Cayman Islands, no alliances |
| Beginner-friendly | Surfshark | Easier apps, browser extensions |
💰 Your Budget
FastestVPN wins on raw cost with its $40 lifetime plan. Surfshark costs $1.99/month on its cheapest plan, which adds up over time but gives you more features per dollar.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
Surfshark has browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. FastestVPN only offers full device apps with no browser extensions available.
📺 Your Streaming Needs
Surfshark unblocks more streaming sites with better reliability. FastestVPN has streaming servers, but results are inconsistent across different Netflix libraries.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Both VPN apps are easy to use. Surfshark’s Windows app and mobile apps have a more polished interface. FastestVPN’s apps are simpler but lack browser extensions.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial on mobile plus a 30-day money back guarantee. FastestVPN has no free trial but does include a 31-day money back guarantee on all plans.
🛟 Support Options
Both offer 24/7 live chat support. Surfshark also has browser extensions with built-in help. FastestVPN’s live chat uses real agents, not chatbots.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from Surfshark to FastestVPN?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- A one-time $40 lifetime plan with no recurring payments
- Cayman Islands jurisdiction outside all surveillance alliances
- Built-in NAT firewall for extra protection
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Unlimited device connections (FastestVPN caps at 10)
- 3,200+ servers across 100 countries
- Browser extensions, Alternative ID, and IP Rotator
📋 How to switch:
- Cancel your Surfshark subscription through your account settings
- Sign up for FastestVPN and purchase your preferred plan
- Download FastestVPN apps on all your devices and log in
🔄 Switching from FastestVPN to Surfshark?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections for every device you own
- Over 3,200 servers in 100 countries with 10 Gbps speeds
- Browser extensions, CleanWeb, Alternative ID, and IP Rotator
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Lifetime pricing — Surfshark requires recurring payments
- Cayman Islands jurisdiction (Surfshark is in the Netherlands)
- Built-in NAT firewall and free password manager
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual users and small households. We didn’t test enterprise-level features, custom VPN configurations, or router-level performance. Speed test results vary based on your base internet connection and location. We also didn’t cover Atlas VPN as an alternative, nor did we test the webcam protection feature on Surfshark’s Windows app. If you’re in a restricted region, your experience with both VPN services may differ from what we’ve described here.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | FastestVPN |
| 🚀 Server Network | Surfshark |
| ⚡ Speed | Surfshark |
| 🔒 Privacy & Security | Tie |
| 📺 Streaming | Surfshark |
| 👶 Ease of Use | Surfshark |
| 🔌 Device Support | Surfshark |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Surfshark |
🏆 WINNER: Surfshark
Surfshark wins 5 out of 7 categories.
Best for: Households with multiple devices, streamers, and users who want a large server network with strong privacy features.
Surfshark and FastestVPN serve different types of VPN buyers. Surfshark is the stronger VPN service overall. We tested Surfshark across multiple devices and found it has more servers, faster speeds, and unlimited connections.
FastestVPN is excellent for budget-conscious users who want a lifetime deal. The $40 one-time payment is hard to beat on price alone.
However, if you need reliable streaming, a big server network, and protection for all your devices, Surfshark is the better choice.
More of Surfshark Compared
Here’s how Surfshark stacks up against other VPN providers:
Surfshark vs NordVPN
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited device connections, lower 2-year pricing at $1.99/month, Alternative ID feature
NordVPN wins on: Larger server network with 6,400+ servers, faster speeds on nearby connections, more independent audits completed
Surfshark vs ExpressVPN
Surfshark wins on: Much lower pricing, unlimited devices per account, built-in ad blocker with CleanWeb
ExpressVPN wins on: Faster raw speeds in speed tests, TrustedServer RAM-only infrastructure, wider router compatibility
Surfshark vs CyberGhost
Surfshark wins on: Unlimited simultaneous connections, Alternative ID privacy tool, Dynamic MultiHop custom routing
CyberGhost wins on: Largest server fleet with 11,000+ servers, dedicated IP addresses available, longer 45-day money back guarantee
Surfshark vs Proton VPN
Surfshark wins on: Lower pricing, unlimited devices, more server locations across 100 countries
Proton VPN wins on: Free tier with no data limits, Swiss jurisdiction outside all alliances, open-source apps
More of FastestVPN Compared
Here’s how FastestVPN stacks up against other VPN providers:
FastestVPN vs NordVPN
FastestVPN wins on: $40 lifetime plan, lower monthly cost at $5, Cayman Islands privacy jurisdiction
NordVPN wins on: 6,400+ servers vs 800, faster connection speeds, five completed security audits
FastestVPN vs Private Internet Access
FastestVPN wins on: Lifetime plan option, included NAT firewall, free password manager with subscription
Private Internet Access wins on: Larger server network, more VPN protocols supported, open-source client apps
FastestVPN vs PureVPN
FastestVPN wins on: Lower lifetime cost, Cayman Islands jurisdiction, simpler app interface
PureVPN wins on: 6,500+ servers across 65+ countries, dedicated IP options, port forwarding included
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surfshark VPN trustworthy?
Yes. Any Surfshark VPN review will confirm it has a no-logs policy audited by Deloitte and Cure53. It uses AES-256 encryption and the WireGuard protocol. The VPN company is transparent about its privacy practices and DNS requests handling.
Is FastestVPN worth it?
For casual users on a tight budget, yes. Any FastestVPN review will mention the $40 lifetime plan as a rare deal. However, the small server network with so few servers and slower speeds may not satisfy power users.
How much is Surfshark per month?
The cheapest plan is $1.99/month on the 2-year subscription. The annual plan costs $3.19/month. The monthly plan is $15.45/month with no discount. Check a current Surfshark review for the latest deals.
Does FastestVPN work with Netflix?
FastestVPN apps include dedicated streaming servers for Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Results can be hit-or-miss depending on the library. Some FastestVPN’s apps struggle with specific regional Netflix catalogs.
Can you be tracked with Surfshark VPN?
When connected, your real IP address is hidden behind multiple servers. The no-logs policy means DNS queries and browsing history are not stored. Surfshark’s servers hold IP addresses for only 15 minutes after disconnecting.
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