Our Verdict
Our Thoughts on SurfEasy VPN
In our extensive analysis of 96 VPN providers, we discovered that nearly a quarter fall below a 40-point threshold. Unfortunately, SurfEasy VPN finds itself among this group. Our in-depth review reveals significant concerns with its features, user experience, and security protocols. We advise potential users of SurfEasy VPN to carefully examine these critical issues before making a decision.
About SurfEasy VPN
SurfEasy VPN, a part of Opera Software, was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Canada. The service is known for its user-friendly interface and strong privacy protections, including AES-256 encryption and a no-log policy. SurfEasy supports various devices and platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Opera browsers.
SurfEasy VPN offers different subscription plans. The cheapest plan starts at $2.49/mo and require a 12-month commitment.
Visit SurfEasy VPN Online: https://www.surfeasy.com/us/en/
SurfEasy VPN Technical Specs
| Features | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Canada |
| Servers | 2,000 |
| Countries with Servers | 31 |
| Works In China | Unlikely |
| Encryptions | AES-128, and AES-256 |
| Cheapest Price | $2.49/mo, 12-month Subscription |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPSec (cannot switch protocol) |
| Simultaneous Connections | 5 |
| Unblock Streaming Platforms | Netflix |
| Dedicated Device Apps | Apple (iOS) |
| Ads Blocking | Yes |
| Support |
Market Benchmarks
Are SurfEasy VPN’s any good in comparison?
The average score across our evaluated VPN services is 51.9%.
SurfEasy VPN’s score, in comparison, is 39.0%.
Our VPN ratings are based on our research of 96 VPN companies. Our scoring system is crafted to encompass a wide array of perspectives and addresses the needs of different users. Notably, only 10 out of the 96 VPNs we’ve reviewed scored above 75% and 26 VPNs scored below 40%.
SurfEasy VPN Pros & Cons
Listed below are what we like and dislike about SurfEasy VPN. As you explore the list, it’s crucial to weigh what sets this VPN apart from competitors against the aspects you might not favor.
The strengths of SurfEasy VPN highlight its unique advantages in the VPN market – offering features and services that may align perfectly with your specific needs. On the flip side, the cons, while not deal-breakers, are areas that may not meet everyone’s preferences or requirements.
It’s important for you to carefully consider these factors in relation to your individual needs and priorities in choosing a VPN service.
✅ Competitive Pricing
SurfEasy VPN offers an economically attractive option in the VPN market. Its cheapest plan, while requires a 12-month commitment, costs only $2.49 per month. This competitive pricing makes SurfEasy VPN a compelling choice for those seeking affordable online privacy solutions. However, users should still evaluate the overall value of the service, including features, security levels, and customer support, to ensure it meets their specific needs despite the lower price point.
❌ Base in One of 14-Eye Alliance Countries
SurfEasy VPN operates from Canada – a country within the 14-Eye surveillance alliance. Users should be aware of potential data sharing agreements in this jurisdiction. Privacy-focused customers might view this as a concern. It’s important to consider how this may affect data privacy and security.
What is the 14-Eyes Alliance?
The 14-Eyes Alliance, also referred to as SIGINT Seniors Europe (SSEUR), is an extended intelligence collaboration originally rooted in the Five- and Nine-Eyes alliance. Countries included in the 14-Eyes Alliances are the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden.
The primary goal of this coalition is the exchange of signals intelligence (SIGINT), encompassing electronic communications and data.
How does the 14-Eyes Alliance affect your privacy and security?
The impact of this alliance on everyday life privacy is profound. Member nations, as disclosed in revelations like those by Edward Snowden (watch video), often engage in extensive surveillance of both their citizens and global communications. This means that data collected by one member could be shared with others in the alliance.
Additionally, online services based in a 14-Eyes country may be legally obligated to provide user data to their respective governments, which can then be disseminated among member states. This surveillance culture erodes personal privacy and can pose threats to digital security as there are pushes for encryption “backdoors” that could inadvertently weaken cyber defenses.
Users often consider the jurisdiction of the VPN provider as a key factor in their decision-making process. Those who are particularly concerned about privacy might opt for VPN providers based outside of the 14-Eyes countries to reduce the risk of surveillance and data sharing among these nations.
✅ Offer a Kill Switch Feature
SurfEasy VPN enhances its VPN services with a robust kill switch feature. This security measure ensures that if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops, the user’s device will automatically disconnect from the internet, thus preventing any accidental exposure of the user’s real IP address and online activities.
A kill switch feature is particularly valuable for users who handle sensitive information or looking an added layer of privacy protection.
❌ Not a Zero-Log VPN
According to our research, SurfEasy VPN does not maintain a strict no-logging policy.
Without a no-logging policy, SurfEasy VPN may collect and store data about your online activities, potentially impacting your digital privacy. While this is not an uncommon practice (41 out of the 96 VPNs we studied do not maintain a no-logging policy), the absence of a no-logging policy might raise concerns for users highly sensitive about their online privacy.
You should weigh the implications of this policy when considering SurfEasy VPN and determine if this level of privacy aligns with your needs.
✅ Support Double VPN
SurfEasy VPN distinguishes itself in the VPN market by offering a double VPN feature. This advanced option routes your internet traffic through two different VPN servers, significantly enhances security and makes it much harder for third parties to intercept your online activities.
A double VPN is an high-level security feature you don’t often get from commercial VPNs. In fact, only 26 out of the 96 VPN providers we studied support a Double VPN feature. A double VPN can be especially useful for users in need of high-level security, such as journalists and activists concerned about stringent online surveillance.
Double VPN feature is a high-level security offering you don’t commonly find among commercial VPNs. Our study of 96 VPN providers revealed that only 26 support a Double VPN feature.
SurfEasy VPN is among this select group, providing this advanced security option. This makes them particularly suitable for users with stringent security needs, such as journalists and activists, who require an extra layer of protection against intense online surveillance.
❌ Split Tunneling Not Available
Unfortunately, SurfEasy VPN does not offer the split tunneling feature in its services. All your internet traffic will go through the VPN server when it’s active.
Split tunneling is a VPN feature that helps manage the flow of data on your device. It allows users to choose which data is sent through the VPN and which is sent through a regular internet connection. This can help increase speed and lower latency for certain tasks. At the same time, critical operations will still benefit from VPN security.
❌ Unlikely to Work in China
At least half of the VPN companies we studied are unlikely to function effectively in China, and SurfEasy VPN falls into this category.
Due to China’s stringent internet regulations and advanced censorship technologies, many VPN services struggle to bypass these restrictions. Users planning to access the internet from within China should be aware that SurfEasy VPN may not be the most reliable option in this region. This limitation is a crucial consideration for travelers or residents in China who require consistent VPN access.
✅ Above Average Server Fleet Size
vpnCompany# operates on more than 2,000 servers in 31 countries. A larger server count typically offers more options for users in terms of server locations, reduces server load, and can provide better speeds and reliability.
✅ Unblock Major Streaming Platforms
Our analysis indicates that SurfEasy VPN excels in bypassing geo-restrictions on most streaming platforms including Netflix. Whether you’re a film buff, a TV series enthusiast, or simply wish to enjoy local content while traveling abroad – its proficiency in unblocking streaming platforms enriches your viewing experience without the hassle of geographical limitations.
Bottom Line: Is SurfEasy VPN Right for You?
Verdict Recap
In our extensive analysis of 96 VPN providers, we discovered that nearly a quarter fall below a 40-point threshold. Unfortunately, SurfEasy VPN finds itself among this group. Our in-depth review reveals significant concerns with its features, user experience, and security protocols. We advise potential users of SurfEasy VPN to carefully examine these critical issues before making a decision.
When considering our VPN ratings, remember they are for reference only and may not reflect every individual’s unique needs. It’s essential for you to understand your specific requirements and choose a VPN service accordingly.
If your priority is extreme security, features like a double VPN and a jurisdiction outside of the 14-Eyes should be your focus, rather than factors like pricing, streaming platforms unblocking, or server count. Conversely, if you’re seeking extra privacy for casual internet browsing, advanced security features might be less critical, allowing you to opt for a more basic, cost-effective VPN solution.
We encourage you to actively try and test various VPNs yourself to find the one that best fits your unique requirements.
Alternatives to SurfEasy VPN
There are many SurfEasy VPN alternatives in the market – many of which are powerful and reasonably priced. Read further to compare and choose below.