Best Surfshark Alternatives [Free + Paid]

Surfshark has quickly gained popularity in the VPN world, largely because of its unlimited device connections and competitive pricing. But it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

Users have voiced several complaints about Surfshark, from frustrations with its pricing structure to concerns over customer support and issues with the app interface.

Here’s a look at some of the most common Surfshark pain points:

• Pricing: Surfshark’s prices are affordable on long-term plans, but some users are frustrated with the upsells and renewal prices, which can increase significantly after the initial term.
• Customer Support: Surfshark does offer 24/7 support, but some users report inconsistent experiences, with delayed responses or unhelpful answers.
• User Interface: The app’s interface, while packed with features, can feel cluttered, especially for beginners who may find it hard to locate specific settings.
• Ownership by NordVPN: Surfshark was acquired by NordVPN, leading some users to question its independence.

We’ve rounded up the best free and paid options if you're considering Surfshark alternatives that tackle these issues.

Best Free Alternatives to Surfshark

Windscribe

Windscribe offers one of the most generous free VPN plans, packed with useful features many paid VPNs charge for.

Generous Bandwidth

Windscribe’s free plan provides 10GB of data each month, and you can even add extra data by participating in promotions or referring friends. This makes it a great choice if you need a reliable, data-conscious VPN.

R.O.B.E.R.T

Windscribe’s malware and ad-blocking feature, R.O.B.E.R.T, is available even to free users. It’s customizable, allowing you to block ads, trackers, social media, gambling, and other categories, giving you control over what’s filtered out.

Simultaneous Connections

Unlike most free VPNs, which limit you to a single device, Windscribe allows unlimited device connections even on its free plan. This is a major benefit for anyone who needs to secure multiple devices without upgrading to a paid plan.

Global Server Options

Windscribe’s free users can access a range of server locations, so you’re not stuck with only one or two options as with many other free VPNs.

Overall, Windscribe stands out for its generous features, transparency, and ease of use, making it a strong alternative to Surfshark for budget-conscious users.

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is a highly respected VPN provider, especially known for its privacy practices. Here’s why its free plan makes it a solid alternative:

Three Server Locations: Free users have access to servers in the United States, Netherlands, and Japan. While limited, it’s enough for basic browsing and bypassing some content restrictions.

One Device Limit: The free plan restricts you to one device per account, which can be a drawback if you need multi-device coverage.

High Privacy Standards: ProtonVPN’s base in Switzerland, known for strict privacy laws, ensures that user data is protected. The free plan also includes strong encryption and a clear no-logs policy.

While ProtonVPN’s free plan has limitations, its unlimited data and high privacy standards make it an appealing choice for those prioritizing security.

Hide.me

Hide.me is another reputable VPN with a well-rounded free option:

Server Locations: The free plan offers server access in five locations: the US, Canada, Netherlands, Germany, and Singapore, giving users a bit of flexibility in location choices.

Decent Speeds: Hide.me doesn’t throttle speeds on the free plan, meaning users can typically expect decent performance.

Ad-Free Experience: Unlike some free VPNs that interrupt users with ads or frequent upsells, Hide.me’s free plan remains ad-free and streamlined.

With a solid no-logs policy, user-friendly interface, and generous free data cap, Hide.me is a great free alternative for users seeking a straightforward, hassle-free VPN experience.

TunnelBear

TunnelBear’s free plan is a popular choice for VPN beginners due to its simple design and approachable branding:

Bandwidth Limits: TunnelBear’s free plan includes only 500MB per month, which is low but can be enough for occasional browsing or secure transactions.

Server Options: TunnelBear’s free plan allows access to all of its server locations, which include over 20 countries, offering flexibility in virtual locations.

Fun, Simple Design: TunnelBear’s user-friendly design, complete with bear animations, makes the VPN experience enjoyable, especially for users who find other VPN apps too technical.

Privacy and Transparency: TunnelBear undergoes independent security audits each year, showing a high commitment to transparency and user security.

While limited in data, TunnelBear’s easy-to-use interface and security-focused approach make it a good option for anyone just starting with VPNs and looking for an accessible, free plan.

Best Paid Alternatives to Surfshark

Windscribe

If you’re ready to upgrade, Windscribe’s paid plan offers even more benefits and remains a highly affordable alternative to Surfshark.

Transparent Pricing

Unlike Surfshark, which some users feel lacks clarity in its pricing, Windscribe has straightforward billing without hidden charges or aggressive upselling.

Windscribe's prices start as low as $1/month (for a single server location). Annual plans with access to all servers are only $5.75/month. All plans rebill at the same price, with no hidden surprises.

This is in stark contrast to Surfshark, which effectively says that the renewal price will be different to the price you initially paid.

Excellent Features and Reliable Apps

Windscribe is available on a wide variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, AppleTV, FireTV, Android TV and even browser extensions.

It also provides features like split tunnelling, which allows users to route specific apps through the VPN while keeping others on their regular internet connection.

Ethics and Transparency

Windscribe stands out for its commitment to transparency and ethical practices, giving users confidence in its privacy policies and data-handling practices.

Windscribe does not pay for ads or influencers on social media. That's in contrast to Surfshark, who doesn't shy away from these tactics.

For users looking for a trustworthy, ethical VPN that’s more transparent in its pricing and customer support, Windscribe’s paid plan is an excellent choice.

Mullvad

Mullvad is a privacy-first VPN that emphasizes security and anonymity over flashy features:

No Personal Information Required: Mullvad doesn’t require any personal details to create an account. Instead, it generates a unique account number, which can even be funded anonymously with cash.

Flat Monthly Pricing: Mullvad’s pricing is refreshingly simple—a flat monthly rate, with no need for long-term commitments or renewal surprises.

Minimalistic Interface: While it may feel bare-bones to some, Mullvad’s interface focuses on core functionality, which privacy enthusiasts tend to appreciate.

Mullvad’s dedication to privacy and straightforward billing make it a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a VPN that truly prioritizes user anonymity.

NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the most popular VPNs globally, known for its high-speed servers and extensive network. Here’s why it can be a worthy alternative:

Strong Security Features: NordVPN offers advanced security options like Double VPN, CyberSec (ad-blocking), and Onion Over VPN, making it a strong choice for those needing added security.

Server Network: With over 5,500 servers worldwide, NordVPN has one of the largest server networks, providing access to a wide range of locations.

Potential Downsides: Some users have raised concerns about NordVPN’s upselling tactics and past security incidents.

Ownership: While NordVPN and Surfshark operate as independent brands, the reality is that NordVPN acquired the firm a few years ago.

NordVPN’s extensive server network and strong security features make it a viable alternative to Surfshark, though it’s pricier and may have some of the same upselling drawbacks.

VyprVPN

VyprVPN is a solid option for users focused on bypassing censorship and achieving high privacy standards:

Unique Security Features: VyprVPN offers a proprietary protocol called Chameleon, designed to bypass VPN-blocking and work effectively in restrictive regions.

No-Logs Policy: VyprVPN has a verified no-logs policy, ensuring user data isn’t tracked or stored.

Server Selection: VyprVPN’s server selection is good, though not as large as some other providers. It covers major global locations, which is often enough for most users.

VyprVPN’s ability to bypass restrictions and high level of privacy make it ideal for users who need secure, censorship-free browsing.

AirVPN

AirVPN is known for its commitment to transparency and customization, appealing to advanced users who want control over their VPN.

Customizable Client: AirVPN’s open-source app, Eddie, offers a range of advanced settings, allowing users to configure things like VPN over Tor for extra privacy.

Transparency and Control: AirVPN provides detailed information about each server’s status and has strong ethical practices around data privacy.

Potential Drawbacks: AirVPN’s smaller server network and technical interface may be challenging for beginners, though it’s a favourite among privacy enthusiasts.

AirVPN’s focus on customization and transparency makes it a go-to choice for privacy-conscious users who want deeper control over their VPN experience.

Conclusion

Ultimately, choosing a VPN comes down to personal priorities. If you’re looking for more transparent pricing, stronger customer support, or a simplified user interface, Windscribe stands out as a strong option.