Best Surfshark Alternatives [Free + Paid]

Surfshark has made waves in the VPN world with its unlimited device connections and budget-friendly pricing (well, kinda). But, like an infomercial product, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.

Here’s the tea on what users are saying about Surfshark:

• Pricing Shenanigans: Sure, Surfshark’s long-term plans look cheap, but beware of the fine print. Renewal prices often jump faster than your heart rate during a jump scare. And the upsells? They’ll remind you of that pushy waiter asking if you want truffle fries with your burger.
• Customer Support Roulette: They claim 24/7 support, but users report mixed results—sometimes you get a helpful human, and other times, it’s like shouting into the void.
• UI Overload: The app is feature-packed, which sounds great until you’re hunting for a setting and feel like you’re lost in a digital maze. Beginners might want to bring a map.
• Ownership by NordVPN: Surfshark is now part of the NordVPN family, which has sparked questions about its independence. It's like when your favorite indie coffee shop gets bought out by a big chain—it’s still there, but is it the same?

For some, Surfshark is the right fit. For others, it’s like a Netflix recommendation: popular but not really their vibe. If you're looking for something less complicated and more transparent, there are plenty of other fish in the VPN sea. 🐟

Best Alternatives to Surfshark

Windscribe

Exclude ourselves? Please, we’re far too awesome for that!

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.

Straightforward Pricing (No Tricks, No Fuss)

Unlike Surfshark, which can leave users scratching their heads over renewal prices and upsells, Windscribe keeps it simple.

• Clear and Honest Billing: Prices start at just $1/month if you want to customize your plan with individual server locations. Need everything? Our annual plan gives you access to all servers for only $5.75/month.
• No Sneaky Renewals: Windscribe doesn’t play the “price hike on renewal” game. What you sign up for is what you’ll pay—no surprises, no drama. Compare that to Surfshark, where renewal prices often feel like a bad plot twist.

Features That Work Everywhere

Windscribe isn’t just reliable—it’s versatile.

• Platform Overload (in a Good Way): Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, AppleTV, FireTV, Android TV, Chrome, browser extensions—if it’s got internet, we’ve probably got you covered.
• Split Tunneling: Need to stream Netflix while your work emails bypass the VPN? Easy. Our split tunneling feature lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t.

Ethics > Flashy Ads

Windscribe isn’t just about privacy—it’s about doing things the right way.

• No Sponsored Hype: We don’t throw money at influencers or blast your feed with ads. We let our features and transparency speak for themselves.
• Privacy You Can Trust: With a clear no-logs policy and ethical data-handling practices, you can rest easy knowing your info isn’t being used as currency.

2. ProtonVPN

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

110 Server Locations: Users have access to servers in the United States, Netherlands, Japan, and several dozen other locations. There's something there for every user.

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.

ProtonVPN's high privacy standards make it an appealing choice for those prioritizing security.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. IVPN

IVPN is a no-nonsense alternative to Surfshark, offering a focus on privacy and ethics without the flashy marketing or upsells.

• Transparent Ownership: IVPN operates out of Gibraltar with fully disclosed ownership, steering clear of the corporate entanglements that some users find concerning about Surfshark's connection to NordVPN’s parent company.
• Advanced Privacy Tools: IVPN includes multi-hop routing, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy, giving users robust privacy features.
• No Upsells, Just Privacy: IVPN avoids the constant upsells and renewal price hikes that frustrate Surfshark users. What you see is what you pay, with no sneaky tactics.

IVPN is perfect for users who value ethical practices, privacy-first features, and a refreshingly straightforward approach—no gimmicks, just security.

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.