Looking at Surfshark pricing can feel overwhelming with multiple plans and subscription lengths. After analyzing every pricing tier and testing the service extensively, I’ll break down exactly what you’ll pay, what features you get, and how to secure the biggest savings.
Quick Answer: Surfshark’s most affordable option is the 24-month Starter plan at €1.99/month (87% off), but the sweet spot for most users is the One plan at €2.49/month on the same term.
Surfshark Pricing Overview: All Plans Compared
Surfshark structures its pricing around three main bundles – Starter, One, and One+ – each available in monthly, 12-month, or 24-month subscriptions. The longer you commit, the more you save.
Complete Surfshark Pricing Table
| Plan | Monthly | 12 Months (+3 free) | 24 Months (+3 free) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $15.45/mo | $3.19/mo | $1.99/mo | 87% off |
| One | $17.95/mo | $3.39/mo | $2.49/mo | 86% off |
| One+ | $20.65/mo | $6.09/mo | $3.99/mo | 81% off |
All long-term plans include 3 bonus months at no extra cost.
The pricing differences become dramatic when you compare subscription lengths. That $1.99/month rate on the Starter plan? It jumps to over $15 if you go month-to-month – a difference of nearly 700%.
What's Included in Each Surfshark Plan?
Every Surfshark plan includes unlimited device connections, access to 3,200+ servers worldwide, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. The main differences lie in the additional security tools bundled with higher tiers.
Starter Plan Features ($1.99/mo)
Perfect for: Basic VPN needs, streaming, and general privacy
Core VPN Protection
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries
- Industry-standard encryption and no-logs policy
- Enhanced Browsing
- Ad blocker for faster, cleaner browsing
- Cookie consent blocker (auto-rejects tracking cookies)
- Split tunneling (Bypasser) for selective VPN use
Advanced Security Features
- Rotating IP addresses for enhanced anonymity
- MultiHop (double VPN) routing through two servers
- Email masking with forwarding
- Personal detail generator for safer signups
- The Starter plan covers the essentials beautifully.
If you primarily need VPN protection for streaming, general browsing, or basic privacy, this tier delivers exceptional value.
One Plan Features ($2.49/mo)
Perfect for: Users wanting comprehensive device security
Everything in Starter, plus:
Device Protection Suite
- Real-time antivirus scanning
- Webcam protection with access alerts
- Ransomware shield for critical folders
- External storage malware scanning
Identity Monitoring
- Dark web monitoring for email breaches
- Credit card leak alerts
SSN/ID exposure notifications
Private Search
- Ad-free search engine
- Zero data tracking or storage
- Results unaffected by search history
For just $0.50 more per month than Starter, you get a complete security suite that would cost significantly more if purchased separately from other providers.
One+ Plan Features ($3.99/mo)
Perfect for: Maximum privacy and data protection
Everything in One, plus:
Incogni Data Removal Service
- Automated removal from 250+ data broker sites
- Continuous monitoring and re-removal requests
- Personal information scrubbing from people-search databases
- Available for US, UK, EU, Swiss, and Canadian residents
The One+ plan essentially bundles Incogni (normally $3.99/month standalone) at no additional cost when you factor in the included features.
Surfshark Add-Ons: Extra Features You Can Purchase
Dedicated IP Address
Cost: $3.75/month or $45/year
Available in: 20+ locations
A dedicated IP gives you a static address that only you use. This is particularly valuable for:
- Avoiding “I’m not a robot” captchas
- Reducing IP-based blocking on websites
- Accessing IP-restricted business tools
- Maintaining consistent access to banking sites
Alternative Number
Cost: $2.89/month or $34.68/year
This virtual phone number service helps protect your real number from:
- Spam and unwanted marketing calls
- Identity theft attempts
- Untrusted service signups
- Two-factor authentication on questionable sites
The Real Cost: Surfshark Renewal Pricing
Here’s something most Surfshark pricing guides won’t tell you upfront – renewal rates are significantly higher than introductory pricing. After your initial term expires, here’s what you’ll pay:
Renewal Pricing Breakdown
| Surfshark plan | After 24-Month Term | After 12-Month Term | Monthly Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | $79/year | $79/year | $15.45/month |
| One | $99/year | $99/year | $17.95/month |
| One+ | $119/year | $119/year | $20.65/month |
Add-On Renewals:
- Dedicated IP: $45/year
- Alternative Number: $34.68/year
The renewal jump is substantial – your $1.99/month Starter plan becomes roughly $6.58/month (still reasonable for what you get, but worth planning for).
How to Get the Best Surfshark Deal
1. Choose the 24-Month Plan
The math is straightforward: 24-month subscriptions offer the deepest discounts and include 3 bonus months. Even accounting for renewal pricing, you’re looking at significant long-term savings.
2. Start with the One Plan
While Starter seems tempting at $1.99/month, the One plan at $2.49/month includes antivirus, dark web monitoring, and private search – features that would cost $5-10/month from other providers.
3. Skip Add-Ons Initially
4. Use the 7-Day Free Trial
Surfshark vs Free VPNs: Why Paid Makes Sense
Free VPNs might seem attractive, but they typically impose severe limitations:
- Speed throttling that makes streaming impossible
- Data caps as low as 500MB per month
- Privacy concerns including data logging and ad injection
- Limited server networks with overcrowded connections
Surfshark’s Starter plan costs less than $2 monthly on the 24-month term – roughly the price of a coffee – while delivering unlimited data, premium speeds, and genuine privacy protection.
Payment Methods & Guarantees
Surfshark supports a wide range of payment methods, making it easy to subscribe no matter where you’re located:
- Credit and debit cards
- PayPal
- Google Pay
- Apple Pay
- Various cryptocurrencies (for enhanced privacy)
Money-Back Guarantee
Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. If you’re unsatisfied for any reason, contact their live chat support for a full refund – no questions asked.
Is Surfshark Worth the Cost?
From a pure value perspective, Surfshark delivers exceptional bang for your buck. The feature set rivals providers charging 2-3x more, and the unlimited device policy makes it particularly cost-effective for families or small businesses.
Best value scenarios:
- Families: Protect every device for less than premium coffee costs
- Streamers: Access global content libraries with reliable unblocking
- Privacy-conscious users: Comprehensive security suite at budget pricing
- Small businesses: Secure team connections without per-seat licensing
Consider alternatives if:
- You need enterprise-grade features like dedicated customer success
- Your primary use case requires specialized protocols not offered
- You’re in a country where Surfshark has limited server presence
FAQ
Is Surfshark Free?
No, Surfshark is not a free VPN, although it costs less than most other VPNs.
It also offers a 7-day free trial on some platforms and a 30-day money-back guarantee to try its features risk-free.
Can You Get a Recurring Surfshark Subscription?
Yes, all Surfshark’s subscriptions are recurring by default.
So, you’ll be charged automatically at the end of your payment cycle.
If you want to cancel your recurring Surfshark subscription, do so before your current subscription expires.
Is Surfshark Legal in the USA?
Yes, Surfshark is completely legal to use in the United States.
There are no laws that prohibit using a VPN for privacy, streaming, or general internet security. Just keep in mind that using a VPN doesn’t make illegal activities legal – U.S. laws still apply.
Is Surfshark Cheaper Than PIA?
Surfshark’s monthly and 12-month plans are slightly more expensive than PIA’s. Likewise, PIA’s 3-year plan costs $2.09 per month, which is cheaper than Surfshark’s best long-term plan.
However, considering that Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, whereas PIA offers only 10, their plans are equal value for money.
Is Surfshark Cheaper Than NordVPN?
Yes, Surfshark’s plans are much cheaper than NordVPN’s.
And NordVPN offers only six simultaneous connections to Surfshark’s unlimited number of devices.
Also, Surfshark is the better value VPN since not all NordVPN’s features are available on its cheapest plans, including sensitive additions like a breach scanner.
Final Verdict: Which Surfshark Plan Should You Choose?
For most users: The One plan at $2.49/month (24-month term) offers the best balance of features and value. You get comprehensive VPN protection plus antivirus, dark web monitoring, and private search.
For budget-conscious users: The Starter plan at $1.99/month covers essential VPN needs with excellent additional features like ad blocking and email masking.
For maximum privacy: The One+ plan at $3.99/month includes everything plus automated data removal from broker sites – particularly valuable if you’re concerned about personal information exposure.
Ready to secure your online privacy? Choose your Surfshark plan now and try it risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
