Surfshark VPN Review for Canada 2023 – Is it worth the use in Canada?

Surfshark Canada’s most affordable VPN till date!

Surfshark is relatively a new entry in the sea of VPN services. And we all now what happens to small fish… they usually get swallowed by those that are great and more powerful. But Surfshark turns out to be the biggest one of them all, emerging as one of the best VPN services within just a short span of time – it’s a SHARK after all…

In a crowded VPN market, Surfshark stands out for its rarely seen security features, carefully designed apps, and impeccable VPN services at incredibly affordable rates. And the best part is it lets you connect unlimited devices simultaneously on a single subscription account. That’s the reason why it is one of our recommended VPNs. But you know what? We don’t want you to trust us blindly. Yeah, that’s right! Let’s test Surfshark together and see if it’s really worth a go…

 

Surfshark VPN Review

 

Surfshark offers the best and affordable prices and is consistently ranked among the best VPN platforms available. As well as being budget-friendly, this powerful VPN boasts a vast range of advanced features and works in practically any location.

In this Surfshark review, we will test its security and privacy features, including speed, pricing, unblocking capabilities, compatibility with various devices and overall performance. In the end, we will consolidate all our research and let you know our final verdict.

Please note that all of these assessments have been carried out in a professional lab setting by our reliable cybersecurity experts. So, without any further delay, let’s get into it!


 

SurfShark’s Special Offer – Latest!

Coupon: surfsharkdeal

You can now save 81% on your two years subscription

 

Quick Surfshark VPN Review- See Why it Stands Out!

Speed: Surfshark VPN offers fast speeds for your smooth browsing and streaming experience on its vast network of reliable servers in Canada and worldwide.

Pricing: With Surfshark, you get great value for your money. It is cheap and affordable, with a price as low as 3.00 CAD /month for a two year plan.

Streaming: Surfshark helps you access the toughest geo-blocks worldwide to provide you with restricted platforms such as Popcorn Time, Hulu, HBO Max, and more.

Compatibility: One of the most significant selling points of Surfshark is that you can connect an unlimited number of devices. It also has dedicated Android, macOS, Windows, Chrome, Fire TV, and Linux applications.

Security and Privacy: Surfshark VPN encryption protocols include AES-256, IKEv2, OpenVPN & Shadowsocks that can do you wonders.

 

Surfshark VPN Review- Top-Rated Features

Speed

71 Mbps

Video Streaming

4K HD

Streaming Services

Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO max USA, Vudu USA, BBC iplayer

Encryption Type

256-Bit AES

Kill Switch

Available

Log Policy

No logging policy

Protocol

IKEv2, OpenVPN, Shadowsocks

Monthly Cost

3.00 CAD /month

 (2 Year Plan)

Money-Back Guarantee Period

30 Days

Support

24/7

Servers

3200+ servers in 65 countries

 

Surfshark VPN Review– Decision Making Factors

Pros

 Cons

Private DNS on each server Limited P2P Servers with Poor Speeds
Strict no-logs policy Fastest Server Isn’t Necessarily Right
All servers are P2P-friendly No dedicated IPs
Cheap  
Secure browser extensions  
CleanWeb  
Unlimited devices connection support  
Whitelister  
 

Surfshark Server Network

Surfshark VPN has a vast network of widespread servers across the globe with over 3200+ servers in 65 countries. In Canada, Surfshark has its servers deployed at 3 central locations, with 1 in Montreal, 1 in Vancouver, and 1 in Toronto.

 Surfshark servers in Canada

Having plenty of servers at different locations worldwide means you’re more likely to find one close to home or anywhere you might be traveling, as it offers several options for changing your locations. Surfshark has servers in only 65 countries, which is not quite enough. ExpressVPN is currently leading with servers in around 95 countries. It is also considered one of the best VPNs for Instagram.

Furthermore, Surfshark has pretty impressive coverage of continents like South America and Africa, which are often overlooked by other VPN companies. Finally, the provider has most of its servers in the United States – quite self-explanatory, no? Obviously, most of us would want to stream content which Americans are streaming.

In addition to servers in streaming-heavy countries, Surfshark also offers servers in countries with repressive online censorship policies, including China, Turkey, Vietnam, and Russia.  

Surfshark also provides a MultiHop option of servers where traffic passes through two VPN servers which add on more protection but it also lowers the speed.

MultiHop-SurfShark

 

Dedicated IP address

Surfshark currently does not offer dedicated IPs. The VPN team has it on their priority list and is offering Static Servers meanwhile to its customers. With many different Surfshark servers at various locations, you might get a different IP address each time you connect. However, if a connection to a static server is established, a user will be provided with the same IP each time. These servers are available in the Surfshark application on Android, Windows, iOS, and macOS.

Surfshark VPN static IP

 

Security and Privacy with Surfshark

Surfshark has built out numerous privacy features that go beyond VPN protection; a custom DNS service called SmartDNS offers extra security and safety; an ad-blocker known as CleanWeb; HackLock, which alerts the user if accounts have been compromised and a Kill switch to protect any data leakage if there is a sudden drop in the connection. Surfshark is also a great option if you are looking for crypto trading because of its security features. It can easily be the Best VPN for Binance so you can buy and sell cryptocurrency without worrying about cyberattacks. We will see each of the amazing features that Surfshark offers in detail below. Stay tuned!

 

Encryption and Protocols

The security features employed by Surfshark VPN are pretty much the same as the other VPN services, but what is unique is how well they maintain them. A standard AES-256 bit encryption is as good as it could get, SHA-512 authentication hash, 2048 DHE-RSA bit key exchange with forwarding secrecy, OpenVPN, IKEv2, etc., are some reliable security protocols offered.

In case the other protocols do not function, Shadowsocks encryption is available for android and windows users. Another feature different from most VPN services is the Wire Guard technology, an open-source communication protocol that provides better performance than other available protocols.

 

Surfshark Kill Switch

One of the most crucial security measures by Surfshark is the Kill switch. A Kill switch will automatically disconnect a user from the internet if the VPN connection suffers a drop. The connectivity is automatically restored when the internet is stable.

The Kill switch feature is easily accessible from the base connection screen, unlike some other VPN services where a user might waste time before finally finding the Kill switch. This service is available on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.

 

Surfshark Double VPN (Multi-Hop)

Surfshark allows not only one but two servers to send traffic through if a user desires; this is what we call the Double VPN feature! It may be referred to as Multi-Hop, where your connection will hop from one server to another, bringing you an extra layer of protection. This feature is accessible on Android, Windows, iOS, macOS.

However, this feature is not regularly used and might be handy only for a few paranoid users or users who deal with sensitive information online. Otherwise, there is not much need for Multi-Hopping since it slows the speed down, so regular users are only on one server.

 

Surfshark Camouflage Mode

Camouflage mode makes your internet traffic look like ordinary browsing traffic, even when you are connected to the VPN. It assures that even the ISP doesn’t know of a VPN being used.

Based on the concept of Obfuscation, this feature enables you to use the web like normal with normal traffic flow and complete concealment of the fact that a user might be using a VPN. This is the feature to use if a user is entirely sick of being chased by the geo-restrictions, ISPs, governments, etc. Camouflage mode ensures complete privacy of user activity.  You can activate this mode on Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, and Linux.

 

 Surfshark NoBorders Mode

This feature goes one step ahead in putting the blockades and restrictions to rest. NoBorders mode detects the VPN blocking technologies and bypasses restrictions in heavily censored zones, including Russia, UAE, China, Vietnam, etc. This mode will help to scroll through the list of servers that work best under prevailing network restrictions, which would not be possible without the NoBorders mode. The feature can be enabled on Windows, Mac, iOs, and Android Operating Systems.

 

CleanWeb

Surfshark offers its very own built-in feature assigned to block Ads, trackers, and malware content, and that is the CleanWeb. The feature also helps ensure protection and safety from intruders by detecting malicious websites and blocking them automatically. You can access cleanWeb on your Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows devices.

Ad Blocker Clean Web

 

Whitelister

What is typically called split-tunneling is called Whitelister by the Surfshark VPN service. Whitelister can be selected when a user wants to send traffic via a regular connection instead of a VPN. This feature allows you to create whitelists of applications and web pages that can be redirected around the VPN. Whitelister is a tidy wrap to the websites that block access from VPNs. Whitelister is particularly crucial if your bank needs to see your actual location to make sure it’s you. Enable this feature on your Android and Windows devices and stay safe!

Surfshark Whitelister

 

Surfshark Alert

Surfshark Alert is a tool that protects your identity. It checks online databases for intrusions, mishandles, and even if data might have been sold by intruders. Additionally, it will send real-time alert messages if the data or information gets breached in the future.

HackLock is one of the Surfshark alerts, a security feature that lets the user know if there has been a breach in their account passwords, email addresses, or the account as a whole. Surfshark alert is available on browsers such as Firefox, Chrome, etc.

 

Surfshark Search

Every user has always wanted to search the web for purely organic results without collecting data, history, or popping up of Ads. Surfshark Search allows a user to surf the web in complete privacy and safety. Surfshark Search utilizes the very best search algorithms at hand. It uses Bing API to fetch the best outcomes. This principle is similar to the ones used by DuckDuckGo (Bing API) or StartPage (Google API). This unique feature is available on browsers such as Firefox, Chrome, etc.

 

Smart DNS 

Instead of the standard public DNS servers, Surfshark comes with private DNS servers. These private servers enable an added protection for the user without any involvement of third parties. Surfshark Smart DNS comes as a handy feature that provides content unblocking functionality to devices that do not have native VPN support. You can easily apply it to your smart TV and enjoy instant access to Canadian streaming services.

 

Surfshark VPN No Logging Policy

Like all the other VPN services, Surfshark VPN also claims a zero no-logs policy. Surfshark has displayed distinction by not logging any session record, browsing history, bandwidth, timestamps, IP addresses, network traffic, or any other data type. Besides, if a user employs burner email and crypto-currency, no traces of a user have signed up for the service even. In short, a no-log VPN like Surfshark does not keep track of your online whereabouts or actions in any way.

Surfshark No logs Policy

 

Streaming Netflix and more with Surfshark

Users in Canada can choose from 26+ streaming platforms. Surfshark successfully unblocks geo-blocked websites and allows you buffer-free, zero-lag access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, HBO max, and more. Here is a video tutorial of Surfshark VPN for unblocking Hulu content in Canada.

 

The question is if there’s value for the money for Canadians using Netflix or Hulu? The IP of the server a user is connected to becomes accessible, courtesy of the VPN service you own. This will make the VPN service underuse to presume you’re hooked from where the VPN server is. This also means that you can watch Canadian television or Canada-specific streaming services abroad. Enjoy CBC Gem when you’re traveling around the globe.

 

Is Surfshark Good for Torrenting?

Surfshark is providing optimal services for torrenting. Although torrenting is not the primary function of Surfshark, it allows access to all servers. A P2P server optimizes a user’s connection to access torrent sites. If a user is not connected to a P2P server, the Surfshark VPN will automatically build a connection to the nearest P2P server available. The whitelisting feature helps users that have a keen interest in using Surfshark VPN for torrenting.

 

Surfshark Speeds

Surfshark is undoubtedly faster than a lot of VPNs. I have compiled a comprehensive speed test result table to present you with accurate uploading and downloading speeds in this VPN review. I used my 100 Mbps internet connection and performed extensive testing on different servers, in different countries of Surfshark. Here are my findings!

 

Server location

Download speed

Upload speed

Pings

Canada

24.17 Mbps 82.09 Mbps 235 ms

Australia

26 Mbps 83.25 Mbps 122 ms

Hong Kong

27.67 Mbps 93 Mbps 244 ms

Germany

22.67 Mbps 91.5 Mbps

217 ms

India 25 Mbps 91.09 Mbps

211 ms

The United States 23.09 Mbps 77.5 Mbps

251 ms

The United Kingdom 35.5 Mbps 92.09 Mbps

139 ms

United Arab Emirates 34.92 Mbps 92.75

254 ms

 

The speed test results have proved Surfshark VPN to be very consistent and efficient in terms of its functioning. However, I found out that its downloading speeds were not as impressive as its uploading speeds.

 

Is Surfshark Good for Gaming?

The gaming world is a big, ever-growing market where the needs grow every single day. With Surfshark you can have your ultimate gaming experience to play with privacy and security. Surfshark gives you the ease of accessing games and features without restrictions all the while providing you the protection against DDoS attacks.

 

Surfshark VPN Gaming

 

Generally, most of the Surfshark servers are very fast when it comes to gaming but with the “Fastest Server” feature,  a user experience speeds similar to their base connection. Lag/Loading issues might pop up if a user is accessing a far-off server from his location. Surfshark is sure to give you better pings by stopping your ISP from throttling your data.

 

Surfshark VPN Devices Compatibility

 

Surfshark VPN Compatible devices

Surfshark gives you One subscription and unlimited connections. You can browse on your phone while watching Netflix on your SmartTV and you don’t have to worry about being logged out! Surfshark also runs on a variety of platforms like Windows, MacOS, and Linux. Browser-Plugins are available on Android and iOS platforms. You can also tune in with Surfshark on Fire TV, Apple TV, and others.

Surfshark with iOS

Get the best VPN for your iPhone and ipad with Surfshark. Surfshark compatibility with iOS gives you the following benefits.

  • Compatible with iPhone X, iPhone 11, iPhone SE, & others
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Browse with high connection speeds
  • 100% RAM-only servers for extra privacy

 

Surfshark with Android

Android OS is compatible with Surfshark VPN with added features like Device Invisibility and Whitelisting. Shadowsocks, GPS Spoofing, Native Kill switch features are also offered on Android OS. To set up Surfshark on your Android device follow these simple steps:

  1. Find the Surfshark app on the Play Store and install it on your Android device.
  2. Log in as an existing user or purchase your desired subscription.
  3. If you do not have the subscription yet, feel free to sign up for a free 7-day trial.
  4. Enter your credentials.
  5. Click Log in.
  6. You can now connect to Surfshark servers simply by clicking the blue Connect button and your app will connect to the fastest server available.

 

Surfshark Browser Extensions

The browser extensions of Surfshark VPN are an essential, easy-to-use version of the application. The incoming/outgoing traffic is encrypted only by use of the browser itself. The extensions are offered in 9 languages. However, it is always recommended to use the complete version application instead of extensions as these only provide VPN services within the browser. Surfshark browser extensions are offered for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.

Surfshark VPN Browser Extension

Router App

Surfshark offers router compatibility with Tomato, Asus, and DD-WRT firmware. If the router supports the OpenVPN protocol, the VPN can be easily installed on it. The connections can be established by following easy steps and tutorials.

 

Surfshark Pricing and Payment Options

With Surfshark VPN, a user is offered the following packages:

Surfshark VPN Pricing Plans

The longer a user subscribes, the better Surfshark gets with its prices. With all the advanced features, Surfshark is worth all the money you spend on it!

Surfshark will accept payments via Credit cards, Debit cards, PayPal, AmazonPay, Cryptocurrencies, and other methods that might vary with the region where a user resides. The order page thoroughly guides on how to make a payment for a subscription. The payment methods are visible under the subscription packages.

All the packages a user subscribes to on Surfshark VPN come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thirty days is enough time to thoroughly check the VPN service, its features, it’s functioning, and whether it’s worth your money or not.

Get SurfShark VPN - Special Deal30 days money-back guarantee
 

Reliability & Customer Support

Surfshark VPN has an impressive customer support service with the helpline ready to help its users get through any problem. The help center has multiple guides and tutorials, and FAQs that cover every minor subject in depth. In addition to 24/7 live chat support, Surfshark has a ticketing system and email support to let users put up their queries and get back responses timely.

 

 User Experience with Surfshark

Surfshark VPN is a user-friendly service displaying great results with its high-security features and speed. The desktop applications and browser extensions provide easy-to-understand layouts for the comfort of its users. The features offered are a step beyond what other VPN services might offer. Although Surfshark has room for improvement, overall, the service has all the value for money.

 

Do we Recommend Surfshark?

With its thousands of servers in place, Surfshark VPN is the perfect option to encrypt internet traffic. If a user loves watching shows and movies on Hulu, Amazon, Netflix, etc., Surfshark is the way to all of these shows past the geo-restrictions in place. In my opinion, Surfshark has all the options that a VPN service should offer, along with a secure browsing environment and blazing speeds, and that is why you should download and sign up right away! You can also click our ExpressVPN and NordVPN reviews to read our detailed analysis on what these VPNs have to offer! and can compare VPN review of Surfshark with these other.

4 streaming Platforms you can access in Canada using Surfshark

Top 4 streaming services that you can access in Canada using Surfshark.

Get American Netflix in Canada ESPN+ in Canada
Stan in Canada YouTubeTV in Canada

FAQs

With Surfshark Unlimited devices can be connected using one subscription.

Yes, CleanWeb AdBlocker can effectively block ads when using Surfshark VPN.

Surfshark VPN does not collect any identifiable data and follows a strict No-logs policy.

Surfshark uses OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols to ensure the highest standards of safety.

If you want to benefit from some of the VPN functions on your smart TV, smart DNS is an easy way to do exactly that. To set up Surfshark smart DNS on your smart TV, Follow the given steps:  
  1. Log in to your Surfshark account, or create an account if you’re new.
  2. Go to My Account. Here you will see the option to turn on smart DNS.
  3. Click Activate.
  4. Now simply set it up on your smart TV, and enjoy the open internet!

No! But it may be used for free by utilizing the 30-day money-back guarantee period.


Yes! Manual methods and No Borders mode can be used to make Surfshark VPN work in China.