Surfshark VPN Pricing and Bundles Examined
Cybercrimes are increasing at an alarming rate, with damages projected to reach $13.82 trillion by 2028. As these threats become more complex, users may need to adopt robust security measures, including the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) to mask their online activities from potential criminals.
Launched in 2018, Surfshark VPN has emerged as a popular choice for people who need enhanced online security. But what does it offer, and at what cost?
In this article, you’ll read a detailed overview of Surfshark VPN pricing and what it provides to its users. You will also learn of an additional way to protect your valuable information using virtual cards.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is up to date as of April 2024. The VPN provider may change its prices and features after the publication date.
Surfshark VPN Subscription Models
Surfshark VPN’s subscription models can be divided into two main categories:
- Bundles
- Plans
Bundles
A bundle is a package that offers access to a specific set of features, providing users with solutions based on their online security and privacy needs. Surfshark VPN has three bundles[1]:
- Surfshark Starter
- Surfshark One
- Surfshark One+
The table below breaks down what users get with each Surfshark VPN bundle:
The data removal feature is available in Canada, the U.S., the UK, and the EU.
Plans
A plan is a subscription model that specifies the duration of a bundle and its total cost. Surfshark VPN offers three standard plans:
- 1-month plan—It provides flexibility for users who require VPN services on a short-term basis.
- 12-month plan—This plan is designed for users anticipating a consistent need for VPN services. It offers cost savings compared to the monthly plan and the convenience of less frequent payments.
- 24-month plan—For users seeking a long-term VPN solution and the biggest savings, Surfshark offers a 24-month plan.
Here’s a breakdown of the cost of each bundle under these plans:
Surfshark VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for its services[1], giving users an opportunity to change their minds after trying the service. The refund process is initiated through Surfshark’s customer support.
Disclaimer: The prices in the table are current at the time of writing this article, but they are subject to change. Please visit the website for the most recent information.
Discounts and Promotions
Users who subscribe to the 12- and 24-month plans can save between 67% and 85% of the total cost compared to those who keep renewing the monthly plan. Surfshark VPN often offers additional deals, including:
- Seasonal sales—Surfshark VPN may provide discounts during popular shopping events such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and during the holiday season.
- Student discounts—Surfshark VPN may offer special pricing for students. At the time of writing, the service offers a 15% student discount. The offer is realized in partnership with Student Beans[2].
- Graduate discounts—Under this program, Surfshark VPN offers graduates a 15% discount on subscriptions. The offer is realized in partnership with Grad Beans[3].
- Referral program—The service has a referral program where users can earn rewards or discounts by referring friends or family members. Under the program, users who invite a friend get one month free, while those who invite ten friends get six extra months free[4].
Additional Costs When Using Surfshark VPN
Surfshark VPN users can purchase features outside of their bundle. Users who want to access services that are sensitive to frequent changes of IP addresses can, for instance, purchase a dedicated IP address feature independent of the standard bundles[5].
Some users might be liable to pay a bit more due to taxes such as the Value Added Tax (VAT) or the Goods and Services Tax (GST), depending on the applicable laws at the time of purchase.
While the price of Surfshark VPN can be attractive, it’s always a good idea to research other VPNs before making a purchase. Some alternatives to Surfshark VPN are:
Can VPNs Protect From Every Threat Online?
While services like Surfshark VPN boost online privacy and security, cyber threats keep evolving, with hackers devising new ways to infiltrate systems or extract information from their victims. Some of the security risks include:
- Insider threats—Organizations sometimes face internal threats from disgruntled employees or contractors who have access to sensitive information. These individuals can misuse their access privileges, leading to data leaks or even sabotage.
- Ransomware attacks—Cybercriminals will use phishing emails and software vulnerabilities to infect systems with malicious software that encrypts data. The attackers then demand a ransom to decrypt the data.
- Credential stuffing attacks—When cybercriminals obtain a list of usernames and passwords from a data breach of one service, they can automate attempts to use these credentials on other online services. People who reuse passwords across multiple platforms are the most vulnerable to this threat.
Cost-Effective Ways To Better Protect Your Sensitive Data
Beyond using VPNs, you can apply the following methods to safeguard sensitive data:
- Security awareness training—Staying informed about the latest cyber threats, such as phishing attacks and different types of fraud, can help you recognize and respond appropriately to such threats, reducing the risk of losing sensitive information to hackers.
- Regular system and software updates—Keeping the operating system and all installed software up to date is crucial for both individuals and businesses. These updates often include patches for known security flaws, reducing the risk of infection by ransomware or other malicious software.
- Virtual cards for online transactions—When using a virtual card, actual financial details such as a card or bank account number are not provided to the merchant and cannot be stolen in case of a data breach. While you can get virtual cards from some banks, independent card providers such as Privacy often offer more spending controls and customization options.
Use Privacy Virtual Cards To Protect Your Sensitive Information
Privacy is one of the leading providers of virtual card services. The company is BBB®-accredited, and its 250,000+ users attest not only to the value of the virtual card service but also to the company’s respect for customers and their data.
To ensure your data and account are secure, Privacy employs various security features and practices, including:
- AES-256 encryption—Privacy secures the information you provide them with AES-256, a robust encryption standard trusted by governments and security agencies.
- 2FA support—Privacy provides various options for two-factor authentication to ensure your account security.
- PCI-DSS compliance—Privacy adheres to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS).
Privacy Card Types
Privacy offers two types of virtual cards:
- Single-Use Cards—The card automatically closes after a single transaction is complete. Even if someone stole it, they wouldn’t be able to use it. They’re ideal for websites you’re not familiar with or merchants you don’t fully trust.
- Merchant-Locked Cards—These cards “lock” to the first merchant they're used at, meaning that even if a hacker gained access to them, they would not be able to use them elsewhere. They are useful for managing recurring payments such as bills and subscriptions.
You can pause or close your Privacy Virtual Cards at any time, blocking any further charges from affecting your funding source. You can also set a spending limit to stay in control of how much a merchant can charge you. Privacy will decline all charges that go above the limit. This feature can help protect your bank account from unexpected charges.
Convenience Features
Privacy offers several convenience features to all users at no additional cost:
- Privacy App—Available on Android and iOS, it allows users to manage their virtual cards directly from their smartphones, offering a seamless and secure way to handle online transactions.
- Privacy Browser Extension—Compatible with Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and Safari for iOS, it provides quick access to virtual cards directly from the browser, simplifying the online shopping experience.
The service also provides a convenient card sharing feature, allowing you to securely share virtual cards with friends and family. Or for businesses, managing employee or contractor expenses.
How To Get a Privacy Virtual Card
To get started with Privacy, all you have to do is:
- Visit the signup page
- Provide the required details to verify your identity
- Link a funding source, which can be your bank account or debit card
- Request a virtual card
You can use Privacy cards at most vendors or e-commerce sites that accept Visa® and Mastercard®, allowing you to shop globally while keeping your personal information secure.
Privacy offers three monthly plans:
- Personal
- Pro
- Premium
The table below breaks down the features of each plan:
References
[1] Surfshark. https://surfshark.com/pricing, sourced April 16, 2024
[2] Surfshark. https://surfshark.com/deal/student-discount, sourced April 16, 2024
[3] Surfshark. https://surfshark.com/deal/graduate-discount, sourced April 16, 2024
[4] Surfshark. https://surfshark.com/refer-a-friend, sourced April 16, 2024
[5] Surfshark. https://surfshark.com/deal/dedicated-ip, sourced April 16, 2024
