- Best VPNs of 2026
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Surfshark for Students - Review & Analytics
Team VPN AnalystSurfshark has been providing services since 2018 and currently has a network of over 3,200+ servers in 99 countries servers. Their cheapest plan starts at $1.99/mo. Based on longterm testing, our rating for Surfshark is 9.6.
Pros and Cons
What statistics we measured with Surfshark and why?
Choosing a VPN for students is never easy, especially when you are a beginner who is about to purchase their very first plan. There are so many providers to choose from!
Based on longterm testing, average download speed when using Surfshark is 1,615 Mbit/s. Currently, the size of their network is around 3,200+ servers in 99 countries servers.
The size of the server network is an important factor as it determines a global availability of the VPN. The bigger the network is, the more reliable the service can be.
The download speed is very important too, especially in today's fast-paced world. If your VPN speed is too slow, many websites or streaming services may not work or the experience will definitely be less comfortable.
- Surfshark is the best value VPN for students on a budget, with unlimited devices on one plan.
- Students get an extra 15% off through Student Beans, on top of the normal long plan deals.
- The 2-year Starter plan costs about $2.49/mo at time of writing (Oct 2026), and sales have dropped it as low as about $1.99/mo.
- Our tests averaged 1,615 Mbit/s, faster than both NordVPN and ProtonVPN in our results.
- Deloitte has checked its no-logs policy twice (2023 and 2025), and all servers run on RAM only.
Verdict: Surfshark is a fast, cheap and easy VPN that suits most students, as long as you pick a long plan.
Surfshark Pros and Cons
Surfshark Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous devices
- Extra 15% student discount via Student Beans
- Very fast in our tests (1,615 Mbit/s average)
- Two Deloitte no-logs assessments
- RAM-only servers
- Works with Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max and BBC iPlayer
- CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers and malware sites
- Camouflage and NoBorders modes for strict networks
Surfshark Cons
- Based in the Netherlands, a Nine Eyes country
- Monthly plan is expensive at about $16.45
- Prices rise when the first term renews
- No dedicated router app
- No dedicated P2P servers (though torrenting works everywhere)
Is Surfshark Good for Students?
Yes, Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for students, mainly because it is cheap and has no device limit.
One account can cover your laptop, phone, tablet and even your roommates’ devices. It keeps you safe on shared campus Wi-Fi and lets you stream your home shows while abroad.
The weak spots are the pricey monthly plan and higher renewal prices. Pick a 1-year or 2-year plan and note your renewal date.
Surfshark Student Discount and Pricing
Surfshark has an official student discount page. You verify your student status with Student Beans and get an extra 15% off at checkout, and it can stack with the regular long plan sale.
Starter plan prices at time of writing (Oct 2026), before the student code:
| Plan | Price per month | Billed |
|---|---|---|
| Starter, 1 month | about $16.45 | Monthly |
| Starter, 1 year | about $3.39 | Once per year |
| Starter, 2 years (+3 months) | about $2.49 | about $67.23 for the first 27 months |
Prices change often, and sales have pushed the 2-year Starter plan down to about $1.99/mo. Surfshark One and One+ bundle extra tools and cost more. Starter renews at about $79 per year.
Which plan should students pick? Starter is enough for most students. It includes the VPN, CleanWeb, Camouflage Mode and unlimited devices. Surfshark One and One+ add extra security tools, which are only worth it if you want an all in one bundle.
The 2-year plan with the Student Beans code gives the lowest monthly price. If you are only abroad for a semester, the 1-year plan still costs far less than paying month to month.
Refund and trial: every plan has a 30-day money-back guarantee. A 7-day free trial has been offered through the Google Play and Apple app stores, limited to 3 devices during the trial.
Key Features for Students
Unlimited Devices
Most VPNs cap you at 5 to 10 devices. Surfshark lets you connect as many as you like, which is great for shared flats and gadget heavy students.
Safe on Campus and Public Wi-Fi
Surfshark encrypts your traffic with AES-256 on dorm, library and cafe networks. The kill switch has a Soft mode and a Strict mode, so your data stays private if the VPN drops.
Camouflage and NoBorders Modes
Camouflage Mode hides the fact that you are using a VPN. NoBorders Mode spots network restrictions and suggests servers that work.
These help on strict networks, but always follow your school’s rules and local laws.
Streaming Home Libraries Abroad
2026 testing found Surfshark unblocks over 15 Netflix libraries, including the US, UK and Canada. It also works with Disney+, Hulu, Max and BBC iPlayer.
CleanWeb Ad and Malware Blocker
CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers and malicious domains at the network level. That means fewer pop-ups and less risk when you click random links for research.
Bypasser and Dynamic MultiHop
Bypasser is Surfshark’s split tunneling tool, so your university portal or banking app can skip the VPN. Dynamic MultiHop routes you through two servers you choose for extra privacy.
Speed, Streaming and Torrenting
Surfshark averaged 1,615 Mbit/s in our tests. That is more than enough for 4K streaming, big downloads and smooth video calls. WireGuard gives the best speed on most devices.
| Use | Works? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix / other streaming | Yes | 15+ Netflix libraries, plus Disney+, Hulu, Max and BBC iPlayer |
| Torrenting (P2P) | Yes | Allowed on all servers, no special server needed |
| Gaming | Yes | Pick a nearby server for the lowest ping |
| Video calls (Zoom/Teams) | Yes | Our 1,615 Mbit/s average is plenty |
| Restrictive networks | Yes | Use Camouflage Mode and NoBorders Mode |
Privacy and Security
Surfshark B.V. is based in the Netherlands and has been part of Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN, since 2022. The brands still run separately. The Netherlands is a Nine Eyes member, but a strict no-logs setup means there is little data to hand over.
Deloitte assessed Surfshark’s no-logs policy in 2023 and again in 2025, covering standard, static and multiport servers. Cure53 has audited its apps and SecuRing has tested its infrastructure.
- Protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2
- AES-256 encryption and RAM-only servers
- Kill switch, Dynamic MultiHop and a warrant canary
Surfshark Video Review
Video: “Surfshark review 2026 | HONEST opinion – is it worth trying?” by VPNpro on YouTube.
Surfshark vs ProtonVPN
| Surfshark | ProtonVPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $1.99/mo | $2.99/mo |
| Servers | 3,200+ in 99 countries | 20,677 in 148 countries |
| Our avg speed | 1,615 Mbit/s | 1,475 Mbit/s |
| Free plan | No | Yes (unlimited data) |
| Student discount | Extra 15% via Student Beans | 70% off Plus via Student Beans (US/UK/FR/DE) |
| Our score | 9.6/10 | 9.9/10 |
Pick Surfshark if you want the lowest price and unlimited devices, and pick ProtonVPN if you want a free plan or a Swiss privacy focus. For more audited extras, see our NordVPN review, or check CyberGhost as another budget option.
Verdict: Surfshark for Students
Surfshark gives students a lot for very little money. It beat NordVPN and ProtonVPN on speed in our tests, it streams well and it has no device limit.
Use the Student Beans code on a long plan to get the best price, and keep the renewal date in mind. The 30-day money-back guarantee lets you try it without risk.
Surfshark for Students: FAQ
Does Surfshark have a student discount?
Yes. Surfshark offers an extra 15% off for students who verify with Student Beans, and it can stack with regular sales.
Is Surfshark safe to use?
Yes. It uses AES-256 encryption, RAM-only servers and a kill switch, and Deloitte has checked its no-logs policy in 2023 and 2025.
Does Surfshark have a free trial?
A 7-day free trial has been offered through mobile app stores. All plans also have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Does Surfshark work with Netflix?
Yes. 2026 testing found it unblocks 15+ Netflix libraries plus Disney+, Hulu, Max and BBC iPlayer.
Can I use Surfshark on school Wi-Fi?
Often yes, with Camouflage Mode and NoBorders Mode. Always follow your school’s rules before using a VPN on its network.
How many devices can I use with Surfshark?
Unlimited. One Surfshark plan covers as many devices as you want at the same time.
9.6