FastVPN vs Surfshark
This VPN comparison pits core security against rock-bottom pricing incentives. Surfshark provides comprehensive protection for unlimited devices and advanced features. FastVPN offers very low introductory costs for basic needs. The crucial difference is trust: Surfshark reviews are stellar, FastVPN’s are severely concerning.
Major Trust Issues and Billing Warnings
We note FastVPN offers attractive introductory rates and claims a strong no-log policy supported by a wide server network. However, we cannot overlook the severe and recurring user complaints regarding unauthorized charges and accounts frozen shortly after payment. Overall, we urge extreme caution when considering this provider due to major risks related to service reliability and immediate financial transparency.
Pros
- Highly competitive introductory pricing rates advertised.
- Strict no-log policy guarantees user anonymity.
- Claimed access to a large network of 2700+ servers.
- Known for fast connection speeds, according to some reports.
Cons
- Frequent reports of severe unauthorized credit card charges.
- Accounts may be frozen shortly after paying for the subscription.
- Customer service allegedly ignores or refuses cancellation requests.
- Users report requests for government ID verification after purchase.
Robust Security Suite for Unlimited Devices
We find Surfshark offers extensive value, combining a high-speed VPN with crucial identity protection tools like Incogni and Antivirus coverage for all your gadgets. External feedback confirms users appreciate the seamless multi-device coverage and consistently highlight the exceptional speed and patience of the customer support team. Overall, Surfshark stands out as a leading choice for users prioritizing extensive coverage and robust security features backed by excellent human assistance.
Pros
- Protects an unlimited number of simultaneous devices.
- Customer support is exceptionally fast, professional, and helpful.
- Comprehensive cybersecurity bundles (Surfshark One) available.
- Easy to install and simple user experience across multiple platforms.
Cons
- Users occasionally report VPN connection dropouts.
- Some third-party applications may conflict, requiring exclusion lists.
- Setup can be complex with non-standard logins (e.g., Amazon ID) or specific devices (e.g., Fire Stick).
AboutFastVPN
FastVPN is a straightforward way to keep your online life private and secure. Getting started with the service is easier than you might think. Downloading the VPN is one of the simplest ways to protect your data privacy.
It works by ensuring all your Internet traffic is encrypted. This simple step protects your private data, especially when you shop safely on public Wi-Fi. It also gives you the freedom to browse anonymously. We love the strict no-log policy 💡, which guarantees that your online activity is never tracked or logged.
AboutSurfshark
Surfshark offers a complete toolkit for defending your digital life. The core service is a robust VPN that secures your connection and works tirelessly wherever you go. This intuitive design means you will master it quickly. 💡
Beyond the VPN, Surfshark shields your entire device with Antivirus. This real-time defense works in the backstage, scanning files before you open them to keep malicious threats out. It even includes webcam protection. Finally, identity tools like Incogni and Alternative ID help guard your personal information. Incogni removes your data from the lists of data brokers. Alternative ID gives you a virtual phone number and email address to use for online registrations instead of your private details. It’s an easy-to-use app you can download on all your devices.
Highlights
Feature Comparison
Features Overview
We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.
Simultaneous Devices
Surfshark protects all your devices under one plan, offering unlimited connectivity. FastVPN provides no clear data on its device limits.
FastVPN fails to specify how many devices you can use simultaneously on a subscription. This missing detail is a significant constraint for most users. They appear optimized for limited personal use or single device protection. Surfshark’s core value is offering unlimited simultaneous connections for everyone in your household. One simple plan instantly covers phones, computers, and smart devices. If you are protecting a modern family with multiple gadgets, Surfshark offers far superior value and necessary scalability. FastVPN forces customers to guess their actual protection scope. Protecting every device, from your laptop to your tablet, is seamless and stress-free when choosing Surfshark.
Security Ecosystem
Surfshark bundles Antivirus, data leak tools, and VPN for total defense. FastVPN is a basic VPN layer focused primarily on encryption.
FastVPN provides essential encryption and a no-log policy to secure your traffic on public Wi-Fi. It is designed purely to offer standard VPN functionality. Surfshark One is a comprehensive cybersecurity bundle that includes real-time Antivirus and crucial webcam protection. It shields your device proactively from malicious threats. Surfshark also fights identity theft using Incogni to remove your data from broker lists automatically. FastVPN does not offer these critical identity management tools. For users wanting an all-in-one defense against threats and data brokers, Surfshark is the much more powerful and complete option.
Advanced Features
Surfshark offers cutting-edge Nexus technology like IP Rotator for anonymity. FastVPN relies on basic VPN connectivity without advanced routing.
FastVPN provides simple connection services suitable for average browsing and unblocking geo-restrictions. It lacks any customization for advanced users. Surfshark uses Dynamic MultiHop, allowing you to custom-create server pairings for double encryption. This provides an extra security layer. Surfshark’s IP Rotator automatically changes your IP address every ten minutes, making deep tracking extremely difficult. This feature is missing in FastVPN. Users requiring high-level technical anonymity and control over routing must choose Surfshark for its impressive Nexus tool kit.
Server Infrastructure
Surfshark’s network uses advanced RAM-only servers, prioritizing privacy assurance. FastVPN has a large network but gives fewer privacy guarantees.
FastVPN promotes reliable access across its 2700+ server network in 100+ global locations. They claim specific servers deliver smooth 4K streaming quality. Surfshark has a larger network of 3200+ servers, all configured with privacy-boosting RAM-only hardware. This setup ensures no physical data storage is possible. Surfshark's use of RAM-only technology provides a superior privacy assurance compared to standard server setups. It demonstrates a dedicated commitment to user security. Both claim fast global access, but Surfshark backs its speed with industry-leading WireGuard protocols and superior privacy hardware.
User Trust and Support
Surfshark is praised for exceptional, reliable 24/7 support. FastVPN is marred by severe reports of unauthorized billing and service refusal.
FastVPN support is available 24/7, but user reviews allege staff refuse to process cancellations or refunds. Accounts are frequently frozen shortly after payment. Surfshark’s 24/7 customer service via live chat is consistently described as professional, fast, and helpful. Many users specifically praise the responsive support agents. The financial risks associated with FastVPN, including reports of unauthorized charges, severely undermine any potential affordability benefits. Surfshark offers peace of mind. When investing in security, trust is paramount, and Surfshark’s outstanding reputation is vastly superior to FastVPN’s critically poor standing.
Pricing Model
FastVPN is cheaper initially but involves risky billing practices and steep renewal hikes. Surfshark offers more transparent high-value bundles.
FastVPN uses extremely aggressive introductory prices, starting at $0.99 for the first month or $12.00 for the first year. These prices are clearly designed to lure users in. FastVPN monthly renewal jumps to $7.88, while the 1-year plan renews at $34.56. The risk of unauthorized charges also adds hidden financial danger. Surfshark's exact non-promotional prices are not stated, but its unlimited device coverage provides unmatched value for multi-device owners. Its pricing is built around feature bundles. Surfshark is the safer, more dependable choice, as FastVPN’s deep discounts come attached to significant and well-documented fraud risk.
Our Verdict
This VPN comparison centers on trust, features, and ethical business practices. Surfshark is the superior choice for consistent reliability and comprehensive protection. FastVPN offers very cheap intro rates, but recurring, severe user fraud complaints make it highly risky. Surfshark’s strength is its ability to cover unlimited devices with one premium security bundle. You can protect your entire family instantly and leverage tools like Antivirus and Incogni data removal. Surfshark also offers advanced anonymity features like the IP Rotator for unparalleled online control and privacy. FastVPN focuses exclusively on offering rock-bottom introductory rates alongside basic VPN encryption and streaming access. They boast a large server count claiming 4K quality worldwide access. However, their rates jump drastically, and transparency in billing is repeatedly questioned by unhappy users. The essential deciding factor is the severe lack of user trust reported regarding FastVPN’s support and billing practices. Choose Surfshark if you value ethical business, excellent support, and comprehensive security features. We recommend avoiding FastVPN entirely due to the documented risk of unauthorized credit card charges and service denial. Surfshark offers peace of mind and protection for all your gadgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which VPN offers better protection for my entire family: FastVPN or Surfshark?
Surfshark is definitively better for families because it offers unlimited simultaneous device coverage. FastVPN does not specify its device limit, suggesting major limitations. Surftshark protects all your phones, computers, and smart TVs instantly with just one account.
Does FastVPN include antivirus protection like Surfshark?
No, FastVPN only provides core VPN encryption and security features. Surfshark, through its Surfshark One bundle, includes a complete real-time Antivirus solution. Surfshark also offers webcam protection and identity alerts, features FastVPN lacks.
Which service has better customer support regarding refunds, FastVPN or Surfshark?
Surfshark has outstanding customer support, consistently praised for fast, polite service. FastVPN has a high number of reviews alleging customer service ignores or refuses refund and cancellation requests. Surfshark is the reliable choice for service and billing.
Is Surfshark worth the likely higher cost compared to FastVPN?
Yes, Surfshark is worth the investment due to its unlimited devices and comprehensive security tools. FastVPN's initial low prices are misleading, as renewal costs are steep and financial risks exist due to fraud reports. Surfshark provides superior long-term value and trust.
Which tool has more advanced privacy features for maximum anonymity?
Surfshark offers superior privacy features, including the robust IP Rotator that changes your IP every ten minutes. It also allows custom server pairings using Dynamic MultiHop. FastVPN offers basic encryption but lacks these advanced anonymity tools.
Are reviews for FastVPN and Surfshark equally positive?
Absolutely not; there is a stark difference in user sentiment. Surfshark maintains excellent 4.7-star reviews praising service and support. FastVPN carries a poor 2.1-star rating based on critical complaints about unauthorized charges and frozen accounts.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.