I can't speak to SurfShark specifically but you can read more about what makes a "good" private VPN here:
this post was submitted on 28 Aug 2025
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I always wonder why PIA never makes it on those lists? Privacy Guides is a great resource btw, I'm not throwing shade. Feature for feature tho, PIA is a top contender, it would seem to me. Battle tested, audited, and proven in court. So, like OP, I get to wondering, do they know something I do not? I've been using them for numerous years without any issue.
I do not receive any kind or manner of compensation or quid pro quo for mentioning PIA. I don't even get a little ass play which i think is a gyp.
PIA was acquired by a very sketchy company called Kape technologies. You should avoid them.
- Opensource, publically available source code: https://github.com/pia-foss
- Audited as recently as 2024 and also in 2022 by Deloitte. Audits publically available.
- Proven no logs in multiple courtcases even after a Russia seized some of their servers.
I understand when you use a VPN, you have to trust the VPN provider(s). Besides the Kape boogeyman, I can find no real substantiated incidents that would cause me to pause. Of course, things could change anytime, which is why you personally audit the software you use.
The simple answer is that you need to trust the operator of the VPN service and what they may do with your data. Why do you want a public VPN service in the first place? If it's to hide your online activity from your ISP or government, does your chosen VPN provider share that information anyway, or do they share it with data brokers and other parties anyway?
I don't have personal experience with SurfShark, but it looks quite expensive for monthly service ($18). Obviously they want you to sign up for an annual ($3.40/month) or two year plan ($2.50/month). It appears that they have at least been audited by Deloitte. I've had good experiences with vpn.ac and Proton, and Mullvad frequently gets top recommendations.
If you get a legit answer, let me know. :)
Will do.
Thanks those who have responded. I guess it remains the case that nobody has yet made a stong arugment against using SurfShark, so I'll likely stick with them (at least until someon convinces me otherwise). Their are few VPNs that do everything I need, only SurfShark, Proton, Mullvad and Windscribe. I've had issues with all but SurfShark, which is why I stick with them, but because I read so much hate for that service I wanted to someone to make a reasoned argument detailing why I shoudn't use them, before I move to an alternative (likely Proton). I tried asking in Lemmy's largest Privacy sub and my post was removed without comment and I received no response from the mods when I asked, so I'm glad the mod here is more reasonable.