Surfshark Antivirus, a product from one of the leading VPN providers in the market, Surfshark, brings forth a compelling package known as Surfshark One. This review delves into the intricacies of Surfshark Antivirus, assessing its features, pricing plans, user interface, and more.
Surfshark Antivirus Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Inclusive VPN: Surfshark Antivirus boasts one of the best VPNs in the market.
- Split Tunneling: A handy feature for efficient internet use.
- Ad and Tracker Blocker: Enhances online privacy.
- Data Breach Monitoring: Protects your sensitive information.
- WireGuard Protocol: Ensures robust security.
- Privacy-Friendly VPN Location: A critical aspect of online anonymity.
- Great Customer Support: Assistance when you need it.
- Private Search Engine: Guard your search history.
- Real-Time Protection: Instant threat detection.
Cons:
- No Firewall: Lack of integrated firewall for initial threat prevention.
- No Parental Controls: Essential feature missing.
- ID Check Limitations: Not available in all countries.
Is Surfshark Antivirus a Safe Choice?
Surfshark Antivirus indeed offers a safe solution, shielding users from a myriad of threats, including trojans and worms. It provides real-time protection, supplemented by CleanWeb—a feature within the accompanying VPN that combats intrusive ads and trackers. However, it’s crucial to note the absence of an integrated firewall for proactive malware prevention and vulnerability scanning. Nevertheless, the antivirus proves resource-friendly, with minimal impact on device performance. Independent assessments by AV-Test demonstrate its effectiveness, blocking 99% of zero-day malware attacks and achieving a perfect detection rate for common malware. These results signify its suitability for daily virus protection and threat identification.
Surfshark Antivirus Features
Surfshark Antivirus stands out for its well-rounded security offerings. It includes various scan options—quick, full, scheduled, and drag-and-drop item scans. Real-time protection is now available not only on the Android app but also on Windows and macOS.
However, areas for potential improvement exist. High-quality antivirus software often incorporates a firewall, password manager, and parental controls for enhanced security. Surfshark Antivirus, being a relatively new product, may evolve to address these deficiencies.
Device Scanning: The antivirus offers three scanning options—quick, full, and file/folder scan. While the quick scan may seem overly rapid, the full scan, though taking around 25 minutes, delivers robust malware detection. The ability to exclude items from scans enhances customization. Scheduled scans provide convenience and enable multi-device scanning.
Real-Time Protection: This essential feature continuously monitors your device for various malware types, including worms, trojans, and backdoors.
Surfshark One Features
Incorporated within the Surfshark One bundle are additional features:
- Surfshark VPN: A top-tier VPN that guarantees online anonymity and security. It features a multihop function, camouflaging VPN traffic as regular network traffic, while offering high-speed, geo-restricted content access.
- Surfshark Search: A private, ad-free search engine that protects your privacy and delivers unaltered search results.
- Surfshark Alert: This feature is akin to Data Breach Monitoring, notifying you of potential data breaches. It offers customization options to tailor your alert preferences.
- Alternative ID: This innovative feature safeguards your sensitive data by generating a pseudonymous online identity for your online activities. It’s designed to minimize the risk of identity theft and data exposure.
- Incogni: This tool, available in the Surfshark One+ bundle, focuses on removing personal data from data brokers, enhancing online privacy.
Plans and Pricing
Surfshark Antivirus comes in two package options within the Surfshark One and Surfshark One+ bundles. You can choose from different subscription durations, with longer commitments offering cost savings:
| Subscription | 1-Month Plan | 1-Year Plan | 2-Year Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surfshark One | $17.95/month | $4.09/month | $2.73/month |
| Surfshark One+ | $20.65/month | $6.49/month | $4.11/month |
Opting for a one-year subscription also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, providing a risk-free trial period. The antivirus supports up to five devices, making it a compelling choice, especially considering the bundled VPN and other valuable tools. Multiple payment options, including credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, and cryptocurrencies, cater to diverse user preferences.
How to Download Surfshark Antivirus
To access Surfshark Antivirus, follow these steps:
- Head to the Surfshark Antivirus website, sign up, and select your desired subscription.
- Download and install Surfshark Antivirus on your device.
- Launch the application and log in using your credentials.
- Initiate your first scan to check for potential threats.
- Enable real-time protection, schedule future scans, and enjoy secure browsing.
Ease of Use
Surfshark Antivirus caters to various platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Android. While it may not offer the same breadth of features as some premium antivirus software, its focus on holistic security is evident. The user interface across these platforms is designed for intuitive navigation, making it accessible to a broad user base.
macOS App
The macOS app is user-friendly and straightforward, featuring real-time protection and customizable scan options. The design is minimalistic and neatly organized, providing essential features without clutter.
Windows App
The Windows app is equally well-organized, offering real-time protection and an accessible dashboard with VPN, antivirus, Alert, Search, and Settings sections. The tools are efficiently placed for straightforward navigation.
Android App
The Android app, akin to its desktop counterparts, prioritizes ease of use. It features four sections—Surfshark, Locations, One, and Settings, ensuring users can swiftly access the bundled features.
Customer Support
Surfshark prioritizes customer support, offering multiple avenues for assistance:
- 24/7 Live Chat: Immediate, real-time support.
- Email Support: For written inquiries.
- Knowledge Base: Extensive guides and tutorials.
- Video Tutorials: Visual aids for understanding the service.
- FAQs: Quick answers to common queries.
Surfshark’s support agents are known for their prompt and friendly responses, ensuring users have the necessary guidance and information.
Final Verdict
Surfshark Antivirus offers robust protection for Windows and Android devices. It demonstrates effective threat blocking and real-time protection, despite certain feature gaps. Being part of the Surfshark One bundle, it presents a compelling package with a top-tier VPN, a secure search engine, and data breach monitoring.
Opting for a one-year subscription proves cost-efficient and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. With support for up to five devices, Surfshark Antivirus provides substantial value, particularly when considering the bundled VPN and other security tools.
In conclusion, Surfshark Antivirus may lack a few features present in premium antivirus suites, but its strong focus on holistic security and competitive pricing make it a noteworthy contender in the cybersecurity landscape.