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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

How to Cancel Surfshark, Stop Auto-Renewal & Get a Refund

Georgii Chanturidze Updated on 7th August 2024 Fact-checked by Ryan Jones Senior Writer
After using Surfshark for 20 days, I asked for a full refund. They really made the process hassle-free, sticking to their money-back promise. It didn't even matter that I used a deal to get the cheapest Surfshark plan.

If Surfshark isn't quite meeting your needs, don't worry — canceling your subscription and securing a refund is a breeze. I found that the whole process took just 5 minutes and there was no pressure to stay subscribed.

Even if Surfshark isn’t the right fit, it’s crucial to protect your online activity with a reliable VPN. There are numerous alternatives out there that might align better with your requirements, keeping you safe from hackers and other online threats.

My team and I have tested over 100 VPNs, focusing on speed, reliability, and security. Out of all, ExpressVPN stands out as my top pick. It’s exceptionally fast, offers robust security, and excels in streaming capabilities. You can also try ExpressVPN without risk thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee, making it easy to get a refund if it doesn’t live up to your expectations. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free >>

Jump to see more Surfshark alternatives

Quick Guide: How to Cancel Surfshark in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Log in to your account. Visit the Surfshark official site to turn off payment auto-renewal and request a refund.
  2. Contact the support team. Click Chat with us at the bottom of the customer support page for immediate assistance via 24/7 live chat. You can also submit a request online or by writing to support@surfshark.com.
  3. Request to turn off auto-renewal. Ask the support to cancel your account subscription. You can request a full refund if you cancel within the 30-day money-back guarantee period.

Short on Time? Here Are the Best Surfshark Alternatives in 2024

  • Editor's Choice
    ExpressVPN
    ExpressVPN
    The fastest VPN I tested for buffer-free UHD streaming and gaming without lag.
    Checked out by 7000+ users last month
  • CyberGhost VPN
    CyberGhost
    Servers optimized to work with popular streaming platforms across the globe.
  • Private Internet Access
    Private Internet Access
    A massive network that offers more server options than Surfshark.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

The Ultimate Guide: How to Cancel Surfshark and Get a Refund

This section explains several ways to cancel a Surfshark subscription. The specifics regarding refunds are detailed in the Terms of Service under section 4. Please note that you can’t cancel your Surfshark subscription directly within the Surfshark app.

Method 1. How to Cancel Surfshark Via a Website (On Any Browser)

Surfshark offers a trustworthy refund policy during the first 30 days of use. To cancel your subscription, you must turn off the Surfshark payment auto-renewal. Here’s how to cancel via the official website:

1. Log in to your Surfshark account. Visit the website and access your account from any device to begin. If you forgot your password, you can request to reset it via your email address.

2. Tap on your email at the top right corner and select Subscription. Switch to the Payments tab.

Screenshot showing how to cancel Surfshark subscription on a siteGo to My account > Subscription > Payments

3. Click on Manage subscription under Subscription details.

Screenshot showing how to cancel Surfshark subscription on a siteYou can also change your payment information and method on this page

4. You’ll be directed to the next screen, where you'll be asked to specify your reasons for canceling. Follow the on-screen instructions. You may also need to confirm your decision via email.

Screenshot showing reasons for cancelling SurfsharkSelect Other if you don't want to specify reasons for the cancellation

Method 2. How to Cancel Surfshark Via 24/7 Live Chat (on Android, iPhone, PC, etc.)

The online chat is the fastest and easiest way to cancel your Surfshark payments and get your money back during the 30-day refund period.

1. Access your Surfshark account. You can do this on any device via a browser.

2. Contact the Surfshark customer support team. Connect to 24/7 live chat by clicking Chat with us at the bottom of the customer support page. Provide your name and email address linked to your account to proceed.

Screenshot showing Surfshark's 24/7 live chatThe conversation starts with a bot, but a live agent will join you shortly

3. Explain your reasons for a refund. Express your wish to cancel your subscription and ask for a full refund (if you haven’t used Surfshark for more than 30 days). Click on Start Chat. During the conversation, explain that the VPN hasn't met your expectations, possibly due to slower speeds or issues with compatibility with the services you frequently use.

4. Wait for the confirmation. The agent will forward your request to the billing department.

Important: Your refund should be processed within a few business days and returned to you via the original payment method.

Method 3. How to Cancel Surfshark Via an Online Form and Email

If you’re not in a rush, it’s possible to cancel Surfshark and get your money back during the 30-day money-back period in the following way:

1. Go to Surfshark’s support page. Access it through your browser to start the cancellation process.

2. Select the General questions category. Choose Other questions to open an email form. Notably, the option I'd like to delete my account in the Account issues category simply redirects you to the FAQs. You can also send an email directly to support@surfshark.com, but make sure you’re writing from an address linked to your Surfshark account.

Screenshots showing how to open a request formIt's a little counterintuitive, but you can't open a form from the Billing/Pricing section

3. Enter the details of your request. Use your registered email address, add a subject, and describe your request to cancel Surfshark and obtain a full refund. Mention why the service didn’t meet your expectations. Optionally, you can attach screenshots to help illustrate your feedback.

Screenshot of submitting a request on the Surfshark pageThe cancellation form will require specific details about your account

4. Wait for a response from the Surfshark support team. They will confirm whether your refund request has been approved.

Note: If you want to cancel the payment auto-renew immediately, it’s best to use 24/7 live chat. Otherwise, you risk missing your refund window.

Method 4. How to Cancel Surfshark Via 3rd-Party Services (on iPhone, Android, and Amazon Fire)

You can cancel your Surfshark subscription on any device with ease. However, the refund policy varies by store. Surfshark doesn’t handle refunds directly for purchases made through other app stores (unless your purchase was made through Paddle, Google Play, or Cleverbridge). While you can reach out to them for help, it's generally more effective to go through the refund process of the store where you made the purchase.

Option 1. Cancel the Surfshark subscription via your third-party account. Here’s how you can disable the plan auto-renewal on different devices and services:

  • Google Play: To cancel your recurring payments, simply visit your subscription page on Google’s site using any browser.
    Screenshots showing canceling plans on GoogleYou can cancel and resubscribe at any time
  • Android: Navigate to Payment & subscriptions in your device’s Settings, select your account, and scroll down to Manage subscriptions.
  • iPhone & iPad: Open Settings, tap your name, and click Subscriptions to find the Surfshark plan.
  • iTunes app (Windows or Mac): Under your account name, click View My Account, choose Manage next to the Subscriptions tab, and select Edit next to an active Surfshark VPN plan.
  • Amazon Fire OS: Go to the Amazon Store, click Your Account, and navigate to Memberships & Subscriptions to disable auto-renewal.

Option 2. You can also request a refund for apps directly from the provider. Just follow the step-by-step instructions provided in their official guides:

Important: When you select a 7-day Surfshark trial through Apple’s App Store or Google Play Store, you don’t need to worry about refunds because the trial period is designed to be free of charge. Just remember to cancel the trial at any time within the 7-day period.

Why You Still Need a VPN After Canceling Surfshark

If you're thinking about canceling Surfshark because it doesn’t fit your needs, that’s completely understandable. However, it's crucial not to leave your online security behind. Remember, using a VPN goes beyond just accessing content from around the globe — it’s essential for protecting your personal information from cyber threats and keeping your online activities private.

A VPN works by routing your internet connection through a secure, encrypted tunnel. This not only helps shield you from snooping on both public and private networks but also hides your IP address to prevent websites and advertisers from tracking you.

So, before you say goodbye to Surfshark, make sure you have another reliable VPN ready to step in. Keeping your online presence secure is always a smart move.

Pro Tip: Want to find a better alternative to Surfshark? Learn about the best VPNs for Windows and great options for Mac.

Best Surfshark Alternatives in 2024

Surfshark is highly regarded, but if it's not the right fit for you, don't worry. The VPNs I've selected as alternatives offer excellent speeds, extensive server networks, and reliable money-back guarantees, making them great options to consider.

Lowest Price Server Network Speeds Device Support Device Connections Money-Back Guarantee
🥇ExpressVPN $4.99/month 3,000 servers in 105 countries 219.3Mbps (11% drop) Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, smart TVs, routers, and more 8 30 days
🥈CyberGhost $2.19/month 11,690 servers in 100 countries 195.8Mbps (20% drop) Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, smart TVs, routers, and more 7 45 days (on long-term plans)
🥉PIA $2.19/month 29,650 servers in 91 countries 190.9Mbps (22% drop) Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, smart TVs, routers, and more Unlimited 30 days

1. ExpressVPN — The Fastest VPN Alternative to Surfshark for Smooth 4K Streaming

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN we've tested, with high-speed servers capable of buffer-free 4K streaming. It boasts an extensive server network that can safely access all major streaming platforms, including Netflix US. We got fantastic results while testing ExpressVPN’s nearby servers. Our VPN connection was only 11% slower than our usual speed. To compare, Surfshark slowed us down by 27%.

ExpressVPN excels over Surfshark with its network-wide obfuscation, making it harder for networks to detect and block VPN traffic and enhancing privacy and access. Additionally, ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance, ensuring greater privacy as it isn't subject to international surveillance agreements. While Surfshark is a decent VPN, it doesn't offer these specific advantages.

The only downside is higher subscription prices. Luckily, ExpressVPN regularly offers great deals. I received 61% off and 3 extra months for free after signing up for 12 months, so my final price was only $4.99/month. Plus, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN Offer December 2024: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 61% off! Don't miss out!

2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers to Reliably Watch Your Favorite Shows

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers provide reliable access to popular services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Selecting a specialized server is easy — just go to the For streaming tab, and you’ll see the servers ordered by the streaming platforms and countries. Additionally, CyberGhost performed great during my speed tests. It has unlimited bandwidth too, so you can watch shows and play online games without worrying about data caps.

Unlike Surfshark, CyberGhost regularly publishes privacy reports, which are useful for providing transparency about how user data is handled and ensuring accountability in their privacy practices. My only gripe is the pricey monthly subscriptions. However, CyberGhost’s long-term plans are more affordable and provide an extended 45-day money-back guarantee.

December 2024 Deal: CyberGhost is currently offering 83% off its most popular plan! Take advantage of this offer now and save more on your CyberGhost subscription.

3. Private Internet Access — Unlimited Simultaneous Device Connections for an Even Cheaper Price

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process.

Just like Surfshark, PIA allows unlimited simultaneous device connections. However, it offers this feature at a more affordable rate than Surfshark. This makes it a cost-effective option for families or individuals who want to protect multiple devices. In my testing, PIA smoothly supported 8 devices at once without any disconnects.

On the downside, the apps are slightly complex due to their array of customization options. Still, PIA requires no extra setup to safely access streaming platforms from anywhere. To speed up your connection, you can switch to AES 128-bit encryption (at the cost of slightly lower security). Best of all, the 30-day refund policy allows you to try PIA for free.

December 2024 Update: PIA doesn't usually have deals or discounts (it's already so affordable), but right now you can get a new subscription for a crazy 82% off!

Our Methodology for Testing Alternatives to Surfshark

We applied rigorous review criteria to test the best Surfshark alternatives. My team and I tested these VPNs at different times to check their speed and stability for streaming. We made sure they worked well with popular services like Netflix US, Max, and Amazon Prime Video. We also looked at how well they hide your location, protect sensitive data, and prevent ISP throttling.

For a detailed breakdown of how we assess VPNs, please refer to our methodology page. It outlines the specific criteria and steps my experts and I use to evaluate each VPN service, ensuring you get a comprehensive review tailored to your needs.

Things to Consider Before You Cancel Your Surfshark Subscription

Before canceling your Surfshark account, there are a few important things to consider. Here's what you need to know:

  • Money-back guarantee — You can obtain a full refund by canceling during the first 30 days if you’re using Surfshark for the first time.
  • Post-cancellation access — After disabling auto-renewal, you can continue using Surfshark until your current billing cycle ends (before requesting a refund).
  • Free trial limitations — If you cancel a 7-day free trial obtained through the App Store or Google Play, your access to Surfshark ends immediately.
  • Money-back methods — Your initial payment method determines how you can receive a refund. Different processes apply whether you subscribed via Surfshark’s website, Apple, Amazon, or Google.
  • Exceptions for reimbursement — Subscriptions paid with gift cards or pre-paid cards are non-refundable. If you’ve used cryptocurrency, the company will reimburse you in US dollars (based on the current exchange rate).

Want to explore more options with reliable money-back policies? Check out more of our favorite VPNs:

FAQs on Canceling Surfshark

How can I change my Surfshark subscription plan?

You can change your subscription through the website or by contacting the support team. On the website, click on your account name in the top right corner and select Subscription. Then, go to the Payments tab and click Manage subscription to modify or cancel your plan. For faster assistance, contact support via live chat.

Can I cancel an auto-renewal on my Surfshark account?

Yes, you can cancel auto-renewal in several different ways, including the website, an online form, email, or live chat. The live chat option provides the quickest resolution.

How can I delete my Surfshark account?

Contact customer support via an online chat or a contact form and ask to delete your Surfshark account. Be aware of the consequences, though. Deleting your account terminates any active subscriptions, and you will lose any remaining subscription time.

How many times can I get my money back via Surfshark’s refund policy?

You can get a refund for canceling Surfshark twice. If you have already been granted a refund once, you can get a second refund if the period between both cancellations for which you claim a refund is not less than 6 months. If you purchase Surfshark again after the second refund, you will not be granted a refund for any further cancellation. Apply for a refund within the 30-day money-back guarantee period.

How can I manage my Surfshark account data?

Manage your personal data via the Account overview section of your Surfshark account. The servers automatically delete connection logs 15 minutes after each session ends. You can contact the support team to request the deletion of personal information. However, some information (outlined in Surfshark’s ToS) has to be kept for legal reasons.

How can I fix issues with my Surfshark VPN?

You can try other VPNs with money-back periods to verify if the problem lies in server issues or the online services you're trying to access. But, before that, you can try to fix the connection problems in other ways:

  • Switch to another VPN server
  • Experiment with security settings
  • Clear your browser’s cache and history
  • Turn off GPS services on your device
  • Disable antivirus or firewall software
  • Update or reinstall the VPN app
  • Contact customer support

How do I remove my credit card from Surfshark?

Log in to your Surfshark account, and go to My account > Subscription > Payments. Click Change under the Payment method section. However, keep in mind that you might need to add a new payment method (credit card, debit card, or PayPal) before your next billing cycle to avoid any interruption in service. If you encounter any issues, Surfshark's customer support can assist you with the process.

Can I cancel Surfshark at any time?

You are free to cancel the Surfshark plan anytime you like. However, review the terms of your subscription for specific details. Refunds are issued if you cancel within the designated period.

How can I contact the Surfshark help center?

Click the Help Center under the Support section at the bottom of Surfshark’s site. Here, you can browse FAQs, submit support requests, or start a live chat to request cancellation or assistance.

To summarize, these are the best Surfshark alternatives with money-back guarantees...

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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Privacy Alert!

Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!

Your IP Address:

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The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.

VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 61% off.

Visit ExpressVPN

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

About the Author

Georgii Chanturidze is a Senior Writer at vpnMentor with a knack for VPNs, cloud services, and anti-malware tools. He meticulously researches and tests services for vpnMentor’s readers, providing valuable, accurate information.

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