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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 Get a Surfshark Free Trial: Tested & Working in 2024

Kelvin Kiogora Fact-checked by Eric Raue Cybersecurity Researcher

When you sign up via the App or Google Play Store, you can try all of Surfshark's features free for 7 days. You can use this free trial to test the VPN on other devices, including your Windows PC, Linux, or Firestick.

If 7 days isn't enough time to fully evaluate the VPN's capabilities, you can also try it risk-free for up to 30 days using its trustworthy money-back guarantee. However, this option does require a paid subscription.

Canceling Surfshark’s free trial and money-back guarantee is straightforward. I tested it using the VPN's 24/7 customer support on live chat. They were very friendly and didn’t try to convince me to keep my subscription.

 Try Surfshark Risk-Free >>

Quick Guide: How to Get a Surfshark Free Trial in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Download Surfshark. Search for the Surfshark app from the Google Play Store or the App Store to be eligible for the free trial.
  2. Click on Start free 7-day trial. Choose the longest plan (it’s the only one that offers a free trial), then follow the prompts to complete the sign-up process.
  3. Start your free trial. Log in and test all of Surfshark’s features for free. To avoid being charged, remember to cancel your subscription before the 7 days are over.

Get a Surfshark Free Trial: Step-by-Step Guides

How to Get Surfshark's 7-Day Free Trial on Android and iOS

  1. Download Surfshark. Open the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, search for “Surfshark,” and tap Install.
    Screenshot showing how to install Surfshark on AndroidAfter installing, a Surfshark icon will appear on your phone's apps screen
  2. Create an account. Tap on Create Account, enter your email address, and choose a strong password.
    Screenshot showing how to sign up for a Surfshark account on AndroidYou can also sign up using your Google or Apple account
  3. Choose a plan. Pick the longest subscription, as it’s the only one that offers a 7-day free trial.
    Screenshot showing Surfshark's 3 subscription options, with the 12 month one offer a 7-day free trialPrices will be shown in your local currency, I’m currently in Kenya
  4. Confirm your payment details. Enter your payment details and tap the Subscribe button. Note that while you need to provide a payment method, you won’t be charged for the 7-day trial at this point.
    Screenshot showing how to confirm your payment details when downloading the Surfshark appYou can also sign up using your Google or Apple account
  5. Test Surfshark on any device. Download the Surfshark app on your other devices and use the login credentials you created on your Android or iOS device. Remember to cancel the trial within six days of starting it to avoid getting accidentally charged. I’d recommend turning off auto-renewal right at the start of the trial.

How to Try Surfshark Risk-Free for 30 Days on Any Device

  1. Sign up for Surfshark. Go to Surfshark’s home page and click on the Get Surfshark button.
    Screenshot showing how to get a surfshark via it websiteThis will redirect you to the pricing page
  2. Choose a subscription. I recommend its longest plan since it gives you a 87% discount plus 1 month of free usage. However, every Surfshark plan has the 30-day money-back guarantee.
    Screenshot showing Surfshark's 3 subscription options, with the 24-month one the cheapestSurfshark One and One+ give you bonuses like data security reports
  3. Create an account. Enter an email address for your Surshark account, and provide your payment details, then click on Complete Purchase.
    Screebshot of choosing a payment method when buying a Surfshark planEven cryptocurrency payments are eligible for a refund
  4. Try Surfshark. Download the Surfshark app on any of your devices and test it risk-free for 30 days. Just remember to cancel your subscription before the money-back guarantee period ends if you want to get a refund.

Note that you’re still eligible for the 30-day money-back guarantee even if you sign up for Surfshark on the Google Play Store. The guarantee will apply from the day you’re charged for a subscription (after the 7-day free trial).

Just keep in mind that the guarantee isn’t valid if you pay with a gift card or buy Surfshark through Amazon, the Apple App Store, or iTunes.

How to Cancel Surfshark's Free Trial

Canceling your Surfshark subscription is easy. Just make sure that you do so within 7 days by following the steps below.

Canceling the 7-Day Surfshark Free Trial on iOS

  1. Go to your iOS Settings.
  2. Tap your Apple ID account name at the top of the page, then select Subscriptions.
  3. Find the active Surfshark subscription.
  4. Tap on Surfshark VPN, then scroll down to Cancel Free Trial.
  5. Tap Cancel Free Trial. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the cancelation.

You can cancel the trial right after getting it to prevent being charged if it slips your mind, or just turn off auto-renewal while signing up. You’ll still be able to use the trial for 7 days without worrying about accidentally paying.

Surfshark will notify you within 24 hours prior to the end of your trial. If you forget to cancel it on time and get charged, you can still use the money-back guarantee to get a full refund.

Canceling the 7-day Surfshark Free Trial on Android

  1. Open the Google Play Store. Select your account from the top-right corner to manage your subscriptions and devices.
    Screenshot showing how to cancel Surfshark via Google Play settingsCancel your subscription on Google Play Store to avoid any charges after the 7-day free trial
  2. Tap on Payments and subscriptions. In the next window, tap Subscriptions.
    Screenshot of Google Play payment and subscriptions to cancel Surfshark's free trialGoogle Play makes it easy to cancel Surfshark
  3. Select your active Surfshark subscription. Tap on the Cancel subscription button.
    Screenshot confirming your Surfshark cancelationThis will initiate the cancelation process
  4. Provide a reason for canceling. Pick a reason from the provided options and tap on Continue.
    Screenshot showing Surfshark's reasons for canceling your free trialChoose “Decline to answer” if you don’t want to provide a reason
  5. Confirm cancelation. Tap the Cancel subscription button to finish the process.
    Screenshot confirming you're canceling SurfsharkYou’ll receive a notification that your subscription has been canceled
  6. That’s all. Your Surfshark subscription will be marked as “Canceled.”

Canceling Surfshark Before the Money-Back Guarantee Period Ends

  1. Log in to your Surfshark account. Go to the Surfshark website, click Log in, then enter your login credentials.
    Screenshot showing how to log in to your Surfshark accountYou can easily reset your password if you don't remember it
  2. Go to the Help Center. Click on My Account at the top right corner, then click on Help Center.
    Screenshot showing how to access Surfshark's help centre to cancel your subscriptionYou have to contact customer support to cancel your subscription
  3. Contact customer support. Scroll down on the Help Center page and find the live chat button.
    Screenshot showing how to get in touch with Surfshark's 24/7 live chatSurfshark's live chat support is available around the clock
  4. Cancel your subscription. Inform customer support that you want to cancel your subscription and claim a refund. Give them a few minutes to cancel your subscription. After your cancelation is approved, you’ll get an email confirmation that your Surfshark account has been canceled and closed.
    Screenshot showing Surfshark's live chat agent helping you cancelIf you bought a subscription via a third party, you must cancel on their website
  5. Your Surfshark account is now canceled. I got my refund 4 days after contacting the support team, which was fast. They didn’t try to convince me to keep my account.

Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee is valid for a maximum of two claims. However, you must wait at least 6 months between the two claims. For example, you can get Surfshark, test it for less than a month, then claim a refund. Six months later, you can sign up again, test the VPN for another 29 days, and then claim another refund. However, you’re not eligible for other refunds after the second one.

Surfshark Free Trial vs Money-Back Guarantee

Surfshark's 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee both allow you to fully test all of Surfshark’s features completely risk-free, but they have some differences, including:

7-Day Free Trial 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Only available through the App Store or Google Play Store Any sign-up methods except the Apple App Store/iTunes, gift cards, and Amazon
Not eligible for a refund; the trial ends after 7 days Eligible for a full refund within 30 days of subscription
Cancel through device's app store settings Request a refund through Surfshark's customer support
Doesn’t require upfront payment, but it requires payment information at the time of sign-up Requires upfront payment, but you get a full refund if canceled within the guarantee period
Only available on the longest plan Available on all plans
Gives you full VPN access Gives you full VPN access

What Can I Get With the Surfshark Free Trial?

Best Feature No device limits on the free trial or money-back guarantee
Speed Only a 4% speed drop testing nearby servers and 25% on far away ones
Server Network 3,200 servers in 100 countries to easily find one near you
Works With Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, ESPN+, Max, Amazon Prime Video, and more

Surfshark’s free trial supports unlimited device connections, so your entire household can test it simultaneously. You can also use the trial on any device, even though you signed up via mobile. After getting the free trial for Android, I tested Surfshark on 10 different devices at once and didn't experience noticeable slow-downs or connection issues on any of them.

The apps are user-friendly, with an uncluttered interface that makes them easy to navigate, even for beginners. Click the Quick Connect button to automatically use the fastest server for your network and location. You can also type a country name into the search bar to find a specific server. Surfshark even recommends some optimal servers based on your network and location.

Screenshot showing Surfshark's interface when connectedFavorites give you quick access to your preferred servers

Your privacy is protected thanks to Surfshark'ss robust security features, like the virtually unbreakable AES 256-bit encryption. Its kill switch blocks the internet in the unlikely event the VPN connection drops, safeguarding your data from accidental exposure. I tested this by overloading my device’s memory to cause a crash, and Surfshark’s kill switch instantly kicked in until the VPN connection was restored.

I was a bit concerned by the VPN’s Netherlands headquarters, a country that's part of the intelligence-sharing 9 Eyes Alliance. However, Surfshark follows a verified no-logs policy, meaning your online activities won't get monitored or shared with anyone. Its entire network is also RAM-only, so your data gets wiped with every reboot.

If you continue using the VPN after your free trial, you can get a long-term Surfshark subscription for only $1.99/month. If you want a more full security suite, Surfshark’s One and One+ packages are good value for money.

Useful Features

  • 24/7 live chat. If you encounter any issues while trying Surfshark, help is available anytime. I found the support agents knowledgeable and responsive, with quick solutions for any issues.
  • CleanWeb. This is Surfshark’s built-in ad and malware blocker. It filters out ads, trackers, and malicious websites, making your browsing cleaner and safer.
  • Bypasser. Use this to choose apps or websites you want to use the VPN tunnel. It can be useful if you have specific online services that require a direct internet connection while protecting your other online activities.
  • Camouflage Mode. Turn this on to hide the VPN connection, allowing you to use Surfshark even on restricted networks, like work or school.

Why Should You Try a VPN Before Buying?

Trying a VPN before buying is a wise move since it helps you determine whether it meets your needs before committing Here are a few things to check when trying a VPN:

  • Compatibility and performance. Confirm the VPN works smoothly with your devices and doesn't cause delays when browsing, torrenting, or gaming.
  • User experience. Gauge the ease of use and quality of customer support, including response times for inquiries.
  • Feature evaluation. Test specific features like torrenting capabilities, server availability, and special security functions to see if they match your expectations.
  • Privacy and security. Verify the VPN's logging policy and the effectiveness of its security features to ensure your data remains private and secure.

Quick Comparison Table: Surfshark vs. Other Free Trial VPNs

Here’s a quick breakdown of how Surfshark’s free trial compares against other top VPNs that offer free trials.

Free Trial Duration Operating System Payment Details Required Money-Back Guarantee Period
🥇ExpressVPN 7 days Android and iOS Yes 30 days
🥈CyberGhost 1-day free trial for desktop;

3-day free trial for Android;

7-day free trial for iOS

Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS No for Windows and macOS

Yes for iOS and Android

45 days
🥉Private Internet Access 7 days Android and iOS Yes 30 days
NordVPN 7 days Android only Yes 30 days
Surfshark 7 days macOS, Android, and iOS Yes 30 days

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.

FAQs on Surfshark's Free Trial

Can I get Surfshark for free?

While it doesn't offer a completely free version, you can get Surfshark for free for a limited period. One option is to use its 7-day free trial by signing up for the VPN on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. The other option is to test it risk-free for up to 30 days and request a full refund within the money-back period if you aren’t satisfied.

Does Surfshark's free trial require a credit card?

Yes, Surfshark's 7-day free trial requires you to provide a valid credit card or other payment method when signing up. However, Surfshark won’t charge you anything if you cancel the free trial during the 7-day period. The payment information is only required to facilitate the automatic subscription renewal if you choose to continue using the service after the trial ends.

Likewise, you also need a payment method if you want to try Surfshark risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee. This option will charge you upfront as opposed to the 7-day free trial. However, a refund is guaranteed as long as you request it within the 30 day refund period.

Should I use Surfshark's free trial or get a free VPN?

I recommend Surfshark's 7-day free trial because it is a far superior option compared to using a free VPN service. Surfshark’s free trial gives you full access to all of Surfshark’s features, including military-grade encryption, an audited no-logs policy, and 24/7 customer support.

Free VPNs lack the security features, server network, and performance of paid VPNs like Surfshark. They typically also have data caps and slow you down significantly. Some free VPNs have been found to log user activity, sell your data, and even inject ads or malware. Instead of a risky free VPN, you’d be better off taking advantage of Surfshark's free trial to see if it is the right option for you.

How long is Surfshark’s free trial?

Surfshark's free trial period lasts for 7 days, but it’s only available if you sign up through the App Store or the Google Play Store. If you want to try the VPN for longer, you can take advantage of Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee. Don’t forget to cancel within this period or you won’t get a refund. Surfshark also allows you to request a refund twice, provided the period between the two claims exceeds 6 months.

Does the Surfshark free trial work on any device?

Yes, you can use the Surfshark 7-day free trial on any VPN supported device. However, you must sign up for the free trial through mobile app stores to get the free trial. Once you sign up on a mobile device, simply use the same credentials to log into the Surfshark app on any other device.

Will Surfshark charge me after the free trial ends?

Yes, Surfshark will automatically charge you after the free trial ends unless you cancel before the trial period expires. Fortunately, canceling the free trial is easy, plus Surfshark sends you a reminder just before the trial period expires. Remember to cancel the trial through the platform you used to sign up (Google Play Store or Apple App Store) if you want to avoid charges.

Do I need a Surfshark free trial code?

No, you don’t need a special code to get Surfshark's 7-day free trial. You simply need to sign up for the trial through the Surfshark app available on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Choose the longest subscription plan, and the trial should be automatically available to you without needing a code.

Can I use Surshark's free trial multiple times?

No, Surfshark's 7-day free trial can only be used once per customer, as it’s intended for new users to experience the service before committing to a subscription. Once the trial period is used, it's generally not available for repeated use on the same account or device. However, you can use the VPN's 30-day money-back guarantee twice, provided you wait at least 6 months before claiming the second refund.

Get the Surfshark Free Trial in Minutes

Getting Surfshark’s 7-day free trial is easy, but you’ll need to sign up on Android or iOS and provide a payment method to get it. You can then use the same credentials to log in and test Surfshark on all your devices.

Surfshark also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is a great option if you want to try the VPN for longer. If it doesn’t meet your expectations, you can get a full refund by canceling your subscription and contacting customer support. I tried this and got my money back within 4 business days.

Here are the top VPNs with free trials or risk-free 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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The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.

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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

Kelvin is a writer and cyber-safety researcher at vpnMentor, whose expertise in the latest online security tools aids readers in keeping them safe from hackers and online snoops.

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