Surfshark has emerged as a notable player in the cybersecurity realm, particularly with its bundled offering, Surfshark One, which includes antivirus capabilities alongside its renowned VPN service. This combination has garnered attention, prompting a closer examination of its features, performance, and overall value.
Overall Rating: 4.1/5 ⭐
- Protection: 3.7/5 ⭐
- Performance: 4.5/5 ⭐
- Features: 3.3/5 ⭐
- Support: 5.0/5 ⭐
- Value: 4.5/5 ⭐
Starting at just .79 per month, Surfshark One offers a competitive entry point for users seeking a comprehensive security solution. However, it is essential to recognize that the antivirus component is not available as a standalone product, which can lead to some confusion among potential buyers.
Surfshark Antivirus Review: Ratings, Pros and Cons
When evaluating Surfshark Antivirus, it is crucial to view it as part of the Surfshark One package rather than as a standalone entity. This perspective shifts the focus from its limitations as a security suite to its strengths as an additional feature within a broader offering.
👍 Where It Wins
- 95% phishing detection rate with zero false alarms.
- Impressive performance with no false positives across a comprehensive sample set.
- Minimal impact on boot time, increasing by only two seconds.
- Exceptional customer support, with live chat responses in just 15 seconds.
- Unlimited device coverage across all subscription tiers.
👎 Where It Falls Short
- Malware detection at 93.44%, which could be improved.
- Lacks essential features such as a firewall, password manager, and parental controls.
- No vulnerability scanner or ransomware rollback functionality.
- Limited independent lab testing history compared to established brands.
- Not available for separate purchase.
Best for: Households prioritizing a robust VPN with malware protection as a supplementary feature.
Skip if: You require a full suite with comprehensive security features or need a proven testing record before making a purchase.
Surfshark One and One+: What You Are Actually Buying
The Surfshark Antivirus is inherently tied to the Surfshark One bundle, which encompasses not just antivirus protection but also a VPN, breach alerts, private search, and Alternative ID. The One+ tier further enhances this package with Incogni data removal and identity theft insurance.
What Is Included in Surfshark One
- Surfshark VPN: Access to over 4,500 servers across 100 countries with unlimited device connections.
- Antivirus: Features include real-time protection, scheduled scans, web protection, and webcam protection.
- Alert: Monitors email addresses, credit cards, and ID numbers for breaches.
- Search: A private search engine free from ads and tracking.
- Alternative ID: Generates a proxy email address and a unique persona for online interactions.
What Surfshark One+ Adds
The One+ tier introduces Incogni, which actively requests the removal of personal data from data brokers, repeating the process as necessary. Additionally, it offers identity theft insurance, although this is limited to US residents.
Surfshark VPN Alone vs. Surfshark One: Which to Buy
Choosing between the Surfshark Starter plan, which focuses solely on the VPN, and Surfshark One involves a minimal price difference of just 30 cents per month. Given the additional features included in the One package, it emerges as the more sensible choice for most users.
Surfshark Antivirus Protection Test Results
In terms of effectiveness, Surfshark excels in phishing protection but shows room for improvement in malware detection. Independent lab tests have confirmed its strengths and weaknesses.
Independent Lab Coverage: Thin, but Not Absent
While Surfshark’s presence in independent lab tests is less frequent than that of more established brands, it has still demonstrated commendable results. For instance, AV-TEST evaluated Surfshark in mid-2026, yielding a perfect score for protection and usability, though performance slightly lagged behind industry standards.
What It Caught on My Machine
In testing, Surfshark successfully blocked 93.44% of malware samples, a figure that falls short compared to competitors. However, it achieved a perfect score in avoiding false positives, which is a significant advantage for users wary of unnecessary alerts.
Scan Types, Scan Speed and Real-Time Protection
Surfshark offers three scanning options: full, quick, and custom scans, with scheduled scans enabled by default. The performance during these scans is commendable, allowing users to maintain productivity without significant slowdowns.
System Impact
One of Surfshark’s strengths lies in its minimal system impact. Users can expect a slight increase in boot time and low RAM usage, ensuring that the software does not hinder overall performance.
What Surfshark Antivirus Does Not Include
Despite its strengths, Surfshark Antivirus lacks several features commonly found in comprehensive security suites, such as a password manager, parental controls, and ransomware rollback capabilities. These omissions may be significant for users seeking a complete security solution.
Everything Bundled With Surfshark One, Rated Tool by Tool
Surfshark VPN
The VPN component remains the standout feature of the Surfshark One package, delivering impressive speeds and a vast network of servers. Its performance metrics indicate minimal download and upload loss, making it a reliable choice for users.
Surfshark Alert: Breach Monitoring
Surfshark Alert provides valuable breach monitoring services, effectively identifying leaks and notifying users of potential risks. Its accuracy and specificity enhance its appeal.
Alternative ID
Alternative ID offers a unique solution for users concerned about privacy, generating a complete alternate persona for online interactions. This feature is particularly useful for those looking to safeguard their personal information.
Surfshark Search
The private search engine included in the bundle allows users to browse without ads or tracking, adding another layer of privacy to the overall offering.
Webcam Protection
This feature effectively blocks unauthorized access to users’ webcams, providing peace of mind for those concerned about privacy breaches.
Incogni Data Removal (One+ Only)
Incogni stands out as a compelling addition for users interested in data broker removal, making the One+ tier particularly appealing for those prioritizing privacy.
Surfshark Antivirus Pricing and Renewal Costs
| Devices | Included | Monthly | Billed | Renewal | |
| Starter | Unlimited | VPN, CleanWeb, Alternative ID | .49 | .23 | /yr |
| One | Unlimited | Adds Antivirus, Alert, Search | .79 | .33 | /yr |
| One+ | Unlimited | Adds Incogni, identity insurance | .49 | 1.23 | 9/yr |
Pricing remains competitive, with introductory rates providing significant savings for the first 27 months. However, users should be mindful of renewal costs, which can increase substantially after the initial term.
Surfshark Antivirus on Windows, Mac and Android
Surfshark Antivirus is compatible with multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Android, each with tailored features to enhance user experience and security.
Surfshark Antivirus Compared With the Alternatives
When comparing Surfshark Antivirus to alternatives such as Windows Defender and Bitdefender, it becomes clear that while Surfshark excels in certain areas, it may not meet the needs of users seeking a comprehensive antivirus solution.
Common Questions About Surfshark Antivirus
Is Surfshark Antivirus Good?
Yes, with limits. It performs well in phishing protection but falls short in malware detection compared to competitors.
Is Surfshark Antivirus Any Good Compared to a Full Suite?
No, as it lacks several critical components found in full suites.
Can You Buy Surfshark Antivirus on Its Own?
No, it is only available as part of the Surfshark One bundle.
Is Surfshark Antivirus Better Than Windows Defender?
No, particularly in malware detection, but it excels in phishing protection.
Surfshark or Bitdefender: Which Should You Choose?
Bitdefender for antivirus, Surfshark for everything around it.
Does Surfshark Antivirus Slow Down Your Computer?
Yes, but barely. The impact is minimal and manageable.
Does Surfshark Antivirus Work on Android?
Yes, it is compatible with Android devices.
Is There Surfshark Antivirus for iPhone?
No, as iOS does not support traditional antivirus scanning.
What Is the Difference Between Surfshark One and One+?
One+ adds Incogni and identity theft insurance, making it a more comprehensive option.
Does Surfshark Have a Money-Back Guarantee?
Yes, with a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
Is Surfshark Antivirus Included With a Surfshark VPN Subscription?
No, it is only available with Surfshark One and above.
Has Surfshark Antivirus Been Independently Tested?
Yes, though less frequently than established brands.
