While Surfshark is not a permanently free VPN service, it offers users two primary ways to try its features without commitment: a 7-day free trial on select mobile and desktop platforms, and a comprehensive 30-day money-back guarantee available across all platforms.
Understanding Surfshark's Free Trial
Surfshark provides a limited-duration free trial that allows users to experience its full suite of features without an initial payment. This trial is specifically designed for:
- Android devices
- iOS devices
- macOS operating systems
This seven-day free trial offers a full-featured experience, allowing you to test its speed, security, and unblocking capabilities before committing to a subscription. It's an excellent way to determine if Surfshark meets your specific needs on these particular platforms.
Surfshark's Money-Back Guarantee
For users on platforms where the 7-day free trial is not available, or for anyone who needs more time to evaluate the service, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back policy. This guarantee applies when you purchase a subscription directly through the official Surfshark website.
Here’s how the money-back guarantee works:
- You purchase a subscription.
- You have up to 30 days from the purchase date to use the service.
- If you are not satisfied for any reason within this period, you can contact Surfshark customer support to request a full refund.
This policy effectively acts as an extended trial period, giving you a full month to thoroughly test the VPN on any supported device, including Windows, Linux, routers, smart TVs, and browser extensions, ensuring your complete satisfaction.
Free Trial vs. Money-Back Guarantee: A Comparison
To help you understand the differences, here's a quick comparison:
| Feature | Free Trial (7 Days) | Money-Back Guarantee (30 Days) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | Free (no upfront payment) | Requires initial subscription purchase |
| Duration | 7 days | 30 days |
| Platforms Available | Android, iOS, macOS | All platforms (when purchased via official website) |
| Full Features | Yes | Yes |
| Refund Process | Not applicable (no payment made) | Full refund available if canceled within 30 days |
| Commitment Required | Minimal (requires cancellation before auto-renewal) | Yes, for initial purchase (refundable) |
Practical Insights
- Choose Wisely: If you primarily use Android, iOS, or macOS, the 7-day free trial is a hassle-free way to start.
- Extended Evaluation: For Windows, Linux, or other devices, or if you need more than seven days, the 30-day money-back guarantee is your best option.
- Cancellation: Remember to cancel your subscription or trial before the period ends if you do not wish to continue the service to avoid being charged.
In summary, while Surfshark is not a permanently free VPN, it provides excellent opportunities to test its service without long-term commitment through its specific free trial and generous money-back guarantee.
