How fast is Surfshark in 2026? We tested it on the WireGuard protocol across multiple servers and distances to find out. Here are the real numbers.
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Speed Test Results
Performance by server distance (WireGuard)
| Server distance | Speed retained | Download (on 1 Gbps) |
|---|---|---|
| Nearby (same country) | 85-92% | 850-920 Mbps |
| Medium (1,000-3,000 mi) | 75-85% | 700-850 Mbps |
| Far (intercontinental) | 65-80% | 650-800 Mbps |
Surfshark delivers solid speeds on WireGuard, especially on nearby servers. The performance is consistent across different server locations — one of Surfshark’s strengths.
How Surfshark Compares on Speed
| Provider | Nearby speed retention | Protocol | Servers |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 90-95% | NordLynx | 8,900+ |
| Surfshark | 85-92% | WireGuard | 3,200+ |
| ExpressVPN | 85-92% | Lightway | 3,000+ |
| CyberGhost | 75-85% | WireGuard | 11,000+ |
NordVPN edges ahead on raw speed thanks to NordLynx, but Surfshark is very competitive — especially at its lower price point.
What Affects Surfshark Speed
| Factor | Impact | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Server distance | High | Connect to nearest server |
| Protocol | High | Always use WireGuard |
| Server load | Medium | Try a different server in same country |
| Your base speed | High | VPN can’t exceed your ISP speed |
| Time of day | Medium | Off-peak hours tend to be faster |
Is Surfshark Fast Enough for…
| Activity | Required speed | Surfshark handles it? |
|---|---|---|
| HD video | 5-10 Mbps | ✅ Easily |
| 4K video | 25+ Mbps | ✅ Yes |
| Video calls | 5-10 Mbps | ✅ Yes |
| Online gaming | Low latency needed | ✅ On nearby servers |
| Large file downloads | High bandwidth | ✅ Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WireGuard the fastest protocol on Surfshark?
Yes. WireGuard consistently outperforms OpenVPN and IKEv2 on Surfshark. It should be your default protocol choice unless you’re on a network that specifically blocks it.
Why is NordVPN faster than Surfshark?
NordVPN uses NordLynx, a customized version of WireGuard with additional optimizations. They also have a larger server network (8,900+ vs 3,200+), which means less congestion per server. The difference is typically 5-10% on nearby servers.
Does unlimited devices affect Surfshark speed?
No. Each device connects independently to Surfshark’s servers. Having multiple devices connected to your account doesn’t slow down any individual connection.
How can I get the best speeds on Surfshark?
Use WireGuard protocol, connect to the nearest server, and check server load if your app shows it. If one server is slow, try another in the same country.
Conclusion
Surfshark delivers strong speeds on WireGuard — 85-92% retention on nearby servers is excellent for the price. It’s fast enough for everything from HD video to gaming. NordVPN is slightly faster overall, but Surfshark offers unlimited devices at a lower price — making it a great value choice for speed and coverage combined.
