Surfshark VPN Free Trial vs SafeShell's Superior Alternative
I've always been skeptical about committing to a VPN service without testing it first. After all, who wants to pay for something that might not deliver on its promises? That's why I went on a mission to explore the Surfshark VPN free trial options available in 2025, and discovered something even better along the way.
Surfshark has built quite a reputation in the VPN world, offering not one but two ways to try their service risk-free. But as I dug deeper, I found that SafeShell VPN might actually provide the superior experience for streaming enthusiasts like myself.
Understanding Surfshark's Free Trial Options
Surfshark currently offers two main ways to test their service without financial risk:
- 7-Day Free Trial : Available exclusively through mobile platforms (iOS, Android, and macOS)
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee : Requires upfront payment but offers a full refund if requested within 30 days
The 7-day free trial gives you complete access to Surfshark's features, including their server network spanning 100+ countries, security protocols, and premium features. The catch? You need to provide payment details upfront, and it's only available through app stores.
For those wanting a longer test drive, the 30-day money-back guarantee essentially functions as an extended trial. You'll need to pay upfront, but can request a full refund if you're not satisfied.
How to Get the Surfshark VPN Free Trial
If you're interested in trying Surfshark, here's how to access their 7-day free trial:
For Android Users:
- Download Surfshark from Google Play Store
- Open the app and tap "Start Free Trial"
- Create an account with email and password
- Select the 12-month plan (required for the free trial)
- Add payment details
- Cancel before the 7-day period ends to avoid charges
For iOS Users:
- Download Surfshark from the App Store
- Create an account with email and password
- Subscribe to the 12-month deal
- Cancel auto-renewal in iOS settings immediately to prevent automatic charges
For Mac Users:
- Download Surfshark from the Mac App Store
- Create an account
- Subscribe when prompted
- Cancel the free trial right away through App Store settings
Remember to cancel at least one day before the end of the trial period to avoid being charged!
What You Get During the Surfshark Free Trial
During the trial period, you'll have access to:
- 3,200+ servers across 100 countries
- Military-grade AES-256 encryption
- Kill Switch and CleanWeb features
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Streaming capabilities for Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, etc.
- Advanced features like MultiHop and Bypasser
Enter SafeShell VPN: A Better Alternative for Streamers
While exploring Surfshark's offerings, I stumbled upon SafeShell VPN, which caught my attention with its streaming-focused approach. After testing both services, I found that SafeShell offers several advantages for those primarily interested in streaming content.
🏆 Why SafeShell Outshines Surfshark for Streaming
Feature | SafeShell VPN | Surfshark VPN |
---|---|---|
Speed Performance | Lightning-fast optimized servers | Good, but slower on long-distance connections |
Streaming Focus | Purpose-built for streaming services | General-purpose VPN with streaming capabilities |
Unique Features | App Mode for accessing multiple regions simultaneously | Standard region switching |
Free Trial Flexibility | Straightforward free trial with no app store requirements | Limited to mobile platforms or requires payment upfront |
Device Support | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, Apple Vision Pro | Similar range, but less optimized for TV platforms |
The SafeShell Advantage for Netflix and Sports Streaming
SafeShell VPN has been specifically engineered to provide the optimal streaming experience. During my tests, I was particularly impressed by:
- Blazing-Fast Connection Speeds : While Surfshark showed a 17% speed reduction on average when connecting to distant servers, SafeShell maintained consistent high-speed performance regardless of server location.
- Exclusive App Mode : This unique feature allows you to access content from multiple regions simultaneously - something Surfshark simply doesn't offer. Imagine watching US Netflix while also accessing UK sports content without disconnecting and reconnecting!
- Enhanced Streaming Server Optimization : SafeShell's servers are specifically optimized for popular streaming platforms, resulting in more reliable access and fewer buffering issues compared to Surfshark.
- ShellGuard Protocol : SafeShell's proprietary security protocol provides top-level protection without sacrificing speed - a crucial balance for streaming enthusiasts.
How to Try SafeShell VPN Risk-Free
Getting started with SafeShell VPN is refreshingly simple:
- Visit the SafeShell VPN website and select their flexible free trial plan
- Download and install the app for your preferred device
- Choose between Standard or App Mode (App Mode recommended for streaming)
- Select your server location based on the content you want to access
- Start streaming your favorite shows and sports events!
Real-World Performance Comparison
During my testing of both VPNs for streaming Netflix across different regions, I noticed SafeShell consistently outperformed Surfshark in several key areas:
- Connection Speed : SafeShell maintained 95%+ of my base connection speed, while Surfshark dropped to around 83%
- Buffer-Free Streaming : SafeShell delivered consistent 4K streaming without interruptions, while Surfshark occasionally needed to downgrade quality
- Server Reliability : SafeShell's streaming-optimized servers rarely failed to access geo-restricted content, while Surfshark sometimes required trying multiple servers
The Verdict: Which Free Trial Should You Choose?
While the Surfshark VPN free trial offers a solid way to test a reputable VPN service, SafeShell VPN provides a more specialized experience for streaming enthusiasts. If your primary goal is to access international TV shows, movies, and sports events without buffering or connection issues, SafeShell's streaming-optimized approach makes it the superior choice.
That said, Surfshark remains a strong general-purpose VPN with excellent security features. For users with broader privacy needs beyond streaming, their free trial options are worth exploring.
The beauty of free trials is that you can test both services without commitment. I recommend starting with SafeShell if streaming is your priority, but there's no harm in exploring Surfshark's offerings as well to determine which better suits your specific needs.