Antivirus

Surfshark Antivirus – Review

February 5, 2024

Naim

February 5, 2024

Surfshark Antivirus – A Comprehensive Review

Protecting your devices from viruses, malware, and other online threats is crucial in today’s digital world. Surfshark, known primarily for its VPN services, has entered the antivirus arena with its offering, Surfshark Antivirus. This review delves into everything you need to know about this new player, analyzing its features, pros and cons, pricing, and suitability for different users.

Key Features:

Real-time threat detection: Continuously scans files, websites, and applications for malicious activity.
Malware protection: Blocks, quarantines, or removes various malware threats like viruses, worms, and ransomware.
Phishing protection: Warns you about suspicious websites and emails designed to steal your personal information.
Ransomware protection: Detects and blocks attempts to encrypt your files for ransom.
Real-time scanning: Monitors your system for suspicious activity 24/7.
Lightweight design: Minimizes impact on system performance.
Webcam protection: Blocks unauthorized access to your webcam.
Schedule scans: Automate scans for convenient and proactive protection.
Privacy-focused: No data collection or logging, respecting user privacy.

Pros:

Affordable: Compared to established antivirus players, Surfshark Antivirus offers a competitive price point, especially when bundled with the Surfshark VPN service.
Lightweight: Runs smoothly without significantly impacting system performance.
Privacy-conscious: The company adheres to a strict no-log policy, ensuring user data privacy.
Bundled with other security features: Available as part of Surfshark One, which includes a VPN, data leak monitoring, and a private search engine, offering comprehensive security solutions.
User-friendly interface: Simple and intuitive design, making it easy for users of all levels to navigate.

Cons:

New on the market: Lacks the established track record and extensive independent testing of its competitors.
Limited features: Compared to some antiviruses, Surfshark Antivirus lacks features like password management and parental controls.
Only available as part of a bundle: You cannot purchase Surfshark Antivirus separately, requiring subscription to Surfshark One.
Limited customer support: Primarily relies on email and ticket support, lacking live chat options.

Pricing and Packages:

Surfshark Antivirus is not sold as a standalone product. It’s only available as part of the Surfshark One package, which starts at $1.49 per month on top of an existing Surfshark VPN subscription. This bundle includes:

Surfshark Antivirus
Surfshark VPN
Data leak monitoring
Private search engine

Pricing varies depending on the subscription length (monthly, yearly, 2-yearly). Check their website for current pricing details.

Comparison to Established Antiviruses:

Compared to established antivirus names like Norton or Kaspersky, Surfshark Antivirus holds its own in core features like malware and phishing protection. However, it lacks several features offered by its competitors, including:

Dedicated firewall protection: Surfshark relies on the operating system’s built-in firewall.
Parental controls: No features to manage children’s online activities.
Extensive customization options: Fewer options for fine-tuning the antivirus behavior.

Is Surfshark Antivirus Right for You?

Choosing the right antivirus depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you:

Prioritize affordability and privacy: Surfshark Antivirus offers a competitive price point and a strict no-log policy.
Value bundling with other security features: The Surfshark One package provides multiple layers of protection.
Use Surfshark VPN already: Adding Antivirus becomes cost-effective with the bundled pricing.

However, if you:

Need extensive features and granular control: Established antiviruses might offer more options.
Require parental controls or dedicated firewall protection: Look for alternatives with those features.
Prefer established track records and wider independent testing: Consider more proven antivirus solutions.

Conclusion:

Affordable and Privacy-Focused Security Solution

Surfshark Antivirus is a promising newcomer with an attractive price point and privacy-focused approach. However, its limited feature set and newness in the market warrant careful consideration against established competitors. Weigh your needs and preferences carefully before making your decision. Ultimately, the best antivirus is the one that aligns with your specific security requirements and budget.