Surfshark Antivirus Review 2024: Your Cybersecurity Lifeguard

Surfshark Antivirus, a part of the Surfshark One suite, has gained significant attention in the cybersecurity world. But is it the lifesaver you need amidst the sea of cyberthreats? 

Surfshark Antivirus stands out for its comprehensive malware and antivirus protection, user-friendly interface, and competitive pricing. Coupled with additional features like CleanWeb, Surfshark Search, and Surfshark's virtual private network (VPN) service, it offers a well-rounded security package for users looking to safeguard their devices. Let's set sail and explore the ins and outs of this antivirus program.

Comprehensive Protection With Database Updates Every 3 Hours

4.4

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

Learn More

On Surfshark AntiVirus's website

Antivirus Software

Surfshark AntiVirus

Up to 77% off + 2 months free

• Powerful app that offers 24/7 virus and malware protection that won’t hog your CPU or RAM
• Includes webcam protection, fully customizable security, full or quick scans, and more
• Enjoy peace of mind on up to 5 devices with database updates every 3 hours
• No standalone antivirus plan

Surfshark Antivirus overview

Who is Surfshark Antivirus best for?

• Recommended for individuals and families seeking comprehensive security across multiple devices without breaking the bank.

Surfshark Antivirus is an excellent choice for those who want to safeguard their digital lives without compromising on quality or affordability. Its key features, such as malware and phishing protection, are designed to provide robust security for all types of users. The inclusion of Surfshark VPN and tools like CleanWeb and Surfshark Search further enhance privacy and security, making it ideal for users who prioritize both aspects.

With its competitive pricing, Surfshark Antivirus is particularly attractive for families on a budget. Its user-friendly interface and compatibility with Windows, Mac, and mobile platforms also make it easy for users of varying technical skill levels to navigate and manage their cybersecurity needs. 

Additionally, the Surfshark money-back guarantee provides users with the confidence to try out the service risk-free, ensuring they get the best value for their money.

Surfshark Antivirus pros and cons

Surfshark Antivirus cost

Surfshark Antivirus is not a standalone product. Surfshark Antivirus is available only if you subscribe to the Surfshark One package, which includes Surfshark VPN, Surfshark Search, and a data breach detector called Surfshark Alert. While this may appear to be a limitation, the value provided by the Surfshark One bundle is substantial, given the comprehensive security and privacy features included.

When compared to other antivirus software, the Surfshark One bundle may appear to be more expensive, but the additional benefits and features make it a worthwhile investment for those looking for an all-in-one cybersecurity solution. Surfshark One has three subscription plans to select from, with alternatives for various budgets and demands.

Surfshark makes paying for your subscription quick and easy with multiple payment methods available. Pay online with a credit card, PayPal, SOFORT, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, or cryptocurrencies. With fast and secure checkout options from all of these payment providers, Surfshark has you covered.

Surfshark One plans and prices

Surfshark Antivirus features

Surfshark Antivirus boasts a suite of standout features that provide comprehensive security and privacy protection for your devices.

Note that Surfshark Antivirus is currently only available as a part of the Surfshark One bundle. This package offers a range of additional features like:

• Surfshark VPN
• Surfshark Search
• Surfshark Alert

While Surfshark One provides a well-rounded security solution, some might find the lack of a standalone antivirus plan limiting. Let's take a closer look at the features offered by Surfshark One.

Surfshark One features

Malware and antivirus scan

Surfshark Antivirus offers both automatic and manual scans, providing you with flexibility and control over your device security. The program allows for quick scans that cover the most vulnerable areas of the device, and full scans that provide a thorough inspection of the entire system.

During our testing, we encountered no significant issues while using either scanning option. The scanning process was fast, efficient, and unobtrusive. Surfshark Antivirus delivered prompt notifications when computer virus threats were detected, and it effectively removed malware from the system without any complications.

Phishing protection

Surfshark Antivirus includes robust anti-phishing features designed to protect your device from fraudulent websites and phishing attempts. This is achieved by Surfshark's CleanWeb technology, which actively blocks malicious websites, trackers, and ads that could potentially compromise your security and privacy.

Setting up and using the anti-phishing features was a seamless process. Surfshark Antivirus automatically enables CleanWeb by default, ensuring that you're automatically protected without configuring any additional settings. 

During our testing, we observed that Surfshark effectively identified and blocked phishing websites, preventing access to potentially harmful content.

Firewall

Surfshark Antivirus doesn't include a dedicated firewall as a part of its security suite. However, it does offer real-time protection and various other features that help protect your devices from malware and other threats.

Real-time protection

Surfshark Antivirus provides real-time protection to keep devices safe as they browse the web, access emails, or use apps. During our testing, we discovered that Surfshark's real-time protection functioned flawlessly, with no noticeable slowdowns or interruptions.

The antivirus program recognized and destroyed threats in real time, sending out fast warnings regarding the activities performed. CleanWeb ad blocker safeguards your device from harmful websites, phishing scams, and intrusive tracking.

Ransomware protection

Surfshark Antivirus contains powerful anti-ransomware technologies to keep your devices safe from ransomware assaults. Ransomware is a sort of virus that encrypts your files and then demands a ransom payment to unlock them. Surfshark's anti-ransomware security works in tandem with its real-time protection, analyzing your machine continuously for signals of ransomware attacks.

During our testing, we had no problems installing or using Surfshark's ransomware protection. The functionality worked in tandem with the antivirus's other security features, adding an extra layer of protection against possible ransomware assaults.

Anti-fraud protection

While Surfshark Antivirus lacks a dedicated anti-fraud feature, its suite of security tools and features effectively protects from various types of online fraud. Its anti-phishing features, CleanWeb technology, and real-time security help keep you safe from fake websites, frauds, and other misleading online tactics.

Surfshark One bundle features

Surfshark Antivirus is part of Surfshark One, a complete security package that contains various products meant to safeguard your privacy and secure your online activity.

Surfshark VPN

Surfshark VPN allows you to hide your IP address and encrypt your internet connection, providing online browsing that is private and more secure. The VPN also shields data and personal information from hackers, internet service providers (ISPs), and trackers. 

Surfshark VPN offers over 3,000 VPN servers in 100 countries, which can help you access geo-restricted material and streaming services.

Surfshark Search

Surfshark Search is a private search engine focused on providing security as you search the internet. Unlike most search engines, this tool doesn’t monitor your search history, keep any personal data, or display any ads tailored to your history.

Surfshark Alert

The Surfshark Alert tool checks for data breaches involving your email addresses, passwords, or credit card information. If your data is taken, Surfshark Alert will notify you immediately, allowing you to take action to safeguard your accounts and avoid identity theft or fraud.

Surfshark Antivirus test results

In this section, we'll discuss Surfshark Antivirus's test results, conducted by AV-TEST, a respected independent testing organization that evaluates antivirus software based on various criteria, including protection, performance, and usability.

It's important to note that Surfshark was tested only on Windows. This is not unusual since antivirus companies have to pay for third-party tests, and Windows is the most widely used platform.

Surfshark AV-TEST results

During the testing period, AV-TEST focused on various aspects of Surfshark's performance, protection capabilities, and overall usability. Keep in mind that the test results may not provide a complete picture of Surfshark Antivirus's performance across all platforms. However, the Windows test results can give us a general idea of the software's effectiveness and reliability. 

When tested on Windows 10, Surfshark received a perfect score for usability, having had no false positives. But for protection and performance, Surfshark was knocked down 1.5 points for each category. Its protection against malware attacks dropped over the testing period by several percentage points. It also had severe slowdowns while installing frequently used applications. 

It's critical to remember that test results may change over time and between platforms. We should expect improvements in Surfshark's software as the company continues to develop its antiviral solution, which may be reflected in future test results.

Our Surfshark Antivirus experience

We tested Surfshark Antivirus on a Macbook Pro running macOS Monterey 12.6.4. Our objective was to learn everything we could about Surfshark's features, performance, and overall user experience.

Scanning and malware detection

We tested Surfshark's scanning capabilities by running both quick and full scans on our device. The quick scan took 42 seconds to complete and scanned 3,083 critical files and various software programs within the system. 

The full scan was more thorough, taking three hours and eight minutes to scan over 2,500,000 files on our device.

During the initial scanning process, Surfshark Antivirus detected and quarantined a suspicious file, which was easy to remove. After the scan, the program presented a detailed report that allowed us to review the findings and take appropriate actions, such as deleting or restoring the flagged items.

Ease of use

Setting up and using Surfshark Antivirus was straightforward and didn’t require additional downloads or subscriptions to access its features. The user interface was clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and adjust settings as needed. We did not encounter any difficulties or complications while testing Surfshark's features, which contributed to a positive user experience overall.

Surfshark Antivirus compatibility

It's critical to select an antivirus solution that works across all of your devices. Surfshark Antivirus is intended to work with a broad variety of devices and operating systems, including a Surfshark app for desktop and mobile:

• Windows
• macOS
• Android
• iOS 11.0 and later

Surfshark also provides browser extensions on Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. 

Surfshark Antivirus customer support

Surfshark’s customer support provides several solutions so consumers can get help when they need it. A comprehensive help center is available with a multitude of articles and instructions covering numerous issues relating to Surfshark's products, installation, and troubleshooting. The online instructions are well organized and straightforward, allowing users to quickly discover solutions to their queries.

Surfshark, in addition to the help center, offers a live chat feature, which allows customers to communicate with customer care experts in real time. Our experience with live chat support was great: the staff was knowledgeable, polite, and quick to respond to our questions. Surfshark also provides email assistance for those that prefer a more conventional mode of contact.

Surfshark Antivirus alternatives

We love that Surfshark Antivirus is part of a comprehensive security suite. However, you might be in the market for just an antivirus or you might not be sold on its features. Here are some other antivirus programs to consider:

• Norton 360: Norton is great for antivirus beginners thanks to its clean interface and plentiful guides on how to protect your computer. You can also opt for a higher-tiered plan with bonus features like a VPN and parental controls. 

  Get Norton 360 | Read Our Norton 360 Review

• McAfee: McAfee allows for unlimited device connections, so large families can protect all the devices they need. It also comes with safety features like parental controls and identity theft protection for children. 

  Get McAfee | Read Our McAfee Review

• Avast: If you're looking to try before you buy, Avast offers a solid free product that tests well. It comes with data leak alerts, ransomware protection, safe browsing and emailing, and Wi-Fi network security.

  Get Avast | Read Our Avast Review

Surfshark Antivirus FAQs

Bottom line: Is Surfshark Antivirus good?

Surfshark Antivirus can protect your device against malware, phishing attempts, and ransomware, making it an efficient security solution. However, it's available only as part of the Surfshark One bundle, which may be a detriment to those looking for a standalone antivirus program.

We recommend Surfshark Antivirus for consumers who want a full cybersecurity solution that includes a VPN, private search, and data breach scanner. The Surfshark One package gives outstanding value and all-around digital life safety.

Comprehensive Protection With Database Updates Every 3 Hours

4.4

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

Learn More

On Surfshark AntiVirus's website

Antivirus Software

Surfshark AntiVirus

Up to 77% off + 2 months free

• Powerful app that offers 24/7 virus and malware protection that won’t hog your CPU or RAM
• Includes webcam protection, fully customizable security, full or quick scans, and more
• Enjoy peace of mind on up to 5 devices with database updates every 3 hours
• No standalone antivirus plan

Author Details

Ryan L. Clancy

About the Author

Ryan Clancy is a freelance writer and blogger. With 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, he's passionate about all things engineering and tech. He loves bringing engineering (especially mechanical) down to a level that everyone can understand.