Surfshark One+ covers a VPN, ad blocker, and antivirus in one subscription

Surfshark One+ bundles three separate tools into a single annual payment: a virtual private network (VPN) that masks your IP address and encrypts your traffic, an ad and tracker blocker that runs on your devices, and antivirus software that scans for malware. You pay once per year instead of buying each tool separately or paying monthly for each. The subscription covers up to six devices at the same time on a single account.

The VPN portion routes your internet traffic through Surfshark's servers in different countries, so websites see the server's location instead of yours. The ad blocker works on your browser to stop ads and tracking scripts before they load. The antivirus runs in the background on Windows and Mac to detect and quarantine threats. All three run simultaneously on your devices without slowing each other down noticeably.

Key Takeaways

  • Surfshark One+ combines a VPN, ad blocker, and antivirus into one annual subscription that covers up to six devices.
  • The VPN masks your location and encrypts your traffic; the ad blocker stops ads and trackers before they load; the antivirus scans for malware in the background.
  • A one-year subscription costs less per month than paying for each tool separately or buying shorter subscription terms.
  • You can use the same account on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices, though the antivirus component only works on Windows and Mac.

What each component does and where it works

The VPN encrypts all data leaving your device and sends it through Surfshark's servers before it reaches the internet. This hides your real IP address and location from websites you visit. Surfshark operates servers in dozens of countries, so you can connect to different regions. The VPN works on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

The ad blocker, called Surfshark CleanWeb, stops ads, pop-ups, and tracking pixels from loading in the first place. It runs on your browser and also blocks malicious sites that try to install unwanted software. This component works on the same platforms as the VPN and reduces the number of requests your browser makes, which can speed up page loading.

The antivirus component, Surfshark Antivirus, scans files and programs on your device for known malware signatures. It runs scheduled scans or on-demand scans and quarantines anything it detects. This part only works on Windows and Mac computers, not on phones or tablets. It does not replace a full security suite but adds a layer of detection for common threats.

How the one-year term compares to other payment options

Surfshark One+ offers annual, two-year, and monthly subscription plans. The annual plan spreads the cost over twelve months and costs less per month than paying month-to-month. The two-year plan has the lowest per-month cost but requires a larger upfront payment. Monthly plans let you cancel anytime but charge the highest per-month rate.

If you buy the VPN, ad blocker, and antivirus separately from other providers, you would pay three different subscriptions. Bundling them into Surfshark One+ costs less than that total. However, the actual dollar amount varies by region and changes based on promotions, so compare the current price on Surfshark's website against what you would pay for each tool separately.

What you need to set up and use Surfshark One+

You create a Surfshark account with an email address and password, then download the app for each device you want to protect. The app installation takes a few minutes on each platform. Once installed, you sign in with your account credentials, and the VPN, ad blocker, and antivirus activate automatically.

The VPN connects to a server automatically when you open the app, though you can choose which country's server to use. The ad blocker runs in the background without any setup beyond installation. The antivirus runs scheduled scans by default but you can start a scan manually anytime. All three components work together without requiring separate configuration for each one.

Limits and what Surfshark One+ does not include

The subscription covers six devices simultaneously, meaning you can use the VPN on six phones, computers, or tablets at the same time. If you try to connect a seventh device, the oldest connection drops. You can add more devices to your account beyond six, but only six can be active at once.

The antivirus component only works on Windows and Mac. If you use Linux, the VPN and ad blocker work but you do not get antivirus protection. The ad blocker works in most browsers but may not block ads in all apps or on all websites, particularly those that use newer ad delivery methods. The VPN does not make you anonymous online — it hides your IP address and location, but your internet service provider can still see that you are using a VPN.

Cancellation and refund terms

Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back may provide on all subscription plans, including the one-year term. If you request a refund within 30 days of purchase, you receive your money back without questions asked. After 30 days, the subscription continues to renew automatically unless you cancel it.

To cancel, you log into your Surfshark account and turn off auto-renewal. Once you do this, your subscription ends on the date it was set to renew, and you keep access until that date. You do not get a refund for the remaining time on an active subscription unless you are within the 30-day window. If you cancel before the renewal date, you lose access to all three components on that date.

Security and privacy considerations

Surfshark publishes a privacy policy stating that it does not log your browsing activity, IP address, or connection timestamps. Independent audits have confirmed this claim, though you should read the full policy yourself to understand what data Surfshark does collect (such as your email and payment information). The VPN uses industry-standard encryption protocols to protect data in transit.

The antivirus component relies on signature-based detection, meaning it recognizes malware it has seen before. It does not protect against zero-day exploits or brand-new malware that has not yet been catalogued. The ad blocker stops known tracking domains and ad networks but cannot block every tracking method used online. None of these tools replace good security habits like using strong passwords, keeping your operating system updated, and being cautious about what you download.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Surfshark One+ on my phone and computer at the same time?

Yes. The subscription covers six devices simultaneously, so you can run the VPN on your phone, tablet, and computer all at once. Each device connects independently, and you can choose different server locations for each one if you want.

Does Surfshark One+ hide my activity from my internet service provider?

The VPN encrypts your traffic so your ISP cannot see which websites you visit or what you do on them. However, your ISP can still see that you are using a VPN and how much data you are sending. It cannot see the content of that data.

What happens if I cancel my subscription before the year is up?

If you cancel within 30 days of purchase, you can request a refund. After 30 days, you can turn off auto-renewal, and your access ends on the renewal date, but you do not get money back for unused time. You keep full access until that date arrives.

Does the antivirus work on my iPhone or iPad?

No. The antivirus component only works on Windows and Mac computers. The VPN and ad blocker work on iOS, but Apple's system design prevents third-party antivirus apps from running on iPhones and iPads the way they do on computers.

Will Surfshark One+ slow down my internet speed?

The VPN adds some latency because your traffic travels through Surfshark's servers instead of directly to the internet. The amount varies by which server you connect to and your distance from it. The ad blocker and antivirus typically have minimal impact on speed because they run locally on your device.