SurfEasy VPN Review 2025
Why Norton Discontinued This Service: Complete Expert Analysis
According to expert analysis, SurfEasy VPN was discontinued by Norton due to poor performance, security concerns, and inability to compete in the modern VPN market. This comprehensive review covers why the service failed and what alternatives users should consider.
Executive Summary: Why SurfEasy Failed
Critical Issues
- Poor speeds: Only 15.9 Mbps average globally
- Limited streaming: Only Netflix US worked
- Privacy concerns: Excessive data collection
- Poor user ratings: 2.6/5 on Trustpilot
Key Statistics
- Expert Recommendation Rate:0%
- Server Network:27 locations
- Streaming Success Rate:16%
- Service Status:Discontinued
What is SurfEasy? Understanding the Service History
SurfEasy VPN was a Canadian-based virtual private network service that experienced multiple ownership changes before being discontinued. According to historical records, the service was originally founded in Toronto, Canada, and marketed itself as a simple, user-friendly VPN solution.
Ownership Timeline
Expert analysis from Reuters confirmed that “SurfEasy became part of Symantec's consumer business unit, which includes Norton and LifeLock brands.” However, despite backing from major cybersecurity companies, SurfEasy failed to maintain competitive performance standards in the evolving VPN market.
How Did SurfEasy Perform in 2024 Speed Tests?
Speed Test Results by Region
Performance vs. Competitors
Detailed Speed Analysis
According to independent testing by Comparitech, SurfEasy demonstrated consistently poor performance across all geographic regions. Research shows that the service averaged only 15.9 Mbps globally, which is significantly below industry standards.
Expert analysis revealed that “the speeds it provides are, at best, terrible,” with performance degrading dramatically over long distances, making the service unsuitable for modern internet usage.
Could SurfEasy Unblock Streaming Services in 2024?
Streaming Platform Testing Results
Successfully Unblocked
- Netflix US (Limited library access)
Failed to Unblock
- Hulu
- Disney+
- BBC iPlayer
- Amazon Prime Video
- HBO Max
According to vpnMentor testing, “SurfEasy is a solid choice for streaming, but not one of the best.” The service managed only a 16% success rate across major streaming platforms, significantly below the 85%+ success rates of leading VPN providers. Expert analysis shows this poor performance was a major factor in the service's discontinuation.
What Did Security Experts Say About SurfEasy's Protection?
Security Concerns
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Excessive Data Collection: Despite “no-logs” claims, collected IP addresses, device names, and usage data
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No Independent Audits: Privacy policy never verified by third-party security firms
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5 Eyes Jurisdiction: Based in Canada, member of intelligence sharing alliance
Technical Specifications
- Encryption: 128-bit AES
- Protocols: OpenVPN, IKEv2
- Kill Switch: Yes
- Split Tunneling: No
- DNS Leak Protection: Yes
Expert Security Assessment
According to Comparitech analysis, “Despite vague no-logging claims, SurfEasy collects much more data than the more established premium VPN providers.” The security review identified several critical issues:
Data Collection Issues (Per Privacy Policy):
- Originating IP addresses (can identify users)
- App install and license identifiers
- Device names and operating system details
- Bandwidth usage and diagnostic data
Research shows that this excessive data collection was “particularly concerning” as these identifiers could be used to uniquely identify users, contradicting the service's privacy claims.
What Are Users Saying About SurfEasy on Trustpilot?
Trustpilot Rating Analysis
Common User Complaints
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Android App Issues: “No longer available for android and I couldn't download a new version”
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Poor Support: “My email to support went unanswered… Support is non-existent”
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Frequent Crashes: “Always crashing when you call support”
Trustpilot Reviews Screenshot Evidence
Screenshot taken from Trustpilot.com showing SurfEasy's 2.6/5 rating and user reviews
Recent User Experiences
Cathy Plotnick (June 2024):
“After being a customer for years, I was overseas and the vpn wasn't working properly… My email to support went unanswered. I want a refund for the rest of my subscription since it is useless now.”
Kevin Steele (December 2020):
“Always crashing when you call support you get told you on a list and when the problem is fixed you will be contacted still waiting after a year… stay away you will never get a good service”
Reddit User Analysis: What Did the Community Say?
Reddit Discussion Summary
Analysis of Reddit discussions reveals consistent negative sentiment toward SurfEasy VPN. In r/VPN community discussions, users frequently questioned the service's legitimacy and recommended alternatives.
Key Reddit Findings:
- Users called it “gimmicky for marketing”
- Recommended avoiding “free VPN” marketing approach
- Community preferred CyberGhost, AirVPN alternatives
Community Sentiment Analysis
Notable Community Comments
norkamus (r/VPN):
“I don't recommend anyone use a free VPN provider, they have zero incentive to protect your privacy… I recommend you try PIA instead.. $3 USD/month, 100,000+ users and no logs”
ParanoiaNervosa (r/VPN):
“I would recommend getting a VPN that doesn't market themselves as a free VPN like surfeasy does… Surfeasy looks more gimmicky for marketing.”
How Does SurfEasy Compare to Top VPNs in 2024?
Expert Review Comparison
| VPN Provider | Expert Rating | Speed Score | Streaming | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SurfEasy VPN | 2.6/10 | 15.9 Mbps | 16% | ❌ Not Recommended |
| NordVPN | 9.5/10 | 180+ Mbps | 95% | ✅ Highly Recommended |
| ExpressVPN | 9.3/10 | 170+ Mbps | 92% | ✅ Highly Recommended |
| Surfshark | 9.1/10 | 160+ Mbps | 88% | ✅ Highly Recommended |
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vpnMentor Verdict
“After all my tests, I do not recommend SurfEasy VPN. It doesn't offer much value… It's better to try one of our top-rated VPNs.”
Comparitech Verdict
“SurfEasy is not recommended… The speeds it provides are, at best, terrible… There are no compelling reasons to sign-up to SurfEasy.”
VPNRanks Verdict
“After testing speed, Netflix, torrenting, support, jurisdiction & logging policy… we don't recommend the VPN.”
Frequently Asked Questions About SurfEasy VPN
Is SurfEasy VPN still available in 2025?
No, SurfEasy VPN has been officially discontinued by Norton/Gen Digital. The service is no longer available for purchase, and existing users should migrate to alternative VPN providers immediately.
Why was SurfEasy VPN discontinued?
According to expert analysis, SurfEasy was discontinued due to poor performance metrics, including slow speeds (15.9 Mbps average), limited streaming capabilities, and inability to compete with modern VPN providers. The service also faced privacy concerns and poor user ratings.
Was SurfEasy VPN safe to use?
While SurfEasy offered basic encryption, security experts raised concerns about excessive data collection despite “no-logs” claims. The service collected IP addresses, device names, and usage data, which contradicted its privacy marketing.
Could SurfEasy unblock Netflix in 2024?
SurfEasy could only unblock Netflix US, achieving a 16% success rate across streaming platforms. It failed to work with Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video, making it unsuitable for streaming purposes.
How fast was SurfEasy VPN?
Independent testing showed SurfEasy averaged only 15.9 Mbps globally, with speeds as low as 1.5 Mbps in Asia. These speeds were significantly below industry standards and made the service unsuitable for modern internet usage.
What are the best SurfEasy alternatives in 2025?
Experts recommend NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark as superior alternatives. These providers offer speeds over 160 Mbps, 85%+ streaming success rates, and verified no-logs policies with independent audits.
Did Norton own SurfEasy VPN?
Yes, SurfEasy was acquired by Symantec (now Norton/Gen Digital) in 2017 for $50 million. Despite backing from a major cybersecurity company, the service failed to maintain competitive standards and was eventually discontinued.
What was SurfEasy's Trustpilot rating?
SurfEasy had a poor 2.6/5 rating on Trustpilot based on 4 reviews, with 75% being 1-star reviews. Users complained about Android app issues, non-existent support, and frequent crashes.
Should You Have Used SurfEasy VPN? Expert Final Verdict
Not Recommended – Service Discontinued
Based on comprehensive analysis of performance data, expert reviews, and user feedback, SurfEasy VPN was correctly discontinued due to fundamental issues that made it unsuitable for modern VPN users.
Recommended Alternatives for Former SurfEasy Users
9.5/10 expert rating
170+ Mbps average
Unlimited devices
Trusted by millions of users worldwide *30 money back guarantee.
The discontinuation of SurfEasy VPN serves as a reminder of the importance of choosing established, well-reviewed VPN providers. Users should prioritize services with proven track records, independent security audits, and transparent privacy policies.
I'm Morgan, the creator of VPNForMe — a site born from too many hours spent side-eyeing sketchy VPN reviews and buffering videos.
I wanted a place where people could get straight answers about privacy, streaming access, and which VPNs actually deliver — without the hype or tech jargon.