We've built the first VPN protocol that breaks all speed barriers
Surfshark has launched a new proprietary VPN protocol designed to overcome speed limitations. The protocol aims to deliver faster connection speeds compared to existing VPN protocols on the market.
Background
Surfshark is a commercial VPN provider based in the Netherlands, competing with services like NordVPN and ExpressVPN. VPN (Virtual Private Network) protocols are the technical rules that govern how data is encrypted and tunneled between a user's device and a VPN server. Most VPNs rely on third‑party open‑source protocols such as OpenVPN or WireGuard. Surfshark claims its new proprietary protocol is the first purpose‑built for VPN use that eliminates the performance overhead of those general‑purpose protocols, which usually trade speed for security. If the claim holds, it could make VPNs fast enough for bandwidth‑intensive activities like gaming or 4K streaming that previously suffered from latency and slowdowns. However, proprietary security protocols require heavy independent auditing to be trusted — something WireGuard, for example, already has. This move is as much a marketing bid for differentiation in a crowded market as it is a technical achievement.