Surfshark does not offer a free trial on Chrome or any other browser

Surfshark's free trial ended in 2023. The company now requires payment to use the service on any device, including Chrome. If you want to test Surfshark before committing to a subscription, your only option is to use the 30-day money-back may provide — you pay upfront, use it for up to 30 days, then request a refund if it does not meet your needs.

This matters because a money-back may provide works differently than a free trial. With a may provide, you are charged immediately when you sign up. You have 30 days to decide whether to keep the subscription or cancel and get your money back. If you cancel after day 31, you will not receive a refund.

Key Takeaways

  • Surfshark stopped offering free trials and now requires payment to use the service on Chrome or any browser.
  • The 30-day money-back may provide lets you test Surfshark at no financial risk as long as you request a refund within 30 days of purchase.
  • You must cancel your subscription and request a refund through Surfshark's support team — simply deleting the app does not trigger a refund.
  • Refunds typically process within 5 to 10 business days after Surfshark approves your request.

How the 30-day money-back may provide works

When you sign up for Surfshark on Chrome, you choose a subscription plan and pay the full amount immediately. Your subscription becomes active right away. From that moment, you have 30 calendar days to test the service and decide whether you want to keep it.

If you decide Surfshark is not right for you, you contact Surfshark's support team and request a refund. You do not need to give a reason. Surfshark will cancel your subscription and process the refund to your original payment method. The refund is not automatic — you must ask for it before the 30 days end.

If you wait until day 31 or later to request a refund, Surfshark will deny it. The company enforces the 30-day window strictly. Mark your calendar or set a phone reminder if you think you might want a refund.

What you need to do to get a refund

First, go to Surfshark's support page at support.surfshark.com or use the help section inside the Chrome extension. You can also email support@surfshark.com. Tell them you want to cancel your subscription and request a refund. You do not need to explain why.

Surfshark will ask you to confirm your account email and may ask a few basic questions about your experience. Answer these questions — they help Surfshark process your request faster. Do not assume that uninstalling the Chrome extension or stopping your subscription will automatically refund your money. You must actively request the refund through support.

After you submit your refund request, Surfshark typically responds within one business day. Once approved, the refund goes back to the card or payment method you used to sign up. This can take 5 to 10 business days depending on your bank.

Why Surfshark removed the free trial

Many VPN services once offered free trials, but most have phased them out. Surfshark switched to the money-back may provide model because it reduces fraud and abuse. Free trials attract users who have no intention of paying and who use the service only to test it once. The money-back may provide still lets you test the service risk-free, but it discourages casual testing.

The trade-off is that you have to trust Surfshark to honor the refund. Surfshark's refund policy is straightforward and the company approves most refund requests within the 30-day window. If you are worried about whether Surfshark will refund you, read recent user reviews on independent sites like Trustpilot or Reddit to see what other people's experiences have been.

Other ways to test Surfshark before paying

If you do not want to pay upfront, even with a money-back may provide, you have limited options. Surfshark occasionally runs promotional offers that reduce the first month's cost to $1 or $2. These deals appear on the Surfshark website and on deal sites like Slickdeals or RetailMeNot. A $1 first month is closer to a free trial than the full price, though you still have to pay something.

You can also watch video reviews on YouTube from tech channels that test VPNs. These reviews show you how Surfshark's Chrome extension works, how fast the connection is, and what features are included. This does not replace actually using the service, but it gives you a sense of whether Surfshark is worth trying.

What happens if you cancel within 30 days

If you cancel your Surfshark subscription within 30 days and request a refund, your access to Surfshark stops immediately. The Chrome extension will no longer work. You will not be charged again. The refund appears in your account within 5 to 10 business days.

If you cancel after 30 days, you will not receive a refund for that billing period. However, you can still cancel your subscription to stop future charges. Surfshark will not renew your subscription after the current period ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I cancel after 30 days?

No. Surfshark's money-back may provide covers only the first 30 days from the date you sign up. If you request a refund on day 31 or later, Surfshark will deny it. You can still cancel your subscription to stop future charges, but you will not receive money back for the current billing period.

Do I have to uninstall the Chrome extension to get a refund?

No. Uninstalling the extension does not trigger a refund or cancel your subscription. You must contact Surfshark's support team and explicitly request a refund. The subscription will continue to renew and charge you until you cancel it through support.

Will Surfshark ask me why I want a refund?

Surfshark may ask about your experience, but you are not required to give a detailed reason. A simple "it is not what I need" or "I want to try a different service" is enough. Surfshark approves most refund requests within the 30-day window regardless of the reason.

How long does a refund take after I request it?

Surfshark typically approves refund requests within one business day. The refund then takes 5 to 10 business days to appear in your account, depending on your bank. In rare cases, it can take up to 30 days. Contact support if your refund has not arrived after 10 business days.

Can I use Surfshark on Chrome without paying if I use a VPN from another company first?

No. Surfshark requires payment regardless of what other services you use. Using another VPN first does not unlock a free trial or discount on Surfshark. You must pay for a subscription or use the 30-day money-back may provide to test it.