Surfshark brings faster speeds and performance with the introduction of FastTrack

Surfshark FastTrack graphic. There are large connection points and a dropped pin on a blue and black graphic of the Earth.
(Image credit: Surfshark)

Surfshark has launched its new feature, FastTrack, designed to boost VPN speeds, connectivity, and performance.

The feature optimizes your VPN traffic by routing it through a network of servers, rather than a single VPN tunnel, and can boost speeds by up to 70%.

Surfshark's innovations are one of the reasons we rank it #2 on our best VPN list. You can learn more about them in our Surfshark review.

Fast track is now available on Surfshark's Mac VPN apps and users can try out the enhanced connectivity by connecting to servers in Sydney, Seattle, and Vancouver.

"We understand how VPN speed and low latency are important to our users," said Karolis Kaciulis, Leading System Engineer at Surfshark.

"For this reason, we are proud to introduce a technology that can optimize network routing by finding the best data paths to increase connection speeds and reduce latency in real time."

Surfshark: the best cheap VPN

Surfshark: the best cheap VPN

Surfshark sits at #2 on our best VPN list and is also the best cheap VPN out there. $1.99 per month ($53.73 up front pre-tax) gets you a super fast and secure VPN, innovative features like Alt ID, FastTrack, and Bypasser, and protection for an unlimited number of devices – it's also great for streaming. There's an extra 3 months of protection for free and a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can also try Surfshark risk free with its 7-day free-trial.

Making use of an optimized network

FastTrack is built on the Surfshark Nexus infrastructure. Nexus is a multi-server routing system which connects users to Surfshark's entire VPN server network, rather than a single VPN tunnel.

When using FastTrack, your VPN traffic is automatically routed in the most efficient way before connecting you to your chosen location. This isn't always the most direct route, it may actually be more efficient to run your traffic through higher-capacity cables and more powerful routers.

Surfshark FastTrack - YouTube Surfshark FastTrack - YouTube
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The technology is constantly evaluating and monitoring different routes and connection speeds across the whole Surfshark network. When network conditions change, the system adjusts to ensure optimized and stable pathways. Globally distributed probes check speed and latency information and filter this back.

According to Surfshark, this results in up to a 70% increase in VPN speeds.

Your connection also makes multiple hops. This creates an additional layer of security and means your connecting IP address can't be linked with your internet activity.

For now, users can only make use of FastTrack when connecting to servers in Sydney, Seattle, and Vancouver but Surfshark has said more destinations will be coming in the future. The feature is also currently available on macOS only.

How to access FastTrack

To access FastTrack all you have to do is connect to one of the three specified locations and they are marked by a FastTrack icon.

You don't need to do anything yourself, simply press connect. Determining the most efficient route is done automatically behind the scenes.

Surfshark's FastTrack feature and icon displayed on its homepage, showing a Sydney VPN connection

(Image credit: Surfshark / Future)
Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

George Phillips
Staff Writer

George is a Staff Writer at Tom's Guide, covering VPN, privacy, and cybersecurity news. He is especially interested in digital rights and censorship, and its interplay with politics. Outside of work, George is passionate about music, Star Wars, and Karate.

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