Not just a VPN – SurfShark

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Surfshark Bundled & Add-On Software Explained

This deep dive unpacks Surfshark’s bundled software and add-ons that complement its VPN. Checked as of 18 August 2025, these offerings expand Surfshark from a simple VPN into a full digital protection suite. For many users this means fewer separate subscriptions, less confusion about what protects what, and a more joined up approach to online security. Here I explain what each tool does, why it matters, and how it fits into the broader picture of protecting your privacy and devices.

The Core Bundles: Starter, One, and One+

Surfshark structures its offerings into three main tiers. The Starter plan provides the VPN alongside Alternative ID, and costs as little as £1.59 per month on a two-year term. The One bundle builds on this by adding Antivirus, Alert, and Search for around £1.99 per month on a two-year deal, giving you real time malware protection, ongoing breach monitoring, and a private ad free search engine. Finally the One+ plan adds Incogni, Surfshark’s data removal service, at about £3.19 per month on a two-year subscription. Each tier gradually builds on the last and it is easy to see how the company intends users to scale their protection in line with their needs and budget. I like that nothing feels like a gimmick here, the added features are practical tools that many people would otherwise buy separately.

Alternative ID: Keep Your Real Email Private

Alternative ID comes bundled in every plan, even the base Starter tier, and it is one of those simple features that delivers outsized value. By generating anonymous details and forwarding correspondence to your real inbox it means you can sign up for newsletters, apps, and online services without handing over your personal email or other contact information. This shields you from targeted marketing, reduces the risk of your details ending up in broker databases, and gives you a layer of separation between your true identity and the services you use online. In my view it is a neat feature that should be standard across all privacy tools, but Surfshark is one of the few providers making it a baseline inclusion.

Surfshark Antivirus: Protect Against Malware

Surfshark’s Antivirus is available in the One and One+ bundles and provides more than just basic protection. It offers real time scanning to block threats as they arise, scheduled scanning so you can run checks automatically, webcam protection to stop unauthorised access, a ransomware shield, and cloud based threat analysis to ensure the database of malicious files stays up to date. I ran it alongside the VPN and found it integrated smoothly into the same application interface, which is far more convenient than running a separate antivirus program with its own update cycle and notifications. For context, antivirus tools alone can cost upwards of £30 per year when purchased separately, so having this included for as little as £1.99 per month feels remarkable value.

Surfshark Alert: Watch for Data Breaches

Alert, included in One and One+, continuously monitors the web for data leaks linked to your details. You can add multiple email addresses, payment cards, or ID numbers and the system will notify you if they appear in breaches. I tested this by adding one of my older email accounts and immediately saw a notification of exposure from a past leak, along with advice on how to mitigate it. This kind of monitoring is vital today because so many breaches happen silently, and often users only find out years later when their details are circulating freely. Alert gives you that awareness in real time so you can act quickly, whether that means changing a password or contacting your bank. Considering that standalone breach monitoring tools often charge £5–£10 per month, its inclusion here makes Surfshark’s bundle pricing even more attractive.

Surfshark Search: Private, Ad-Free Searching

Search, also part of the One and One+ packages, is Surfshark’s private search engine. It does not track you, does not build a profile on your queries, and does not deliver results skewed by advertising interests. In my use it felt simple and uncluttered, providing the results I expected without noise or distraction. It is not trying to be a rival to mainstream engines in terms of features, but rather an alternative for those moments when privacy takes priority. I would not rely on it exclusively for research, but it is an excellent complement to the VPN, particularly if you are tired of endless tracking and retargeting whenever you search online.

Incogni: Your Data Removal Ally

Incogni is exclusive to the One+ bundle and is in many ways the most ambitious of Surfshark’s add-ons. It tackles the problem of data brokers head on by automatically sending opt out requests and following up until your details are removed from their databases. This matters because data brokers compile vast files on individuals, often containing addresses, family information, and purchase histories. I tested Incogni and saw reports showing dozens of successful removals from sites that I had not even realised were holding my details. The process is ongoing, so over time your digital footprint steadily shrinks. For anyone serious about privacy this feature alone justifies upgrading to One+, even at the slightly higher cost of around £3.19 per month on a two-year plan.

Why Bundling Makes Sense

What Surfshark has done cleverly is bundle all of these tools under one roof. Instead of paying separately for an antivirus license, a breach monitoring service, and an identity removal subscription, you can access them as part of a unified product that sits alongside the VPN. This not only reduces cost but also simplifies your digital life by giving you a single interface and account to manage. For non technical users that convenience is a major win, while for more advanced users the key benefit is that each tool integrates neatly without creating conflicts or slowing your system down. The value is clear, particularly when you compare the pricing of the bundles against buying each service separately in the UK market.

Platform Support & Payment Flexibility

All of Surfshark’s bundled software is available within its apps on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and many of the features extend into browser extensions as well. Everything I tested worked consistently across platforms, with settings synced under a single account. Payments can be made via card, PayPal, Google Pay, or cryptocurrency, giving you options that suit your level of comfort and desired privacy. For UK users, billing in GBP means there are no unexpected currency conversion fees, something that often frustrates me with other providers. The thought given to both usability and accessibility is evident throughout the bundle.

Summary Thoughts

As of 18 August 2025 Surfshark is no longer just a VPN provider, it has become a broad digital security suite. Starting with Alternative ID in the Starter plan, expanding into antivirus, search, and alerting in the One bundle, and culminating with data removal via Incogni in One+, each tier strengthens your level of protection in a tangible way. For me, the appeal lies not only in the features themselves but in how accessible they are to non technical users, and how affordable the whole package is compared to buying each service separately. With pricing in the UK starting at just £1.59 per month for Starter, £1.99 for One, and £3.19 for One+, Surfshark delivers some of the best value in the industry. In a digital world that only grows more complex, that is a combination worth paying attention to.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tools come with the Surfshark One bundle?

Surfshark One includes VPN, Alternative ID, Antivirus, Surfshark Alert for breach monitoring, and Surfshark Search for private browsing without ads or tracking.

How does One+ differ from One?

One+ includes everything in the One plan plus Incogni, Surfshark’s automated data removal service. This feature sends requests to data brokers and reduces the amount of personal information held about you online.

Can I use these add-ons separately?

No. The add-ons are not sold as standalone products. Antivirus, Alert, Search, and Incogni are only available as part of the Surfshark One or One+ bundles.

Is Surfshark Antivirus reliable?

Yes. Surfshark Antivirus includes real time protection, scheduled scanning, and advanced shields against ransomware and webcam intrusions. Independent tests confirm it is effective and it integrates neatly with the VPN application.

Does Surfshark Search track my activity?

No. Surfshark Search is designed to be ad free and tracker free. It does not build a profile of your queries and does not share your search history with advertisers.

Can Alert monitor multiple email addresses?

Yes. You can add more than one email address to Surfshark Alert and the system will track them all for breaches. Notifications are sent promptly if any of them appear in leaked databases.

Is Incogni worth the higher cost?

For users concerned about personal information being held by data brokers, Incogni is highly valuable. It automates the difficult and time consuming process of requesting data removal and provides updates as removals are confirmed. At around £3.19 per month as part of One+, it remains far cheaper than subscribing to a dedicated identity removal service separately.

Will these tools impact performance?

No. In my testing the bundled tools ran smoothly alongside the VPN without noticeable slowdowns. The Antivirus engine is lightweight and the monitoring features like Alert and Search operate unobtrusively in the background.

Which bundle should I choose?

If you only want the VPN with some identity masking, Starter at £1.59 per month will suffice. If you want fuller security including antivirus and breach alerts, One at £1.99 per month is the smart choice. For those who want active data removal and the highest level of privacy, One+ at £3.19 per month is the most complete option.

Are these bundles cost-effective?

Yes. When you compare the bundled packages to the cost of buying antivirus, breach monitoring, and identity removal services separately, Surfshark’s One and One+ bundles work out significantly cheaper while also being easier to manage under a single account.

About The Author: Casey

Casey Charles is a veteran technology journalist and one of the most respected voices in the world of online privacy and security. With over two decades of experience in the media industry, Casey has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, trustworthy reviews and clear explanations of complex digital topics.

His career began in the late 1990s in London’s bustling media scene, where he covered a wide range of stories from emerging internet culture to early discussions about online privacy. In the early 2000s, as digital life became mainstream, Casey shifted his focus to helping people navigate the rapidly changing online landscape. He was among the first UK journalists to explore the benefits and risks of VPNs, encryption tools, and secure communication platforms.

Over the years, Casey has tested and reviewed hundreds of software tools and online services, paying particular attention to privacy policies, data protection practices, and ease of use. His reviews are valued for their thoroughness, honesty, and practical advice — if there’s a potential drawback hidden in the fine print, Casey will find it.

He has also worked as a consultant for technology companies and contributed to research papers on digital privacy and cybersecurity. His work has appeared in both industry-specific publications and mainstream media, and he’s been invited to speak on panels discussing online safety, secure browsing, and the future of internet freedom.

Since joining VPNOnline.co.uk in 2025, Casey has focused on providing detailed VPN reviews, privacy tool comparisons, and plain-language guides that empower users to make informed decisions. He tests every service personally, checking speed, security, and usability so that readers get accurate, experience-backed recommendations.

Outside of work, Casey is based in Cambridge, where he enjoys cycling, photography, and tinkering with vintage tech. His philosophy is simple: technology should work for you, not the other way around.

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