Surfshark is asking its users to help test unfinished features before they reach the company’s regular Windows and Android apps.
The cybersecurity company has launched an updated beta testing program that provides early access to new features, interface changes, and other app improvements. Participants can report bugs, suggest changes, and communicate directly with Surfshark developers through a dedicated Discord community.
According to Surfshark, any user can join regardless of which subscription plan they have. The program currently supports Windows and Android, leaving iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Linux users on the sidelines.
That limited platform support is somewhat surprising, especially considering how many VPN customers use Apple devices. Surfshark has not said when or if it will expand the program to its other supported platforms.
Still, giving interested users a formal way to test upcoming changes could help Surfshark catch problems before they reach everyone. VPN apps handle internet connections, location settings, security options, and other features people expect to work consistently. A broken button is annoying in any app, but a bug affecting a VPN connection can potentially leave someone browsing without the protection they expected.
“Our mission is to build the most beloved security product for everyone – but for that, we need input from our community. Surfshark’s development team and I are genuinely excited to always receive feedback from our users. Oftentimes, we are buried so deep into our product that we don’t see the small details or inconveniences – and that’s why we need users’ input to be a part of how Surfshark services are being shaped,” said Gabriele Sinkeviciute, Head of Product at Surfshark.
The company says testers will be able to try features and app improvements before their public release. Surfshark also wants participants to find bugs and offer ideas that could influence future products.
The Discord component could make the program more useful than a traditional beta. Instead of submitting feedback through an anonymous form or complaining in an app store review, testers will have a place to speak with the people building the software.
Of course, joining also means accepting that the software may be unstable. Surfshark acknowledges that early versions can contain bugs, which is normal for any beta program. Users who rely on their VPN for work, travel, or daily privacy may not want to run a beta build on their primary device.
“Our updated beta tester program allows us to build features aligned with what our community actually needs,” Sinkeviciute continued. “While early versions may occasionally contain bugs, the insight provided by our beta community is invaluable in helping us fine-tune tools before public releases.”
How to join the Surfshark beta testing program
Windows users can join from inside the Surfshark app. Open Settings, select App settings, and scroll to the Beta Testing section. Select it, and then press Join Beta. Users can also join Surfshark’s beta testing hub on Discord to communicate with its developers.
On Android, open the Google Play Store and find the Surfshark app page. Scroll down to the Join the beta section, tap Join, and wait for the app to update. Android users can then enter the Discord community as well.
Surfshark does not promise that every suggestion will become a feature, and beta testers should not expect perfectly stable software. However, users who already enjoy experimenting with unfinished apps may appreciate getting a preview while having a chance to influence their development.
The glaring omission is support for Surfshark’s other platforms. An expanded program covering iOS, macOS, and Linux would attract a broader collection of testers and expose the company to bugs that may be specific to those operating systems. For now, this particular experiment belongs exclusively to Windows and Android users.
Support independent tech journalism
NERDS.xyz is independently owned and operated. If you enjoy my coverage of Linux, AI, hardware, cybersecurity, and tech culture, consider supporting the site on Ko-fi.
Support NERDS.xyz