When choosing which VPN affiliate program to promote, the decision between Surfshark VPN vs Astrill VPN often comes down to commission rates, approval difficulty, and audience alignment. Both programs offer recurring commissions on a stable affiliate network, but they differ in structure, support, and earning potential.
This guide breaks down both programs so you can decide which one fits your audience and monetization strategy.
Commission Comparison
Surfshark VPN: 40% Recurring Commission
- Structure: 40% of the subscription fee for every month the customer remains active
- Example earnings (1,000 clicks/month):
- Assuming 3% conversion rate = 30 new customers
- Average plan: ~$120/year ($10/month)
- Monthly recurring: 30 customers × $10 × 40% = $120/month
- Annual earnings from this cohort: $1,440
Astrill VPN: 35% Recurring Commission
- Structure: 35% of the subscription fee for every month the customer remains active
- Example earnings (1,000 clicks/month):
- Assuming 3% conversion rate = 30 new customers
- Average plan: ~$120/year ($10/month)
- Monthly recurring: 30 customers × $10 × 35% = $105/month
- Annual earnings from this cohort: $1,260
Bottom Line
For a typical publisher sending 1,000 clicks per month with a 3% conversion rate, Surfshark generates approximately $180 more annually (or 27% higher commissions) than Astrill. Over time, this gap widens as your customer base grows.
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Cookie Window
Both programs: 30-day cookie window
A 30-day cookie means that if a user clicks your affiliate link and purchases within 30 days, you earn the commission. After 30 days, the cookie expires and you lose credit for the sale.
What this means for earnings:
- If your traffic is primarily organic search or social media (slower decision cycles), some prospects may fall outside the 30-day window
- For comparison: some affiliate programs offer 60-90 day windows, which provide more buffer
- Strategy: Combine evergreen content (blog posts, guides) with seasonal campaigns to capture both impulse buyers and deliberate researchers within the window
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Network & Reliability
Surfshark VPN: In-House Affiliate Program
- Tracking: Direct tracking infrastructure; fewer intermediaries = faster attribution
- Payouts: Consistent monthly payouts; processed via bank transfer or alternative methods
- Support: Responsive affiliate team; dedicated manager available for high-volume publishers
- Payment reliability: Strong track record; regular payout consistency across publishers
- Reporting: Real-time dashboard access; transparent conversion and revenue tracking
Astrill VPN: In-House Affiliate Program
- Tracking: In-house tracking system; reliable but smaller operation
- Payouts: Monthly payouts; multiple payment methods available
- Support: Affiliate support available, though response times can vary
- Payment reliability: Generally consistent; smaller publisher base means less public data on payouts
- Reporting: Standard affiliate dashboard with conversion metrics and payouts
Verdict on Reliability
Surfshark's larger scale means more resources dedicated to tracking accuracy and payout processing. Astrill is reliable but operates with fewer redundancies. For publishers prioritizing reliability and speed, Surfshark has the edge.
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Approval Requirements
Surfshark VPN: Easy Approval (24–48 hours)
To get approved, you need: 1. Active website or content platform with significant traffic (typically 500+ monthly visitors) 2. Content focused on privacy, tech, security, or general interest (Surfshark is flexible) 3. No misleading claims or deceptive promotional tactics in your content 4. Valid contact information and tax details 5. Compliance with their promotional guidelines (no spam, no false testimonials)
Timeline: Most publishers hear back within 24–48 hours.
Likelihood of approval: ~85% for genuine publishers with modest traffic.
Astrill VPN: Medium Approval (3–7 days)
To get approved, you need: 1. Established content platform with proven traffic history (typically 1,000+ monthly visitors preferred) 2. Content demonstrating real engagement and audience (they review your site manually) 3. Privacy, tech, or relevant niche content (less flexible than Surfshark) 4. No existing violations or complaints on affiliate networks 5. Clear monetization strategy (they want partners who will actively promote)
Timeline: Manual review takes 3–7 days; some applications take longer if flagged for additional vetting.
Likelihood of approval: ~70% for new publishers; higher if you have an established platform.
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Features & Program Highlights
Surfshark VPN Affiliate Program
- Marketing materials: Comprehensive banner library, text links, and social media assets
- Deep linking: Full support; can link to specific product pages or landing pages
- High-converting landing pages: Pre-built pages designed for conversions; publishers can customize
- Promotional support: Seasonal campaigns, promotional codes, and timely alerts
- Commission boosts: Occasional performance-based bonuses for top-performing publishers
- API access: Available for larger publishers to integrate affiliate links programmatically
Astrill VPN Affiliate Program
- Marketing materials: Standard banners and text links; smaller asset library
- Deep linking: Supported, but less granular than Surfshark
- Targeted niche assets: Tailored creatives for specific use cases (streaming, China users)
- Promotional support: Regular updates on new features and campaigns
- Relationship-based incentives: High-volume publishers may negotiate custom rates
- Compliance guidance: Extra support for publishers in regulated markets
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Publisher Fit — Who Should Promote Which?
Promote Surfshark VPN When:
1. You run a general tech or cybersecurity blog — Surfshark's brand strength and flexible approval make it ideal for mainstream tech audiences 2. You have moderate traffic (1,000–50,000 monthly visitors) — Quick approvals mean you can start earning faster without extensive site requirements 3. You want to maximize short-term revenue — Higher commission rate (40%) delivers better earnings per conversion
Promote Astrill VPN When:
1. You target niche audiences — Streaming enthusiasts, expat communities, or international users seeking advanced obfuscation features 2. You have an established platform with strong engagement metrics — Astrill values quality over quantity and rewards publishers who build real audience trust 3. You focus on long-term partnerships — Smaller program means less competition; relationship-based incentives can lead to negotiated bonuses
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FAQ
1. Can I promote both Surfshark VPN and Astrill VPN simultaneously?
Yes. Most affiliate programs allow you to promote competing VPNs. However, be transparent with your audience. Compare them fairly rather than steering everyone toward one option. This builds trust and improves long-term earnings from affiliate partnerships.
2. What's the average conversion rate for VPN affiliate links?
Typical range: 2–5%. This depends on your traffic source:
- Organic search traffic: 3–5% (high intent)
- Social media traffic: 1–3% (moderate intent)
- Display ads: 0.5–2% (low intent)
Both Surfshark and Astrill perform similarly in conversion rates; differences come from your audience fit, not the program itself.
3. How long does it take to earn meaningful income from VPN affiliate commissions?
3–6 months for $500+/month earnings. You need:
- Consistent traffic flow (500+ monthly visitors minimum)
- Content that ranks for relevant search terms ("best VPN for streaming," "VPN for China," etc.)
- Time to build affiliate link authority and earn repeat conversions
Surfshark's higher commission rate means you'll reach your income goals faster.
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Final Thoughts
When comparing Surfshark VPN vs Astrill VPN for your affiliate strategy, prioritize: 1. Commission rate (Surfshark wins) 2. Approval ease (Surfshark wins) 3. Audience alignment (varies by your niche)
Start with Surfshark for faster approvals and higher earnings potential. As your affiliate income grows, add Astrill if you have niche audiences that value its specific features. Diversifying across programs reduces risk and maximizes your total affiliate revenue.
Related: Surfshark VPN vs HotspotShield Premium: affiliate program comparison