Updated: August 14, 2025
How We Test VPNs
We evaluate VPNs with hands-on testing across speed, streaming reliability, privacy/security, app quality, and support. We don’t accept claims at face value. every feature is verified and documented so you can choose confidently.
Testing principles
- Independence: Editorial decisions are separate from commercial relationships.
- Repeatability: Tests follow the same steps across providers and platforms.
- Freshness: We re-check core tasks (speed/streaming) regularly and update pages when results change.
- Evidence-first: Claims (e.g., “no-logs”, “audited”) must be verifiable via policies, reports, or public statements.
- User-centric: We optimize for real use: reliability, ease of use, stability, and honest pricing.
Scoring & weights
Each VPN’s overall score is a weighted average across five categories:
| Category | Weight | What we evaluate |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy & Security | 30% | Policy clarity, audit evidence, encryption, kill switch, and leak tests (IP/DNS/WebRTC). |
| Streaming & Unblocking | 25% | Access to major platforms (e.g., popular services), region consistency, video quality stability. |
| Performance & Speed | 20% | Throughput and latency across protocols (WireGuard/OpenVPN/IKEv2) and networks. |
| Apps & Usability | 15% | Ease of use, stability, platform coverage (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Linux, routers). |
| Customer Support | 10% | Live chat/email responsiveness and accuracy of help. |
Overall score = 0.30×Privacy + 0.25×Streaming + 0.20×Performance + 0.15×Apps + 0.10×Support.
Privacy & Security (30%)
- Policy & jurisdiction: Review privacy terms, data handling, and legal base.
- No-logs & audits: Check for independent audits or court-tested claims.
- Encryption & protocols: Verify supported ciphers/protocols (e.g., WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2).
- Kill switch & leak protection: Confirm behavior under drops; test IP/DNS/WebRTC leaks.
Streaming & Unblocking (25%)
We check access to popular streaming platforms across multiple devices and regions. We re-test regularly because platforms change detection methods.
- Connect to recommended locations; verify playback starts and remains stable.
- Note error codes or required troubleshooting steps.
- Record consistency (number of successful attempts out of total).
Performance & Speed (20%)
- Run multi-pass speed tests on local and long-distance servers.
- Measure download/upload throughput and latency with/without VPN.
- Test modern protocols first (e.g., WireGuard), then legacy for comparison.
Apps & Usability (15%)
- Install and use native apps on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and TV devices.
- Check onboarding, quick connect, server search, split tunneling, and kill switch settings.
- Assess stability (crashes, freezes) and accessibility (keyboard focus, readable contrast).
Customer Support (10%)
- Contact live chat and email with real questions; time response and verify accuracy.
- Evaluate help center quality: setup guides, troubleshooting depth, recent updates.
Process & cadence
- Environment: Mixed connections (home fiber, mobile hotspot, public Wi-Fi) and major OS platforms.
- Cadence: Speed & streaming checks monthly; policy/audit changes as they happen; full retests during major app updates.
- Evidence: We document results with screenshots/notes. Pages are updated when material changes occur.
Tools we use
- Speed tests: multiple reputable testers for cross-checking (wired and Wi-Fi).
- Leak checks: IP/DNS/WebRTC tests using browser-based and command-line methods.
- UX & performance: device-level monitors and browser dev tools.
FAQ
Do affiliate commissions affect scores?
No. Our scoring is formula-based and tied to test results. Commercial terms never override the methodology.
Why retest streaming so often?
Streaming providers update their blocks frequently. A VPN that works today may fail tomorrow, so we retest and update.
Can results vary by region?
Yes. Networks and platforms differ by location. We test from multiple regions to reflect this.
Will a VPN always reduce speed?
Some overhead is normal, but modern protocols keep it modest. We publish relative results to set expectations.
