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The How To Guide was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on The How To Guide are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

How We Test VPNs

Our thorough testing of each VPN means you can trust our reviews to know exactly what you're investing in.

200+
VPNs tested
17,000
User reviews
35+
Team of VPN Experts
10+
Years Experience
Our VPN Testing Methodology

Our VPN Testing Methodology

As a leading authority on VPNs, we aim to build and maintain trust between consumers and the industry. Below are all the criteria we use to test, research, analyze, and track the performance of every VPN we review. As disclosed throughout the site, we earn affiliate commissions to pay the bills, and we are in the same ownership group of some of the products reviewed on this site: CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, Intego, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review methodology.

What we look for when testing a VPN

Security and privacy

Security and privacy

A VPN must not gather personally identifiable information and incorporate advanced security features to keep you safe and anonymous online. These measures include a no-logs policy, robust encryption, secure servers, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch.

Streaming, gaming, and torrenting

Streaming, gaming, and torrenting

A VPN should work with most streaming platforms like Netflix and let you play first-person shooter games securely without lag. Additionally, the VPN should provide dedicated P2P servers or support torrenting across its entire network infrastructure for safe downloading of large files.

VPN speeds and server network

VPN speeds and server network

Speed and server network are essential in evaluating a VPN’s performance because of their impact on user experience. Given that VPNs inherently slow down your internet connections due to encryption, ones with a vast network of worldwide servers are less likely to cause delays due to overcrowding.

Apps and user experience

Apps and user experience

A VPN should be compatible and straightforward to use across various operating systems. From the VPN’s ease of downloading and installation to the intuitiveness of its interfaces for connecting to servers and adjusting settings without manual configuration.

Customer support

Customer support

To quickly resolve issues, customer support should be knowledgeable and easy to access through email/ticket systems and, ideally, a 24/7 live chat. Comprehensive online resources like FAQs, video tutorials, and setup guides for independent troubleshooting are also helpful.

Pricing and overall value

Pricing and overall value

Evaluating a VPN’s pricing for short-term and long-term plans is essential to gauge its value, with long-term subscriptions usually offering better cost efficiency. We also scrutinize the money-back guarantee to ensure it’s trustworthy and easy to get a refund.

Fact-checking and review accuracy

Every review is thoroughly tested by a global team of experts and fact-checked to ensure each one is:

Accurate
We meticulously assess each criterion and test its performance to provide you with the facts.
Informative and applicable
Each review contains real-world experiences and perspectives so you can make a fully informed decision based on your VPN needs.
Up to date
Our reviews are updated often to reflect the latest changes in services, features, and performance.

Here's a quick breakdown of how we score and rank VPNs

When determining the final overall score, we evaluate each VPN based on various factors, assigning weights to each to reflect their relative importance.

28%
Privacy & security

We test and rank how effectively a VPN's privacy and security measures protect your online identity and activities

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9%
Ease of use

To ensure a seamless user experience, we meticulously evaluate the user-friendliness of VPN apps

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9%
Speeds

Our speed tests determine by how much (percentage) the VPN will slow you down and if this reduction is noticeable

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9%
Server networks

This refers to the amount of servers a VPN has and the countries they are located in

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9%
Customer support

We evaluate VPN customer support for their prompt, informative, and friendly responses

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9%
Pricing & overall value

We weigh the VPN's price and features to determine if you're getting value for money

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27%
Streaming, gaming, torrenting

We test whether a VPN works for safely streaming popular platforms, downloading large files, and smooth online gaming

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28%
Privacy & security
Privacy & security (28%)

We test and rank how effectively a VPN's privacy and security measures protect your online identity and activities

Click to learn more
9%
Ease of use
Ease of use (9%)

To ensure a seamless user experience, we meticulously evaluate the user-friendliness of VPN apps

Click to learn more
9%
Speeds
Speeds (9%)

Our speed tests determine by how much (percentage) the VPN will slow you down and if this reduction is noticeable

Click to learn more
9%
Server networks
Server networks (9%)

This refers to the amount of servers a VPN has and the countries they are located in

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9%
Customer support
Customer support (9%)

We evaluate VPN customer support for their prompt, informative, and friendly responses

Click to learn more
9%
Pricing & overall value
Pricing & overall value (9%)

We weigh the VPN's price and features to determine if you're getting value for money

Click to learn more
27%
Streaming, gaming, torrenting
Streaming, gaming, torrenting (27%)

We test whether a VPN works for safely streaming popular platforms, downloading large files, and smooth online gaming

Click to learn more

Privacy and Security (28%)

Privacy and Security (28%)
  1. At the very least. The VPN shouldn't collect any data that can be used to identify you and employ high-level security features (encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch) to keep you safe online.

  2. At best. A strict no-logs policy that's been independently audited and verified. All the security features above, plus split tunneling, obfuscation, and a built-in ad blocker.

Almost every VPN claims to provide a private service that protects your data, behavior, and online identity. But making these kinds of statements isn't enough on their own, so our team always looks deeper.

We assess a VPN's privacy claims by scrutinizing its privacy policy and deduct points for the following:

  • Collecting identifiable information, like your IP address and browsing history.
  • Long, over-complicated privacy policies that are difficult to understand and ambiguous.
  • Had privacy scandals and controversies in the past.
  • Its home base is within the data-sharing pact of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances.

A third-party audit is a massive plus-point because it confirms whether the VPN is a true no-logs VPN — validating that the VPN's servers don't record any data and that no one has been able to access user information in the past.

We also conduct extensive testing to confirm whether a VPN can protect your data, even when using public WiFi. The best VPNs include the following robust security features:

  • Military-grade (AES 256-bit) encryption. It's used by leading security agencies to protect sensitive data. It takes several lifetimes to crack, so you know it's safe.
  • Various security protocols. These protocols allow you to choose how your connection is encrypted and determine the balance of speed and security of your connection. A VPN should offer OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2, and WireGuard because they're the safest and most secure choices.
  • DNS/IP leak protection. This feature ensures your VPN won't leak your DNS requests and IP address. We use an independent leak testing tool, like ipleak.net, to verify the VPNs we test are genuinely secure and that your online identity remains private.
  • Kill switch. Your internet connection will get cut off should the VPN unexpectedly drop. We test the VPN's kill switch to see if it works by trying to load web pages while switching servers.
  • Obfuscation. Allows you to use the internet freely on restricted networks, like school and work, by concealing your VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic.
  • Split tunneling. This feature lets you choose which apps and websites use the VPN tunnel and which don't. This can give you better speeds since only some traffic gets encrypted.
  • Ad blocker. You need a VPN with built-in ad-blocking capabilities to protect your device against ads, trackers, and malware. However, the extent to which a VPN can stop ads and malicious sites from loading varies greatly.

Streaming, Gaming, and Torrenting (27%)

Streaming, Gaming, and Torrenting (27%)
  1. At the very least. The VPN works with top streaming platforms like Netflix, lets you play first-person shooter games with minimal lag, and has some servers that support P2P traffic.

  2. At best. It also works with lesser-known sites for seamless streaming. Have specialty P2P servers or torrent support across its entire network.

A VPN's ability to work seamlessly with streaming sites is another important factor when we review VPNs. We have a global team of dedicated testers who conduct tests twice weekly across dozens of streaming services (available in their respective countries) using dozens of VPNs. For example, we'll connect from the US to a VPN server nearby to determine if it works with US Netflix, Hulu, and Max.

We also frequently test Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, ESPN+, ITV, Peacock, and more. We have subscriptions with all these platforms to test them in the associated locations. Once we verify the VPN works, we test the streaming quality the VPN allows. If we can stream consistently in HD without any interruptions, then it improves the VPN's score.

We also test the VPN's ability for secure online gaming without compromising speed. The tester will usually play a popular fast-paced game, like Counter Strike 2, with the VPN connected to servers nearby and far away. Your character's immediate reactions are vital when playing competitive online games. So, if a VPN gives us a ping rate of 85ms or less, it gets a better score.

P2P support for torrenting is another feature we test. Our minimum requirement is that a VPN enables P2P sharing on its servers so you can torrent as much as you want. When we download a torrent, we always pay attention to speeds and how long downloads take with the VPN connected compared to how long it takes without the VPN running. This is tested on both local and long-distance servers.

A VPN's privacy and security features are essential, as torrenting can expose your identifiable information. Examples include strong encryption, IP leak protection, and a kill switch. If a VPN has all of these, it scores very highly for torrenting. We also look at extra features that can boost torrenting performance, like port forwarding and split tunneling.

Speed (9%)

Speed (9%)
  1. At the very least. The VPN should be able to load websites quickly and stream HD content without buffering (it should provide speeds of at least 5Mbps).

  2. At best. A speed loss of no more than 20% on short-distance servers and 40% on long-distance servers.

Having fast speeds is crucial as it significantly impacts user experience. This is particularly true when streaming videos, downloading, or playing games. It’s normal for a VPN to slow your speeds because of the extra encryption and longer distances — the smaller the drop, the better.

We conduct speed tests from a single location using the same internet connection for consistent and reliable results. Before connecting to a VPN, we record the speed of our non-VPN connection to use as a baseline. Then, we connect to the VPN and test many short and long-distance servers worldwide. We also do tests at different times of the day. This level of variety and depth is the best way to gauge actual speed results.

We consider the following when speed testing:

  • Download speeds. This is how fast it takes to receive data, which you do when streaming and torrenting. It's measured in Megabits per second (Mbps).
  • Upload speeds. It refers to how fast it takes to send data, such as uploading videos or sending emails, and is also measured in Mbps.
  • Ping. This measures how responsive the connection is (latency) and is recorded in milliseconds (ms). This is essential for fast-paced gaming. The lower the ping, the better.

Once we’ve collected the results, we determine the percentage differences between the non-VPN speed and the speed of each location. Since VPN speeds can vary (depending on your location, time of day, bandwidth caps, etc.), this percentage lets you know how the VPN could affect your baseline internet speed. A VPN should not produce a speed loss of more than 20% on short distance servers and 40% on long distance servers.

Server Network (9%)

Server Network (9%)
  1. At the very least. A vast network of servers worldwide to access your international accounts when traveling.

  2. At best. Includes city-level servers to quickly find one near your location for the best performance and rotating IP or dedicated IP addresses to avoid VPN use being detected and blocked.

A global server network enhances a VPN's ability to access online services and websites when traveling abroad. Premium VPNs offer thousands of servers worldwide; some even let you choose a city-level server. The closer a server is to your location, the better your connection speed for streaming, torrenting, and gaming.

Switching servers effortlessly also aids in maintaining consistent connectivity, even if some servers are compromised or experiencing downtime, ensuring uninterrupted service. Our testers review each VPN's list of servers and connect to various ones to score their reliability and consistency.

A VPN will also get a better score when it owns its server infrastructure vs renting servers. Ownership gives the VPN greater control over hardware, security protocols, and data management, which minimizes the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches. Some VPNs use virtual locations, meaning the physical server is located elsewhere. This is only really beneficial when needing an IP of a country with restrictive internet policies, like India.

A bonus is when the VPN offers dedicated IPs, which provide you with a unique IP address that's not shared with anyone else. This is beneficial for remote work access, secure logins, and reduced risk of blocklisting. You also won't have those annoying captchas.

 

Ease of Use (9%)

Ease of Use (9%)
  1. At the very least. The VPN should have a native app that’s easy to install and set up.

  2. At best. The above, plus an intuitive interface that makes it straightforward to navigate.

No one enjoys using a poorly designed, clunky VPN app, so we test each one to see how user-friendly it is.

First, we test how easy downloading and installing the VPN is. Ideally, the VPN has a native app for all the most popular operating systems. It shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes to install it and connect. We test this on all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. But we also test out what can sometimes be more complicated setups on home routers, Linux, streaming devices like Amazon FireStick and Roku, gaming consoles, and smart TVs.

 

If we ever run into problems during installation while referring to a VPN’s online instructions, we use that as an opportunity to test out how accommodating the customer support team is and whether they have the know-how to solve technical issues. We install (or re-install) each VPN app we review with every new article we write, so we’re always on top of the latest software updates and any changes made to the setup process.

Most importantly, we consider compatibility and how each VPN performs depending on the operating system you use it on. Whatever OS/device a VPN is compatible with, we test it out. We carefully navigate the layout of each app and see how easy it is to find servers, connect to them, and adjust settings. There shouldn’t be any need for manual configuration, and changing settings or servers should take no more than a few clicks.

Customer Support (9%)

Customer Support (9%)
  1. At the very least. The VPN should have a library of online resources and prompt email support.

  2. At best. The above, plus 24/7 live chat with knowledgeable staff.

There will likely be a time when you’ll need help using your VPN, so knowledgeable support should be readily available. VPN support teams are often just individuals reciting from a script (or bots). The best VPNs put you in touch with tech experts or sometimes even the actual developers of the product.

We start by testing the email/ticketing system of a VPN and how long it takes to respond. If we get a reply within 24 hours, we consider it satisfactory. Once we get a response, we’ll see how well the question is answered and if the tone is friendly and informative.

But the biggest points go to VPNs with a live chat feature, especially if it operates 24/7. We’ll usually test this by asking several questions and assessing the response times and the quality of responses.

 

Other factors we look for include an FAQ page with detailed answers to common questions, tutorial videos, setup guides, and other online resources. The more comprehensive the resources, the better, as it means we can troubleshoot independently and quickly without relying on customer support.

Value (9%)

Value (9%)
  1. At the very least. A budget-friendly service that can keep you safe online.

  2. At best. Various affordable subscription options with a money-back guarantee or free trial to test the feature-rich VPN risk-free.

The pricing structure of VPN subscriptions (short- and long-term) is critical in assessing its overall value. Short-term plans offer flexibility and a low-commitment option if you only need a VPN for a short while, such as traveling. While long-term plans are often more cost-effective. We review each VPN's pricing model to determine if the cost aligns with the features and benefits offered.

A money-back guarantee or a free trial period allows you to test the service's features without financial risk. We test the refund policy of each VPN to determine if it holds up and how easy it is to get your money back. A VPN with a trustworthy money-back guarantee of at least 30 days receives a higher score.

The tools we use for testing VPNs

The tools we use for testing VPNs

While tests are done on all major operating systems (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux), our global team uses a variety of devices to provide an authentic representation of how the VPN functions.

Here's a list of some of the devices we use:

  • Lenovo laptop running Windows 10
  • Surface laptop running Windows 11
  • Asus laptop running Windows 10
  • MacBook Pro M1
  • HP EliteBook running Windows 11
  • Dell PC running Linux
  • Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy S22
  • iPhone 13 Pro
  • Lenovo Ideapad
  • Tablet Fire HD 10
  • Vizio Class FHD LED TV
  • Android TV (version 11)
  • PlayStation 4
  • Roku Express+

Other Tests

From time to time, we may test other cybersecurity-related products besides VPNs. For example, proxies, data removal services, and private browsers. When doing this, we stick to the principles outlined above where they might fit. We ensure we understand such products well to provide a fair evaluation based on hands-on experience.

See Our Work In Action

Now you know how we test VPNs, you can see how it all comes together in our published reviews.

Here are some of our most popular VPN reviews…