Editorial standards
How we research and compare VPNs
Our current comparisons are evidence-led editorial assessments based on official product documentation, platform guidance, public audit information, and clearly identified original tests where available.
Privacy and security
Encryption, supported protocols, kill-switch behavior, DNS leak protection, logging claims, company disclosures, and relevant independent audits.
Performance
Connection responsiveness, protocol design, server choice, and published test evidence. We do not publish precise speed claims without documented test conditions.
Product experience
Setup clarity, app design, platform availability, accessibility of important controls, support materials, and device limits.
Useful features
Threat blocking, split tunneling, specialty servers, breach monitoring, private networking, router support, and limitations by plan or platform.
Value and suitability
Who benefits from the product, meaningful limitations, renewal considerations, and credible alternatives—not simply the lowest advertised price.
How rankings are updated
We revisit material claims when providers change features, device policies, apps, or plan structures. A visible update date indicates that the article received a substantive editorial review—not merely that its date was refreshed.
Affiliate commission is not a scoring category. A provider may rank first only when our stated criteria support that conclusion, and articles should identify situations where another provider is the better fit.