How we test and review the best VPN deals
Buying the best VPN software for your needs is important.
Therefore, we want to be 100% transparent about how we test and review and which methods we used to select the best VPN programs for 2024.
We use 5 different factors to create an overall score and decide on which VPN software makes it into our top 10 list. All of these 5 factors play a role, but not all are equally important.
Therefore, the weight on the end result varies according to the factors we tested.
Here are the 5 main factors, and their relative weight in our testing process:
1. Security: Most important, with a weight of 35%. We chose VPNs that have military-grade encryption, a range of protocols (OpenVPN, L2TP, IKEv2, and more), DNS leak protection, and a kill-switch.
2. Number of servers and locations: This is vital so that you can surf fast from anywhere anonymously. We gave this factor a weight of 25% in our overall score.
3. Additional features and device compatibility: This includes features like a no-log policy, apps for PC, Mac, iOS and android, split tunneling and more. We gave this factor a weight of 20% in our overall score.
4. Value for money: Mostly, as with everything in life, you get what you pay for. Most VPN software is priced similarly so we gave this factor a weight of 10%.
5. User reviews: While important, these can often be misleading as we all handle and understand technology differently. We gave this a weight of 10% on our overall score.
To decide on a score for additional features, device compatibility and value for money we analysed the offers of all the different VPN providers that we tested. This information is best taken directly from the source.
The information for user reviews come from TrustPilot, the Google Play Store and our own user reviews.
As for price our primary concern is flexibility and value. Services that only offer a single, expensive plan aren't a great option. We're living in the age of à la carte services, where most consumers are accustomed to monthly fees. Moreover, if your VPN stops providing adequate speeds, it would be crummy to have paid a lot for a year's worth of access.
The average monthly fee for the top 10 VPNs we've reviewed is, as of this writing, around $9.80. Many come in below that figure, and a few go above. The ones that cost more, obviously, have to justify their hefty price tags.
Value is a bit trickier, but we believe that a single VPN subscription should meet certain criteria. It needs to include coverage for at least five simultaneous devices, which is the average for the industry. It needs to work on multiple platforms, including mobile devices. And a single subscription needs to work for different platforms—that is, paying for a subscription for your Mac should also get you iPhone VPN functionality. If VPN forces you to jump through hoops and pay extra to secure all the different devices in your home, it's not a good value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a secure and private connection between your device and the internet. It enables you to browse the internet privately and securely, hiding your IP address and encrypting your internet traffic.
Why use a VPN service?
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to provide a variety of benefits to users. One of the primary reasons people choose to use VPNs is for the added security they offer. By encrypting your internet connection and hiding your IP address, VPNs make it more difficult for hackers, identity thieves, and other malicious actors to intercept your online activity and steal your personal information.
VPNs also provide enhanced privacy, preventing your internet service provider (ISP) from tracking your online activity and selling your browsing history to advertisers. Additionally, VPNs protect your privacy from government surveillance and censorship. This is especially important for individuals living in countries with restrictive internet policies.
Another advantage of VPNs is their ability to let you access content that might be blocked in your region. This includes video services, social media platforms, and news websites. By connecting to a VPN server in a different country, you can access content that would otherwise be unavailable to you.
Using a VPN is also a smart choice when using public Wi-Fi, which is often unsecured and leaves your online activity exposed to anyone else on the network. A VPN encrypts your connection, making it safer to use public Wi-Fi.
Lastly, VPNs are commonly used by companies to allow employees to access the company's network and resources securely from anywhere in the world. With remote work becoming more prevalent, VPNs have become an essential tool for many businesses.
How does a VPN work?
Encryption is a way of scrambling data so that only authorized parties can understand the information. It takes readable data and alters it so that it appears random to attackers or anyone else who intercepts it. In this way, encryption is like a "secret code."
A VPN works by establishing encrypted connections between devices. All devices that connect to the VPN set up encryption keys, and these keys are used to encode and decode all information sent between them.
The effect of this encryption is that VPN connections remain private even if they stretch across public Internet infrastructure. Imagine John is shopping online from his hotel room. Now suppose that a criminal has secretly infiltrated the hotel’s network infrastructure and is monitoring all data passing through (sort of like tapping a telephone line). John’s data is still secure because of the VPN. All the criminal can see is the encrypted version of the data.
When you make a transaction or when you need to send or receive sensitive information, a VPN will enhance your security.
Can a VPN be hacked?
While no technology is 100% secure, VPNs are considered to be highly secure. They use strong encryption protocols and security measures to protect your data and online activities.
Do VPNs slow down my internet connection?
VPN speeds may vary depending on the VPN service you use and the location of the VPN server you connect to. However, many modern VPNs are designed to provide fast and reliable connections.
Do I Need a VPN On All My Devices?
Yes, you will need to install a VPN client on each device you want to connect to the VPN.
Fortunately, all of the VPNs recommended on our site allow you to hook up to multiple devices under one account.
So whether you have a Windows PC, laptop, Macbook, iPhone, or Android mobile you can hook up to your VPN account easily with any device and without having to register for another account.
Should I use a free VPN?
While there are some free VPNs available, it's important to note that they may not provide the same level of security and privacy as paid VPNs. Additionally, free VPNs may limit your bandwidth or data usage, and may display ads or sell your data to third parties.
