How we test VPNs at The Independent

Some digital services that demand more trust virtual private network (VPN). When you use a VPN, everything you do online goes through its servers. Every website you visit, every app you open, and every message you send goes through their encrypted tunnel, effectively handing over the keys to your online activity to the provider.

However, used properly best vpn Can be invaluable. They encrypt your traffic so that your Internet provider (or anyone sharing your network) is unable to see what you’re doing, and they hide your IP address to make it harder for advertisers and data brokers to track you. They also help you stay connected Streaming Services You use at home while traveling abroad. If chosen correctly, a VPN is still one of the most effective tools for maintaining online privacy.

That’s why we hold VPNs to a higher standard than most tech products. a bad pair of headphones This may sound a bit strange. On the other hand, a bad VPN can be dangerous. In September 2025, cyber security firm Clefi revealed That malware is disguised as a free vpn The app was able to gain control over users’ devices and access their bank accounts. it’s just one of hundreds Similar cases identified by Kaspersky in 2024.

and that’s not all. Others may log the sites you visit and when you visit, creating a trail that can be traced back to you, even if the VPN claims to be anonymous. Some insert ads and trackers into websites, slowing down pages, exposing you to phishing sites or letting data harvesters follow you around the web. Others sell your data to brokers who create huge profiles about you and sell them.

That’s why every VPN is tested IndependentThe team of technical and security journalists go through a rigorous review process. We don’t just take a company’s promises at face value. As well as looking at usability, performance, speed and features, we also take a detailed look at any no-logs claims and privacy audits before giving them the green light. A VPN should be secure, transparent, and reliable. With decades of experience reviewing everything from VPNs to antivirus Software, here’s how we test VPNs, and what a service has to do to earn our recommendation.

How we test VPNs at The Independent

Every VPN we review goes through practical testing in real-world use across multiple devices and platforms. Each VPN is installed, tested, and used in our daily lives for several weeks, and we continually revisit the VPNs each month to review new features and conduct further speed testing.

Tools and Setup

To make sure we’re getting the full picture of how each VPN performs, we test every service on a variety of platforms, including Best VPN for Fire TV Stick, iPhone, Android, mac, windows pc and more. we use vpn laptopdesktop computer, pills, phones, TVS And routersBasically, any device that has a VPN has a dedicated app.

In addition to devices, we also look at how easy each VPN is to install and setup. The easier it is to start connecting, the better, especially if it’s designed in an easy-to-understand, accessible way.

security and privacy

Our tests start with security and privacy. The first thing we assess is whether the VPN provider can be trusted. We check whether it has a no-logs policy and whether that policy is supported by a recent independent audit. We also check who owns the company, where it is located, and whether there have been any court cases or data breaches in its history. There’s no point in having the strongest encryption if your VPN stores data secretly.

From there, we test its security features, making sure AES-256 encryption is present and there’s a kill switch that can reliably block traffic if the VPN drops. If it supports split tunneling, we check to see if we can successfully route some apps or sites outside the encrypted connection.

We also test other security tools like multi-hop routing (which sends your traffic through two servers for added security), ad and tracker blocking, Tor compatibility, and RAM-only servers that automatically wipe data on reboot to prevent logs from being stored.

speed and stability

Next, we look at momentum and stability. Using the VPN’s WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, we run multiple download and upload tests through servers in the UK, US and beyond, recording average speeds and seeing whether those speeds show up when browsing the web, streaming shows and gaming.

But we also make sure those speeds remain the same when testing at all times of the day, in peak and off-peak hours. We revisit each VPN every month to check whether those speeds have improved, stayed the same, or decreased.

ease of use

VPNs can be intimidating enough, so providers should make them as easy to use as possible for any user. We look at how intuitive the apps are to navigate and use, how long they take to connect and disconnect, and whether the interface is well laid out. Is it easy to switch servers? Do advanced features confuse regular users, or are they readily available in the Settings menu for those who are a little more techie? And if you’re using a free VPN or on a cheaper tier, do they force you to upgrade?

We focus on accessibility for new users. Are the settings explained clearly? Are features like multi-hop or dedicated IP easily available? Virtual private networks shouldn’t make things more complicated.

Streaming and access to content

You’ll want to be able to stream your favorite shows while traveling abroad, so we test whether a VPN can access local streaming services like BBC iPlayer, HBO, Channel 4, ITVX, Disney+, Hulu, Netflix, and Sky Go by connecting to servers in the UK, US, and beyond.

We also look at playback quality and buffering time. If your favorite streaming services keep stopping every 30 seconds to load, there’s no point in being able to access them.

Price determination

Finally, we consider how each VPN provider prices their service and whether they are transparent about renewal increases, refund policies, and cancellation process. We have seen users embroiled in a lengthy battle trying to cancel their subscription after opting for a two-year plan, only to find the rate increases drastically after expiry.

Value for money is important. Some VPNs bundle additional features, like password managers, data breach alerts, or email aliases in higher-priced tiers.

ongoing trial

But we don’t stop here. Once our initial testing is over, we revisit each VPN every month and see how performance has changed, what new features have been introduced, and whether pricing has changed.

We also keep an eye on the VPN industry to check if there have been any new ownership changes, recent independent audits or changes to no-logs policies. For example, it is important to know that some of the largest VPN providers have been acquired and consolidated in recent years. Nord Securities owns both nordvpn And SurfsharkFor example, while Cape Technologies owns expressvpn, cyberghost and Private Internet Access.

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