Methodology

How We Test VPNs

Every ranking on VPNPick is based on real tests we run ourselves — not vendor benchmarks or press releases. Here is exactly what we measure and how.

30+
VPNs tested
4,200+
Speed tests run
18
Countries tested
Monthly
Update cadence
01

Speed Testing

  • ·We run speed tests on a dedicated 1 Gbps fiber line to eliminate ISP variability.
  • ·Each VPN is tested on 8 server locations: US East, US West, UK, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, and Singapore.
  • ·We measure download speed, upload speed, and latency using Speedtest CLI — not the browser widget.
  • ·Tests are run 5 times per location across 3 different days, and we report the median, not the best result.
  • ·Speed score = (median download / base speed) × 100, capped at 100.
02

Privacy & Security

  • ·We verify no-logs claims by reviewing publicly available third-party audits (PwC, KPMG, Cure53, Deloitte).
  • ·DNS leak test: we check for leaks using dnsleaktest.com with both the native client and OpenVPN config.
  • ·WebRTC leak test: we use browserleaks.com with the VPN active in Chrome and Firefox.
  • ·IPv6 leak test: we check whether the real IPv6 address is exposed while connected.
  • ·Kill switch test: we forcibly terminate the VPN connection mid-session and check if internet traffic continues.
03

Streaming & Geo-Unblocking

  • ·We test Netflix access from a US server, UK server, and Japan server — the three most tested regions.
  • ·We count how many distinct Netflix libraries each VPN can access and attempt to stream actual content (not just reach the homepage).
  • ·We also test Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video from a US IP while located in Germany.
  • ·Streaming tests are re-run monthly because services actively block VPN IPs.
04

Value & Pricing

  • ·We record the actual price at the time of review for the best-value plan — usually 1-year or 2-year.
  • ·We note renewal pricing separately, since some VPNs offer large intro discounts that expire.
  • ·Value score is not a formula — it is a judgment call based on the combination of speed, features, and price.
05

Apps & User Experience

  • ·We test the desktop app (Windows 11 and macOS Sonoma) and mobile app (iOS 17) for each VPN.
  • ·We assess ease of connection, protocol selection, split tunneling, and kill switch UX.
  • ·App ratings on App Store and Google Play are logged but not used directly in scoring.
06

Ranking & Scoring

  • ·No VPN has ever paid to influence a ranking. Affiliate commissions are earned only after a reader clicks and subscribes — we have no upfront payment relationships.
  • ·Our overall score (out of 5) is a weighted average: 35% speed, 30% privacy, 20% streaming, 15% value.
  • ·Rankings are updated when we re-run tests or when a VPN makes significant changes to its service.
Affiliate Disclosure

VPNPick earns affiliate commissions when readers click our links and subscribe to a VPN service. These commissions help fund the testing and server costs required to run this site. We never accept payment to change or influence a ranking — our scoring methodology is applied the same way regardless of affiliate relationship. Some VPNs on this site pay higher commissions than others; this has no effect on their rank.

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