Methodology

How We Review VPNs

Most VPN reviews are bloated with affiliate-driven rankings and vague criteria. We built a scoring system that’s transparent, repeatable, and based entirely on publicly verifiable data.

No fabricated speed tests. No mystery metrics. Every score links to its source.

Our Philosophy

We believe a methodology is only as good as its sources. If we can’t verify it in under five minutes from public data, it doesn’t factor into the score.

Our current framework relies on app store ratings, published pricing, and aggregated third-party benchmarks from trusted outlets like PCMag, Tom’s Guide, and CNET. We’re building our own VPN.com Speed Lab for proprietary testing—until that’s live, we don’t pretend to have data we don’t have.

Scoring Overview

Every VPN is scored out of 100 points across two categories, then converted to a 5-star rating.

Universal Core (30 points) — Applies to any software product. User satisfaction, value, support, and refund policy.

VPN Niche Core (70 points) — VPN-specific criteria. Speed reputation, server coverage, device support, security protocols, streaming access, and track record.

Star Rating — Total score divided by 20.

Universal Core: 30 Points

These criteria apply to any subscription product. We verify them from public sources in under five minutes.

User Satisfaction (10 points) We average iOS App Store and Google Play ratings, requiring a minimum of 10,000 combined reviews for statistical relevance.

  • 10 points: 4.5 stars or higher
  • 6 points: 4.0–4.4 stars
  • 2 points: Below 4.0 or insufficient review volume

Value (10 points) Annual plan pricing compared to the industry average of approximately $100/year.

  • 10 points: Below average
  • 6 points: At average
  • 2 points: Above average

Money-Back Guarantee (5 points) Refund window length, verified from the provider’s terms page.

  • 5 points: 30+ days
  • 3 points: 14–29 days
  • 0 points: Under 14 days or no guarantee

Support (5 points) Availability and quality of customer support options.

  • 5 points: 24/7 live chat
  • 3 points: Business hours chat or email only
  • 0 points: No live support

VPN Niche Core: 70 Points

These criteria are specific to VPN performance and capabilities.

Speed Reputation (15 points) Aggregated from third-party benchmark testing. We cite minimum two independent sources.

  • 15 points: Consistently top-tier across sources
  • 8 points: Mid-range performance
  • 2 points: Known performance issues

Server Network (10 points) Geographic coverage based on the provider’s published server list.

  • 10 points: 50+ countries
  • 6 points: 30–49 countries
  • 2 points: Under 30 countries

Device Compatibility (10 points) Platform availability across desktop, mobile, and router.

  • 10 points: All three platforms
  • 6 points: Two of three
  • 2 points: One platform only

Simultaneous Connections (10 points) Number of devices allowed on a single subscription.

  • 10 points: Unlimited or 10+ devices
  • 6 points: 6–9 devices
  • 2 points: 5 or fewer devices

Protocol & Encryption (10 points) Security standards and protocol options.

  • 10 points: WireGuard + OpenVPN with AES-256 or ChaCha20
  • 6 points: OpenVPN only
  • 2 points: Proprietary or outdated protocols

Streaming Capability (10 points) Ability to access geo-restricted content, verified through third-party reports.

  • 10 points: Reliably unblocks major platforms (Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer)
  • 6 points: Inconsistent access
  • 2 points: Widely blocked

Security Track Record (5 points) History of breaches or security incidents.

  • 5 points: No known breaches
  • 2 points: Minor incident, disclosed responsibly
  • 0 points: Major breach or attempted cover-up

What We Note But Don’t Score

Some factors are important context but don’t fit a point scale. We include these as binary qualifiers in every review.

Jurisdiction — Country of incorporation and whether they fall under 5/9/14 Eyes intelligence alliances.

Kill Switch — Whether the VPN includes a functional kill switch. We consider this table stakes—it’s noted, not rewarded.

No-Logs Policy — The provider’s claimed logging policy, quoted directly from their terms.

Source Requirements

Every criterion links to its verification source. No exceptions.

  • User Satisfaction → App Store and Google Play URLs
  • Value → Pricing page URL with date checked
  • Money-Back Guarantee → Terms page URL
  • Support → Support page URL or live chat screenshot
  • Speed Reputation → Minimum two third-party review URLs
  • Server Network → Provider’s server page URL
  • Device Compatibility → Downloads or apps page URL
  • Simultaneous Connections → Pricing or FAQ page URL
  • Protocol & Encryption → Technical features page URL
  • Streaming Capability → Minimum two third-party review URLs
  • Security Track Record → News sources or documented search verification

What’s Next

Version 1.0 relies on aggregated third-party data. We’re building the VPN.com Speed Lab—our own testing infrastructure for real-world performance benchmarks. When it’s ready, speed scores will be based on our data, not someone else’s.

Until then, we’re transparent about what we know and how we know it.

Version History

v1.0 — Initial methodology release. Scoring based on app store ratings, public pricing, and aggregated third-party reporting.

v2.0 (Planned) — VPN.com Speed Lab integration for proprietary speed testing.