How we estimate VPN Products

Safe Unnoticed. Fast

Choosing the right VPN is crucial, and we’re committed to full transparency about how we test and select the best for 2025.
Our top 12 list is based on a weighted scoring system across five key areas. While all contribute to the final ranking, some factors are more important than others.
Here are the 5 main factors, and their relative importance:

1. Security (35%): This is paramount. We prioritize VPNs with robust, “military-grade” encryption, a variety of secure protocols (OpenVPN, L2TP, IKEv2, etc.), protection against DNS leaks, and an automatic kill switch.
2. Server Network (25%): A large number of servers in diverse locations is essential for fast, anonymous browsing from anywhere. This is a key determinant in our ratings.
3. Features and Compatibility (20%): We consider valuable extras like a strict no-log policy, apps for PC, Mac, iOS, and Android, and split tunneling.
4. Value (10%): While you generally get what you pay for, most VPNs are similarly priced. Our focus is on the balance between cost and features.
5. User Reviews (10%): While feedback from users is valuable, it can also be subjective. Therefore, it plays a supporting role in our overall assessment.

Our evaluations of features, device compatibility, and value are directly based on our analysis of the offers of all the different VPN providers that we tested. This information is best taken directly from the source.
User review data is gathered from TrustPilot, the Google Play Store, and our own user feedback channels.
For pricing, we emphasize flexibility and overall value. Services with only a single, expensive plan are not ideal. We prefer a la carte services with affordable monthly subscriptions. Furthermore, paying a hefty sum for an annual subscription isn’t justifiable if the VPN’s performance declines.
The average monthly cost among our top 10 VPNs is approximately $9.80. While some are cheaper and others more expensive, pricer plans need to demonstrably justify their costs.
Our assessment of value centers on whether a single subscription can meet specific criteria. It should support at least five simultaneous connections (the industry average), be compatible with multiple platforms (including mobile), and a single purchase should unlock functionality across different platforms - that is, subscribing for use on your Mac should also grant access on your iPhone. If a VPN requires extra payment or effort to protect all your devices, it’s not a good value.

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Надежность

In Summary (Checklist):
✅ No-Logs Policy: Verified by audits.
✅ Strong Encryption: IKEv2/IPsec, WireGuard, OpenVPN (avoid PPTP).
✅ Kill Switch: (Essential, especially on macOS)
✅ DNS Leak Protection:
✅ Fast Speeds: Test connection speeds.
✅ User-Friendly Apps: for iOS and macOS.
✅ Server Network: Good coverage in desired locations.
✅ Compatibility: Works seamlessly with your Apple devices.
✅ Streaming Support: (If you want to stream)
✅ Price: Consider your budget.
✅ Customer Support.


By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose a VPN that meets your privacy, security, and performance needs on your Apple devices. Remember to always research and read reviews before making a decision.

Summary Checklist:
✅ No-Logs Policy: (Audited)
✅ Strong Encryption: (WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2)
✅ Kill Switch: (Test that it works!)
✅ DNS Leak Protection:
✅ Fast Speeds: (Test yourself)
✅ User-Friendly Windows App:
✅ Large Server Network:
✅ Streaming/Torrenting Support: (If needed)
✅ Split Tunneling: (Optional)
✅ Price & Value:
✅ Customer Support:

Important Considerations:

• Research: Read reviews from reputable sources before choosing a VPN.
• Test: Take advantage of free trials or money-back guarantees to test the VPN’s performance and features before committing to a subscription.
• Avoid Free VPNs (Generally): Free VPNs often come with limitations, security risks, and data logging.
• Update: Keep your VPN software up to date to ensure you have the latest security features.

By carefully considering these factors, you can find a VPN that provides the best balance of security, performance, and features for your needs on your Windows PC.

Summary Checklist:
✅ No-Logs Policy: (Verified by Audits)
✅ Strong Encryption: (IKEv2/IPsec, WireGuard, OpenVPN)
✅ Always-On VPN: Support (This is the iOS Kill Switch equivalent)
✅ DNS Leak Protection:
✅ Fast Speeds: (Test Yourself)
✅ User-Friendly iOS App:
✅ Large Server Network:
✅ Streaming/Torrenting Support: (If needed)
✅ Siri Shortcuts Support: (Optional, convenient)
✅ Price & Value:
✅ Customer Support:

Important Considerations:

• Research Reviews: Read reviews from reputable sources.
• Test the VPN: Use free trials or money-back guarantees.
• Read Permissions: Be careful about the permissions the app requests.
• Update Your iOS: Keep iOS updated to the latest version for optimal security.
• Avoid Free VPNs (Generally): Free VPNs often have limitations and can compromise your privacy.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a VPN that provides excellent security, privacy, and performance on your iOS devices.

Virtual Private Networks

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Pros and cons of using a VPN

Pros

Сons

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UAE

Albania

Austria

Brazil

Canada

China

Germany

Denmark

France

Spain

Egypt

Greece

Hungary

Israel

India

Ireland

Ecuador

Mexico

Norway

Netherlands

Moldova

Larvia

Iceland

Italy

Kazahstan

Server locations

United Kingdom

Lithuania

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Detailed breakdown of the key factors
to consider when choosing a VPN, categorized for clarity and comprehensiveness:

I. Core Security and Privacy:

• Encryption Strength:
• Encryption Protocol: Prioritize VPNs that use robust protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IKEv2/IPsec.
• Encryption Algorithm: Look for AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption. Avoid outdated protocols like PPTP.
• Forward Secrecy: Ensure the VPN supports forward secrecy, which generates a new encryption key for each session, preventing past data from being compromised if a key is ever stolen.
• No-Logs Policy:
• Strict No-Logs: Verify that the VPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t track or store your browsing activity, IP address, connection timestamps, or other sensitive data.
• Audited No-Logs: The best VPNs have their no-logs policies independently audited by third-party security firms to verify their claims. Review the audit reports carefully.
• Jurisdiction:
• Company Location: Research where the VPN company is based. Some countries have more privacy-friendly laws than others. Avoid VPNs based in “14 Eyes” countries (countries known for intelligence sharing agreements).
• Kill Switch:
• Automatic Disconnection: A kill switch automatically disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, preventing your real IP address from being exposed. Ensure it works reliably.
• DNS Leak Protection:
• Secure DNS: Prevents your DNS requests from leaking to your ISP, which could reveal your browsing activity. Test for DNS leaks before using the VPN.
• WebRTC Leak Protection:
• Disable WebRTC: WebRTC can reveal your real IP address even when using a VPN. Ensure the VPN offers WebRTC leak protection or disable it in your browser settings.

• Obfuscation:
• VPN Cloaking: Hides the fact that you’re using a VPN, which can be useful in countries with strict internet censorship or to bypass VPN blocking. (Sometimes referred to as “Stealth VPN”)
• Dedicated IP Address:
• Static IP: Provides a unique IP address that is only used by you. Can be helpful for accessing certain websites or services that block shared IP addresses.

IV. Pricing and Customer Support:

• Pricing Plans:
• Subscription Options: Compare different pricing plans and subscription lengths to find the best value.
• Free Trial: Look for VPNs that offer a free trial or a money-back guarantee so you can test the service before committing to a subscription.
• Payment Methods:
• Anonymous Payment Options: Some VPNs offer anonymous payment options like Bitcoin for added privacy.
• Customer Support:
• Availability: Reliable customer support via live chat, email, or phone.
• Responsiveness: Test the responsiveness and helpfulness of the customer support team before subscribing.
• Refund Policy:
• Money-Back Guarantee: Check the VPN’s refund policy in case you’re not satisfied with the service.

V. Reputation and Trust:

• User Reviews: Read reviews from other users to get an idea of their experience with the VPN. Be wary of fake or biased reviews.
• Expert Reviews: Consult expert reviews from reputable tech websites and publications.
• Company History: Research the VPN provider’s history and track record. Look for a company with a long history of providing reliable and secure VPN services.
• Transparency: Choose a VPN provider that is transparent about its policies and practices.

Prioritization:
The relative importance of these factors will depend on your individual needs and priorities. For example, if you’re primarily concerned about privacy, you’ll want to prioritize encryption strength, no-logs policy, and jurisdiction. If you’re primarily concerned about accessing streaming services, you’ll want to prioritize server locations and speed.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a VPN that meets your specific needs and provides a secure and reliable online experience.